Reality

I'm sitting in a bookstore, drinking espresso, starring out the window, contemplating my world. My world is so different now compared to 3 yrs ago. My boys are teens/preteens. I've got a full time job, career even. My husband is working jobs that don't require a tie. I have little free time, yet I still carve it out. My house is a wreck, like I said, I'm carving out free time. I'm back to running. I'm less afraid of the workout gym. Still have climbing gym apprehensions. Homeschooling is something I so value, but man, planning can be overwhelming. Good thing life is a giant lesson with a million unit studies to build off.  Fitting everything into 24 hrs is impossible. 1 day at a time. Forgive me if my kids don't know every math fact we've long forgotten. They are busy learning Japanese, computer coding, how to navigate this media filled technology based world, and of course geography. One must know about the land, people, cultures, and wonders of this world. I'm sure other parents feel the same about math as I do social studies. Maybe I should have been a social studies teacher. I want them to have knowledge but I want more than anything for them to know how to look up; appreciate the stars, the sky, the trees, the possibilities. I want them to be critical thinkers, self motivated, and intrinsically rewarded. Of course monetary compensation is how our world works, so they need to be able to translate their love and passion into a career. Which brings me back to the espresso, bookstore, and that overwhelming need to plan lessons.

Yes, we learn at home

Dropping off our notification letters today. This year is filled with possibilities. My focus will be on world geography and social studies. Ezra is focusing on coding and Terje on learning Japanese. The biggest challenge will be be managing the house, my job, and school. Good thing learning is always happening.

Kale!

Simply put, I love kale.  Easy to grow, easy to cook, easy to enjoy.

I could go on and on about the benefits of kale, but if you have half a healthy mind you already know kale is great for you.  So onto the recipes.

Of course, there are kale chips, sauteed kale with short grain brown rice, and adzuki beans, raw kale, and kale in soup.  But I want to share my favorite kale recipe.  It is simple, fast, and yummy!

Marinated Kale Salad
1 bunch Kale, washed, stems removed, sliced thin
1/4 c fresh lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup oil
2 tbsp maple syrup (I love grade B)
1 small red onion, sliced thin
2 carrots, grated
1/4 c toasted walnuts, chopped
1 sweet apple, chopped

Whisk lemon juice, oil, salt, and syrup together.  Toss with everything else!
Enjoy!

Sometimes I substitute sunflower seeds and cranberries and if I'm livin' it up pecans and pears.

I'd love to hear your favorite kale recipes!

GO KALE!