Dandelion Jelly

It tastes just like honey, really it does.  Now I know there a just a few “bee lovers” reading this blog entry, so I challenge you to make some and do a taste test for yourself!  Let us know your thoughts.  As for us, non-bee loving folk, we think it tastes like honey!

Directions for fun:

Set children loose in dandelion infested lawn (free from little doggie piles )  Arm them with clean buckets and instruct them to attack all dandelions in sight.  Grabbing only the “head” and pluck with all your might!  Fill buckets.  Return home.

Ok, Now take them inside and cut off the little stems.  We just held on to the pedals and snipped off the stem that holds them together.  Place all the pedals in a large pot, add 5 cups boiling water. Cover and let “steep” (to make dandelion tea) over night.  Overnight is good because then it is stronger. Extra tea can be used as….tea! Just add sugar and serve over ice.

The next day, drain the tea .  We put a large coffee filter in our pasta strainer.  Discard the pedals, keep the tea. You need 3 cups of tea in the end. Proceed to making the jelly by combining tea, with 5 cups sugar, 2 Tbsp lemon juice (don’t skip this or your pectin wont work- pectin needs acid to set up), 1 box powdered pectin.  Now I doubled this recipe.  I made one big pot of tea, but then divided it to make the jelly in two batches.  For some strange reason every time I try to double jelly recipes they don’t set-up as well. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Put into jars, process ten minutes in boiling water canner.  Or stick it in your fridge and pass it out as a fun gift.

Two things.  First, I found the recipe on www.simplycanning.com  they have tons of great ideas for summer fun.  Second, although they are not pictured here, the boys did participate. They ran and ran and ran and ran and ran and collected some dandelions along the way

After a good dousing with the hose or sprinkler, comes CREATIVITY to the rescue!!!

Could they be octopus? A squid? Tails of some odd creature? How did they get there? How did she do that? Oh, I love to watch their wheels churn.  In the end, I finally told them how it was done. Easy peasy FUN!

Here’s the creativity secret………….drum roll please……………….

spaghetti stuck through a hot dog! Not rocket science, but brilliant (I found the idea on line) Boil and enjoy.  No need for butter, the hot dog “juice” takes are of that. Adults beware- the pasta tastes like a hot dog too!!!  See my one step tutorial below

We always loved our chicken, but there were a few too many for our management and they were a little too close to our house.  It’s been a while now, and we just couldn’t live without them.  So for Sam & Josiah’s Birthday (they turned 9) we got them chickens again.  This time only 7 chickens and they are in a covered mobile coop that the boys can tote around so we never have to clean up chicken poo.  (I particularly love that part  )  The boys were SOOOOOO excited to have THEIR OWN chickens that they can take care of.  It is the perfect set up for them to independantly care for them.  (Did I mention how much I love mobile coops?)   They got to build the coop over a weekend with their Daddy.   Hammer and nails, staple gun and drill– wahooo!

Then, for Sophie’s Birthday (she turned 10) we surprised her with goats!  Oh, yes goats.  We went to visit a goat farm intending to bring home two cute goats.  Someday we would let them get pregnant, do the kidding things, etc, etc.  But then we met “Honey”…..ahhhhh “Honey”  she was sweet (ha ha) and the kids LOVED her. So Miss Becky (the owner) said she was willing to sell us Honey, even thought she wasn’t originally for sale! Miss Becky said she trusted Sophie to take extra great care of them.  Extra bonus-  she (Honey) was pregnant!  Oh yes, my firends, a pregenant goat!  and…..Martin-style!!! She’s pregant with multiples!!!!! And we aren’t exactly sure how many…..oh the suspence!

Ok- just look at that pregnant mama in that pix!!!  Zoweee  She is soooo preganat that she likes to lay down while eating!

