Polar Bear Cookies

Simon has been learning all about winter and the arctic at school this month. To reinforce that, we have tried a few winter crafts and recipes. This week we made polar bear cookies. I found the idea here but modified it because the original ingredients don't work (three Hershey's kisses on an Oreo will not fit well).

We broke three Oreo cookies in half and placed the icing covered sides on our plate. Then, Simon gave them mini-marshmallow ears by smashing the marshmallows down in the icing. He added two chocolate chips for eyes and one for a nose. The results were cute, and he had done it all himself!

While Simon was eating his creations, we read two books featuring polar bears. First, God Gave Us You. This is the story of a mother polar bear explaining to her cub how parents anticipate the birth of a child.

Second, we read On the Night You Were Born. In this beautifully illustrated book, the whole world rejoices at the birth of a baby. Simon adores this book and is convinced it was written about him. Who am I to tell him otherwise? ;)

With my baby on the way, Simon has needed to be reassured that his arrival was also greatly anticipated - that just as much fuss was made over him. Add a bit of chocolate to that, and you have some great togetherness time. 

Preschool Stash

One of the stresses of being pregnant has been the worry that I am not spending as much quality time with Simon as I need to. We still spend time together, and I make sure that Stone or I read him at least six books every day, but there are times at the end of the day when I think, "What else did I do with him today that was real, quality time?" I feel like too much of that quality time has been lost, first to me having to rest and -since I am feeling well - to my mad cleaning and baby preparations.

This weekend, I came up with a partial solution that I am calling "Simon's Stash". I bought a cheap, small laundry basket at the Dollar Tree and filled it with all kinds of brain enriching activities. My goal is to do at least one activity with Simon per day.

On Sunday, the basket contained the following:
1. A box of Jello for us to make together
2. A Ziplock bag containing a matching game cut from HighFive magazine
3. A 25 piece puzzle
4. A Ziplock bag containing all of the supplies for snow paint
5. A Ziplock bag containing all of the supplies for a toilet paper roll shepherd
6. A Ziplock bag containing coloring pages and crayons
7. A Ziplock bag containing preschool worksheets and a writing utensil
8. A Ziplock bag containing Play Doh and some Play Doh tools

Here is the basic plan for the basket:
I will offer Simon some Stash time every day. He can choose whatever activity he wants. If we have time, and he feels like it, we can do more than one activity. Reusable (Play Doh, puzzle, matching game, etc.) will stay in the box for one calendar week. Single use items (coloring pages, crafts, etc.) will be replaced as they are used.

Each item in the box correlates to one of our state standards for three year olds.
1. Jello - Cognitive/Social Emotional: Social Studies: Human Interactions/Cultures: Develops growing awareness of jobs and what is required to perform them.
2. Matching Game - Social and Emotional Development: Approaches to Learning: Cooperation: Engages in cooperative play with other children. (Okay, I am not other children, but we still take turns.)
3. Puzzle - Cognitive Development: Early Literacy: Whole-Part Relationship: Completes puzzles of 4 to 10 pieces. 
4.  Snow Paint - Cognitive Development: Science: Physical Science: Begins to participate in simple investigations to test observations.
5. TP Shepherd - Social and Emotional Development: Approaches to Learning: Self Control: Gains control over impulses. (Simon has to wait to play with his TP person until the glue dries). 
6. Coloring sheets - Cognitive/Social Development: Creative Arts: Art: Scribbles and paints.
7. Worksheets - Cognitive Development: Early Literacy: Visual Discrimination: Can discriminate which pictured objects are alike or different based on color, shape, size, and number.
8. Play Doh - Cognitive/Social-Emotional Development: Creative Arts: Art: Uses a variety of art materials for tactile experience and exploration.

So far, Simon's Stash is working well. His eyes lit up when I showed it to him, and Simon's Stash time has been a daily treat. He is loving the choices and the knowledge that we will have structured time together at the end of the day. I am going to bed knowing that I have spent time bonding with him and nurturing his brain.

Speaking of which, since he has been patiently sitting beside me and reading to himself for the last few minutes, it is Stash time!

Back and BIG

Here I am - back again. On this blog, which has been largely devoted to healthy eating and weight loss, I should start by saying that in the time I have been absent from blogging, I have gained A TON of weight. In fact, my belly is ridiculously large. Which leads me to my next confession....

I have been absent from blogging for a few months because I have been doing a different kind of cooking - the making-a-human-being-in-my-belly kind. I am five months pregnant. My first few months were incredibly difficult, complete with plethora ultrasounds, scary medical words, and an ER visit I hope never to repeat. I wasn't quite ready to tell everyone in the blogosphere what was going on because I really couldn't explain my weird cooking habits without explaining my pregnancy and I couldn't stand the thought of having to tell everyone if I lost the baby.

