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Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother...
I loved this book. I found it incredibly inspiring. I wish I could find the quote I'm thinking of where Amy Chua explains her dreams for her children and how her children are an extension of herself. I feel that way. When my children do something well, I am more proud of their accomplishment than anything I do myself.
I'm not a Tiger Mother, not even close. I worry that Amy Chau's criticism of Western Parents fits me, even though I don't drink. Quoting the stereotypical Western Parent she says, "As much as it kills me, I just have to let my kids make their choices and follow their hearts. It's the hardest thing in the world, but I'm doing my best to hold back..." Then says Ms. Chau, "... They get to have glass of wine and go to a yoga class, whereas I have to stay home and scream and have my kids hate me."
Honestly, when I look at the time commitment and the extra-human effort Ms. Chau made, I know that I'm too selfish and too lazy to have done what she did.
But, where I have laid down the law, the book made me feel like I had a supporter. We don't allow sleep-overs either, for exactly the reasons Ms. Chau lists and a few others. Sleep overs are not good for children in my opinion. They need their sleep.
I don't accept less than best efforts at school. I wouldn't faint over a B, if I knew it were my daughter's best effort, but it probably wouldn't be, so I might be upset.
I understand where Ms. Chau gets some of her ideas about Western Parents, but her constant harping on it became somewhat offensive to me by the end. I don't judge Chinese parents only by the poorly behaved ones who make the news. Her comments may have been satirical, but enough already.
I also vehemently disagree with screaming, if that's really what it was and not an exaggeration. Children don't learn a thing from a screaming parent. They only try to survive until the screaming is over. And, while Ms. Chau seems to claim that this worked with her older daughter Sophie, I really don't believe "the screaming" is what worked for Sophie. The time and devotion, the interest, the real love and a desire to please, but insults and screaming don't encourage growth in children ever. Sophie excelled in spite of the screaming and insults.
From a faith perspective, light and knowledge have one source and it cannot be present in concert with a spirit of anger, contention and belittling a child.
An underlying theme of this book is the question: Where does self worth come from. Self worth comes from knowing you are a Child of God and behaving like one whether you are a concert violinist or a janitor. Self esteem comes from making a contribution, from doing your best, from devoloping and sharing your talents.
But, Ms. Chau is correct that undeserved praise, first place trophies for everyone and celebrating mediocrity are recipes for societal disaster. However, I would never push a child like she did. It's a glittering wonder to play at Carnegie Hall in the 8th grade, but where do you go from there? Many, many "prodigies" are never heard from again. You don't want to peak at 14.
I'm grateful for Ms. Chau's effort to write this book. It made me think a lot about time. It's a gift. We only have a certain amount to spend with our children. Childhood IS a training period. There must be studies and lessons. Until a child knows how to surround themselves with the best for them, they need direction in both their lessons and studies and in their leisure. Children need to be successful and productive adults, but they also need to be directed to watch the stars, blow on dandelion seeds and just play. That said, most could benefit from a bit of Chinese parenting.
Monday, January 31, 2011
I hope they call me on a Mission...
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Sarah's Tomato Basil Soup...
I didn't know I liked Tomato Soup. I think I had one can of Campbell's as a kid and turned my nose up at it forever after (Campbell's Bean & Bacon is still a go to favorite though). Then, my friend Sarah made this soup for lunch. It tastes like you are pouring summer down your throat. I ate every bit and was tempted to lick the dish. You will LOVE this soup. c and I are making it this week.
5 strips of Bacon (I think you could use 2 T olive oil instead...)
1 rib celery chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 red pepper, seeded & diced
1/2 green pepper, seeded & diced
6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 28-oz can chopped tomatoes
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 cup half-and-half
Cook bacon, and drain all but 1 T of drippings. Add celery, onion and carrot - cook 2 minutes. Add peppers, garlic and half of the basil. Add tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Add bouillon cubes and stir to dissolve. Blend soup in batches, return to pot and add half-and-half (or milk - which I used) and remaining basil. Simmer for 45 minutes.
