I accidentally made some awesome tomato paste lol.. I was boiling some soft tomatoes in saltwater and forgot about them.. when I found them they were slightly toasty and creamy.. and OMG soo good.
So for spaghetti this would taste awesome... I make my homemade one using lots of garlic, diced tomatoes, onions, bell pepper, Italian season, salt, pepper, water and either sugar or orange juice. (And a small can of tomato paste... but if you have homemade thats good to.) NOt a lot just a squeeze is good. It neutralizes the acid and gives it good flavor. To this same mix depending on how veggified I want it I have shredded zuchinni and carrot into the mix and let it all cook down. On the side I brown ground turkey, onion and spices and then mix that into the sauce. You can also make meatballs or take hunks of sausages fried and put that in... add mushrooms if you like etc etc. The options are endless.
This same recipe I have used and added chunks of eggplant and let it cook down and served on top of rice. A good spaghetti recipe is so versatile.. and yes there are as many out there as there are cooks and eaters...
My father made to this date the best sauce ever... I still remember him teaching me the steps and the tastes and the smells. Every time I make a good hearty sauce I think of him and try to feel him guiding me to the right consistency and texture. I know he got his recipe from his mom and she from hers. I have added a few things here and there, changed a few things on occasion.. depending on time and who is eating. I do not eat pork so that was a big adjustment, my dad would always have pepperoni and sausage pieces and ground meat. I like ground turkey and smoked turkey sausage. But as I am trying to squeeze more healthy things into our foods I load up the sauce with veggies.. even on occasion finely chopped broccoli pieces.
One very fond pasta memory.. we were living with my aunt and her family, cousins and all.. and the carnival had come to town. Well my aunt and uncle are and will forever be carnies at heart and they had the workers camping out in the back yard. Now keep in mind this was from the eyes of a 5 year old... so I am sure the details are way different and knowing what adults know.. let's just say I only remember the spaghetti sauce and the different excitement in the air that night.
So on the stove was a restaurant sized silver pot that had in it my dad's or my grandma's sauce... to this day I am not sure who was cooking or if they were fighting over who was chopping and who was stirring.. or my aunt details are foggy.. but it was being cooked.. remember minor details lol. But that was the best plate of spaghetti ever... giant plate with sauce all over...slippery slide goodness.. and a whole army full of people pigging out.
<<<<<<< Dad you are always remembered and never forgotten.. thanks for the great memories>>>>
Monday, April 4, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Contemplations
I really cannot believe how fast time is flying. It feels like just the other day I was posting on here.. and that was already a week ago. It feels like just the other day we started the year and zap that was 4 months ago. And lastly it feels like just the other day I was going through the laundry sorting and packing and stressing over moving again and thus.. that was exactly a year ago.
As eager as I am to get back to Texas where I fondly claim home, I am also saddened at the thought of leaving. I realize more and more as my minutes are ticking buy and as I look back at the roller coaster of a year.. that this is a love vs hate relationship I have created with this country.
I guess this is the same anywhere else. Every new place has ups and downs. Clean areas and dirty, nice people and bad... and overall it really is how you deal with what you are dealt with.
Maybe if I had my own place here and more freedom to make decisions then it wouldn't be so constraining.
Leaving is going to be bittersweet. I will miss my ocean views and my 3min walk to the boardwalk. Cheap organic fruits and vegetables. Tons of ancient crafts that are older that America's birth.. and much much more.
I would like to stay longer, but the longer we stay the more expensive get back home will be. The longer we stay the more stress I get with the unrest in the North of Africa. Everything is changing little by little and I would rather be on home turf during turbulent times.
There are many things that we have learned here, much I have thought about, tossed around in my head and still am debating about. But as with anything in life I find that moments like this are rare and I have to be thankful for the slow pace and peace of just maintaining one day at a time.
As eager as I am to get back to Texas where I fondly claim home, I am also saddened at the thought of leaving. I realize more and more as my minutes are ticking buy and as I look back at the roller coaster of a year.. that this is a love vs hate relationship I have created with this country.
