Friday: In the Kitchen with Luci

We are starting a new way of learning with Luci.  Well, I am.  John just goes along for the ride most of the time with the educational stuff.  :)

I am doing that weird thing, unschooling, with Luci. (A good definition of unschooling is here.)  Reading lots, doing lots of things that interest her. 

One of the things she told me she wants to do is to learn to cook.  Every Friday we make something for the family, with her doing the lion's share of the work. 

So far, she's made spaghetti and meatballs, brownies and a Pokemon cake.  This week, it's an apple pie.

Here are the results:

Washing apples and twisting the stem to see how many kids she'll have:

Slicing those apples! She is thrilled and a bit nervous to be using a "really big knife."

Stirring the filling.  She was irritated with me, because this was photo #4 of the same action, and she was getting tired, mama!  But JT was happy:  Look for him, photobombing this shot:

Rolling out the crust:

Patting out the cracks in the crust:

We used Pillsbury's Gluten Free Pie and Pastry Dough.  Very expensive.  I did not want to experiment with homemade gluten free dough, so I splurged on this.  It is pretty good.

Finished! 

Mmmm.

John knew I was taking his picture, enjoying the pie.  Had to tell him to SMILE.  So he did.

The recipe we used:  Caramel Apple Pie II from allrecipes.com 

Two Things Heard Today

I read this article to the kids this afternoon:  Voyager 1 has officially made it into interstellar space. 

I mentioned that the space probe was launched, "in 1977, the same year Audrey was born."  

Luci's thoughts on this momentous occasion?

"Wow, she's old."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luci, telling about her school teacher:

"My teacher kisses my principal."   giggle, giggle

Teaching Reading

I guess it's not a surprise to any of you that our daughter has taken longer than most to learn how to read.  We've tried everything (well, I have), going through quite a few curricula. (That's the plural of curriculum--see here.  Who knew?  Not me, until now.)  We are now using Level 1 of All About Reading and it seems to be working.  Maybe it's working because Luci is just ready for it now.

Dyslexia is one of the struggles we've diagnosed, which was rather apparent today in the switching of "d" and "b" throughout.  That is a classic sign.  Until a few months ago, entire words were moving on Luci and she could not sound out even the easiest of words.  I am so thankful she is overcoming some of this!  Her brain has developed more, I suppose, and is able to comprehend.  The other struggle is Auditory Processing Disorder, which is closely related to dyslexia.  Dyslexia covers so much, that it is all intertwined and quite a puzzle to figure out in this little girl.

Today Luci had her LPS (Littlest Pet Shop) characters reading.  She set them up in a "classroom" and had them come up two-by-two to read each line.  They got a little crazy and I had to have them start over a few times!  This method works well with Luci.  If we had more children at this stage, it would be quite crazy trying to "get it all in," but with one, it is not too vexing for the mama.

Four LPS characters were stuck behind at their desks, taking tests, according to Luci.

Back to School Ice Cream Social

Our church prays for each student and teacher, and all the support personnel as the new school year begins.  This has been a tradition for several years.  Different men, involved in schools somehow, take turns praying for preschoolers, elementary kids, junior high and high school kids, college kids, and all those who work with them.

John was given the assignment last night to pray for the homeschoolers.  As "principal" of our school here at our house, he was qualified as a school leader and prayed for the small group of homeschoolers at our church.

At the end, we have an ice cream social!  Or, as the preacher put it, "Let's get these kids sugared up for school in the morning!"  (paraphrased, but that's pretty close to what Bro. Frank said!)

Luci with Rachel.  I told Luci to "sit still!" and this is what I got.

 Betty scooping up her homemade ice cream.  It was great!

Luci looking too grown up in her mod dress.

Luci with Lyric

JT even stood still for me!

And the happy (?) JT with Bryan this morning, on the first day of a new college year.  JT's taking a dual-enrollment course, which means he is still in high school and the course counts for both college and high school.  Pretty neat!  Bryan is ready for his new year of study, or maybe he's just fooling his mama. 

