Thursday, day 4 of the hunger challenge was uneventful. I heard only one complaint about food and then we went on with our day of oatmeal, rice and navajo fried bread. Today has been much the same, but I can tell you I am relieved to know that supper tonight will be something different. There is an excitement in the air at knowing we have made it. Isaak even told Grandma that it was hard, but we made it even when we wanted to quit.
For the kids and I our most difficult challenge has been the lack of snacks. We are used to smaller meals and snacks in between. So we have been hungry, late afternoon has been the hardest. Jim normally eats three meals, so he said it hasn't bothered him. He also eats the same things for breakfast and lunch during a normal week, so the monotony hasn't bothered him much either. But we did both give up soda for the whole week, that is a milestone!
I have been challenged to include more rice in our regular meal plans and plan some nights without meat. Since Jim's diabetis, I had introduced meat into all our meals because it was carb free, but he has done quite well without it. The money we saved on groceries this week will be sent for growing gardens in Haiti or to the Saharawa people in the African desert, two places our church has an active presence. There were many choices, such as goats and water filters, but the kids found the gardens to be the most appealing.
Have a great weekend! The kids are heading out for their sleepover and Jim and I will enjoy ourselves at the Weekend to Remember for couples in Appleton.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Day 3
Yeah, we are over half way through and the end feels so close and exciting. Today was the first time I heard any complaints about the boredem of rice, but it was only once and the kids still ate it all well. They still feel compelled to finish the challenge to the end.
I haven't mentioned that on Friday when we finish supper will be normal food and the kids will have their first sleepover at grandma's house. So they feel the reward at the end to be very worthwhile and exciting. Jim and I will be attending the Weekend to Remember in Appleton and spending our first nights away from the kids. I guess you could say we are all very excited for an end that is near.
This morning I made baked oatmeal, which was delicious. Oatmeal is not a favorite of mine, so I have been doing my best to eat it every morning. But this was awesome, almost like an oatmeal cookie. I will probably make this again after the challenge and add fruit with it.
The rest of the day we had rice and pinto bean bread that I toasted and put cinamon and sugar on top. That was pretty good and satisfied some of the sweet craving I am having. The kids enjoyed it as well.
Tonight's adult devotional was about what motivates us to serve. It should be God's love. But do you ever find yourself serving because the payoff will be good (a matching gift during a fundraiser) or for the emotional high you get from it? I am guilty of this, but I also found that there are times I am truly showing love. I am reminded of Moms Inc where I am a small group leader and craft organizer. When I first started attending this group I received so much blessing and encouragement. I can truly see it helping young moms. Now that I am serving my personal benefits aren't the same, but I want to be there and help other mothers, to show them love and encouragement.
I haven't mentioned that on Friday when we finish supper will be normal food and the kids will have their first sleepover at grandma's house. So they feel the reward at the end to be very worthwhile and exciting. Jim and I will be attending the Weekend to Remember in Appleton and spending our first nights away from the kids. I guess you could say we are all very excited for an end that is near.
This morning I made baked oatmeal, which was delicious. Oatmeal is not a favorite of mine, so I have been doing my best to eat it every morning. But this was awesome, almost like an oatmeal cookie. I will probably make this again after the challenge and add fruit with it.
The rest of the day we had rice and pinto bean bread that I toasted and put cinamon and sugar on top. That was pretty good and satisfied some of the sweet craving I am having. The kids enjoyed it as well.
Tonight's adult devotional was about what motivates us to serve. It should be God's love. But do you ever find yourself serving because the payoff will be good (a matching gift during a fundraiser) or for the emotional high you get from it? I am guilty of this, but I also found that there are times I am truly showing love. I am reminded of Moms Inc where I am a small group leader and craft organizer. When I first started attending this group I received so much blessing and encouragement. I can truly see it helping young moms. Now that I am serving my personal benefits aren't the same, but I want to be there and help other mothers, to show them love and encouragement.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Day 2
Today has resulted in boredem and frustration with our food choices. I think that is one point of of doing the Challenge! The kids are taking it all very well and seem to enjoy the challenge part, being able to say they finished all 5 days. I give them a huge amount of credit.
