3 in 30 September Update - #1

Here it is the 7th of September already. The days have gone by so quickly. Three of the four days, Sophia, Olivia, and I were at Itasca State Park, so I didn't have a chance to work on the first two goals I set for the 3 in 30 challenge for September: 

=> Organize fabric. Most of the fabric I use for projects are in bins grouped by color. However, there are some pieces of fabric that are in bags that I want to put in the bins. Also, I'd like to go through all the fabric and donate the pieces I don't care for any longer and/or plan to use.

=>  Begin to organize taxes. Last month when I cleaned my office, I came across an expandable file. I had set it up one year to put receipts and other documentation in for each category for taxes (e.g., health care, mortgage payments, homeschooling expenses). I'd like to take what I have saved thus far and put them in the appropriate categories to make tax-time easier in 2013.

What I have done this month so far is focus on the third goal: 

=>  Plan meals for the month. Sophia will be making food as part of her Eastern Hemisphere curriculum; Olivia will be making food as part of Five in a Row; and both the girls will be making food as part of the Cantering the Country curriculum (U.S. geography).  So, each week there are more lunches and dinners being prepared through homeschooling than there are from what I have on hand. 

I need to schedule these homeschooling meals and balance them out with food that I make so that the girls aren't cooking for each of the meals. This also will use items that we have on hand so we aren't wasting food.

I created a menu plan for the first 11 days of the month. I use to do many years ago, and then for some reason I stopped. It is nice to have the menu planned out ahead of time again so I know what to take out from the freezer or what needs to be prepared ahead of time (e.g., if something needs to marinate for an extended period of time).

Olivia and I made three items so far that tie in with a Babar book that I read to her as part of the Five in Row curriculum: peanut pasta:

Peanut Pasta with fresh carrots and broccoli.

This is a vegetarian dinner that we all enjoyed.

We definitely will make this again.

peanut salad:

Peanut Salad.

The dressing didn't have much flavor, and 

with cucumbers and mushrooms - 

it doesn't last long in the refrigerator.

and peanut bars:

Peanut Bars.

Absolutely delicious...we are definitely making these again.

Sophia and I made two recipes for part of her Eastern Hemisphere curriculum. Currently, we are focusing on China. She made Cashew Chicken:

Cashew Chicken. 

It was excellent...tasted like we were having dinner

at a restaurant.

and Stir-fried Spinach:

Stir-fried Spinach.

Wouldn't make this again.

I also made some items that weren't tied into curriculum. The links are to pictures and recipes of the food I made:
=> Low-fat zucchini brownies.
=> Easy pasta salad.
=> Porcupine burgers.
=> Cucumber-lemon water.
=> Homemade granola bars.

Even when we went camping, there was a menu that I followed for lunches:

Picnic at Charles Lindbergh State Park

in Little Falls, Minnesota.

and dinners:

Olivia making her dinner over a campfire

at Lake Itasca State Park.

We enjoyed eating making our dinner over the campfire both evenings we were at Lake Itsasca State Park.

Enjoying dinner in the gazebo on Tuesday night

at Itasca State Park.

The second day we chose to eat at the picnic table for a change in location.

Dinner outdoors at the picnic table

by the cabin we stayed in at Itasca State Park.

It was built in the 1930s by the CCC.

Before I left on the camping trip, I spent some cut cutting fresh fruits and putting them in quart-size bags to make smoothies during the fall.  Each bag has: strawberries, bananas, pineapple, musk melon, oranges, apples, kiwi, pears, and a spoon of honey.

When I want to make a fruit beverage, I just need to take a bag out of the freezer, empty it into the Vita-Mix mixer, and blend. To alter the consistency a bit, I can add water, juice, and/or yogurt.

As I look at the menu plan for the next five days, there is a combination of meals that Olivia will learn to prepare, Sophia will make with guidance, and both will work on together. Lots of new recipes to try which will be fun!

Homemade Granola Bars

During September, I've been trying some new recipes for healthier food. I came across this recipe for homemade granola bars.

The site listed the ingredients in store-purchased granola bars versus homemade ones. The difference was clear: the store-bought ones were loaded with 41 ingredients...some of which I have absolutely no idea what they are or how they affect a person's body.

The homemade granola bar recipe has 7 ingredients - all of which are ones that are commonly found in the kitchen.

Homemade granola bar that I made.