I think it's pretty nice that they both still pose for me.

Here is the very first time Bryan posed for me:  His very first day of Kindergarten in 1997:

and now he's almost as tall as that hutch! 

Sometimes, at least one of my children needs a reminder that I am a real teacher (okay, sometimes I need that reminder, too!):

Notice that it says it does not expire--it is a teaching certificate for life.  Texas quit giving those out not long after I got this.  So thankful to have it!

Just Like My Mama

The first time I can remember my mother taking me clothes shopping was in 1974.  August.  The mini-mall in Boise.  The Bon Marche.  Lots of polyester.  Trying on lots of clothes, and everything that fit, I was able to take home!  Wow.  That was the first time I can remember Mom not balking at the price tag.  (I'm sure there was a big sale going on for back to school clothes.  Plus, we got those handled bags that said, "Bon Marche," perfect for toting gym clothes back and forth to school.) 

Many of my clothes until then had been sewn by mom, or picked out when I wasn't with her. While shopping that day, there was one particular blouse, one that had a drive-in movie scene printed on the polyester:  I said, "We can't get this one, there is another one almost just like it in my pile." Mom said, "Yes, we can."  Wow.  That was rare! 

Mom always was generous when shopping for her grandchildren (and that time for me at The Bon--and probably for Janet, too, but my child-memory has just mom and me being there).  When we'd go to Boise, she'd say, "Let's go to Penney's!"  By that time, Boise had a HUGE mall, with a HUGE and very nice JC Penney's.  That usually meant new clothes for the boys, and later for Luci, too (she got Gymboree!).

Which brings us to Today.  Today I had a coupon for 30% off my total at Kohl's and they were also having a big sale.  Plus, I had a girl who has outgrown most of her things, even the clothing that Santa brought not that long ago!

Luci tried on, and tried on, and everything that fit went into my basket.  She was so happy!  We found a dress that fit and looked so cute, and then went and found two others with the same cut--and asked Luci if she liked those colors, too.

She said, "I like them, but I'd rather have the one we already picked out.  I don't want to trade."  I said, "Yes, I know--but we can get both of these, too."  She was thrilled, but sort of in disbelief.  Just like I was back in 1974. 


Modeling some of her bounty, with JT's help.

Seasons of a Mother's Heart

That's a book written by Sally Clarkson, a homeschool mom who has been there and done that.  Her book, Educating the Wholehearted Child, was the first book I ever read on homeschooling.  It was such a help!  I had the 1994 version--I am sure the updated versions are even better.

A friend of mine IRL (in real life!! I actually know real, live people--they are not all bloggy friends! :) ) had suggested a book study, and Seasons of a Mother's Heart was her choice.  We are to read and then "talk" about what we've read on our blogs.  Amy is a librarian-turned-homeschooler, and is quite eloquent.  With me, you get the third-grade-understanding version.  Amy has a lovely blog here:  Hope is the Word.

This portion of the book study covers the first section of the book, Spring:  Season of Renewal.  If you have a newer copy, your book will have four chapters per "season."  My copy has only three.

My thoughts on the first three chapters (due tomorrow, July 8th! I'm a bit slow):

Chapter One:  Celebrating Life

This chapter hit home with me (as will probably every chapter in this book, since I've been homeschooling a long time now).  We must choose joy instead of constantly looking at what's wrong around us.

Choosing joy changes my perspective and lets me see that God is in control, and not me. I have had this pounded into my head over the past three years (I am a slow learner).  Luci has had some learning difficulties and has not progressed as I thought she ought.  Her reading is just now beginning, and math?  Please.  That's a subject for this year.  I hope she catches on to something with math this year.  But--I am seeing the joy Luci has in "doing school."  She LOVES coming to the table and working with me, even when I was getting so exasperated.  I am choosing to see the JOY in her delight with anything "schooly," and will rejoice again whenever a new word or math concept is learned.

