tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89325282279087710432024-03-13T08:48:27.050-05:00Kingdom in KateKati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-51526513780139547952014-02-03T15:37:00.002-06:002014-02-03T15:38:39.034-06:00Neem Cream (for eczema)We call this Neem Cream because it has neem oil in it. It's really more of a butter than a cream, but it gets melty when applied to the skin.<br />
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Eczema can be caused by environmental irritations or food allergies, so applying any kind of cream won't prevent more eczema patches from popping up. But essential oils can bring down inflammation and moisturizing is super important to keep it from getting worse.<br />
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Our son has nummular eczema (pink, dry patches), so we need something to moisturize and heal his skin <i>regularly</i>. Neem Cream has been a tremendous help! We apply it morning and night. It takes the inflammation down and prevents itching.<br />
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I used a couple different recipes to form this one. If you've never made your own skin creams, let me tell you -- it is so easy. And so worth it to know I am not putting any toxic or cancer-causing chemicals in my kid.<br />
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I use, trust, and highly recommend Young Living Essential Oils in this recipe. Since there are no regulations on the essential oil industry, oil companies can label their bottles "100% pure" while having added synthetic chemicals in them, and most do. In fact, they can have as little as three percent of the actual oil in them! Not only is this dishonest; it could actually make whatever you're treating worse.<br />
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So, especially when treating something like sensitive skin and eczema, I want to know our oils won't have chemicals in them that would make the eczema worse! Young Living is the only company out there that owns their own farms and distilleries. They control the whole process from seed to seal, and actually test each batch of oil to make sure it is 100% pure, therapeutic-grade oil. You can even visit their farms to see how they do it!<br />
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Lavender essential oil cleanses and soothes skin irritations, and frankincense essential oil is known to support skin health. For carriers I use castor oil and sweet almond oil, as well shea butter and cocoa butter which are extremely moisturizing. I also use neem oil, because of its ability to reduce inflammation, soothe, and heal the skin.<br />
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I tried some of this on my legs the other day and WOW
smoothness! The skin just sucks this stuff up. So moisturizing and no
greasy residue. If your children suffer from eczema and you'd prefer not
to further irritate their little bodies, try whipping up some Neem
Cream.<br />
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10 g neem oil<br />
40 g shea butter<br />
30 g cocoa butter<br />
20 g castor oil<br />
10 g sweet almond oil<br />
10 drops lavender essential oil<br />
10 drops frankincense essential oil <br />
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Measure out all ingredients (except essential oils). I use a kitchen scale for this.<br />
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Heat slowly in a double-boiler over medium heat until completely liquid.<br />
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Stir well and place in the freezer for five minutes. Beat with a whisk, adding in essential oils. Scrape down the bowl if needed, place in the freezer for five minutes, and beat again. Repeat this process one more time or until the oils appear opaque and creamy. Spoon mixture into a glass jar with a lid.<br />
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<br />Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-30427261477680464212014-01-30T14:46:00.000-06:002014-01-30T14:46:46.815-06:00Hoof Balm (Hand Cream)Shane (whom I affectionately call "Moose") has very dry, rough hands. And feet. And knees. He's been using this HOOF BALM I made for him, and I can't believe how soft his hands are after using it!<br />
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All of the oils used here are very moisturizing, and there are no added synthetic chemicals. Lavender essential oil is really good for healing the skin, and for relaxation. Moose puts this on before bed and sleeps like a baby!<br />
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1/3 c sweet almond oil<br />
2 tbsp coconut oil<br />
2 tbsp olive oil<br />
3 tbsp grated beeswax<br />
30 drops lavender essential oil<br />
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Heat almond, coconut, and olive oils in a double boiler over medium heat for about five minutes. Remove from heat and stir in beeswax until completely melted. Refrigerate five minutes to begin cooling; stir and scrape down the bowl. (Refrigerate five more minutes if necessary.) Stir in essential oils. Pour cream into glass container to cool completely. Store at room temp. Use more/less beeswax for thicker/thinner consistency. A little goes a long way! Makes about 3/4 cup.Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-70680438510355658552014-01-13T15:09:00.000-06:002014-01-13T19:51:48.349-06:00Three Ways to Defeat Self-Pity in the Pit of Humility<a href="http://katherinepotratz.blogspot.com/2013/03/how-to-beat-jealousy-and-self-pity.html" target="_blank">As previously stated</a>, in the lowness of being humbled, my greatest enemy becomes Self-pity.<br />
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<i>During</i> the humbling, it SEEMS like the enemy is the pain or whatever is humbling me. But the real enemy is Self-pity which makes me too emotionally weak to handle the physical humility of pain. <br />
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So far there are three ways I know of to counterattack Self-Pity.<br />
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The first one is drugs. Whether synthetic like prescription anti-depressants or herbal like oils and foods, drugs are a common and popular remedy for Self-Pity.<br />
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It's a fallen world and wait till you are brought low; you will see your need for outside help.<br />
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Another one is thanking God. There is always something for which to thank Him. If it is true that he gives us grace upon grace, there is <i>some gift</i>, even in the pit. We must become seekers of these gifts so we can be thankful. In the midst of pain, I need to fix my mind on things above that I actually HAVE so that I am not consumed by what I don't have. Specific gifts, like a pillow. Or God's presence. Consciously naming these gifts keeps my mind swimming in what I DO have, thereby keeping me in a state of thankfulness.<br />
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You just cannot be thankful and self-pitiful at the same time.<br />
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The third counterattack on Self-Pity is company. Not in a "misery loves company" kind of way, where you sit with a friend and complain and wallow and be negative together. I'm talking about people entering into the pit of humility with you in one way or another. Hugs are the fastest way to do this, but sometimes with pain, physical touch can make it worse or more nauseating. One time a friend just held my hand. Another friend just sat in the room with me.<br />
