Archive for August, 2009

The Produce Box…Connection From a Cardboard Box

It’s 4 a.m. and I can’t sleep. Hey, it happens. So here I sit, steaming coffee cup nestled beside me, crickets happily chirping away outside, combing the internet to find a way to use up some butternut squash that I have left over in the deep recesses of our fridge.

Those who know me best know that butternut squash isn’t something that I’m going to be the first to volunteer for. In fact, it’s fair to say that you’d probably find me last in line.

So what’s a typically squash-avoiding woman like me doing with squash in her refrigerator?

Well the story goes like this…we’re fortunate here in this part of the country to have a wealth of folks skilled in agriculture, bee keeping and the like. Add this to essential ingredient to the formula along with an enthusiastic interest in farmers markets and fresh produce and voilà: meet Courtney and the folks at The Produce Box.

The Produce Box is a business whereby folks receive a weekly box of fresh local produce (picked no more than 18 hours prior to delivery) and, get this; they deliver your box right to your front door…think Schwann’s-style.

We’ve enjoyed the weekly deliveries and I’ve been challenged to use what arrives. There have been surprises like the gigantinormous (Giant’s word for HUGE) white root vegetable with straggly green tassels as well as Elf’s and Giant’s decisions to add sprite melons to their respective lists of “non-yucky” foods.
The boxes have been true gifts. We’ve been able to discuss the food cycle, organic v. non-organic farming, distribution chains as well as answer the kids’ questions such as how do worms get into corn…and why? We’ve practiced naming our colors, too – reds, purples, yellows, dark greens, blues, whites and oranges have all burst forth from the boxes this summer.

Occasionally, we are able to enjoy “add ons” such as special breads, nuts, locally made gourmet items and this fall we can look forward to coffee! All from the area where we live, love and laugh together.

We anxiously await Thursday mornings when Ms. Gina delivers the goodies. She is our summer Santa.

The Produce Box is great teaching tool that encourages gratitude, interest in the world around us as well as a sense of connection…to our state and the planet we call home, to our hearth and, when it comes to fresh fruits and vegetables, to our health. We look forward to lifting the lids off many more white boxes. To those who farm in harmony with the earth and its creatures, we applaud and thank you.

The Magical Healing Power of a Band-Aid

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/caseyann/1250856017/

It’s late summer and as many of you know, summer and toddlers often result in scraped knees, tears and plenty of Band-Aids. At the Little Yellow House, we’ve been keeping the Band-Aid makers busy this summer. I’ve lost count at how many boxes we’ve gone through…especially the Hello Kitty variety.

So how does it come to be that these little strips of adhesive plastic with a white patch of cotton in the middle represent something magical to kids?

Some of my fellow moms suggest that seeing a bandage going over the injured area covers it up AND…in classic kid logic: If you can’t see it, it’s not there. Case closed. Others suggest that Band-Aids are just big stickers and, as we all know, kids adore stickers. Then there are others who suggest something deep and mystical…that plastic bandages represent a visual badge of honor and bravery allowing children an opportunity to share their thrills and spills with others. I know Elf adores telling others about the many plastic strips that adorn her body and the stories behind how each came to be pasted on each specific body part.

I’ve had much recent practice in applying Band-Aids, but I ask you to think back to the last time someone put a bandage on you or you needed to care for someone else. It’s an act that requires you to stop, be in the moment, use gentle touches, a calm voice, love and hugs and kisses…maybe make a joke to tease out a smile. For some of us, it’s been a long time since someone took the time to help us in that kind and loving way following an injury whether to the body or for that matter, the heart.

Why do we allow that type of caring for each other to stop as we evolve into adults? Yes, things become much more complex as we grow up and become big people. It doesn’t happen as much, but the fact is that even grown ups fall, stumble and scrape our knees sometimes. However, adults feel the sting in our hearts and minds rather than anywhere specific on our bodies.

You can’t put a real Band-Aid on another person’s heart when he/she is facing a difficult situation or circumstance, but you can be present in other ways. Perhaps your gifts can ease someone else’s heartache in the process.

I enjoy these days when I have the power to help Elf and Giant feel better with the power of a kiss and a simple Band-Aid. These days will pass quickly, I know. And when the time comes, their father and I will be called upon to respond to different kinds of hurts. In the meantime, I keep lots of those little plastic adhesive strips close by…just in case.

Legos and Life at the Little Yellow House

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego

A few days ago the National Museum of History in Washington, D.C. hosted a Lego brick building event to commemorate National Inventor’s Month. Children of all ages were asked to help build a colossal light bulb – ever synonymous with the spirit of the “bright idea” – and the turnout was impressive. It took 2 days to do it, and the end result was an 8 foot tall and 6 foot wide primary-colored light bulb comprised of more than 300,000 Lego bricks.

