Whats for dinner?! Curried lentil and pumpkin soup

Recipe from here

This is the second time I have made this soup- this week.  It is that good.    Maybe because I have been feeling sick- or maybe because the weather has gotten cooler - either way- this makes a great meal.  Its pretty easy too.  I decided to use my slow cooker for this one- but you can do it without (the directions don't call for a slow cooker).  And as always- I couldn't just follow the recipe- I had to go and add my own ingredients to it.  Last time I added chopped carrots and tons of extra garlic and also doubled the curry powder.  This time I added extra carrot, curry powder, and added celery.  I'm sure it will be just as good as last time.  I doubled the recipe - I usually make things harder for myself by adding ingredients and doubling recipes- but I figure if you're gonna go to all the trouble to cook something- may as well share, right?!  Tonight I plan to share with everyone- its Lionel's Birthday, after all!  So there is soup for Yunny and Loz, Lionel, Granny and Gaga, Dyllan Bug, Dan and I.  Should be enough.. I hope!

You can serve this with basmati rice- or pita and hummus or both- which I'm doing tonight.  Enjoy! Oh, and the best part?  Its so good for you!  That reminds me- quick story... On Monday when I first made this- I was down at the grocery store shopping for ingredients- and in the refrigerator section- there were "Fresh Organic Soups" on display.  They looked fantastic- the packaging looked healthy- the soup looked healthy- the names sounded good "Pumpkin Ginger Lentil Soup" (or something like that) - anyway- I say it and thought... why bother making soup if I can buy pretty much the same soup here already made?!  The little bag (which probably serves two) cost $7- so out of curiosity I checked the back for ingredients.. expecting to find something similar to my recipe.. but was surprised to see that not only did 30% of the soup contain potato (a filler!) but it also listed sugar!  RUDE.  You package yourself as organic- you appear healthy.. and your price tag confirms these assumptions.. but no.  So I put the bag back.. and finished getting my ingredients.  Just a little reminder I guess.. to look at the ingredients.  Packaging and wording is so misleading!  It probably cost me about $7 to make this whole pot anyway! 

 

Curried lentil and pumpkin soup

Curry powder makes this lentil and pumpkin soup zing.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, crushed ** I always use way more garlic than they say
• 2 teaspoons Madras curry powder * Same with curry powder
• 1 1/2 cups dried red lentils
• 1.75kg butternut pumpkin, peeled, seeds removed, and chopped
• 5 cups vegetable stock
• ** I added carrots (and this time celery) chopped small

Method

1. Heat oil in a large heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until soft. Stir in curry powder and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
2. Add lentils, pumpkin, and stock. Stir until well-combined. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, partially covered, for about 20 minutes, stirring regularly until pumpkin is just tender.
3. Serve immediately, topped with a dollop of natural yogurt if desired.
4. My Method

   

   
   

   

   A little trick I learned from my Aunt Karen- is to wash fruits and vegis with vinegar.  I filed up this spray bottle with vinegar- and I use it to wash everything (fruits vegis, counter tops, floors, cutting boards..high chairs) the smell goes away after a few min.  If you use it to was your produce- you can spray it- then wash it off.  Cleans better than water- and kills bacteria.  And its just vinegar- so its safe! And cheap!  Thats all the "fruit and vegi wash" is really anyway- so why waste your $ ?!

   
   

   

   boil carrots, pumpkin and celery

   
   

   

   Tons of Onion

   
   

   

   Wear your sunglasses when you cut the onion- it didnt stop the crying but it helped!  Also sticking your head in the freezer helps the tears too.  Ohh, onions...

