JourneyLeaf: Life a Page at a Time

Favorite Mama Items

When I was a kid and would spend the night with friends, my mother would always say, "It's so fun to see how other people do things!"  Back then I thought that was a little goofy.  Now I agree.  I love play dates at other people's houses to watch Eli have fun and to have an adult conversation with the other mom, but also to see how other parents do things.  I learn a lot of good tips that way -- everything from snack ideas to favorite toys to effectively organizing a child's room.

In the spirit of sharing, here are a few things I love... 

1.  Parts Storage Boxes
I kept looking around for a decent storage box for a compact first aid kit and for Eli's illness supplies.  Tackle boxes fall over backwards and it is hard to see what is stored in the bottom.  Other boxes had too many dividers or not enough.  Then I found the Parts Storage box (large size) at Joann Fabrics.  It was more than I wanted to spend at $24, so I waited until one of their periodic 40% off sales.  That's still expensive, yet the boxes are very well made and fit the bill.

I love that I can just grab the handle and go -- anywhere in the house or yard, to the park, or on a camping trip.  And now our babysitters have everything they need in one place.

 

There's a tray in the top for the most-needed items.  Movable dividers let me organize the Band-Aids so I'm not struggling to find the right size in a chaotic moment.

 

The tray lifts out to give access for larger storage below.  I talked to my brother (EMT and firefighter) and brother-in-law (family practice doctor) to figure out what I needed.  It feels really good to have the basics all stocked.

 

2.  Boon Grass Drying Rack
Is it just me or does having a kid fill your life with small items that rattle around in the dishwasher?   In Target's baby section, I found that the Boon company makes a drying rack that looks like grass.  Not only does it look cute in a kitchen, but it also provides an easy spot for drying everything from baby bottles and sippy cup straws to medicine droppers.  The rigid but flexible "blades" push aside to grip items while allowing a lot of air to circulate.

 

The "grass" lifts out so you can thoroughly clean it and the tray.  Perfect!  I'm guessing when Eli is older I won't need it as much, but I'm going to stow it under the sink for cooking sprees when I have to clean and dry lots of cookie cutters, pastry bag tips, and the like.

 

3.  Ball Plastic Freezer Containers
I kept looking for reusable on-the-go snack containers that fit nicely in a cup holder.  Seems like an easy order, right?  But everything was too short or too wide to fit a holder.  Or too narrow to slide your hand in.  I wanted something clear so I could see at a glance what was inside, but also something that could handle wet or dry foods well.  One day at the grocery store I happened to glance over at the canning supplies.  Ball brand is now making BPA-free eight ounce containers with a screw-on lid that sell for around $3.50 for a set of five.  

 

The containers stack.  The lids snap together and stack as well.  That means clutter control.

 

And you can even stack the containers once they are filled.  They snap together so you can carry two or three in a tower.

 

Those are three of my happy little finds for life with a tot.  What about you?  What are your favorite finds?  Please do share!

Angel Food

  

 

 

 

 

Mare Island Naval Shipyard

Every time we crossed the Carquinez Bridge, I glanced over at Mare Island and wondered what was there.  Time to explore!  We took Granddad with us and set out for Mare Island Historic Park.

 

Mare Island Naval Shipyard opened in 1854.  During World War II over 40,000 workers held jobs on Mare Island including thousands of women.  Even as late as the 1980s, Mare Island was the second largest naval yard in the United States.  But then it was scheduled for closure in 1996.  Today there are new residential neighborhoods and some of the old buildings have been converted to new uses.  Others, however, are slowly crumbling bits of history. 

 

 

In a huge old building built in 1855, there is now an artifacts museum lovingly run by volunteers.

 

One of my favorite displays was about the famous flag raised by the Marines over Mount Suribachi in Iwo Jima during World War II.  The flag was sewn on Mare Island.

 

I also really enjoyed the Rosie the Riviter displays.

 

But the museum covers a lot of other eras besides World War II.

 

 

The carved wooden figurehead from the USS Independence (1812-1915)...

 

 

See the long poles on the left?  That's a submarine periscope!  If you think about it, it makes sense that it needs to be really long to reach above the surface of the water while keeping the submarine completely hidden.

