Monday, October 17, 2011

Whole Grains? Blah!

We are doing a 24 day challenge which along with other things involves eating whole grains.  I can count on the tip of one finger what whole grain I like:  Wheat Bread.  However, we are embarking on an adventure which includes trying... Brown Rice.

I hate rice: brown, white, sticks, wild, you name it.... it is yucky.  BUT I found this recipe and it's actually good!  AND my children ate it up in a furry!

PERFECT BROWN RICE

2 Cups Brown Rice
1 Egg
2 Cups Chicken Broth
2 Cups Water
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1.  Preheat oven to 350.
2. Mix together broth, water, oil, and beaten egg
3. Add rice and pour into deep large baking dish.
4.  Bake at 350 for one hour. (High altitude bake at 400 for 1 1/4 hours)
5. DO NOT STIR!!!
6. DO NOT POKE!!!
7.  DO NOT DISTURB!!!
8.  Just look at the rice after 30 minutes and cover with a lid or foil at that time.
9.  When time is up fluff with a fork and mix egg into rice (the egg will have risen to the top) and serve.

Made a batch yesterday to use for the base of a taco salad (using only salsa as dressing).  This morning served leftovers with a poached egg for breakfast.  Tonight I'm using the last of the leftovers for a shrimp / veggie stir fry.

I'll let you know how it's going....  Sometimes I hate being healthy but this is yummy!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Strong Willed Children

I have a strong willed child, and may I say that I am thrilled.  


There was a time when I saw a child throwing himself on the dirty floor of Walmart screaming that I would shake my head and think "That mother needs to take control of the situation."  Now... there has been more then once that I have purposely caught the eye of the mother and told her "I have one of those at home. You are a good mom.  Don't give up, he'll get it one of these days." Then we both sigh, and move on down our aisle.


Strong willed children are a totally different breed of humans.  You discover that particular trait at oh... 3 days old maybe.  Sometimes it's 3 months.  When you think they should be full and they SCREAM at you for more and don't give up until they get it.  Or when there is a medical procedure to be done and they SCREAM at the nurse for daring to poke them with a needle!


My mother gasped when my Aunt Mary prayed for a strong willed child.  There are people who look at me in pity and sometimes judgement when I say that we have battled Kaiden for over 3 hours in the middle of the night to stay in his bed.  It's especially difficult this week when he is turning 2 next month, teething, and growing at the same time.


However...  I am thrilled!  Look at the amazing things a strong willed adult can do!  They don't take no for an answer, they go when the going seems impossible.  It takes a strong willed farmer to plant after 2 years of crop failure, or a strong willed missionary to penetrate the Amazon.  An executive must be strong willed to revive a dying company, or a surgeon to operate for 18 hours to save a life.  You must be strong willed to pray for 50 years for a son who has wondered the path.  Paul, Daniel, Isaiah.. they were all strong willed.  Never say die, never give up.


Yes, it is the most exhausting thing I have ever done... mother this child.  There are days I go to bed in tears, there are times I stare in wide eyed wonder at this little bundle of determination.  


However you are my joy, Kaiden Isaac Pollard.  You will laugh in the face of adversity and go marching out there with God at your side and strength in your belly.


Raise your chin dear mothers, tighten your belt.  Be consistent, one day they will get it.  Stephanie, Christine, Luci, Elizabeth...  and all the rest of us; be glad, rejoice in their passion. We are raising a generation of movers and shakers and I can't wait to see where this road of life takes them!!