Taste and adjust (my favorite part :) - add salt and pepper and maybe sugar..and maybe more milk. I think I added about 2 t. sugar and probably some pepper....also, I did everything the day before and just the final step (milk/more basil) before lunch. I really think it makes the chopping manageable and when cooking with this many vegetables, it probably helps the flavors "marry."
5 strips of Bacon (I think you could use 2 T olive oil instead...)
1 rib celery chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 red pepper, seeded & diced
1/2 green pepper, seeded & diced
6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 28-oz can chopped tomatoes
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 cup half-and-half
Cook bacon, and drain all but 1 T of drippings. Add celery, onion and carrot - cook 2 minutes. Add peppers, garlic and half of the basil. Add tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Add bouillon cubes and stir to dissolve. Blend soup in batches, return to pot and add half-and-half (or milk - which I used) and remaining basil. Simmer for 45 minutes.
Taste and adjust (my favorite part :) - add salt and pepper and maybe sugar..and maybe more milk. I think I added about 2 t. sugar and probably some pepper....also, I did everything the day before and just the final step (milk/more basil) before lunch. I really think it makes the chopping manageable and when cooking with this many vegetables, it probably helps the flavors "marry."
Friday, January 28, 2011
Jade's Beautiful Dress...
I loves painting this dress. I'm showing the photos a bit darker than they really are so you can see the detail better. Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Angel & Ballerina...
These aren't finished yet, they still need the finish :)But, I like how they are turning out.
Big and little sister. The white one was an Angel in the
Nutcracker... The little one is wearing a bear ears hairdo. .. I love bear ears on the littles.
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Guilty treat...
I'm not much of a french fry person... but, these are sweet potato fries.. Mmmm...The girls and I try to share them 3 ways, but you have to be fast and use your elbows!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Your Refined Heavenly Home...
That's what I want. To be surrounded by real beauty; good music, great art, the best books and most importantly of all, a spirit of peace and love. I love this BYU Devotional talk by Douglas L. Callister sent to by my sister Jackie. Beautiful.
Here is a favorite quote: The nearer we get to God, the more easily our spirits are touched by refined and beautiful things.
More Fairies...
Fairies, fairies, fairies... peg dolls, doll, little peg people. peggies, wedding cake toppers, cake toppers, cupcake toppers, birthday, decorations, painted, anniversary, available in love boxes shop...
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Complete Faith
Today my friend Jen taught our Relief Society lesson. She did a beautiful job with all of it, but my favorite part was when she talked about this scripture. I learned a lot from her.
1 Nephi 18:24 And it came to pass that we did begin to till the earth, and we began to plant seeds; yea, we did put all our seeds into the earth, which we had brought from the land of Jerusalem. And it came to pass that they did grow exceedingly; wherefore, we were blessed in abundance.
There were no backup seeds and no backup plan. So, if you read the story of the travels and trials of Nephi's family, then you know that when they planted all of their seeds in the ground, in the place they had been directed to by the Lord, holding nothing back for another year or another place, they had put ALL of their faith in the Lord for which they... "were blessed in abundance." Inspiring to say the least.
1 Nephi 18:24 And it came to pass that we did begin to till the earth, and we began to plant seeds; yea, we did put all our seeds into the earth, which we had brought from the land of Jerusalem. And it came to pass that they did grow exceedingly; wherefore, we were blessed in abundance.
There were no backup seeds and no backup plan. So, if you read the story of the travels and trials of Nephi's family, then you know that when they planted all of their seeds in the ground, in the place they had been directed to by the Lord, holding nothing back for another year or another place, they had put ALL of their faith in the Lord for which they... "were blessed in abundance." Inspiring to say the least.
Peter Pan at BYU...
