Nate turned nine recently. And I failed to document this occasion due to pure laziness. I blame it on the heat...or perhaps I am just in denial about being old enough to have a nine-year-old. Either way, nine is here and I have to say it has brought with it a few pleasant surprises. Here are a few things I have noticed since nine walked through the door:
Nine is the growing awareness of self and the desire to express that self through cool new looks like blue hair (but being a little self-conscious about having said hair photographed!).
Nine is the desire to journey alone on that expanding path away from home.
Nine is a surprising new level of maturity and an eagerness to take on new responsibilities.
Nine is an increasing awareness of a world that lies outside of this small town.
Nine is admired by little brothers who want nothing more in the world than to be nine.
Nine is a growing patience (if ever so slight) for little brothers who want nothing more than to tag along and do what nine can do.
Nine still snuggles with blankie and still clings to the comforts of a childhood that seems to be moving at lightening speed.
Nine asks for blueberry muffins instead of over-the-top chocolate birthday cake.
Nine is pretty rad!
To welcome nine, here is that birthday muffin recipe I developed just for nine!
Nate's Blueberry Birthday Muffins with Lemon Glaze
1/2 C margarine
1/2 C sugar
1 egg substitute (I used 1 tbsp. ground flax seed mixed together with 3 tbsp. of hot water)
Zest of 1 lemon (reserving 1/2 for the glaze)
3/4 C soy milk mixed with the juice of a 1/4 lemon (reserve rest of lemon for glaze)
1 tsp vanilla
2 C flour (for this recipe I used a gluten-free blend of 1 1/4 C rice flour, 1/2 C chickpea flour, and 1/4 C arrowroot starch)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 C blueberries
Lemon Glaze
1 C icing sugar
the juice of 3/4 lemon
remaining lemon zest
Mix together the wet ingredients making sure to really beat together with margarine and sugar. Mix in dry ingredients before gently folding in blueberries. Pour batter in muffin papers about 3/4 full and bake at 350F for about 20-30 mins. Mix together glaze ingredients and drizzle over muffins once they have cooled.
I've never been fond of camping. Don't get me wrong, I love being in the outdoors, but to actually commit to a weekend of sleeping in the woods has always caused me a little bit of anxiety. I don't like sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag that never seems to stay free of dirt and sand and creepy crawlies. I don't like the smell of campfire that embeds itself into everything. And what if it rains? And what if I have to pee in the middle of the night? And what about the mosquitos and skunks and bears? Oh my! So I always chose to vacation in the city with hotels and restaurants and climate-controlled rooms. Then my very bossy determined sister gave me no choice. "I've booked us two campsites in Benmiller for a weekend in July...you're going...it'll be so much fun!!!" You have no idea how much I hate to admit it, but she was right! I surprised myself with how relaxed I felt all weekend! Time seemed to be of no concern at all - we woke up when we wanted to wake up, we ate when we felt hungry, we enjoyed just sitting around the campsite indulging in trashy magazines and roasted marshmallows. Never mind the pure joy that was written all over the kids' faces - they were in their element building forts in the woods, swimming in the falls, and buzzing from the marshmallow-induced sugar highs. Seeing how happy camping made my kids made it all worthwhile to me - and I have promised that I would go again...next year, when the campfire smoke finally washes out of my hair I'll be ready for more!
inspired by soulemama
From Soule Mama: {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
I knew these burgers were going to be good by the high-pitched 'ewws' they induced from my children. Please don't judge this recipe based on my children's reaction - they really are quite delicious and easy to make, and my children really don't know what they're missing. But what made them even better was enjoying them with G over an ice cold beer after my kids ditched the dinner table in protest. They're loss really was our gain as we were able to enjoy a nice quiet meal filled with adult conversation! Happy summer eatin'!
Black Bean Burgers
1 can of black beans rinsed
2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
1/3 C bread crumbs
2 tbsp. olive oil
Fresh-squeezed lemon juice from a 1/4 lemon
1 tbsp. ground flax seed mixed with 3 tbsp. hot water
1 tsp. cumin
Fresh herbs from the garden to taste - for these burgers I used a few tablespoons of chopped coriander and basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Mash all ingredients together and form into patties - makes about 5 or 6. Fry in a well-oiled frying pan for a couple of minutes each side. If barbecuing, place aluminum foil on grill and place patties on the well-oiled foil. Serve on toasty buns topped with lettuce, salsa, or whatever you fancy!
From Soule Mama: {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
