Kiwi's Odyssey: 'Gramma B' - Delicious Bread Recipe

About Pierre

Aaahhhh, hubby! We met at university and just 'clicked' and the rest is, well, history ... in fact, not only did I get my BSc at university, but I also got my Mrs. after graduation ;) ... and Pierre is still as handsome as the day I met him !

Pierre has proven to be a wonderful man and wonderful provider to his family. Pierre is loyal, loving, kind, funny, warm hearted, and a 'trickster'!

Try this on: ‘Babe’, I’m seriously thinking that I can’t go back to work – I just can’t leave Cody … he took so long in the making and with 5 loses every day is a gift! What’s the point in having our son and not been able to watch him grow up and being there for him? Followed shortly thereafter by: Followed by – Oh and babe, I want to homeschool our son … I assure you I’m ‘normal’, but this just seems ‘right’ for our family.

I just want to confirm here just how amazing my husband is. And how much he has sacrificed to make this possible. And how he has given me the greatest gift - the gift of time to spend with my son.

Thank you babe!

About Cody

I just hate to put Cody is a ‘box’ when he’s growing, changing, accepting responsibility for his actions – or not - depending on his mood, and developing into a wonderful human being. Cody’s first passion is his love of nature, animals, insects, and reptiles … a true naturalist!

Cody is very sensitive and affectionate. For a seven year old Cody has a wicked cool sense of humor and has that twinkle in his eye when he cracks a funny. His belly laugh is contagious!

As for inquisitive – Cody truly must know. And in his mind, he already does know how to lay flooring, work the skill saw, install the sprinkler system, drive the minivan … he isn’t convinced he’s not old enough for a drivers license:) He has a wonderfully analytical mind! Keeps his mum and dad on their toes!!!!

Cody enjoys playing outdoor games/sports and is well coordinated. But Cody would give it up for the finding of a toad, snake, salamander, dragonfly, butterfly etc. I’m thoroughly enjoying spending time with him, learning hands-on with him, seeing life through his eyes, encouraged by this enthusiasm and passion for living. Right now we’re a ‘team’ and it works well for our family.

How we got started Homeschooling

Cody is my miracle Canuk! And I knew that homeschooling was right for our family when Cody was 3 months old. I sure didn’t have any of the details mapped out in my mind back then, but I decided the best way to figure it out was to dive right in head first. But first, I had to figure the ‘mum’ thing out! (I’m still trying to get that one right!)

I initially read any homeschooling books I could get my hands on and started to make contacts with local groups. My goal was to get involved with other homeschooling families and ask them a ton of questions while my son started slowly building friendships with other homeschooling children.

I knew I looked like an alien from the expressions that found their way to the many homeschooling parent due to the age at which I started Cody’s involvement, yet, even to my amazement – and thankfulness, there was a ‘niche’ for us. At 12 months old Cody and I were involved in three different homeschooling groups and activities, and regularly meeting some amazingly wonderful families with a wide range of homeschooling views and directions.

Cody really started connecting with the younger siblings of homeschooled children and just as we were getting settled and into a routine with our fellow homeschoolers, my hubby up and gets a job in the States.

So we had to start all over again. I must say I wasn’t looking forward to being the ‘three eyed monster’ once again, but still believed that finding a good support group was definitely beneficial in our homeschooling experience! So, when it came to house hunting it was important to me to research homeschooling groups that would be accepting of a 30 month old.

I could not believe my luck when I found a homeschooling group that actually catered for younger children – we hit the homeschooling jackpot!!. Our activities with the group include: recess, lesson days, library days, park days, field trips, monthly parent nights (which actually does discuss the forward growth of the group) which blends into what we are doing now.

Where we’re planning on going

One of the cool things about homeschooling is being able to look at what others are doing, asking tons of questions, sometimes being allowed into the ‘classroom’ at home, and often ‘touching and feeling’ projects that others already tried with their feedback.

It’s awesome when the ‘light bulb’ comes on and you think to yourself – that’s wicked cool and man I just have to do that. Knowing my son’s learning strengths and challenges, I can see what could work for us and maybe how we can change the resource/activity to be tailored to his needs.

Friday, June 12, 2009

'Gramma B' - Delicious Bread Recipe

Gramma B - Oh, Gramma B, Where to begin with Gramma B!!!

Gramma B is at 93 years of age, one of natures most amazing and formidable forces!!! One of those woman who live in the moment and touches the lives of everyone she meets. She just knows - her years of experience are truly motivating. As she enters a room her presence is felt. Gramma B is in the 'priceless' category ... we love you Gramma B!!!!

Talk about a 'green thumb'! If Gramma B wants a plant, she grows it herself. In fact, always more than one as Gramma B also knows that if she likes it, chances are there will be others that she can share with. And don't think it can't be done because - like everything else in life - Gramma B will show you it can!

Gramma B plans on being on this earth at least until she's 100 years of age. With her determination, courage, enthusiasm for life, as well as the lives she reaches out and touches, I would love for Gramma B to be around for another 100 years!

Now, Wednesdays are 'bread making day' for Gramma B. Each and every week she bakes bread for those she cares for and is her very special way of letting someone know that she appreciates them. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones to know and Gramma B, she'll even ask you whether you would like white or wheat! You can't say no because it's not an option. And if it's your birthday, Gramma B gives bread.

Even Cody just can't get enough of Gramma B's bread. She makes him special miniature loaves that light up his face and last a day at most! Cody knows that Wednesday's are Gramma B's bread day!!! If you happen along on a Wednesday afternoon, just remember, that you might be volunteered for 'bread delivery duty'. Quite and honour to be on 'bread delivery duty', but be warned, it's going to take a few hours to do the rounds!!!!!

Now Gramma B was very gracious to share her recipe with me and I would love to have her recipe on this blog as one of Gramma B's many legacies. She did tell me that the secret to her delicious bread is the potato flakes. She uses a brand (she swears by) called Natural Mash by Paradise Valley.

Gramma B's Bread recipe as follows (makes 2 loaves):

In a small bowl:
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup warm water
1 Tablespoon yeast
Stir and let rise

In a larger bowl:
1/3 cup sugar (white)
1/4 cup powdered milk
1/4 cup oil
2 Tablespoons salt
2 Tablespoons potato flakes
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cups warm water

Mix together well and add 3 cups flour when well mixed add yeast mixture and continue mixing. Add 3 more cups (all purpose) flour.

Keep mixing and kneading (heal of your palms only) it no longer adheres to your hands.

Cover and let rise until double in bulk. Knead again and shape into 2 loaves. Let rise again about 40 minutes.

Put in oven preheated at 375* and bake approximately 40 minutes.

***For a wheat bread replace 2 of the white flour with whole wheat flour.

Enjoy!