So far they have concluded they don't care for beans. Each night the boys have at least tried some and then requested more plain rice. I agree with them, the texture and taste of pinto beans is not a favorite of mine either. Grace just doesn't eat them. But they all heartily ate their oatmeal this morning and plain rice at noon with no complaints at all.
Today we tried making unleavened bread. The consensus is it is more like a plain cookie or sweet cracker-everyone likes it. I would rather eat Navajo fried bread-it has more flavor and texture. And I also tried making pinto bean bread. I will have to post more on that tomorrow, we tried only a slice or two tonight, so no verdict on it yet.
I am learning that I enjoy food, not just eating it, but planning meals and preparing them. I enjoy feeding my family healthy choices. It is hard to not offer the kids fruit and vegetables. I think that is where they are struggling too, is not having their snacks throughout the day and only one or two things to chose to eat on their plate at mealtime.
Today Samuel commented that he felt bad that the kids couldn't have a birthday. In our culture where most celebrations have food involved, he is right. It wouldn't feel like a celebration to us if there wasn't a cake or something special and delicious to eat. Why is that? Does the fact that other people are starving mean we shouldn't enjoy these things? I don't know the answer, just thoughts.
Tonight's devotional for the preschoolers was about God helping us. It was interesting to hear Samuel comment that he didn't see God helping him. After I pointed out some things where God has protected him from being hurt and showing him that God has provided a mom and dad for him and a new job for dad, he seemed to get the idea and agreed that God does help him. We prayed for God to help us with eating our beans and rice.
As a note, I did offer the boys the option to quite tonight, just so you don't think we are trying to be cruel and force this on them. (The "test family" at church with little ones stopped after two days. )But they said no and wanted to see it through to the end, they commented that we are almost half done! Good job kids!!
So far they have concluded they don't care for beans. Each night the boys have at least tried some and then requested more plain rice. I agree with them, the texture and taste of pinto beans is not a favorite of mine either. Grace just doesn't eat them. But they all heartily ate their oatmeal this morning and plain rice at noon with no complaints at all.
Today we tried making unleavened bread. The consensus is it is more like a plain cookie or sweet cracker-everyone likes it. I would rather eat Navajo fried bread-it has more flavor and texture. And I also tried making pinto bean bread. I will have to post more on that tomorrow, we tried only a slice or two tonight, so no verdict on it yet.
I am learning that I enjoy food, not just eating it, but planning meals and preparing them. I enjoy feeding my family healthy choices. It is hard to not offer the kids fruit and vegetables. I think that is where they are struggling too, is not having their snacks throughout the day and only one or two things to chose to eat on their plate at mealtime.
Today Samuel commented that he felt bad that the kids couldn't have a birthday. In our culture where most celebrations have food involved, he is right. It wouldn't feel like a celebration to us if there wasn't a cake or something special and delicious to eat. Why is that? Does the fact that other people are starving mean we shouldn't enjoy these things? I don't know the answer, just thoughts.
Tonight's devotional for the preschoolers was about God helping us. It was interesting to hear Samuel comment that he didn't see God helping him. After I pointed out some things where God has protected him from being hurt and showing him that God has provided a mom and dad for him and a new job for dad, he seemed to get the idea and agreed that God does help him. We prayed for God to help us with eating our beans and rice.
As a note, I did offer the boys the option to quite tonight, just so you don't think we are trying to be cruel and force this on them. (The "test family" at church with little ones stopped after two days. )But they said no and wanted to see it through to the end, they commented that we are almost half done! Good job kids!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Day 1
We survived our first day of the Hunger Challenge and it went much smoother than I anticipated. I was afraid the kids would complain and the food wouldn't taste that good. But I was wrong. They loved the oatmeal and adding their own brown sugar and cinamon to it was a real treat. (I suspect they may prefer homemade oatmeal to the instant kind by the time the week is over.)
