Healthy Snack: Baked Broccoli

A few weeks ago I baked broccoli for the first time. The kids loved it. Understand, my kids are not vegetable fans. Jasmine will eat broccoli, but the others grumble. There was no grumbling about the baked broccoli.

We tried it two different ways. 

First:

Raw broccoli rinsed. Allow time to dry. It doesn't cook well if it's wet.

Garlic cloves--however much you want. Your guess depending on your preference. After chopping real garlic cloves a few times, I started cheating and buying it in the jar. 

Salt 

Pepper

Olive oil -- 2T to 1/4 cup depending on how much broccoli you have

Put all ingredients in a large bag or bowl and shake.

Bake in a single layer on a cookie sheet at 400F for 15-20

minutes

You can shake it in a bag.

Or mix it in a bowl. This bowl has a lid, so we shook it.

Second:

Raw broccoli rinsed and dried

1/4 olive oil

1-2 t garlic powder or fresh garlic

2T brown sugar

1-2T lemon juice

1/2-1t cayenne pepper

salt 

pepper

Put all ingredients in a large bag or bowl and shake.

Bake in a single layer on a cookie sheet at 400F for 15-20

minutes

Anyone else have a baked broccoli recipe or any other healthy snack ideas?

Planning the Perfect Birthday Bash

     Does the thought of entertaining ten preschool children send you into a panic? How about ten preteen boys? Planning the perfect birthday party can unnerve the most organized of parents. Here are some ideas that will help you plan that special day without feeling overly stressed.

What kind of party?

     The first step in planning your party is to know what you want. There are numerous options for both at-home parties and parties held elsewhere. Think through these things:

·         Decide if the party will be at home or away. If you have a small house or it isn't child or teen proof, you may want to have the party at the gymnastics facility, pizza place, skating rink, or bowling alley. If you have a big yard where you can have a cookout or set up games, you might want to host the party yourself. Have a back up plan in case of rain.

·         Set the number of guests to be invited. How many children do you want to invite? Some parents use the rule of one child per candle on the cake. Others invite the whole school class. Decide how many children your budget and your nerves can handle.

·         Determine how much you can spend. Parties at pizza places, skating rinks and other places run from $10-$15 a party goer. You can spend up to $30 a child at Build-a-Bear if you opt for each child to get a stuffed animal with an outfit. That adds up fast if you invite many children. The good news is that the cost may include everything -- cake, entertainment, and a party bag. If you have an at home party you may want to rent a bouncy house or something similar. That would cost you $75-100 for the afternoon, but you could invite as many children as you wanted and the cost for the bouncy house wouldn't change. Don't forget to figure the cost of food, cake, and party bags for at home parties. Avoid the urge to go all out for your child's party. Children can have just as much fun playing games and eating cake and ice cream as they would at a more elaborate party.

·         Decide on the theme. Let your child help you plan. For younger children, pick a theme and plan simple games around the theme. If you choose a Blues Clues theme, make everything blue. Pin the tail on a blue dog. Play games with blue balloons. For an around the world party, have the children come dressed as though they were from another country. Make cardboard passports and provide stickers for different countries. Party goodies could be souvenirs from each country -- plastic sunglasses for the USA, fans for Asia and so on.  Make the cake to look like a globe. Older children might want a theme based on a reality show or a mystery to solve.

·         Keep the party short. For preschool children, an hour and a half is long enough. Plan parties for the morning before nap time. School aged parties shouldn't be more than three hours long unless you're planning a slumber party.

Planning.

     You can begin planning once you know what kind of party you want to have.

·         Once you've decided on the number of guests, the budget, and the theme, make a shopping list. What food, party favors, and place settings do you need? What do you need for games? What will go in the party bags? Make your first stop the dollar store. You can often find the same items as you would at a party shop.

·         Line up any entertainment. Ask for and check references before hiring a magician, clown or otherwise. The cheapest entertainment isn't always the best. The most expensive one may not be the best, either. Find out who other moms have used.

·          If you're having the party away from home, book your party well in advance. You may get a better deal if you have the party Monday-Thursday rather than on the weekend.

