First Recital, First Concerto

Firsts always bring anxiety, anticipation, and a big dose of mystery.  Especially with our little wild card Callista.  She reads like whiz, does math like a brainiac, but can't recite an entirely memorized talk in front of a crowd for the life of her.  For her first piano recital performance, I had no idea what to expect.

This is what happened...

She nailed it!  We were so proud of her.  Especially considering her nerves in front of large audiences.  She counted and was as cute as can be.  According to her teacher, she saved the recital for the beginners.

Ellery prepared a Concerto in only 6 months, which is really quite a memorization feat.  This is Concerto Romantique, Movement 3 by Katharine Rollins.  At about 3 minutes in listen for her Cantabile, an especially beautiful portion, at 4:30 or so her cadenza solo, and then grand finale!

On Wednesday when we walked out of piano lessons, Ellery said, "Mom I am learning the rest of Forget Me Not, to surprise my teacher!"  This morning after practicing she spontaneously looked at me and said, "Mom, thanks so much for working with me on my practicing."  I think like Amy Chua says in her memoirs Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mom, we don't love anything until we are good at it.  Ellery's love for music is starting to mature, in many ways I think it is a direct result of her rapid progression and the recognition she receives.

We consider music to be an invaluable life long skill for our children.  It brings out the "Tiger Mom" in me, but I don't think I will have regrets.

It isn't tough to see when this little Honey is all tuckered out.

We have also taken to calling her "The Fat."  Because she really is ridiculously fat.  

Strolling

I never knew how much help an eight year old could be.  The helper bug bit Ellery and I love it!

Maggie and Berkeley out for a stroll!

Peanut Butter Super Seed Energy Bars

Peanut Butter Super Seed Energy Bars

The last year has taken a toll on my creative cooking juices.  I've generated hardly any new recipes.  Difficult pregnancy, sick baby, sick children, 4 children :), homeschooling full time, it all adds up.  But with the kids at Summer Camp last week, and the grocery bills climbing K2, I decided I needed to start stocking my freezer with homemade snacks again.  Let's face it, buying healthy snacks is ridiculously expensive.  All those Lara and Art's Bars from Costco add up fast!

This recipe is an easy adaptation of my Peanut Butter and Honey Delights.  You could mix and match your favorite seeds or puffed grains.  I liked the millet because of the size.  The kamut, and brown rice puffs seemed to overwhelming for the bar.  The response to these bars has been fantastic.  Try them out and let me know what you think.  Brent loves these as a mid-morning snack or after work-out bar.  They are also easy to make vegan by substituting ground flax for the eggs.

 Peanut Butter Super Seed Energy Bars

1 c extra virgin coconut oil (could substitute olive oil or butter partially or completely)

1 c natural peanut butter (unsweetened)

1 c honey (or other natural sweetener of your choice, click for some ideas: the beauty of the peanut butter base is that anything works well)

1 t baking soda

1 t baking powder

2 eggs (powdered or fresh) or 2 T ground flax

1 t vanilla

3 c freshly ground whole grain flour

1/2 c raw pumpkin seeds

1/2 c raw sunflower seeds

1/2 c raw chia seeds

1 c puffed millet

Chocolate Fudge Frosting

1/4 c cocoa powder

1/4 c pure grade B maple syrup

1 T coconut  oil or butter (optional)

1/4 t vanilla

dash of salt

Mix all ingredients, excluding flour and seeds, until smooth. Add flour and mix gently. You may have to reduce flour or add more depending on the dough consistency. Add seeds.  The dough will be firm, you may have to knead the seeds in.  

Line a 9x13 cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Press dough onto sheet 1/4-1/2 inch thick, using a rolling pin as necessary.  Use a pizza cutter and score dough into desired bar size.  Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

Remove from oven.  Use pizza cutter to cut bars along original scoring.  Spread a very thin layer of Chocolate Fudge Frosting.  Allow to cool on wire rack.  When cool, individually wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in the freezer.  Makes two 9x13 pans.

Happy Fourth of July

The girls and neighbor Gracie, enjoying the festivities of "Cul de Sac of Fire!"

 "Cul de Sac of Fire" with the neighbors and the Rain Drops

Earlier in the day shooting off our splurge of the Flying Parachute Men

We brought all three 4 wheelers up to my parents.  Here little Robert is enjoying the mini ride.

Emmett and Grandpa mowing the lawn.  I love how my Dad lets Emmett swerve wherever he wants.  

Emmett big heart came directly from my father.  My parents property is so idyllic.  They are never allowed to move!

We didn't get to defend our tournament title, but Brent and Mark and Bruce enjoyed a little peppering.

The fireworks show at Grandma and Grandpa's

Pedals!

Our little fearless athlete Emmett has taken off on his new bike.  Weighing in at a whopping 30 lbs, he is quite a little site riding around on his 2 wheeler.

He still doesn't have quite "the moves" as he pulls out on his balance bike, it is a milestone nonetheless.

The Summer has proved amazingly busy!  I didnt anticipate it to be so.   On paper it didn't seem complicated.  Now that Callista takes piano, I spend a solid two hours on music each morning.  It is by far our most consistent skill practice.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are full of gymnastics from 8 am until 1 pm.  In the afternoons we squeeze in reading, and either Math, Writing, History, Science, or Spelling.  I have tried to be flexible to allow the children plenty of freeplay with so many children around.

This week the girls are attending a Camp in the afternoons each day.  It is a local Montessori Charter School.  With their cousins as tag-a-longs they are having a wonderful time.  This week the focus is art.  In two weeks they attend another week on Science.

Life is crazy but good right now.  We have ear drainage issues but everyone's lungs seem to be in good shape.  Hooray for the Summer weather!

Summer Reading

Some of the latest things we've been reading....

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland  by Lewis Carroll

Through the Looking Glass  by Lewis Carroll

These have not been my favorite, which may be somewhat blasphemous to say.  I bought the annotated edition, which is actually fascinating, because Carroll was a true genius of parody.  But I find the tales too nonsensical to enjoy reading together.  That being said....Ellery loves them.  Callista is more neutral.  Emmett gets excited anytime we talk about "The Queen of Hearts".  He starts reciting Mother Goose.

The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith.

The delightful story Disney drew their movie from.  Of course it is is better than the movie.  You will LOVE Cruella Deville.  What a fantastic villian!

Ellery is currently reading... 


Wind Dancer by Craig Clyde and James Hennessy.

This book was given to her by the nurses at PCMC.  She loves it.  The story chronicles the life of a little girl and her horse, who have a series of difficult challenges to overcome and endure.  It is a sweet little story.  After finishing the Little House Series, Ellery has been waffling around a bit really latching on to some books she loves.  She has also recently read

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

The Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit

This one was a bit challenging.  She made it through half but got a bit discouraged in the comprehension.  As soon as we finish Through the Looking Glass we will pick it up together.

Callista is currently reading....

Frog and Toad  books by Arnold Lobel

These are the most delightful books.  I could just read them over and over again and laugh everytime.  They are perfect for Callista's personality.

The Magic Tree House Series  by Mary Pope Osborne

Trading pages is the best way to read these still.  They are a little more challenging for her, but give her some great new words, in wonderful context, while still including a good amount of repetition.  

Callista's little reading light bulb just shot on with amazing brilliance.  I love watching that happen.  I remember with Ellery.  Callista is about a year and a half younger, but I think that so normal.  It happens for each person at a different time.  Her new passion of reading to Emmett has also allowed her skills to flourish.


Emmett's favorite books are currently....

Mother Goose (still)


Jack and the Beanstalk


The Gingerbread Man


The Little Engine that Could

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs


Green Eggs and Ham

Rebecca is currently reading...

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Just in the beginning stages.  Fascinating.

Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought  current issue Summer 2011

I feel I have come full circle in some ways in my religious thinking and world view.  But the view is broader and far more encompassing this time around.  I am back to my environmental and scientific roots.  Evolution just makes perfect sense to me.  It is a beautiful unifying theory.  I believe God works through imperfect people who can become corrupted in so many ways.  Some application of Darwin's theory have wreaked unequivocal horror on humankind.  But this does not discount his work and contribution to mankind.  The same could be said of Joseph Smith of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Really this evolution in my thinking deserves several detailed posts.  One of these days I will have the time.  But let me leave a quote from an article in DIALOGUE, written by Bryan V. Wallis, Flexibility in the Ecology of Ideas:  Revelatory Religion and the Environment.  pg 59.

 Systems of thought that influence how individuals or societies perceive themselves in the context of the world must be continually evaluated and modified based on new information and evolving needs and circumstances... Continual modifications must be made to preserve overall systemic integrity.

If I could sum up my life in a few sentences, these may fit as well as any.

Recently finished....

Antony and Cleopatra by Shakespeare

A passionate play, where I found myself trying to find redeeming qualities in the protagonists, but came up short.  Instead I found myself determined to pinpoint my own passions and be acutely aware they do not lead me into destruction large or small.  And our passions can be many and varied.

The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith (selections)

While I agree with many of the principles of free trade, there seems to be some moral ambiguity in a completely free market system that I am beginning to feel very uncomfortable with.

Hot Shots

A favorite activity has been weekday nights at the pool.  It is half price and no one is there.  We love it!

You can't bring in your own snacks, so when Berkeley gets hungary she just gives Brent's toes a little nibble.  No biggie.

My neighbor Marie and I walked out of the house to this ingenious combination.  The children had dragged the bounce house out of the garage, the house from the backyard, and concocted the funtastic creation.  This has provided hours of fun for the entire street.

Way to think outside the box Ellery!

Happy Birthday Honey!

The little Honey turned one on June 10th!  What a wild ride of a year it has been.  You would never know looking at this bright-eyed, fat little lambchop now she began with such a rough time.


Her smile simply lights up our hearts.  And I can't seem to pull my eyes away from hers.  They have a trance like quality that just sucks you in. 

 Berkeley isn't talking yet, except for consonant babble and the occasional dramatic growling.  However, I have come to expect with my PCD kids talking comes, but comes very late.  Fighting all that goo in the ears takes it's toll.  

Finally she is beginning to move independently.  Her favorite mode of transit is an incredibly awkward bum scoot, which consists of face to the ground, arms stretched out as far as possible.  I guess she is quite flexible, maybe we can be proud of that. 











What the honey lacks in language and mobility she makes up for in personality.  She is never shy with a smile, even though she may want to stay in her mom's arms.  Not necessarily a snuggler, but she gives just enough "lean ins" and kisses to be irresistible.  

 We spent a very fun afternoon picnicking in SLC and then to the zoo with Char and her kids and my mom.  Berkeley especially loved the carousel.  But mostly she was just her little gem self, sitting quietly in the stroller looking around.

The children and I made her some ladybug cakes using the Buttermilk Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe.  It is such a moist yummy cake.  For the birthday cake I just used a decorator frosting, and disgusting artificial coloring.  We scraped off the frosting to eat it.  Luckily none of us like frosting, exceptingEllery, who really has a sweet tooth!  I did substitute the agave nectar for SUCANAT.  I have been trying to stay away from agave lately.  It is so controversial, I am not sure what to make of it.  The cake is actually best made on a cookie sheet.  It almost tastes like a brownie, but not as dense. 

Berkeley is my least picky eater of all the children.  She will eat anything, which just further endears her to me.  Her nose runs, and she can cough up the juiciest hacks you've heard, but we've steered clear of pneumonia and RSV for which I am very grateful.

We love our little Berkeley.  Our caboose.  I had a very hard time when she weaned herself last week.  She is my first baby to do so.  It was time, but it was hard to give up.  This little one is growing up far too quickly for her mother's liking!

Ellery's Baptism

Ellery before her Baptism.  She is positively glowing.  A beautiful person.

We are so proud of our Ellery for choosing to be baptized today.  She turned eight years old, on May 23rd, qualifying her to make this decision.  In doing so, she takes upon herself the name of Jesus Christ.  Baptism is the gate to eternal life, and we are so grateful she entered into the waters.

Ellery and her Dad on her Baptism Day

Ellery and the little ones.  Berkeley wasn't thrilled about the whole thing.

Ellery was baptized by Brent.  She then received the gift of the Holy Ghost, through hands being placed upon her head and the blessing and command given.  If she is obedient she now has the ability to have the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, and Teacher with her at all times.  Two saving ordinances in one day.  A big day.  A beautiful day.

I spent last weekend sewing Ellery's dress.  She found one she loved on the Internet so we created it for her, adding some of our own touches.  She wanted to be baptized in her dress.  We opted out of the "jumpsuit."

Surrounded by our good Bishop Beeson and his family, our families, several neighbors and close friends, it was a perfect morning.  After the baptism, we returned home for a little luncheon with Brent's mom, his brother's family, my sister Charlotte and her family, and Monica.  Ellery's flute teacher Amber and our nanny Larisa also came with their husbands.

Ellery's Hair 

It was a big day for our family, but the Spirit has been telling me she is ready.  Without those quiet consistent promptings the last several weeks, this would have been a more difficult day.  It is scary to see your own child reach an age of accountability.  Christ must be more central in her life.  Repentance.  Charity.  Forgiveness.  Hope.  She is no longer saved by her innocence, but by Christ.  Brent gave her a beautiful blessing to aid her as she embarks on this journey of a lifetime to be His true disciple.

California Dreaming

Enjoying the warm breeze at Laguna Beach

We spent a wonderful week with Brent’s uncle and his wife in Mission Viejo, California. Emmett loving referred to the family as “Uncle.” “Daddy, are we going back to Uncle’s house?”

Lounging by the pool.  Brent and his mom enjoy the shade, the girls enjoy their trinkets from Disneyland.

 Our drive out, went without hitch.  In fact, Brent and I didn’t really hear from Berkeley the entire 11 hours.  Beyond the classic “How much longer?” and “Are we there yet?”  queries, the kids were fantastic. 

“Uncle’s” backyard was a five-star resort, as far as we were concerned.  Our entire family stayed occupied enjoying putting, hot tubbing, swimming, lounging, basketball, pool, barbecues and more. 

Emmett looking ultra cool as he poses on the waterfall.

 Brent and I were measuring the entire time to see if we could possibly create the same wonderland in our own backyard.  Unfortunately, the tape measure at home dashed the plans.  Not enough space.  Or sun.  We do live in the tundra here.  Yesterday averaged barely 50 degrees.

Sunday we attended the Saddleback Church with Brent's uncle.  It is one of the largest mega churches in the nation.  The campus was amazing, akin to Temple Square for LDS folks, in size and scope.  We enjoyed the sermon on parenting.  It was uplifting and very practical.  We gawked at their beautiful baptismal font, wishing we could swap it for ours.  Ellery will be baptized on Saturday, but it won't be outside with waterfalls, and stone ornamentation. 

I appreciated experiencing a Sunday from another perspective.  It helps me understand and embrace my own.  Brent's Aunt and Uncle are God-fearing, Christians, of whom I have the utmost respect.  I wanted to absorb all the goodness that seemed to just pour out of them.  They are true examples of discipleship.  We talked of parenting and our children.  Challenges and life. They had so many gems of wisdom to share.

Enjoying a little put-put.  I can claim the reigning champ title.

Two days of our trip found us touring Southern California.  My California-bred husband still can't seem to embrace the cold, dreary, Utah winters.  I have to admit, we have had some long ones recently.  We love so much about living in Utah, but there is a portion of both of us, that itches for change.  So we explored.  It was enlightening.  We saw many things we didn't love and many we did. 

No decisions have been made.  But we were happy to see what is available and what steps we may need to take to make the move if we so desire.

 Another portion of the trip brought us to Disneyland to celebrate Ellery's birthday.  Mimi flew in and met us there. 

 In case you didn't know: You can fit four children into a Chariot Carrier. And wow, did it save us time and tears!  Brent hustled those kids along, like a man on a mission.  We certainly drew quite a few comments from onlookers.

We ended our trip in Las Vegas for the night to visit Brent's sister Julie and her family.  We saw their new home, and had a quick, but worthwhile visit. 

Eight Year Old Treasure

Enjoying a Birthday Volcano at the Rainforest Cafe

 Ellery is 8 Years Old!

To celebrate a very exciting 8 year birthday, we took Ellery and the family to California and Disneyland.  I think it was a dream day for this sweet little girl.  She woke up to streamers and presents (totally unexpected because we were guests in Brent's Uncle's home).


We promptly left for Disneyland and spent a full day riding rides, browsing shops, snuggling with siblings, and being doted on by Mimi.





What impresses me most about Ellery is her confidence.  Today she started team gymnastics.  Her skills were far below the other members.  She spent a grueling 3 hours keeping up.  If it were me, I would have cried.  But she left in high spirits.  What a girl.

What endears me most to Ellery is her kind heart.  She never shys away from a hug or kiss or I love you.  She is diligent in watching over her brother and sisters.  Ellery often cleans her room as a surprise for me.  She has a passion for history, and would listen to me read about classical civilizations for days on end if we could.

In her own words:

Favorite Book:  The Little Princess by Frances Hodgkins Burnett

Favorite Books to Read:  The Little House series, especially These Happy Golden Years and The First Four Years.

What I want to Become:  An actress.  Sing and do plays.

Favorite Activity with Friends:  Playing "night games."

Best Part of School:  History, learning about ancient people in China, Russia, Egypt, Greece...

Best thing to do with Family:  Going on trips to places with pools and playing outside in the yard.

Thing you get most excited about:  When Mimi or Grandma comes.

Favorite song on piano: Vivace

Favorite song on flute:  Colors of the Wind

Something Scary:  Big Dogs

Something you look forward to when older:  College.  But I don't really want to grow up.

Something you worry about:  When someones voice sounds really worried.

Best Memory:  Disneyland was really, really different.  It was much bigger than now.  There was a pink gateway.  We stayed with Mimi and Papa.  We saw the princesses.  Mimi and Papa's house was different.