Earth Day 2011

This is what we woke up to on April 22, 2011.  Sickening isn't it?

Stuck

Guess who went where he shouldn't.

And he got stuck!

Peter

Something so pure and right

Pinewood derby

A little late, yes, but at least I'm getting it done.

So March was pinewood derby time here for our scouts.  Now if it was just me I'll be the first to admit that my boys would not have participated.  I really don't see the point, but then again maybe that is why the boys do it and not the girls.

Ben and Chris both entered cars that they designed and did most of the work.  Doug helped with the dangerous cutting parts but other than that theses cars are pure Ben and Chris (and I think it shows).

Ben with car a beauty in the making

Chris with his work of art just waiting to be finished

Practice race at church

Head to head down the track

Now for the real race day against another scout group

Race heat listings: Chris

Race heat lisitngs: Ben

Anxiously watching the race

It was fun and the kids had fun.  The boys didn't win over all but got consistantly 3rd place in each heat they were in.  Good job boys!

Life of a Celiac

I know next to nothing about the life of a celiac except they can't have gluten.  I know that some are more sensitive and while cutting out wheat and other grains also have to cut out oatmeal, but really that's it.  The last two weeks I threw myself into the life of a celiac.  All I can say is "WOW!"  I never relized how many dinners and other things I make that have flour in them.  I could easily guess that the cakes, cookies and pies would, but dinner items?  You've got to be kidding me!

I went through this for my second child.  He has been having these unexplained stomach pains and since that is what started my sister down this path I thought I would test him out.  I was told the best way to do it would to cut him off gluten for 2 weeks and then let him at 'em.  I went to planning all these meals that I thought would be easy to make for him, but I still had to adapt some.  One I did were these sausage balls and they are a keeper.  My 5yr old loves them and wanted more.  If you knew my children you would know that this is a miracle since anything with meat is taboo to them.

Apple Sausage Balls

1 cup oatmeal, ground

1/2 cup potato starch

1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

2 lb. bulk pork sausage (whatever you like; I had 1 mild and 1 Italian)

4 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 c maple syrup

2 apple, peeled and large grated

1/4 t. allspice

1. In a large bowl; stir together the oatmeal, potato starch, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the pork sausage, cheese, maple syrup, apple and allspice.

2. Using your hands, combine everything together until all of the ingredients are incorporated. Roll into evenly sized balls, about the size of a golf ball.  (I used my medium scoop)

3. Place sausage balls on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until fully cooked.

Served with a side of quinoa and some veggies

Spring Concert - Chris'

Today was the second grade spring choir concert and the weather felt more like it should be the winter concert.  It snowed last night and continued heavily for many hours this morning.  Inside though was all warmth and laughs as the children performed Dr. Seuss for the audience.

Isn't he adorable?

Teddy Bear Waltz

True time picture of snow falling as I was leaving the school after the concert.



Headed to college

My little boy is growing up too fast.  It seems like yesterday that I was washing is squirmy little body in the bathroom sink and now he is off to college.  Okay not quite but still he is growing too fast. 

The school district we are in got a grant of some sort that allowed the 5th and 6th graders to spend a day at one of the local community colleges and take a class as well as a tour around.  Ben enjoyed it.  It gave me anxiety just thinking of my baby going to college in less years than I want.

Doesn't he look like a college kid?  All tired with his eyes closed.