So yes, we are crazy……we are crazy about our kids and we are crazy enough to get them chickens and goats to build character in them. (and, yes in case you try to mention–we are aware that there are other ways to build character….but this is FUN) They will learn diligence, gentleness, alertness, responsibility, initiative, and much more.  Hey, and they still got a special birthday dinner too- cake and all!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM, JOSIAH, & SOPHIE!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

Initiative               Creativity                  Flexibility              Hospitality

Joyfulness            Availability                Orderliness           Dependability

For years now we have wanted to get to know other families in our homeschooling network, but how to you get started.  Do you just cold-call someone and invite them over for dinner.  Although our family is NOT shy, that might creep someone else out a little!  So we decided that other families might want the same thing, we just needed something to get the ball rolling.

So we chose a date, February 26th 20111, and sent out an email to all ATI families within the few surrounding states.  Then we prayed that God would open up everyone’s schedule and we would be able to gather as many as possible to join in fellowship, food and fun.

You could say the month prior was LOADED with things that could keep our family, as well as other families, from coming.  We were determined not to let that happen.  Step out and step forward!!!

We had everyone bring a side or dessert to share, and we provided the main dish and drinks.  We organized the time (thank you to our friends at FEW for some great ideas) and set the plan in motion.  There would be a time for fellowship at the beginning and the end, there would be organized games for everyone to participate in , a meal, some sharing about ALERT cadet, and a time for families to get together and pray for each other. 

You will see in the pictures below that it was nothing fancy- just fun.  You may also notice a few funny pictures of people during game time.  For our first game, we had pre-wrapped boxes in layers and layers of paper. You had to wear oven mitts to open it- each person had 30 seconds to try.  Inside the box was a prize for the person who got it open (candy) and a prize for the whole table (marshmallows).  Our second game was scripture memory.  We had each group memorize Proverbs 15:2 (it’s a tongue twister) “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness”.  Then we had then stuff their mouths with marshmallows and say it out loud!!!!  Talk about “pouring forth foolishness”!!!     Last, we introduced them to the ever-beloved game of Ga-Ga ( a church favorite).  Where everyone is in the “pit” with a ball, you hit the ball around with your hand- it must stay on the ground- if it touches your feet or legs—you’re out!  It’s fast and fun!!!

So, do you wish you knew people better?  Do you think it would be nice to know this family or that?  Well get started and take initiative- it’s totally worth it!!!  We were so surprised that everyone wanted what we wanted- to get to know other families! In the end, we had over 100 people!

It all started with our cousin Lisa.  She lives in Chicago, and she was coming to visit us for the first time.  She had never been to much of the east coast, so we started thinking—where could we take her?  We had an “Adoption Picnic” (a reunion of sorts for our agency) already scheduled at Central Park,NYC for that weekend.  So we thought..what about Providence, RI?  Lots of great historical stuff, beautiful coast, not as many people as NYC.  Perfect.

We were excited to find out that it was “the end of the season” for the coast, so we got an amazing deal on a boat ride around Rhode Island.  It was a tour of all the light houses.  In addition, we got to see many historical buildings, famous mansions, and even pass by some really interesting ships.  The kid favorite was a replica of the Mayflower.  It was out taking people on a tour also.  On this day to RI, we were blessed to take our friends the Carrolls with us and their cute twins, Timothy and Silas.  You’ll see them in the pictures- usually by our little Sarah. That day we also went to Battleship Cove- and got to go inside of real battleships.  For older kids there are great museum features, but we skipped most of that as we only had three “readers” in the bunch.  Plus the Big Guns are WAY more fun! Mom’s favorite- the sleeping quarters-  40+ people packed in there per room—hey, never complain about your room again! oh- and check out their dough mixer!!!

We divided the trips into different days.  We went to NYC for the picnic.  The picnic turned out to be rather lack-luster, so we voted, on a crazy spontaneous whim—LET’S DO IT!!!! Let’s go to the Empire State Building.  It was actually September 11th.  We figured it might help us out, there may be less people there!!  So off we went, Aunt Lisa, our favorite baby sitter Miss Brittany, and the Martin Tribe!!Nothing was really wheelchair accessible—not the battle ship, not NYC, but that didn’t stop us- throw a baby on the hip and Jamie got the stroller- lucky duck.