The granola bars are soft and delicious. I would much rather eat the homemade version than the store-bought version and day.

Here's how to make them:

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup flour
1 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup honey
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda

Plus add-in goodies if desired: mini chocolate chips, raisins, sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, chopped dried apricots, dried cranberries, other nuts…up to 2 cups total. (I used coconut flakes and raisins.)

Lightly butter a 9 x 13 pan and preheat the oven to 325 F.

Combine the butter and honey in a large bowl and mix well. Add all ingredients except the add-ins and mix until combined. Stir in the add-ins by hand.

Press the mixture into the pan. It’s a little sticky, so it helps to put a few drops of water on your hands and press the mixture in firmly.

Bake at 325 F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. They won’t look quite done, but will firm up while they cool. After they cool for about 10 minutes, you can cut them into bars.

Store at room temperature in an easily accessible container.

Note: The recipe can be customized as well. For example, replace 1/2 cup of butter with 1/2 cup peanut butter, or add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.

Cucumber-Lemon Water

One of the goals I have as part of 100 Days to a Better me challenge is to cut my pop consumption in half. Since September 1st, I have drank only one can of Diet Pepsi/Diet Coke per day (down from 2 cans per day since January, and 3-4 cans per day prior to 2012).

For some reason, I have been drinking quite a bit of water over the past few days, so I wanted to try experimenting with flavored waters again just to have some variety in what I drink.

Cucumber-Lemon Water that I made.

I found a recipe for cucumber-lemon-mint water pinned here, and originally from here. The note under the pin said to use:

=>  2 liters of water
=>  1 medium cucumber
=>  1 lemon
=>  10-12 mint leaves (I didn't include these because I forgot to get them at the grocery store)

The flavored water should steep overnight in the refrigerator.

It said it was great for weight loss as well as general detox - including clear skin. I can't verify those claims...though I know drinking water is good for people for many reasons. Simply by "googling" the words "benefits of drinking water" there are many links to reasons why people should drink more water.

The Cucumber-Lemon Water is a delicious alternative to plain water; and I'm drinking more water because I like the taste of this fruit-vegetable combination. Another flavored water I've tried and enjoyed is Cucumber-Basil-Ginger Water.

Do you have any homemade flavored waters that you enjoy making and drinking?

List of Books I Want to Read

I have some books that are on my list to read during the remaining months of 2012 that are part of the Heartwarming Animal Stories 2012 Reading Challenge I'm doing:

- A Hummingbird in My House: The Story of Squeak by Annette Heidcamp.

- Every Dog has a Gift: True Stories of Dogs who Bring Hope and Healing into our Lives by Rachel McPherson.

- That Quail, Robert by Margaret Stanger.

- Katie Up and Down the Hall: The True Story of How One Dog Turned Five Neighbors into a Family by Glenn Plaskin.

For the Wellspring program I'm doing from September 2012-June 2013, these will be the books I'll be reading (this does not include the many articles and sermons that also are part of the program):

=> Everyday Spiritual Practice edited by Scott Alexander
=> Soul Types by Sandra Krebs Hirsh and Jane A. G. Kise
=> A Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer
=> For Faith and Freedom: A Short History of Unitarianism in Europe
=> Universalism in America: A Documentary History of a Liberal Faith edited by Ernest Cassara
=> The Jefferson Bible
=> Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephen Batchelor
=> It’s Easier Than You Think by Sylvia Boorstein
=> Blessing the World by the Reverend Rebecca Ann Parker
=> The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
=> The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
=> Dancing With Joy edited by Roger Housden
=> Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer

This list doesn't include the many books that are part of the girls' homeschool curriculum. Since the majority of the different curricula I'm using are literature-based (through Sonlight and Five in a Row, there are many books of varying levels of reading difficulty that I will be reading aloud to the girls during the upcoming school year.

Porcupine Burgers

As part of the 100 Days to a Better Me challenge, I'm trying to eat more fruits and vegetables each day. In searching for recipes to try, I came across one for Porcupine Sliders at the USDA Food and Nutrition Services.

Some background first: On September 7, 2010, the USDA launched the Recipes for Healthy Kids competition in support of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative.

The USDA challenged teams of chefs, school nutrition professionals, parents, students, and community members to develop creative, nutritious, tasty and kid-approved recipes that schools can easily incorporate into National School Lunch menus.

The purpose of the recipe competition was to increase student’s intake of dark green and orange vegetables; whole grains; and dry beans and peas.