   
   

   

   Sauted onions garlic and celery leaves- with curry

   
   

   

   1. Wash then cook lentils on high in slow cooker with chicken or vegetable stock and some bay leaves
   2.  Chop carrots, pumpkin, celery and boil for 5 min- strain- throw in slow cooker
   3. Saute onions and garlic (tons of onion and garlic) then add curry powder as directed above (but I add at least double the curry- what?  I like a lot of flavor!)
   4. Throw them in the slow cooker and cook on low till dinner time (approx 2 hours- or high for an hour) depending on how long it takes the lentils to soften.  
   5. I love Greek yogurt- so I use that on top- and I use more than just one dollop.. I use 2 or 3- and stir in in.  The boys like to add cheese to theirs.. but they add cheese to everything.. 
   6. Also- if you want you can pure the soup- but I kinda like it chunky.  Probably most people would pure it though.. its probably the consistency its supposed to have.. 

And just for fun... here is what Dyllan was doing while I was cooking...

Snack time!

Quick pit stop for a sweet potato fry!

Zooooooooom!!!

Peeling out- turning her truck 

Misery loves company?

I thought that was how the saying went... until recently.  The past 2 days or so I have had a cold- or the flu- or something running me down.  Body chills and aches, stuffed nose and blistered lips, hot and cold flashes- ears plugged-- you get the drift.  And all you wanna do when you're feeling like this is sleep.. or watch a movie.. or anything really that consists of not moving.  BUT when you have a toddler that is pretty much impossible.  So I have to keep reminding myself of this saying.. misery loves company.  I have my company. She's Dyllan and she's actually been a really good girl- poor thing- I couldn't move from bed- and couldn't fathom getting up and playing with her- so this morning I gave her breakfast - in her crib- with a bunch of books and her violet dog that talks to her.. then put my sleep mask back on- and fell back asleep.  To my surprise- Dyllan did too.  When I finally woke up- It was silent.  I peeked into Dyllan's room and she was passed out-surrounded by books- and only crumbs were left of her breakfast.  Hmm, maybe breakfast in bed isn't such a bad idea after all?!

Yesterday afternoon- same thing.  She woke up from her nap- a little fussier than normal- so not having the energy to deal with it- I gave her some milk and lay her back down.  To my surprise again- she fell asleep for another hour!  Making her nap 3 hours long.  Nice.  Perhaps I should try these tactics more often.. or maybe that would be pushing my luck?!

Tomorrow is Friday.  Daycare.  And I swear- If I get Dyllan sick  and she gets sent home from Daycare again.. I'm gonna shootmyself.  Praying for Dyllan to fly under this flu radar.  Please.  Stay Well.

Dyllan is WALKING!

... a few steps at a time.  After kids club at the gym Dyllan and I went to the park to get some fresh air and enjoy the sun.  We played at the park- but the little kids section was under construction and closed- so after attempting the flying fox (clearly for MUCH older kids!) we headed to the grassy field to practice walking.. or crawling or whatever to get some of her energy out.  I think this was her plan all along- because as soon as she got out of her stroller (which he now hates riding in!) all she wanted to do was walk.  We walked around- me holding her hand, like usual, then she stopped.  I let go.  She stood there.  I backed up and reached out for her and called her over.  She took about 3 steps!  Then did it again.  And again.  Only about 3 at a time- and if I backed up too far- she would just sit down and crawl over to me instead- kind of trying to tell me "don't go too far, mom, or i wont play your game!". It was so cute- each time she reached me- she wanted hugs!  She would cuddle in and smile and hug- she was so pleased with herself.

I tried to take a video- but it was too hard to encourage her while holding my camera still.  Oh well- here is my attempt.  Hopefully we can get a video of her actually walking soon.

16 Months and edHelperBaby

Double fisting her colored pencils

Some time ago I subscribed to this weekly email series- edHelperBaby.  Most weeks I read or at least skim through them- and I have been super impressed with all the useful information they share.  Its funny to think that kids tend to go through the same stages around (Dyllan may be a little behind most of these weekly emails..) the same times.  Anyway, I thought I might incorporate a few into my blog- and throw in my comments as to where Dyllan is according to this series (I'm sure most of you wont be interested in this- but if you are- its kind of fun to see- so read on)

Dyllan: 16 months

Your second week with a 16-month-old toddler (Part II of IV)

By Shelley Feldman, edHelperBaby

Let the Show Begin!

