Smrt Lernins

The Feminist Breeder is doing a wonderful series of posts called Letter to My Daughter (incidentally, also the title of the Maya Angelou book I read this month for my FBAM), where mothers write letters to their daughters as adults. What would you like to say to your daughter? What would you like her to know about you or your feelings for her when she is an adult? If you have something to say to your own daughter that you would like to share, you can find out how to participate here. You might have to “like” The Feminist Breeder to read the note.

I think it’s a wonderful idea. I’m looking forward to reading all the posts from all different kinds of mothers to their all different kinds of daughters. I have a letter my mother wrote to me when I was a girl, maybe late elementary school or early middle school, that I treasure. I think it’s fantastic that The Feminist Breeder is encouraging other mothers to write letters like that for their daughters and to share them!

And yes, the very first post in the series is from yours truly.

Happy Pi (is Wrong) Day!

Saturday seems like a good day for linking, so here are a few good ones that have come across my desk* this morning:

• Hold your babies close. You aren’t spoiling them (really, you can’t spoil a baby), but you may be giving them a better ability to recover from fights with future partners.
• While the Egyptian revolution wasn’t really a “Facebook/Twitter revolution,” social media did play an important role in revolutionaries’ ability to communicate with each other and the world. In return, the Egyptian revolution taught Al Jazeera how to embrace digital media and social networking to better report the news as it happened.
• NP-in-training and abortion provider Dolores P. provides an honest look into what it’s like to be an abortion provider, sharing her personal experiences on both ends of the table. While her humor is a little morbid, especially where her own life and health are concerned, she is completely respectful of the women coming into her office. [Just a note here, Smrt Lernins is a pro-choice blog; while I am happy to engage in a wide array of discussions, one thing I won't tolerate is anti-choice comments.]
• The next time your kids are climbing the walls, just remember, they could always be literally climbing the walls.
• The eastern cougar has been declared extinct. Sadness.
• See? I’m not the only one calling the “mommy wars” a bunch of BS. The Bloggess says so, too. Of course, she also probably offends everyone in the process, but that’s her MO, so if you’ve got punkin’ feelins, apply elsewhere.
• Ok, women. Are you pissed off yet? (and please, don’t give me the “that’s why I’m glad I don’t live in GA/the South” response — similar bills have been introduced in South Dakota, Utah, Nevada, and probably some other states, too — this isn’t a Southern problem; it’s a religious right wingnut problem)
• Also, lets stop portraying women as disposable while we’re at it.
• Patchfire has been posting videos every day. Some educate, some entertain, some delight, some just make you say “oh HAIL YEAH.” Please go enjoy and comment, letting her know how much you enjoy her little project for March.

There you go, folks. Some links to make you think, to make you glad or mad, to make you read something or watch something a little different. Enjoy (or not. Whatever. Do what you want. I’m not the boss of you.)

*Yes, I have an actual desk. It’s an IKEA Expedit and I luff it. It is currently piled high with crap that was on our old bookshelves, but which hasn’t yet been situated in our new bookshelves (also Expedit).

Ok, this isn’t actually a treatise, but it is his explanation (swiped from the comments of the Weekly Reviewins I posted today) of how he uses the abacus with Tank. I’ve had several people ask me how we’re integrating the abacus, but I’m not the one doing it, so I had to rely on Officer Daddyman to betray his secrets. Since not all of you read all of the comments, I thought I’d post it here for your enjoyment:

The abacus I bought for Tank has 2 rows each of 5 different colored beads (blue, green, red, yellow, tan). We started by just using the blue beads to count to 20, as well as writing the numbers on the dry-erase board. About two weeks ago I started writing some simple addition and substraction problems on the dry-erase board, Tank would use the abacus to find the answer, and then he would write the answer on the dry-erase board.

Last week we used the green beads to count by 10’s, and wrote that sequence on the white board. We then did simple addition problems using multiples of ten to illustrate how the tens and units place combine in written form and with the abacus. For example, we would write out 20+2=22 and he would count out 22 on the abacus.

Today we ventured into subtracting from numbers greater than 20. First we practiced substituting 10 blue beads for 1 green bead, and vice versa. Next, I wrote down some subtraction problems on the board with numbers greater than 10, and we practiced starting with a green bead and exchanging it for 10 blue beads to facilitate the arithmetic. The final problem (his Challenge problem) was 30-14. He was a little confused at first, so I re-wrote the problem as 30-10-4. He understand that no problem. We started with 3 green beads and he took away a green bead (10) and then exhanged a green for 10 blue to subtract the 4.

