The tiger game

When I brought Bayan home from the hospital the girls and I made up a game where I would become a "tiger" and chase them around the kitchen (it is open on two ends with a raised bar around most of it -so we pretty much ran in a circle and I could catch a sneaky view of the kids, but with them being shorter than the wall they didn't have the same advantage...tisk, tisk, a shame that is.) while holding the "baby tiger" (Bayan). The girls loved it. We played it often and then we just kind of stopped. Well, there is a new baby tiger in town. And, while not 100% sure what all the fuss and giggles and screams are about she sure is an excellent spy for the mummy tiger.Who allows the baby tiger to peer around corners (while she pauses to catch her breath, because man those kids have got energy) before resuming the chase. Judging from the squeals when they spot her little face I know weather to break right or left in order to catch them for a good-night hug, because once they are caught it's game over and time for bed. Theoretically anyway. Problem is they are hard to catch. This is normally as close as I get.They are fast, they work together and they are so much taller than they were so I have lost my stealthy advantage. It's just not fair, but it sure is fun. At least I've got my spy... and an adorable spy she is too.

Times Tables & Spelling Words

I've been trying to think of a way to help Anisa learn her times tables that will be more fun or at least more active. We've got the songs and the flashcards and the internet games and the worksheets but she is still struggling with it. A lot. So I thought I'd try making a jumping game. Bean bags also work great for this. I made the times table grid on the back of a large linnen sheet I picked up at a thrift store and she is loving it. I'm glad because it was, simple as it may be, a massive pain in the derriere to make. I stuffed up the numbers twice, miscounted the number of rows I would need and was slightly off with some of my measurements towards the end, either that or the sheet was an irregular shape. On the bright side it is more colorful now and Anisa doesn't seem to mind. In fact she has been getting Bayan to join her so he is learning his times tables too... well, sort of. Kumon requires that you learn up to your 19 timestables. That would have been useful info before I made the sheet, so Ruhi and I made a lilypad game. A lot easier than the sheet and frankly more fun as well. I cut out Lilypad shapes from some leftover green fabric and then made flowers (tracing around a daisy template I got off Yahoo images - it kind of looks lotusy) from various shades of felt. I color coded the centre dots and wrote one set of timestables on each color. That way we only needed 12 lilypads and 12 flowers and we just switch the centre dots when we practice different timestables. The kids have been really enjoying this, especially when it is timed and when I pretend to be a ravenous crocodile just waiting for them to make a mistake. Anisa can jump her 4 times tables in under 20 seconds, even when they are in random order throughout the pond. And the best part is that she is super enthusiastic and keeps saying things like: "I can do better than that." as she attempts to beat her own best time.

One thing he is doing really well with is reading. Bayan and I have been working our way through the "Teach Your child to Read" Book by Sigfried and he has been making amazing progress. I am super proud of him. I love this photo of him. I've given him a spelling word from the book and I love how he is concentrating so fully on what he is writing and how his expression is reflected in the glass. I love how he insisted on writing the pronunciation lines above the ee's in seed and I love that he is loving writing more than he did. I think the special window crayons have helped with that.

The wall

I really wish I had taken a "before" picture. In it you would have seen Anisa's name written numerous times in shiny metallic pen, Bayan's network of highways that he drew for me on occasion, random x's and t's and any army of toe smudges left by little feet as they scampered up the wall helping mischievous eyes peer over the side of the breakfast bar... I really miss it, but am also really enjoying the new wall that I have covered in chalkboard paint (another score from the market). The kids are loving it too.They have been using it for drawing and spelling practice, for math problems and Hidden words and yes - also for hieroglyphs, Egyptian art and cartouches.

It is also great for quotes. But more on that later...