Of course, Giant, age 5, was thrilled when he saw it on the news. And Elf, age 2, was thrilled because Giant was beside himself with delight. You see, Legos are the epicenter of my children’s imaginations. I secretly believe that our collection, purchased at a consignment store while visiting relatives up north, actually has magnets in it. Elf and Giant can’t seem to stay away from the Lego’s powers of possibility.

If you haven’t ever heard of them before, Legos are irritatingly small, vibrantly bright square and rectangular plastic pieces with interconnecting knobs. It can take you hours to build anything, let alone a light bulb. Heaven help you if you happen to step on one in bare feet.

Of course I’m happy because my kids are happy, but for entirely different reasons.*

I find myself smiling to have stumbled onto an activity that both Giant and Elf actually enjoy doing together. We still have our moments and our difficulty with sharing, which is only natural at this stage of the game. However, within the framework of our “teachable moments,” these crazy pieces of plastic are the first common denominator to link our five year old’s interests and skill level with our two year old’s. They play for long periods of time. They have shown that they can play together peacefully! Elf can work the little bricks with her enthusiastic fingers while Giant can create more intricate designs and configurations. Elf was overjoyed when she made her first Lego airplane. “I did it!” she cried. Giant gave her a high five. In turn, Giant often says, “Hey, come check this out!” And here comes Elf.

Yet the skills that the kids are using and expanding far exceed fine motor skills. This morning, I overheard Giant say to Elf, “I’ll go help you find some more treasure.” And he proceeded to help Elf collect a treasure box of “jewels.” They’re expanding their ability to love, support and nurture each other. And the great thing is they don’t even know it. I can’t help but giggle at the thought.

Legos may be plastic, but to us at the Little Yellow House, these tiny colorful bricks are connecting my children to each other – one piece at a time.

When you were a kid, what activities brought you together with your sibling(s) and friends?

And last but not least…some words of thanks are in order. At the Little Yellow House, we’d like to thank a few folks who contributed to the writing of this blog:

Thank You, Gramma Clock, for the gift of our Lego bin! You’re such a wonderful Mom to me and a fabulous Gramma to the kids. We’re richly blessed to have you in our lives.

Thank you to Stephanie Perez, whoever you are and wherever you are. You have shared a very special gift with our family. Thanks for passing on your Legos.

And a final thank you goes to the fine folks at the Matthew 25 consignment shop in Lititz, PA. Keep doing the important and spirit affirming work that you do every day.

*I am not a paid employee of Lego nor are any of my family members…at least not yet!

Milk and Cookies for Breakfast

Source: Jeremy Novak @ http://www.pbase.com/jgn/image/55347059

The saying goes that before I had kids, I was the perfect parent. Since it’s early in the morning, I’ll raise a big cup of coffee to that. Before Elf and Giant entered the picture, I had it all planned out…100% organic food, classical music, wooden and educational toys (i.e., no plastic), no TV unless it was public television and weekly trips to cultural events of every kind. I know, I was barely living in reality! I laugh now, remembering how serious I was about it all. And then Elf and Giant arrived along with diapers, play dates, sickness…real people and the real world. That’s when and where my life, already intertwined with my husband’s, morphed into an even more vibrant tapestry. Our lives really began when Elf and Giant arrived. It’s when my husband and I were forced to begin the process of sorting out the difference between where we thought we stood on certain issues and where we actually stood.

I’m glad to say that some of the pledges have remained in tact, yet most have been modified. The kids listen and move to the rhythms of classical music but they also dance and play to country music and jazz. My kids play with plastic toys…lots and lots of them. We eat as much organic food as we can, but realize that this diet can easily deplete our monthly income if eaten consistently and exclusively. So, some of our pledges have remained while others have slipped away…some a little more quickly than others. Over the years, I’ve learned that the right kind of television is okay and even helpful to explain aspects of our world, the Grandmas’ Pennsylvania Dutch cooking and family recipes are okay in moderation (‘tho I still held the line with those gravy-drenched mashed potatoes when the kids were 6 months old and just starting solids) and ice cream really does wonders to cool you down on a dog-hot day. It’s okay. It’s all good. It’s loving. It really is. It’s that ever-elusive balance we’re all seeking.

So today, when I found a recipe for Breakfast Cookies* and milk, I didn’t put the recipe off to the side for another day. I went ahead and whipped up a bunch to share with the kids over breakfast. They were a hit. The kids smiled at each other. Giant shared his with Elf, without complaint. And she shared back with him. It sure was a nice change from our usual routine. And if the smiles and good will were any indication, we all enjoyed something different for a change.

What new thing did you try or do this week?

