A clean slate. A fresh start. An empty page to write on. However you put it, the new year has begun. As daunting as it was to say goodbye to our lovely and lengthy Christmas break, we did it. We have slowly gotten our feet wet and have now officially dove into "Term 2" of our First Grade year of homeschooling.
The smell of gingerbread has now faded out of our home (yes, we are all quite sad about it). There are no more fabric wreaths hanging from the windows. No garland wrapped around our banisters. And sadly enough, my baking as slowed to a snail's pace.
But on the brighter side, we have started taking on a few new endeavors in our house in 2008.
Mike and I have really begun trying out some new methods of cooking/preparing foods. After reading the "Maker's Diet" a few years back (and again and again since) and reading our new cookbook- "Nourishing Traditions"- we are taking baby steps to taking our already-healthful-eating habits to a whole new level of HEALTHFUL!
Project#1 (or should I say "experiment"??)- sprouting almonds. If you're unsure of just what this means, let's just say that there are several Mason jars filled with wet almonds sitting on our counters just waiting to sprout! The health benefits are amazing, including increased enzymes, more minerals and loads more of Vitamin C.
As for our other endeavors... the children and I have started to learn to speak French. It is really exciting to learn new words and French songs everyday. And it is such a hoot to hear them walking around saying things like, "Bonjour, Je m'appelle Sophie" (yes, "Sophie" is a lot more French than "Sophia" she has figured out). Although I have to say that I was shocked to read that the song "Alouette" is about an lark getting it's feathers and beak "plucked off"!! This is not just a French nursery rhyme, but also a lesson in French Cuisine!
Which brings me to my first obsession of 2008... I have been devouring the book "My Life in France" by Julia Child. I picked it up Saturday morning at the bookstore (whilst sipping my cinnamon tea and eating my blueberry scone- a very special moment in the life of a
3 comments:
cooking more?? hehe
I have never thought of sprouting almonds - sounds yummy you will have to let us know how they turn out. I think its great that you are learning a new language as a family. I regret that I didn't keep up with conversing in Italian with my Grandmother while I was growing up but I hope to follow in your footsteps with Rebecca and the kids and try to learn the Italian language as a family in the future. You are an inspiration to us all.
CW
Did you end up ordering in French? Was the food fabulous? I would love to hear all about the book as well...France is one of my favorite places in the world! Paris of course being my favorite city:) The best place to sit at a cafe with some delicious espresso and watch the world go by...ahhhhh. In another life perhaps:) Miss talking with you- we should try to chat without hubbies and kiddies! Take care- love the blog!
Steph
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