·         Consider hiring a teen or two to help with a party for younger children. They can help supervise games, serve refreshments, and trouble shoot. Parents may also volunteer to stay and help.

·         Plan plenty of short games. Plan more than you think you'll need in case a game goes more quickly than you expect or flops. Have a favorite video ready for extra time.

·         Make sure the invitation gives all the important details and that you invite everyone that you intend to. Follow up with phone calls if you feel it necessary.

·         Have a few extra treats in case someone shows up that you didn't plan on. A parent may forget to RSVP, or a sibling may tag along. A prize may get broken or a cupcake dropped.

·         If you don't know all the children personally, check ahead for food allergies. Nothing is worse than having a four-year-old come to a party and not be able to eat the cake or drink the koolaid.

Party Day.

     Now that the big day is here, there are a few final things to do.

·         Don't worry about having a spotless house. Children don't care if the bathroom is sparkling or the carpet freshly steam cleaned. They're there for the fun and treats. Just tidy up and save your energy for the party.

·         Pick up the cake early. Check that you have enough treats, plastic silverware, plates and so on.

·         Be flexible and plan for the unexpected. Keep a sense of humor. The point of the party is to have fun, not to have everything perfect. Someone will spill koolaid. A plastic prize will get stepped on and broken. Deal with it and move on.

·         Have a video playing or a craft set out to entertain early guests.

·         Open the gifts at the party and have the birthday child thank everyone. You might want to take pictures of your child with each gift giver and the gift they brought. Print the photos out and send the picture home with a quick thank you written on it.

·         Have a final fun send off activity for the party goers to do until they're picked up.

Party ideas for children:

Magicians, clowns, other entertainers - These are usually a hit, but don't hire anyone  without meeting them first and checking references.

Art/Craft Parties - You can purchase simple crafts supplies and kits for home, or pay for a certain number of children to make a project at a craft store.

Cooking Parties - This can be as simple as decorating cupcakes or as elaborate as preparing specialty food together.

Live Animal Parties - Meet at the zoo or hire someone to bring the animals to you. Check references and safety issues ahead.

Science Parties - Get a book of simple science experiments and set them up around the kitchen or bathroom. Turn the geniuses loose.

Storybook/dress up parties - Either have little ones come dressed in a certain theme -- favorite character, prince or princess, zoo animal -- or have dress up clothes available. Take pictures on a digital camera or Polaroid that you can send home with them.

Gymnastics, Bowling, Swimming, or Skating Parties - Unless you're set up for this at home, you'll have to pay to have the party at a facility.

Tea Parties - Tea parties and teddy bear tea parties are popular for the youngest party goers. School age girls sometimes enjoy a more formal tea party fashioned after an adult affair.

Detective Parties - School age children will enjoy finding clues and solving a mystery -- especially if it results in treats at the end.

Party ideas for preteens

Crafts parties - More elaborate crafts such as ceramics or pottery can be done at home or at a craft shop.

Sports facility parties- Gymnastics, swimming, roller skating, ice skating, and bowling parties can be hosted at the appropriate facility.

Makeover parties - Hire a beautician to come to your house and give make up and hair styling tips. Get parental permission before making permanent changes to hair.

Sleep over parties - Limit it to one gender. Provide lots of snacks and appropriate videos, and let them make their own fun.

Hired entertainment - This age group is harder to please than the younger group so make sure bands, magicians or other entertainers are familiar with what preteens like and want.

Scavenger Hunt - Divide into teams and give each team a list of items to find. Have prizes for winners and losers alike.

Video arcades or other entertainment complexes - Video games, laser tag, simulations or virtual reality games are a big hit with the guys but can empty your pockets in a hurry. Save this for a special birthday.

Special trip - Trips to a special event or sight seeing place offer a change of pace for older children. 

Teen Birthday Party Idea: Escape Games

It's sometimes hard to plan a great birthday party for teens. They are too old for bouncy houses, and bowling and skating parties have become too boring. You might be lucky enough to have a great recreation center that has the newest games as well as indoor soccer, Nerf games or something like that and then it's easier.