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Now being an introvert, I have never craved hugs or company. In fact, I considered those things kind of shallow and unnecessary. I am prone to think, "Leave me alone so I can get through this and get back to you as my strong self again." But God does not leave me unchanged in this pit... Looking back, those times when friends have seen me in pain and just lingered there with me, those were simple yet life-changing moments. They were some of the best (worst) times I have had in the pit. Their encouraging words were heard at the most crucial time, when I was the most vulnerable.<br />
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You see, that is just what Love does. He comes down. Right into the muck. <br />
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Last month I had some lengthy times in the pain pit, and Shane asked me what I needed most. To my own astonishment, I said, "I just want people to hug me! Just BE with me. But for crying out loud don't just LEAVE me here like this!" (Then I thought, what is <i>happening</i> to me?! And this blog post was born...)<br />
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Being humbled, that's what's happening to me. Low to the earth. Humus. Human. I can't believe I'm saying this, but... I need hugs. When someone hugs me, I physically receive love. In that moment, the hugger is physically <i>with</i> me in the low, humilifying pit. <br />
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Here is the thing about having company in the pit. Self-pity thrives on aloneness. It tries to get you to say, "No one understands." But in the moment of being hugged, or visited, you are no longer alone in your experience. Someone has chosen to enter that darkness and they have understood -- to an extent -- for a moment. You may feel sorry for yourself, but when a person willingly enters that
pit to be with you, you can no longer say, "Poor me. No one understands
me." <br />
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You can only say, "I am loved, even in this pit."Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-66568498882558740232013-11-12T13:17:00.002-06:002013-11-12T13:19:27.808-06:00Peach CreamsiclesWe had bought Missouri peaches from Slim's Fruit Market this summer and thoroughly enjoyed them this way.<br />
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But some of them we used to make <a href="http://www.tastyeatsathome.com/2012/06/creamy-peach-popsicles-and-a-live-chat-about-independence-day/" target="_blank">peach creamsicles</a><a href="http://www.tastyeatsathome.com/2012/06/creamy-peach-popsicles-and-a-live-chat-about-independence-day/" target="_blank"> from Tasty Eats At Home</a>. Peaches are one of my favorite fruits and they work splendidly for popsicles! Just ask this boy...<br />
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Or this baby girl...<br />
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That's my niece, Charlie, tasting her first popsicle. She couldn't get enough!<br />
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Peach creamsicles are so delicious and they're such a simple way to get fruit into my family's diet. All I have to do is throw everything in the blender, pour into molds, and freeze. Supposedly leaving the peach skins on makes these sweeter, so that's what I did! Good stuff.Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-47352957879911770162013-11-10T22:17:00.002-06:002013-11-10T22:18:30.438-06:00Oatmeal Raisin CookiesI can't remember where I found this recipe, but it's a good one. These cookies turn out nice and chewy. We like to dunk them in almond milk!<br />
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3/4 c sorghum flour<br />
1/4 c gluten-free oat flour<br />
2 tbsp flaxseed meal<br />
1 tbsp psyllium husks<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
3/4 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp nutmeg<br />
1/8 tsp cloves<br />
1 c butter, softened<br />
1 c coconut sugar<br />
1/2 c agave nectar<br />
1 large egg<br />
2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
3 c gluten-free oats<br />
1 1/2 c raisins<br />
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Preheat oven to 325. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk the flours, psyllium, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. In a stand mixer bowl, mix the butter, coconut sugar, and agave nectar with the paddle attachment on medium for two minutes. Scrape down the bowl. Add the egg and vanilla; mix on medium for one minute; scrape down the bowl. Add the dry ingredients and oats; mix for one minute or until a thick dough forms. Add the raisins and mix on low for 30 seconds, just until combined. Drop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets. Bake one sheet at a time for 20 minutes, till golden brown. Let the cookes. cool for five minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in a sealed container for one week. Makes 48 cookies.Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-76451353799466551272013-11-09T16:24:00.004-06:002013-11-09T16:25:40.793-06:00CornbreadCornbread is one of two things my husband ever asks me to make. (The other thing is Jello.) When I found this cornbread recipe in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Sugar-Gluten-Free-Delicious-Recipes/dp/1569758654/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384035530&sr=8-1&keywords=simply+sugar+and+gluten+free" target="_blank">Simply Sugar and Gluten Free cookbook</a>, I hit the jackpot. Something I knew we could eat and enjoy together.<br />
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Good thing it turned out the way we both like it: This cornbread is moist and cake-like. We recently had my parents, sister, and brother-in-law visiting and when they tried this cornbread a few of them said it was good, but they preferred cornbread to be more crumbly and dry. So don't use Amy Green's recipe if you like it that way. For us, it's a keeper!Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-25260089580586260492013-10-29T14:01:00.001-05:002013-10-29T14:01:35.134-05:00Mixed Greens With Pears and Grilled OnionsWe made this salad to go alongside grilled burgers when we had family in town this summer. We had never grilled onions before, and WOW, did they taste amazing. The flavor from the grill really stands out.<br />
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The greens, sliced pears, and grilled onions are tossed together in a salad bowl with a light dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and maple syrup.<br />
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Recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615495052/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=daibit-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0615495052" target="_blank">The Pure Kitchen cookbook</a>.Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-17961427666184792162013-10-28T16:39:00.000-05:002013-10-28T16:44:39.383-05:00Honey Mustard Chicken With Root VeggiesI think I'll just let this one speak for itself. We gobbled it up. Enough said...<br />
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1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into pieces<br />
salt & pepper<br />
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil<br />
3 tbsp butter<br />
2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced<br />
1 large parsnip, peeled and thinly sliced<br />
1 large shallot, thinly sliced<br />
2 tbsp arrowroot powder<br />
1 1/2 c chicken stock<br />
1/4 c Dijon mustard<br />
1/3 c honey<br />
