This quick post is for Heather and Amy - who have both requested this recipe. It is my girls' favorite food, although it is really more of a conglomeration of yummy foods than an actual recipe. I don't measure anything! In case you don't know, quinoa is a tiny, high-protein grain that packs a lot of nutrition. Prepared with some simple additions, it is an awesome side dish for those grilled meat dinners we all love in the summer!
Sautee 1/2 of a diced onion in olive oil or butter.
Add about 2 c. of raw quinoa and quickly coat in oil before adding 3 cups of broth.
Add about 2-3 sliced medium carrots (or a handful of chopped baby ones) and a diced apple. Bring mixture to boil and then simmer for 10-15 minutes. I like to add a cup of white wine if I have it on hand, or a cup of apple juice. (You need about double the liquid) Add a generous handful of dried cranberries and continue cooking until water is absorbed. Sometimes I need to add more liquid because the quinoa isn't soft. It gets little tails when it is fully cooked. :)
And... serve and eat. Yummy!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Raina's First Camping Adventure.... and some Overdue Summer Sun!
June in Wyoming began rainy and cool. Scattered snowstorms meant we were still bundling up for walks and outside play... This week, God turned the face of the sun towards us and we have been enjoying warm, sunny days with temperatures up to the 80s. We are thankful for sprinklers to run in and backyard swings, a freezer full of popsicles and the promise of many hours outdoors. :)
We ventured out for a camping trip with our three daughters and brave grandparents last weekend... simple meals, warm clothes, a huge tent, and a bag of marshmallows to roast were all we needed for a day of fun with our family. We fueled ourselves with Hagen Daaz ice cream and drove about an hour up the Gros Ventre river where we set up camp in a perfect meadow. A few scattered showers passed through as we set up tents and prepared our dinner, but then the weather stilled and we enjoyed a quiet campfire and oodles of gooey s'mores. Raina was unflappable, although her shortened naps meant days of adjustment upon our return home. We had a lazy morning (it was Father's Day) and returned home mid-afternoon to welcome Aunt Belle.
My sweet sis stayed with us for a week - blessing the girls with tickles and laughter and attention. We enjoyed an outing to Jackson Lake to throw rocks and wander the shore, and several morning hikes up Cache Creek. Michelle got to see all the people on her "list" and still spend plenty of time with her nieces and boring big sister. :) Last night we celebrated with lobster tail and filet mignon, then sent her back on her way this morning.
Once again, this month, I have found myself forming thoughts and essays in my head that never get written. One of my favorites was "Messmaker, Messmaker, make me a mess!" We've had some doozies, including an exploding garbage bag full of chicken carcass, potato salad, burst tea bags, broken egg shells and splintered glass. :) I have also been thinking, praying and reading a lot as I continue to formulate my personal mission statements and philosophy for mothering. Maybe someday I'll write a more serious post about those things. :) In the meantime, enjoy a few photos of life with the Wachobs.
Riding Daddy
Aunt Belle
Sweet Raina
Sprinklers
Chalk Bodies
Angels
In the air!
Sadie's first roasted marshmallows!
Smile for Grandpa
I want s'more!
We ventured out for a camping trip with our three daughters and brave grandparents last weekend... simple meals, warm clothes, a huge tent, and a bag of marshmallows to roast were all we needed for a day of fun with our family. We fueled ourselves with Hagen Daaz ice cream and drove about an hour up the Gros Ventre river where we set up camp in a perfect meadow. A few scattered showers passed through as we set up tents and prepared our dinner, but then the weather stilled and we enjoyed a quiet campfire and oodles of gooey s'mores. Raina was unflappable, although her shortened naps meant days of adjustment upon our return home. We had a lazy morning (it was Father's Day) and returned home mid-afternoon to welcome Aunt Belle.
My sweet sis stayed with us for a week - blessing the girls with tickles and laughter and attention. We enjoyed an outing to Jackson Lake to throw rocks and wander the shore, and several morning hikes up Cache Creek. Michelle got to see all the people on her "list" and still spend plenty of time with her nieces and boring big sister. :) Last night we celebrated with lobster tail and filet mignon, then sent her back on her way this morning.
Once again, this month, I have found myself forming thoughts and essays in my head that never get written. One of my favorites was "Messmaker, Messmaker, make me a mess!" We've had some doozies, including an exploding garbage bag full of chicken carcass, potato salad, burst tea bags, broken egg shells and splintered glass. :) I have also been thinking, praying and reading a lot as I continue to formulate my personal mission statements and philosophy for mothering. Maybe someday I'll write a more serious post about those things. :) In the meantime, enjoy a few photos of life with the Wachobs.
Riding Daddy
Aunt Belle
Sweet Raina
Sprinklers
Chalk Bodies
Angels
In the air!
