Zookies (zucchini cookies)

Earlier this spring, I tried this recipe called zookies as I was trying to find recipes that my boys would eat that included zucchini. This recipe I found on Family Fun and the boys loved them and we have made them a couple of times. So I thought I would share the link for "Zookies"  http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/zookies-zucchini-oatmeal-cookies-784955/

Discussing 9/11

Recently Robert decided that he was going to read the book "I Survived The Attack of September  11, 2001"  ( you can check amazon for this book)which I thought was a great idea and timing, but when he finished it this week, he had questions as he was only 9 months old when it happened. As he asked questions, Garrett had looked at the cover of the book and then he asked questions about "Well what is 9/11?" "Why would they do that?" and "How did the towers fall?" When he started to ask these questions, it dawned on me that the school wasn't really discussing this topic (which Robert confirmed for me) and that neither of them had seen the events of the day. So we discussed it a over a couple of days this week. We have magazines from that 9/2001 that we pulled out and looked at the pictures and the stories and then we searched 9/11 videos.  As we sat here by the computer, watching the events, I tried to explain what we knew when it happened, how scary it was and some of the aftermath.

IT was a very god learning experience, but I made sure that we had lots of time (not a deadline) so that we could discuss as much as the kids wanted to. If you haven't discussed this with your kids, you might want to take that opportunity. It was a good time of discussion, learning and sharing. It let me boys know that I am real and that yes I was scared that day. And most importantly that we will be okay.

This book was a good starting point and maybe we should have read it together all three of us, but I'm not sure that Garrett was ready for separating the fiction and the real life events. But remember we were there and experienced the tragedy but our kids maybe weren't even twinkles in our eyes or were too small to even know that anything had happened.

Studying Spelling Words

Well we have started off this year on the right foot, but I have been required to remember ways to make spelling fun for Garrett. Since this is the first year for him to have spelling words, I have to go back into the "vault" and see if I can remember some of the fun ways that I used for Robert to study his spelling words.  I have also thinking about how Garrett has learned his letters and numbers and how to take those ideas to spelling. So here are a few that we have tried so far and Garrett has had fun practicing.


Magnetic Letters on the refrigerator
Dry Erase Board (just using a different surface makes it fun)
Color writing ( Pick 3 colors of markers and have them write the words in different colors)
Scrabble Tiles
Crayola Washable Window Markers or Crayons
www.spellingcity.com


Ways that we want to try yet:
Shaving Cream( http://schickfunideas.blogspot.com/2010/04/shaving-cream-fun.html )
Writing in the sand
Rubber Stamping the words


We have had fun with moving the letters around to see how we can change 1 word to another. With spelling words like pig, pin, win. It has been easy so far, but I am always looking for ways to make learning FUN!

PA State Jr Dairy Show

Got home last night from a weekend in Harrisburg with Robert and his calf Dazzle at the State 4-H Show. It was a busy, crazy fun weekend (with a few frustrations) but a good experience for him. On Saturday he showed in the Spring calf class and placed 10th out of 14. 

Then on Sunday he participated in the National Jr. Showmanship Contest. There were 440 kids (under the age of 21) showing in the contest. There were approximately 160 Jr's (8-11 year olds) divided into 8 heats. Robert showed but wasn't pulled for the next level. He wasn't disappointed, just excited that he had participated in such a big show and he got to show in both the Equine Arena and the Large Arena at the Farm Show Complex.

Dazzle returned to Cochranton following the show and we packed up and headed for home after the boys went swimming at the hotel for a bit. We ate an early supper and the boy's slept almost the whole way home.

The "Barn Crew"

Robert in the 4-H Show on Saturday

4-H Show

The whole class that Robert competed in

Andrew in the State 4-H Show

And and Panda Paw in the 4-H show

Andrew showing in the showmanship on Sunday

Robert in the Showmanship Contest on Sunday

Andrew and Panda Paws    Robert and Dazzle 

The kids at State 4-H Dairy Show

So ends Robert's 2012 4-H year (I think), he is already checking out projects for next year and we have 1 goat expecting in late November/early December. Here's to next year!!!

