Some scary pictures from Halloween

This is my 8 year old as a Weeping Angel from Doctor Who.  We made a plaster face mask and then added gray clay over top to form it.  We took pictures before they were fully ready.  I sprayed her hair and retouched her body paint before we went out.  

Pebbles being silly.

My 11 year old as Weeping Angel. I'm so mad we don't have a good picture of her face!  It also was a plaster face cast with clay over it and gray hose over the eye holes (she could see, but it looked solid).  I will probably have her dress up again soon so I can get a better picture.  Her wings are double layer foam core with a metal frame.  You can't see them very well here.  She had them folded behind her so she could make her way through crowds.  Her wig slipped down some in this picture, too.  We followed along with this tutorial for most of the costume.  But I painted a good part of her as the panty hose idea just was taking FOREVER and wasn't working very well.  

Punky Brewster and Pebbles.

A werewolf.

And a fairy princess.

Yes, I know, they're very late. 

The coolest place in our state

We apparently have been completely in the dark about how close we were to Shawnee.  We visited the Garden of the Gods and Cave In Rock on what might have been the nicest day of the year.  It was packed!  I did not expect so many tourists and organized groups trekking through the parks.  I am used to smaller state parks or visiting on off days and having the place (largely) to ourselves.  But it was still wonderful.  The kids got to go off the trail and climb dangerous rocks, explore dark caves, and find cool bugs.  There also were no mosquitos!  That, in itself, was miraculous!  We will definitely have to make this trip more often.

Thanksgiving week

Our  newest family member?  *sigh* So adorable, yet so unwelcome.

Following along on the Alphabet Path

Missing being outside already.  

Feisty cats

Decking out the tree...

that was miraculously still standing the next morning, despite the feisty cats.

Practicing for the recital-blindfolded.

My baby is two.  Time has flown by.  We've been trying to figure out a good routine with pre-teens who like to sleep in and little ones who rise with the sun and haven't quite figured out how to share mommy. 

My youngest ones have been following along the Alphabet Path.  I have been making a big effort to read more than we had been.  My youngest desperately dislikes me reading to the other kids and usually ran around screaming as soon as we began.  Just recently, she has started tolerating it more, so my huge list of books to be read is finally getting more manageable.  We've been reading lots of Jan Brett to kick off the season.  We've all skipped from Sonlight Core G books back to D because we need a change.  American History seems like a good place to go.  

We're all busy creating for holiday and birthday gifts. 

Unbalanced

I have been thinking about posting for months, but I never knew what to say.  The past two years of have been a seriously unbalanced time in our lives.  I am wary of putting too much personal information out on the web.  After some severe anxiety about my kids' educations and burn out from being too intent on doing Waldorf all of the way, I went into overdrive.  We became rigid and rigorous.  But not in a good way.  The kids learned a lot, and seemed fairly happy.  But after a long struggle with ppd, it has become clear to me just how much that change has cost us.  There is less singing.  Less laughing with my kids.  Less reverence and time to stop and pick flowers.  Our house has become filled to the brim with more technology than could possibly be healthy.  My kids had amazing standardized test scores, though, and they advanced and became confident in math (finally).  There were good things, but the serious imbalance needs to be addressed.

So one week before we were due back to start this year's work, I realized I wasn't going to do it.  I had stacks of books daunting me. I had worked for months, with long stretches on the internet trying to figure out how to do it all.  I realized that I can't.  That is hard for me to admit, as a Virgo.  I picked up our old Christopherus curriculum on a whim as I was cleaning the attic (as an excuse to avoid scheduling Fall's work!).  I realized that this is what we are missing.  The Waldorf lifestyle I worked so long on.  That I loved so deeply.  We completely threw it aside to make time for academics above all.  And in doing so, we forgot why we are doing this home education thing after all.  Not to have my kids admitted to Harvard by Middle School, but because I love having them around and I love the lifestyle. I'm sure many women have said this same thing more beautifully than I.  Right now I am writing this as I cramp up my bad hip and running on very little sleep after being vomited on for hours last night. But I'm not mad about it.  I am grateful for being here and having the chance.