This chapter was about cleaning your heart-attitude and making different choices.  Knowing that God is in control.  When I complain, I am telling God that I am not happy with how He chooses to let my life unfold.

Chapter Two:  Changing My Will

I love this chapter.  It is all about choosing to do what God has set before me, and letting go of that which seems good, but is not the best for me.  I may think of grand and glorious things to do away from home (or even from home, as Sally did, working from her home with her husband setting up a Journal that helped many people).  But God has put on my heart the homeschool challenge.  So this is my place, at least until the last one graduates.  Things that get in the way of my role as wife, mommy, and teacher need to be given up.  

It's not always a popular decision, to retreat from the world a little bit.  I have gotten some flak for retreating from some good things.  I do try so hard to not put my ideals on others, to make them "see where they are in error" when it is a matter of opinion and they are doing what is best for their families.  (John is probably laughing at me right now, because I do have opinions, but I also try to not share them when I shouldn't.)

Chapter Three:  Beside Still Waters

You can guess what this chapter is about!  Taking time to be with the Lord in personal reflection, and taking time for yourself to recharge your batteries if needed.

I am an introvert.  I was surprised to see that Sally Clarkson is, too, since she has such an out-going ministry.  It has taken me until this past year (that would be 52 years or so) to realize that it is okay to need time away from my children.  I don't take much time (sometimes it is just a trip to WalMart) but time with quiet and no one touching me or yelling about a sibling is necessary for me.  Last week I took off for the commissary, an hour and a half away just to have time with quiet and to get a meal that I didn't have to share, or listen to someone tell me all about paint ball for the entire trip.  I also had the bonus of going to a teacher's supply store, which was like Christmas to me!  I was only gone about five hours but I came back a new person.  It has been at least two and a half months since I've been able to do something like that.  I didn't even mind the super-long line in the commissary.

As for being with the Lord more, this year I've prayed more for others than I ever have.  I've also been reading through the Bible for my own study, not for a homeschool class with the kids.  It's been wonderful.  I've used different methods (Bible in a Year, different topics, etc) but this year and last I've just read three, four or five chapters every day and that will get me through the entire Bible by Christmas.  I like using different versions--this year I'm using a version meant for children, and it is surprising how reading something familiar worded a different way can make me perk up and pay more attention.

Get the book for yourself:  Seasons of a Mother's Heart.  It's only $11.97 on amazon

Two Things ....

Today I read The Little Red Hen to Luci.

She wanted to know why the animals kept saying, "Not I!" when the little red hen asked them to help.

I said, "That's the same as when Daddy asks Bryan, or JT, or you to go help in the garden, and you all say, 'No.'"

"Oh.  They're lazy."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luci asked me to sing to her tonight, so I did.  I told her I'd sing a song that her daddy sang to her when she was little.

Summer time and the livin' is easy
Catfish are jumpin' and the cotton is high

Your daddy's rich and your mama's good lookin'
Hush little baby, don't you cry.

Did you make that part up?

Which part?

"Your mama's good lookin'"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good thing she's cute.

The Sweetest Little Girl in the World

Our air conditioner has not been doing a good job all week.  We thought it was just the hot, hot muggy days--it never does well on very hot and humid days.

It finally gave out on Saturday morning.

John found the papers on our unit and found our warranty is still good (yay! because this week we also discovered our washing machine was not doing its job, either, and it is out of warranty--boo!).  The man could not come until Sunday afternoon.

Saturday afternoon, Luci wanted to work on her photo album.  The only room in the house where we can work on it is the dining room--because of the big table.  It is also the only room that does not have a ceiling fan (we are not counting the bathrooms).

I was sticking to the table cloth (vinyl, because we have kids who do crafts).  Busy fanning myself, Luci said,

I wish I was an ice cube.

Me: If you were an ice cube, would you rub yourself on me?

Yes.

