« June 2004 | Main | August 2004 »

World Breastfeeding Week: August 1 - 7

Exclusive Breastfeeding: the Gold Standard Safe, Sound, Sustainable

Check back each day this week for world news, information, art, and inspiration in support of World Breastfeeding Week and noonie-mamas everywhere!

Update: Also blogging about World Breastfeeding Week 2004
Bag and Baggage
Starbellys
My Domestic Church
Marsupial Mom
Mungo's Mathoms
Curmudgeonry
House of the Chakram
Breastfeeding News Weblog

July 31, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Who's Where. . .

Deacon Paul has been in Ukraine since last Thursday, but unfortunately, this year he in in L'viv which is an overnight train ride from where we are. Hubby was able to get together with him last year (and I'm hoping that Lenise and baby get to come with him next year! *grin*)

Marla seems to not be home in Sweden.

Andrea is now living in a "Notable Historic Home" in Canada!

Dana is on vacation, but has 48 posts from last week's blogathon to keep you busy reading until she's home.

The Stewarts are en route from Austin to North Carolina.

EarthGirl is in the garden.

The Marine Corps Moms are at the Marine Corps Parents Convention.

Jared and Mrs. Mysterium Tremendum are smooching at DisneyWorld.

And who knows where Joe Missionary really is?

July 31, 2004 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

BlogSwap 3: Open Assignment

Hey all you BlogSwap fans! The following post is courtesy of Jeremy at On The Door Step. Be encouraged!

"The Thin Red Line of Accountability"

"True religion . . . intelligible, rational, and accountable, -- not a burden but a privilege." --B. Whichcote.

Accountability. Possibly the single most important thing in our lives as Christians. Our very faithful perseverance is dependent on our willingness to be accountable to someone. Thus, the church (not "a church" or "a building") plays such a vital role in a Christian's life. We must be willing to share our struggles and shortcomings to someone

in our life and in return we must be willing to befriend those that seek accountability with us. It is important for us not only to learn how to share with others, but also how to effectively hold someone accountable. When we share, we make ourselves vulnerable and open up our hearts and minds to someone that we are willing to put all of our trust into at any given point. In doing that, we long for support and often expect it. However, there's got to be a balance between support and guidance. That's the beauty of true accountability. First off, it gives us a chance to share, a chance to vent, and a chance to get our thoughts and feelings out on the table without having to worry about the embarrassments, judgment, gossip and pressures that are far too prevalent in the general church body. And secondly, accountability provides answers even when the person on the listening side has nothing to say in return. A heart that seeks truth will find truth; God doesn't leave us by the wayside when we truly want to do what is right. Accountability done right is basically a spiritual parenting force in our lives --- a perfect balance of understanding and discipline.

Nonetheless, perfect accountability doesn't exist. I think there are two major flaws (and quite a few minor ones) in spiritual accountability today. For one thing, people on the whole are afraid to be truly accountable. We'd rather play it safe and share just enough, or nothing real at all. But that issue has been played over and over, as it should be. The flaw that has been brought to my attention most lately is "OVER-accountability". What basically happens is the person being held accountable becomes so dependent on the person handing down the accountability, that they forget the purpose of doing what is right. If you listen, you'll know when this happens. Phrases start popping up like "yeah, but I don't want ____ to find out." Or "what would ______ think if (s)he knew I wanted to do this?" etc etc etc. The answer to that should always be: "WHO CARES WHAT THEY THINK!" What has happened is their spiritual life has become so dependent on one person that they don't even consider the fact that God is always present, always watching. God should be our ultimate accountability partner. Other people should be an extension, not the be-all-end-all, of our spiritual moral measuring stick. The moment someone becomes more concerned with what an individual thinks, as opposed to what the Word of God or God Himself says is the moment the accountability is useless. The concept of being a Christian is fulfilled (because they still do what is right), but the heart of what Christianity is becomes lost.

Accountability is vital to learning about our character and molding it into God's character. Letting God work on us through another individual to help take us to the next place in our spiritual journey... God is not pleased when accountability becomes dependability, even when the outcome is the same. This is not a work place or a business. In a business, the boss generally doesn't care how something gets done as long as it gets done. God, on the other hand, does care. Doing what is right because you are afraid of what a spiritual authority in your life might think if fail, and doing what is right because you love, fear, and desire to honor God are two totally different things, even though you are doing what is "right" in both instances. The difference is simple. The individual will not always be around, and he'll not always be right. To base the existence of our faith on something so fragile and finite is foolish, but it happens day after day after day. Be watchful when your under accountability, and be responsible when you're handing down the accountability.

On The Door Step welcomes you into the life and times of a young family man seeking to make an eternal difference in the life of his family, his friends, and whoever will stop to listen. Come on in, you won't be overwhelmed with politics or spirituality or entertainment... it's just me, living my life and learning to live for Him .

My entry will be posted on Penguin Boy.

To view the rest of this week's entries, click here.

Would you like to BlogSwap? For more information visit Challies.com.

July 30, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Whoops. . .

Today we sent out a ministry update to friends and supporters. If you recieved multiple copies of it, I'm SORRY! I had some problems while sending it out. . . And if you didn't rec' a copy but want one, please e-mail me at alex8b8 AT hotmail DOT com.