 

The friendly staff let Eli ring the bells as much as he would like.  And, believe me, tots like ringing bells.

 

 

I can only imagine how much my brother would salivate at this museum.  In addition to lots of displays about the ships and submarines themselves, there are displays on the naval base machine shops, fire department, and more. 

 

 

Eli was allowed to turn the cranks.  Oh joy!

 

In Alden Park across the street, there are many more artifacts to be found.  

 

This was my favorite artifact in Alden Park.  See that curve of rusty metal below?  It is a close-up of the anchor from a ship called the Centurian that was lost in 1742 off the Juan Fernandez Islands -- the place that inspired the story of Robinson Crusoe.  

The Red, Red Roar

I was driving down the road with my thumb throbbing.  So Eli woudn't accidentally bang a door shut on his hand, I made the split-second decision to let it bang shut on mine instead.  This was after he had been in "major delay mode" since before breakfast; every little step preparing to leave the house took three times longer than necessary.  Just before getting in the car, I checked my email and found a work message dumping on me yet another oversized slice of what was supposed to be a collaborative project.  Then I realized I forgot the umbrella and big, fat drops were starting to hit the windshield.  Most of all, I was sleep deprived.

"I'm going to yell," I told Eli.  "Cover your ears."  There was complete silence from the back seat, so at the stop sign I glanced over my shoulder at him.  He looked perplexed and a little worried.

"Remember your library book about Sophie who got angry and roared a 'red, red roar'?"  When Eli nodded, I said, "It's my turn.  I'm frustrated.  I'm angry.  I need a red, red roar, so cover your ears."  He complied with wide eyes and then I let loose.  It was red, red and it certainly was a roar.  Loud.  Satisfying.  

I instantly felt better, more peaceful and more myself.  Eli started to giggle.

 

A couple of weeks before, we discovered children's author Molly Bang and her book, When Sophie Gets Angry...Really, Really Angry (NY:  Blue Sky Press, 1999.)  Eli loved it.  In a nutshell, poor Sophie gets frustrated with her sister, yells, runs outside to climb a tree, and later returns to the house when she is feeling peaceful again.  The story isn't long on plot and even if Sophie isn't the most likable of characters, it includes vivid details to help a reader empathize.  I found the book helpful for discussing anger with Eli -- how to get mad and let others know you are mad without damaging things, hurting people's feelings, or doing anything unsafe.  (Some of the things in the book I agree with while others I don't, but it was helpful for starting a conversation with Eli.)  Ever since reading the story, Eli will sometimes watch other kids flipping out at the park or on playdates and then say to me, "Mama, they made a red, red roar!"

Then came that day in the car.  My frustration had been building all morning and being overtired made it hard for me to roll with the punches.  I felt a rush of gratitude for Molly Bang.  Thanks to that book, I felt sure I could safely vent and Eli would understand.  Ever since, we've periodically used the red, red roar.  It does, however, come with some house rules that I discussed with Eli.  It is important to warn others first.  We don't want to startle others or make someone think we are in danger.  It is also private -- something we only do in our home/car by ourselves or around beloved folks who understand what we're doing.  And we yell towards the ceiling at everything rather than at someone in particular.  Thus it is a civilized roar of sorts.  I know there are some who would be shocked, but it works for us on the rare occasions that we're really getting at the end of our rope.

It isn't the perfect solution to every anger situation.  I think if Eli and I were locking horns on some specific problem and then started roaring, it would feel too focused.  Nor do I want to teach him that being vocal is the only way to work through anger.  Personally, I think the red, red roar works best as a last-ditch vent when there are a handful of nettlesome things from various directions.  So sometimes if Eli is in Neverending Fuss Mode, I suggest a red, red roar to him so he can just get it over with.  At first he came out with little pipsqueak yelps.  But his efforts are getting redder.  I think before too long he'll find his true roar.  Regardless of the volume, however, I see a look of relief come into Eli's eyes.  Isn't it a gift when someone truly sees our frustration and lets us have it for a moment rather than trying to instantly solve it or explain it away? 