When I told him how well he did with subtraction, and that he even figured out the Challenge problem, he said “I know! That’s what’s making my mind get bigger!”

The abacus is a great tool, and I have the advantage of first learning arithmetic using one. I used poker chips to teach Cpt. Science about odds and ratios. I highly recommend Texas Hold’em for those concepts.

You need to know what going on in Egypt. It’s going on right now. These are scenes you need to see. Egypt has gone offline. This is happening now, and it should matter to you. Really, it matters.

Why would the Egyptian government cut off access to social media? Ask Iran:

Twitter didn’t start the protests in Iran, nor did it make them possible. But there’s no question that it has emboldened the protesters, reinforced their conviction that they are not alone and engaged populations outside Iran in an emotional, immediate way that was never possible before. [...] Totalitarian governments rule by brute force, and because they control the consensus worldview of those they rule. Tyranny, in other words, is a monologue. But as long as Twitter is up and running, there’s no such thing.

Twitter isn’t up and running in Egypt. Control the media and control the message? We’ll have to see about that, as the Egyptian government is limited in their reach. They can’t cut off our media. They can’t stop our signal. Whether you support the protesters or fear the outcomes if they are successful, this is a signal that needs to be boosted. You need to know what is happening in Egypt. Whatever the outcome, it is going to have global ramifications.

At least we don’t have to worry about a nation-wide internet shut off here, right?

This was the first knitting pattern I ever tried writing (a couple of years ago) so it’s not high tech or fancy. It does produce a reasonably well-fitting pair of knit longies (pants) for a 15″ doll — Waldorf, Bitty Baby/Twin, or otherwise.

Daw’s Drawers knit doll longies

This pattern is for a 15″ doll with a 12″ waist, 3.5-4″ inseam (from
crotch seam to “waist”), and a ~6″ leg. Because Waldorf dolls are
handmade, even dolls by the same maker may very slightly in size, so
measure your doll before beginning!

You need:
~2oz heavy worsted weight yarn (Lindon merino is a perfect weight) for
gauge of 5sts per inch
Size 5 and 7 12″ circulars [OR size 5 and 7 DPNs]
Size 7 DPNs for legs and grafting crotch
Stitch holder, second pair of circulars, or waste yarn

*optional short row instructions for slightly better fit, can be left out!

CO 60 sts on size 5 circs/DPNs
Join to make a round. If using DPNs, split between 3 needles (20 sts per needle) then join.
For waistband ribbing, rounds 1-6 k2 p1 around
If changing yarn colors, do so now (start of round 7)
Switch to size 7 circs/DPNs

*Rounds 7-9, Short row version:
*Round 7, knit around
*Round 8, knit around, placing st markers after 15th and 45th sts
*Round 9, knit to 2nd st marker (st 45), turn and purl back to 15th marker, turn and continue knitting the round

Rounds 7-9, No short row version:
7-9, knit around

Rounds 9-23, knit around
Measure work; it should exceed doll’s rise by at least .5″
If more length is needed, continue knitting around to desired rise

Splitting for legs:
Place sts 1-2 on one sz 7 DPN
Leave stitches 3-30 on circular needle
Place sts 31-32 second sz 7 DPN
Place stitches 33-60 on stitch holder, spare circular needle, or piece of waste yarn
You should end up with two sts in front, 28 sts on one side, two sts in back, 28 sts on other side
Break yarn, leaving long tail
Graft sts 1-2 with sts 31-32 using kitchener stitch [alternately, you can bind off sts 1-2 and sts 31-32 as you make your last round, and seam]

Legs:
Starting with 28 stitches, place 10 sts on first sz 7 DPN, 10 sts on second DPN, and 8 sts on third DPN
Pick up two sts (from crotch) on third DPN, for 10 sts total
Knit around leg (should now be 30sts)
Knit around until legs reach .5″ shorter than desired length (ex. for 6″ legs, knit until legs are 5.5″)
If changing yarn colors for cuff, change now. Otherwise, continue in same color.
Purl around for one round
Knit around for one round
Purl around for one round
Bind off using knit bind off.
The finished leg now has a half-inch garter stitch cuff!

Repeat for second leg.

