I have been tinkering with brownie recipes ever since I found out I was sensitive to gluten. This one is by far the best!
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
5 T unsweetened cocoa powder
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 t. sea salt
2 eggs
1/2 c. almond flour
1/4 c. coconut flour
optional chocolate chips (we added) and/or nuts
Mix all in a bowl, spread into an 8x8 pan, put in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Cool, cut and serve!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Paradigm Shift
My husband and I have always used what is termed, "positive discipline", in modern parenting books. Having said that, let me also say that we are not perfect and have resorted to other (er, negative) methods when we were at the end of our rope. Generally though, we have tried anything but the infliction of pain. We believe that it sets a poor example and we feel it was used on us (as children) out of frustration, not thoughtful redirection.
However, our oldest son has been saying, "no more punishments!" (such as getting his Legos taken away or time to himself in his room) for awhile now. And, we had been reluctant (but still open) to try it. We want to teach our children to recognize, express and manage their feelings on their own. We believe this skill will enable them to handle whatever life throws at them as they become more independent.
Then, in church on Sunday, inspiration struck (it happens!) and my husband and I discussed "no more punishments!" when we got home and implemented it that day. Since then, my children aren't fighting back. They are doing things when asked and without being asked. They are being more thoughtful. We say that it is "OK to be angry; but, it is not OK to be mean". They aren't being AS mean. I don't know where this will go or how long it will last; but, I like this new direction. We are open. The most amazing things come from our children.
However, our oldest son has been saying, "no more punishments!" (such as getting his Legos taken away or time to himself in his room) for awhile now. And, we had been reluctant (but still open) to try it. We want to teach our children to recognize, express and manage their feelings on their own. We believe this skill will enable them to handle whatever life throws at them as they become more independent.
Then, in church on Sunday, inspiration struck (it happens!) and my husband and I discussed "no more punishments!" when we got home and implemented it that day. Since then, my children aren't fighting back. They are doing things when asked and without being asked. They are being more thoughtful. We say that it is "OK to be angry; but, it is not OK to be mean". They aren't being AS mean. I don't know where this will go or how long it will last; but, I like this new direction. We are open. The most amazing things come from our children.
Friday, February 3, 2012
One of My Greatest Joys
This morning, my youngest son awoke long before 6 and wanted to get up; so, I did. We came downstairs in the pitch black so that we did not wake up anyone else. Then, we sat on the sofa and snuggled (which he usually resists); and, soon he was back to sleep. I was afraid to move and wake him; but, I got comfortable and watched him sleep until the sun and everyone else awoke.
That is one of my greatest joys...to marvel at my children sleeping...to be able to comfort them and hold them in my arms. I love them dearly.
When he roused again, he happily popped up and said, "Where's my brother?". Maybe he was playing with his brother in his dreams.
That is one of my greatest joys...to marvel at my children sleeping...to be able to comfort them and hold them in my arms. I love them dearly.
When he roused again, he happily popped up and said, "Where's my brother?". Maybe he was playing with his brother in his dreams.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Forgiveness Fell on Me
I had been reading about the process of forgiveness. I was working through some things for which I did not know I had to forgive my father. I was upset with both my parents; but, my father is the one living with me...the one in my care...the one I see every day...the one whom I have now forgiven.
There was no process. No working through it.
Some advice rattled around my head, though. I read, "Forgiveness is about you. It is not about them." I know/knew my dad is/was not capable of even recognizing the need, let alone remembering the deeds (I believe that is good...now). In case you don't remember, my dad had a stroke in 2008, which left him with very little memory of the last 30 years...and, dementia. How could I not have already forgiven him? I felt awful. Then, forgiveness fell on me.
I watched my dad have a "mini-stroke". That was awful. I was scared--not sure if it was for me or for him. I may have been thinking, "how could I let him die without forgiving him?" I was not conscious of those thoughts. I was too busy yelling out to my unresponsive father that I love him...while crying...and, yelling for my husband to call the paramedics.
My dad has been home for a little over a week. It has been hard; but, yesterday, I felt happy. It must be relief from not carrying around that baggage anymore. Thank you, God.
There was no process. No working through it.
Some advice rattled around my head, though. I read, "Forgiveness is about you. It is not about them." I know/knew my dad is/was not capable of even recognizing the need, let alone remembering the deeds (I believe that is good...now). In case you don't remember, my dad had a stroke in 2008, which left him with very little memory of the last 30 years...and, dementia. How could I not have already forgiven him? I felt awful. Then, forgiveness fell on me.