The Grand Prize recipe was created by Intermediate District 287/South Education Center Alternative Recipes for Healthy Kids Team from Richfield, Minnesota. The recipe will appear with other recipes in a Recipes for Healthy Kids Cookbook that is being produced this year.

Porcupine Burger I made.

The original recipe is downloadable in either PDF or MS Word formats. The image of the Porcupine Slider is photographed much better than my version.

However, don't let the lack of skill in food photography food you. These are packed full of flavor and surprisingly good despite some of the unusual ingredients - like cranberries and spinach.

The prep time for these is a bit labor-intensive. Yet, the meal was well worth the effort. The recipe makes enough for 6 people (one burger per person).

Ingredients:

1/8 cup uncooked, long grain brown rice
1 ½ tablespoon chopped onion (1/3 of a small onion)
¼ cup chopped celery (1 stalk)
1 ½ tsp minced garlic (1 whole clove)
1 tsp canola oil
1 pound  lean ground turkey
1 egg, beaten
2 ½ tablespoon chopped dried cranberries (about ¼ of a 5 oz bag)
¾ cup chopped, fresh baby spinach (1/3 of a 6 oz bag)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½  teaspoon  salt
½  teaspoon  black pepper (I added about 3/4 teaspoon of black pepper)
1 dash white pepper (I didn't include this)
6 (1 oz.) whole grain rolls (small dinner roll size)

Directions:

Begin by cooking rice first. In small pot combine rice with ½ cup of water and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to low and simmer uncovered until water is completely absorbed, usually 30-40 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork. A rice cooker may be used with the same water-to-rice ratio. Cool to a temperature of 40 degrees. Set aside ¼ cup cooked rice for recipe. (I used 1/2 cup of rice since the mixture was very sticky.)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, dice onions and celery into ¼-inch pieces. In medium skillet, sauté onions and celery until they become soft. Remove from heat and refrigerate to cool to a temperature of 40°F. While onions and celery are cooling prepare remaining ingredients.

In a bowl mix garlic, oil, ground turkey, egg, dried cranberries, Worcestershire sauce, chopped spinach, salt, peppers, rice, and sautéed vegetables. Mix well.

Shape in to 6 patties. Place on baking sheet that has been sprayed with a non-stick spray. Refrigerate at a temperature of 40°F if you are not going to bake immediately.

Bake burgers  for 18 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. (I baked them for 18 minutes and then turned them so they would brown on the other side. I put them in the oven for about 3 more minutes.) Remove from oven and serve on a mini whole grain roll.

Garnish with onions, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, ketchup, and mustard.

Favorite Plays and Concerts

When I was growing up, my parents took me to a few plays at Chanhassen Dinner Theater. A couple I remember were "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Fiddler on the Roof." Both were very well done.

However, the main thing I remember was being able to spend time with my parents doing something very special - going out to dinner and seeing a play together.

As a parent, some of the favorite concerts I have attended with Sophia and Olivia have been at the Minnesota Orchestra.

The Minnesota Orchestra.

This is "The Tin Forest" concert we attended.

(Taken on November 10, 2011.)

They do a special student program in which the orchestra plays several pieces and explains parts of them. They also have a visual element to enhance the experience for the children (e.g., dance, large-scale puppetry).

This is the holiday concert at Orchestra Hall called "Sleigh Ride." 

People/puppets from 

In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater 

performed while the orchestra played. 

 It's from the dream scene in Hansel and Gretel.

(Taken on December 2, 2010.)

These concerts have been a wonderful addition to homeschooling, and provide insight into the musical compositions and instruments that I could never provide for Sophia and Olivia. Having the conductor explain what we are listening to and for has been an invaluable education not only for the girls, but for me.

Saw the "Percussion Spectacular" at the Minnesota Orchestra. 

 This was the first visit for the girls to the Minnesota Orchestra, and 

they really enjoyed it.

(Taken on October 21, 2009.)

Going to the Minnesota Orchestra over the past few years have provided experiences that the girls and I will remember for years to come.

Fitness Hurdles + Positive Actions to Take

As part of the 100 Days to a Better Me challenge, I'm part of a supportive and encouraging group of women called Strong.Fit.Fab.

Every week there is a question to think about. This week, the question is: What are your biggest hurdles in health and fitness? What are your excuses?