Thanks!

July 29, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Happy Day!

Today is my Beloved's birthday. And our 9th anniversary. *mush, mush*

We went to the Stoned Baboon restaurant/bar/English book exchange and traded in enough to get $70 of English books for just $7! A homeschool family must have recently left Kyiv and brought all their books in, because there was a great kids' selection that included quite a few Sonlight books.

Then we went out for dinner and daydreamed about our future and reminisced about the past. We came home and had carrot cake with the boys.

Happy, happy, joy, joy.

July 29, 2004 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Presidential Candidate Quote Quiz

Multiple Choice. Match the Quote with the Presidential candidate. Googling is considered cheating.

1. "I think we ought to put the heat on Saddam Hussein. I've said that for a number of years, Bill. I criticized the Clinton administration for backing off of the inspections when Ambassador Butler was giving us strong evidence that we needed to continue. I think we need to put the pressure on no matter what the evidence is about September 11." December 11, 2001
A. Republican Bush
B. Democrat Kerry
C. Reform Nader

2. "I think we clearly have to keep the pressure on terrorism globally. This doesn't end with Afghanistan by any imagination. And I think the president has made that clear. I think we have made that clear. Terrorism is a global menace. It's a scourge. And it is absolutely vital that we continue, for instance, Saddam Hussein." December 2001

A. Republican Bush
B. Democrat Kerry
C. Constitution Party Peroutka

3. Reporter asked, "Do you think that the problem we have with Iraq is real and it can be reduced to a diplomatic problem? Can we get this guy to accept inspections of those weapons of mass destruction potentially and get past a possible war with him?"
"Outside chance,” Presidential Candidate responded. "Could it be done? The answer is yes. But he would view himself only as buying time and playing a game, in my judgment. Do we have to go through that process? The answer is yes. We're precisely doing that. And I think that's what Colin Powell did today." February 2002

A. Republican Bush
B. Democrat Kerry
C. Constitution Party Peroutka

4. "I agree completely with this [Bush] administration's goal of a regime change in Iraq." July 29, 2002

A. Republican Bush
B. Democrat Kerry
C. Prohibition Party Dodge

5. "The fact is, in the resolution that we passed, we did not empower the president [Bush] to do regime change." August 2003

A. Republican Bush
B. Democrat Kerry
C. Libertarian Badnarik

6. "But the president and his advisors did not do almost anything correctly in the walk-up to the war. They rushed to war. They were intent on going to war. They did not give legitimacy to the inspections. We could have still been doing inspections even today.” October 2003

A. Republican Bush
B. Democrat Kerry
C. Socialst Party Brown

Scroll down for results. . .

(Quotes via Jim Geraghty. Click here for the answers.)

July 28, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

We all scream for ice cream!

It's so miserably hot here. So, tonight we had banana splits for dinner.

Whole milk ice cream, bananas, homemade strawberry syrup, nuts and whipped cream. Yum! And part of a summer balanced diet.

July 28, 2004 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Babywise and Failure to Thrive

Not long ago, Tim Challies blogged about Babywise & Other Ezzo Nonsense. In the comments, one mother shared about the negative impact Babywise had in their family:

"My son suffered terribly because of the Ezzo teachings (Prep for Parenting**). He was hospitalized at 3 weeks old because he was severely dehydrated, failure to thrive, weight loss, etc. We, as his parents, were horrified to know that we had unknowingly caused our precious son to suffer. . . .We hope and pray that some how Ezzo will realize the danger he brings to families and stop his abusive teachings."

I'm so sad for this mother. I want to put my arm around her and comfort her. And I rejoice that her little one is doing well today.

Some have said that all the "harmful" elements have been taken out of the newest Babywise. Sadly, that's not the case. This baby was hospitalized for Failure to Thrive less than a year ago.

You may not be aware that since Babywise was first published in 1993 (and the original Prep sometime around 1987) there have been several revisions of both. Some Ezzo apologists dismiss articles critical of Babywise because the quotes do not exactly match the edition they own.

However, since Ezzo claims that his message and "philosophy of parenting" has remained the same, articles which quote older editions of Babywise and Prep are still a helpful resource for evaluating Ezzo parenting. And even a cursory comparison of older and newer editions show that the harmful advice is still included even in the "updated" versions.

One of the most striking things is the mother's hope that "Ezzo will realize the danger he brings to families and stop. . ."

Gary Ezzo is well aware of the faulty information in his books, he is well aware of the theological and medical criticism of his teachings, and he is well aware that his program undermines healthy weight gain in infants and abundant breastmilk production in mothers.

He is well aware of these problems, and yet continues to promote materials which are harmful to families, under the guise of a "family ministry."

Failure to acknowledge problems in his teacings is similar to Gary Ezzo's failure to acknowledge sin, as is seen in Gary Ezzo's reaction to church discipline. The elders of Living Hope Evangelical Fellowship saw it necessary to publically address issues related to church discipline in 2000, saying, In the end, it was his impenitence that caused us to put him out of the church.

I join with the mother in desiring that Gary Ezzo would acknowledge the problems in what he has promoted, publically issue a statement recalling his parenting materials, and seek reconciliation with the churches who have disciplined him and others in his life that have been hurt by his actions.