I watched my dad have a "mini-stroke". That was awful. I was scared--not sure if it was for me or for him. I may have been thinking, "how could I let him die without forgiving him?" I was not conscious of those thoughts. I was too busy yelling out to my unresponsive father that I love him...while crying...and, yelling for my husband to call the paramedics.
My dad has been home for a little over a week. It has been hard; but, yesterday, I felt happy. It must be relief from not carrying around that baggage anymore. Thank you, God.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Why Homeschooling?
Besides following what was in my heart, the biggest reason we began homeschooling was so that we can experience life--together. There are so many moments every day I am so grateful to share with my family.
My husband works so much right now, we try to make it special when he comes home for lunch.
My boys are cultivating and nourishing the most important friendship they'll ever have--with each other.
They have time to learn about their interests, too. My oldest is taking piano lessons during the day, when he is most receptive.
It is a joy teaching my oldest how to read and helping him practice writing, exploring his creativity, nurturing his imagination. We try to speak Spanish one day/week at home--we are all learning (except my fluent husband, of course!).
We get to go on field trips. We get to explore nature, our world. We plan to travel as often as we can--especially to Mexico. Hopefully, someday to Poland, Germany and Ireland--my heritage.
I feel good about homeschooling every day. I pray that we can continue to experience life together--making mistakes, finding our way, enjoying every minute.
My husband works so much right now, we try to make it special when he comes home for lunch.
My boys are cultivating and nourishing the most important friendship they'll ever have--with each other.
They have time to learn about their interests, too. My oldest is taking piano lessons during the day, when he is most receptive.
It is a joy teaching my oldest how to read and helping him practice writing, exploring his creativity, nurturing his imagination. We try to speak Spanish one day/week at home--we are all learning (except my fluent husband, of course!).
We get to go on field trips. We get to explore nature, our world. We plan to travel as often as we can--especially to Mexico. Hopefully, someday to Poland, Germany and Ireland--my heritage.
I feel good about homeschooling every day. I pray that we can continue to experience life together--making mistakes, finding our way, enjoying every minute.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Forgiveness
I am on a journey. I have often felt it is hardest to forgive myself for mistakes, misgivings and wrongdoings. But, right now, I am struggling with forgiving a family member for things I did not even know still hurt.
During this process, I am not being very nice or respectful. And, I am in a cycle. Not stuck, exactly...but, I am finding it hard to forgive myself for how I am treating this person right now because of the things they did long ago (that I am still working to forgive and FORGET!). Forgetting is really the key. You can't truly forgive, until you forget, I have found. You can't forget until you work through and come to terms with all the feelings you have!
I am grateful to be on this journey with some support. I have my church that provides a community that explores all kinds of questions, answers and hypotheses. I have my husband. I have my friends that listen. I have my sister. I have my aunts. This support helps to keep me from getting wrapped up in my head. It's a journey.
During this process, I am not being very nice or respectful. And, I am in a cycle. Not stuck, exactly...but, I am finding it hard to forgive myself for how I am treating this person right now because of the things they did long ago (that I am still working to forgive and FORGET!). Forgetting is really the key. You can't truly forgive, until you forget, I have found. You can't forget until you work through and come to terms with all the feelings you have!
I am grateful to be on this journey with some support. I have my church that provides a community that explores all kinds of questions, answers and hypotheses. I have my husband. I have my friends that listen. I have my sister. I have my aunts. This support helps to keep me from getting wrapped up in my head. It's a journey.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Now, Two Cars, Two ipods
From November 2010 through June 2011, we were a one-car family. It did not seem hard while we were doing it; but, with my dad living with us since July, we are so grateful to have two cars again. We are most grateful to have friends that offered to sell us their used car. It has worked out well.
We had also been a one-ipod family for a few years now. But, our second CD player broke and I could not listen to any of my music without a lot of hassle. So, we now have 2 ipods, too. And, I love having my music on my own ipod!
We still have just one computer, though...and, that takes some juggling (with my husband who often uses it for work, with my kids who are becoming more computer literate, and with my household needs and desire to write). But, I don't see us getting another computer for awhile yet.
We are grateful for the things we have; but, the more things we have, the more responsibility. So, I am happy with our "assets" right now but, more so, with our life.
We had also been a one-ipod family for a few years now. But, our second CD player broke and I could not listen to any of my music without a lot of hassle. So, we now have 2 ipods, too. And, I love having my music on my own ipod!
We still have just one computer, though...and, that takes some juggling (with my husband who often uses it for work, with my kids who are becoming more computer literate, and with my household needs and desire to write). But, I don't see us getting another computer for awhile yet.
We are grateful for the things we have; but, the more things we have, the more responsibility. So, I am happy with our "assets" right now but, more so, with our life.
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