The Pieper Times.

The best most exciting news of the week:

Lauren was accepted into an empty position on Silas' t-ball team.

She fits right in with the daisy pickin' 4 year old ladies.

Her first foul ball:

Silas dissected a goldfish. Of course he had to poke out the eyes.

He has a thing for fish eyes.

He made some observations for his notebook that were a real hoot.

I have a real hard time keeping a straight face when I read them to him.

''We found the fish dead, bent over to the left.

I sawed it with a knife to cut it.

There were green guts in it too,

But I didn't touch them because it was a watery mess.

I poked the eyes out with my fingers..I smooshed it and black slippery stuff came out"

My personal observation:

1. It is perfectly acceptable and wonderfully planned out to dissect things in your underwear.

A boy who usually would wipe guts off onto his shirt wouldn't dare wipe it on his bare legs or belly.

2. I am in love with this part of home schooling and would live broke (not working) until my kids moved out in order to do so.

3. I am so lucky to have a husband who gives me the resources necessary to enrich my life and invest in my children's future by allowing this whole ordeal!

Last but not least:

Claire Bear Hot Cakes.

They're all the new rage in my home.

My baby Peep is allergic to wheat.

I finally found a pancake recipe that she can have!

Up till now, she lived on dairy, meat,

And the occasional pile of beans or brown rice.

Here's how I do:

1 1/2 c. milk

1 c. brown rice

1 c. rolled oats

2 Tb. butter

1 t. vanilla

2 t. baking powder

1 t. salt

1/2 t baking soda

3T. honey or brown sugar or some of both!

2 eggs

In a blender, mix first five ingredients for about a minute.

Let soak overnight

The next morning,

Blend the rest of the ingredients,

Adding more milk if necessary to create a vortex.

Blend until smooth (a minute or two).

Fry them up on you wonderfully seasoned cast iron skillet, or a skillet with butter (to prevent the sticks).

I am aware that some people are timid about leaving milk out overnight. You needn't be! This is safe (especially because your cooking the pancake). You can read about the health benefits of soaking grains here.

Its worth it for your health to vary the grains in your diet.

This recipe is tried and approved by my family.

Anyone brave enough to try it?