Here are my hurdles:

1. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD). DDD is when the intervertebral disc of the spine degenerates. While disc degeneration is a normal part of aging and for most people is not a problem, for certain individuals a degenerated disc can cause severe constant chronic pain.

Back in November 2007, I was experiencing quite a bit of pain in my lower back. I couldn't figure out why I was having so much trouble after doing things that had come easily (e.g., vacuuming, standing for long periods of time, driving for more than an hour).

So, I had an MRI done and it showed that two "cushions" (or gel-filled discs that act like shock absorbers) between three vertebrae in my lower back are literally gone. There is nothing there. In addition, two more discs on top of and below the vertebrae were showing signs of degeneration as well. Needless to say,  it's painful.

I also have arthritis of the lumbar spine which causes stiffness and pain in my low back. Often my back is especially stiff in the early morning after getting out of bed. However, with stretching and movement throughout the day, it can loosen up a bit. That being said, if I do prolonged or strenuous activity, I can be guaranteed an uncomfortable level of pain.

Challenge: Find exercise and activities that don't cause additional pain; and help keep my lower back mobile and flexible.

Recommendations: I have heard of many things that can be good for people who have DDD including: yoga, stretching exercises, swimming in a warm-water pool, water therapy, physical therapy, massage, time in an infra-red sauna, inversion therapy, decompression therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and qigong. Of course, medications also are recommended to help with pain and inflammation.

The pool at a hotel in Boston where

Sophia, Olivia, and I stayed.

Wouldn't this be nice to have in the backyard

for year-round use?

(Taken on September 10, 2011.)

Realistic Course of Action: Doing yoga and stretching exercises would be affordable (since I can check out videos from the library) and something I could do at home. I visit the chiropractor and take medications as needed.

The rest of the recommendations would be wonderful to do. However, financial limitations and distance from where they are offered are barriers at this time.

2. Weather (especially high heat and humidity) and Asthma. Higher levels of humidity cause higher levels of asthma-inducing agents. According to an article on high humidity and asthma, "When humidity levels go above 50%, the number of dust mites in the air increases.

Some of my medicine and inhaler.

The clear vial is albuterol for the nebulizer

if I am having a lot of trouble breathing.

(Taken on January 27, 2012.)

"Furthermore, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology found that high levels of humidity also tend to promote the growth of fungus and molds. Asthmatics' symptoms are bothered and heightened by the presence of these two agents."

When exercising or even doing chores outside, I need to be careful if there's high heat and/or humidity. Stek.org described why, "Very often extreme humidity and heat tend to make asthma worse and trigger the asthma attacks. This is because heat tends to increase the body temperature of the individual and also the metabolic rate, which results in the body using more oxygen. The need for the additional oxygen tends to result in deeper or faster breathing, which is a problem for asthmatics."

Walking the Dogs at William O'Brien State Park.

(Taken on April 7, 2011.)

Challenge: Find alternatives to exercising outdoors when the weather isn't favorable (e.g., high heat, high humidity, raining, below zero). Create a healthier environment indoors to address water damage issues.

Recommendations: Invest in some videos or check some out from the library that focus on exercising and stretching when going outside isn't an option. Measure the amount of humidity in the air in the home by using a hygrometer. Get dehumidifiers to address the high level of humidity throughout the home.

Realistic Course of Action: During the past 1 1/2 weeks, I bought and started operating three dehumidifiers in the home (basement, first floor, second floor) and three hygrometers. The humidity level was very high throughout the home due to water damage (95% in the basement and 70% on both levels of the home).

By removing the excess moisture from the home, it will make the indoor environment healthier and better to exercise in.

Gutters also will be installed within the next two weeks to get the water moving away from the home rather than affecting the basement and foundation of the home (which ultimately has affected the entire home).

Also, take advantage of the days when the temperature is lower, humidity is lower, and adverse conditions aren't present outdoors.

Walking at William O'Brien State Park.

(Taken on December 9, 2011.)

Get back to taking the dogs for a walk in the morning when the weather is the best for me.

Easy Pasta Salad

One of my goals for the 100 Days to a Better Me challenge is to eat more fruits and vegetables. I found a recipe for Easy Pasta Salad from I Heart Naptime that I wanted to try.

The original pin looks so colorful and healthy; and I thought it would make a hearty lunch or side dish for dinner. It makes enough for 10-12 servings, so I made only half a recipe. Even half a recipe could make more than enough for a meal.