** Just a reminder: "Preparation for Parenting" is the version of "Babywise" that supposedly is taught from a Christian worldview, with Christian philosophies and Biblical principles. It's now published as "Let the Children Come Along the Infant Way."

Update: The Cat's Meow and WillowTree are also blogging on Babywise this week.

July 27, 2004 | Comments (9) | TrackBack (1) | Permalink

Quick and Easy Potty Training

I found Rebecca's potty training advice to be spot on.

Just something for you new and soon-to-be mamas to bookmark for later.

July 27, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Nasha Sasha

My friend Sasha is developing her personal web page, and I thought some of y'all might be interested in it. It's in both Russian and English. You may especially like the photos from her travels--especially the winter ones in western Ukraine.

July 27, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Mothers not Mandatory?

This 18 y/o mama is required to leave her 8 m/o nursling to participate in Malaysia's mandatory National Service--or go to court and possibly jail.

July 26, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

In Memory of Sean Galton

I didn't know Sean Galton, though I'd seen his prayer-card picture before. I don't know how he died. But when I read this today I was just so sad for his family and for the people he worked with in Peru.

Please pray for his parents and his sister.

July 26, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Crank, crank, crank

I'm cranky and hormonal and had a pretty cruddy day.

Don't expect any cheerful words from this corner of the world today.

Did I mention it's miserably hot, too?

July 26, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Lurking?

A real life friend and I were talking today about mothering and babies and I mentioned, "You should write an essay about that!"

She replied, "Yeah--and you could put it on your website."

Now, I don't know whether she means this blog or the old family website we had, or our never-updated mission site. But it reminded me that people are reading here, and I don't always know who!

So Debbie, if you see this, would you post a "hi!"

And any other lurkers--go ahead, please introduce yourselves! *grin*

July 25, 2004 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Read Pink

Go over and read Think Pink throughout today. It's Project Blog blogathon day! Be inspired, be challenged, be pink. . .

July 24, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

When it rains, it pours.

Literally, in this case. Hubby just left for the SI2 picnic, photo scavenger hunt, and bonfire. He's been gone maybe ten minutes and in that time the weather has changed from being a gorgeous summer day to a mighty, pounding rainstorm. The boys are building a "boat" in case there is a flood and the water rises up to the 15th floor.

Yesterday I took C3 to the doctor. The srays show that the bone is growing together as it should, but it isn't completely aligned. We have follow up x-rays scheduled in two weeks. I just thank God that he didn't need it realigned yesterday and that everything seems to be healing.

I woke up with an eye infection this morning. I get them occasionally, but this is the first one I've had that hurts. I can't focus my eyes easily and in fact, I'm typing with them closed. *L* Forgive my typos, please. . .

Hunh. The storm lasted less than 10 minutes. I hope it's gone for good, for the rest of the day.

July 24, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Showing Off

C3 showing off his "armor." Tomorrow we go in for a follow-up x-ray to be sure the bones are set and growing together properly.

July 22, 2004 | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Quote of the Day

"We live in a split world—people who know about Homestar and people who don’t." --TMBG in msnbc

(Via ReformedBlogs.Com)

July 21, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Summer Institute 2: Cooking

I'm part of the Culinary Team for SI2. These are the menus and recipes we have planned.

Monday: American Menu

Grilled Chicken Salad
Poppyseed-Yogurt Dressing
Honey-Mustard Dressing
Croutons
Homemade Bread - Jamie Oliver Method
Chocolate Chip Cookies

Wednesday: Tex-Mex Menu

Chili Ukraine
Real Southern Cornbread
Salsa and Chips
Busy Day Cake
Easy Fudge Frosting

Monday: "Oriental" Menu

Stir Fry, with Chopping Directions from Mollie Katzen
Oven-baked Rice
Oriental Salad
American Brownies

Wednesday: Ukrainian Menu

To be announced, after our students plan it!

July 21, 2004 | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Chili Ukraine

1 large onion chopped
1 lb or ½ kilo ground beef
2 garlic cloves minced
2 jars whole tomatoes (920 g each)*
2 cans (430g) kidney beans in chili sauce**
2 tbs chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tbs basil

Combine meat, onion, and garlic in a large skillet until meat is browned. Drain if desired. Cut tomatoes with long knife while still in jar. Add entire contents with meat mixture to a large stew pot. Pour in beans with juice. Add spices and bring to a boil. Simmer on low for 15 minutes. (Recipe adjusted by Laura)

*НIЖИН brand Томати Консервованi в томатному соку or Чумак Томати
**Bonduelle Стерилiзована червона квасоля в чилi соусi

Чили с украинским наклоном

1 большая луковица, пошинкованная
½ кг. говяжьего фарша
2 зубца чеснока, мелко порезанного
2 банки томатов (920 г каждый) *
2 банки (430g) фасоли в соусе чили **
2 стол. ложки порошка чили
2 чайн. ложки тмина
1 стол. ложки базилика

В большой сковороде мешать мясо, лук и чеснок до тех пор, пока мясо не утратит красный цвет. Жир можно слить. Помидоры порезать длинным ножом прямо в банке и перелить вместе с мясом в большую кастрюлю. Добавить фасоль в соку, специи. Довести до кипения и варить на медленном огне 15 мин.

