Children Need...

I was at the music school today with my daughter for her violin practice. On one side on the wall of the room, there are two posters. One poster is titled Our Children's World by Ralph Waldo Emerson and the other is about what Children Need by Meiji Stewart. The words caught my eye and I just realize how beautifully written and inspiring these lines are that I would like to share it on this post. Here it goes...

Children Need...
Appreciation, for all they bring into our lives
Balance, somewhere between too little and too much.
Commitment, it's the little things we do each day that matter.
Dreams, to touch the future.
Empathy, remember what it was like to be a child.
Family And Friends, everyone needs someone to love.
Guidance, actions speak louder than words.
Healthy Habits, to nurture body, mind and spirit.
Inspiration, to explore beauty, wonder and mystery.
Joy, sprinkle laughter and happiness daily.
Kindness, to learn to care for others as they are cared for.
Limits, set boundaries and consequences together.
Mentors, to give wings to their aspirations.
Nature, to delight in rainbow butterflies and shooting stars .
Opportunities, to discover what truly makes their heart sing.
Play, the "work" of childhood .
Quiet Time, to recharge their batteries.
Responsibilities, to build self-esteem and self-confidence.
Security, feeling safe is essential for growth.
Traditions, keep the family tree alive & sprout new branches.
Unconditional Love, for who they are , not for what they do.
Values, live yours and encourage them to find theirs.
Words Of Encouragement, You can do it, I believe in you.
Xoxoxo's, hug and kiss them each and every day.
You, your presence more than your presents.
Zzzzzzzs, a good night's sleep.
© 2001, Meiji Stewart

Pancakes or Waffles for Breakfast

There is nothing more filling than a good size serving of pancakes or waffles drizzled with maple syrup or honey for breakfast. Most often we will simply have an oatmeal or a granola cereal for a quick breakfast. But there are times when one is just craving for more. With three young kids in the family, it is necessary to have some variety but it should be something that is easy and can be made ahead so prep time is cut in half if possible.

I collect recipes from everywhere that I can find - some from newspaper clippings, some from online searches, some from the back of labels, and then some from books I've collected throughout the years.

This is a modified version of a recipe I found on making Pancake and Waffle Mix. The mix is easy enough to prepare ahead, perhaps on a weekend. I would usually make a big batch, store it in ziploc bag with date and recipe labels on the outside of the bag. This mix will stay fresh for as long as the oldest ingredients used in the recipe but in our family, this wouldn't last long.

Country Pancake and Waffle Mix

3 cups whole wheat flour
2 cup unbleached all purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup corn meal
2 Tbsp flax seeds (optional)
8 tsp baking powder
4 tsp baking soda
2/3 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp golden raisin (optional)
1 Tbsp ground nuts (optional)


To prepare:
Mix 1 cup of the Country Pancake and Waffle Mix with 1 beaten egg, 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil or melted butter, 3/4 or 1 cup milk or buttermilk and 1 tsp maple syrup or vanilla. Milk can be adjusted to suit the desired consistency.
Double this recipe for a bigger batch.

Optional ingredients
I love adding flaxseeds to whatever I'm cooking or baking. It has mild flavor but rich in nutrients that boosts the immune system and helps to head off cancer. A sprinkle of ground walnuts or any kind of nuts and some raisins also add texture to the mix.

Welcome

It has been almost a decade since we moved here in New England and I have come to appreciate the casual country like atmosphere where beaches, lakes, parks and hiking trails are only a short distance away. Each new season offers something uniquely beautiful. I love the summer flowers in the garden, the warm autumn foliage, magical snowflakes and tulips in spring!
I'll be creating this blog to highlight some of the things that I love about this place and how I manage to carve a simple home surrounded with the ones I care about.
Gardening is one activity that I love, I would happily spend hours just working in the garden. Working may not be a good word to describe it because it does an opposite effect, rather than get tired, I tend to feel relieved and refreshed.
In this photo taken late June is my favorite place in my backyard as it directly opposite my kitchen window. I love to play with different plant combinations of color, texture and height. Sometimes I would choose one or two perennial shrub to anchor the place, a focal point to draw the eye like a hydrangea with huge blue mophead flowers in the Summer or a Burning Bush with leaves that turn red in the Fall. Then I would lighten the area with lots of flowering plants like Asiatic lilies, Phlox, Lavender and more common annuals like Impatiens, Petunia and Begonia for summer color and Sedum, Aster and Chrysanthemums for the autumn flowers.