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Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in the oil, then remove to a plate. Melt the butter in the skillet, then add the carrots, parsnips, and shallots. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the pan to allow the veggies to soften for about three minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle in the arrowroot, stir for one minute, then stir in the chicken stock, mustard, and honey. Let this thicken. Add the chicken to heat it through. Serves four.<br />
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Recipe adapted from <a href="http://www.rachaelray.com/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray</a>.Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-25901037459059687652013-10-25T14:50:00.003-05:002013-10-25T14:52:28.937-05:00Fresh Fruit TartHere's another dessert I made from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Sugar-Gluten-Free-Delicious-Recipes/dp/1569758654/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382729996&sr=8-1&keywords=simply+sugar+and+gluten+free" target="_blank">Simply Sugar and Gluten Free cookbook</a>. Fruit-lovers, get a load of this...<br />
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A pecan crust, whipped cream, and fruit. Sweet and simple.Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-18028989399443173732013-10-23T13:16:00.002-05:002013-10-23T13:16:40.674-05:00Dipping ChiliThis tends to be my "summer chili," while <a href="http://katherinepotratz.blogspot.com/2012/11/chili.html" target="_blank">the other chili</a> is what I make in the winter. However, any chili is good in the fall. :)<br />
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This is what I call "dipping chili" or "chili dip." It's less about the spoon and more about the chips!<br />
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As you can see, it is not soupy. It's thick and meaty, so it works great for scooping up on your chips. We rarely eat chips, so my son really likes that he gets to have chips with this meal.<br />
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1 lb ground beef<br />
2 tbsp chopped onion<br />
3 tbsp coconut sugar<br />
28 oz can of crushed tomatoes<br />
1 tsp chili powder<br />
1 1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/4 tsp pepper<br />
1 can chickpeas, drained<br />
shredded cheddar cheese<br />
"scoops" corn chips<br />
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In a dutch oven or 5-quart pot, brown the beef with the onions. (If your beef is not lean, drain the grease.) Add the coconut sugar, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, salt, pepper, and chickpeas. Simmer, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese, and use the chips as your spoon. Serves 4-6.Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-80785622654188010482013-10-22T13:40:00.002-05:002013-10-22T13:40:29.355-05:00Chicken SaladThis is my aunt Cindy's chicken salad recipe... adapted to be gluten-free, sugar-free, and soy-free. Everybody loves her chicken salad sandwiches. If you ask her about this recipe she will tell you that you HAVE to use Hellman's mayo and no other. I wholeheartedly agree that Hellman's is the best! However, if for some reason you don't or can't eat storebought mayo, try my <a href="http://katherinepotratz.blogspot.com/2013/02/mayonnaise.html" target="_blank">homemade mayo recipe</a>. It's not as good as Hellman's, but it's the best homemade I have made so far. Aunt Cindy puts cream cheese in this and serves it in pita pockets. YUM! We have eaten this chicken salad on <a href="http://katherinepotratz.blogspot.com/2013/01/back-to-bread.html" target="_blank">gluten-free bread</a>, as a lettuce wrap, and plain!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hbXhEiyUOw0/UmbFc1QqX2I/AAAAAAAADHI/tqER1-f5GDs/s1600/August+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hbXhEiyUOw0/UmbFc1QqX2I/AAAAAAAADHI/tqER1-f5GDs/s400/August+016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In this batch, I happened to have added some garlic chives!</td></tr>
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4 large boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 2 lbs)<br />
1/4 c onion, chopped<br />
1/3 c slivered almonds, toasted<br />
3 oz cream cheese, softened<br />
1 1/4 c <a href="http://katherinepotratz.blogspot.com/2013/02/mayonnaise.html" target="_blank">homemade mayo</a><br />
garlic salt to taste<br />
celery salt to taste<br />
1 1/2 c grapes, sliced lengthwise<br />
bread, lettuce, or 10 Kangaroo frozen pita pockets<br />
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Preheat oven to 400. Place chicken in a 9x13" pan and bake for 15 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in the center. Chop chicken into cubes. Mix everything together in a large bowl and chill in the fridge for at least two hours. Serve it how you like it! Serves ten.Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-36044278181035318032013-10-21T21:52:00.000-05:002013-10-21T21:53:33.159-05:00Brownie-Crusted Fruit PizzaThis was inspired by brownie-crusted berry pizza, which is a recipe found in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615495052/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=daibit-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0615495052" target="_blank">The Pure Kitchen cookbook</a> by Hallie Klecker. I used a tart pan. It turned out really pretty!<br />
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The brownie crust is made from unsweetened baking
chocolate, coconut sugar, coconut oil, egg, arrowroot starch, salt, and
baking powder. I baked the crust, then added the toppings.<br />
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Over the crust we have cashew sweet cream. This is my favorite part. You soak cashews, then throw them in a blender with agave nectar, water, and vanilla. This cream is so yummy. I could just eat a whole lot of it all by itself.<br />
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For fruit I used strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi. Sweet combination. I have also used clementines.<br />
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And there you have it! Perfect treat for Mother's Day... or your fruit-loving husband's birthday. :)<br />
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<br />Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-27203590102041106032013-10-19T13:17:00.001-05:002013-10-19T13:17:27.818-05:00Broccoli & Quinoa CasseroleMy guys really liked this casserole, hence I will be making it again. I thought it was okay -- not my favorite or anything, but good for some variety. I do love how with "fake cheese" you get an extra vegetable without even knowing it. (In this case, sweet potatoes.)<br />
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Get the recipe at <a href="http://detoxinista.com/2013/09/cheesy-broccoli-quinoa-casserole-vegan/" target="_blank">The Detoxinista's web site</a>.Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-67803116049015743592013-10-18T14:26:00.000-05:002013-10-18T14:26:02.448-05:00Black Bean & Sweet Potato EnchiladasThis recipe came together by blending a few other ones. My goal was to have dairy-free enchiladas with lots of flavor and healthy ingredients. In that respect, this meal was a success. It did require a lot of prep time, though... but making regular <a href="http://katherinepotratz.blogspot.com/2013/01/cheese-enchiladas.html" target="_blank">cheesy enchiladas</a> feels like a lot of work to me, too.<br />
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I've gotta say this was my first time using kale in anything. I figured if we didn't like it, it would be covered up by all the other flavors anyway! But it was great. I will make this again. <br />
