Friday, April 2, 2010

A Month of Rice and Beans with the Haaks

I've loved hearing people's responses as they finished out the month -- especially some of the younger participants. Below is another guest post from the Haak family based on their experiences from the month. You can read more about it at their blog: http://haakinitup.blogspot.com/

Quotes from my family courtesy of their month-long rice and beans "torture."


"What gross thing are you making for dinner tonight?"


"Open mouth. Put food in. Close mouth....yes, you do have to chew it."


"Mommy, thish is just too weird!"


"Do we really have to be Solitaire?" (translated..do we have to stand in solidarity?)


"Wow mom! This one actually tastes good!! Do kids in Africa get this one?"


"Can we just eat this one for the rest of the month?"

(Day 3 of 31) "Is the month over yet? I need pizza."

(In reference to the one above) "Mom, I've had this one a lot. Do you have another kind?" (speaking of rice)

"Can't we just send them money, so they can buy something that tastes better?"

"Next month, can we eat hot dogs every night?"


I am laughing and groaning as I remember and write. I've never had more complaints and near rebellion at dinner time by my children as I have this month. But, I am also really excited that we did discover some new recipes that Everyone really liked! Yes, we had a few gagging sessions and "if you throw that up, you'll clean it up!" "talks" at the table. My 3 year old (who amazingly has complained the least) has gone to bed with very little to eat more nights than I can count. Yet, he has shown the most excitement at the prospect of sending money to other children.

I pray my children will have learned something from this whole exercise...most of all thankfulness and an awareness of others around them.

If LAHASH does this again next year, we'll be right there with them.

I think we'll celebrate with Pizza and Cake when the month is at end.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Congratulations everyone! & a celebration dinner in Portland!

Congratulations to everyone around the world on the completion of Rice & Beans month! We were so glad to do this event together with you, and hope it has been meaningful with lots of lasting memories. Please enjoy a celebration day today with family and friends. It's good to celebrate!

For those in Portland, Oregon, we invite you to join us tonight (April 1st - no fooling) for a celebration dinner at McMenamins (Kennedy School) in the Courtyard Restaurant.

We'll be there from about 5 PM to 8 PM tonight. Come join our large table for a celebration and good memories!

5736 N.E. 33rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97211