If you thought these past 15 months were fun....be prepared to be amazed and truly entertained!  Right around the 16 month mark, so many new and exciting things are beginning to happen. Um, teething?   Your child recently began to understand that he is an independent and separate entity from you, and despite the slight sadness that a parent may feel at this time, you now have a front row seat to the best show in the world.  Your baby has now begun to develop into a little, yet real person, becoming more and more aware of who he is and what he is all about.  Now is the time when you will start to catch glimpses of his funny little personality slowly beginning to emerge, and in front of your very own eyes, you will be witness to your child's own remarkable evolution.  Most importantly, be prepared to laugh more than you've ever laughed before, and love more than you've ever loved before.  Just a word of caution though, from one parent to another...these days you will see your toddler trying to imitate everything you do and say, and it's time to begin watching what you say and do around your little eaves dropper and peeping tom.  Don't heed my warning, and you may be shocked at what he ends up repeating to the clerk at the grocery store checkout!

The Onset of Self-Awareness

As your 16-month-old toddler's skills and abilities continue to flourish, he is beginning to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and independence.  As an infant, he did not have the ability to distinguish himself as separate from you, and was completely and utterly defenseless against the world.  Now, by utilizing his five senses to examine and explore, he has learned that he is his own little person capable of doing amazing things. Your clever little toddler is now able to understand that you are an extension of himself, and will utilize this to his advantage.  You will now feel your child pushing and pulling you towards objects which are out of his reach, and grasping at your hand for guidance when trying to navigate over difficult terrain. Yeah, Dyllan uses my hand and puts it where she wants it- for example if she cant open something- she will grab my hand and put it on the object.        If it hasn't started already, you can now expect to see your child trying to carry objects twice his own size and weight, and be adamant about succeeding at every new challenge. Not yet- shes too busy pushing objects around and using them as her walkers.  Let your 16-month-old make numerous attempts, and allow for some healthy struggling (as long as he's safe) along the way.  Be prepared for a little "frustration" from him when he is unsuccessful, but be right there to help when he's ready to accept it.  Remember the old adage...if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again (and again, and again, and again)?  Well, now is the first time of many for you and your child when it rings true.  You are now beginning to witness the development of problem-solving skills, and it is also a great opportunity to begin building up his self-esteem.            Toddlers at this age also love to help, so it is a perfect opportunity to let him be your little assistant. Yup- she is my PA, my sous chef, my gym buddy, my secretary, my maid- especially loves laundry.  Don't set your hopes too high though, he's not going to help you build an extension on your house tonight, but he may be able to follow simple instructions, like hand something to you when asked, or help out in his own way like handing you a Goldfish or Cheerio for a job well done.  Praise your child for success, and commend him for trying even when he is met with failure.

The Emerging Personality of Your Toddler

By now you've probably noticed that your perfect angel is beginning to develop quite a little personality. Yup.  It's time to lay your mind reading skills to rest for a few years, as his ability to say what's on his mind and express likes and dislikes will increase every day.  Despite being an amazing time in the development of your toddler, be prepared for an increase in tantrums as well.  As I'm sure you already know, toddlers at this age can become very frustrated when things don't go their way.        The question I have recently found myself asking is, when should a parent let go and when should they hold on? I havent really been asking myself this question.. I am fully aware that it seems early to start asking this question, but in desperate search of an answer, I'm starting to believe that once again it's that delicate balancing act that we as parents must continuously perform, allowing our children to develop a sense of independence, while always wanting to protect them a little longer.  When a child's personality begins to emerge, parents should continue to encourage achievement, positively reward him, and show enthusiasm for his accomplishments.  Provide him with ample time to figure things out for himself (as long as safety is not an issue), let him make a few mistakes along the way, and then sit back and watch the new "smile of mastery" spread across your child's face when he finally succeeds. Dyllan loves positive reinforcement- I guess who doesnt.  She is soo proud of herself when she figures something out.  For example- as a way to get her to stop squirming while changing her diaper- I taught her to roll her ankles- and to "point and flex" her feet.  She now knows this skill- and I often catch her sitting down with one foot in the air- rolling her ankle.  It makes me laugh- out loud- and when she sees me laughing- she claps for herself.  Good work, Dyllan, good work.  On a side note- a few months ago when I took Dyllan down to the Dr. to get her all checked out- he informed me that she was "very flexible" he was really surprised to see how flexible she was- and told us that we should watch out- she could roll an ankle and hurt herself pretty easily (which didnt really make sense- because if she is flexible- shouldn't it be harder to injure yourself?! ).  Well maybe working on this skill will help prevent that injury?!        Believe it or not, besides the emergence of your 16-month-old's endearing personality, they may also begin to use those "magic words" we all love to hear.  Now, don't expect miracles overnight, but your toddler is now ready to start learning a little etiquette.  Most likely, you will hear "peas" and "tank oo" but it's a start.  As you already know, your child is watching you ever so closely, and becoming an expert at mimicking.  If you set a good example, your child will most likely follow.

