Gratitude Day 6-- Big Bird's Banana Bread

This is about as political as I'm going to get for my readers. I am thankful to live in a free country and can  participate in a peaceful process of voting. I think we need to show kindness and respect even to people we disagree with or didn't vote for. It breaks my heart that 2.6 billion dollars was spent on campaigning when there are children starving in this world. That when my daughter was in Haiti during Hurricane Issac, most of the headlines were concern on how the storm would affect a political convention in Florida, when there were 400,000 people living in tents in Port-Au-Prince, in the storms path. I think we all need to find ways to "love our neighbors as ourselves" as Jesus told us to, and this county and world would be a better place.

I don't watch TV, but I did hear a lot of buzz at some point about Big Bird, so it reminded me to share a little story and recipe, so in honor of Election Day....

When the kids were little, we made a recipe called Big Bird's Banana Bread for a book they had. It was easy and healthy and they liked it even though they had all quit liking bananas. One day, I was resting and 3 year old Gabriel asked if we could make it. I must have said something to indicate yes, meaning yes, sometime. The next thing I knew I went into the kitchen and he had got out his step stool, and laid 3 bananas, a bowl and a wooden spoon on the counter. It was so cute, of course we had to stop and bake the bread right then!

Here's the recipe:

BIG BIRD BANANA BREAD
3 ripe bananas 3/4 c. honey or sugar 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 1/2 c. wheat flour (I use whole wheat pastry flour)  1/4 c. melted butter or corn oil Mash bananas with a fork. Add melted butter, flour, and honey. Stir until all ingredients are blended. Pour the mixture into a greased and floured bread pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour (or a little less).

Here a link I came across showing the book this came from and how it's fun to make with kids.

http://ourfamilyfoodadventures.com/tag/big-bird-banana-bread/

I can't find a picture of Gabriel quite that little on my computer- I need to scan some-- but here's one-- just to show how irresistibly cute he was!

Gratitude Day 5-- Speech Therapy

Just a quick post tonight to say that I'm very thankful for Ryland's speech therapists. This was a world I knew nothing about and it has been fascinating to see how they evaluate and teach him.  I really like how they design a unique plan just for his needs and include us in it. Both last year's teacher and his new one this year have been so patient with him and found ways to make it fun for him, while still pushing him to work hard.

I went in for a meeting today as they are writing up his IEP (Individual Educational Plan) for the next year. The first thing the teacher asked Ryland and I was, "What are his strengths?" How encouraging to start by recognizing the things he's gifted  at and build his confidence.

Both as teachers and also moms to adopted or special needs children, both of these ladies have been so supportive of us as we give Ryland the time he needs to trust us, to sit still with us and listen to a book, and to be able to respond well to a gentle correction.

Ryland's speech has come a long way, as has his attention span and his interest in reading. Every week, we take his papers from speech and make game out of practicing the sounds and words. It's been great to be a part helping him grow and I'm really thankful for the expertise and kindness of his teachers-- part of our "village it takes to raise a child"!  

Gratitude Day 4 -- Games

One of Ryland's favorite things to do is play games. We usually play a game in the morning before we do anything else, and more throughout the day with Scott, me or any combination of the older kids he can convince to play. He's very competitive and I love to sit across from him and watch his face as he plays. It's also been a fun way for the older kids to connect with him, a good way to sneak in some educational stuff and make it fun, and provides lots of practice with things like honesty and being a good sport.

Some of our favorites have been Uno, Skipbo, Go Fish, Monopoly Junior, Sorry, Crazy Eights or Memory Match. We have also played Life, Star Wars Life, Pit, and Where in the World is Carmen San Diego? We just got 3 new ones that Ryland  really likes-- Fruit Ninja card game, Farkle (dice game) and a Where's Waldo board game (none of these really require much reading). The one we're playing the most right now is Dutch Blitz and it's fast and fierce and fun!

When the older kid were much younger, I was often frustrated when Family Game Night didn't turn out like I planned-- because of fighting or cheating, or age differences,  or even agreeing on a game. It's nice that now everyone's able to participate and have it actually be fun for all of us.

Dutch Blitz

                       Does any one have any good recommendations on games they like?

Gratitude Day 3-- Our Church

This month a whole bunch of babies were born to families in our church and blessings were prayed for them. A family is flying in a few days to bring home the daughter they are adopting for Eastern Europe with strong support behind them . Yesterday, one of our greatly loved pastors passed away after being diagnosed with a brain tumor just a couple months ago and the church is gathering around his  family. Birth, death and everything in between.. the church should be a family and these are the times we come together in the ways we were meant to.

