About This Blog
Welcome to my blog. I'm Anne-Marie Nichols, a 40-something WAHM to Nathan, 6, and Lucie, 3. I've been married 12 years to their dad Paul, a scientist. When I'm not doing the mommy thing, I'm a freelance writer, and vice president of the board of directors for a Colorado public charter school. In my spare time I like to sleep, eat, read, and decorate cakes.
I created this online journal to share some entertaining and insightful stories from my own experiences as a writer, domestic engineer, and mom. I encourage you to share this blog with your friends, and hopefully it will spark some lively discussions on issues we can all relate to. Enjoy!
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Nov 18 2008
Power Rangers bring peace
I finally have found one way to get the kids to stop fighting -- let them watch the Power Rangers together.
That's almost as pleasant as saying I let them shoot rifles or throw knives at each other -- I hate the Power Rangers that much. I think the show is stupid, ridiculous, and boring. The special effects are lousy, too. Yet the kids love it. It's maddening.
However, there's an atmosphere of cooperation when the Power Rangers are on. The children sit together quietly. They agree on things. They diplomatically assign each other roles in the show. "Nathan, you can be the black Power Ranger and I'll be the pink one," says Lucie. "O.K.," says Nathan, "And mom can be the bad guy."
I'm always the bad guy, which is fine by me. I'm willing to march around waving my imaginary claws in the air while making Godzilla noises. It's worth sacrificing my dignity so they won't fight. I'd do anything for a temporary detente.
Nov 17 2008
Star spangled bathroom
Lately, Nathan's been breaking out into a rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner." In his squeaky, high voice it's a joy to hear his version of the song -- complete with new lyrics and missing stanzas -- from the back seat of the car as we drive around.
Lucie often joins in, which usually results in an argument over the lyrics and accusations that she's not singing it right. I put a stop to that by telling them they're both singing it wrong and demanding, "SILENCE or else!" It's amazing how lovely singing goes to yelling so quickly.
The other morning I heard singing coming from the downstairs bathroom, "Oh, say can you seeeeeeee." Yep, it was Nathan. I'm glad the boy loves to sing and is patriotic. But in the bathroom when he's, um, busy in there? I'm not so sure that's appropriate.
Nov 16 2008
Have snacks, will travel
I've been thinking a great deal about snacks lately. With all the camping and running around we have planned, I have to make sure to have snacks packed and ready to go. You never know when the kids will want to have something to eat or drink, and popping into a fast food place usually isn't practical and it's hardly healthy. (My philosophy is that trips to McDonald's are special treats, only to be indulged in once in awhile.)
Though I do have a couple of nice insulated bags, I need to find foods that won't go bad in the summer heat. I also want something that's tasty, inexpensive and healthy, which rules out most of the processed chips, crackers, and fruit snacks at the store.
Well, what about GORP? (For those of you not familiar with the backpacking staple, GORP -- Good Old Raisins and Peanuts -- is a mixture of dried fruit and nuts.) Some folks like to add corn nuts, goldfish crackers, Chex cereal, Rice Krispies, and/or chocolate. Since Lucie's allergic to peanuts, we won't be using them, but the kids do like dried fruit and other kinds of nuts. I'm going to experiment this summer and come up with a mix that we all like.
Then there's fruit leather. With strawberries in season and a hydrator in the kitchen cupboard, I have no excuse not to try to make some. Here's an easy recipe from "More Backcountry Cooking" from Backpacker Magazine.
Strawberry-Apple Fruit Leather
(Makes 5 large pieces)
1. Clean and hull 16 oz. of strawberries, and puree in a blender.
2. Add 14 oz. of no-sugar-added apple sauce.
3. Blend until you have an even consistency and add water as needed.
4. If using an oven, spread mixture 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick on a nonstick cookie sheet.
5. If using a dehydrator, cover trays with a layer of plastic wrap, then spread.
6. Dry at 130 to 135 degrees F until the puree is leathery and there are no small pockets of moisture. Drying time varies, but averages 8 to 10 hours for thin leather and up to 48 hours for thick leather. (Tip: Before the puree is done drying, but when it is leathery enough to peel from the tray, lift it and then set it down again. You'll have an easier time removing it later.)
7. Roll in wax paper or plastic wrap.
Serving idea: Spread them with low-fat cream cheese, roll them up and eat them like a burrito, or slice into snack sized pieces.
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