Easy Pasta Salad that I made.

The recipe was indeed easy to make. It has a mild flavor, perhaps due to my choice in Italian dressing. I think a zesty Italian dressing would be a bit better to give the salad more flavor. Nonetheless, I would make this recipe again. The combination of fresh vegetables, olives, and chick peas was delicious.

Ingredients:

11/2 boxes rotini noodles or penne pasta (I used tri-color/flavor rotini)
1 bottle Italian dressing
1 red bell pepper
2 cup cherry tomatoes
1 green bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
2 cups chick peas (I used ones that were canned)
1 purple onion
1 cup olives, optional (I included these and cut each olive in half)
Cheese, optional (I didn't include cheese)

Directions:

Cook noodles according to package. Drain and rinse under cold water. Slice vegetables and combine with pasta in a large bowl. Pour Italian dressing over the top and refrigerate until ready to serve. Can also top with cheese.

Celebrities I Have Met and Would Like to Meet

Today's question is: "Have you ever met a celebrity?"  When I think of celebrities, I think of people who are known on a national or international level.

There have been a few celebrities who I have met through the years. I have a couple of pictures from those experiences.

The first picture is with Nancy Kerrigan (she won the won the silver medal in the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics). It was taken behind stage at the Champions of Ice Show. She was such a nice person, and very friendly. It was a pleasure meeting her.

The second picture I have is of me (on the far left end looking rather sullen for some reason...probably because I don't like to have my picture taken), the morning show guys at a Charlotte (NC) radio station and their spouses. MC Hammer is in the middle wearing sunglasses. 

According to Wikipedia, MC Hammer is "an American rapper, entrepreneur, spokesman, and actor. He had his greatest commercial success and popularity from the late 1980s until the mid-1990s. Remembered for a rapid rise to fame, Hammer is known for his hit records (such as "U Can't Touch This" and "2 Legit 2 Quit"), flamboyant dance movements, and trademark Hammer pants. Hammer's superstar-status made him a household name and hip hop icon. He has sold more than 50 million records worldwide."

Locally - and most recently - we met Marjorie Johnson. She happened to be at Mall of America when we were there celebrating Olivia's birthday in January.

Olivia and Marjorie Johnson talking with one another

at Mall of America. Their conversation was taped and shown 

on Twin Cities Live later in the week. 

This is an image on our t.v. as we watched the interview.

(Taken on January 20, 2012.)

Wikipedia notes that "Marjorie Johnson, the 'Blue Ribbon Baker' is a popular baker from Robbinsdale, Minnesota. First made famous through her guest appearances on KSTP radio's Garage Logic, she has since appeared on numerous talk shows including the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and The View. Marjorie has won over 2,500 fair ribbons including over 1,000 blue ribbons and numerous sweepstakes ribbons.

"In 2007, she became the newest correspondent for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She brought her homemade cooking to such events as the MLB All-Star Game, the NBA All-Star Game, the Emmy Awards, and the Grammy Awards."

At this point, if I could meet some famous people, I would enjoy meeting Meryl Streep (actress/theater arts), Yo-Yo Ma (cellist, composer, and worked on the Silk Road Project), Sting (composer, songwriter, and performer), and Maya Angelou (poet). I'm sure there are more people who I would enjoy meeting, but at this point these are the ones who are at the top of my list.

Low-fat Zucchini Brownies

In an effort to introduce healthier food to our diet - as well as use a zucchini that was given to us - I found a recipe for low-fat zucchini brownies.


It is a very moist, low-fat chocolate brownie alternative that uses no oil or eggs. In addition to zucchini, the brownies also have some fruit: applesauce and bananas.

Although the original pin shows the recipe looking like a "traditional" brownies, the recipe turns out more like a moist sponge cake. Nonetheless, it is healthy dessert and a good alternative to some other desserts that we have made in the past.

Low-fat Zucchini Brownie

Note: this is not an overly-sweet brownie. So, if there are children who will be eating this recipe you may not want to tell them it's a brownie. It might be more well-received if it is called a cake.

Ingredients

1/2 cup applesauce
2 small or medium bananas mashed
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups finely shredded zucchini
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup walnut pieces (I didn't include these)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour an 9x13 inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, mix together the applesauce, mashed bananas and sugar. Add vanilla and cocoa and mix together. Then add baking soda, salt, and zucchini and mix together. Add flour and walnuts and mix together. Spread evenly into a prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes until brownies spring back when gently touched.