Sadie's first roasted marshmallows!
Smile for Grandpa
I want s'more!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
May in Wyoming...
One of Erik's favorite May activities is a weekend excursion to Yellowstone to see wildlife. Last year we took Elisa and Sadie and had a wonderful, warm weekend. We stayed in the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and had a fantastic two days of sunshine. Elisa's favorite memory was visiting Old Faithful and eating ice cream after the geyser had spewed. This year... I wasn't feeling up to two days of car travel with my precious two-month old peanut, especially since this year's forecast included snow, and the plan was to camp (yup, outdoors) with Erik's mom and dad. Instead, I packed a bag of warm clothes and gear for my brave oldest and sent her along with her daddy. They had a great weekend together... and, sure enough, Elisa remembered the ice cream and suggested a stop to "see the big geyser and eat an ice cream cone."
Sadie stayed home for a special weekend with Mommy and Raina. We made pizza together, snuggled with stories, played with friends, and attended a baby shower together. She got to sleep with me in my bed, and she is still convinced she had the "more fun" weekend. :)
Bison and calf
Bundled up!
On Daddy's lap
With Grandma and Grandpa in the snow
Sadie, loving her baby sister
Because I am not very consistent about updating my blog, I always feel like I end up writing a Christmas-letter style note.... you know, little snippets of life condensed into a few succinct and upbeat paragraphs. :) If I were better at updating, you would get to read more of the funny day-to-day stories... but I'm not, and I forget the funny stories by the time I sit down to write!
Raina is almost three months old. She weighed 11 lb 14 oz at her two month check-up (75th percentile.) She is a sweet smiley girl. Se sleeps great -- she takes two 2-3 hour naps early in the day, then usually an hour late in the afternoon and half an hour catnap before bed. She sleeps 8-9 hours at night (from about 7:30 - 3:30) and goes back to sleep quickly after her early morning feed. I dropped her 10 PM dream feed because it wasn't actually prolonging her nighttime sleep hours. She is easy-going, but she also has a touchy temperament that means she does much better at home that being out and about. I try to get the bigger girls on one outing a week, but we do well just staying close to home and enjoying our wonderful backyard and quiet dirt road.
Sewing lessons! I try to have "creative time" each morning while Raina sleeps... sometimes coloring, or painting, or dancing, sometimes baking.... this week we tried some hand-stitching on scraps from Raina's nursery.
Tea party! Yup, I let them eat chocolate chip cookies and drink tea with milk and sugar... at 10:00 in the morning.
Last night we hosted 64 people for a going away party for some good friends.... it was supposed to be in the yard, but rain meant that we picnicked in our house! 33 kids under 12 (most were under about 7) ate sloppy joes on blankets and ran around like crazy. I wish I had thought to take pictures.
Looking forward to summer and sunshine!
Sadie stayed home for a special weekend with Mommy and Raina. We made pizza together, snuggled with stories, played with friends, and attended a baby shower together. She got to sleep with me in my bed, and she is still convinced she had the "more fun" weekend. :)
Bison and calf
Bundled up!
On Daddy's lap
With Grandma and Grandpa in the snow
Sadie, loving her baby sister
Because I am not very consistent about updating my blog, I always feel like I end up writing a Christmas-letter style note.... you know, little snippets of life condensed into a few succinct and upbeat paragraphs. :) If I were better at updating, you would get to read more of the funny day-to-day stories... but I'm not, and I forget the funny stories by the time I sit down to write!
Raina is almost three months old. She weighed 11 lb 14 oz at her two month check-up (75th percentile.) She is a sweet smiley girl. Se sleeps great -- she takes two 2-3 hour naps early in the day, then usually an hour late in the afternoon and half an hour catnap before bed. She sleeps 8-9 hours at night (from about 7:30 - 3:30) and goes back to sleep quickly after her early morning feed. I dropped her 10 PM dream feed because it wasn't actually prolonging her nighttime sleep hours. She is easy-going, but she also has a touchy temperament that means she does much better at home that being out and about. I try to get the bigger girls on one outing a week, but we do well just staying close to home and enjoying our wonderful backyard and quiet dirt road.
Sewing lessons! I try to have "creative time" each morning while Raina sleeps... sometimes coloring, or painting, or dancing, sometimes baking.... this week we tried some hand-stitching on scraps from Raina's nursery.
Tea party! Yup, I let them eat chocolate chip cookies and drink tea with milk and sugar... at 10:00 in the morning.
Last night we hosted 64 people for a going away party for some good friends.... it was supposed to be in the yard, but rain meant that we picnicked in our house! 33 kids under 12 (most were under about 7) ate sloppy joes on blankets and ran around like crazy. I wish I had thought to take pictures.