Drawstring:
Using a small crochet hook, chain yarn until it reaches desired length for drawstring.
Weave in and out of purl stitches — I like to use every purl stitch, but you can use every other if desired, as long as it ends up even. I insert the drawstring 3-4 rows down from the top.

They make nice shorts, too!

Or your delightful darling angels? You know, whichever.

In the great tradition of easy Monday night dinners, I’m going w/ the old standby of the broccoli, ham, and cheese ring — only because my large baking stone was ruined w/ soap, I actually did two braids instead and put them on a cookie sheet. I think the original recipe is from Pampered Chef, but at this point, I just toss the ingredients together however I feel they need to be proportioned any given time.

I use, give or take:

One package of frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and warmed
One package diced ham (or about a cup)
One cup of shredded cheese (you can use cheddar or whatever; I used Mexican four-cheese blend)
Tablespoon or two of dijon mustard
1/4 to 1/2 cup of mayonnaise (enough to get a decently scoopable consistency)
Two packages of crescent rolls
A little onion powder

If you want to minimize your family’s fat intake, use low fat crescent rolls and reduced fat mayo. I want my kids to have something to complain about when they’re older, so I like the full-fat variety. Hell, I’d stuff some extra butter in it if I could get away with it.

Smoosh everything but the rolls together. Seriously, that’s it. Put filling inside of rolls arranges in some sort of order.

You unroll the rolls and either make them into a ring like this or a braid like this or two smaller braids (which is what I did tonight), one per package. Drop the filling in big ol’ dollops into the middle of the crescent rolls, fold them up to whichever shape you’re shooting for, and bake the whole shebang according to the package instructions of the crescent rolls, usually around 375 degrees (350 convection). Takes anywhere from 20 to 35 minutes, dependent upon your oven and how you arranged your rolls.

Eat, enjoy, revel in your mixing of food groups.

Captain Science received an original Hexbug from his Aunt Deva for his birthday. He has really been wanting one and was pleased as punch to get it. You can imagine my horror when Babypie sneaked into his room (while I was in the bathroom) and popped off half of its little legs. She didn’t cause any structural damage, but the metal pin responsible for holding the legs on disappeared into the carpet (or her mouth, who knows?).

I emailed the company that night, asking if we could get a replacement pin. The next morning, I received an email from a Mr. Ford telling me that he was getting approval to send us a pin. A short period of time later, he emailed me back, letting me know the replacement had been shipped. A notification from UPS arrived within 30 minutes after that.

Today, just two days after speaking with Mr. Ford, a box arrived from Innovation First via UPS. It did not contain a replacement pin. Instead, it contained this:

A replacement bug, a set of replacement batteries for the bug, and two Hexbug stickers! I am more than surprised — I am overwhelmed and flabbergasted. It might seem like a relatively small thing (the bugs aren’t very expensive), but for a business to go so far beyond the call of customer service in this day and age of customer non-service was such a pleasant shock. I was willing to pay for a replacement pin. I was grateful to be sent a replacement pin for free. I never expected a business to not only replace our broken item completely for free, but send us additional pieces as well.

If you’re still looking for a gift for your 8+ year old this holiday season, I cannot recommend Hexbugs strongly enough. Not only are these toys SUPER COOL for any kid who likes bugs, robots, or both, but this is a company that stands by its products and then some. We should reward good businesses. I plan to get more Hexbugs (Tank has been asking for a “robot crab” and they make one!) and I’ll continue to recommend them to others.

Innovation First also makes the VEX Robotics system for those of you with teens or adults who are into robotics. They make classroom bundles of VEX robotics systems and sell robotics curricula if you’re thinking of starting a homeschool robotics club, team, or class. The Autodesk VEX Robotics Curriculum is included for free if you buy 4 or 8 pack classroom robotics bundles. I am seriously considering getting this for Captain Science in a few years!

I believe in supporting good businesses that provide excellent service and great products. I think Hexbugs/Innovation First has demonstrated it provides both of these. We <3 Hexbugs! Thank you for lifting our spirits today and showing us that some companies remember that people are the driving force behind any business.

Here is the third in my series of WAHM-made Christmas shopping suggestions, for those of you looking for The Big One. This list will help you find that one awesome gift, the central focus of your child’s holiday extravaganza, that “best thing ever” item that your child will be talking about for months, maybe years, to come. Of course, kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy opening that one special gift on Christmas, so I’ll be sure to include gifts for the big, big kids on your list, too!