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1/2 green pepper, chopped<br />
4 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1 tbsp chili powder<br />
1/2 tsp oregano leaves<br />
1/4 tsp ground cumin<br />
15 oz can tomato sauce<br />
1 bunch kale, chopped & stems removed<br />
olive oil<br />
1 large sweet potato, diced small<br />
1/2 c cooked brown rice<br />
1 can black beans, drained<br />
1/4 tsp pepper<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 tbsp onion powder<br />
8 corn tortillas<br />
4 green onions, chopped<br />
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In a medium bowl, mix together the green pepper, garlic, chili powder, oregano, cumin, and tomato sauce. This is your enchilada sauce.<br />
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Saute the kale in olive oil until it shrinks and is tender. Add to the kale your sweet potatoes, rice, beans, pepper, salt, and onion powder. Stir and heat through. <br />
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Soften tortillas in the microwave for 15 seconds, two at a time, and spoon one-third cup of the bean mixture down one side of the tortilla to within one inch of the edge. Roll up the tortilla and place it seam-side down in a pan or casserole. Repeat this with all the other tortillas. Pour the sauce over the tortillas. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Garnish with green onions.Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-76277870069378237862013-10-17T12:59:00.002-05:002013-10-17T12:59:40.251-05:00Berry PopsiclesWe had a lot of popsicles for snacks this summer. So simple, so healthy, so refreshing. <br />
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2 c strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries<br />
2 cans coconut milk<br />
1/4 c agave nectar<br />
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Blend in a blender until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds. Freeze overnight.Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-829576309058188622013-10-16T14:54:00.001-05:002013-10-16T14:54:14.822-05:00Almond Butter Chocolate Crispy SquaresHaving made almond butter recently, I naturally had to make something like this.<br />
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I adapted them from <a href="http://www.tastyeatsathome.com/2013/08/peanut-butter-chocolate-crispy-squares/" target="_blank">these peanut butter chocolate crispy squares</a>.<br />
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My dad says they're the best dessert I've made that he has tried! They are sweet, especially good for when you need a chocolate/nut butter fix. A lot like Special-K bars. (Just without the extra junk!)<br />
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6 c Erewhon or Barbara's Crispy Brown Rice Cereal (you'll need one box)<br />
1 c agave nectar<br />
1 c coconut sugar<br />
1 1/2 c almond butter<br />
a few shakes of salt<br />
3 c pre-made <a href="http://katherinepotratz.blogspot.com/2013/01/chocolate-chips.html" target="_blank">chocolate chips</a>, melted over a double-boiler (OR just make <a href="http://katherinepotratz.blogspot.com/2013/01/chocolate-chips.html" target="_blank">my chocolate chip recipe</a> and pour the chocolate over the bars)<br />
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Spray a 9x13" pan and a large bowl. Pour the crispy rice into the bowl. In a medium saucepan, stir agave and coconut sugar over medium heat, just until it boils. Remove from heat; stir in almond butter and salt until smooth. Pour the mixture over the crispy rice and stir well. Transfer to the pan and press it down with the back of a spoonula. Spread your chocolate over the top, and refrigerate for one hour. Cut into 48 squares (8x6). Delightful!Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-39768851905360126172013-10-15T13:35:00.000-05:002013-10-15T13:35:26.031-05:00BBQ Ribs in a Slow CookerWhen I was a kid and my mom asked what meal I wanted to have for my birthday, often I'd ask for ribs. She made really good ones. I tried slow cooking these for about three and a half hours and they turned out fabulous. For the ketchup I used <a href="http://katherinepotratz.blogspot.com/2013/03/ketchup.html" target="_blank">homemade</a> so the flavor was deep and sweet.<br />
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The ribs were very tender. Absolutely no refined sugar was used here. The sweetness comes from honey, coconut sugar, and the brown rice syrup used in the ketchup. There are also lots of good spices and onion in this. Recipe from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Sugar-Gluten-Free-Delicious-Recipes/dp/1569758654/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381862070&sr=8-1&keywords=simply+sugar+and+gluten+free" target="_blank">Simply Sugar and Gluten Free cookbook</a>.Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-84398438572440963172013-10-08T14:30:00.001-05:002013-10-08T14:30:10.178-05:00Banana BreadNo wheat flour or refined sugar in this banana bread...<br />
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But it was moist.</div>
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It was sweet.</div>
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It was beautiful.</div>
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And it was enjoyed by all.</div>
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Another great recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Sugar-Gluten-Free-Delicious-Recipes/dp/1569758654/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381260005&sr=8-1&keywords=simply+sugar+and+gluten+free" target="_blank">Amy Green's cookbook</a>.Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-81252149230244435822013-10-07T14:58:00.003-05:002013-10-07T19:25:54.808-05:00Bacon, Basil & Mozzarella SandwichesA few years ago, my dear friend, Katie, had me over for lunch. She served these delicious sandwiches on french bread. It was fabulous. <br />
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I won't forget that day because it was such an encouragement to me. I was in very poor health at the time. Katie listened and asked such good questions. Then she shared her testimony of God's grace to her through a lung disease, several lung collapses, lung surgery, and long road to recovery. It was a time in her life where she was completely helpless, debilitated, and wondered how she would get through it.<br />
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Someone understood.<br />
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Katie has prayed for me and encouraged me so much. She shares so much hope with me and many others. God has carried her. Like me, she is not completely healed. The doctors put a device in her lung to hold it open. (Um, I think I've got all that right but please correct anything I'm getting wrong, Katie!) But she is now as healthy as a horse! She exercises, hosts great parties, and even has babies. :) Most definitely a new creation in Christ.<br />
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8 slices of bread<br />
1/2 lb bacon, cooked<br />
fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced<br />
1-2 tomatoes, sliced<br />
3 tbsp butter<br />
8 cloves garlic, minced<br />
2 bunches of fresh basil, chopped <br />
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Melt butter in a small frying pan on the stove. Add garlic and basil; saute until aromatic. Assemble in this order: bread, bacon, cheese, tomato, herb mixture, bread. Place sandwiches on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 until the cheese is melted. Serves four.<br />