Playtime and Socializing

The precious moments of you being your child's only friend are slowly beginning to dwindle.  As a parent, it was natural for you to be your toddler's first playmate, and because of the beautiful relationship that the two of you have developed, he has learned how to appropriately interact with other people.  Now it is his turn to learn how to play games, communicate, and make friends with other little toddlers his age, and continue to build on the first experiences he has had with you.  At 16 months your toddler is constantly exploring the world around him, and as his ability to communicate increases and improves, he is beginning to understand how fun it can be to interact with others.  Just remember, children have vast personalities and your child may be shy and appear timid, or may be outgoing and boisterous.  Be aware of your toddler's level of comfort and discomfort around people, and teach him how to play with others if he doesn't quite seem to understand.  It can be a scary place outside of the safety zone that the two of you have created over the past 15 months, and it can take time to feel comfortable away from you.        When your child takes a chance and finally leaves the safety of your side, don't be surprised if you see him sitting side-by-side with a new playmate, yet playing entirely on his own.  This type of play, referred to as "parallel play," is actually the very first step you'll see when children actually begin to play together.  Needless to say, don't worry when you see this, within a few months you will begin to notice that your toddler and other toddlers begin to interact together, and stop playing alongside one another in their own little perfect worlds. Its interesting that they point this out- cause Dyllan does just that- she plays in her own little world when she is with other kids her age.  If I play with her- and interact with her- and encourage her to interact with me- she will.  But with kids her age- they totally do this" parallel play" thing.  When kids steal her toys- or food- it usually doesn't bug her too much- except for on Monday- when this kid (20 months ) Freddie came over and stole her frozen peas- she pushed him away.  When he came back in for more- she pushed him harder- and when he just wouldn't leave her alone- she slapped his hand and looked over at me and started crying.  Ha.  Freddie's dad then told Freddie to come get a cookie for Dyllan and give it to her.  Dyllan stopped crying and took the cookie and everything was fine.  Maybe she is learning at an early age- sharing is ok.. but when someone is trying to take advantage of your generosity- its just not ok... unless they give you something in return.

Activity

The Hokey Pokey/Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes/Ring Around the Rosey            As your toddler continues to want to try new things, and his ability to interact and communicate with others improves, it's time to try a few new games.  Here are a few activities, which may actually hold your 16-month-old's attention a little longer than you may expect.  These basic singing games encourage a new level of interaction that your toddler is more able to enjoy and participate in now.  They are also wonderful ways to begin teaching your 16-month-old different body parts and how to begin playing along with others.            The Hokey Pokey (Keep it basic and simple.)        "You put your hands in, you put your hands out, you put your hands in, and you shake them all about, you do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around, that's what it's all about."        Continue to repeat this song but replace lyrics with body parts that they know and are familiar with.            Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (Start slowly, then as your little one gets the hang of it, try to speed up.)        "Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes        And eyes and ears and mouth and nose        Head, shoulders, knees and toes."            Ring Around the Rosey(Hold hands with your toddler and walk slowly around in a circle, then at the end fall gently to the ground.)        "Ring around the rosey, pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all fall down!" These are good ideas- Dyllan doesnt walk yet- so ring around the Rosey will be a little tricky- but she does enjoy pointing out peoples ears, eyes, nose..  So the first two should be do-able.