*НIЖИН Томати Консервованi в томатному соку или Чумак Томати
** Bonduelle Стерилiзована червона квасоля в чилi соусi

July 21, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Southern Style Cornbread

2-4 tablespoons butter or bacon drippings
1 1/2 cups cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk or sweet milk
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
water

Preheat the oven to 425°.

Put the shortening in a cast-iron skillet or baking pan and place in the oven. For a crusty cornbread, make sure there is a good "layer" of oil or shortening in the pan. Let cornmeal soap in milk and vinegar for 5-15 minutes before mixing the rest of the batter. Combine the cornmeal and flour, then mix in the egg and milk. Add water slowly, until the mixture is pourable (like thick pancake batter). Take the hot pan from the oven, pour some of the melted shortening (a tablespoon or more) into the batter, then pour the batter into the hot pan. Place back in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the outer crust is golden brown.

НАСТОЯЩИЙ ЮЖНЫЙ ХЛЕБ ИЗ КУКУРУЗНОЙ МУКИ

Советы: Раскаленную сковороду посыпьте кукурузной мукой перед тем, как влить тесто. Мука станет коричневого цвета и сделает корочку более хрустящей. Кстати, для того, чтобы хлеб получился хрустящим, не жалейте масла или жира.

Кукурузный хлеб

2-4 столовых ложек жира, масла или растопленного сала
1 1/2 стакан самоподнимающейся белой кукурузной муки
1/2 стакана пшеничной муки
1 яйцо
1/2 стакан пахты или молока
1/4 чайная ложка пищевой соды
вода

Духовку предварительно разогреть до 220° С.

Чугунную сковороду или лист противеня смазать жиром и поставить на средний огонь или в духовку. К кукурузной муке добавить муку пшеничную, яйцо и молоко. Воду добавлять небольшими количествами до тех пор, пока смесь не станет «переливаемой». Нагретую сковороду вынять из духовки, часть (столовую ложку или больше) растопленного жира перелить в мучную смесь, а ее затем вылить в сковороду. Сковороду вернуть в духовку и выпекать 20-25 минут, пока корочка хлеба не станет золотистого цвета.

July 21, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Busy Day Cake

1 2/3 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
½ tsp soda
1/3 cup butter
2/3 cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla

Easy to double.

Method 1: Cream together butter, sugar, then egg and vanilla. Add dry ingredients without mixing. Stir dry ingredients to be sure baking soda and salt are mixed in well. Fold into butter/sugar mixture. Fold in milk. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Easy Fudge Frosting

2 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 c. butter, softened
1/4 c. boiling water
1 t. vanilla (opt.)

Beat the ingredients with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes. Frosts 1 one-layer cake.

July 21, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Think Pink: Project Blog

I've been wanting to encourage everyone to read Dana's story of being a breast cancer survivor and young mother.

And this Saturday, Dana will be blogging for the Young Survival Coalition, as part of the Project Blog charity blogathon. I encourage you to check out Dana's blog Think Pink and consider donating towards helping people triumph over breast cancer.

I just found out last night that a friend of mine in the States has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It looks like an aggressive form, and I still don't know the details. It's when friends and family are going through hard times, that I feel so very far away. It's easier to rejoice and celebrate with weddings and new babies from overseas. It feels harder to comfort and mourn and pray through the hard times from over here.

July 19, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Update. . .

I think I've had few moments happier than when Hubby and C3 walked in the door this morning. C3 was cheerful and smiling, and had his arm in a white cast and looked. . . so much older than when they left last night for the hospital.

He's been proudly showing off his "armour" and telling everyone about falling off of T6's shoulders. (No more piggyback rides here!) He goes in for another x-ray later this week to make sure everything is aligned and growing together correctly. He hasn't needed pain meds other than a couple of baby tylenol.

Thank you for your prayers. I've been a bit emotional today--starting to cry at odd moments. While broken bones are almost to be expected with four active boys in the house, it still was very upsetting and a big ordeal for me. I really, honestly appreciate the prayers and encouragement. It meant a lot to know that I could post this here and send out a few e-mails and know people who cared would be praying for my family.

Last night, after Hubby and C3 left in the taxi for the clinic, I took the other boys to the grocery store to get some treats. While walking around, J8 mournfully asked, "Why did C3 have to get hurt? Why was my little brother hurt?"

It was hard to answer him without tears, "Well, we know that God has this all in His hands, and that God will use this in C3's life for His purpose."

Later in the evening J8 told me, "I think it's not just in C3's life, but God did this for me, too," and went on to explain some things in his heart.

I rejoice that we serve a God who is so infinite that He rules over all things, and so imminent that He is involved in the "little things" in our lives.

July 19, 2004 | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Grilled Chicken Salad

Grilled Chicken Salad
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 clove garlic, crushed
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
8 cups mixed salad greens
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup sliced green onions

1. Preheat broiler or grill. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, oil and garlic. Reserve 1/3 of marinade. Brush remaining marinade over chicken. Broil the chicken, basting with reserved marinade, until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Cut into strips. Keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, combine salad greens, carrots, bell pepper and green onions in a salad bowl; toss lightly to mix. Combine mayonnaise and yogurt with in a small bowl.