Number of Servings: 24

Toys from Childhood

Many years ago, my parents were cleaning their home and they passed along toys that I played with when I was a child.

Three of the stuffed animals I had when I was growing up:

a baby harp seal, teddy bear, and piglet wearing overalls.

They thought that the toys would be better off with me so that Sophia and Olivia could play with them, rather than sitting unused at their home.

Two of my stuffed animals that I had when I was growing up.

Both were ones I received when I was a teenager.

The mother cat holds the kitten with her velcro tongue. 

Some of the toys I have let the girls play with, while other toys and dolls are just for looking at and not for playing.

These toys are not for playing with:

the teddy bear I had when I was 1 year old and 

a doll that belonged to my grandma (on my mom's side).

The doll is one of only a few things I have that belonged to her.

She had a doll collection featuring different international dolls

in her dining room. I was always fascinated with it when I was a child.

They were dolls only to look at...not to touch.

I remember growing up that there were even some of my toys and dolls that I considered to be "hands off." The only thing, for example, that I did with my Madame Alexander doll was comb her hair and set her gently on the bed or shelf.

This is the Madame Alexander doll that I had on my bed or shelf.

The "off-limits" toys and dolls are few. There are more that I put out for the girls to play with when they were younger. It was nice seeing them enjoy some of the same things that I played with when I was a child.

A Care Bear and puppet that I had when I was a child.

I tried to keep the items I knew were more expensive and/or had special meaning in good condition.

This dog is actually a battery-operated radio.

I use to have her hair brushed out and 

she had a pink barrette on her head.

I would listen to the Mystery Theater on WCCO for many years 

(it was aired from 1974 to 1982) at night, 

often times falling asleep with the dog right next to my ear.

Taking care of my toys and dolls was important to me because I knew how hard my dad worked to provide for our family. (We lived on one income - a school social worker's salary which wasn't much in the 1960s-1980s.)

This French poodle with a red beret is one of the oldest toys I still own.

I would have had it back in the late 1960s...about 40 years ago.

I didn't want to break or destroy any toys because I didn't know if I would get another one. I took care of what I was given or gifted.

This mother and baby mouse was on my bed from the time 

I was about 6 or 7 years old until I headed off to college. 

On its underside is a space to put your pajamas in.

My grandpa and grandma (on my dad's side)

gave them to me when they visited one summer.

One doll I did play with often was Chrissy. Her hair could be long or short. To make it short, there was a knob on her back that you would twist. With each twist, her hair got shorter. To make her hair long, there was a button on her stomach. If you pressed it and held it in while grabbing on the ponytail and gently pulling it, her hair would "magically" grow.

Chrissy and her hair have seen better days.

I really should brush out her hair and make it look nice again.

I also remember playing with the Sunshine Family.

The Sunshine Family. 
I don't know what happened to the set we had when I was growing up.

Source

The Sunshine Family originally came with Steve (dad), Steffie (mom) and Baby Sweets. Grandma and Grandpa Sunshine were also sold separately from the "main" family.

Woman's Day, November 1975

My sister and I would make little things for the Sunshine Family for their house and a camper. (I think the camper was a Barbie one.) I remember making furniture from items around the house. I think the Sunshine Family was an environmentally-friendly, recycling, and resourceful family.

If the Sunshine Family dolls were around these days, they'd probably being doing the same things plus homeschooling their children and running their own home business. They were dolls that I could identify with back then (since my parents were eco-friendly, recycled, and started a natural foods co-op even before it was the "in" thing to do)...and still could these days if I were a child.

I think Sophia and Olivia would have enjoyed the Sunshine Family dolls when they were younger. The same interests that the doll family had reflect ones that we still believe in and do today.

So, although a lot of things change throughout the years with toys and dolls, some things do stand the test of time and are engaging and appealing even for children these days.

Favorite Things About Autumn

Some of my best memories of my favorite season -- autumn -- center around the outdoors. Seeing crops that are ready for harvesting is, for me, a sign that fall has arrived.

Field corn and pumpkins.

The corn was in the neighboring field, and 

the pumpkins were ones that we grew.

(Taken on October 8, 2007.)

I always enjoy seeing how happy the girls are when they are picking things that they planted.

Sophia with a pumpkin she picked in the field.

(Taken on October 3, 2009.)