The things I am grateful for about our church are my group of Wednesday night ladies who are really sweet and really real. The teachers who have loved and gone out of their way to meet Ryland's needs. The other adoptive moms who have simply said, "I've been there" and the grace and patience shown to us during some hard days early on. The college students who Ryland has made friends with who always take a little time with him. The volunteers who show up early and work hard to get everything ready.

 As we remember our pastor and friend, Kambiz, I know I'm not the only one who would say that his greeting on Sunday mornings made us all feel genuinely welcome, and that his generous and kind spirit is an inspiration to all of us. His life story encourages me to reach outside myself more to show care and love to everyone.

Gratitude Day 2-- Big Kids

I was telling someone the other day how much I love having teenagers. I remember being in line at the store and mentioning I was buying things for my oldest's 13th birthday party and how everyone around had something discouraging and negative to say about teenagers. Like all you can expect from them is arguing and laziness. Not saying there are no challenges, but I actually think with each of the older ones that ages 10-12 were the hardest.

 I really like the independent people they are becoming as they get older. I like that they can drive. I like when they fill the house with their friends. I like to see their unique personalities and opinions and dreams. I like how they know about all kinds of things I don't have any idea about. I like how every night is a dish washing dance party in the kitchen.

I'm really thankful and proud of how the big kids have been with Ryland. We knew we were asking them to make a huge adjustment in their lives and they have shown so much patience with him. I was saying to one of them the other day that I knew they had had to make some sacrifices and their response was, " I love Ryland so much. I could never imagine a better little brother!"

I commented to Scott the other day that we currently have kids in the stages of adult, young adult, teenager and kid-- no wonder I feel like my attention is pulled in so many directions! But right now, I am trying to make the most of each moment when they are all living here and filling the house with energy and noise and laughter and love.

Gratitude Day 1 -- The River

Many days find us walking or biking along the beautiful and Willamette River. Every time is different depending on the seasons, wildlife, water level at the time. Over the years I've enjoyed quiet moments alone, chasing kids on the playgrounds, family picnics and family pictures, Bike rides, birthday parties, babies in strollers, early morning talks with my sister, anniversary walks with Scott in the Rose Garden, the kids baptism, and feeding the ducks. I like that our house is only a few blocks to being able to feel miles away from everything. Today, we added another memory when Ryland kicked his soccer ball into the water and I was able to rescue it with a long stick while the little boys cheered from the bank!

Peaceful

Our favorite duck is all green

This summer my sister and I walked early in the morning

Making friends with Ducks and Geese

Wildflowers

Kid's Baptism

Adoption Day!

                                                               Christmas Ornament

In March Ryland will have been in our family for a whole year. Today, January 20th, 2012 is his  "signing ceremony" in which all the legal paperwork has been completed and his last name is changed to ours! 

I have been reflecting back on our time with him so far and the adoption process, and I have many things I'd like to take the time to write about. But for today, I just want to say that I am grateful to be his mom, to have the honor of knowing and loving him.

My hope for the first year was simply that we get to know each other and he would begin to attach and trust us. Advancing in other areas would just be a bonus. I truly feel that our prayers were answered--he fits right into both our small and extended family perfectly. He has come to believe that he will stay with us and that we love him unconditionally and he returns that love. 

There have been many challenges-- I am proud of him and every one of us for continuing to persevere through them. I'm so thankful for the  prayers and support for our family, friends, teachers  and Ryland's family members who are still involved in his life. I often remind him how many people love him and it's really true!

It's scary and humbling to become responsible for a little person who has a heart that needs healing. He is teaching me a lot. People say he is lucky to have us, but we are the most blessed to have been chosen for him. 

His smiles and hugs melt my heart every day. He is a boy that is full of energy and curiosity and the desire to be constantly interacting. He is growing in his faith in God's power. He loves to joke and has quite an imagination. He is beginning to trust us to comfort him when he's hurt or scared and help  to handle his anger.   He is having fun making friends and trying new things.

Oh, there are many plans for celebrating in the next few weeks, but today he woke up early, full of excitement. He will have his new name! He will eat pizza and his Grandma will make a cake! He will wear his favorite plaid shirt with a snake on it! He will see some of his other siblings!  (I hope he takes a nap on the drive this afternoon because he hasn't slept much the last two nights)

I have to say I am also very glad to be done with the paperwork and visit for the state--that was a long process!

We love you, Ryland! We are glad to have you as our son and happy to make it official today!

Whipped Syllabub Recipe (New Year's Eve)

When Jessamyn was in 3rd grade, she took a class based on the American Girl books. One day they made several recipes, including this one called Whipped Syllabub. We really liked it and somehow it has become the one tradition we make every New Year's Eve. Otherwise, our tradition is to try a new recipe or activity every year.