On the right... is my cousin Jillian practicing her flying for her performance as Wendy Darling in BYU's production of Peter Pan. Go! It runs just one more week until Jan. 29th. Everyone over the age of 2 is welcome and it is pure sugar for the little ones. They just love it!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Carl Heinrich Bloch...
I can't wait to see this exhibit. This is my favorite painting, Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.
See more HERE...
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Secret of Kells...
Brilliant and wonderful. I can't wait to watch it again. Don't miss this one. Read about The Book of Kells HERE...
Chicago Peace Rose Postcards....
All the flowers of all the tomorrows are found in the seeds of today... ~Indian ProverbThis postcard will also be available at very reasonable cost for teacher appreciation gifts.
They come in a package of 10. And, for teacher appreciation, I will add a cello bag, pen and ribbon. $4 for 1 set $3.50 for multiple sets.
LOVe BoXEs SHoP...
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Grilled Chicken & Asparagus Pasta...
I made this for dinner tonight. Delish. I love capers and next time I will add a few to the sauce. Yum.
Teacher Appreciation Postcards...
Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity. ~AristotleThis postcard will be available at very reasonable cost for teacher appreciation gifts.
In order to get them as shown in the bottom photo, you will have to message me the number you would like.
They come in a package of 10. And, for teacher appreciation, I will add a cello bag, pen and ribbon. $4 for 1 set $3.50 for multiple sets.
Gourmandise...
Flourless-chocolate-cake-chocolate-ganache covered-chocolate-heaven. Yep.Gourmandise: a favorite little French Bistro with a neighborly, friendly atmosphere
250 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 328-3330
Tip: Open late (until 11) for after the Symphony!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Marvelous Marinara...
This recipe was a little involved for me, since my idea of marinara is opening a jar and warming it. However, after tasting this, it didn't seem as involved after all. I'm anxious to give it another try next week. I got the basic recipe from the Lion House Lite Cookbook, but I tweaked it a lot and I'm going to tweak some more. This is what I'm going to do next time:
2 T EVO
4 cloves garlic
1 1/2 C chopped zucchini steamed
3 carrots chopped steamed
1 med. green bell pepper
1 2 1/4 oz can sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 C hot water
2 tsp. beef bouillon granules
5 fresh white mushrooms
1 14 1/2 oz can stewed tomatoes, undrained
2 8 oz cans tomato sauce
1 6 oz can tomato paste
1 heaping T brown sugar
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 squeeze lemon
1/3 C chopped onion
1/2 C chopped celery
Heat oil in a large saucepan; add celery & onion until onion is translucent. In a blender, toss steamed carrots and zucchini, olives, green pepper, garlic, mushrooms and stewed tomatoes. Blend until pureed. Pour whole deal in sauce pot with onions & celery. Add the other tomato products and spices. Dissolve bouillon in hot water and add to sauce. Bring it to a boil then cover simmer and stir occasionally for 1 hour. Pour over pasta and serve. (Save some to make lasagna later in the week :)
2 T EVO
4 cloves garlic
1 1/2 C chopped zucchini steamed
3 carrots chopped steamed
1 med. green bell pepper
1 2 1/4 oz can sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 C hot water
2 tsp. beef bouillon granules
5 fresh white mushrooms
1 14 1/2 oz can stewed tomatoes, undrained
2 8 oz cans tomato sauce
1 6 oz can tomato paste
1 heaping T brown sugar
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 squeeze lemon
1/3 C chopped onion
1/2 C chopped celery
Heat oil in a large saucepan; add celery & onion until onion is translucent. In a blender, toss steamed carrots and zucchini, olives, green pepper, garlic, mushrooms and stewed tomatoes. Blend until pureed. Pour whole deal in sauce pot with onions & celery. Add the other tomato products and spices. Dissolve bouillon in hot water and add to sauce. Bring it to a boil then cover simmer and stir occasionally for 1 hour. Pour over pasta and serve. (Save some to make lasagna later in the week :)
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