She sits

Just six months on and it is amazing how much she has changed from that little infant we brought home only weeks ago. She laughs and plays and loves to be held. I was beginning to worry a bit because she has never been a roller. She hates tummy time and while she has rolled over a few times it is not something she generally does, so sometimes, in my darker moments of insecurity I would wonder is she OK... she should be rolling more... is something developmentally amiss? On the other hand I would think of the native cultures that swaddle their children and carry them about as they go through the motions of life and think to myself that these kids don't even have the opportunity to roll yet they seem to be turning out fine... Maryam has been attempting to sit since she was four months old, doing little crunches in an effort to lift her head and see the world around her and now, here she is sitting upright, compensating when she looses her balance and enjoying the view from a new perspective. She still hates tummy time and has no interest in rolling but then neither do I. How often do you roll around? Unless it involves green hills and lush grass I think it is seriously over rated. So to any concerned family members, child development officers and well-meaning, inquisitive strangers I give you this: she sits. Enough said.

Historical Hunt

Ruhi's class has been learning about local history, so I thought that we could add a bit to what they learned. I scouted the area, read up on some history, surfed the net and spoke to a few locals. I had grand plans that involved long abandoned gold fields, an old well, an ancient mill, searching for early pioneers in the old cemetery and laying a flower on their grave (It is supposed to be a fun treasure hunt, so is that disrespectful or morbid?) and practicing their German by ordering a special treat at a restaurant that was established more than 100 years ago.


These were some of the things I had hoped to do, but didn't, Maryam wasn't a hundred percent and neither was I for that matter. So we met up with friends who weren't scared of our germs and concentrated on two areas (though we went to four different towns). I put together some quick clues (I did them all in the space of about two hours, and I tried to rhyme and I organized a slow-cooked dinner at the same time- so don't be too critical.) packed some snacks, rounded up some kids and set off for a fun-filled historical adventure. Ready? Here's the first clue.
Atop the highest mount a beautiful garden lies
hiding many clues from unsuspecting eyes
Let the map be your guide.
For here another clue will hide.

They had to work out where the garden was and find the map. Their clue was hiding in the guide box. As soon as they had it they were off and running.
There are four places to visit here. It's quite the treasure trove.
Let the map above guide you to a distant pine grove.
Collect the two letters found in each spot,
Until all together 8 you have got.
A work of art hidden away,
beyond the boughs where branches sway.
Come and see the stone -like grace
and collect a clue from it's hiding place.
In a lovely spot filled with flowers so sweet
You will find more clues beneath your feet.
Near an old castle more letters are found.
Collect them quickly from off the ground.

Your clue is all scrambled, the meaning concealed
Unscramble the letters till the town is revealed.


There were four stations they had to find, a pine grove, a statue, a rose garden and a castle. At each location they found two letters. Put together properly the letters spelled out the name of their next destination. We improvised a bit here because I didn't realize just how far away and uphill that castle was. Instead we found a glorious sun dappled yard, where four trees were standing guard and used that instead. Ruhi was awesome at unscrambling the letters... all that practice is sure paying off.
We took a break here because the kids were hungry and shared a picnic with the local bandicoot population. These little guys are not shy.

If you wanted to post a letter in 1863
this is the place you'd need to be.
So find the spot where horses were tied
and you've found where your clue will hide.
Yeah, pretty obvious.

From 1855 - 1919 the Coaching Stables stood here,
taking settlers to ... from places far and near.
There are no signs of the stage coaches now. The horses have all gone away.
Instead we see a large shopping complex as we stand here together today.
Inside, on the wall,
not far at all
your next clue
awaits you.

In the clues I gave the kids there were no ellipses (...) I used the names of people and places, but decided not to use them here. Anonymity and all.

Mr. ..., an early pioneer,
once established a hotel here.
The ... hotel, well - away it went
Replaced by a station where telegraphs were sent.
Today ... is sold at this place.
To find the clue look for your face.

Once they realized they had to find their reflection in the shop window they were given their next clue.

Peer into the past from 1877 - 1891
and find the factory where jam was made by the ton.
You cannot see it now, do not try at all
Instead look for a newsagency with an old brick wall.

Your next clue is ...
It is here the treasure lies.
To verbal clues listen well, you'll need to understand
that many amazing things once happened in this land.
So off to "school" we go, a challenge to complete
And, once done, you may find a very special treat...