I don't know how long the red, red roar will work for us.  And there are so many different situations, so many different kinds of anger.  Mama and papa friends, I'd love to know how you help your kids understand and manage their anger of various types.  And how do you safely show your anger in family situations?

Play Cafe

I think we may be the last family in the East Bay to check out Oakland's Play Cafe.  But we enjoyed it and will be sure to go again.  The eating area is set up to look like an outdoor cafe and is bordered by five indoor play rooms -- a "malt shop" kitchen, a costume and puppet room, a ball pit area, a babies-only room, and a train table area.  The menu is simple with primarily breakfast foods and sandwiches.  (Click HERE to see a list.)  Play Cafe closes at 7PM, but for our family's early schedule it still offers a dinner spot where Eli can run around if he's full of energy. 

 

 

 

East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse

Since he knew I like doing crafts with Eli, one of my parenting buddies told me about the East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse.  Oh, thank you, Maynard!

 The little store at 4695 Telegraph Aveue in Oakland is rather amazing.  It was started by two school teachers who wanted to create a place where people could donate leftover art/craft supplies and others could buy them inexpensively.  Thus here is the spot where you can get partial cans of paint, half-used bags of plaster, and fabric scraps but also things like remaindered office supplies, scrap paper, leftover party supplies, old magazines, etc., etc., etc.  Thought there was no place to buy emptied tea boxes, clean milk cartons, or toilet paper tubes?  Think again!  But the store also carries items you might find in an antique store from dishes to vases to lamps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Mama's Two Cents:
This is a fabulous place just to wander around on a rainy afternoon.  It is fun to find things you can use, but also fun to wonder where things came from and who the heck is going to use some of that stuff.  Some sections are fastidiously tidy while other areas look like a clan of rodents may soon take up residence there.  The latter makes for some rewarding poking around -- the thrill of discovery.  The Depot takes donations and is a non-profit organization that gives a lot of discounts and freebies to teachers, so clean out your craft box before you visit.  The aisles are a little crowded in spots, so keep that in mind if you bring a kiddo in a stroller.  Also, there are breakables and choking-size items placed down low throughout the store.  But the staff is friendly and welcoming, giving all the kids free stickers to help keep them busy.  And there is certainly a lot for kids to gawk at while you explore.

Berkeley Pedestrian Bridge -- Tot Vehicle Bliss

We explored the Berkeley Bike and Pedestrian Bridge over I-80 just south of University Avenue.  Such an easy adventure with a kiddo, but so rewarding!  Vehicles galore -- which add up to tot bliss.

We traveled along the pink line on the map below.  Our starting point was a parking lot at Eastshore Park near the Seabreeze Market and Deli (598 University Avenue).  If you park there, bring your boots!  It is unpaved and muddy, yet makes it very easy to get to the bridge.  

 

The bridge has a raised sidewalk for walkers and a two-lane track for bicycles.  It was really nice that we didn't have to worry about the bikes occasionally whizzing past.  

 

If you live in or around Berkeley, you've driven under this bridge a thousand times.  I knew there were sculptures at either end, but could never catch the details.  Here is the west sculpture (closest to the bay).  There is a dog leaping to grab a flying disc, birdwatchers, and kite flyers.

 

 

 

 

Ahhh.  Here's the real draw.  All the cars and trucks you'd care to gawk at.

 

Here's the sculpture on the eastern side (closest to Berkeley).  From what I can tell, there are a couple of protesters, a man in a wheelchair, a reader, and a violinist.  (Somebody draped fabric signs over the empty squares of the protester's signs.)  There is a model of the Cal campus Campanile as well.  (Note:  It turns out that this sculpture is called "Berkeley Big People," cost $196,000, and does indeed immortalize the city's many protests over the years.  Click HERE for an article from the San Francisco Chronicle.)

 

 

 

Once we reached the other side, we had a nice view of the Aquatic Park lake and the boathouse.

 

We skirted the water on the paved walking path and exited Aquatic Park to walk up Addison Street.  One block up, we took a left on 4th Street to reach the Berkeley Amtrak station, which is also a busy bus stop -- more vehicles! 