I guess this is the same anywhere else. Every new place has ups and downs. Clean areas and dirty, nice people and bad... and overall it really is how you deal with what you are dealt with.
Maybe if I had my own place here and more freedom to make decisions then it wouldn't be so constraining.
Leaving is going to be bittersweet. I will miss my ocean views and my 3min walk to the boardwalk. Cheap organic fruits and vegetables. Tons of ancient crafts that are older that America's birth.. and much much more.
I would like to stay longer, but the longer we stay the more expensive get back home will be. The longer we stay the more stress I get with the unrest in the North of Africa. Everything is changing little by little and I would rather be on home turf during turbulent times.
There are many things that we have learned here, much I have thought about, tossed around in my head and still am debating about. But as with anything in life I find that moments like this are rare and I have to be thankful for the slow pace and peace of just maintaining one day at a time.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Random recipe thoughts from old emails
So do you use a pressure cooker at all? We cooked most of our meat in a pressure cooker saves on times. With goat and sheep I am finding lots of yummy combos.
So far my favorite is one whole onion diced, one bell pepper diced, one large head of garlic all of it sliced up or in chunks, handful of cilantro cut up, one tomato diced, 2 bouillon cubes if you have goat flavor that is good if not then beef works well or one beef one chicken, couple tablespoons of cumin, a tablespoon of paprika, a tablespoon of ginger powder, a pinch or so of pepper, some turmeric or yellow color if you have it.... pinch of salt, some olive oil and veggie oil.... and the meat... mix it all well together and cook for about 10mins browning it and stirring it so it doesn't burn or stick. Then add water to cover the meat and if you are using the pressure cooker shut it and cook until meat is done, if not I guess normal time just keep an eye on it and simmer it down and reduce until the sauce is luscious and yummy hehehehe....
we usually chunk potatoes and zucchini and when the meat is fork done put the veggies on top with a bit more water and close the pressure cooker again or if there is a lot of water leave it unpressurized with the lid just on so the water can evaporate and cook down. Serve like that with bread or with rice... soooo yummy. and really easy. same recipe is great with chicken too. but i add lemons to the recipe with the chicken.
Another recipe would be to put the meat with onion, garlic, cumin, ginger, pepper, salt, bouillon, oil... brown and then add some water to cover and cook down until sauce is reduced and meat is soft. on the side take prunes and boil in water with a bit of sugar. when meat is done and prunes are pretty soft serve the meat and sauce and prunes on top.
I am finding more I add just a random combo of these spices and the garlic, onion bouillon the better the food lol. I even did a dish like this with fennel and sliced it up really thin like onion and cooked it and everyone loved it.
So far my favorite is one whole onion diced, one bell pepper diced, one large head of garlic all of it sliced up or in chunks, handful of cilantro cut up, one tomato diced, 2 bouillon cubes if you have goat flavor that is good if not then beef works well or one beef one chicken, couple tablespoons of cumin, a tablespoon of paprika, a tablespoon of ginger powder, a pinch or so of pepper, some turmeric or yellow color if you have it.... pinch of salt, some olive oil and veggie oil.... and the meat... mix it all well together and cook for about 10mins browning it and stirring it so it doesn't burn or stick. Then add water to cover the meat and if you are using the pressure cooker shut it and cook until meat is done, if not I guess normal time just keep an eye on it and simmer it down and reduce until the sauce is luscious and yummy hehehehe....
we usually chunk potatoes and zucchini and when the meat is fork done put the veggies on top with a bit more water and close the pressure cooker again or if there is a lot of water leave it unpressurized with the lid just on so the water can evaporate and cook down. Serve like that with bread or with rice... soooo yummy. and really easy. same recipe is great with chicken too. but i add lemons to the recipe with the chicken.
Another recipe would be to put the meat with onion, garlic, cumin, ginger, pepper, salt, bouillon, oil... brown and then add some water to cover and cook down until sauce is reduced and meat is soft. on the side take prunes and boil in water with a bit of sugar. when meat is done and prunes are pretty soft serve the meat and sauce and prunes on top.