For lunch we made Navajo fried bread and dipped it in honey. This was delicious and the kids decided it would make a great dessert. I first followed the church provided recipe, but after trying it I found a similar recipe on the 'zaar. It suggested cinamon and sugar or powdered sugar for toppings as well. I will probably make this again and have Jim have a taste now that I have a recipe with the nutrition info. My biggest problem with it is the frying which uses a lot of oil, but otherwise it was good.
For supper we had pinto beans and rice from the crockpot that I used a recipe from the 'zaar as well. It was definately good, just so different from what we are used to. The boys ate it and then asked for more plain rice. Jim seemed pretty happy with it as well. Grace decided it was too hot and just drank her milk, which is her normal attitude towards supper anyway so I didn't let it bother me.
We purchased rations for 5 and after today we realize that was probably too much considering the ages of our kids. I only used some of today's rice in our supper and we still have a whole other meal left over from tonight as well as some of the oatmeal from breakfast.
On a deeper level, Samuel has suggested we pray at bedtime for the kids who only get to eat beans and rice. Tonight's devotional with the kids focused on helping others because then we are actually helping Jesus. I hope as the week goes on we can get more in depth in our devotionals and learning about the countries and their cultures. We just picked up our books from the library tonight and I struggled most of the day with a head cold, so my enthusiasm was lacking some. Tomorrow hopefully I will be feeling more like myself.
For lunch we made Navajo fried bread and dipped it in honey. This was delicious and the kids decided it would make a great dessert. I first followed the church provided recipe, but after trying it I found a similar recipe on the 'zaar. It suggested cinamon and sugar or powdered sugar for toppings as well. I will probably make this again and have Jim have a taste now that I have a recipe with the nutrition info. My biggest problem with it is the frying which uses a lot of oil, but otherwise it was good.
For supper we had pinto beans and rice from the crockpot that I used a recipe from the 'zaar as well. It was definately good, just so different from what we are used to. The boys ate it and then asked for more plain rice. Jim seemed pretty happy with it as well. Grace decided it was too hot and just drank her milk, which is her normal attitude towards supper anyway so I didn't let it bother me.
We purchased rations for 5 and after today we realize that was probably too much considering the ages of our kids. I only used some of today's rice in our supper and we still have a whole other meal left over from tonight as well as some of the oatmeal from breakfast.
On a deeper level, Samuel has suggested we pray at bedtime for the kids who only get to eat beans and rice. Tonight's devotional with the kids focused on helping others because then we are actually helping Jesus. I hope as the week goes on we can get more in depth in our devotionals and learning about the countries and their cultures. We just picked up our books from the library tonight and I struggled most of the day with a head cold, so my enthusiasm was lacking some. Tomorrow hopefully I will be feeling more like myself.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
5 Day Hunger Challenge
That is it. What you see pictured are 5 bags of dry beans, 5 bags of rice and 5 bags of oatmeal. Those are our rations for the next 5 days.
Our family is taking the 5 day hunger challenge sponsered by our church. This is a chance for our family (and church) to experience what most people around the world eat every day.
We are also able to add flour, sugar, milk and spices in our preparations. And with the kids and Jim's health we anticipate some other additions, but we intend to see it through all 5 days.
This food was purchased for $25, the money we are saving this week by not grocery shopping will be donated to various hunger needs in countries where our church is involved.
So on the eve of this challenge we are all a little apprehensive about what it will be like. I am unsure about preparing the food and getting the kids to eat it. Jim is unsure how he will handle lunch on the road when he is working. Samuel especially is a little nervous. But today as we discussed more about how this will help us learn about other people around the world he got more excited. He suggested we use our saved money to buy a house for the people, stay tuned as our family shares this experience with you. If you would like more information about the Hunger Challenge and facts check out our church website www.christtherock.org.
Blast from the past
My mom has been cleaning out the basement and in the process has found a lot of our old toys, many I had forgotten all about. The kids have been particularly excited about the "little Legos" that are now at Grandma's house to play with. Grace is also fond of my old Care Bear figurines.
And you can see that fancy red Barbie car has been converted to a speed racer.