If you have an Escape Game nearby, you may have it made. It's $26 a person here, but the limit is 8 people, so your child would have to limit the guest list and keep you from going totally broke. Then you just need to go to a nearby fast food place for drinks and a cake.


I thought about doing it next February for Jasmine's 16th birthday, but decided to try it out. Here's our experience:

A couple of weeks ago I decided it was time to do something with our older kids. So I booked my husband, myself and four of our children to do an Escape Game. It's called "The Attic."

Here's the description:

A long time ago a young lady and a gentleman fell madly in love, and they made plans to be married.  On the day of the wedding, however, the young gentleman was nowhere to be found.  The young bride to be was never able to move passed that day, and everyday for the rest of her life she would retreat into the attic wearing her wedding dress to surround herself with things that reminded her of her long lost love.  The Attic was her sanctuary, but after a while it became her cage.  Finally, on the day of her death she locked herself in the attic, and her soul never escaped.  It is your responsibility to follow the clues, and help free her lost soul!

Here are some pictures taken with my phone before we went in.
(You can't take pictures in the room.)

This is the lobby

Jessica signing the waiver. 

Waiting

The guy who works there explaining how it works. You are locked in a room where you look for clues for how to get out. He gave us the clipboard he was holding to write down notes. 

They were really ready to go.

 We went into the room, and the guy locked the door and started the one-hour timer. There were lots of objects around the room. Some of them had numbers and letter on them. Together they gave us the clues to open locked boxes with other clues. It was a bit complicated because there were multiple codes to break, and the guy gave us some clues on a monitor to help us when we got stuck.

When we escaped that room, we were in yet another room! That one had its only set of clues, but less complicated. So we were able to get out  with six minutes to spare!

Has anyone else done an Escape game?

Anyone have another great idea for teen birthday parties? 

One Family's Story: The Privilege of Home Schooling- Being Together

I asked on my last blog post for readers to share how they school their children and why. Dawn Wright of  Are These Kids All Yours was willing to share why she home schools. She has a very unique family in that all nine of her children are adopted. Here is her story in her own words.

The Privilege of Homeschooling- Being Together

 First I am going to say this because unless you know me you may be thinking- well I happen to think public school is fine or I am public school teacher.  I AM NOT AGAINST YOU!  You do work that is beyond necessary it is the fabric of our society!  I pray for you and your students!  I am not anti public or private schools, but I am pro our homeschool.

The above picture is one of the main reasons why we homeschool- I love that our family gets to spend so much time together!  We get to do math, hiking, reading, playing, outdoor exploring, chores, English, watching movies, spelling, Lego competitions, lessons of real life spending, saving, and giving, creative writing, history, and everything is all rolled into one.

Now some argue that for this reason they couldn't do it.  I will be honest as it is not always easy of course.  There are times when we wear on each other or step on that last nerve.  We are not perfect and our home is not quiet.  However, we have memories galore good, hard, and everything in between.

Relationships and facing the ups and downs together is not easy.  It would be great to escape and Jason and I have to guard our time together as well as individual time to get rest and retreat.  This includes date nights, Jason takes time to refill and so do I as well throughout the week.

 I love that our routine can include a family day.  A day every week where we can all say no to staying at home and just go out and play.  We usually go to the theme park for the day- convenience and more cost efficient when you live very close to all the theme parks here.  Sometimes we go to a state park, play board games all day, or go shopping as a family.  Hopefully we will get started in doing some camping soon too (we got camping gear for Christmas).

 We don't have to worry about what is being taught to our children.  We get to choose the curriculum, and divide the time between subjects the way we want.  We have the privilege of seeing our children grow and learn daily and be a part of that.  We run errands together and don't stress that they have appointments at different times.  We can school around that.

HA!  We even homeschool year round because I happen to like staying inside some of those super hot days in the summer.  It also allows us to focus on different things at different times of the year.  Let's be honest- we have several learning struggles in our home from ADHD, dyslexia, auditory processing issues, sensory processing issues, and everything in between.  However, we can completely tailor everything we do to help our children as we school together.