Have you begun to wonder....

How do I help to build my child's self-esteem?      Not really.  I think Dyllan's self-esteem is doing fine.  Although she does enjoy a good praise- and often claps for herself.        According to the "experts," parenting styles that are based on respect, empathy, and responsiveness appear to be most effective in fostering a healthy sense of self, and serve as a strong foundation for future relationships.  It's been said that successful parenting involves remaining sensitive to a child's feelings, even when they are in conflict with your own, or expressed at an inconvenient time.  Parents who are able to consistently provide a shoulder to cry on when a child most needs it, and provide the appropriate levels of freedom and structure seem to be playing their cards right.  It always seems to come back to the delicate balancing act of trying to raise a child in this day and age, with the least amount of heartache along the way.        Part of self-esteem is self-confidence.  Praising a child can build them up, but be cautious because if the praise isn't genuine, your child will see right through it, and firm limits can actually do much more to build self-esteem than half hearted compliments.  Instead try to assist your little one in learning to cope with a range of emotions, and to understand that it's alright to feel whatever it is that he is feeling.  A little validation goes a long way, even at the ripe old age of 16 months.        Lastly, and possibly most importantly, respecting your child is an essential part of building self-esteem.  Just like love, giving respect comes full circle eventually.  So, try your best to listen through the babble, focus your attention on the exciting things that he is discovering every day, and find some time in your busy schedule to just sit and be with him in his own little world.  Turn off the television, realize that the laundry isn't going anywhere and the dishwasher can be emptied later.  Life through the eyes of a 16-month-old can be truly refreshing and a lot less complicated than the lives we have created for ourselves.        Don't ever forget that there is no such thing as the "perfect" parent.  Parenting just can not, and does not ever go exactly as planned, and it's best to be prepared for a few little surprises along the way.

Without Interruption

Mona Vale Headland

I saw this on my girlfriends Facebook page- and thought it was worth sharing:

"Looking back, you realize that everything would have explained itself if you had only stopped interrupting." 

- Robert Brault

I love this quote. Its amazing that even when we go through the turmoils in life and it feels like a crazy time, its only when we look back and reflect, that we see the blessings and gifts in it. If we could only just TRUST we are exactly where we need to be right now things will be AMAZING....

After I dropped Dyllan off at her first day of daycare (3 weeks ago) I headed out for a run.  I downloaded a book (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) to listen to while I ran.  Sometimes its nice not to have anything else to think about.  I ran along the Mona Vale golf course- to the headland- and onto the beach.  This quote made me think of my run- and these photos..and in particular living in the moment.  

Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day

TGIF!  Thank Goodness It's Friday, right?  I was feeling motivated to be ultra productive today- I had lots of work to do- house to clean- groceries to shop for.. you know the drill.  Saved it all for Friday- my day off- the day Dyllan goes to School.

My day started out great- got Dyllan off to daycare- went to the gym- came home and showered...and by the time I got out of the shower I had 3 missed calls.  1 from daycare and 2 from Dan.  I answered the phone just as Dan was calling for the 3rd time- and he told me that Daycare had called and Dyllan has a temperature.  I quickly called the daycare back- and they let me know that Dyllan was sick.  I couldn't believe it.  The ONE day she goes to daycare.. the ONE day of the week I can get stuff done uninterrupted.. she chucks a sickie.  

So sad.  So sick.  Poor little Bug

I rushed down there- and the other kids were all eating their lunch- and there was Dyllan- in only her diaper with tears running down her little face.  Poor thing.  She had a temperature- and was not a happy camper.  