Awww.   We managed to complete two pages in her scrapbook before we melted.  

Later, proving she is indeed the sweetest thing, she brought me our little Frogg Toggs Cooling Towel all ready to go.  What a keeper!

JT and Luci using our Frogg Toggs:

PS:  the air conditioner needed a new something-or-other and will get more coolant later this week.  Right now it's doing its job and we are no longer melting.

Chaperone

Yes, we've been married for twenty-two years, but we still need a chaperone.  

Or, that's what we got anyways when our babysitter fell through.  Luci went to lunch with us on our anniversary date.

She got to hear a couple of stories about our wedding and where it took place.  Such sweet memories from the early years of our marriage!

Story One:

Our wedding was just for family, in an old church set on the campus of Boise State University.  The family was inside, waiting for the Bride (me!) and the Father of the Bride (Dad!) to enter. 

A young lady walked up to the chapel and tried to get in.  I asked her why was she there?  She said her friend was getting married at 11 a.m., and she wanted in to watch. 

I said, "I'm the bride, and I don't know you.  You're at the wrong wedding."

She left, a bit confused.

Story Two:

I wanted to get John a fantastic Christmas present a few years after that.  A local man, Ford Brown, made quite a name for himself making bird houses that looked just like Alabama historical places.  Quaint barns, little cottages, small shops.  I found out where he lived and went to his home with pictures of the little church in Boise.  I hoped he would make something not-from-Alabama, and have it done by Christmas (months away at that point). 

Happily, he said yes, but the price was way beyond what I could scrape up.  One hundred dollars!  I left, quite sad.

On Christmas Day, I got the best present ever from John...a birdhouse made by Ford Brown, to look just like our little wedding chapel!

 The day I got this sweet gift (that's JT):

 And where it lives now:

I'm just like Billy Graham

We heard someone on the radio this morning, telling about a Billy Graham crusade that happened back in the early 60's. 

Do you remember watching those crusades on television?  They were almost always in a huge stadium, packed with people.  At the end, the song Just as I am would be sung, with about a hundred verses, not wanting to miss anyone who wanted to "come down front."

The speaker on the radio today told about that early 60's crusade: 

Billy Graham told the people:  We are not racists.  You will sit next to each other.  You will be quiet, and you'll enjoy it!

Luci said, "Hey!  He sounds just like Mom!"

Wednesday: Wyoming is Wet and Windy (of course it's windy)

Today's trip was the same as yesterday's in time, but 100 miles longer!  LOVE going 75-ish. 

And I love Wyoming.  It is wild and wonderful (hmmm, no wonder they use that for their slogans).

As we pulled in to the McDonald's in Cheyenne, Luci heard tales of the haunted houses on FE Warren Air Force Base, which is right next to Cheyenne. We used to live there.  Our time there was a strange year!  Haunted houses and Dad's last year in the Air Force.

John called from the South Pacific as we pulled into the parking lot.  Poor guy, I had to cut the call short because ... well ... when I stop the car on a long trip, that's the signal for my body to have to go to the bathroom.  NOW.  

Today we got lots of rain around Laramie and the temp plummeted to 45....quite a difference from Tuesday's 102. 

Here are a couple of the things we saw today:

Mr. Bean's car!

 and, Abraham Lincoln.  Luci said he must like ham, since his name is Abra-Ham

Tuesday: Temps & Tunes

Monday was a day of highs in the low 70's...in the South in May!  Rare.  Lovely.

Tuesday, moving through the midwest, we had 102!  Wow. 

We also had some songwriting going on.  Sing this to the tune, Majesty (the worship song):

Missouri

JT's in Misery

Riding with us

In our Prius

A really long way.

JT was not amused.

Monday means Missouri

Well. Today was fun.

We left Bryan sleeping (jealous!) and hit the gas station before heading out.  Gas was $3.27, up ten cents from the previous week.  I felt kind of gypped.