District Dairy 4-H Show

Robert & Andrew up at 5am and going to take on the world...

Getting Andrew ready...

Getting Panda Paw Ready...

Getting Dazzle's topline done

Robert practicing right before show...

Robert in for Showmanship - received a Blue ribbon

Andrew in for Showmanship- received a Red Ribbon

Garrett and Haylee keeping the calves company while waiting for the next class

Robert in for Type class- placed 5th and blue ribbon to qualify for States

Andrew placed 1st and blue ribbon to qualify for States.
Also received Jr Champion Holstein



.Robert and Andrew with earnings

First Day of School

This year I sent off 2 boys to school, one in 1st grade and 1 in 6th. Oh how the time flies. We have had some bus changes in the district and the boys now get on the bus at 8:35-8:40am. They are trying to adjust to the extra time that they have in the mornings, but we are still working on that. Both seemed to have a really good first day except for the bus ride, which isn't really any longer than before, just at a different time. They didn't get home from school until 5pm on Monday, by Thursday they were home at 4:50pm. That might take some getting use to!

School and Sharpies

Even from a distance, you can see the name on the lid of the pencil box!!!

As we get ready for school around here, I label most everything - in case they would misplace it or temporarily loose it. But in the last couple of years, I have had problems labeling their backpacks because the inside lining was black. Nothing shows up on black. But this year Sharpie came to the rescue or at least it came to my mind. I purchased silver sharpies at Christmas Time and yes I still had them. I quickly grabbed the silver sharpie and wrote names right in the backpacks on the inside. It worked great so I grabbed the black pencil box and did the same. Yeah for Sharpies in silver - you can see them on black!!! It worked great for labeling stuff for school!

Cooking with Macaroni & Cheese

The other day, the boys wanted to cook lunch, so I let them "cook" their own lunch. They decided that macaroni & cheese sounded good. So together they cooked the macaroni (asked mom to drain it) and then they added the cheese and stirred. I suggested that they try adding something to their Mac & cheese, that it could be their base, but maybe they needed to try changing it a little bit. After a little discussion, and looking through the cupboards and the refrigerator, they decided to chop up pepperoni and add it to their mac & cheese. They then put some on a plate and sprinkled oregano on the top. (as they were doing this they asked if I would put it on the blog - so I am)

I would like to present to you their "Peppy Macaroni & Cheese"

 

It was actually pretty good for what they started with - they decided that next time they would use more pepperoni!

Dressed Up School folders

 

The boys had wanted fun folders this year for school, which I didn't have a problem with until we went to pick up our school supplies and there really wasn't things that the boys liked on the folders. (Robert did find 2 that had verses on them that he thought was cool)  So we discussed what we could do with the folders to make then fun and in the boy's  mind "cool." We picked up a few of the basic folders and brought them home. Well today as we were packing backpacks, they remembered that they wanted to "fix up" their folders. So after a few minutes on the computer. They had each picked out a couple of pictures from things they had done this summer and then (of course) we had to add a few tractor motifs. After we printed out each page on the color printer, we then cut them to shape and with a little Contact Paper, we attached them right to the folders. Now the boys have "cool" personalized folders to keep track of their papers this year, plus a great way to remember the fun they had this summer. Not only did this keep school shopping a little cheaper, it also made it unique - no one else will have a folder just like theirs!

Crawford County Fair

Spent today with my boys, my sister and her children and Nanny at the Crawford County Fair.  We had a good time looking at all of the projects and the animals. We also sat and watch the harness racing a little bit while we ate lunch. I also got to visit for a very short period of time with my dear friend Kellie. But it is always nice to take in a local fair at this time of year and take a look at the projects of the folks in the area.  We didn't need the rides, just the animals and projects for the kids to have a good day. The is the 2nd largest fair in the state, so it was much bigger than Venango and it has been a few years since we have made it up to the fair. If you get a chance take time and stop in, http://www.crawfordcountyfairpa.com/ check this link to look at the schedule of events and what all is happening at the fair.