My favorite so far is some old story books with titles like The Ghost Who Loved Toast, The Muddiest Pig Contest and Don Pedro and the Three Dragons. Here Samuel and Isaak are retelling the stories together. What fun to share these pieces of my childhood with my kids!
And you can see that fancy red Barbie car has been converted to a speed racer.
My favorite so far is some old story books with titles like The Ghost Who Loved Toast, The Muddiest Pig Contest and Don Pedro and the Three Dragons. Here Samuel and Isaak are retelling the stories together. What fun to share these pieces of my childhood with my kids!
Model Trains
After our trip to Leap, we stopped at a local auction/banquet hall to see a model train display. Unfortunately my camera got left home, it was super neat. We spent over an hour watching the trains go around the track that filled the whole room. They had three tracks all running trains. And the engineers had fun talking to the kids, showing them different things like how they made smoke and the model Thomas the Tank Engine. They also shared their chocolate from the Hershey train.
Once we got home the kids were inspired to build their own track. I helped them and we created one of our best ones, complete with two hills and it circled around the couch.
LEAP
On February 7, we headed out to Lambeau Field once again to enjoy LEAP (Lambeau Exercise and Activity Program). We had gone 2 years ago and enjoyed it a lot. Basically the Atrium has multiple inflatables for kids to play in, a few health displays and a performing group.
Well the program was much better attended this time around and we only got to 5 inflatables after an hour. We watched the performing group which was a version of Tai Kwon Do and then left. It was just too crowded for preschoolers. The kids did still enjoy the day out which later included lunch at Pizza Hut.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Celebration!!!!!
Tonight we had something great to celebrate and we did it at our favorite kid restaurant-Chuck E Cheese. Jim was told today that he has a job for the summer with a private lawn care company based in Howard. The business owner is a Christian and will be somewhat flexible with hours to accomodate Jim's part-time hours on campus with Intervarsity. Furthermore it is a well established business that is expanding. In the current economy this is an awesome opportunity!
We felt that God was bringing this job to Jim and our family and providing for us in a marvelous way. The owner and Jim met through the Christian Business directory and saw a way that they could each serve one another's needs. Jim will bring experience to the job as well as working his old territory from his previous job.
Normally we reserve Chuck E Cheese for birthdays or for fun with our cousins. Samuel even asked once we got there who's birthday we were celebrating. Jim told him about the new job and he replied "That's great Dad!" The kids understand very little of what has changed over the last year, some day we will be able to share with them this one example of how God has provided for us.
P.S. stay tuned for more posts to come. We have been busy, I just haven't made the time to share everything :-)
We felt that God was bringing this job to Jim and our family and providing for us in a marvelous way. The owner and Jim met through the Christian Business directory and saw a way that they could each serve one another's needs. Jim will bring experience to the job as well as working his old territory from his previous job.
Normally we reserve Chuck E Cheese for birthdays or for fun with our cousins. Samuel even asked once we got there who's birthday we were celebrating. Jim told him about the new job and he replied "That's great Dad!" The kids understand very little of what has changed over the last year, some day we will be able to share with them this one example of how God has provided for us.
P.S. stay tuned for more posts to come. We have been busy, I just haven't made the time to share everything :-)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
New recipes
Most everyone who knows me, knows how much I love the Recipezaar.com website. I am constantly finding great recipes to meet whatever occassion or ingredients I have on hand. Additionally, each recipe has nutritional information, which saves me from having to figure it out for Jim's carb count.
The end of 2008 brought the Zaar's best of the year and I found some great recipes that I would like to share with everyone. First came poverty stew, don't let the name fool you, this is great comfort food. It got great ratings from Jim, the kids are still skeptical. Just remember the parmesan cheese when you are serving it, otherwise it lacks some flavor. It is super easy to through together last minute.
Next I tried big thicket chicken and dumplings. I have never had dumplings, but this sounded easy enough. I used chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken and that worked fine. It does in the end take some time to put together, but we got two big meals out of it. Jim was surprised when he figured out I had made the dumplings from scratch. Isaak loved it the most and Jim was a close second.