3. Add warm chicken strips to salad and toss gently. Spoon dressing over salad and serve immediately.

Салат с курицей-гриль

¼ стакана соевого соуса
2 ст. ложки меда
2 чайн. ложки растительного масла
½ зубца чеснока, раздавить
700 г. куриного филе
8 стаканов листьев салата
½ стакана тертой моркови
½ стакана мелко порезанного зеленого перца
½ стакана порезанного зеленого лука

1. Предварительно подогреть жаровню. В маленькой посуде смешать соевый соус, неочищенный сахар, масло и чеснок. 1/3 маринада сохранить, а 2/3 кисточкой нанести на мясо. Курицу запекать в жаровне до готовности (около 10 мин.), помазывая время от времени оставшимся маринадом. Готовое мясо нарезать ломтиками и держать в тепле.

2. Пока готовится мясо, в салатнице смешать листья салата, морковь, перец и зеленый лук. Перемешать подбрасывающими движениями. Майонез и йогурт перемешать в отдельной небольшой посуде.

3. Горячие ломтики курицы добавить в салат и осторожно перемешать. Полить смесью майонеза с йогуртом и сразу подавать.

July 19, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Honey-Mustard Dressing

1/4 cup mayonnaise (fat free)
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/8 teaspoon paprika

Mix together and refrigerate.

Заправка для салата из меда и горчицы

¼ стакана майонеза (можно обезжиренного)
¼ стакана горчицы Дижон
¼ стакана меда
1 столовая ложка готовой горчицы
1 столовая ложка уксуса
1/8 чайной ложки паприки

Соединить все компоненты и охладить

July 19, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Poppyseed-Yogurt Dressing

1 (8-ounce) container plain yogurt
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon orange juice
1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel

Combine all ingredients together and chill
Makes 1 cup. Recipe may be doubled.

Заправка для салата из мака и меда
(не очень жирная)

1 упаковку йогурта без вкусовых добавок
1 столовой ложка мака
1 столовой ложка меда
1 чайной ложка апельсинового сока
½ чайной ложки яблочного уксуса
¼ чайной ложки тертой цедры апельсина

Соединить все компоненты и охладить
Выход – 1 стакан. Рецепт может быть удвоен.

July 19, 2004 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Croutons

10 slices of bread, heels are fine (homemade or store bought)
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon celery salt (or 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon celery seed)
1/4 to 1/3 cup oil

Using a very sharp, serrated knife, slice bread into small cubes. Suggestion: 5 cuts each direction, one down the center, and two to each side. Place all of the bread cubes into a large bowl.

Sprinkle on the seasonings. Toss briefly to mix in the seasonings. Next dribble in the oil somewhat evenly. Toss everything together. The oil will help the seasonings stick to the bread and also make the bread crispy without actually having to fry it.

Spread the croutons on a large cookie sheet, two if necessary. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until they are crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the pan. Store the croutons in a plastic bag, or resealable container.

Сухари к салату

10 ломтиков хлеба, можно с корочкой
1/2 чайной ложки базилика
1/4 чайной ложки орегано
1/4 чайной ложки порошка чеснока
1/2 чайной ложки соли сельдерея (или 1/2 чайной ложки соли и 1/8 чайной ложки семян сельдерея)
1/4 - 1/3 стакана растительного масла

Используя очень острый, зазубренный нож, ломтики хлеба нарезать маленькими кубиками (по 5 раз в каждом направлении). Нарезанный хлеб поместить в большую емкость.

Добавить специи и подбрасывающими движениями хорошо перемешать. Затем равномерно добавить небольшое количество масла и еще раз перемешать. Масло заставит специи пристать к хлеба, а также сделает хлеб хрустящим.

Сухари разложить равномерно на одном или двух листах и выпекать при 180 С в течение 20 мин. или пока сухари не станут хрустящими. После выпечки сухарям дать остыть на листах. Хранить в пластиковом пакете или банке.

(Via The Hillbilly Housewife)

July 19, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Homemade Bread

Using the easy Jamie Oliver Method

From Happy Days with The Naked Chef

Also explained online, though not as simply.

July 19, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies (Ukraine variant)
2 ¼ cups flour (450-500 g flour)
1 TSP baking soda
1 TSP salt
1 cup butter, softened (200 g butter, softened)
1 ½ cup sugar (168 g sugar)
1 TBSP honey
1 pkt vanilla sugar
2 eggs
2 chocolate bars chopped into little pieces or 2 packets of M&Ms
Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (224 g chopped nuts)

Preheat oven to 175 C. Cream together butter, honey, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs. In separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt. Add to butter mixture, slowly stirring in. Add chocolate pieces last.

Note: You may have to add more flour if dough is too sticky.

Lightly grease baking sheet or use baking paper, and drop teaspoonfuls of batter onto sheet. Bake for about 7-9 minutes or until lightly browned. Watch carefully because they burn easily.

Печенье с шоколадом (украинский вариант)

450-500 г. муки
1 чайн. ложка пищевой соды
1 чайн. ложка соли
200 г. размягченного сливочного масла
168 г. сахара
1 ст. ложки меда
1 пакетик ванильного сахара
2 яйца
2 плитки шоколада, поломанные на маленькие кусочки или 2 пачки M&M
Вариант: 1 стакан орехов, нарезанных мелкими кусочками

Духовку предварительно разогреть до 175-190 C. Растереть вместе масло, мед, сахар и ваниль. Добавить яйца. В отдельной посуде перемешать муку, соду и соль и, медленно помешивая, пересыпать в первую массу. В последнюю очередь добавить шоколад. Если тесто слишком липкое, добавить муки.