When we're outside in the evening, it seems like the colors of the sunsets are more brilliant and have so many more shades of color than any other time of the year.

One of the pretty sunsets taken during autumn.

(Taken on September 22, 2011.)

The girls are always finding interesting things when they are outside in the fall - feathers, stones, and woolly bear caterpillars.

Sophia and Olivia holding woolly bear caterpillars.

(Taken on September 25, 2011.)

The changes leaves always capture my attention. The shades of orange and gold are my favorite.

Beautiful orange leaves in the fall.

(Taken on October 18, 2007.)

One of the things we always make sure we do each fall is open each of the milkweed pods and let the seeds float away. In that way, more milkweed plants grow in the spring. Because we started doing this many years ago, we now have milkweed growing throughout the farm...not just in one spot.

The girls were determined to open each milkweed pod.

They are 4 and 6 years old here, and 

on the nature trail in the west pasture.

(Taken on September 29, 2007.)

Autumn also means coming indoors at times, and celebrating the holidays with family. Since the girls were young, I would bring them to my mom and dad's home to have a special pre-Halloween lunch. 

Sophia and Olivia with my mom and dad

(their Papa and Nana) for a pre-Halloween lunch.

(Taken on October 28, 2009.)

My sister and brother plus their families as well as my family and I would meet on Halloween to enjoy dinner with my mom and dad. This was a time to have a meal together and show the children's costumes to my mom and dad. 

They always enjoyed seeing their grandchildren dressed up. I think it reminded them of when my sister, brother, and I were kids and we would have fun dressing up after a special dinner and go trick-or-treating around the neighborhood.

Sophia and Olivia with Papa and Nana.

This was the last Halloween we spent together as a family.

In 2011, Papa was in the nursing home because of Alzheimer's Disease; and

Nana had just returned home the day before after being

 hospitalized due to complications from diabetes.

(Taken on October 31, 2010.)

This year, autumn will be bittersweet...and a difficult one for me. During September, October, and November 2011, my dad's health declined greatly and there are several dates that stand out vividly in my mind as challenging ones: 

=> the day I had to tell my mom that my dad's needs exceeded what she or any health aide could provide at home for him; 

=> bringing my dad to the nursing home - and the emotional ride there and admittance process; 

=> the day my dad was hospitalized for two weeks; 

=> the day he no longer knew who I was; and 

=> the day we were told my dad needed to go on hospice care. 

These days will be made slightly easier by spending time outside...connecting with nature...and appreciating the beauty that surrounds me. 

Olivia climbing on the rocks that lined

a road in a park by the St. Croix River.

(Taken on October 7, 2010.)

These were things that my parents -- especially my dad -- valued. I know his love for nature, birds, and wildlife was passed onto me...and now I, in turn, can pass that same care for the environment onto Sophia and Olivia.

I am a Lister Because... - 30 Days of Lists - Day 1

One of the projects I'm doing for the next thirty days is 30 Days of Lists. 

I'll be doing this challenge as well as some of the prompts from the Autumn Blog Challenge as a way to create some legacy gifts for Sophia and Olivia. 

Both the girls have been interested in what I write and create in the Take a Stitch Tuesday journal I'm keeping this year, so I began writing specifically for them back in June through the Summer Blog Challenge. 

The 30 Days of Lists is a more visual, quicker way to write my thoughts. The entries I'll be doing for the Autumn Blog Challenge will have more pictures that will tie into what I write (just like I did for the Summer Blog Challenge) - in contrast to the 30 Days of Lists which will not have photographs on the pages the book itself.

The first prompt is "I am a Lister Because..." and here's what my pages look like:

If my reading isn't legible, this is what I wrote:

=> It keeps me focused and moving forward.

=> I can use lots of different colors of markers.

=> If I go to a grocery store without one, I'll end up leaving with things I don't need.

=> Lists help me remember everything I need to do.

=> I like to see things crossed off a list.

=> With parenting, caregiving, taking care of pets, homeschooling, and running a home, I need to keep everything running smoothly. 

=> I can look back on lists I've kept and remember a particular time of my life.

=> It gives me a sense of accomplishment.

100 Days to a Better Me

From today - September 1st - until December 9th, I have been inspired to follow the lead of Amy at Confessions of a Messy Mama to do "100 Days to a Better Me." Each person's journey and goals are different.