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You may already know that Katie is a great cook. I have changed up her
recipe a tad. (I like to add tomato slices, and use a gluten-free
bread.) At the time these pictures were taken, I had made an herbed
quinoa flatbread and used that for the sandwiches. But we have used all
sorts of breads and anything works. A crusty bread is my favorite. Also, the mozzarella in the pictures was not fresh mozzarella, which would be way<i> </i>better. So, these are not the best pictures, but I figure it's better than nothing!<br />
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FOUR HOURS LATER...<br />
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Oh, look! I found a couple more pictures of this meal.<br />
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Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-31570821791906323142013-10-05T13:22:00.000-05:002013-10-05T13:28:14.891-05:00Pregnancy, Abortion, and Health of the MotherAfter reading <a href="http://liveactionnews.org/11-things-pro-choicers-dont-get/" target="_blank">this article</a>, I would like to share my perspective. <br />
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<b>I have had to seriously reconsider my pro-life stance on abortion. </b>Pregnancy is hard. Pregnancy took so much of a toll on MY health that I was left with a chronic fever, autoimmune problems, debilitating migraines, and a heart weakness. If I ever became pregnant again, my heart and other organs could shut down and it could be fatal.<br />
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<i>So, would I now consider abortion if this happened again?</i><br />
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This question has demanded an honest answer from me, and frankly, no, I would not abort. Even with serious risks to my own health. For me, this has meant putting a lot more trust in the God who loves my family even more than I do.<br />
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Maybe you haven't ever been in a state of health where it was your actual HEALTH or LIFE you had to consider giving up for the sake of a pregnancy. But I have really had to ask these questions after learning about the kind of problems my body has faced and still would face in the case of being pregnant.<br />
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One thing I know is that <b>pregnancy is about being a mother</b>. Even if you're going to give up the baby for adoption, you are mothering that baby for nine months in your womb. You are nourishing, feeding, providing a home for, and growing a living person. That's what a mother does. For at least nine months, God has ordained you "mother." <b>And all mothering -- <i>including pregnancy</i> -- is about sacrificing your own time/desires/money/health/life so that someone else can have these things.</b><br />
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I know this so much more fully now. My one child gives me plenty of proof that mothering is worth it. That pregnancy is worth it. I look at him and never would've imagined that God could've created something so magnificent. <b> </b><br />
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<b>There really are no accidental creations.</b> <br />
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I feel so fortunate that God allowed me to survive the heart condition and live to raise my own child. But I wonder if I would've considered abortion, had I known the upset it was going stir in my body ahead of time. The thing is, <b>it would be presumptuous and prideful to consider his life not worth living without me.</b> I am a pretty "hands-on" mom, so that's not an easy pill for me to swallow. But it's true. He is a separate entity from me and his life is equally valuable.<br />
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Life is a gift. Do you believe it? Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-74680953067732014222013-10-02T17:10:00.001-05:002013-10-02T17:10:52.254-05:00Apple Crisp and Apple PieLike John the Baptist preparing the way for the Messiah, sometimes I feel that I am just a voice in the wilderness pointing to the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Sugar-Gluten-Free-Delicious-Recipes/dp/1569758654/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380751528&sr=8-1&keywords=simply+sugar+and+gluten+free" target="_blank">Simply Sugar and Gluten Free Cookbook</a>.<br />
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I am <i>not</i> the big deal when it comes to gluten-free, but I can throw some water on ya and tell you where to get the good stuff. :D<br />
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So, everyone and their dog is making apple crisp right now. It's that time of year. You go to the orchard, you get some apples, you're congested and blowing your nose for the next week from all that hay dust.<br />
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But at least you get to eat apple crisp. This one's gluten-free and sugar-free and, as usual, simply scrumptious.<br />
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And we actually haven't been to any orchards yet. But our neighbor has a honeycrisp tree and shared a couple bags of apples with us. This is what came of it!<br />
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Z has been asking and asking for apple pie, so we used some of the apples and made that too. Recipe can be found in -- you guessed it -- the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Sugar-Gluten-Free-Delicious-Recipes/dp/1569758654/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380751528&sr=8-1&keywords=simply+sugar+and+gluten+free" target="_blank">Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free Cookbook</a>! I seriously should get paid to advertise.<br />
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I will never make a pie crust again (too much work!), but this kid sure was happy. <br />
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This pie has a pecan crumble topping which totally MADE the pie. The pie was thick, the apples were nice and soft, and the crust did not burn at all. I would definitely make the pie filling and topping again. But I have decided to not make any more pie crusts in my lifetime. I think I spent at least an hour working with that dough and had to add water a bunch of times to get it to stick together. I have my limits, people.<br />
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Happy apple baking!Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-56929433689555319822013-10-01T14:38:00.004-05:002013-10-01T14:38:55.442-05:00Almond ButterBranching out from peanut butter has been sort of a detox choice for me. If you want to know why peanut butter isn't as great as you thought, read <a href="http://kimberlysnyder.net/blog/2012/10/25/peanuts-health-food-or-hazardous-to-your-health/#i.1fh3c7e91wfg" target="_blank">this article</a>. But don't click on that link if the knowledge will only serve to annoy you.<br />
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Other nut butters I've tried are sunflower seed butter, cashew butter, and almond butter. Almond butter is my favorite of those three, and I love to use it in baking. Recently I was able to make some homemade almond butter in my Vitamix, which tasted amazing.<br />
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Making homemade almond butter couldn't be more simple if you have a blender or food processor that can handle it. You just throw the almonds in there with a little oil. I used the tamper to push the nuts into the blade. It turned out smooth and creamy.<br />