I have had more than my share of impatient grumpy Mommy moments lately.  But I'm desperately trying to regain balance in our lives.  So I have been quickly gathering all of my old papers and buying ones I had sold (whoops!) to start a more Waldorf inspired year.  I am starting slowly so that I have time to do this right, and to remind myself it's not a rush.  They need to stay children for awhile yet.  My youngest is growing up so fast and I feel like I have missed that time with her in my rush for the next thing.  The hardest part is looking back at pictures and not remembering that moment.  There are things they never tell you about postpartum depression.  That it does not always manifest like stereotypical depression or anxiety.  You loose bits of time and become someone other than yourself.  You walk around scared and hazy and you don't know why.  That you don't feel depressed, but there is something wrong.  Something that not even dozens of herbs or yoga can fix.  You can't put your finger on it, but by the time you do, it's the grief over what you lost that is the hardest.  Especially when you go through it without anyone knowing and without support.  I will never get that time back, but I intend on being here, now. Tomorrow I will try to type out my new plans to share.  It's always fun sharing pretty new documents, and I hope they will help someone else with a large family plan their day.

A little rearrangement and a trip!

Action shot

I cut the legs down on our sad attempt at a door-turned-table.  It's a great size for all of us  to eat at and do "work".

The awesome hammock in the corner is a Zaza Hammock we got for my youngest at Christmas.  It was a pain finding studs in our old house, not to mention screwing them into oak studs.  But it's secure!  The kids all fight over it, and it even safely holds an adult and child. 

Indianapolis Children's Museum.  I love the colors the sky changes in the dinosaur exhibit area.  We were not very impressed with how crowded it was, though.  There were too many people and too few things for older kids to do.

Yeah...I am confused.

Being a giant dork, I was intrigued by the Arabic science texts and workbooks they had in the Egypt area.  I want these for my kids!

Attacking Sphinx

Children being attacked right and left!

The playland for younger kids was ok.  So crowded you could barely move, though.  The Cincinnati Museum has a definite advantage in both crowds and activities.

Simple Woman's Daybook 12/21/11

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...foggy gray weather.  The kids are mad there is no bitter cold or snow.

I am thinking...I have so much material to sift through to prepare for homeschooling next month.  I admit I'm in a bit of an information binge.

I am thankful...For clear weather for holiday traveling! I am also thankful my cat's newfound illness is relatively benign and treatable (hyperthyroidism).

From the learning rooms...Nothing but Christmas and Chanukah books lately!

In the kitchen...We made some pretty terrible gluten free doughnuts this morning.  They were soggy inside and greasy.  But we do have plans to make all sorts of goodies for Ari's birthday and Christmas celebrations.

I am creating...I just finished the features of my one year old's Waldorf doll.  I need to make it some clothes and steal it back to give it to her as a Christmas gift.  I also need to finish her striped elf hat.  I really hate stripes in the round...

I am going...a little crazy.

I am wondering...How on Earth my house will ever be clean again.

I am reading...Underworld by Hancock, A Christmas Carol, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and Positive Pushing.

I am hoping...That I can finish my holiday crafting in time!

I am looking forward to...Seeing my family in a few days.

I am hearing...Lots of ruckus. 

Around the house...Christmas books and new presents everywhere!  But most of the Advent stockings are down now.

I am pondering...TPR use in teaching French.

One of my favorite things...Big baby kisses.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Here are some pictures for thought I am sharing...

Gluten Free 101

I started writing this up for my mother.  My little brother was just diagnosed with Celiac's disease.  Hopefully all of this information is correct!  This is what we've been doing at our house after weighing going gluten free for years.

1. First thing to do-get rid of everything you own with gluten in it, or gluten contamination.  Look for: rye, barley, wheat, gluten, or anything saying "malt" in the ingredients.  You would be amazed here.  Some broth, most soups, licorice, many candies, some condiments, some kinds of vanilla, etc. are not gluten free.  Really check those ingredient lists, and if in doubt, google it.  Your oatmeal is NOT safe.  You have to have certified gluten free oats.

2. Check for foods labeled "gluten free", stick to whole foods like fresh/frozen meat cuts, potatoes, fruits, and vegetables.  Udi's or Rudi's has good frozen gluten free bread.  Van's makes great gluten free waffles.  We eat cases of Bush's Vegetarian Baked Beans and gluten free hot dogs which the kids like.  Lay's regular chips, Natural Cheetohs, Pirate Booty, many kinds of tortilla chips (check) are also ok.  King Arthur's Gluten Free pancake or muffin mixes are wonderful but expensive.  BEER IS NOT GLUTEN FREE.

3. I buy Honeyville almond flour, and whatever brand of coconut flour, sorghum flour, arrowroot, garbanzo (chickpea) bean flour, cornstarch, and tapioca flour.

4. Get rid of your toaster.  It's contaminated.  Use a toaster oven lined with foil or a toaster specifically for gluten free foods.  Put all of your dishes through the sanitize cycle on your dishwasher.  It's best to get rid of and replace wood utensils and cutting boards.  The rest need sanitized because those gluten molecules get stuck in stuff.