*Recipe from Missy Chase Lapine’s book, “The Sneaky Chef”

SNEAKY CHEF’S BREAKFAST COOKIES
Nutrition Highlights: whole grains, calcium, and protein. Rich in vitamins B and E, iron, potassium, folic acid, calcium, tryptophan protein, and fiber.
2 cups whole grain cereal flakes (such as Wheaties or Total)
3/4 cup Flour Blend (1/4 cup white flour, 1/4 cup whole wheat flour, and 1/4 cup wheat germ)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 large egg
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
Cinnamon sugar for dusting*
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or spray with oil).
2. Using a rolling pin, gently crush the cereal (in a sealed plastic bag) into coarsely crushed flakes. Alternatively, you can quickly pulse the cereal in a food processor.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Flour Blend, crushed cereal, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk together egg, sugar, oil, vanilla, and ricotta cheese. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix just enough to moisten dry ingredients. Drop single tablespoonfuls onto the baking sheets, leaving about an inch between cookies. Flatten cookies with the back of a fork and then sprinkle tops generously with cinnamon sugar (or just sugar if your kids don’t like the cinnamon flavor). Bake about 18 to 20 minutes, or until nicely browned and crispy around the edges.
Makes 16 to 18 large cookies.
*Cinnamon has been found to help stabilize blood-glucose levels, thereby preventing the usual “crash and burn” feeling we all get after eating sweets.
© Missy Chase Lapine, all rights reserved.

Who are Your heroes? Recognizing Those with Determination, Guts and Grace

When it comes to marriage, my husband and I are like the Wonder Twins...only we don't look as good as these two do in purple spandex suits.

Recently, I asked Giant who his hero is. A lengthy discussion ensued about the definition of a hero. And it got me thinking…who is my hero? Who do I look up to?

My husband, who is massaging my neck at the moment to combat the chronic pain I have as a result of a car crash a year ago, is one of my true heroes. He is loyal, gentle, wise, honest, solid-as-a-rock, ethical, compassionate and funny at all the right times. We’ve known each other for twenty years and will celebrate our thirteenthth wedding anniversary this year. Having two children under the age or 5 hasn’t been the easiest on our marriage, yet we make a powerful team. We often joke that we’re the “Wonder Twins” because we ebb and flow together so fluidly…most days, that is!

Heroes are everywhere. Perhaps it’s the guy who makes sure you get all of your grocery bags and your three kids into your car safely. Perhaps it’s your server who chases you half-way out of the restaurant to make sure that you get your leftover piece of birthday cake. Perhaps it’s the person who finds your wallet and returns it to you intact and refuses a reward.

I’d like to introduce you to some individuals whose lives have either reenchanted the world or are in the process of doing so…those who make this crazy world of ours just a little bit better and a little brighter for the rest of us. Heroes to me. Perhaps they are to you, too.

Here are several faces that stand out among the crowd…

Bill Penzy of Penzey’s Spices
I love Bill Penzey of Penzey’s Spices. The company’s philosophy that those who cook are a community of “One” who believe that cooking is an expression of their love for others is right-on. This progressive and inclusive company’s catalog and website is chock-full of the pictures and stories of people who do one thing and do it with zest…cook!

There’s no room for bigotry, hate-speech or intolerance in this kitchen.

Read more: http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/billsnote.html

Burners Without Borders
Following the 2005 Burning Man event in the Black Rock Nevada, several participants headed south into the Hurricane Katrina disaster area to help people rebuild their devastated communities. They called themselves Burners Without Borders (BWB). As the volunteer numbers grew, they focused their initial efforts on rebuilding a destroyed Vietnamese temple in Biloxi, Mississippi. After several months, that job done, they moved to another needy Mississippi community, Pearlington, to continue to work hard — gifting their time — to help those in need. Over the course of eight months, BWB volunteers gifted over $1 million dollars worth of reconstruction and debris removal to the residents of Mississippi.

Current projects range from rebuilding the Lower Nine Head Quarters in New Orleans to helping to transform a dome into a Ghanian school.

Read more at: http://www.burnerswithoutborders.org/

Walter Cronkite, Jr.
On July 17, 2009, Walter Leland Cronkite, Jr. died. He was an American broadcast journalist, best known as anchorman for the CBS Evening News for 19 years (1962–81). During the heyday of CBS News in the 1970s and 1980s, he was often cited in viewer opinion polls as “the most trusted man in America” because of his professional experience and kindly demeanor. He modeled how to reconcile one’s humanity and compassion with the need to maintain journalistic objectivity.

The Folks at Sprang
Recently Sprang, a Dutch company, introduced Ecofont, a new font designed to use 20% less ink during printing. The trick is in the teeny tiny holes present in each letter, which reduces the amount of ink needed to print your documents. When you use this new font, you will use less paper and less ink leading to less ink cartridges/garbage in landfills. You can download and use it for free with the click of your heels online at:

http://www.ecofont.eu

And last, but not least…

Harry Patch On July 25, 2009, Harry Patch died. He was 111 years old and one of the few still alive today who could tell the first-hand account of what it was like to fight in the trenches during World War 1. To many, he was a hero.

So let’s get the conversation started. Who are your heroes?

Best to all of you this week,

Chris