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I wish I could tell you that making my own almond butter saves money. It doesn't. Raw almonds are expensive. But it does taste great!Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-63702042012056241952013-09-30T22:42:00.001-05:002013-09-30T22:42:44.352-05:00Discovering Nature StudyAfter attending a workshop on Nature Study at the NICHE conference, I knew that nature study was something I hoped for our family to do. We have done a lot of it this fall, but even now it's hard for me to articulate what's so great about it.<br />
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I do know that all of creation proves the existence of a Creator. I guess that sinks from mind to heart when you take the time to really look closely at something God created. Lately we've been catching caterpillars and watching the whole metamorphosis thing. It only takes<i> two weeks</i> for this slimy creature to evolve into a completely different being. How could there <i>not</i> be intelligence behind something so delicately complex and exquisite?<br />
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Even more fascinating to me right now is this dead bug my mom mailed to Z...<br />
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That's right. My mom found this dead cicada on her patio, packaged it up nicely, and mailed it to us. She's cool like that. It's not that my mom is into dead bugs... she's more into the fascination that little boys can have with bugs. But what really makes this dead bug a treasure is that it lived 17 years as larvae under the ground before it turned into this bug and then died. Seventeen years. That's longer than most dogs live. That's half of my life this creature has been living. </div>
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We learned that cicadas live underground for years feeding off the sap of tree roots. Then, after all that time, crawl out of holes in the ground and up that same tree's trunk. They attach themselves to the tree trunk and crawl out of their shell as the cicada with wings that you see pictured above. They get to live like this for about three more weeks, then die. </div>
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Here is a picture of a cicada shell. Z has a whole collection of them in the backyard if you want some.<br />
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That's not a bug. It's the <i>shell </i>or skin of a bug. How weird is that?<br />
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Here are our cicada sketches. Z's also includes the caterpillar. :)<br />
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Drawing what we find in nature really helps us to slow down and see the details of biological happenings... There is life happening all around us and how often do we look at it? How much do we value it? How else could we see the gift that life is without somehow finding a way to treasure it? I knew that nature study would probably be fun and adventurous, but as I'm drawing this sense of reverence comes over me... first for this magnificent life-creature that I never knew before, but then this awe of God who created it to be that way. Created each little detail. Cared enough to do that.<br />
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Maybe everybody doesn't feel that way, but I do, and I love getting to experience this with my son.<br />
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I keep this "nature bag" by the back door now.</div>
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Inside the bag: Bug catching stuff, nature journals, colored pencils, a couple random identification booklets, and some ziploc bags. It's an insulated one so we can even put lunch in the bag if needed. <br />
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Some other entries in our nature journals:<br />
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Three sides of a rock.</div>
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Back of dandelion. Blade of grass.</div>
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Leaf. Stick.</div>
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As you can see, a nature study can be extremely simple. :)<br />
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(And it must be, if you are four years old.)<br />
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Robin's nest on the water meter.</div>
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And the point for a little guy is to get him to slow down for even two minutes, to look at something long enough to record it on paper in his own way. We admire each other's drawings. He loves doing this together! <br />
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Nature reserve park.</div>
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Twenty-three lemon basil seedlings.</div>
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Clouds.</div>
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Cattails.</div>
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One morning we "studied" flowers. At our level, that means we observed them and identified a few!<br />
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A monarch and a bumblebee sharing the same flower.</div>
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Z made a little booklet about the different colors of flowers he found. I got this printable booklet from the <a href="http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Handbook of Nature Study Website</a>. This site is really helpful and encouraging if you've never done nature studies before. It's based on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Nature-Study-Botsford-Comstock/dp/0801493846/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380598125&sr=8-1&keywords=handbook+of+nature+study" target="_blank">Handbook of Nature Study</a>.<br />
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We saw flowers growing in some unexpected places!</div>
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(And my spirit was encouraged to bloom right where I am... in the unlikeliest...)</div>
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I may not have found this had I not been out searching!</div>
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<i>God's gifts are everywhere!</i></div>
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I picked up this shelf at a garage sale for a quarter. It's the perfect little nature display for all of Z's treasures.</div>
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Learning to ask questions... exploring our world... sparking curiosity... investigating how things work... discovering the facts of life... watching God hold it all together through seasons and systems and seeds... marveling and letting God nurture us through what He made. Nature study is a habit worth keeping. Highly recommend it!<br />
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"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen."<br />
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Ralph Waldo Emerson</div>
Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-73320927900498334312013-09-28T22:30:00.004-05:002013-10-01T14:18:29.851-05:00A Tour of Our PreschoolNow that we're approaching the end of September, I can give a little update on what we're doing for preschool this year. What better way than to tour our school area in pictures? I love what this room is turning into for our entire family (of three). It's bright and yet cozy and filled with learning stuff we can see. It's also very organized which is pleasing to all three of us organizational nuts. :)<br />