Finally today I am trying crockpot lasagna. I am a super pasta lover, too bad for my carb counting husband. But I try to make pasta dishes only a few times during the month. This looked so easy, I just had to try it. I took one of the reviewers suggestion and added some extra seasoning (Italian seasoning, chives and garlic salt instead of the regular salt called for). It smells great in our house now. Plus I have a loaf of homemade bread to bake yet to go with it. Yummy-I can't wait to dig in!
The end of 2008 brought the Zaar's best of the year and I found some great recipes that I would like to share with everyone. First came poverty stew, don't let the name fool you, this is great comfort food. It got great ratings from Jim, the kids are still skeptical. Just remember the parmesan cheese when you are serving it, otherwise it lacks some flavor. It is super easy to through together last minute.
Next I tried big thicket chicken and dumplings. I have never had dumplings, but this sounded easy enough. I used chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken and that worked fine. It does in the end take some time to put together, but we got two big meals out of it. Jim was surprised when he figured out I had made the dumplings from scratch. Isaak loved it the most and Jim was a close second.
Finally today I am trying crockpot lasagna. I am a super pasta lover, too bad for my carb counting husband. But I try to make pasta dishes only a few times during the month. This looked so easy, I just had to try it. I took one of the reviewers suggestion and added some extra seasoning (Italian seasoning, chives and garlic salt instead of the regular salt called for). It smells great in our house now. Plus I have a loaf of homemade bread to bake yet to go with it. Yummy-I can't wait to dig in!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Potty Training
I finally took the plunge and started potty training Grace. For the last few weeks she had been telling me when she was wet and dirty, so I knew she was more aware of what was happening. It was also costing me a lot more diapers for each time she needed a dry/clean one. After talking with another mom, whose daughter is the same age, and hearing how it only took her a week to get over the accidents, I decided it was time. Really, I was sitting on the couch Thursday morning and thinking what I am waiting for, I am stuck inside due to winter weather, might as well give it a try.
And she is doing awesome! Of course there have been accidents and she still has a diaper at bedtime and naptime. Last night, while we had friends over for the SuperBowl, she even asked for underwear and then told me when she had to use the bathroom. And what is my favorite part, she even pooped on the potty last night! Great! Cleaning those up are my least favorite messes.
Today we are home all day, so it was back to underwear again (I didn't try much yesterday due to church and the party at night) and she stayed dry all morning. The big break through today was after lunch, she sat on the potty and went after only a few minutes, instead of the 10-20 minutes I was spending before reading books and watching her dance around trying to hold it in. I think she is really getting it!!! I am so proud of her!
Now I can look forward to the days of no more diaper bag! Can there really be such a life for a mom? After 5 years with one, I may be lost!!
And she is doing awesome! Of course there have been accidents and she still has a diaper at bedtime and naptime. Last night, while we had friends over for the SuperBowl, she even asked for underwear and then told me when she had to use the bathroom. And what is my favorite part, she even pooped on the potty last night! Great! Cleaning those up are my least favorite messes.
Today we are home all day, so it was back to underwear again (I didn't try much yesterday due to church and the party at night) and she stayed dry all morning. The big break through today was after lunch, she sat on the potty and went after only a few minutes, instead of the 10-20 minutes I was spending before reading books and watching her dance around trying to hold it in. I think she is really getting it!!! I am so proud of her!
Now I can look forward to the days of no more diaper bag! Can there really be such a life for a mom? After 5 years with one, I may be lost!!
Groundhog day
It is a lovely sunny Groundhog day at our house. Will there really be 6 more weeks of winter, I don't know. We have had fun talking about it at our house today anyway.
Here is a picture of the groundhogs that we made, complete with grassy holes for them to pop out of, that was Isaak's request. We even were able to put our groundhogs by the sunny window and find their shadows. Along with the cute song from DLTK, Grace was also saying shadow by the time we were done with the project. The official groundhog website also has some fun facts for the kids, a tricky maze and a puzzle that we tried.
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