Looking forward to summer and sunshine!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Simple Treasures
Here are a few pictures. We are enjoying simple, steady days fill of small treasures... Raina is napping well, now, and the bigger girls are benefiting from a bit more mommy time. We created a school room in our office and that has made preschool a little more exciting as opposed to just doing it at the kitchen table. Wet, dreary days have finally given way to sunshine and there a few shoots coming up from the perennial beds. We planted our greenhouse (thanks again for watering it daily, Sera!). Erik and I figured out a workable schedule for both of us to run and have devotions on alternating mornings. It feels quiet and routine and joy-filled. We are blessed.
Raina - I love the time at night when I wake her to nurse her just before I go to sleep. She is so sleepy and sweet and soft. I finally had Erik capture it on camera.
Three sweet daughters
Daddy and his little munchkin
School Days
Our cozy little studying nook
Raina - I love the time at night when I wake her to nurse her just before I go to sleep. She is so sleepy and sweet and soft. I finally had Erik capture it on camera.
Three sweet daughters
Daddy and his little munchkin
School Days
Our cozy little studying nook
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
In the Milieu
During these last seven weeks of transition and sweet frenzy, I have found myself often sorting scattered thoughts into mental paragraphs - writing stories in my head that capture these moments and all the Lord is teaching me through them. I have done this my whole life... spun my life and thoughts into story even in the milieu. Unfortunately, those carefully laid-out thoughts never make it to paper these days. :) In my head, I have made lists like, "Things I Have Done One-Handed," and "Things My Children Have Destroyed," and "Problems and Solutions..." and I have written essays about parenting and my own sometimes embarrassing failures. Maybe someday they will get written! :)
I have not been faithful in taking pictures. As Erik reminded me, I have one more child now than I have hands - and that presents a challenge! However, I dearly want these days captured on film, so I am determined to be "better."
I love being a mommy. Every day, the Lord challenges me in new ways as I seek to faithfully do the work He has set before me. Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I cry, sometimes I yell (and then ask my kids forgiveness for sinning against them -- oops!). I am so thankful for my three small daughters. They absolutely amaze me.
Elisa is a fantastic little girl. She is full of fire and sometimes she struggles to control her zeal, but she is bright and insightful and funny. Everyday, while I cook dinner, I give the kids a sheet of paper to draw pictures of something they are thankful for in that day. Without fail, Elisa's first response is "Raina." She is such a helper.She loves learning her letters and has a phenomenal memory. She can memorize a stack of library books in a week.
Sadie has a quirky sense of humor and continues to be (mostly) sweet-natured. She is definitely the younger sibling, and often gives in to Elisa, simply handing over toys or (the other night) giving away the last of her shrimp because Elisa wanted more. She has faltered with potty training somewhat after being accident-free for about four months. While I get frustrated with this, we are trying to keep positive attitudes and employ creative reward tactics. We have a fun potty song that she loves (she is really very musical) and a sticker chart to help her earn a tricycle. She, too, loves baby sister.
The two of them were struggling with being destructive while Mama was busy with baby Raina, and I was struggling to come up with creative, constructive ways to fill their days while still meeting the needs of my newborn. I was helped greatly by a little book called "Steady Days" by Jamie C. Martin. Now - we have a "steady routine" that guides each day. The girls love following our schedule flexibly through activities. Being on a structured routine helps us get outside more (so grateful for warm weather!), ensures we get to our preschool time each day, and prevents the destructive behavior. Raina is small and usually in my arms, and we are able to just tuck her into the girls' routine.
Little Raina continues to be a light daytime sleeper, and, as I mentioned, is often in my arms or my Moby wrap. She sleeps deeply at night and is now waking just once to feed between 9:30 and 6:30 - I am thankful to be getting plenty of rest. She is generally content; sometimes she has a little fussy time in the evenings. She has a smile that just makes me laugh with delight. It is so sweet and wide and happy. She is beautiful.
Dyeing Easter eggs a couple of weeks ago. Can you see the snow out the window? We went to the town egg hunt in a blizzard. Luckily, those bright plastic eggs showed up against the whitewash!
Bathtime!
Loving her tummy-time
Elisa's big hair - after two days of Daddy's tight braids
I have not been faithful in taking pictures. As Erik reminded me, I have one more child now than I have hands - and that presents a challenge! However, I dearly want these days captured on film, so I am determined to be "better."
I love being a mommy. Every day, the Lord challenges me in new ways as I seek to faithfully do the work He has set before me. Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I cry, sometimes I yell (and then ask my kids forgiveness for sinning against them -- oops!). I am so thankful for my three small daughters. They absolutely amaze me.