Syllabub is from old England, "bub" for bubbles and there are many variations, but most will have some kind of citrus juice, bubbly drinking-either alcoholic or not, sugar and whipped cream folded in.

The following  is the recipe from the American Girl book, but I tend to add a lot more sparkling cider (usually peach) to make it more of a drink than a dessert. Enjoy!

Whipped Syllabub

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 lemons
• 1 orange
• 1/2 cup sugar (we added another 1/4 cup or so after initial tasting)
• 1/4 cup sparkling white grape juice

Beat whipping cream in mixing bowl with whisk until thick (we used the whisk attachment on the stand mixer). Juice the lemons and orange. Add the sugar and grape juice to the lemon and orange juice and stir until blended. Pour the juice mix into the whipped cream. Sir just enough to blend. Should be thick and frothy! Spoon into glasses and enjoy!

A New Year

Our traditional drink of "Whipped Syllabub" on New Year's Eve

The month of  December was full of  family time, games, cooking, crafting, wrapping, keeping secrets, lighting candles, and celebrating. As we turn the calender to a new month and year, I look forward to more simplicity and renewed dedication to the things that are  important, though not as exciting as the holiday season!

This was Ryland's first Christmas with us and we tried to prepare him for each thing that we would be doing. I tried to plan for calm time between his wild happiness and his anxiousness. By Christmas Day he really did settle in and enjoy the day. We kept trying to put ourselves in his place, with everything new--that's a lot to take in.

The girl's had beautiful dance performances in Narnia again. My brother and his wife and baby were here for several days. We had days of crafts and cookies making and tamale making with family. 

One of my favorite moments was on Christmas Eve. We went to church (Scott was playing drums in the band) and the final carol was "Go tell it on the Mountain" which Ryland had learned in his class. He turned and asked to sit on my lap and I was bouncing him while he sang at the top of his lungs and snapped his fingers. All my kids were right around me, happy, together, safe and peaceful.  Jessamyn started clapping and pretty soon the whole crowd was clapping. It was such a moment of  joy in my heart. We walked out into the cold clear night and headed home to light the fire and feast on tamales and dream of "the coziest morning of the year". 

It's been a big year. Adding to our family. Having our oldest overseas. Travelling. Adjusting. I think my word for the year last year was growth and, yes, there was some growing! 

Thankfulness Day 24: Love

Photo by Peace

I am so thankful to day to have the unconditional love of God as my Heavenly Father. I am thankful to be forgiven and set free, and to have His peace and strength throughout my days.

I am thankful for the love of my family and friends. It means everything to me to have all of you in my life! 

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Thankfulness Day 23: Thanksgiving Past

Two years ago- trip to Mexico and my last picture with my grandparents while my Grandpa was still with us.


Thanksgiving is full of traditions for most people, but in our  family, plans tend to change every year. My parents have often spend Thanksgiving Day working at a community dinner and my siblings usually spend the day with their in-laws. Most years we do have a special dinner together, but on a different day and sometimes it's enchiladas! Several times we have used the long weekend as a little vacation with just our kids--to Portland, or the mountains to play in the snow. Twice we have celebrated in Mexico with my cousins (turkey and tamales!). Last year my brother started the first annual "Crepesgiving"--the day after when you make a huge stack of crepes and stuff them with all your Thanksgiving Day leftovers. Although it's always  a little different, I am thankful for the fun and special memories over the years.

Thankful Day 22: A Cup of Tea

My favorite mugs with my favorite animals, given to me by my family

Today, and everyday, I am thankful for cup after cup of steaming tea! 

Thankful Day 21: Laughter

Gabriel during his Age of Inventions

I came across this picture and it's just how I feel with a cold tonight. I am thankful for my family who keeps me laughing!

Thankfulness: Adventures in Narnia

2008 Mrs. Beaver

Peace's dance group performed at the mall today to promote their upcoming holiday showAdventures in Narnia . It was a fun surprise for me when she filled in last minute for someone else and played Mrs. Beaver, a role she had a couple years ago. It was such a cute comical part and we all just loved seeing her as the fussy, roly-poly, grandmotherly character in the show.

Today I am thankful for the opportunities the girls have had to dance in "Narnia" , and the things they have learned along the way, including being willing to jump back into an old part unexpectedly!

2010

Thankfulness Day 19: Sisters

I'm thankful for these girls, who spend a lot of time laughing together!

Thankful Day18: Brothers

I'm thankful for these boys!

Thankful Day 17: A Little Break

Today I'm thankful for a couple hours break while my mom takes Ryland to his Karate class-- I really needed to relax a bit!

Thankfulness Day 16: A Warm Home

It's so chilly today, cold rain and maybe snow in the next few days (which you can be sure will inspire a post of great thankfulness from this Canadian girl). As I open the door, glad to be able to stay home the rest of the day, I think of those who face the night without shelter. Those who bundle up the best they can under a bridge or in an alley, or in a city of tents. 