 I get to encourage my children in their learning throughout the day.  I get to see when and how they are making progress.  I also see the struggles up close.  It allows me to be "all in" and do my own research into how to help them and encourage them more.

 We get to talk about world issues, community issues, and even our own family issues in real ways.  It does allow us to protect them from a lot as well, but not in the way most people think about.  It allows us to wait until their age is appropriate to share with them about things, but we do have real talks around the table about tough issues as well.  We are not here to completely shelter our children, but to prepare them for life through the lens of a relationship with Christ.

 Let's be honest the field trips are great too!

 It is something that started out as a necessity as our camp ministry life was so busy on weekends and summers we would practically never see our children.  Before we were married we talked that if it was at all possible one of us should stay home with our children.  It was a conscience decision that we both felt strongly about.  We wanted to spend time with our children and be there for them as our parents had done for us.

Is it easy?  Does it all get done every day?  Is it perfect?  Do we always enjoy it?  The answers are a resounding no.

Every time Jason and I speak about it though our hearts come back to the huge privilege we have.  The privilege of bonding as a family, doing projects together, teaching in and out of the "classroom", creating fun memories, and being able to be there for our children.  So even though it isn't perfect it is ours- together!

Please leave questions and comments for Dawn in the comment section.

Your Child's Education

You'll notice that I have a poll along the side of the blog asking where your child receives his/her education. That is because I'm working on some articles about different education options.

I'd love to hear from parents about education choices.
What kind of school does your child attend or how is your child educated?
How did you make that choice?
Has your choice differed between children. If so, why?
Has your choice for your child changed through the years?
What factors do you consider when choosing?
How much are you involved at your child's school?
What else would you like to say about education?

I attended public school until sixth grade. Then I went to a Christian school. I went to a Christian college also. My masters was split between Indiana University South Bend and The University of North Dakota. I have a masters of education with a reading specialty, but I really don't have much experience in the classroom. Part of that is due to moving so often when my husband was in the Air Force, so I'm not certified anywhere and part of it is because the classroom has changed so much that it's not fun. I am very much a hands on person, and you can't really teach that way anymore. I taught in two Christian schools and substitute taught for several years. My real passion is children's literature, so I probably should have been a librarian! I like connecting kids with books they'll want to read. I'd like to write that kind of books too!

My children were in public schools in several systems. A couple of my children spent a year in an English school when they were small. Since moving to the Florida panhandle, different children have been in public, Christian, a computer based charter school, and a tradition charter school.

Each year we look at each child's needs and decide the best place for them. For instance, our charter high school is a good school with great opportunities for the kids in marine biology,  medical fields and technology. But it was not a good placement for my special needs child. Since I didn't want her in our zoned school, I did school choice to get her in a smaller high school. But it is still a school with lots of problems. There isn't a really good choice for her. 

My twins are in different schools, one in a public elementary school and one in a charter school where she is closely supervised. Next year I will be doing school choice for a different public middle school for one (the school with a swim team!) and leaving the other in the charter school. 

Please share your own stories with me in the comment section, but only what you don't mind being shared.

Quick Tip: Friendships that Cross Boundaries

During African American History Month, writer and speaker Peggy Sue Wells shares some tips for friendships that cross boundaries.

Quick Tips: Friendship That Crosses Boundaries

Healthy friendships come in a surprising array of colors, sizes, shapes, and backgrounds. These companions enrich our lives.

What motivates you to be someone’s friend? Do you like yourself and others for who God created you to be? Are you drawn to people because of their greatness, potential, and the opportunity to participate together in society?

Friendships are not limited by skin color, age, nationality, or faith.          

Healthy relationships encourage us to be the best we can be. They don’t buy our excuses for staying stuck. Good friends can say no to each other and remain strong; share feelings honestly and trust each other to honor confidences. These associations are accountable, available, and give each other freedom to fail—as we all will on occasion. Healthy friendships are built on equal footing and they ask each other about progress on their goals.

Not competitive, envious, exclusive, rescuing, smothering, or testing, good friendships can be seasonal. After all, only Jesus Christ is our forever friend.