 

While waiting for trains, there are yet more vehicles to enjoy.  The Truitt & White building supply company is across the tracks, so Eli spent blissful minutes watching the forklifts zip around.

 

The Berkeley Amtrack station is unmanned, but it is busy enough that there are other folks around.  In fact, we noticed a lot of folks streaming into the doors of Brennan's restaurant next door.  Hmmm.  It was lunch time.

Brennan's is an Irish pub, but it also offers sandwiches and carved meats with hot side dishes and fresh salads.  Eli and I got cheese sandwiches and settled down to wait for the next train listed on Amtrak's schedule board.

 

 

Besides the regularly scheduled (and posted) Amtrak trains, there are various other trains to enjoy.

 

Heading home for nap time, and enjoying a few more trains, buses, and cars along the way.

 

And running a hand along the fence...

One Mama's Two Cents:
This was a very fun jaunt and we'll be sure to do it again.  I felt safe being there in the middle of the day, yet the area is somewhat industrial, so I made sure I paid attention to who was around us at all times and kept my cell phone handy. 

Winter Marshmallows

Bobbing in hot chocolate, turning toasty at the end of a stick, or smooshing between graham cracker and chocolate square -- what's not to love about marshmallows?  They call to mind family camping trips and mugs of cocoa with friends in front of the fire.  We even served s'mores at the casual evening after-party for our November wedding.  

Then one chilly autumn day I picked up a bag of handmade peppermint marshmallows at a local gourmet ice cream and candy shop named Ici.  I was in love.  Their marshmallows don't have the stiffling sweetness of their jetpuffed, perfect-clone counterparts.  The hand-cut cubes come in sophisticated flavors like passionfruit, vanilla bean, and gingerbread.  Oh.  And handmade marshmallows don't have that chalky, squeaky feel outside.  Instead, there is a soft, slight crunch from the marshmallow's outer crust.  I know of no other confection that offers that texture, especially when paired with the pillow of the marshmallow's interior. 

What in the heck am I going to do when I move back to Georgia, away from my handmade marshmallow source?!  It was time to learn to make marshmallows myself.  I went to the web and read a bunch of recipes.  Then I took a deep breath and just did it.  

Making homemade marshmallows, it turns out, is a little like being ringmaster for a three ring circus.  You're soaking gelatine, boiling sugar, and whipping egg whites at the same time.  I didn't get any photos of the process because I was too busy making sure nothing scorched or exploded.  I worked in the evening because I didn't want Eli anywhere near molten sugar.  Thus I finished my marshmallows just before bed and poured the opaque white goop into a glass dish to set overnight.  In the morning I felt like dancing a jig.  I'd made peppermint marshmallows!  Turning them out of the pan was great fun.  I had one huge 2 x 9 x 14 -inch marshmallow!  Soon I set about cutting that into strips, which is how the French sell their marshmallows.  

I kept cutting.  Part of my reason for wanting to make my own marshmallows is that I adore the crust so much that I want to get more surface area, increasing the crust-to-squish ratio.  Uh huh!

 

After cutting, the marshmallows have to be rolled in a powdered sugar and corn starch mixture.  Little Guy turned out to be an expert marshmallow roller.  He was charmed by this food that could be squeezed yet popped back into shape.  Gotta love a confectionary assistant who giggles while he works!

 

 

How did the marshmallows taste?  Divine.  I'm no longer plotting ways to get the owner of Ici to move to Georgia. 

Now to share my satisfaction.  I made the marshmallows in time for a family gathering.  Since some of my family doesn't eat gluten, the marshmallows were a suitable treat and their snowy qualities make them an excellent winter choice.  Hmmm.  So what would be the perfect way to serve them for a festive gathering?  I found the answer on Pinterest, an idea taken from the Tutto Bella food blog and originating with Chef Hosea Rosenberg.  Arrange peppermints on a cookie sheet atop a layer of parchment paper.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.   

 

The mints fuse together to form an edible serving tray!  I overbaked mine a little so it bubbled and got too thin, but it definitely works.