Противень слегка смазать маслом и на него чайными ложками выложить массу. Выпекать 7-9 минут или пока печенье не приобретет светло-коричневый цвет. Осторожно, печенье может легко сгореть.

July 19, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Please Pray

Hey, y’all. . .

The boys were giving each other piggy back rides, and C3 fell and broke his arm. It’s the right forearm, and it’s obviously broken. John has taken him to Boris Clinic, which has an excellent reputation. C3 was doing okay, but seemed to be a bit in shock. Please pray for peace for him, as well as proper pain relief and medical treatment, for John to be able to effectively communicate with the doctors, and for the other boys to have peace. (They are upset, understandably—especially since it happened while they were playing.) I’m doing okay, not great. Trusting God's sovereignty. . .

Update at 11:30 pm: John called from Boris Hospital. The doctors need to reset the bones in C3’s forearm, but it will not require surgery. However, it will require general anesthesia. The doctors came in while John was on the phone with me, so I assume everything is being taken care of as I write this. Please continue praying. John said the hospital is very nice, clean, and well-run. In the morning they will re-take the x-rays to be sure the bones are set correctly. John expects that he and C3 will be home sometime tomorrow morning.

July 18, 2004 | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

"To suppose that whatever God requireth of us that we have power of ourselves to do, is to make the cross and grace of Jesus Christ of none effect."

JOHN OWEN, III:433

(Via Monergism's rotating quotes)

July 16, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Ezzo Leadership Conference

This weekend, July 15-17th, is the Growing Families International 2004 Leadership and Alumni Conference in Detroit, Michigan. Although it is being hosted at Brightmoor Christian Church, the church is quick to point out that they do not endorse Ezzo's parenting materials.

We are not attending. I bet you're not surprised.

One of the most interesting workshops offered at the Ezzo/GFI conference is this one:

Responding to Criticism: What GFI Leaders Need to Know . . .Yet, with all the fruit of ministry there are voices attempting to discredit the message. Criticizing the messengers is one way to do that. Do the critics offer legitimate concerns or flawed reasoning? Are the criticisms theological or personal? This workshop is led by a panel of men who have independently investigated the criticism and the critics. Need responses to internet rumors? This workshop is for you.

Criticizing the messengers is one way to do that. Oh, great. Do I have to prepare myself for more accusations that I didn't "understand the principles" or that I have a "personal vendetta" or was "too legalistic," because I wrote from the heart about our mistakes with Ezzo parenting?

Do the critics offer legitimate concerns or flawed reasoning? You be the judge of that--check out the reasonable discussions hosted at the Parent's Place Ezzo board. And while you're there, check out Ezzo's own logic.

Are the criticisms theological or personal? To be honest, it was seeing the theological flaws that finally convinced me to completely reject Ezzoism, rather than continuing to modify it. Especially reading the list of missing Biblical cornerstones and misused Scripture from Dr. Kent McClain. and this article on Ezzo and Calvinism.

Need responses to internet rumors? I challenge the "independent investigators" to find one rumor on the well-documented Ezzo.Info website.

Anyway, I'd like to be a fly on the wall at that workshop. Considering those teaching it have "investigated the critics" and that I've privately raised my concerns with several GFI leaders, I wonder if my name will come up. . .

July 15, 2004 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Thank you, Dana!

I just knew that I could count on online friends for help in getting some cookbook pages scanned and sent to me! Thanks so much, Dana!

July 15, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

The Last Battle

The boys' "big" presents for Christmas were in indoor gym set and the boxed set of The Chronicles of Narnia. We've slowly been reading through them since then, and on Monday we finished "The Last Battle." We started reading chapter 4 and just kept going. They didn't want me to stop, and I didn't either. I nearly cried several times.

I read the C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia and the Space Trilogy for the first time when I was in 5th grade. To be honest, I liked the Space Trilogy better then. But of the Narnia books, my favorite were "The Magician's Nephew" and "The Last Battle." The beginning and the end.

But these books were so much different for me now, reading them aloud to my children. I'm trying to put it into words, but I just can't right now. The past six months of reading the Narnia books, though, have definitely been building strong memories for me.

By the way, they've announced the cast for the new movie of "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe." If they are able to pull of the Narnia films as well as Peter Jackson did the LOTR, we'll be very pleased. The movie is set to release December 2005.

July 14, 2004 | Comments (8) | TrackBack (1) | Permalink

Kuplink, Kuplank, Kuplunk

Today, C3 and I read Blueberries for Sal, listened to the sound of blueberries dropping into a bucket, and made blueberry jam.

July 13, 2004 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Link Update

Craving curmundeonly commentary?
Jonesing for Jordana?

Update your links and bookmarks:
http://curmudgeonry.blogspot.com/

July 13, 2004 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Cherry Amaretto Preserves

Cherries are in season! And as I mentioned to Eric, I've come to really love cherries since moving to Ukraine. The ones I've had here are so delicious and fresh!