Peggy Sue Wells specializes in equipping parents to provide a nurturing environment for children. Home is Narnia in the winter and the Hundred-Acre Wood in summer, and Savannah Grey tea with dark chocolate all year long. Family, friends, floor to ceiling bookshelves, bonfires, wonder, and adventure. Poignant and winsome, the stuff of life is the stuff of story, and will make its way into Peggy Sue’s next novel, composed on her portable Mac(Beth).

She is the author of several books including:

You can connect with her on her website

Why It's Important for Your Child to Read

This is Children's Authors and Illustrators Week

     Children first entering school are usually anxious to read, but sometimes that enthusiasm ends by mid elementary years. Reading is required for school work and often becomes a chore. Nintendo,sports, and time with friends seem more appealing.

     As a parent who desires a child to read, the advantages of reading are obvious:

     Books can be read and reread as many times as desired. If your preteen shows a strong liking for a book it can be added to his personal library. If he has a kindle, he can have his whole library of books with him at once.

     Books cover a wide variety of interests. Everything from butterfly collecting to battleships can be explored through books. Your child can explore his latest passion whether it is dinosaurs or dragons, scuba diving or race car driving.

     Books can go anywhere. Your child can spend waiting time for doctor and dentist appointments reading. Books can go on vacation with you, or in the case of a kindle or other reading device, his whole library can travel. Free time throughout the day can be spent with a book.

     Books build vocabulary, critical thinking, and cognitive skills. Your child will be required to use reading throughout his whole life in a variety of circumstances.

  

  These are only a few of the obvious advantages of reading. But what do you do if your preteen doesn't show an interest in reading?

     Model reading. Your child will believe reading is fun more if he sees you reading than if you lecture him about it. Let him see you reading. Share events in your books.

     Read aloud to your child. Too often we stop reading to children when they can read for themselves. Reading aloud to your child allows him to enjoy the story without struggling with unfamiliar words and sentence structure.

     Read at bedtime. If you have children of different ages, try to pick a book in the middle range that will still excite your older child or read to them at different times. You can even have the older children read easy books to the younger ones. If you have both boys and girls, choose books for the boys. A girl will listen to a boy's story but boy's seldom stick with a story written for girls. Try to read a chapter a night. Choose a variety of books. If you start a book and no one enjoys it after two or three chapters, quit. Choose another book rather than having them sit through one they don't enjoy.

     Set aside time for silent reading. Call out for pizza one night a week and have everyone in the family silently read their favorite books during that time. Have a set time, usually around twenty minutes works well, and then have each child share his book.

    Help your preteen find books they will enjoy. Here are some guidelines for choosing the right books for your child:

·         What excites him? Hobbies and interests change. Keep current and help him find books to expand his knowledge in these areas.

·         What special needs is your teen facing? Divorce, moving, making friends, fears, and other needs are address in a variety of books. Skim books first to determine if the value system is acceptable to you.

·         What authors or series has your child enjoyed in the past? Find books by the same authors or similar series.

·         Introduce your child to a wide variety of books such as mysteries, westerns, poetry and science fiction.

·         Encourage non-fiction categories including self help (friendships, clothing styles, study skills), biographies, hobbies, science (rockets, cars, stars) and poetry of different kinds. Respect your child's preferences and don't insist a book be read.

     Select book that tie-in with everyday life. If you're planning a trip, read about locations you'll visit. Find books to tie-in with holiday celebrations and special events as well as ordinary events.

     Allow your child to arrange a special reading spot. This can be as simple as a beanbag chair or a pile of throw pillows in your child's room. Let your child have some say in arranging the reading spot. Set tempting books and magazines nearby.

    Getting your child hooked on books may seem an impossible task and it won't happen overnight, but you can make strides toward it. Learning to read for enjoyment now will give your child a lifetime of adventure through books and develop lasting skills and interests.

What books will your child read? Here are some lists of the top books for kids. Do you agree with them? What would you add?

Scholastic 100 Best Books

New York Public Library's 100 Greatest Books

Our Favorite Picture Books

Best Christian Books for Preteen Girls