 

Okay.  Here's the sad part of the story.  The recipe said to store the marshmallows uncovered for a time, but it didn't say how long.  Once I cut my marshmallows, I put them in a glass pan that I sealed with a plastic lid.  The next time I opened the pan, I was utterly disappointed.  My marshmallows not only absorbed the powder we rolled them in, but they also turned slimy.  Aaaaack!  Where did my perfect-yet-subtle crust go?!  And...sigh...company doesn't exactly line up to eat peppermint flavored slug cubes.

 

After air-drying and re-rolling, my marshmallows were nice again, but it was too late to share their perfection with our company who had long since gone home.  I learned my lesson.  Next time I will definitely just cover my pan of marshmallows with a breathable tea towel for at least 24 hours.  

Notice that I said "next time"?  Oh, yes.  I think homemade peppermint marshmallows have joined the ranks of traditional winter foods in our household.  Maybe a big batch at Thanksgiving to pop in the freezer, giving us great cocoa all the way through January.  And if we run out in February, we can make a Valentine pink batch.

Want to try?  This past December, National Public Radio had an interesting article along with a simple recipe for homemade marshmallows.  Click HERE to get the how-tos from cookbook author Jennifer Reese. 

January Blue and White

When the Christmas decorations come down at the beginning of January, the house looks a little bare.  Many years ago I started putting up a few decorations with a winter motif on New Year's Day -- snowflakes, snowmen, mittens, etc.  I use the colors white and blue to symbolize snow/frost/icicles and those rare but perfectly clear January skies.  I love to prowl Christmas clearance, over the years gathering a little collection of things that are reminders of the best of winter.

 This year I hung my glittery snowflakes from the grapevine wreath above our fireplace.  The narrow brick mantel, our tokonoma area, has little snowman figures, snowflake ornaments, and photos of Eli playing in the snow.  In years past, I've gone for an elegant look using the snowflakes and a few bare tree branches in a blue vase.  But this year Eli helped me make a blue snowflake garland and a few other touches.  I love the "Designed by Kiddo" look.

 

 

The snowmen were a little "last holiday," so I found some fleece fabric in blue and white to fashion new accessories for them.  Snowman makeover!

 

 

The focal point of our January tokonoma is a small collection of candles.  One of my favorite children's books when I was growing up talked about making snow lanterns.*  The book, however, was set in Finland.  Not much snow along the Northern California coast.  So we made snowflake lanterns instead.  My mother-in-law selected pretty blue snowflake tissue paper to tuck in with our Christmas gifts this year.  I squirreled it away to use in January.  

Step One:  Tear tissue paper into small pieces or strips.  

Step Two:  Water down a small amount of Elmer's white glue -- two tablespoons of glue and one of warm water.

Step Three:  With a paintbrush, apply glue to glass votive holders.  We found ours at the dollar store and selected thick-walled ones including a candy jar.  Thick glass is less likely to break if tipped over by an excited tot.

 

Step Four:  Apply the pieces of tissue paper however you'd like.  If there is enough glue underneath, you can gently drag the paper in place with your thumb.  Overlapping your pieces is good, giving the finished lantern more blended shades of blue and frost-like lines.  You can even crumple the paper and smooth it out again for a crinkle effect.  If you're lucky enough to have snowflake tissue paper, the effect is like a snowstorm of overlapping flakes.  (Local friends, we have plenty leftover, so let me know if you'd like some.)  Then paint more glue over the top to smooth down the tissue paper.

 

 

Step Five:  (Grown-up task)  Use a cutting blade to tidy up any ragged edges of paper hanging over the rim of the glass.  

 

Done!  The glue dries quickly, so within minutes you can pop in a tealight or votive candle to enjoy your new lantern.  (Make a handle with wire or ribbon if you want to carry or hang it.)  If you're really lucky, you might find a peppermint candle (or some mint essential oil) to place inside, turning the air in the house winter fresh. 

 

*Just for fun, get your hands on a copy of Tove Jansson's Moominland Midwinter.  This little chapter book is wise far beyond its years.  Even as an adult, I love to reread it almost every winter.

Silent Saturday -- January 21, 2012