First try at Montessori

I haven't really done the research yet but I have been interested in Montessori since before I had kids so I felt confident that we could make a beginning. I set up a tray with polished rocks from the dollar store and a couple of cups from my cupboards. He has been transferring rocks for almost an hour! I've decided to do mainly one activity a day to start. He has the hardest time with stopping and starting and I don't want to push it.

I did check out a bunch of books from the library. I also looked through their amazing variety of learning toys. I think when we need a change or run out of stuff at home it will be such a nice resource.

Later this afternoon I'm planning to go to the dollar store to find a few things. Then, hopefully this week I'll get a shelf organized for him.

Oh! I love this hat!

My mom wanted me to knit her hat. So she picked out the yarn and to be honest I thought it was a little wacky looking. When it got here I started to doubt even more. Parts of it were spun tight while other parts were completely untwisted. I wasn't sure how well that texture was going to work with this cute pattern I wanted to use. The pattern is from here: http://i-like-lemons.blogspot.com/2008/01/button-tab-hat-pattern.html But I love how it turned out. What an awesome pattern and the best part is its free! And I got to use one of my vintage buttons! I hope mom likes it. I'll be sending it to her for her birthday.

To: my imaginary friends

I will blog today. I will. I will also pretend someone reads my blog. Maybe I'll even tell my friends about it.

Delicious Whole Grain Cookies!

I'm really excited about this recipe. Its the first time I have come up with my own baking recipe. I am dieting but I have found if I don't have something to sweet to snack on than I lose all my senses and over eat. These were my attempt to combine sweetness and healthfulness.

2 sticks of butter, softened
1/2 c. white sugar
1 c. brown sugar
Cream together until fluffy.

Add 2 eggs
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Meanwhile in another bowl combine
2 c. whole wheat pasty powder or regular flour
1 heaping teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Add to butter mixture and mix just until combined. Then add
2 cups oats
1/4 cup flax seeds
chocolate chips
chill for about 1/2 hour and bake at 350.

notes: You don't have to add the flax seeds but they do add a little crunch.
I have only tried this recipe with whole wheat PASTRY flour. Let me know if you try another kind.
I used old-fashioned oats.

My Wii Fit is judging me

I got a new Wii Fit today. I had my little son try it out first. I guess I didn't realize it weighed you. Yikes! I sent him outside so as not to witness my shame and looked down at my Fit board. I couldn't shake the feeling that it was already passing judgment. I hesitated before setting foot on it. When I finally did I could just hear it say, "watch out! here comes the heavy-weight!" Then I went through the balance test and you know what Wii Fit I kicked butt! So there! I am a coordinated fat girl. meh! Then it had the gall to say my body was actually in better shape considering what a fatty I was. (well, maybe that isn't the exact wording) Then I turned it off. Sorry Wii Fit. I'll do better tomorrow.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

by Barbara Kingsolver

This book is about eating locally. The authors write about a year of living of their land and only buying local foods. I am really inspired to do my garden this year. I have already planned it out, which plants, where they are going. I am totally excited to get going but unfortunately its January. I should have read it in March.

Book Notes

I'm an addict. I'm completely addicted to reader. I am so hooked that I pratically devour a book so much that I don't remember a whole lot after I'm done. Its so extreme that I can read the same book over and over. Hello, my name is Harmony and I'm a book addict (which unfortunately tied to my eating addiction). So, in an effort to slow down and take note I'm going to start taking notes! Maybe that way I will remember something.