That was the end of the first part of the hunt. We stopped for lunch at a German bakery, the kids received their verbal clues, had a chance to play and then we headed over to a former school turned museum where they worked together to find out information, take pictures or do mini challenges.
Look at this hand crafted rocker. I loved the ancient baby things. Bayan loved the old fashioned machinery and gadgets.

They all managed to identify the earlier models of washing machines.

They located artifacts, mapped a sea voyage, copied a recipe (which we will make later on) and (I love the teamwork here) worked together using an old town map to identify some of the earliest settlers and where they lived. Ruhi then went with her friend to help him chop and load wood with his dad (She is so sweet. She noticed that he didn't want to go and offered to come and help him. Love that girl.) I took Anisa and her little friend along with Bayan and, my newest appendage, Maryam to the playground for a little while. After collecting Ruhi we came home to a German meal of roast pork with potato and sauerkraut. Ruhi made spaetzel and Anisa made apple strudel. I'm not a fan of spaetzel or sauerkraut (at least not after what it did to Maryam's tummy... poor love) but Anisa was onto something with that strudel of hers. So good.

I spy

Ruhi used to love these books. Bayan discovered them on one of our recent trips to the library and the kids have spent ages pouring over them attempting to find all of the items that lie hidden in the pictures. The girls read the riddles aloud and they all search together. They have had such a spiffing time that I thought I would make them a table top one to solve. Here goes:

I spy with my little eye

an Asian map, a red pencil stick,

a stripy fish, an old piece of brick,

10 paper clips, a candle, a jug,

a small frying pan and a colorful bug.

A purple pillar, a sweet candy store,

a beat up car and an old dinosaur,

Five pom-poms, three dice, fourteen stars,

a money box, 10 paper clips and old spice jars.

I spy with my little eye

a sundae, a pig, a fairies wing,

a whistle, a ball and beads on a string,

a comb, a scooter, some crayons, a door stop,

an elephant, a red watch and a lollipop.

A body book, a panda bear, a plastic boy,

25 black beans, a tiny shoe and a baby toy,

a tractor, some lotion, a pink turtle shell,

a cork, a slinky and some flowers as well.

The kids were great and we packed up as they found the items from each rhyme, so there wasn't a heinous mess at the end. Gotta love that.

Movie Marathon

The holidays are here and some of our fabulous plans have had to be postponed as Bayan, who loves to play outdoors wearing as little as possible (its winter by the way) has come down with a horrible croupy cough. So tonight we have organized a movie night. I was going to do a slumber party of sorts for the kids and let them all sleep in the living room together on mattresses, but the racking cough till you nearly vomit, has put the kaybash on that. There is a picnic rug instead, filled with lots of yummy, healthyish, nibbles and some not so healthy nibbles (like that creamy dip you see) to make it extra special. The kids are sooo excited. Oh- don't worry Mom its all gluten free and Bayan won't touch the dip he is not a big fan of the garlic and chives...Ruhi and I on the other hand, well that's another story.

Gluten Free Dinners

That pretty much everyone eats.

Tacos. A big hit. The kids love these. We use gluten free taco shells or corn chips and they all help themselves making their own taco salads. Yum.

This is a vegetarian, slow cooker chili, one of Anisa's favorites. Ruhi doesn't mind it. Bayan merely tolerates it.

Cornflake crumbed fish, with salad, stir-fried string beans and mashed potato.

Sushi. Bayan only eats the rice and Maryam only eats the avocado but the girls are more adventurous with the tuna, egg and smoked salmon. Anisa even tried the wasabi. I love wasabi.
Anisa...not so much.The old stand-by. Khoresht-eh-sabzi (Persian lamb, herb and kidney bean stew) with rice and salad.Chinese honey-glazed chicken wings with rice or rice noodles, baby bok choy and salad. This is a current favorite, as are the chicken meatballs (not pictured) in a spinach and orange khoresht (stew). It sounds gross but the flavours are amazing. Even Bayan eats it - though not the yucky bits (aka spinach).