You can read my previous list of gifts $25 and under and stocking stuffers to get an broader idea of what craftsparents have to offer your family this Christmas!

Standard Disclaimer: None of these recommendations are solicited in any way. This list is based solely on items I think are cute or that we have and love ourselves. All of the products are made by small businesses owned by mothers, father, and/or grandparents who are trying to generate an additional source of income. They’re all made by hand (ie. not mass produced) and often of “green” (eco-friendly) materials. Many WAHM-made items are one of a kind or limited production items, so if you love it, snag it while you can! Of course, many WAHMs will gladly make customs, so if you can’t get the item you want, don’t despair. Email them and find out if they offer customs options

• Imaginative play doesn’t require batteries. It doesn’t need flashing lights. All it takes is that perfect toy to help spark your child’s creativity and get that little imagination going. Help your little one imagine an exciting fishing adventure with this colorful fishing set from Bright Life Toys (fabric/felt, ages 3+, $45). Currently out of stock, but likely to be back in time for Christmas, is the popular campfire set (fabric, ages 3+, $35). Pair the fishing and camping sets with a mini pop-up tent and create the ultimate imaginary outdoors experience!
• Every child needs at least one well-made, beautiful doll. I think Waldorf dolls, with their all natural materials, wool stuffing (warms to your child’s body temperature), and simple faces make a wonderful companion for any child. They’re worth every penny, as each one is carefully handcrafted and unique. Here are a few of my favorites: 16″ Lea (ages 3+, $189) or 20″ Marina mermaid doll (all ages, $135) from Polar Bear Creations; 15.5″ Madeleine (no age listed, $175) or 18″ Phoebe (no age listed, $180) from Wool Creations (who also has custom slots available; 13″ Snuggles (age >3, $50) from Willow’s Nestings.
• For your little ones who love toys that move and go, a handcrafted wooden double decker car hauler or construction set ($38.50 each) from Grandpa John’s Wooden Toys could be just the ticket. These things are indestructible and absolutely lovely.
• If you have a husband, boyfriend, father, older son, or any other man in your life who uses a bladed razor to shave, spoil him this holiday says with this Sky shaving set or Embers shaving set (acrylester, chrome, nylon bristles, $94.00 each) from Thornbush Pens. Sets include razor, brush, and a stand to keep them in perfect position. Consider pairing them with one of the shaving soaps ($4/bar) from Country Soaps by Marlene and a green stoneware shaving mug ($28.50) from Virginia Wyoming Eclectic Pottery studio for a thoughtful gift.
• Got a crafty knitter mama on your gift list (or maybe you’re a crafty knitter mama and need to point someone in this direction)? A good project bag is a must for an on-the-go knitter — it prevents tangling, protects your projects from kids and pets, keeps you from losing all those pesky stitch markers, and just makes the whole shebang a lot more portable. For the sock knitter, this pink anime Kipster Knitting Project Bag ($34.50) from Zoe’s Bag Boutique is an adorable way to tote an in-progress pair. For larger projects, like longies or a child’s sweater, this pink flowers Chaco Project Bag ($27.50) from Chaco Creations can hold 2-4 cakes of yarn and all the tools you need. For full-sized projects (and the full-sized patterns that may come with them), Chaco Creations also offers the Santa Fe Backpack ($55), large enough to accommodate even the biggest projects. Fill that bag with pretty multi-colored stitch markers ($3/set of 5) from Paty’s Loveys, some festive Candy Cane yarn ($20/skein) from DiscoBabyKnits at Tiny Lady Cooperative, and a Namaste circular needle case ($20) from Nurturing Threads.
• The perfect gift comes in many colors. Pair all the part of this Rainbow After the Rain set (all ages) from Beneath the Rowan Tree and your little gift-receiver will get to enjoy all the colors of imagination. The set pieces are listed individually and include a wooden rainbow stacker ($12/five pieces), a set of 6 11″ “fairy silkies” (handkerchief sized playsilks) in a rainbow spectrum ($16.50/set of six), and a set of 6 35″ playsilks in a rainbow spectrum ($55/set of six).
• This Lotus Flower Family Garden Necklace (sterling silver, $48)from Anna Ourth Jewelry is a beautiful way for a mother to commemorate the births of her children. The lotus blossom pendant comes with three stamped name charms (additional charms can be added for $5 each) with birth stone crystals. A classic, lovely gift for any mother or grandmother.
• Maybe Santa is bringing your child or grandchild (or godchild or…any child!) a new play kitchen. What could be a more perfect gift for the budding chef than this Little Baker Cookie Set ($40) from Nana’s Toy Box. A festive gift box comes filled with a gingerbread apron, a wooden rolling pin, a sheet of pretend rolled dough and uncooked cookies, and four decorated play gingerbread cookies. A “delicious” treat!
• If your child is more interested in the pastoral than the pastries, this beautiful wooden farm set ($40/11 piece set) from Anne Moze All Wood Toys could fill up his/her barn! This hand-carved, hand-painted set includes a farmer and his wife, a milk cow, a goat, a rooster and hen, a goose and gosling, a sow and her piglet, and a little dog, too!