I forgot to call the credit card people to let them know we were going to be traveling; they have put holds on our card before, thinking someone had stolen it.  I sure didn't want that to happen on this trip.  As we sat in the car, me calling the credit card company, the kids in the backseat kept talking to me.  I kept telling them to hush.  After I got off the phone, I said, "What do you not understand about 'hush'?"  JT told me that he was trying to get me to lock the car doors because there was some commotion going on at the gas station.  Apparently, a woman left the store and a man ran out, shouting, "Stop that woman!"  There was lots of shouting and all I heard were my two in the backseat. 

Of course, on the way out of the gas station parking lot, Luci pipes up that we forgot her breakfast at home...so back we went to get that.  Finally, at 8:45, we left town.

Thought it would be fun to take the kids straight north, then west.  That way they could count two more states on their "I've been there!" lists.  So, up through TN, then KY and then IL.  Kentucky and Illinois were new.  Long before we could get to Kentucky, we had an emergency bathroom stop for Luci.  She was so happy to announce that "This is the first potty stop of the whole trip!"  Woo-hoo.  It also won awards for the ickiest bathroom in a gas station.

At least we got a good view of this:

JT took that photo.


We finally made it to Columbia, Missouri.  It was a long, long day.  Ten hours in the car!  I won't ever go through KY and IL again.  We didn't get to go 70 mph until we'd passed St. Louis.  Gas popped up to $3.65 the second we crossed the Alabama line.  We are spoiled at home!

The only thing worse than this ten hour day would be driving this distance (540 miles) at 55mph.  When Jimmy Carter changed the speed limits to 55 mph back in the 70's it was torture!  He only had Amy, and he got to ride around in Air Force One.  I'd like to see him drive from Idaho to Tennessee (our trips back in the 70's, to visit the grandparents and cousins).  Oh my goodness.  Five kids, their parents, luggage (how on earth did it fit in the car?), crackers, Vienna sausage and warm Shasta soda (there was no room for a cooler) for lunches.  And JT thinks he has it bad!

Where to Take Mama for Lunch?

Isn't that the great question for Mother's Day?  Who wants to cook? Not the kids, that's for certain.

This Mother's Day is the second or third (I think it's the third) that John has missed with his overseas trips.  The first one (and I think it's two) were spent in war zones.  This year he's on a church mission trip in the South Pacific. 

So, I learned that first Mother's Day spent without John that the BEST place to eat lunch on Mother's Day is at a fast food place.  We went to Fazoli's and had a fun time, and watched many, many people waiting in the rocking chairs at the Cracker Barrel across the street. 

The second Mother's Day John was gone was (and I think this is the right memory) spent in Idaho with my mom.  I think we had a big grilled lunch at my brother's house that year.

This year, John's working hard in the beautiful South Pacific and we are home alone.  But not to worry.  I made plans!

The Sunday before John left, I told everyone at lunch one day what I wanted to do for Mother's Day.  Here is how the lecture speech conversation went:


Me:  For Mother's Day this year, Taco Bell, I want to go to Taco Bell.  Dad Taco Bell does not like Taco Bell Mexican food,  so going when he's gone Taco Bell is a good idea.  The regular  Taco Bell restaurants Taco Bell will be crowded.  Taco Bell is my choice Taco Bell.  That's where Taco Bell I want to go, Taco Bell, for you to treat me Taco Bell to a lunch that I will enjoy, Taco Bell, and that, even though you Taco Bell are taking me, I will happily pay for Taco Bell.  Do you know where I want to go? Taco Bell

Luci:  McDonald's!

Dreaming......

I had a really good dream last night.

 The kids and I went to Idaho (just like we are going to do next week) to see the folks and Mom was in good health--walking around, but letting us do things like fix supper (that proves it was a dream! She was not in charge, hee hee).

It was Dad's birthday in my dream.  His birthday is really in February, but this was May. 

I went up to Mom and told her how pretty she looked, and got to kiss her on both cheeks. I could actually feel her face in my dream.