As we were driving down the streets of NYC trying to figure out where in the world to park our huge van, Dad and Mom looked at each other—“Are we really doing this?” “This is crazy- OUR kids to the top of the Empire State building??” Mom said a quiet prayer to herself—keep me sane and patient!

Hey- when in Rome!!!

So here’s our pix of the two days. What we learned.  Be brave, be spontaneous, try new things even if they are crazy, plan on having fun, take advantage of each moment—ENJOY YOUR FAMILY!

Picture help—for those of you who don’t know… you can click on the first picture, and then watch them like a slide show in larger view.  Once the first one pops up, you can click “next” in the top right corner.

Jim and Terri are the overly blessed parents to 10 beautiful children.  Their family is designed by God and He built it through birth and adoption.  Over the years, God had shaped their hearts, minds, and lives to willingly answer, “Here I am Lord, send me”, I will go where you lead me”.  I am sure if you asked them 40 years ago if they thought they would have ten kids, some adopted with varying special needs, they would have said- No Way! That’s Crazy! Who us? Really?

They have walked where we currently walk.  They have survived the “Diaper years”, but they are still “in the thick of it” since parenting never ends, especially when you have been blessed with kids who have special needs.  Their “baby” is a teenager now and their oldest is a pastor in WV.  We of course can finally say we have a child in the “double digits” (our oldest is 10yrs) and diapers… well, they keep coming around here!

When we first met, Sean and I had NO IDEA we would end up so much like them!!!  We have  built a friendship over the years.  A bonding of “common hearts” for encouragement, insight, Godly wisdom, laughter, an understanding ear, and did I mention laughter- we really need that one! Of course there was also, trampoline jumping, swinging, girly stuff, piano duets with Isaac and Jacob, hikes, running around outside, cookouts that became cook-INs, trips to the fire house, celebrations at church with Beyond Capernaum, and a little much needed “man therapy” for the dads- construction! The dads spent time at their church checking out the site!–as they are building a very large addition.

This past week our families gathered together for what is becoming our annual “Palooza” time of fun, encouragement, bonding, and unsaid reminders of why our families look the way they do. Everything God designs is beautiful!  Just look at creation.  Your family, our families, are no exception.  They are created by God and for God’s glory.  Keeping that perspective is ever important as we raise our children in the “day to day”. God is sovereign and He does not make mistakes!!!  Every child is a blessing from God—sometimes we just have to shift our vision…off of ourselves, and to God’s glory.

Perspective.      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV8BUp5xp6U

We have been working on building character in our children.  When we started our new homeschooling curriculum this past August, we wanted a way to encourage and motivate our children to want and hunger for more Godly character in their lives.  So we began what has now become “Purple Boxes”.

We made a list of the 49 different character qualities that our curriculum covers.  We listed them in alphabetical order with empty boxes next to each.  We brought out the sheets (one for each kid)nearly every night at dinner for what we called “character challenge”.  The “rules” were simple.  You were able to nominate anyone else in the house for a character trait, and then you were to explain why you nominated them.  You could not speak of yourself, only others.  Then mom or dad would color in a box next to that trait on your sheet – at the time we started doing it with a purple highlighter. Hence, “purple boxes”.

Some traits are easier to nominate than others.  It is easy to recognize when someone is showing gratitude, but challenging to give notice to someone showing deference or virtue. (We will attach a new link to our blog with the list and another list with definitions mentioned in this article).  Over the months it has been wonderful to see how each child excelled in different places.  Their siblings would get so excited when they got another purple box and that character trait was running out of space.  They began to want for their siblings to “run off the page” with purple boxes.

So for the past 8 months we have done “Purple Boxes” nearly every night.  We stopped for a short while around New Years and kids formed a coup and voted the return of purple boxes!!!

During this time, like most of the day, Joel is quiet.  He does not initiate conversation unless we are eating spaghetti and he wants more.  We know that he listens to us and that he understands, so we keep plugging along.  He is always included and is commonly nominated for joyfulness or contentment or obedience.