These are just a few samplings of the wonderful WAHM-made items available at sites like Hyena Cart and Etsy. Give yourself time to search and explore; you might find something even better than what I’ve listed here!

According to eHow, this is how one prepares a pumpkin:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Split the pumpkin in half and seed it.
3. Remove the stringy fibers by scraping the insides with a metal spoon.
4. Place the two halves cut side down in a roasting pan along with 1 c. water.
5. Bake the pumpkin until meltingly tender, about 90 minutes.
6. Scoop the flesh out of each pumpkin half.
7. Puree in a food processor fitted with a metal chopping blade.
8. Use as needed.

Oh, eHow! What a liar you are! Misleading poor, hopeful Thanksgiving cooks with your promises of easy pumpkinings. I simply cannot let that stand. I know that many of you prefer real pumpkin to canned pumpkin, but you might be dangerously confused by eHow’s instructions, so I offer unto you this, Smrt Mama’s Guide to Preparing a Pumpkin for Pumpkin Pie:

1. Preheat oven to 350 (or 325 on convection)
2. Place pumpkin on bamboo cutting board and attempt to cut widthwise with bladed edge of largest kitchen knife, leaving faint scratch.
3. Discover that pie pumpkin has approximate texture of bowling ball.
4. Try stabbing with point of kitchen knife, knocking slightly-knicked pumpkin into the sink.
5. Using serrated knife, saw at pumpkin for approximately five minutes, making deeper, but still faint, scratch.
6. Pick up pumpkin using two hands and dash to floor with a Hulk-like roar. Pumpkin will split into two neat lengthwise halves.
7. Attempt to remove seeds and fibers from pumpkin using hands.
8. Attempt to remove seeds and fibers from pumpkin using metal spoon.
9. Check kitchen for children. Swear.
10. Attempt to remove seeds and fibers from pumpkin using a sharp knife.
11. Remove seeds and fibers from pumpkin using alternating sharp knife, spoon, and the power of prayer.
12. Place pumpkin halves in pan. Realize the split unevenly and one half is held almost entirely out of the water by a single point of pumpkin flesh.
13. Remove pumpkin half from pan and hack at point until pumpkin is smooth enough to sit more-or-less flush in the pan.
14. Add cup of water to pan.
15. Realize one cup of water is no where near enough to even cover the bottom of the pan.
16. Add another cup of water.
17. Add a third cup of water.
18. Place pumpkin in not-yet-preheated-but-who-freaking-cares-at-this-point oven.
19. Wait for 90 minutes.
20. Check pumpkin flesh for “melting tenderness.” Pumpkin flesh will perhaps dent slightly when poked with spoon.
21. Return pumpkin to over for indeterminate amount of time.
22. Check pumpkin flesh for “melting tenderness.” Pumpkin flesh will be shriveled like mummy flesh.
23. Realized shriveled pumpkin flesh volume is inadequate amount for making pie. Dump pumpkin halves into trash.
24. Turn off oven, swearing.
25. Go to store and buy 15oz of canned pumpkin.

Now, good luck and enjoy your holiday cooking!

ETA: Ok, I will confess, that this isn’t exactly how it ended. Step #22 should actually be “remove pumpkin from oven, easily scrap flesh out and blend into 16 perfect ounces of pumpkin puree.” I was so sure it was going to fail, based on how it looked the first time I pulled it out of the oven, I admit to a wee bit of embellishment. Pumpkin success, after all. The shell (at least the half that wasn’t hacked to smithereens) hardened into a neat, half-pumpkin bowl that we’re going to use for…I dunno, something cool, I’m sure.

Proof of my perfect pumpkin puree