I am finding more I add just a random combo of these spices and the garlic, onion bouillon the better the food lol. I even did a dish like this with fennel and sliced it up really thin like onion and cooked it and everyone loved it.
Tuna Rice recipe
I looove cooking. I look at it like this, we all have to eat and if you make it a chore and make it hard then it is not fun and not enjoyable. I am teaching my kids to love cooking and to know the science, the culture, the textures, the goods the bads and all the in betweens that have to do with cooking. How to read a recipe, how to do something from scratch. And above all how to have fun and not be afraid of changing plans and recipes as you go. Life is all about changes and mixing cultures so we have a very diverse and ethnic food background. I am happy to say that my family is not set in on particular food path. We love it all, some more than others but we are willing to give it a try.
So because most meals are served family style over here, the few times that we get to wing the meal and do simple and still pleasing stuff, I take advantage of it. With my husband not here, the portions are smaller that have to be cooked, less guessing as to how much of stuff to make... and when mom in law is not here for a meal then we get to be simple. Today was one of those days. Normally I ask the kids what they would like... or tell them my ideas and bounce off of theirs until I get a feel for what I will cook. I did not want input today though.. or else I would have heard BEEF and Potatoes.. from one and Pasta from the other. Not very inspirational. I know they love a recipe I came up with from having had similiar dishes here and in the states... a throw together meal. Tuna Rice. So here is the one I made today that they loved and ate every last drop in the pot.
1 cup of long grain white rice
1 can of corn
1 can of tuna w/oil
1tbs mayo
1 chicken bouillon cube
paprika, curry(I have just a spice called curry not sure which kind but it is yellow and is amazing), splash of lemon vinegar, pinch of cumin, pinch of salt, pinch of pepper.
about 3 cups of water
Now to cook rice without a rice cooker I always use the 2:1 ratio.. 2 cups water or broth to 1 cup of rice. However I have found that when I add a veggie directly to the rice not after then I have to add more liquid.
So in the pot I put the spices, the bouillon, the can of drained corn and 1 cup of rice. I add a tbsp of veggie oil and saute it all for a bit. Sometimes I add one garlic clove and half an onion, and a bell pepper finely chopped for color and variety.
Once the spices are cooked a bit then I add the liquid. Stir it well and bring to a boil. Once boiling to a rolling boil then I put a lid on the pot and turn to simmer.
When the rice is done fluff it into a large bowl. Then I add the tuna with the oil to the rice and the mayo and mix it well. Sometimes we do 2 cans of tuna depending on who wants it more tunalike. I added a splash of lemon vinegar to this and adjusted salt and pepper to taste. This was served with salad of lettuce, cucumber and tomato with a light dressing on top and large glasses of water.
Over all review, they were not allowed to get more rice until all veggies were gone and water was drank. If still hungry they could get a bit more... if I don't impose the veggie and water before second servings.. they would forget the veggies and eat tons of rice.
This was the first time using the curry for this mix but they loved it. Not only did they eat all of their food, they had a bit more and we had no leftovers. So the portions were just right for 3 good sized plates.
This dish is great served hot, warm, or even let chilled as a side salad. Adjust spices to taste, and if you add the onion, garlic and bell pepper it gives it another demention.
This one is full family tested and approved.. have served to husband, kids, and extended family. Some tend to put more mayo on their rice than others so that is adjustable as well.
So because most meals are served family style over here, the few times that we get to wing the meal and do simple and still pleasing stuff, I take advantage of it. With my husband not here, the portions are smaller that have to be cooked, less guessing as to how much of stuff to make... and when mom in law is not here for a meal then we get to be simple. Today was one of those days. Normally I ask the kids what they would like... or tell them my ideas and bounce off of theirs until I get a feel for what I will cook. I did not want input today though.. or else I would have heard BEEF and Potatoes.. from one and Pasta from the other. Not very inspirational. I know they love a recipe I came up with from having had similiar dishes here and in the states... a throw together meal. Tuna Rice. So here is the one I made today that they loved and ate every last drop in the pot.