Elisa is a fantastic little girl. She is full of fire and sometimes she struggles to control her zeal, but she is bright and insightful and funny. Everyday, while I cook dinner, I give the kids a sheet of paper to draw pictures of something they are thankful for in that day. Without fail, Elisa's first response is "Raina." She is such a helper.She loves learning her letters and has a phenomenal memory. She can memorize a stack of library books in a week.
Sadie has a quirky sense of humor and continues to be (mostly) sweet-natured. She is definitely the younger sibling, and often gives in to Elisa, simply handing over toys or (the other night) giving away the last of her shrimp because Elisa wanted more. She has faltered with potty training somewhat after being accident-free for about four months. While I get frustrated with this, we are trying to keep positive attitudes and employ creative reward tactics. We have a fun potty song that she loves (she is really very musical) and a sticker chart to help her earn a tricycle. She, too, loves baby sister.
The two of them were struggling with being destructive while Mama was busy with baby Raina, and I was struggling to come up with creative, constructive ways to fill their days while still meeting the needs of my newborn. I was helped greatly by a little book called "Steady Days" by Jamie C. Martin. Now - we have a "steady routine" that guides each day. The girls love following our schedule flexibly through activities. Being on a structured routine helps us get outside more (so grateful for warm weather!), ensures we get to our preschool time each day, and prevents the destructive behavior. Raina is small and usually in my arms, and we are able to just tuck her into the girls' routine.
Little Raina continues to be a light daytime sleeper, and, as I mentioned, is often in my arms or my Moby wrap. She sleeps deeply at night and is now waking just once to feed between 9:30 and 6:30 - I am thankful to be getting plenty of rest. She is generally content; sometimes she has a little fussy time in the evenings. She has a smile that just makes me laugh with delight. It is so sweet and wide and happy. She is beautiful.
Dyeing Easter eggs a couple of weeks ago. Can you see the snow out the window? We went to the town egg hunt in a blizzard. Luckily, those bright plastic eggs showed up against the whitewash!
Bathtime!
Loving her tummy-time
Elisa's big hair - after two days of Daddy's tight braids
Friday, April 9, 2010
Cousins
We are so excited that Raina has a cousin born just two weeks (to the day) after her. Little Selah Ruth is my sister Amy's daughter, and we can't wait to meet her! In the meantime, I had Amy take a "diaper-only" photo to put side-by side with a similar one of Raina. Do you think there's a family resemblance? :) I think there might be.
Selah Ruth, born March 16
Raina Abigail, born March 2
Selah Ruth, born March 16
Raina Abigail, born March 2
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Growing!
Four weeks has flown by! We are blessed by our sweet, snuggly, relatively complacent baby girl... life has its challenges, Mommy has her moments of utter failure in maintaining a gracious spirit, the big girls have times of wanton destructiveness, and Raina sometimes cries :)... but we are thankful for each busy moment.
Raina is growing quickly... like my other girls, she takes advantage of Mom's thick, creamy milk and gains nearly two ounces a day, meaning she is over nine pounds now! I am thankful to have had no problems feeding my little ones. She sleeps well at night, and tends to take one good, long nap in her cradle during the day. The rest of the day, she wants to be snuggled, and will nap just half an hour or so in her bed, then finish her sleep in mama's arms. As long as the big girls are content with quiet projects, that works fine! I have been praying for wisdom in helping her sleep better in her cradle, but also know she is still fresh from my womb and there is so such thing as spoiling a baby with too many snuggles! :)
She is so sweet and content during her awake periods after eating, and she loves tummy time. What a joy our little girl is. Elisa and Sadie love their baby sister, and, for the most part are adjusting with aplomb. A few potty training setbacks, some wreaking havoc just for the fun of it... but I am thankful for our big helpers!
Bright eyes
At one week.
Sleeping sweetly
Snuggled with Daddy - taken last night
Four weeks old
Proud big sister
Raina is growing quickly... like my other girls, she takes advantage of Mom's thick, creamy milk and gains nearly two ounces a day, meaning she is over nine pounds now! I am thankful to have had no problems feeding my little ones. She sleeps well at night, and tends to take one good, long nap in her cradle during the day. The rest of the day, she wants to be snuggled, and will nap just half an hour or so in her bed, then finish her sleep in mama's arms. As long as the big girls are content with quiet projects, that works fine! I have been praying for wisdom in helping her sleep better in her cradle, but also know she is still fresh from my womb and there is so such thing as spoiling a baby with too many snuggles! :)
She is so sweet and content during her awake periods after eating, and she loves tummy time. What a joy our little girl is. Elisa and Sadie love their baby sister, and, for the most part are adjusting with aplomb. A few potty training setbacks, some wreaking havoc just for the fun of it... but I am thankful for our big helpers!
Bright eyes
At one week.
Sleeping sweetly
Snuggled with Daddy - taken last night
Four weeks old
Proud big sister
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