I think she's teething- I have been told that when kids teeth- they often get a fever.  So, today- Miss Bug has been by my side (not sleeping!!) most of the day.  Her spirits lifted when we got home- almost immediately (go figure!) .  I gave her a little medicine to reduce the temperature- and a snack- and she was pretty much back to her happy self.  Singing, and throwing food and clowning around.  I was honestly ready to march her straight back down to the daycare and check her back in... but then thought that they might think I was a bad parent. Needless to say- she seems much better now.  Still a little fussier than normal- but nothing to worry too much about.  

Silly little bug.  Today reminded me of a book my mom used to read to Sean and I when we were young called "Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day"  and the little boy in the book Alexander- was having a terrible horrible no good very bad day.. each event that happened to him (didn't get the toy in his cereal box, had to ride in the middle seat at his carpool, tripped over his shoelace when it came untied.. etc (I still remember these events.. I haven't read this book since I was a kid!) ) he would say" its a terrible horrible no good very bad day... I think Ill move to Australia"  Haha.. Today was a little like that- a chain of bad things happening to me.. first Dyllan gets sick - then I lost my credit card somewhere between our house and the daycare- then I missed my conference call because I was panicked about my lost credit card... you get the point.  Good news is the person who found it (I swear she must have scooped it up 2 seconds after I dropped it- because I knew exactly where I lost it- in the hall outside the daycare door- and I raced down there as soon as I realized it was not in my pocket!)  Anyway- funny book-- you should read it if you haven't.. who woulda thought I would actually move to Australia!

"I went to sleep with gum in my mouth and now there's gum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning I tripped on the skateboard and by mistake I dropped my sweater in the sink while the water was running and I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day."
— Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day

By the way... with all this said.. it really wasn't THAT bad of a day... I actually got a few things done- the sun was out- Dyllan is feeling better- and its FRIDAY!  Im excited for a fun weekend ahead.  Saturday we are car shopping (a sweet part of Dan's new job!)- Sunday we have a family breakfast at Ocean View Cafe (a favorite)- then Dan and I are meeting up with a bunch of friends in Manly for the aannual Manly food and wine festival ( and Dyllan will be hanging out with Yunny and Lozzo- even better;) )

Welcome to the world Miss Eve

The day has finally come.  Yesterday afternoon my girlfriend, Eileen welcomed baby Eve into the world.  Eileen did amazing.  Crazy girl didn't even have an epidural!  She admitted to me though.. that she actually wanted it at the last minute and asked for it- but it was too late.  I asked her if she would do it again epidural- free?  Answer was NO.  Brave girl though for doing it once.  And to think my mom did it twice. 

Anyway- Dan, Dyllan and I went to visit them today at the hospital.  They get to spend 3 nights in the hospital here in Sydney- Dan and I were kicked out of ours after two nights- and that was a night longer than they originally wanted us to stay! (I think eating all their food and ordering room service around the clock might have had something to do with our short stay...)  In fact- we loved the food so much that for the entire 3 weeks Dyllan camped out at Hotel Overlake - we would come to visit her with our "diaper bag"  (duffle bag) and fill it with sandwiches, fruit cups, yogurt parfaits, salads, and puddings to carry us through till the next day.  I don't think we had to do the grocery shopping more than once the entire 3 weeks.  We were in for a shock when we had to finally bring Dyllan home!  haha.  Not only did we not have our revolving refrigerator- but we also lost our 24 hour babysitters. 

WOW- totally forgot how it felt to hold such a tiny baby!  I honestly cant even remember how it felt when Dyllan was so small.  And to think that Dyllan was half this size.  Whoa.   Funny how fast you forget.

Dyllan's face here is priceless.  She was clearly not amused with a new baby in town.  I sense a little jealousy...In fact Dan had to hold her hands back... she was trying to sock the baby in the face (not really- but she really wanted to touch!)
On the other hand.. Look at how BIG Dyllan looks compared to little Eve. 

After our visit to the hospital- we went by the Chatswood Shopping center to look around and grab some dinner.  I love how they have the handicap parking spots- and the pram parking spots.