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<a href="http://katherinepotratz.blogspot.com/2013/04/preschool-2012-2013.html" target="_blank">Last year we did the ABCJLM program</a>, which gave a GREAT foundation for a whole <i>new</i> blend of curriculum this year. I'm really satisfied with what we chose for this year, but it's playing out much different than I thought it would at the beginning of the month! I absolutely love being able to gauge where my son is at and what he's ready for, and move at an appropriate pace.<br />
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The main thing that has changed over the course of this month is we've <i>slowed down</i> the pace of our reading and writing curriculum. We are using the <a href="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/" target="_blank">Institute for Excellence in Writing: Primary Arts of Language (PAL)</a>. The first week, we got through four or five lessons. Over the next <i>three</i> weeks we got through four or five more lessons. The program introduces phonics rules through fun games and short activities. This is just the right thing for Z right now because it keeps him reading and writing, while learning the technical stuff of how words are put together... and he enjoys it! However, doing a whole PAL lesson in a day gets WAY too long for him physically and mentally. So we just do less of PAL in a day now. So thankful we have the freedom to go at our own pace!<br />
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This is where we do preschool. Doesn't it look fun?<br />
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I didn't think I'd be the mom who made a special colorful area for school, but after I read something about how visuals are so very helpful for little kids... well, this just kind of happened. I learned that when kids can look up and <i>see</i> something instead of flipping through a binder/book or just trying to remember, it keeps them motivated and gives natural repetition to their learning. A light bulb went on in my head -- because I have totally seen this in my son. So here we are. </div>
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This red board has our poem, readers (which are prizes after he learns to read so many words), calendar, and other posters related to learning the "helpers" or phonograms. We also stick the Bible verse from <a href="http://awana.org/on/demandware.store/Sites-Awana-Site/default/Default-Start" target="_blank">Awana</a> on there. I used page protectors so I can easily change out the posters when needed.</div>
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The magazine
file (below) holds my teacher manuals. The three index card boxes hold
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Then we do <a href="http://www.mathusee.com/" target="_blank"><b>Math</b>-U-See</a> (Primer) for about 10-15 minutes. This includes a short DVD lesson, a worksheet, and unit blocks. I found this great box from the Container Store which holds all of the blocks nicely.</div>
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After math, we dig into PAL. We start by reading/reciting the <b>poem</b> and talking about its meaning. Z gets to mark any new phonics "helpers" from the poem. (Another bonus from having the poem in a page protector.) </div>
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Then Z figures out the day/date on the <b>calendar</b> (<a href="http://www.starfall.com/n/holiday/calendar/play.htm?f" target="_blank">which he makes each month from Starfall.com</a>), and I write a few sentences in our <b>family journal</b> from his narration. He reads the entries back to me and it's so cute to see what he wants to "write" about.</div>
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The next section is <b>printing</b>. Z gets to practice his letters in letter boxes (squares). So there is no having to stay between certain lines yet; just as long as he fits the letter inside the square. I didn't think I was going to use this part of PAL, but this was another happy surprise. Since he already knows his letter/number formations, I figured he was ready for writing on the lines. Well, we tried that over the summer and it proved frustrating and he began to really NOT like writing. So I gave these letter boxes a try and they are totally worth the step "backward." Not only is he enjoying writing letters again, but he's fine-tuning his formations which he does know in his head but they are looking much better on paper now.</div>
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Next, we snuggle on the couch and read a story together. Then I help Z summarize the story by identifying the different parts of the story and answering questions about it. The yellow poster on the wall is our <b>story summary</b> chart.</div>
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We begin the second part of PAL by playing <b>reading games</b> which are labeled and numbered on file folders in the bin (below). Z loves finding them, playing them, and putting them away. To be honest the games were what drew me to the PAL program. My kid LOVES playing games, so these were worth the work of putting together! (Many thanks to my friend Sarita for the bin idea and teaching me how PAL works!!)</div>
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The big blue binder on the left is where Z keeps all his finished preschool work. He proudly shows it to anyone who cares to ask him about preschool. :) It says Kindergarten on it because we're using <b>phonics and math worksheets from the <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/Raisingrockstarskindergarten.html" target="_blank">Raising Rock Stars Kindergarten curriculum</a></b>. He does those one day a week, on a day when we're not doing PAL. They cover basic introductory math and phonics, and it takes maybe 20 minutes.</div>
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One of the games Z is loving right now is the Feed Me Creature (cereal box). Z named ours "Ballybablob" and he eats ("NOM NOM NOM") words from the card game after Z reads the words, which puts Z into crazy fits of laughter. Which puts me into a crazy fit of laughter. :) Check him out.</div>
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After games we get out the <b>Phonetic Farm</b>. The Farm is a big poster with a picture of a farm on it. Each area of the farm has a different group of helpers. There is the <i>or</i> Horse, the Squeally <i>ee</i> bee hive, the <i>ow</i> Cow, etc. Z loves to give me "tours" around the farm, telling me which helpers live where, and what they say. The people who thought of this must be geniuses. My kid LOVES this thing and making all the characters on it "talk" in funny voices.</div>
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Z keeps the journal and Phonetic Farm in his wall file for easy access.</div>
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In my wall file I keep upcoming nature studies, PAL reading work pages, PAL printing work pages, and the Raising Rock Stars worksheets. I like this system because they're easy to grab when we need them. After Phonetic Farm is "<b>Agenda</b> time," during which Z gets to work on something on his own, (mostly) without my help. During Agenda, he does a couple of reading work pages that go along with the phonics rules we've been talking about. So I just plop those sheets from my box into his box, and he knows to come get them. On these work pages he gets to color, cut, and glue words. You'll notice the orange-framed magnetic white board next to Z's desk in the first picture says "Agenda" on it. I clip two or three little pictures onto that board which symbolize a task he can do by himself. Some of them are work pages, making his bed, sweeping the floor, art project, play outside, putting dishes away, etc. He LOVES this part, of course, because he's in that stage where he wants to be able to do everything by himself. He gets to put check marks next to the items when he finishes, and is SO proud to show me. This time usually lasts about 30 minutes and it's supposed to prepare him for taking responsibility for his own learning later.</div>