I usually ask the ladies from whom I buy cherries whether they are bez worms. Like the Russian proverb Ronald Reagan liked to quote, when buying cherries it's important to "trust, but verify."

Some of our friends swear the best cherries are with worms--they are fresher, organic, and worms know the sweetest berries. It doesn't phase me like it once did to open a cherry and flick aside the little white grub--though I can't quite pop them into my mouth without checking, like Hubby does. However, in general, our family prefers our cherries without worms. All that to say, I bought two kilos of clean cherries the other day and made Cherry Amaretto Preserves. While they still need to sit a month to really be ready, the ones I've tasted so far are a bit like maraschino cherries, but better--and would be lovely over cheesecake.

Cherry Amaretto Preserves

4 pounds cherries (preferably dark sweet)
1 pound granulated sugar
3/4 cup dark rum

Prepare six 8-ounce jars.

Wash, stem and pit cherries.

In heavy saucepan, combine cherries and sugar and cook over low heat for 1 1/2 hours. Watch carefully and stir often. Remove from heat; let cool 5 minutes and stir in amaretto. Pack cherries into prepared jars. Cover and seal. Process in boiling water bath 10 minutes.

Store in cool dark place for 1 month before using.

July 12, 2004 | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Moosewood Fans

Does anyone own "The Moosewood Cookbook" or "The Enchanted Broccoli Forest"? Mine are in storage and I'd really like a scan or photo of a particular page, as I help prepare for the cooking portion of the upcoming Summer Institute.

Would you post or e-mail me if you have those books?

And if you haven't yet seen it, check out MollieKatzen.com for soul and food inspiration.

July 10, 2004 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Accountability. . .

Ack! I've been reviewing some e-mails and other paperwork and realized just how dreadfully behind I am on some business e-mails and other things. Yes, I've been procrastinating on them. I found it so easy getting paperwork done when I was working in offices for someone else. It's a real struggle to stay current with personal and family business.

So, I'm posting this publically as a reminder to myself to get it DONE! Now! No more putting it off!

(And you can fwack me if you see me posting before it's finished--or at least mostly finished. . .)

July 09, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Thursday Bible Study

We just began Romans last week. Wow--I'm so glad we've started this book. Last night I was again completely swept away by the Gospel of Jesus Christ,

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." -Romans 1:16-17

Amen!

July 09, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

More Strawberries!

I thought the strawberry season had already ended in Kyiv. Perhaps due to the mild spring and summer, it's been extended. Today I bought another 7 kilos of strawberries (and at the best price I've seen all year!) I began a batch of conserves, made another batch of jam, cleaned some for dessert tomorrow night, and started a jar of Rumtopf. This looks like a great recipe for incorporating a whole summer's worth of fruits!

Rumtopf
A traditional German treat.

Ingredients:
2 lbs. fruit, such as strawberries, blackberries, black currants, red currants, peaches, apricots, cherries and plums. Avoid apples and blueberries.
1 ¼ cups sugar
4 cups white rum

1. Prepare fruit: remove stems, skins, cores and stones. Cut larger fruit into bitesize pieces. Combine fruit and sugar in large, non-metalic bowl. Cover and leave to stand for 30-60 minutes.
2. Spoon the fruit and juices into a sterilized 5 pint preserving or earthenware jar and pour in the white rum to cover.
3. Cover the jar with clear film. Seal and store in a cool, dark place.
4. As space allows and as different fruits come into season, add more fruit, sugar, and rum in the appropriate proportions, as described above.
5. When the jar is full, store in a cool, dark place for two months. Serve the fruit spooned over ice cream or other desserts, and enjoy the rum in glasses as a liqueur. Traditionally a part of Christmas celebrations.

Modified from this great book that I've borrowed from a friend--but I really want my own!

Update: To the rum and strawberries, I've now added cherries and red currants.

July 07, 2004 | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Lincoln, Liberty, and Ukraine

Monday night we went to the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus patriotic concert. It was great--especially the Kyiv Brass ensemble.

While Lincoln rates among my 5 least favorite presidents, I was very moved by their performance of Aaron Copeland's "Lincoln Portrait."

What was so emotional was hearing the US Ambassador to Ukraine, the Hon. John Herbst, narrarate it in Ukrainian. Ukraine is still struggling, as it has been free of the Soviet Union for such a short time. I wish all of Ukraine could have heard the exhortation:

The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty and we must rise high with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves and then we shall save our country. . . .
. . .we here highly reslove that these dead shall not have died in vain; and that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom. . . .

May it be so.

July 07, 2004 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Ezzo Myths and Misconceptions

I just finished reading GKGW Myths and Misconceptions. This pastor's wife and former Contact Mom writes about her struggles and mistakes in a humble and moving. Her story illustrates how easy it is for mature Christians to set aside discernment when reading the parenting materials by Gary Ezzo*, and accept the principles because they "sound right."

Some quotes:

"One thought that seems to be communicated is that every behavior has some kind of a "fix," and that if parents just do things "correctly" they can fix the problem and be done with it. Children become projects, something to fix instead of someone to love. . . .