Tonight I am thankful for the warm, safe and comfortable home my family has. I am also thankful for the many people who work so hard to help the homeless, both here and overseas. Whatever the reasons are that brought  a person to their place of need, I am thankful for those who offer them grace, a warm meal and a place to sleep- just enough hope to make it through another day, and maybe for some, the strength or resources to move toward a different  life. 

I am thankful for my parents who took us along  to rescue missions, to give out food at reservations, and good news at rehab centers. I'm thankful that they took us to an orphanage in Mexico, and to the surrounding tent camps where families  lived under tarps, searching daily  for food and wood. We held babies and scooped oatmeal for the children. I'm glad they didn't keep us from seeing poverty and they showed us how to put our concern into action. 

I am thankful for the experience of living and working in a teen shelter in Hollywood. I learned to see tender, broken hearts underneath the desperate situations the kids were in. Sometime we were able to help them get on a better path, sometimes they could only handle a meal, a blanket, a hug, a place to sleep it off and they were back to the street in the morning. But for a night, they could be safe and warm and part of a family of sorts. 

I am thankful for having had enough hard times that I can have compassion.  To have had  times where we didn't always know how we would pay our bills and to have been blessed by the care of others. Once we were on a trip back from Colorado in our old car and ended up stranded a hotel in Wyoming in a snowstorm for several days (not fun at all with 2 little kids) and thinking without the gracious help of family, we would have run out of money and been really stranded. 

I'm thankful for my parents, who have a non-profit called Free People . They get people  involved in helping the needy in all kinds of ways. They give of their lives-feeding, listening, lending help, offering spiritual guidance each week. I know there have been many who have simply needed someone to be there and treat them with dignity and not just look right through them. ......It's tiring and it's heartbreaking and only sometimes there's a happy ending to a story. But  it's always a good day when the Free Food and Music sign is up at the park or the Wow Hall!

I'm thankful for my husband who gives of his time and sound business to provide support for this ministry and others. Last night he provided sound for a fundraising event for the cold weather shelter. His generosity and that of many, many others who give indirectly  is what makes it possible to provide help to many.

I am thankful for the moms who make muffins and cookies and kids who make scarves and sandwiches. I am moved to tears when we walk down under the bridge and volunteers are cooking for 500, playing music, sorting clothing donations, cutting hair, painting kids faces and filling balloons. I am reminded that we are all the same on the inside. We all want  to know  like someone cares.

I am also thankful for many who serve the poor in other countries. Our friends the Clays, with Apparent Project, work in Haiti-- finding  ways for families to be able to work and keep their children and to provide housing for those affected by the earthquake.

Tonight as my family members come in out of the rain, eat a warm meal and curl up under a soft blanket, I am thankful for our cozy home and I don't take it for granted.

  Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Thankfulness Day 15: Even When I Don't Feel Thankful

The beauty of looking at things a different way           Photo By Peace


Over the past two weeks I've written about things I'm thankful for, the easy obvious things, and  it's true that I am very blessed. More than just looking for something to add to my my list, I have been trying to change my attitude my having a  grateful  heart in all things. When I find myself unhappy, frustrated, disappointed or overwhelmed, I have been trying to shift my thoughts to a place of thankfulness--not a feeling, but a choice of where to put my focus.

When I feel like I am failing
When I have more to do than I can do in a day
When my child is angry
When messes pile up
When plans fall through
When my family is sick
When things break

I can choose to be thankful

 For the place I'm in, the struggles that will strengthen me,
 For all things working for good
That I have these loved ones
That I have these things
That I have these opportunities


So as I look ahead to this day: cooking, cleaning, teaching, driving kids to things, getting groceries.... an ordinary day, but there are so many things I can thank God for and that is what will make today feel like the amazing gift it is.

Thankfulness Day 14: Ryland

I am thankful to have Ryland in our family! At this time last year, we had seen his picture and said that we would be interested in finding out more about him. Now it sometimes feels like he's been here forever because he fits into our family so well.


Ryland has a big personality-- talkative, curious and silly. He knows what he wants and likes to be in charge! He loves to learn and asks a lot of questions. He is very affectionate and likes to wrestle with Dad and Gabriel every chance he gets. He loves to hear stories and make up his own. He loves to run and is interested in all kinds of sports and super heroes. He makes friends everywhere we go. He loves animals, especially dogs. And, as I write this, he wants you all to know that he likes ice cream!


Ryland and I have fun playing games, getting outside and cooking together. I love his smile,and his happy singing and dancing. He has a precious heart and I am blessed to be his mama!