Last night was different. After 8 months Joel INITIATED a nomination!!!!!!!!!!!  At first we weren’t sure what he was trying to communicate. He was frustrated and put his hands over his eyes.  “Joel” mom asked, “Do you want more spaghetti?” Silence. This is Joel’s “no”- silence.  He repeats or echoes you if it is a “yes”. “Ok, Joel, do you want to tell us something?” He pointed to Daddy. “Do you want to tell Daddy something?” “Daddy” Joel said. Ok- now we are getting somewhere.  “Do you want to tell Daddy something about Jamie?” “Mayme” he said. (we were currently in the process of nominations for Jamie on Purple Boxes) “OH, you want to tell Daddy something about Jamie today. Do you want to tell him about her work?” silence –meanwhile I am raking my brain for the things Jamie did all day that Joel may have witnessed.Then it dawned on me that Jamie had received extra coloring pages for good work today. “Oh, do you want to tell Daddy about Jamie coloring?”  “color” he replied.  “Yes! Jamie did get extra coloring pages today for doing good work on her ABC’s.  Do you want to nominate her for her good work?”  “good job” he says.  Jamie is BEAMING with joy for such a gift from Joel!

Then, there is more.  The table started to rejoice for Joel and he didn’t want it.  He covered his eyes again. “Joel do you want to say more?”   “more” he said. “Do you want to say more to Jamie?”  “mayme” he said.  “OK, do you want to tell about Jamie practicing?” silence “DO you want to tell about Jamie playing?” “play” he uttered.  “Ok, you would like to tell about Jamie playing. Did she play nicely with you?”   “me, ya” he said with a nod.  “So would you like to nominate Jamie for kindness for playing with you?”  “Ya, good job” he stated matter of factly.

The table ROARED and ERUPTED with applause!!!!!!!!!!!!  Joel we want to nominate you for Initiative, sincerity, and kindness.  Good Job Joel!!!!! Thank you for telling us!

Wow- we were all stunned, utter shock was still in the eyes of the whole table! ….8 months, day in and day out, 8 months, and last night he spoke, he initiated, he nominated, he gave his sister a HUGE gift.

Autism is a bewilderment most days.  You would just love to work you way into their thoughts.  What is he thinking?  Press on parents! Continue to encourage your children and fight for what you KNOW is inside their hearts even if they don’t show it.  8 months- that is nearly 240 days…..

Be encouraged parents. Be faithful in leading your children. It may take 240 times before you get a response, hopefully less, but OH will it be worth it!!!

We will NEVER forget last night. Never.

It is our prayer that you are encouraged by this testimony of Joel. That you continue on- day in and day.  For one day, you will reap a harvest, and it will be a sweet reward!

Press on parents! Press on!

Eat pie all day long- you could invite friends over to celebate.

Breakfast- Egg pie (quiche) with bacon and cheddar cheese- yummy

Lunch- Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Pie

                        We cook ours in deep dish pie pans with lots of cheese, sausage, sause and spinach. 

We put the cheese first (on the bottom-but on top of the dough) so the pizza crust doesn’t

get soggy and more cheese on top. You don’t need a recipe, but you do have to cook it

 longer for about 35 minutes or a little more.

Snack- Apple Blueberry Pie. 

We make a regular apple pie and mix in half a bag of frozen blueberries. Yummy.

Dinner- Shepherd’s Pie and Pumpkin Pie

Shepherd’s Pie:

3lbs ground beef- cooked

1 bag frozen corn- family size or two little ones

5 tomatoes chopped up

1/4 c Ketchup

2 tsp minced garlic & basil

salt, pepper

1/4 c cold water mixed with 2 Tbsp corn starch

**after you cook the meat, mix everything together and put in a large oven pan (we use our big lasagna pan because it is really deep) Then we pile up a layer of mashed potatoes on top and cover with cheddar cheese. Bake 350 for 30 – 40 minutes. You can make the day before, but then you have to bake it longer because it will be cold from your fridge.  One time we didn’t have potatoes and my mom made instant polenta with cheddar cheese- that was really good too.

Have a yummy day!