Thankfully - more thankfully than I can express - the hemorrhage that was causing me so much trouble has resolved and the doctor says that my baby boy is healthy and well. He certainly feels healthy and well - he kicks so hard it takes my breath! I love every kick.

So, I am back. Now, my blogs may veer from food to working motherhood from time to time, but I know you will be patient with me. I have missed you all and can't wait to catch up.

Missing the Blog - Graham Cracker Sand

"I am so busy with all of this stuff...I haven't even blogged!"
"Do you miss blogging?"
"Yes! Blogging is important to me. I haven't even cooked real food, so I don't have any food to blog about."

This was a conversation I had early today re: teaching, selling AVON, helping with a fundraiser, family obligations, and generally losing my mind. I miss this blog!!!! So, I decided that even if I don't have a fab recipe to share with you, I can at least post something.

So...here is a pic of a cake I made for a birthday recently. I have no cake decorating expertise, obviously. What I was happy with was the technique of using pulverized graham crackers as sand. The texture was fabulous and the taste actually added to the cake. I highly recommend making a beach cake with graham cracker sand:)

Now...my plan is to seriously get back to blogging. I miss you guys...I miss cooking. It's time to return!

Off the Edge of the Earth

I know that you probably think I have fallen off the edge of the earth. I swear to you that I haven't. I just completely underestimated the amount of time it would take to get back into school, start a new second job, and plan two giant parties all at the same time. I have barely had time to breathe - I haven't read a single page of a book or cooked something just for myself or gone for a walk for two weeks! It's been epically insane. Tonight I decided that I must blog, even if it is just to tell you that I am not dead.

Here is a bit of cooking. There is not a recipe, as I used a mix, but the idea was quite cute. You can see the directions by clicking here. I baked this cake for my nephew on his last day at his old school (he is a big boy in proper preschool now). Each of the kids is decorated to represent one of his classmates.

Next step is to catch up on all of your lovely blogs:)

Gingery Butternut Squash and Tofu Curry

When I saw this recipe in Health magazine, I was anxious to try it. I love butternut squash but had never thought of putting it in a curry. I adjusted the recipe to use a mix of spices instead of the curry sauce that was called for and was very pleased with the result. Next time I make it, I will be leaving out the tofu. I didn't do an adequate job of soaking up the spices and tasted like an off note to me. However, not everyone who tried the dish agreed with that assessment, so I am sharing the recipe with the tofu for all of the tofu lovers.

Gingery Butternut Squash and Tofu Curry
2 tsp olive oil
20 oz cubed butternut squash
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 cup light coconut milk
1/2 cup water
4 oz tofu, patted dry
1/2 lb broccoli, cut into 1 inch pieces

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and spices. Cook until onions are transparent. Add squash and continue cooking until squash begins to soften (about 10 minutes).
2. Combine coconut milk and water, whisking well. Place tofu in the saucepan; add milk mixture. Cover pot and simmer until squash is tender (about 7 minutes).
3. Remove lid. Add broccoli; simmer until tender (about 5 minutes).
5. Yields 4 servings, each serving plus 3/4 cup rice contains 291 calories

Stewed Collard Greens and White Beans

Two things very Southern: greens; white beans. Combining them: genius. This recipe that I adapted from the geniuses at Living Simple magazine is an instant family favorite.

Stewed Collard Greens and White Beans
12 oz dry cannellini beans
2 tsp chili oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 bunch collard greens (about 2 lbs) stems removed and leaves cut into 3 inch thick strips
1 3-4 inch piece Parmesan rind
7 cups water
coarse salt
2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1. Cover beans with 3 inches of water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cover for one hour. Drain.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Saute onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes until tender, about 4 minutes.
3. Add collard greens in batches, stirring until wilted. Add beans, Parmesan rind, and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until beans and greens are tender, about 1 hr 20 minutes.
4. Season with salt and vinegar.
5. Yields 6 servings; each serving 350 calories

I am having a busy week getting my Avon business set up. Visiting your blogs is a great, relaxing, just for me activity in which I am about to indulge. Shannon mentioned that Avon sells great bubble bath - indeed they do. They even have Gourmand bubble bath just for us foodies; it comes in Berries and Cream, Chocolate Cherry Cake, and Caramel Truffle (click if you want to see for yourself:) As a disclaimer, I get to tell you that I am an independent Avon representative.