Concurrent with 100 Days to a Better Me, I am part of the Strong.Fit.Fab group. Although many of the participants are using Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred, it is not recommended for people who have degenerative disk disease. So, I'll be doing other physical activities during this time period.

I'll also be working on activities that seem most pressing at this time for me and are a continuation of what I have been working on during this pivotal year in my life. (After my father's death on January 5th this year, I have made many changes and improvements in my life.):

Health - Food and Fitness
- For the next 100 days, eat three servings of fruit or vegetables every day.
- For the next 100 days, get at least twenty minutes of daily exercise.
- For the next 100 days, instead of 2 cans of Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi, drink only 1 can. (Ultimately, the goal is to not drink any pop. When the year began, I was drinking 3-4 cans per day, so I have cut my consumption in half - after drinking pop daily for 28 years.)

Self-Improvement/Education
- Make it a point to learn at least one new thing each day: the name of a flower that grows in the garden, the capital of a country in the Eastern Hemisphere, a Greek root word, or how to use an ingredient in a recipe that I've never used before. If it’s time for bed and I can’t identify anything I've learned that day, look up a word in the dictionary that I don't know.
- Homeschool 5-6 days each week, and take one day off to ensure I don't burn out from teaching.

Organization and Home Maintenance
- Declutter one area in the home. It can be as small as a drawer or as large as a closet. (Spend an average of 15 minutes per day on this project or 105 minutes per week.)
- Work on the list of items that need to be done to address water damage. Do at least 10 items on the list (there are 74 projects) over the next 100 days.

Spiritual Growth
- For the next 100 days, make a point of doing some form of prayer each day in preparation of and during the Wellspring program which begins at the end of September.

Caring for and Connecting with Others
- For the next 100 days, actively look for something positive in each person in my family every day, and write it down. Use these for Christmas gifts.
- Continue participating in the 3 in 30 Challenge as a way to stay accountable for setting three goals per month and reaching them.
- Begin participating in the 30 Days of Lists and Autumn Blog Challenge as a way to continue writing daily, and giving Sophia and Olivia an insight what I believe, enjoy, and think. (This began on June 1st with the Summer Blog Challenge since they are always curious as to what I write in my Take a Stitch Tuesday journal.) I won't be doing both of these each day, rather I'll pick and choose which ones I want to do.
- Complete the 12 in 12 Challenge that Sophia, Olivia, and I are doing by December 12, 2012 (12-12-12).
- Continue with Foodie Penpals as a way to introduce others and myself to healthy food options.

Creative Expression
- Continue with Take a Stitch Tuesday; and do a weekly journal entry which includes the stitch of the week, personal reflection, and gratitude list.
- Continue with the Embroidery Journal Project and do one embroidered quilt square for each month (September, October, November, and December).
- Complete Coloring Mandalas - For Insight, Healing, and Self-Expression. I have 25 mandalas left to color. That works out to doing one about every four days.


Financial
- Don’t buy anything that I don’t absolutely need for 100 days. Use any money I save to do one of the following:
=> Pay down debt.
=> Put it toward a six-month emergency fund.
=> Put it toward a car to replace the one with 214,000+ miles on it.


(Some of the ideas are from 60 Small Ways to Improve Your Life in the Next 100 Days)

To help me, I have a chart that I created specifically for this challenge. In this way, I can keep track of how I am doing, and make sure I'm moving forward with my goals.

P52 Photo Challenge - Endless Summer - Week 35

The theme this week "Endless Summer" reminds me of the hot weather that has once again reappeared during these last few days of August and beginning of September.

There was a reprieve from the high humidity and triple-digit temperatures a couple of weeks ago which was so nice. Now, summer has returned and doesn't want to let go.

One of the traditional signs of the end of summer and transition to autumn is the Minnesota State Fair. After not going for several years, we went this past week...in 87 degree weather. It is going to be one of the coolest days of the week.

The girls had fun going on the giant slide.

Olivia and Sophia screaming and laughing 

as they went down the giant slide.

We enjoyed watching the sheep being unloaded from a trailer, and then seeing them run throughout the barn aisles to get to their pens.

A giant safety pin in the covering over one of the sheep.

And, the girls' favorite part of the fair: seeing the horses...especially those getting ready for shows.

One of the Clydesdale horses relaxing 

as she was being prepped for a show. 

She had bows on her tail and on her mane.

We are already thinking about next year at the Minnesota State Fair; and what we want to see and do. If it's anything like this year, it will be a lot of fun!