Venango County Fair Report

Well last week we were at the fair (for those who may not have known) we started the week in the rain and then Thursday for the auction, in the rain and then a little rain on and off Saturday, but that is standard fair weather.  The week started off with the Goat Show on Monday. To which Robert received Grand Champion Market Goat and Champion Breeding Goat. He also received Champion Fitter for Jr. Goats. If that wasn't enough, Robert received a 1st on his Genealogy 3 project, a 2nd on his Fire Safety project and a 3rd on his Small Engines Project. Garrett received a 2nd on his Farm Display, a 3rd on his pillow, a 1st on his shoebox float, a 2nd on his Christmas Ornament, a 2nd on his short story, & a 1st on his rocket. (there might have been a few projects that I missed, but I think those are the big ones:)

Robert's goat being evaluated in the show ring

Garrett with his dairy goat "Sunshine"

Robert and the Champion Market Goat and Malliah with the Reserve Champion Market Goat

 Tuesday was Hog day and this year we didn't have anything to show this day but watch nephew Andrew show his pig for the first time as a 4-H'er. He received 1st place in the weight class and a blue for showmanship.

Andrew with his pig

 Wednesday we continued to watch Andrew with his Dairy Beef, which he did well with and then it was Garrett's turn to Pull in the Pedal Tractor Pulls. He placed 3rd in his age division. You can watch him pull here (it is about a minute into the clip) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klkqIKgPgA0And That evening was the Dairy clipping contest, which Jr.'s can clip their animals and have someone give them clipping tips and pointers. So Robert clipped about 1/2 of has calf during the time frame and then we finished her up for Thursday morning.

Andrew with his beef "Butch"

 Thursday was Dairy Day and the boys, Robert, Garrett & Andrew all sowed a dairy calf. Robert and Andrew were 4-H'ers and they both received blue ribbon in fitting and showmanship. Robert received the Jr Showmanship Award and Andrew received the Jr. Fitting Award - so they shared nicely if nothing else. In the type class, Robert placed 3rd in 4-H and 6th in Open. Andrew ended up with Jr Champion of the 4-H Show and Reserve Supreme Champion of the 4-H Show. Then on to the 4-H Livestock Auction where Robert sold his Champion Goat and it was announced that he had received Jr Supreme Livestock Project.

Robert and Dazzle in the show ring

Andrew and Robert lined up for fitting awards
You can watch them in the ring here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um10ODRwqpc

Garrett showing Dazzle

Robert in the Sales Ring with Butterscotch and 2 champion banners

Friday was Farm Safety Day. The Farm Safety Club, (which Gary is a leader and Robert is a member) had farm safety demonstrations going on most of the day.

Farm Safety Hazard Hunt

Saturday, needless to say was raining and we were tired and a little lazy, but we went to the awards and then once it quit raining we enjoyed the Frogfest with the radio station on the pulling track - bonfire included.

It was a busy, fun week. But it is over now and on to whatever is next.

Olympics - Children's Sermon

Today's Children's Sermon was based on 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Once the kids came to the front I asked them if they had heard anything about some big world wide event that started on Friday? With a few questioning looks, I asked if they had heard anything about athletes going to compete? To which I got "The Olympics!" "Yes! You are correct, but wait let me have 3 volunteers." I selected 3 kids and had them lineup as if starting a race. Then "Today we are going to have our own Olympic Event - right here. We are going to have the 25ft race! So line up, get ready, get set, Oh wait a minute, I forgot, I have a few questions for the runners. First who is your coach?" one young man replied "My Dad" "Really?(turning to his Dad), Dad did you know this?" To which he shook his head no. Another young man replied "I don't know" and the 3rd runner replied "My sister" I replied "I see, hmmm." Okay so for this huge race, have you been training? I mean the Olympics have a whole Training Center in Colorado and they have been training for years and eating special diets. So have you been training?" To this they shook their heads no. "I see, well, I think that is all of the questions, so if your ready." (we cleared a path across the front of the church for the runners to run across) "On your mark, get set,.. Wait (and after I got the one who started anyhow back to the starting line) who is going to win this race?"  To which all 3 raised their hands. "Well, that's good that you all think that you are going to win, because what's the point of racing if you have the attitude of "oh well I think I'll come in last"  Is there much point?" No!" So okay let's try this again "On your Mark, get set, go!" (and the 3 ran across the front of the church and then I declared a winner.)

