December 9

loading up the fire truck

cleaning the bathroom sink

color sculpture

color matching

rolling out some play dough cookies

ice at the bottom of the slide

filling up the bird feeders

Breakfast: Hot Müesli                             
                   Organic Berry Kefir
                   Fresh Orange Juice


Lunch:  Brown Rice 
             Tempeh Bacon 
             Butternut Squash 
             Green Salad with Carrots and Apples


Snack: Popcorn (CPO)
            Organic raw Cheddar Cheese
                  
                

December 8

Starting off on a personal note, this day marks 38 years that my dear Mom and Dad have been married. I am so grateful to them for the example of commitment they have provided for me throughout my life. Commitment to family. I appreciate the respect and support they have always given.  Thanks Mom and Dad. I love you.



Today was an exceptionally beautiful day, shining bright as full sun reflected in the thin layer of mushy snow. After staying in for two cold drizzly days, it felt amazing to step out into the snow and sun, and check in on all the animals. We brushed, fed and pet Fire. 



In the Classroom:

The new stroller has been getting a lot of use. The children enjoy learning to navigate a four wheeled vehicle, as well as the social role-play aspect of caring for and taking baby (or monkey) on a trip. 

We made some play dough yesterday, 
which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone                                










  



And at circle the last week or so, we have been singing "funny clown". This song gives each child a chance to perform for the other children, using their body to do a funny trick. The "it" child stands up in the center of the circle where all others are seated.

FUNNY CLOWN:

"I know a funny clown and his/her name is _______

Watch him/her do a funny trick inside the circus ring- BING"

December 6

Today there was: sorting and folding towels and cloths, hand felting wool into little balls in hot soapy water at the sensory table,   imaginative play with the element shapes and animal figures and everyone took a turn pushing the baby around in the doll stroller that was out today.

 

Setting the table for breakfast

Breakfast
Cantaloupe 

Pancakes (with CPO all-purpose and buckwheat flours and Bob's coconut flour)

Apple Juice

RECIPE ALERT: This is the tried and true Joy of Cooking recipe with ideas for variations

WHISK together in large bowl:

1 1/2 cups dry goods

(I have experimented with whole wheat, spelt, buckwheat, coconut flour, almond flour, chia seeds, wheat germ. There are a wide variety of flours that have a great deal more nutrition than all-purpose-- its worth looking into and experimenting with to find a pleasing texture.)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3 tbsp of sugar

 (Please feel free to omit this completely, or sub in honey, maple syrup or agave nectar in smaller bowl)

WHISK in smaller bowl:

1 1/2 cups milk
(experiment with a combination of dairy or non-dairy options)

3 tbsp melted butter or oil
(good choices are coconut oil, walnut oil, and safflower oil)

 2 large eggs

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

POUR wet ingredients over the dry, gently whisking to combine

FOLD in 1/4- 1/2 cups of dried fresh or frozen fruit, seeds or nuts

SPOON 1/3 of a cup of batter onto a hot greased griddle

FLIP when bubbles form and pop open. Cook until underside is lightly browned

Lunch

Annie's White Cheddar Shells

Steamed Romanesco Cauliflower

Roasted Carrots and Sweet Potatoes

Whole Cow Milk

Snack

Tofu Kan

Almond Yogurt

Whole Wheat Bunny Crackers

Candid Shots by Margot