Bible Projects L, M, and N

For L we studies Light. We listened to the song "This Little Light of Mine" about ten times and talked about it and then made a paper mache lantern using a glue mixture of half glue and half water and sticking on tissue paper. So beautiful!!

For M we made Mount Moriahs because I wanted to throw some science in there! We read the story about Mount Moriah from the Bible, and then made mountains over a small paper cup out of old drying playdough. Then we put baking soda and food coloring inside. I gave each kiddo a big cup of baking soda and let them go crazy!! Do this project outside. ;-) 

For N we made tambourines, which the boys actually played with for 30 minutes!! I read Psalm 100 to them and talked about praising God with song, and then we water-colored a paper that said "Make a Joyful Noise." After that we stapled some colorful beads inside paper plates. I turned on some music and let them go crazy. ;-) 

LIGHT 

 MOUNT MORIAH

NOISE

Happy Lunar New Year

On Chinese New Year we celebrated by making paper lanterns, wearing red, eating rice balls, going out to eat at Pei Wei (though Joe had pulled an all nighter and was falling asleep), and I painted a special painting for Bella's room. As I painted I prayed for her and wondered where she is celebrating the New Year this year. One thing I know is that's she is half a world away. The painting (hopefully) says, "Beautiful Life" on the top row, which is what her name means, and "Love you Forever" on the bottom. I will add pics of her into in eventually. ;-) 

This weekend we were able to go to a fun party to celebrate the New Year in Irvine. They had the most amazing fondant cupcakes, lion dancers, music, lanterns, and more. It was low key and just what we needed. Joe wasn't feeling up for Chinatown explorations this year. Then we finished up our celebrating with Chinese foot massages. $20 for an hour long massage. Yes please!! 

New recipes this week ;-)

I am always trying to think of new and interesting things to make for dinner. ;-)

1. The first thing I was inspired to make was Red Curry Chicken. I bough some raw boneless, skinless chicken tenders from Trader Joe's. I cooked them with the lid on until they were almost done, and then I threw in some sliced mushrooms and bok choy, which added a lot of moisture to the chicken. Once the veggies were done, I took off the lid and dumped in a bunch of this delicious sauce and let it simmer. After a few minutes I poured some on a steaming pile of brown rice. It was so delicious, and it made the rice and chicken so moist. MMMM...... 

2. The next thing I made was Chinese Chicken Salad. I bought this super yummy dressing from Costco and wanted to give it a try. I chopped romaine, shredded some rotisserie chicken, threw on some sliced tangerines, and sliced almonds. I tossed it with the dressing right before serving. Yummmm!! 

3. The last thing was Chicken Vegetable Soup. I make this all the time, but the secret to really flavorful, amazing soup that's so easy is to use rotisserie chicken. I used the same chicken from the salad, simmered with veggie broth, and a ton of veggies like cabbage, onions, and carrots and enjoyed. Delish! 

Happy Chinese New Year!!

We have been celebrating Chinese New Year doing fun activities, reading fun books, and eating some new and exciting snacks!!
We made a trip to Ranch 99 Market and everyone picked out a few things that we wanted to try. We are excited for the big Dragon parade this weekend!!

 

Life

Today we walked to the park by our house. The weather was perfect and no one was there so it felt like an extension of our backyard. We had a great time and played for an hour, but when I put the boys in the wagon to go home, Max was really crabby. After five minutes, I asked him what was wrong. He said, "Mommy, just let me play!!" I let him out, curious as to what he would do. He sat in the bushes and played for 15 minutes by himself, happy as a clam. Eli and I talked and looked at the white flowering trees we were sitting under. Finally, Eli said, "Max, you've played enough. Let's go home."