Support Teachers (Matt Damon at Save our Schools)

So here's what I propose.  How about we as a society value our teachers the same way we value other professionals?  All teachers have one degree..many have two degrees and several have Masters degrees.  Others also hold trade certificates such as mechanics, welding, carpentry or esthestics.  Many have exceptional talents in areas such as athletics, arts, dance, drama, music, woodworking, construction, mechanics, or languages.  Teachers are life-long learners.  We attend professional development seminars and courses in areas such as assessment, technology, and restitution.  As teachers, we love what we do.  We love to mentor, inspire, care and motivate.  Teaching is sharing.

I absolutely love that Matt Damon has taken it upon himself to support teachers in a very public way.  In the following video, he speaks at a Save Our Schools rally in Washington.  Thank You to Matt Damon and everyone else that supports teachers and lets teachers know that they are appreciated for all the hard work that they do.

Yummy Apple, Strawberry and Rhubarb Crisp

This is another recipe that I really love.  I also don't feel particularly guilty for indulging because it's mostly healthy with just a bit of sugar to take away the tartness of the fruit.  The apples and strawberries do a great job of balancing out the rhubarb without adding too much sugar.  It's particularly delicious when you warm it up and top it off with ice cream.  I realize that the ice cream takes away a bit of the healthy factor but you can always treat yourself with a piece topped with ice cream and eat the rest plain!  It's delicious on its own as well.

I always double this recipe because we manage to gobble it up really quickly.  It's not that hard to make but I would rather just get through coring, peeling and slicing the apples at one time rather than a couple times.  It's not my favourite thing to do.  Here's the recipe.  It's another recipe from the LooneySpoons cookbook by Janet and Greta Podleski. 

Apple, Strawberry and Rhubarb Crisp

Topping
3/4 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons reduced-fat butter or margarine melted (not fat-free)

Fruit
3 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples
1-1/2 cups sliced strawberries
1-1/2 cups sliced rhubarb
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Combine all topping ingredients in a medium bowl until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Set aside.
• Combine all fruit ingredients in a large bowl.  Mix well.  Spray a shallow 11 X 8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.  Pour in fruit and spread evenly.  Sprinkle topping over fruit.  Bake, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes, until fruit is tender and topping is golden brown.  Best served warm or at room temperature.

Make 6 servings.

Per Serving: 248 calories, 4.2 g fat

Notes:

• I use frozen sliced strawberries and rhubarb.  It saves time and is so much easier.  The quality of the frozen fruit is also consistent whereas I have mixed results when it comes to buying strawberries in particular. 
• As I mentioned, I often double the recipe. It freezes well although we actually ate it all this time so there was no need to freeze half!  I use two separate baking dishes when I double it.  I might try making one large crisp next time around. 

I Hate Potty Training

Yep, I officially hate potty training.  We're really not making much progress and I am not sure what to do about it anymore.  I really want Connor to be potty trained but I am also not so sure he's ready.  He's certainly not ready enough to be potty trained in three days like I hear some kids do.  It's just frustrating when you hear some kids have no problem when it comes to potty training.  Then, I feel like we're doing something wrong even though I know we're not and I know it's not his fault either.  With that said, there are certainly some glimmers of hope.

We talked about it today and he agreed he would pee in the potty and not in his underwear.  Yes, he's wearing underwear again today.  Of course, he then sat on the potty for about 15 minutes and...nothing.  We put his underwear back on..he went downstairs to play...and five minutes later, he came upstairs with wet pants.  He had peed on the basement floor.  The carpeted basement floor...lovely.  On the upside, he actually came and told me right away.  The other day, he refused to acknowledge his pants were even went despite the obvious fact that they were.  Today, he came and told me as soon as it happened and showed me where he peed.  We changed him and he chose to wear underwear again...that's progress.  I'm just having a hard time understanding why he isn't peeing on the potty when he obviously has to go.  He has gone several times before so it's not a new concept anymore.  It's so confusing!

Sorry for the vent but I needed to get it out there.  I am happy for anyone whose child potty trains easily..really I am.  However, I can empathize with anyone who has some difficulty along the way to dry pants and diaper-free days.  For now, we'll keep trying but I am not potty training for the next six months.  If we don't see progress this week, we're taking a break!

UPDATE: I just found out from the hubby that he tickled Connor when he went downstairs...this may have contributed to the accident.  Let's hope so!

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On a much happier note, I'll be posting a recipe for a Rhubarb, Apple, Strawberry Crisp that's delicious and a perfect summer snack/dessert.  I hope to post it later today.  Then, I've got a couple giveaways coming up soon as well.  In fact, I've got a few giveaways coming up and am just waiting on some samples to arrive so I can write about them first.

Lastly, keep those votes coming for Top Mommy Blogs!  Things are looking up but I need consistent votes so try to vote daily or at least every time you visit my blog.  Thanks!