Chia Seeds

I'm so excited about my newest discovery and addition to our diet around here. Have you heard of Chia Seeds? They are extraordinary tiny seeds, which, when soaked in liquid, take on the flavor of that liquid and become delightful little tapioca-like bits added to just about anything! What is the point, you may ask? Well, they are much higher in Omega-3 oils than the flax seed, for one. They also have a much longer life than the flax before going bad. Additionally, they contain the perfect 2-to-1 ratio of omega 3's and 6's. They are very high in fiber, help stabilize blood sugar levels, are high in protein, high in antioxidants, and are very low in calories and carbs, just to mention a few benefits! I've been enjoying them in my little ritualistic morning cup of coffee and also in Superfood (our morning green food smoothie) all mixed up in our Vitamixer. The kids like them in apple juice or water. Lately, I've presoaked them. (They really should be presoaked, as they absorb a lot of liquid which can mess up an otherwise yummy creation. 1/3 cup seeds to 2 cups water. Let sit and soak for 5 minutes. I keep some made up in a canning jar in the fridge for quick access. Use within 3 days, if presoaked.) I add them to applesauce, or plain yogurt with a few drops of Stevia and vanilla. YUM! My kiddos are happy about my discovery, as these little seeds have taken the place of the liquid fish oil they used to have to gag down! :-)

(If I knew even a tiny bit about blogging, I'd have a picture of them posted here!)

Colloquium, It Is!!

After speaking to several people and getting positive input on the blog, it seems that we have enough interested parties to begin!! Since several of us are already reading Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, we will start with that. Our first colloquium will be held on July 15th at 7:00 pm (location t.b.a.). If this book, date, and time don't work for someone, please let me know and we can try to rearrange.
As you read the book, please look for points of interest to share at our meeting.
Also, if there are any books that you would like to suggest to our group, please keep them in mind to share for consideration for our collective book list.
Please contact me with any questions/suggestions at 373-2653 or sjcoke@ideafamilies.org

Colloquium, Anyone?

At a recent social event (Bunko), I was encouraged and excited by the discussion of books that people have been reading. I know, personally speaking, that it is natural and important to share deep truths and epiphanies that one has been blessed with through the course of reading a really great book. I have also noticed on several blogs that some of us are even reading the same books! I've been considering starting a colloquium. (The main difference between this and a book club is that the discussion in a c. is a bit higher level, and that there is usually more commitment within a c.)
The longer I homeschool (I'm on my seventh year! Yikes!!), the more I realize how important my own education has to be. I am convinced that the most effective way to inspire and motivate my children to pursue their own education is by demonstrating what a life-long learner DOES. I'm sure everyone has noticed that our kids do what we DO, not always what we SAY. That is true in all areas of life, even education!
If YOU are interested in joining, please let me know, either by posting a comment, emailing, or calling me.

Meet Lucy

We welcomed our new Chocolate Lab home last weekend. She is now almost seven weeks old and is a huge hit around our house. Of course, she's already spoiled rotten, but seems to be learning quickly. (Ahh...the joys of housebreaking...)

After several weeks of deliberation, we finally agreed on a name. She's Lucy, after the Lucy in our favorite series, The Chronicles of Narnia. If that's not enough of a reason to choose the name, she's also named after Jeremy's grandmother, Cecil Lucille. (Although I'm not too sure how she'd feel about having a dog named after her.) One benefit of the name is that when she's in trouble, we can say, sternly, "LuCILLE!!" and it sounds serious.

This past week was VBS at church and she was well socialized there.

Josiah's "Stitches"

The other evening, Jeremy was out with the boys playing catch. He threw the last ball of the night way high up and said that the guy who caught it got a million points. Josiah, ever striving to win, totally went for it and caught it, but not in his mitt, in his face! The next night at baseball, his coach asked him why he needed stitches. Josiah explained that the stitches were not made with a needle, but with the stitching on the baseball! OUCH! He was bleeding from his nose, lip and gums.