5. Amazon has a great bulk deal on GF stuff if you find something you like. We like kinnikinnick and Udi's brand anything. Chex and Rice Crispies have gluten free varieties, and so does Annie's. Annie's even has GF mac & cheese for a great deal on Amazon if you like it. I thought it tasted exactly the same. Teff and Millet are ok to eat and they can sometimes be found as wraps in restaurants.

6. Keep in mind cross-contamination-watch what knife you use for peanut butter does not go on wheat bread and take crumbs back in the jar.  Replace your peanut butter and jelly.  They've been dipped into after bread has been on the knife.  Also, your butter if you use a tub is probably unsafe.  Buy sticks of butter and get rid of anything else contaminated.

7. Check your personal care products.  Shampoos, conditioner, soaps, lotion, etc. sometimes have wheat protein in them.  Bumble & Bumble's Hair Masque gives me hives from the wheat protein or something in it.

8. Stick to the first month of naturally gluten free foods.  Make rice instead of serving bread with food.

Here are some options (make enough for leftovers!):

Breakfast: 
Eggs
Bacon (check ingredients!)
Sausage
Rice pudding
Tapioca Pudding
Chex or Rice Krispies cereal (check for the gluten free symbol!)
Mini cheesecakes (crustless)
Pumpkin custard-pumpkin pie without the crust
Fruit crisps with gluten free oats (vitacost.com has the best prices)
Clafoutis
Buckwheat pancakes (not wheat-use buckwheat.  It's gluten free!)
Smoothies
Banana Bread

Lunches and Dinner:
Roast with vegetables
Nachos
Enchiladas with corn tortillas
Rice or Quinoa pasta for spaghetti, goulash, chili, lasagna, etc.
Steak, Brisket, Chicken-roast, pan fried, grilled, or any other meat with vegetable or rice sides.
Tacos with corn tortillas
Ribs
Beans and cornbread using gluten free flour as replacer or sweet corn cake
Chili with gluten free pasta or tortilla chips
Soup-split pea, french onion (minus the bread), lentil, vegetable
Chinese Fried Rice or General Tso's Chicken (made at home)
Big Salads with meat, chickpeas, hardboiled eggs, etc.
Baked beans
French fries (Ore Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries or just home fried potatoes are best)
Eggs-hardboiled, deviled, scrambled, omelettes, etc.
Quiche without the crust

Dessert and more:
Flourless chocolate cake
Flourless chocolate cookies (I use chocolate chips instead of walnuts)
Flourless peanut butter chocolate chip cookies
No bake cookies
IKEA's Daim Almond Torte (in the frozen foods section by the restaurant)

Eating Out near Cincinnati:
A list of local restaurant experiences
More experiences


Cheeseburgers in Paradise
PF Chang's
Bonefish Grill
Carrabba's Italian Grill
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Shaan Indian
Buffalo Wild Wings
Macaroni Grill (VERY accommodating towards food allergies)
Indian Bistro
Skyline Chili
Chestnut Cakery
Outback Steakhouse
Red Robin
First Watch
Burger King
Lonestar Steakhouse
Longhorn Steakhouse
Old Spaghetti Factory
Olive Garden
Original Gino's Pizza
Sojourner's Baked Subs
Uno's
TGI Friday's
On the Border Mexican Grill
O'Charley's
Noodles & Company
Godfather's Pizza (some locations only)
Chili's
Chipotle
Chick Fil-A
Maggiano's
Carino's Italian
Wendy's (menu on their wall has allergen info)

http://celiacsinthehouse.com/2010/08/greek-and-gluten-free-in-cincinnati.html
http://www.cinciceliac.com/
http://www.livingwithout.com/issues/4_8/tips_for_safe_restaurant_dining-2070-1.html
http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/socializingwithoutgluten/a/DiningOutTips.htm
TIPS: Always tell your server that you can not have gluten (gluten allergy usually gets the point clear).  Ask for gluten free or allergy menus.  Specify new salads and not salads with the croutons picked off!
McDonalds is NEVER ok. Print off the gluten free menus and keep them with you in your purse or car at all times so you always know what is ok.


Some of my favorite gluten free links:
http://glutenfreemommy.com/10-silly-mistakes-i-have-made-on-the-gluten-free-diet/
http://amandeleine.com/tag/gluten-free/
http://thesensitiveepicure.blogspot.com/
http://glutenfreehomemaker.com/
http://www.elanaspantry.com/
http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/