"I thought that if I could learn all the rules, guidelines, and Biblical principles, I would know what to do--that there's always answers and it's just a matter of me learning the right answers. And subtly, inside, I believed that when I learned all the principles, I could set Christ aside, I wouldn't need to draw on Him because I could draw on my own strength. How awful! I don't blame that all on GFI, I had to take responsibility for this as my struggle. . . .

"I'd add that GKGW makes reaching the child's heart the parent's responsibility, when instead it is truly the Holy Spirit's."

Read the whole article. I can hear this mother's humility and hard-learned wisdom coming through. I'd like to have her over for a cup of coffee and ask some mom-to-mom advice like what she offers:

"If you have used GKGW and are feeling discouraged over mistakes you've made, let me encourage you, it's not too late. God can and will work in your life and in your children's lives. You can rebuild your relationship with your children if it's been damaged. Pray, search the scriptures, put the parenting books aside for awhile, and seek the Lord. Most of all, seek how you can show grace to your children."

* GKGW refers to Growing Kids God's Way which is now known as Along the Virtuous Way. Other parenting materials by Gary Ezzo include Babywise (aka Preparation for Parenting or Along the Infant Way) and others in the -Wise or Let the Children Come series. For more information, see Ezzo.Info.

Update: Carol is also blogging on Ezzo this week.

July 06, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Happy Birthday, W!

Happy Birthday, President Bush! Thanks for serving the US as president!

In honor of our President's birthday, I ask everyone who can to donate 58 dollars to the campaign. Let's send Bush a special birthday message that we support him 100% .

BlogsForBush.Com

(via BlogsForBush)

July 06, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

God Bless the USA!

If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,

From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there’s pride in every American heart,
and it’s time to stand and say:

I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.

By Lee Greenwood

I remember being a child on Guantanamo Bay NTC--celebrating the Fourth by climing in and out of display tanks, seeing the sailors with shore leave, feasting on hot dogs and coke, singing in the Independence Day cantata. It was a sharp contrast to the rising smoke across the bay, from the sugar cane fields where Castro held his power tightly and people were oppressed by communism.

I heard this song sung by Lee Greenwood at a USO concert over a decade ago. During most of the concert, the young Air Force recruits were whooping it up, but when he sang this song, there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd.

I remember during the 2000 election thinking, "Well, we survived 8 years of Clinton--we'll survive Gore if he's elected. But since I'll be living overseas, I'd really rather have Bush and his foreign policy team in the White House." This was before 9/11, and I've been thankful every year we've lived overseas for Bush, Cheney, Powell, and Rice.

And on this Independence Day, I'm encouraging you to be sure you are registered to voite--and vote for George W.

July 04, 2004 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

And you, who in the past were cut off and at war with God in your minds through evil works, he has now made one

In the body of his flesh through death, so that you might be holy and without sin and free from all evil before him:

If you keep yourselves safely based in the faith, not moved from the hope of the good news which came to you, and which was given to every living being under heaven; of which I, Paul, was made a servant.

Colossians 1:21-23

July 04, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Dyetskiy Bibleiskiy Klub

Children listening to a Bible story. Can you spot J8 and C3?

This week we've been busy and blessed by a Children's Bible Club that our church has sponsored for the children in our region. We were able to hold it in a schoolyard not far from where we live. It was exciting to see the children's enthusiasm each evening. T6 said, "I wish this could last for at least three years!" And one of the mothers mentioned that she was disappointed it was only one week long.

We have some summer interns working with us in Kyiv, and I don't think we could have held this Dyetski Klub without them. But most of the helpers were people from the church--and it was great to see them involved and excited about reaching out to our neighborhood.

Duck, Duck, Goose with the younger children.

July 03, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

A New Baby Girl!

Congrats to Mike and Kristen on little Kathryn!

I have a friend, Jean, who is mama to six children. She has always been one of the most encouraging mamas I know. Whenever anyone in our circle of friends (online, mostly) had a baby, she'd bake a cake to celebrate with her family. It was something we always looked forward to. *grin*

About six months ago, I couldn't think of anyone I knew expecting a little blessing. And now I'm waiting along with Lenise, Carol, Jeri, Jordana, Crystal, Anya, Tenn, Ange, Dawn and Samantha.

(Ack! There are a couple more, too--but my mommy-brain isn't remembering as I type this. . .)

July 03, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

Get on the Band-Wiki-Wagon!

Aaron, web-outreach visionary, is enlisting help with two new wiki projects, Theopedia.com and Tulipedia.org.

Theopedia.com is "designed to be a free, well-organized resource for Christians all around the globe. . . . [E]quipping our brothers and sisters in Christ with accessible, sound theology will strengthen them and help them persevere in the faith. . . . As a college student, I have witnessed first-hand how theological literature on the internet, good or bad, has an increasingly significant impact on newer generations of Christians."

Tulipedia.org, on the other hand, more narrowly focuses on Reformed theology and calvinism.

Interested? Read more about how you can get involved with Theopedia.com and Tulipedia.org.

On the bandwagon:
Gideon Strauss
Buried Treasure Weblog
Lollardy
Truth Becomes Lies
How Now, Brownpau
Life of Brian
The Red Fire Hydrant
Matt Hall
Kacy
TruePravda

Little Drummer Boy
the pHAASibilities are endless...

July 02, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink

RSS RSS2 Atom

Creative Commons License

In My Garden