See Fish Celebrate Lincoln

by Julia

Guess who made the paper? My very own Abe.

David is an attorney and a member of the Indiana Bar. The Indiana Bar Association asked for volunteers to present for their community outreach program "Why Lincoln Was a Lawyer." Since David is a Lincoln fan and has read big thick books about the 16th president, he readily volunteered. An added bonus was that he gets two paid days per year to do community service, so this certainly qualified.

David had to come up with his own hour long presentation to do for groups of elementary school kids. Being a trivia lover, he decided to do a Family Feud style game with questions about where Lincoln lived, when he was born, what his favorite hobby was, jobs he held, where he was shot, etc.

David drove two hours away to present to three different school groups and had a fun day (certainly different than reading documents at the office). He was featured in an e-newspaper and as the top story in the local paper, which a teacher sent us a copy of. "Lincoln comes to life" the headline blares. I think the beard and hair need a bit of work to be more lifelike, but the whole outfit did what it needed to do. This all went down on a Friday and David did not have to turn in the costume until Monday. I persuaded him to wear this outfit to the tri-stake youth valentine dance we were chaperoning on Saturday night. We got some serious looks! Once the youth got more comfortable with Abe dancing in their presence, some wore his hat, some wished him happy 206th birthday, and one guy even wanted his autograph.

SEE FISH REPURPOSE

by Stefanie

I meant to post this in December but never took the time, but since I took the pictures...well, here it is:

These are some mice I made out of old wool sweaters. I found the idea here: http://mossymossy.com/?p=313

I went to a thrift store and found 100% wool sweaters. Then I washed and dried them a couple of times. On the link above she gives you an idea of a pattern, but you'll have to draw one yourself. I started big and then kept cutting the pattern down for the smaller mice. I made a little bean bag to put in the bottom of each that helps them sit better. Then I bundled them together along with a made-up "Christmouse" game and gave it to a family with little kids. This is something that can spur on your creativity--like why not use the same concept to make bunnies for Easter?

HAPPY MONTH OF VALENTINES AND LOVE!

BY STEFANIE

I went to Costco and found the most delicious organic granola called “Love Crunch.” As I was examining the contents I was thinking, “I can make this, AND I can make this more healthful and nutrient-packed!” So that’s what I set out to do. Here is my own version of “Love Crunch.”

Combine well in a large bowl:

10 cups of rolled oats

2 cups raw, unsweetened coconut (large or small flakes—or both)

2 cups quinoa flakes

1 cup sprouted almonds, chopped (raw almonds soaked overnight and then dehydrated until crisp)

1 cup chia seeds

1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped

1 cup flax seeds, freshly ground

½ cup raw cacoa powder

On the stove over low heat, melt—do not boil:

2 1/2 cups raw honey (you can substitute agave and/or molasses for part of this)

1/2-3/4 cup extra-virgin coconut oil (I’ve made this without the oil and it turns out good—just not as many clusters to crunch on.)

1t salt

1 cup water

2 tablespoons vanilla

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well. Spread contents evenly into 3 sheet cake pans. Convection bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes, stir, then bake for another 10 to 20 minutes depending on how crunchy you want it.  I've also dehydrated it at about 115 degrees.  It takes much longer but helps preserve the nutritional value of it that high heat destroys. Cool. Mix in freeze-dried strawberries and raspberries and chunks of high-quality dark chocolate to your taste.  I like to store mine in the freezer.  I also love it with almond/coconut milk (Almond Breeze brand) and fresh bananas.

*Always use organic ingredients when possible. Not only is it so much better for your health, but it supports farmers and others who are trying to supply us with higher quality, sustainable foods.

ENJOY!

Winter Beach Party

By Marci

So my cousin Melanie lives 75 minutes south of us, and we're really far away from most family members, so we have to arrange to see each other at least once per month.   My Soldier is off at training in Georgia for two weeks, and her daughter had a half day at school, so we just had get together to play for the day.

My oldest daughter has been concerned recently that she is missing out on all the fun at home while she's at school.  So, Melanie planned a great surprise for when she got off the bus.  Welcome to the [sun] + E Beach Party.

This one's for the Cornell graduate.

And here's a snippet of Big D from the party that went on earlier in the day.

When it was all said and done: "That beach party...I just didn't even expect it.  It was fantastic!"