And what food post would be complete without at least one desert. I made this honey paoched quince and apple pie with an almond crumble topping and base. Mehran was super impressed (especially 'cause it tasted amazing and had no sugar.) Soheila just about died eating this thing. Truly. Sooo good. Well, maybe two desserts. This is a chocolate, coconut milk "cream" pie with a coconut flour shell, almond crumble topping and sliced bananas to boot. The kids preferred this to the quince. Personally I will have to taste more samples from both before I can make up my mind.

For Martha and anyone else who might be interested here is the recipe 4 Honey Poached Quince Pie. Hope you enjoy it as much as we have.

Gluten free pie crust (adapted from Elana's pantry)

3 cups ground almonds

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

a little over 1/3 cup grapeseed oil

2 Tablespoons agave nectar (or honey)

1 teaspoon organic ground cinnamon

Put dry ingredients into a medium bowl, add wet ingredients and stir to combine. Pat 1/2 of the mixture into a 9 inch glass pie dish and bake in a preheated oven at 150 C for about 10 minutes. Set aside.

For the filling (adapted from allrecipes) you need about 3 quinces and about 5 apples, depending on size (a little over a kilo of fruit that is peeled cored and sliced).

1/2 cup honey

1 1/2 cups water

another 1/2 cup honey or agave nectar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 Tablespoons flour (I think I used arrowroot)

2 Tablespoons butter.

Combine quince, honey,and water in a pan. Cover the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 8 - 10 minutes. Strain the quince, reserving the liquid and set the quince aside to cool. Combine the reserved liquid with the honey or agave nectar, cinnamon, salt, flour and butter and bring to a boil. Reduce hat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens this should only take a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Layer the apples and quince in the pie shell and pour the liquid over the fruit. Crumble the remaining almond mixture over top and bake at 160 for approximately 45 minutes, or until the juices are bubbling and the crumble top is golden brown.

It goes great with tea or with a side of ice cream or freshly whipped cream...yummmm.

Babies

There have been quite a few babies welcomed into the world this year, the majority (that I know about) in the last few months. Today the kids and I are going to a baby shower for one such bundle of joy. A darling little fellow, as yet unnamed, who is positively adored by all who meet him. I came across the idea of nappy (diaper) cakes on the web and could hardly wait to try. I was disappointed that I didn't think to do this myself, especially a little earlier, as it would have been perfect for others as well. I wasn't overly impressed with the end results, especially after viewing the professional, and some not so professional, images out there. If you want to be wowed, just google it. What I did was very basic. But. So. Much. Fun. The kids helped me roll a package of nappies into individual rolls, held together with rubber bands and from there we created two tiers by grouping the individual nappies together with a larger rubber band. I used a bottle of baby shampoo and a baby bottle as the core to hold both tiers together. I stacked the cake on a baby album, added in a few other useful, blue, items, and hot glued some ribbon around each tier. Even though it falls seriously short of what I have seen out there I am kind of proud of my first attempt and can hardly wait to make another one. Now I just need people to have more babies....

Fighting through pictures

In the Mansion of Bahji (the Baha'i Holy place in Isreal where Baha'u'llah is buried) there is a wall, and on this wall is a single photo of someone who opposed the Faith and sought to bring about as much hardship and suffering as he could. (I forget exactly who - there were a few - and I like that I forget. It seems fitting somehow. That future generations will not remember these men, but will worship and revere Those whom these men exiled and banished and killed. Serves them right.) While opposite the photo is a wall lined with pictures of Spiritual Assemblies and Houses of worship (I hope I am remembering this right). I believe it was Shoghi Effendi (Baha'u'llah's grandson and Guardian of the Baha'i Faith) who said something to the effect that we may not be able to fight our enemies with swords and violence but we can fight them with photos and pictures. I love that. I love that this man who sought to destroy a young Faith and it's followers is condemned to stare eternally at what he failed to achieve. (Serves him right.)Likewise I love the way that the shrine of the Bab is lit up every night in recognition of the time that He was imprisoned and denied even a candle. This too is a fight, a wordless protest of cruel injustice. In honor of the Bab we made some candles of our own. To commemorate His death we remembered His life and had stories and dinner by candlelight. While we were making candles we talked about what it must have been like in prison and Anisa got all offended when she heard that the guards would not even allow Him to have a single candle. " Well," she huffed "I would have given Him one." Bless her. She cheered up considerably when she heard that His shrine is lit up each night and is so bright and so beautiful that it shines like a beacon of hope while illuminating the mountain of God. Whenever I think of that it makes me feel better too.

