Sometimes I dream for my kids on a scale that I fear is much too big.
I want them to be strong, and fierce, and smart.
I want them to be kind, and loving, and considerate.
And I want them to love their sisters with intensity.
Forever, and without question. Because your sister is your soul. She can see through anything, and has lived through the very things you had to struggle with. She knows all your bad, and still hangs around to see if you are going to dish out more.
I know that a sister is a beautiful and horrible thing.
But I hoped it would be more of a beautiful thing, since I have four little girls running around this place.
I should not have been shocked when Bella told me that she was “through with Soledad”. “She’s too loud! And she is so messy! She never lets me watch what I want on tv, and she is always SCREAMING. Did I tell you she is LOUD? Mommy, seriously. I can’t stand it anymore. I want my own room.”
And because she’s 10, and I know 10 year olds need their space from 8 year olds, we did it. We gave her a room all to herself.
It has taken us 4 months just to get the furniture, and I havent moved her closet or decorated yet, but her bed is now painted and placed into her smaller, yet considerably more solemn room.
And now, all day long she is happy.
With a smile so big that it looks like it could break her face.
And at bedtime, she is relaxed and content as she calls to her sisters, the 8-year-old AND the 5-year-old,
“Come on guys, lets got to bed!”
And then the three of them march up the stairs together, walking right past the room that two of them used to share.
Together, they walk into Bella’s new room. One takes the top bunk. Two others take the bottom full bed. And under Bella’s strict supervision and giggles, they decide what to watch on TV for the last 15 minutes before bedtime.
Then together, they all go to sleep.
And my dreams come true.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – — – – – – – –
So. . . . . . . . .
does that mean if you give a kid what they want. . . . . . .
they might just give you what you want?
Kinda like if you love something let it go. . .and hopefully it’ll fly back to you???
I’m hoping this is some sort of new law of juvenile nature.
And I’m thinking it’s true.
Just look at this Granola.
Flavorful.
Crunchy.
Economical.
Easy.
Wholesome.
Good to your bones GOOD FOR YOU.
And I gave this to my kids.
And they ate it up like nobody’s business.
And in return, they gave me what I wanted.
Well fed, nutritiously balanced appetites that were completely satisfied and happy.
Good Lord.
I think I’m a genius.
EASIEST AND QUITE ECONOMICAL MOLASSES AND NUT GRANOLA
inspired by Clean Food by Terry Walters
This recipe makes 2 -13X9 pans of Granola. Which I realize is quite a lot. But, we go through it in no time at all ( and it’s shelf stable in tightley sealed container for quite a bit). As I type my children are requesting more. It’s a staple around our house. I hope it becomes one at your house too.
PS. This version is more economical because I use mollases over maple syrup which can be pricey. Also I use Canola vs. Coconut Oil for the same reason. Both are good substitutes to be a considered in a healthy lifestyle while not breaking the bank.
Ingredients:
4 CUPS ROLLED OATS
2 CUPS SMALL GRAIN CEREAL ( Like. . .brown rice. . .bran. . .rice crispies. . .your fave)
1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut
1 cup chopped almonds (Or your fave nuts)
2 TB Ground Cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup Canola Oil
1/2 cup Molasses
Directions:
1.Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Spray 2 – 13X9 pans with cooking spray or wipe with cooking oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
3. In a smaller bowl, mix together all the wet ingredients.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and mix well.
5. Divide evenly among the pans, and pop into the oven for 60 minutes or until golden brown. When the 60 minutes is up, turn off the oven but leave the granola inside until it is completely cooled. ( I like to do this at night and just leave it in the oven until the morning. Once the granola is cooled, break into pieces and store it in a air tight container. Try serving it over with milk, over ice cream, or with HOMEMADE YOGURT.