"Well did you know that God talks about running and racing in the Bible, Let's look at 1 Corinthians 9:24-25"
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who compete in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

"So God has given us a race to run. The race of living a Christian Life. We are to run or live life in a way that we will win the Crown or eternal life. So according to what we just read, what do we need to do? (A reply was) Train -"Yes we must train to be Christan's and to follow God, but how do we do that?" "We need to worship, sing and come to church" were some of the answers. I agreed with them, but I then asked about our training manual - the Bible. "If we read it and spend time talking with our Trainer - Jesus, then we will be able to Run the Race that God has set before us."

"So this week when you are watching the Olympics, enjoy watching them, but ask yourself if you are training with God and Running a Good Race for him." And we closed in prayer.

2012 4-H Projects

Well, Robert's project books were due on Thursday, so most of this week was spent helping him complete his books. The 4-H program is a great way to keep the kids learning all year long about things they like and are interested in or may think that they are interested in. Robert completed project books for Fire Safety, "Crank it Up"- a small engines project, Genealogy year 3, Market Goat year 3 and Dairy calf year 1.



Dazzle is his calf for now - leasing her for this show year

He has worked very hard on each of these projects and I'm anxious to see how he does at the fair in 16 days. But here is a preview of his animals:


Butterscotch will be up for sale on August 9th

He has been walking, clipping and bathing these critters plus a few others this summer, not to mention feeding, cleaning and carrying LOTS of water to them. These projects really give him something to work at all summer, but it also requires that he keeps track of records, like feed bills and what the animals have eaten and when they have been treated, regardless if they are sick or preventative measures. They have to determine if they have made a profit or loss on their project and also set goals at the beginning and then decide if they reached those goals at the end.

The animals are a lot of work, but a lot of fun and can be incredibly rewarding.



Overnight at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Last night and today we had the wonderful opportunity to get to spend the night at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. We arrived yesterday as the zoo was closing and moved in. We were welcomed by 4 staff members who guided us through our overnight experiences. The staff brought out several creatures for our group to be introduced too. The we got a behind the scenes tour of the Sea Turtle Research area and the Aquarium. The kids got to play 2 different games including a scavenger hunt through the Aquarium. We then went for a snack and they had a craft for the kids too." I survived the PPG Aquarium Overnighter" pillowcases. We then slept in the education building and then this morning we got up had a simple breakfast meet a few more creatures and then moved our stuff back to our cars. Then we had the whole day at the zoo, to look at whatever we wanted too. Unfortunately, it rained all morning and by about 1pm we had quickly seen most of the zoo, but we were wet and cold and called it a day. But the kids enjoyed the experience. Overnight at the Zoo, animals and fun. What more could you ask for.

2 year old rescued Sea Turtle to possibly be re-released in the fall

1 year old Sea Turtle, still in rehab

Garrett watching the underside of a Sting Ray

An American Alligator that the kids got to meet

2 of Pittsburgh Zoo's Elephants

As I was preparing to go on our trip to the zoo, I found on their website that they have overnighters not only for groups, but also for families. If this sounds good to you, check it out http://www.pittsburghzoo.org/Education/ChildAndFamilyPrograms/WildlifeAcademy. Click on the Family Overnighters in the right hand column to see what is available. We had a great time. (This post is only from our experience and I just wanted to share it with others, your kids might like it too!)

Happy 6th Birthday Garrett

Happy 6th Birthday Garrett!!!!

Yesterday was Garrett's Day at least according to him, but we had to pick up his brother and travel back from Westmoreland County, but then in the evening, we were able to have a family picnic to celebrate his birthday. He got a few unusal items for a 6 year old, but they were all treasures to him. (He wanted a Pirate/ Treasure Chest birthday)

A Horse show...

A Pogo Stick...

And his own larger Wheelbarrow!