Virtue: Independence

Did you know that the early American settlers would often place a candle in their windows on the 4th of July as a symbol of their support for the new democracy? I only recently learned this myself. Across the United States communities gather for parades and picnics, barbecues and bonfires, for speeches and fireworks and all sorts of family fun, much as they did 200 years ago. But how many of us put a candle in our windows now? I think it is lovely. In Australia we don't celebrate the fourth of July (obviously). There are no parades or picnics no gathering for speeches. It is winter. It is dark and cold. The perfect time to light candles and enjoy the flame and fragrance as well as the symbolism that this simple act holds. While many people have lost faith with governments and their ability to govern (and frankly with some good reasons - but I won't go there) I love what the founding fathers and early patriots fought for, for their vision of what America could and should become. I love the Declaration of Independence and I love what the fourth of July stands for: Freedom and Independence for all.

And that brings us to our Virtue of the month (I don't seem to be organized enough to do them on a weekly basis): Independence. This is something that I want the kids to develop more of. To begin with I wrote the word Independence on a balloon and stuck it to the ceiling using static electricity (rubbing it quickly on your hair) the kids read the virtue on the balloon and we talked about what Independence meant. They were then challenged (youngest to oldest) to get the balloon down by themselves and to do it in their own unique way (meaning they can't just copy someone else). We talked about how sometimes things might seem out of reach but that doesn't mean that we can't attain them. Sometimes our goals may seem difficult to achieve but that if we believe in ourselves and our abilities we can do amazing things.

And sure enough they all got it down. Bayan employed a chair and a bag, Anisa took off her sweater and waved it around and Ruhi fanned the balloon down with a handy packet of x-rays. We talked about what things they can do to demonstrate independence and they put together a little list of things like: cook dinner by myself, make food for everyone, make phone calls on my own, bring everyone water at mealtimes and go shopping. Over the next few weeks they'll be working on improving their independence in these areas.

We went shopping, the kids each had some money to put towards a special snack night and the ingredients for making a cake. They chose and bought their items and came home to bake this Independence Day cake.

Ruhi read the directions, gathered the ingredients and supervised while Anisa and Bayan took turns adding the ingredients, scraping the bowl and licking their fingers.

We read the Declaration of Independence, well I read and they ate. The document is heavy, beautiful, but heavy, and I find that food helps them listen. So while they noshed I read and paraphrased and explained. We used examples and then played a little game called King George (I was the king and they were the colonists and they chose cards with statements on them like I want to buy land to build a house, I want to start a farm so that I can feed my family and have some left over food to sell, I want to organize a library so that people can borrow books, I want to open a shop so that people will have somewhere to buy what they need, etc. There were a couple of mystery cards, which had the info on the back and these were taken from the Declaration itself, from the listing some of the injustices they endured at the hands of the king. They took turns choosing cards and had to ask permission from the King (who, sometimes took a long time to reach decisions and very often said "No.") without the kings permission they were stuck and could not achieve what they needed to. This gave them an idea about how most of the colonists were feeling. We talked about what Independence would have meant for a young country starting out and how it would have taken a lot of courage to do what they did. In a show of support for their courage we made this tri-color candle to put in the window. It was supposed to be red, white and blue but due to circumstances beyond my control we wound up with red, white and lavender instead.

Oh well, it's the effort that counts.

Happy Independence Day everyone.