It was lovely.

Miss you, Mom! I wish we could see you when we get to Idaho.

I cannot upload any photos; I had two I really wanted to post.

IMHO Gluten is pretty near Evil.

Celiac Disease Symptoms – Courtesy of Gluten Dude Entire article here on Gluten Dude.

Heard Today

We were heading into the restaurant for lunch.

Can I bring my LPS?  (that means a Littlest Pet Shop character)

Yes, you can bring one.

Just one?  Who is she going to talk to?

Heard Today

When we go to Idaho, I'm going to take my allowance so I can buy a souvenir.  

I am going to buy a potato.

You know, they are known for that there.

Fluffy, July 2011 - April 2013

Today was Funeral Day for Fluffy. 

 Bryan took his job very seriously.  Don't worry, that's a B-B gun.

 A four B-B salute to the sweet little fellow.

(we got the date wrong)

Eulogy

by Luci

He always liked the carrots that I fed him.

I loved on him

He was really cute.

He ran really fast in the wheel.

He was really cute when he rolled over in his poop.

Don't you love his hair?

JT's new paintball mask arrived today.  He was so happy to have it that he wore it while doing his school work!

Heard this week:

I know what J.T. had to do when he was bad....

He had to write his whole math test in sign language!

(this is where you would say, "Bless her heart.")

Luna Moth!

This joined us during JT's science class tonight...

One of Three is a Good Number, Isn't It?

Luci in her new Easter dress...tried to get her photo on the front porch, but thunder chased her inside.  When we got to church, there were two other girls with the same dress!  Thank goodness Luci is of an age where wearing the same thing is pretty fun.

Tonight Luci surprised us with this sign...

and a ribbon for the Principal to cut...

plus "My schoolwork is all done tonight, Mom!" (all were correct except the line with multiplication, and, um, the spelling)...

and some pretty decoration on the table to greet us tomorrow morning:

The boys are not happy at all that Spring Break is over!

Spring Break

Most tales of Spring Break involve beaches, or Disney World, or trips to New York City.

Our tale involved staying home and Not Doing Any School Work.

That pleased one kid (guess who?  His initials are J.T.).

It also upset one kid (Luci actually wanted to do schoolwork!).

We did a little Spring Cleaning instead.   That made Mom happy.

Usually we don't even take a Spring Break because we are so far behind by this time, that we must continue with schoolwork so we can go to Idaho by mid-May. (The very best time! It's NEVER hot there in May...warm, but not hot! We get enough HOT and HUMID at home.)   One year we went to Williamsburg, VA, on a school trip. (Fantastic, by the way! Everyone in the U.S.A. ought to visit there at least once.)  But, usually we are at home, doing schoolwork.

This year was the exception.  I loved this week!  The only thing we have scheduled is the Easter Egg Hunt for homeschoolers at 1 p.m. today.  We got some cleaning done--not a lot, but some.  The first three days I had chore cards for the kids and myself.  We had to have our chores done before doing something we wanted to do (play with dolls, video games, or doing the crossword puzzle in the paper).  It worked great.

John had work all week (yes, he's retired!) and was not home or he was stuck in his office downstairs until suppertime most days.

I also had time to get creative with cooking.  I made three new recipes this week.  The first two were great hits.  Beef and Broccoli in the Crock  Pot was the first, and Loaded Baked Potato Soup was the second.  (I'll post that recipe when I can find it again.)

Today I made Pizza Casserole (Photo and recipe follows).  I'm baking it now and we'll have it reheated after the egg hunt tonight.  It is very similar to lasagne, so I am sure it will taste oh-so-good.

This has been the best Spring Break, in my not-so-humble opinion!

Pizza Casserole

16 oz. rotini pasta, cooked (I used Tinkyada gluten-free pasta)

1 lb ground meat, cooked and crumbled

24 oz spaghetti sauce

16 oz cottage cheese

small can sliced, black olives

12 oz grated mozzarella cheese (3 cups)

pkg pepperoni slices (I used about 1/2 of a 7 oz bag)

Mix pasta, meat and sauce.  Pour into a 9x13" pan  (I sprayed mine with Pam).