1 cup of long grain white rice
1 can of corn
1 can of tuna w/oil
1tbs mayo
1 chicken bouillon cube
paprika, curry(I have just a spice called curry not sure which kind but it is yellow and is amazing), splash of lemon vinegar, pinch of cumin, pinch of salt, pinch of pepper.
about 3 cups of water
Now to cook rice without a rice cooker I always use the 2:1 ratio.. 2 cups water or broth to 1 cup of rice. However I have found that when I add a veggie directly to the rice not after then I have to add more liquid.
So in the pot I put the spices, the bouillon, the can of drained corn and 1 cup of rice. I add a tbsp of veggie oil and saute it all for a bit. Sometimes I add one garlic clove and half an onion, and a bell pepper finely chopped for color and variety.
Once the spices are cooked a bit then I add the liquid. Stir it well and bring to a boil. Once boiling to a rolling boil then I put a lid on the pot and turn to simmer.
When the rice is done fluff it into a large bowl. Then I add the tuna with the oil to the rice and the mayo and mix it well. Sometimes we do 2 cans of tuna depending on who wants it more tunalike. I added a splash of lemon vinegar to this and adjusted salt and pepper to taste. This was served with salad of lettuce, cucumber and tomato with a light dressing on top and large glasses of water.
Over all review, they were not allowed to get more rice until all veggies were gone and water was drank. If still hungry they could get a bit more... if I don't impose the veggie and water before second servings.. they would forget the veggies and eat tons of rice.
This was the first time using the curry for this mix but they loved it. Not only did they eat all of their food, they had a bit more and we had no leftovers. So the portions were just right for 3 good sized plates.
This dish is great served hot, warm, or even let chilled as a side salad. Adjust spices to taste, and if you add the onion, garlic and bell pepper it gives it another demention.
This one is full family tested and approved.. have served to husband, kids, and extended family. Some tend to put more mayo on their rice than others so that is adjustable as well.
The Journey Continues
This past week, we once again said good bye to my husband. I thought that the kids would be completely torn up with this loss. No they are good. They were actually giddy to say goodbye... why you might wonder? Well we have learned that yes time does fly quickly, and by dwelling on the bad it makes the time pass way slower. They are also super excited because by daddy being back in Texas that means that soon they will be there, inshaAllah.. God willing.
I was torn though because once again it leaves me in charge of all issues alone and with mother in law. I will once again have to decide what gets kept and what gets left behind for possible future adventures over this way. Based on my last adventures alone with kids and airports and luggage I have learned a few things.
1. Keep it simple.
2. Minimize minimize minimize.
3. Needs vs wants and how much laundry do you really need? Does less laundry mean more washing or less stress?
Yeah there are more lessons than this but for now my goal is not to get the most luggage and as many things as I can get away with squeezing over the international waters... but the least I can get away with. Yes I want to find gifts for everyone, but as I make a list of who to get things for I am at a loss, the list keeps growing and my out of pocket expenses are very very limited. So this is a challenge, what for whom and at what cost... money vs weight in the limited luggage. I am also trying to take only 3 suitcases.. not 6. Of this includes my laptop, our ps3, my new dresses I am having made, a few outfits to start with because as the seasons are changing and what we have accumulated is not for summer. I hope to buy a big couscous steamer pot and a pressure cooker. If I have to divide up the weight then it will be for important things. Of course, spices and teas and coffees are high on the list. And at this point that is about it.
For the last few weeks we are trying to soak in as much of the country that we can for awesome memories. I would love to sit here and write and write about my experience. People say write in the moment... but for me we have been here long enough and I feel that I am part of the scenery and not an outsider. So this being the case I have a hard time writing about the ups and downs of the culture why I am in the minute. InshaAllah, I hope to sit back with a cup of coffee and really contemplate the good and the bad and write about it as I notice difference in the US. Writing about the things I miss and would love to have again things that sparked my interest... etc etc.
SO if things work out this blog will turn more into a reflective space as we get back into the routine of life in the US.
I was torn though because once again it leaves me in charge of all issues alone and with mother in law. I will once again have to decide what gets kept and what gets left behind for possible future adventures over this way. Based on my last adventures alone with kids and airports and luggage I have learned a few things.
1. Keep it simple.
2. Minimize minimize minimize.
3. Needs vs wants and how much laundry do you really need? Does less laundry mean more washing or less stress?
Yeah there are more lessons than this but for now my goal is not to get the most luggage and as many things as I can get away with squeezing over the international waters... but the least I can get away with. Yes I want to find gifts for everyone, but as I make a list of who to get things for I am at a loss, the list keeps growing and my out of pocket expenses are very very limited. So this is a challenge, what for whom and at what cost... money vs weight in the limited luggage. I am also trying to take only 3 suitcases.. not 6. Of this includes my laptop, our ps3, my new dresses I am having made, a few outfits to start with because as the seasons are changing and what we have accumulated is not for summer. I hope to buy a big couscous steamer pot and a pressure cooker. If I have to divide up the weight then it will be for important things. Of course, spices and teas and coffees are high on the list. And at this point that is about it.
For the last few weeks we are trying to soak in as much of the country that we can for awesome memories. I would love to sit here and write and write about my experience. People say write in the moment... but for me we have been here long enough and I feel that I am part of the scenery and not an outsider. So this being the case I have a hard time writing about the ups and downs of the culture why I am in the minute. InshaAllah, I hope to sit back with a cup of coffee and really contemplate the good and the bad and write about it as I notice difference in the US. Writing about the things I miss and would love to have again things that sparked my interest... etc etc.
SO if things work out this blog will turn more into a reflective space as we get back into the routine of life in the US.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Bringing things up to date...
Over the course of the last two weeks time has just sort of melded into one thought and has pushed forward. I am currently sitting here in a daze of sad and happiness. Sort of like eating your favorite desert and dwelling on the very last bite.... no, this this has nothing to do with food but more with life. I am thankful for everything I have been blessed with and after seeing the devastation that has been wreaked on Japan what can I really complain about.
As promised here is a bit of an update. My husband went out of town for a few days, which turned into ten without to much of a hiccup. The kids were a bit depressed while he was gone, but we did our best to be out of the house everyday and to unturn new corners of every street. We took tons of pictures and had a blast buying cheap snacks and just soaking in life.
Daddy came home and immediately we spent as much time as we could with him. Going out, sleeping in.. not stressing on too much but being thankful for our togetherness as a family.
His out of town adventure really solidified in our minds that we need to be back in the US in order to give a life that will be better than what we had. To give them opportunities to help others and to have a strong worldly upbringing. We are very strong advocates for education and to see people not have access to simple things like books and paper really makes me appreciate what I can access in America for free or a small minute fee.
We tossed around the ups and downs, pros and cons of this decision. Lots of prayers and one big jump in the pool decision. We called and were blessed to be able to use my husbands expired ticket toward a new one and only had to pay a small fee. This means here shortly he will be back in Texas.
Our plan as of now is to have him go and get settled, find a job, get an apartment and some basic furniture and then God willing we will be behind him. This could take a bit, but I am willing to put in the time in order to have a fresh start.
I am very very grateful for the health that we have, for all the things that have been good and bad about my stay here, and for all the little lessons in life we have learned. I am not leaving with a bad heart, and I love Morocco and many aspects to it, however it is not really a productive and inducive place to raise children.
How can I teach them religion when most people walking around in the streets are more concerned with their looks than with what they need to be doing to save their souls? I am trying not to judge and I feel that the only way I can give a better example will be to raise my children with other families that have a strong want to learn. I have not seen many examples of people trying to learn more about their core values and how to improve them and implement them in their daily lives. This has been very discouraging. God willing one day when my kids are older and have a stronger sense of themselves, then I will give this adventure another chance.
Another big update from the last few days... allergy season is once again upon us. Hubby has the sniffles, stuffy nose, headache, itchy eyes. Daughter 1 has severe pink eye in both eyes... and daughter 2 is upon the sniffles and sneezies. I for now am fine.. but have the oh no allergies are here head spinning want quiet hope everyone feels better soon symptoms.
As promised here is a bit of an update. My husband went out of town for a few days, which turned into ten without to much of a hiccup. The kids were a bit depressed while he was gone, but we did our best to be out of the house everyday and to unturn new corners of every street. We took tons of pictures and had a blast buying cheap snacks and just soaking in life.
Daddy came home and immediately we spent as much time as we could with him. Going out, sleeping in.. not stressing on too much but being thankful for our togetherness as a family.
His out of town adventure really solidified in our minds that we need to be back in the US in order to give a life that will be better than what we had. To give them opportunities to help others and to have a strong worldly upbringing. We are very strong advocates for education and to see people not have access to simple things like books and paper really makes me appreciate what I can access in America for free or a small minute fee.
We tossed around the ups and downs, pros and cons of this decision. Lots of prayers and one big jump in the pool decision. We called and were blessed to be able to use my husbands expired ticket toward a new one and only had to pay a small fee. This means here shortly he will be back in Texas.
Our plan as of now is to have him go and get settled, find a job, get an apartment and some basic furniture and then God willing we will be behind him. This could take a bit, but I am willing to put in the time in order to have a fresh start.
I am very very grateful for the health that we have, for all the things that have been good and bad about my stay here, and for all the little lessons in life we have learned. I am not leaving with a bad heart, and I love Morocco and many aspects to it, however it is not really a productive and inducive place to raise children.
How can I teach them religion when most people walking around in the streets are more concerned with their looks than with what they need to be doing to save their souls? I am trying not to judge and I feel that the only way I can give a better example will be to raise my children with other families that have a strong want to learn. I have not seen many examples of people trying to learn more about their core values and how to improve them and implement them in their daily lives. This has been very discouraging. God willing one day when my kids are older and have a stronger sense of themselves, then I will give this adventure another chance.
Another big update from the last few days... allergy season is once again upon us. Hubby has the sniffles, stuffy nose, headache, itchy eyes. Daughter 1 has severe pink eye in both eyes... and daughter 2 is upon the sniffles and sneezies. I for now am fine.. but have the oh no allergies are here head spinning want quiet hope everyone feels better soon symptoms.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Self taught Learning
Today I woke up with the concept in my head of just chillin, not going anywhere, but also not stressing about anything. Life is going to happen as it dictates itself. All will be fed in due time, all cleaning will be done in its own course of events. I know what a wierd concept a stress free day.. is it even possible. Well to start I informed my soldiers hahahaha what my master plan of the day was. I was going to chill and be chilled!!!! They were still going to accomplish some learning but where it was going from there was in their hands. So the three assignments of the day were to be Quran memorization, reading, and coloring... Yeah I know how hard is life hahahah.
When they first heard that they had to do some school stuff they were bummed, but they liked the topics. So we lazily ate our brunch.. which is what it was some breakfast items and some lunch ones too... we had a super late start to the day I let them sleep till past noon and it gave me time to just breath and go at my own speed today. Mom was gone to school so I literally had the house to myself for whatever I wanted. Laundry got done, kitchen cleaned and one decent major meal planned...
They finished their food and were instructed to get started on whatever wherever...just like that. One dutifully went and logged on the computer and started her memorization. The other one.. which normally gets this memorization part done first disappeared. When I finally found her she was in her room slowly cleaning and organizing. Wow a miracle.. get them to do their chores by avoiding school stuff hahahahah. Eventually she got around to doing her memorization. Now for reading the oldest well took a cue from the youngest. The youngest was picking her own form of reading today. So cute... she picked up our little travel atlas and started sounding out countries, and oceans and rivers OH MY... she needed a few pointers but for the most part was super excited because that solidified in her own head that she can read. So that was acceptable for a lesson. The oldest picked a picture on the book and asked where that was.. so I taught her how to search using all the tools available in the book. The key, the maps, the table of contents. She found what she was pointing to was Madagascar... from their led our discussion of the cartoon movie, which got her to wanting to know about the animals from there.
This led her back to the computer and she googled all on her own.. the animals of Madagascar.
2 funny bits to this story. She could not spell animal and I told her to figure it out... and my youngest was wandering around the house whispering letters to herself.. then she went to her sister and said... A..N..I.. M...A...L...S... animals. and with a jaw dropping to the floor expression my oldest asked me how her little sister knew that but she didn't. I explained she is using her reading skills to solve a problem.
Second awesome bit of this adventure was that they really worked together on using a search engine for something good, they found animals and read about all the animals on Madagascar.. then went back and looked for National Geographic and watched clips about animals.
And thus the afternoon eased into evening with no stress and tons of learning accomplished. All from their own inspirations.
Coloring never did happen, but a fashion show of the latest spring fashions using a combination of last summers clothes and this winters clothes was put together during their "play" time. Scarfs, boots, shorts, mittens... random articles of clothing and tons of giggles and smiles.
In the mean time I got some reading done, some artsy stuff, and enjoyed a magnificent sunset with camera in hand. I roamed the house and photographed odd shapes and designs for a future project of shapes around us that we will get to on another rainy or bored unthemed day.
Yes everyone got fed rather decent meals, yes all cleaning got done, the house remained in one piece and all souls were at peace with another. If only more days could be just like this one....
Some days you just have to let the inspiration guide you and put aside all structure in order to truly appreciate your surroundings!
When they first heard that they had to do some school stuff they were bummed, but they liked the topics. So we lazily ate our brunch.. which is what it was some breakfast items and some lunch ones too... we had a super late start to the day I let them sleep till past noon and it gave me time to just breath and go at my own speed today. Mom was gone to school so I literally had the house to myself for whatever I wanted. Laundry got done, kitchen cleaned and one decent major meal planned...
They finished their food and were instructed to get started on whatever wherever...just like that. One dutifully went and logged on the computer and started her memorization. The other one.. which normally gets this memorization part done first disappeared. When I finally found her she was in her room slowly cleaning and organizing. Wow a miracle.. get them to do their chores by avoiding school stuff hahahahah. Eventually she got around to doing her memorization. Now for reading the oldest well took a cue from the youngest. The youngest was picking her own form of reading today. So cute... she picked up our little travel atlas and started sounding out countries, and oceans and rivers OH MY... she needed a few pointers but for the most part was super excited because that solidified in her own head that she can read. So that was acceptable for a lesson. The oldest picked a picture on the book and asked where that was.. so I taught her how to search using all the tools available in the book. The key, the maps, the table of contents. She found what she was pointing to was Madagascar... from their led our discussion of the cartoon movie, which got her to wanting to know about the animals from there.
This led her back to the computer and she googled all on her own.. the animals of Madagascar.
2 funny bits to this story. She could not spell animal and I told her to figure it out... and my youngest was wandering around the house whispering letters to herself.. then she went to her sister and said... A..N..I.. M...A...L...S... animals. and with a jaw dropping to the floor expression my oldest asked me how her little sister knew that but she didn't. I explained she is using her reading skills to solve a problem.
Second awesome bit of this adventure was that they really worked together on using a search engine for something good, they found animals and read about all the animals on Madagascar.. then went back and looked for National Geographic and watched clips about animals.
And thus the afternoon eased into evening with no stress and tons of learning accomplished. All from their own inspirations.
Coloring never did happen, but a fashion show of the latest spring fashions using a combination of last summers clothes and this winters clothes was put together during their "play" time. Scarfs, boots, shorts, mittens... random articles of clothing and tons of giggles and smiles.
In the mean time I got some reading done, some artsy stuff, and enjoyed a magnificent sunset with camera in hand. I roamed the house and photographed odd shapes and designs for a future project of shapes around us that we will get to on another rainy or bored unthemed day.
Yes everyone got fed rather decent meals, yes all cleaning got done, the house remained in one piece and all souls were at peace with another. If only more days could be just like this one....
Some days you just have to let the inspiration guide you and put aside all structure in order to truly appreciate your surroundings!
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