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The last thing we do for PAL is an informal "<b>spelling</b> test." I say a letter/phonogram sound, and he prints the letter/phonogram that makes that sound on the white board. The best thing about this for Z is getting to write on the board. Later on in the program, Z will graduate to discovery card packs and All About Spelling. I'll post about that when we get there!</div>
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It's actually really nice that we don't have to move quickly through PAL because it leaves time for other stuff. We read <b>library books</b>. He reads to me from <b>easy readers</b>, BOB books, and a McGuffey reader. We started doing <b>family read-aloud</b> time this summer and it has been wonderful! We read Charlotte's Web all the original Winnie-the-Pooh stories. Now we are starting the Chronicles of Narnia series. We do this before bed anytime we're all home in the evening. We have started a little collection of classics to read together. Shane and I are excited about this since we've never read many of them.</div>
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We like to do a <b>family devotion</b> time after supper, and right now that involves reading from the Egermeier's Storybook Bible, prayer, and sometimes a worship time. I play piano, Shane plays guitar, and Z jams on the drumz. </div>
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The other thing we've spent a lot of time doing this fall are <b>nature studies</b>. I wrote a separate <a href="http://katherinepotratz.blogspot.com/2013/09/discovering-nature-study.html" target="_blank">post on nature study</a> because it's been such a fun thing for us in many ways. This is our nature display.</div>
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I am thrilled with how preschool has gone for us so far. Honestly, it is the one thing in <i>my</i> life right now that is predictable and easy. We take <b>breaks</b> whenever Z needs a break. We take breaks for snacks, bathroom, playing outside, doing laundry, baking, hanging out with friends, whatever. I feel comfortable knowing Z is learning at his own pace and in his own way. For him this means a lot of activity and movement. He often sits or bounces on his jumping ball while he's doing preschool! </div>
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He's also learning to trust and respect Shane and me as his teachers. I think this is so foundational for kids to learn at home, so that when they later get in a classroom or other learning situation, they are able to truly respect other people as teachers. Personally, it seems to me that respecting authority and <b>accepting instruction</b> is often <i>most</i> difficult for a first-born child. (I am one, and I know lots of others for whom this has been true.) For some reason, first-borns want to do everything their own way and have a hard time listening to what anybody else thinks. I am so glad that we have the opportunity to gently help Z through this while he is young, Lord willing. My desire is to help him humbly receive instruction, and also give him time and freedom to do his own thing in his unique way. </div>
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Shane likes to teach through games and playing, which is quite convenient for our little boy. They play number games together, sudoku, ride bikes, play ball, build things, and tackle each other. I would also include as part of preschool Awana, swimming lessons, blastball, tumbling, the kids program at the nature reserve, and library programs. Why not? He's learning, is he not? <b>School does not have to be confined to a building.</b></div>
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<b>On that note, socialization does not have to be confined to a building.</b> I'm so thankful for all the great <b>friends</b> we have here. It's fairly easy to get together with friends just to play, even last minute. We try to connect with friends whenever we're able, and I think this is especially important when there are no siblings in the picture. God has provided an abundant "family" of friends for us here.</div>
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Family, if you have read this far, I hope this gives you a better idea of how we're educating our son. </div>
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Homeschooling friends, remember I have one kid and our situation is <i>way</i> different than yours since I don't have a baby and a toddler running around like you do. </div>
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Random people out there who might be using similar curricula or ideas, I hope this post helped you in some way. </div>
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Everyone else, here's to lifelong learning!</div>
Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932528227908771043.post-76091354116163718832013-09-24T13:55:00.002-05:002013-09-24T13:55:18.692-05:00Almond Butter Hot Fudge CakeThis divine mess of a cake was inspired by Amy Green's Peanut Butter Hot Fudge Cake, and the recipe can be found in her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Sugar-Gluten-Free-Delicious-Recipes/dp/1569758654/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380048837&sr=8-1&keywords=simply+sugar+and+gluten+free" target="_blank">cookbook</a>. I simply substituted almond butter for the peanut butter.<br />
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The cake is made in a slow cooker, and while the top of the cake looks like this...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHFvrYtu75I/UkHdhahUipI/AAAAAAAAC2o/AJBfHfMTmaw/s1600/February+139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHFvrYtu75I/UkHdhahUipI/AAAAAAAAC2o/AJBfHfMTmaw/s400/February+139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...the "slice" you get to eat looks like this<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALZ_q9CSwrY/UkHd6EfGj4I/AAAAAAAAC20/pM2-5xq4FsI/s1600/February+140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALZ_q9CSwrY/UkHd6EfGj4I/AAAAAAAAC20/pM2-5xq4FsI/s400/February+140.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and this <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2-7EfX3m88Q/UkHd5f0qXuI/AAAAAAAAC2w/OlCrXJm5XXk/s1600/February+142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2-7EfX3m88Q/UkHd5f0qXuI/AAAAAAAAC2w/OlCrXJm5XXk/s400/February+142.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and this.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nM61mOrCK6U/UkHd6-o7LXI/AAAAAAAAC28/kANOsw0t10c/s1600/February+143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nM61mOrCK6U/UkHd6-o7LXI/AAAAAAAAC28/kANOsw0t10c/s400/February+143.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ooey. Gooey. Yum.<br />
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The cake appears different from every angle, and this is exactly the way it's supposed to be. I was happily surprised at how evenly baked and rich and moist it turned out. I have made this cake a few times now, and I actually made it for my own birthday! I will most definitely be making it again.Kati Potratzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829599971228281598noreply@blogger.com0