Mix cottage cheese, olives and mozzarella cheese.  Spoon evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.

Put pepperoni slices on top.  

Bake at 350* for 25 minutes (Wrong!  Mine took nearly an hour!) until it starts to get bubbly all over.  Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.  I could not find the original recipe--so I cannot give proper credit.  The original also said to add a can or jar of sliced mushrooms, but my kids won't eat those.      

Chinese Food...from a Crock Pot!

I found this recipe on facebook.  I can't remember who posted it originally.  The doggoned recipes disappear after a few days--so whomever is posting them has them on a very short leash.   I wanted to remember this recipe, so here it is:



                       

                               Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli

Recipe:  1 lb roast cut into thin strips (Mine was 1.5 lbs.  It's easier to slice when it's slightly frozen.  I pulled mine out of the freezer last night, and set in the fridge.  It was "just right" to slice this morning.)

Put sliced, uncooked roast into crock pot.  Mix the following ingredients in a bowl and mix with beef:

1 c beef broth
1/2 c soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 TBS sesame oil (worth purchasing--it makes a difference!)
3 cloves garlic, chopped

Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Mix 2 TBS cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water.  Add to crock pot, stirring well.  Turn crock pot up to high for 30-45 minutes, until sauce gets thickened.

Cook 2 cups broccoli (I used frozen) and stir in at the very end.  Serve over rice.

I could not believe how well this turned out.  Having Chinese food out of a crock pot?  That's amazing.  Use a rice cooker, and you have absolutely no guesswork as to how long to cook the dish, worry about boil-over, etc.  Wonderful tools for moms!

Field Trip!

Today was a field trip to an “urban farm.”  It is set up in downtown Birmingham, as a learning center and a store of sorts, when crops are in.

Luci and I had a lot of fun.  She met two new “best friends forever.”

Tasting the smoothie made with lots of things she doesn’t like.  Doesn’t matter that the orange juice and yogurt hid the taste of the kale, avocado and banana:

The teacher/docent showed the kids the labels that were on some of the fruit, and wanted them to figure out where the fruits came from (I know the grammar is not right, but please.  It’s my blog.).  The teacher shoved one fruit in Luci's face and asked her where the banana was from (again, my blog, my grammar rules).  Luci is reading 3- and 4- letter words now.  Luci just stared at it, looking like a sheep who had just been asked an algebra question.  Like she’s going to be able to read “Guatemala.”  Finally the woman passed it to another kid.

Who knew she likes worms?  Not me.  She wanted to bring this home as a pet.  Two and a half hour trip home and it’s supposed to survive?  My answer:  NO.  (By the way, I think that's a beetle larva)

 The teacher/docent suggested tossing the juicy worm into the chicken coop.  “The chickens will think that’s a great steak!”  Didn’t help Luci.  She was upset with that idea.  I haven’t seen the worm since we got home, so I am hoping she let it go there in the garden.

The night before this trip, we had broccoli at supper.  Luci would not eat any.  I took a teeny-tiny bit of the blossom part and put it into her mouth (we are talking about 1/15th of a teaspoon!) and she gagged.  Okay.  So you don't like broccoli.  What did she find at the urban garden?  Purple broccoli.  Which she LOVED.  Which tasted EXACTLY like the green stuff we had the night before.  Maybe if she ate my broccoli with dirty hands, she'd like it.  (That's the purple broccoli, with yellow flowers, in the photo.)

 Today we had some fine company.  One boy in a cape, and one boy who wore long underwear (it was chilly) and this hat with the earflaps.  He was a hoot-and-a-half.

 Luci had more fun than I ever would have guessed digging through compost, looking for insects.  Here she is with one of her "new best friends forever," and that incredibly unique boy: