Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Dad was an avid reader..
I picture him always like this...reading. He was a much better reader than I. He could finish a book in a couple of days. He would say "Son, you gotta read this book".
Letter Dad wrote November 12, 1972
Dear Son,
I am writing this letter on the kitchen table. It is late in the evening. The party is over and everyone has gone home. It was a glass party put on by Celia and Mom. They sold about $200 worth of stuff. It is like a Stanley Party. They dont get the money but they get credit for it on any item they want. The items are made of glass. Everyone is fine. Mom is well after being sick last night like I told you on the phone. Now, Lillian has the flu and I hope she gets well by tomorrow in time for school. I am writing this letter on some of your notebook paper. I think you recognize it. I am sending a recent picture of Micheal and Patrick. I hope you like them and keep them in your wallet. They were taken in school where they are both doing ver good.
Well, now I better answer your letter, but first I better read it again. Oh, before I forget I gave Celia your address so you will probably get another letter soon. She told me not worry about you. "He's got the same determination that I have!"
I am glad that you like the people and the place where you live. If you treat them right they will do likewise. The same holds true for your job. Always be willing to learn something new everyday. Like they used to tell me as a busboy. "Never learve the kitchen empty handed". So whey you leave your old job take something with you, "Knowledge".
Do you mind my preaching! I hope not because I dont have much money. The Lord said; "the one who is the greatest is the one who serves the rest".
Enough! Enough!
O yes , son I missed you like I told you on the phone. But I dont have time to sit around and think. I do think about you when I am working an sometimes when I look out the backdoor. But I am getting used to it and I realize that you have to live your own life. And I am proud that you are doing a good job of it.
I am sorry that you are having trouble with Maria Lopez cooking. Well in time your stomach will get used to it. Get some baking soda like we have at home.
Well son that all for now. I think we said most of it on the phone last night. Write soon.
Your loving Dad
R.I. Terronez
I am writing this letter on the kitchen table. It is late in the evening. The party is over and everyone has gone home. It was a glass party put on by Celia and Mom. They sold about $200 worth of stuff. It is like a Stanley Party. They dont get the money but they get credit for it on any item they want. The items are made of glass. Everyone is fine. Mom is well after being sick last night like I told you on the phone. Now, Lillian has the flu and I hope she gets well by tomorrow in time for school. I am writing this letter on some of your notebook paper. I think you recognize it. I am sending a recent picture of Micheal and Patrick. I hope you like them and keep them in your wallet. They were taken in school where they are both doing ver good.
Well, now I better answer your letter, but first I better read it again. Oh, before I forget I gave Celia your address so you will probably get another letter soon. She told me not worry about you. "He's got the same determination that I have!"
I am glad that you like the people and the place where you live. If you treat them right they will do likewise. The same holds true for your job. Always be willing to learn something new everyday. Like they used to tell me as a busboy. "Never learve the kitchen empty handed". So whey you leave your old job take something with you, "Knowledge".
Do you mind my preaching! I hope not because I dont have much money. The Lord said; "the one who is the greatest is the one who serves the rest".
Enough! Enough!
O yes , son I missed you like I told you on the phone. But I dont have time to sit around and think. I do think about you when I am working an sometimes when I look out the backdoor. But I am getting used to it and I realize that you have to live your own life. And I am proud that you are doing a good job of it.
I am sorry that you are having trouble with Maria Lopez cooking. Well in time your stomach will get used to it. Get some baking soda like we have at home.
Well son that all for now. I think we said most of it on the phone last night. Write soon.
Your loving Dad
R.I. Terronez
Going out for Breakfast
Mom and Dad would go out for breakfast at Hardys or Porkies to greet Ollie when she opened the door. They were always there to support us in our daily activities. Dad had his famous plaid shirt on and his cap.
Mom and Dad at JD loading dock.
Mom always talks about the loading dock where she used to eat lunch at John Deere Loading Dock. She insisted that this picture be taken as a memory. Dad is with here.
Aunt Mary Woods, Mom and Dad enjoying a beer!
Photo taken in Stovar, Missouri. We went to visit Aunt Mary and Gerald one summer. They had a gas station and small store they operated. We had a great time on that vacation. I believe Olie and Lillian went also.
Dad and his brother and sisters
Photo of Dad, Nina Vic, Uncle Manuel, and Aunt Marie....They always had respect for each other.
Pedro and Juana Terrones Reunion
Nina Vic and Aunt Marie would like to get all of us together at her house or at a park. We are at Nina Vics in this photo, all gathered in front of her flower bed with the Virgin statue in Babcock, Il.
Dad loves singing
Dad loved to sing all the time. He sang in the church choir for many years. I have video of him singing at a Christmas Pagent. He has his suit on and his hand in his pocket. He is singing with the Ramirez brothers in this photo. Photo is dated May 1955. He was 30 years old in this photo.
Pete's Cafe
Photo Dad took of Pete's Cafe with Uncle Paul and Mom crossing the street. Dad was a very good photographer. Picture is dated on the back ...June 1st, 1946. Mom would have been 21 years old.
Splender in the Grass
Dad called this picture "Splender in the Grass". I think it was taken at Butterworth Park and Mom does not look to happy. I think it was taken before they were married. Dad had a camera and was a good photographer. I think I got it from him. Mom has something, flowers in her hair.
Early photo of Mom and Dad
Rare photo of Mom and Dad at Grandpa Seferino's House. They lived there for a short while before buying our family house on 6th street. Mom is expecting either Cis, Olie or Chendo. There is no date on the photo. Dad has his white tshirt on..classic look and mom has a scarf around her head.
Aunt Vic Polzin
Nina Vic never had the opportunity to go to high school but she did not let that stop her. She obtained employment at the RI Arsenal and worked there for many years. I remember her stating that interns she trained could not believe she did not go to high school She always showed respect to my Dad, she would not think of hurting him.
It meant nothing my Dad had very little in wealth when we were growing up. She was always there to help him. She would buy us toys and treat us for Halloween. My Dad loved his sister very much. She loved coming over with Uncle Lenny and have my moms enchildas. I have many audio tapes of her lifes struggles.
It meant nothing my Dad had very little in wealth when we were growing up. She was always there to help him. She would buy us toys and treat us for Halloween. My Dad loved his sister very much. She loved coming over with Uncle Lenny and have my moms enchildas. I have many audio tapes of her lifes struggles.
Respect for you Uncles and Aunts...Family Tradition
Respect for my uncles and aunts have been a tradition since I was small. When Dad ever had an issue with Nina Vic or Uncle Manuel, we would never even think of becoming involved. We kept quiet....and let them handle it.
Times have changed and so have the family values. Apologizes are unheard of now...
Times have changed and so have the family values. Apologizes are unheard of now...
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Most Famous Photographer of All, Dad
I was sitting with Dad on the patio and saw the camera sitting there on the table. I told him to pretend he was taking a picture and he posed for this picture. He took photos way before any of us. He had a Brownie box camera he said. He later had a flash camera that used bulbs that I used for many years. He was responsible for many of the pictures in moms albums.
Eulogy 8
Now close your eyes.
I want you to envision Dad walking up a grassy hill.
Put any cap on his head, a Deere cap, Cubbies cap, Terronez Reunion Cap.
Put any shirt on him, a flannel shirt, Deere shirt, college shirt, white tshirt, green plaid shirt that mom hates him to wear.
He's wearing those "khaki" pants and white tennis shoes.
He has a newspaper sticking out of his back pocket. In his left pocket he has his rosary. In his right pocket he has his newspaper clippings and change purse for the kids.
Can you see him? As approaches the top of the hill. he looks back over his shoulder and smiles, that cute little smile of his.
He says, "Ill be waiting for you under the apple tree"
I want you to envision Dad walking up a grassy hill.
Put any cap on his head, a Deere cap, Cubbies cap, Terronez Reunion Cap.
Put any shirt on him, a flannel shirt, Deere shirt, college shirt, white tshirt, green plaid shirt that mom hates him to wear.
He's wearing those "khaki" pants and white tennis shoes.
He has a newspaper sticking out of his back pocket. In his left pocket he has his rosary. In his right pocket he has his newspaper clippings and change purse for the kids.
Can you see him? As approaches the top of the hill. he looks back over his shoulder and smiles, that cute little smile of his.
He says, "Ill be waiting for you under the apple tree"
Eulogy 7
Don't sit Under the Apple Tree with anyone else but me.
Anyone else but me, anyone else but me.
No, no, no, dont sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me.
Anyone else but me, anyone else but me.
No, no, no, dont sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me.
Eulogy 6
There are two songs that Dad used to sing to mom, I'd like to share them with you now.
You are my Sunshine, my only sunshine.
You make me happy when skies are gray.
You never know dear how much I love you.
Please dont take my sunshine away.
You are my Sunshine, my only sunshine.
You make me happy when skies are gray.
You never know dear how much I love you.
Please dont take my sunshine away.
Eulogy 5
Many believe that your reward for living a good life comes after you die.
For Dad the reward came every day with
every person he helped.
every smile on his grandchildrens faces.
every prayer he spoke for another.
every song he sang.
every dance with mom.
For Dad the reward came every day with
every person he helped.
every smile on his grandchildrens faces.
every prayer he spoke for another.
every song he sang.
every dance with mom.
He tried Reaching Us...
With his Dementia, I firmly believe he still tried to reach us. In the poem below, he was expressing to us that despite his sickness if still had FAITH IN GOD, through all his suffering.
Are we to forget him? Nothing to pass on to our children? Do we just move on..and don't look back. Lock the door on your brothers and sisters and do it in his name?
Do nothing to keep his memory alive. How much did he do for you? Do you owe him anything? Keeping his memory alive is more than just thinking about him.
Mom says keep quiet, do nothing, just take it. They know what they are doing. Son, I want to die. I am afraid of the fights, they scare me. Just let it go, its not worth it.
Are we to forget him? Nothing to pass on to our children? Do we just move on..and don't look back. Lock the door on your brothers and sisters and do it in his name?
Do nothing to keep his memory alive. How much did he do for you? Do you owe him anything? Keeping his memory alive is more than just thinking about him.
Mom says keep quiet, do nothing, just take it. They know what they are doing. Son, I want to die. I am afraid of the fights, they scare me. Just let it go, its not worth it.
Eulogy Part 4
He taught us life long lessons.
No matter how hard the challenge may be, work hard and you will achieve your goal"
Always have respect for others. especially your elders.
His sister Marie recalls the great respect he had for his sisters and calls hom the best brother anyone could have.
No matter how hard the challenge may be, work hard and you will achieve your goal"
Always have respect for others. especially your elders.
His sister Marie recalls the great respect he had for his sisters and calls hom the best brother anyone could have.
Eulogy Part 3
What was it that kept him going? Was it mom's Aye Andy...come on?
No, it was his strong faith in God and his family values.
He understood the responsibility of providing for his family...the family that was so important to him.
He understood his role.
He was the provider, the protector, the peacemaker, the lifelong partner, the loving parent.
No, it was his strong faith in God and his family values.
He understood the responsibility of providing for his family...the family that was so important to him.
He understood his role.
He was the provider, the protector, the peacemaker, the lifelong partner, the loving parent.
Dads Eulogy
My Dad, Our Dad
Rosendo Terronez, ROSENDO TERRONEZ
Andy
Dad, Daddy
Pappa, Poppy,
Grandpa, Grandpa Mucho
Big Guy
Viejo
What's in a name?
In a life with so many struggles!
Dad struggled with not having his own family with him when he was young
Is that why "family life" was so important to him?
Was there someone who showed him attention when he was young?
Someone that put an arm around him and said, "You did good, hijo"
Is this why he always attended his grandchildrens games, dance performances, parties, and plays?
He was so proud of his heritage, always searching for more into the past.
Was he searching for his own identity?
Rosendo Terronez, ROSENDO TERRONEZ
Andy
Dad, Daddy
Pappa, Poppy,
Grandpa, Grandpa Mucho
Big Guy
Viejo
What's in a name?
In a life with so many struggles!
Dad struggled with not having his own family with him when he was young
Is that why "family life" was so important to him?
Was there someone who showed him attention when he was young?
Someone that put an arm around him and said, "You did good, hijo"
Is this why he always attended his grandchildrens games, dance performances, parties, and plays?
He was so proud of his heritage, always searching for more into the past.
Was he searching for his own identity?
If you have a wonderful memory of Dad...
If you have a memory of Dad, Grandpa please send it and I will post it for all to see. If you have a picture of him you would like to share send it...
HELP ME KEEP HIS MEMORY ALIVE...
HELP ME KEEP HIS MEMORY ALIVE...
Poem that Dad wrote after was he sick..found in his handwriting!
Fished in the Red Sea,
Fished all day long,
Did'st caught any fish,
What is the matter?
You didn't pray to the Lord,
Praise him on high,
Praise his holy name,
Praise his name, The Lord,
King and Redemer
Original Poem by Rosendo I Terronez
Fished all day long,
Did'st caught any fish,
What is the matter?
You didn't pray to the Lord,
Praise him on high,
Praise his holy name,
Praise his name, The Lord,
King and Redemer
Original Poem by Rosendo I Terronez
2nd Anniversary of Dads Passing Oct 30th
I will be saying the rosary for Dad on Friday, Oct 30th on his patio. We may be kicked out of his house, we are not kicked out of his heart. All are invited. We will be eating a meal also. Please let me know if you can help with food. Event will be a quiet evening with him and his memories.
No email anymore
Dad's Letters will be posted here on the Family Blogspot...I will not email them out anymore... Your choice if you want to hear his voice...No problem.
Letter from Bonnie
Hi dad. That letter is so sweet. I must agree with grandpa and say he is 1000% correct. (No not 100%) We are always rich in many ways with the faith in the Lord. No one else. The Lord is all we need in this life to get through. Just remember the devil is out to lie, steal and destroy. Don't let anyone who is not following the Lord make you stoop down to their level. We know the Lord will judge accordingly. You follow Jesus and let everyone else live for the world. You will win eternity in heaven in the end. What a wonderful blessing that will be. Luv Ya. Talk to you soon. Bonnie
Dads Letters ...they have survived even a flood
My Dad always wanted to write a book and he did. I will publish his letters here to commerate his 3rd Anniversary in Passing. My father was a great man and his memory ...must be kept alive. He words are so important in what he desired and wished for us to do.
In his letter, he speaks of our health, so important to him. He says in his writing where there is a will, there is a way. He is proud how far his daughter, Ti has come. He thanks me for helping her. He wanted to be with her for the graduation. He tells me how to count my blessings and be thankfol for them. He says that I am never broke as long as I have faith in God.
He never cared about money owed to him. He often said "money means nothing". He tells us how he raised 8 kids. Hard work and the will of God. He states God has been good to him and his family. He tells us to thank our mother for the sacrifi...ces she has given. We are to thank her sometime...he always stated the Virgin de Guadalupe take care of us. He believed in the mother of God so much.
In his letter, he speaks of our health, so important to him. He says in his writing where there is a will, there is a way. He is proud how far his daughter, Ti has come. He thanks me for helping her. He wanted to be with her for the graduation. He tells me how to count my blessings and be thankfol for them. He says that I am never broke as long as I have faith in God.
He never cared about money owed to him. He often said "money means nothing". He tells us how he raised 8 kids. Hard work and the will of God. He states God has been good to him and his family. He tells us to thank our mother for the sacrifi...ces she has given. We are to thank her sometime...he always stated the Virgin de Guadalupe take care of us. He believed in the mother of God so much.
What to do?
Well, I can do nothing and let them destroy everything he stood for including his family. But instead I will post his letters and let his voice be heard again. If you did not listen to him in the past, you probrobly will not now. But you heard his voice.
Letters of my Father
Aug 24, 1973
Silvis, Il
Dear Son,
Thanks for sending the pictures. Everyone looked at them and really enjoyed them. I ll give Ollie’s the boy’s pictures next time they come over. Ill tell her about the enlargements.
I will try to keep them until you come home for Christmas. Celia hasn’t been over today so I could give her your letter. I will call her in a little while. I hope they don’t get lost.
I am sure glad that you and Ti are fine. We at home are also in good health.
Tell Celestine that Mom and I are also very proud of her. I know that she finds it hard to believe that she finished her school. But, like I always say, “Where there is a will, there is a way! Tell her to keep up the good work. In a way, I wish that she could stay and work for the dentist . I , We will try to show her that we are proud of her when she gets home. I wish that I could be there when she receives her diploma. But she know how things are at home, with all the money going for the new kitchen. Tell her my thoughts and prayers are with here. Be sure and let me know when she leaves Houston.
Son, financial you are broke. That’s not true really, You still have your job and all the things you are buying. Also you did a good thing for you sister, TiTi.
I hope that you are not religiously broke. Because then you would be in trouble.
Don’t worry about the money you owe me. You can pay me that later in life. Although Mom says we could sure use it now.
How did I raise 8 kids? A good question . A lot of hard work and mostly the will of God. He has sure been good to me and my family. Mom is alright and has been without a lot of things so you kids could have something. Thank her sometime.
I am sure glad that car of yours is still running all right. As Mom would say, don’t buy another piece of junk. Make sure that pickup is in good condition. I rather you paid a little more for something that will last.
Give me your phone number as soon as you can. I am writing this in the bedroom and Mom wants to go to sleep. I better go now. Say bye to TiTi.
May the Virgin watch over both of you.
Your Dad,
R. I. Terronez
Silvis, Il
Dear Son,
Thanks for sending the pictures. Everyone looked at them and really enjoyed them. I ll give Ollie’s the boy’s pictures next time they come over. Ill tell her about the enlargements.
I will try to keep them until you come home for Christmas. Celia hasn’t been over today so I could give her your letter. I will call her in a little while. I hope they don’t get lost.
I am sure glad that you and Ti are fine. We at home are also in good health.
Tell Celestine that Mom and I are also very proud of her. I know that she finds it hard to believe that she finished her school. But, like I always say, “Where there is a will, there is a way! Tell her to keep up the good work. In a way, I wish that she could stay and work for the dentist . I , We will try to show her that we are proud of her when she gets home. I wish that I could be there when she receives her diploma. But she know how things are at home, with all the money going for the new kitchen. Tell her my thoughts and prayers are with here. Be sure and let me know when she leaves Houston.
Son, financial you are broke. That’s not true really, You still have your job and all the things you are buying. Also you did a good thing for you sister, TiTi.
I hope that you are not religiously broke. Because then you would be in trouble.
Don’t worry about the money you owe me. You can pay me that later in life. Although Mom says we could sure use it now.
How did I raise 8 kids? A good question . A lot of hard work and mostly the will of God. He has sure been good to me and my family. Mom is alright and has been without a lot of things so you kids could have something. Thank her sometime.
I am sure glad that car of yours is still running all right. As Mom would say, don’t buy another piece of junk. Make sure that pickup is in good condition. I rather you paid a little more for something that will last.
Give me your phone number as soon as you can. I am writing this in the bedroom and Mom wants to go to sleep. I better go now. Say bye to TiTi.
May the Virgin watch over both of you.
Your Dad,
R. I. Terronez
"Mi Casa es tu Casa"
Family Members,
"Mi casa es tu casa", my Dads favorite saying. He would say it over and over again. Everything he owned belonged to all of us. He taught it and modeled it to us over and over again. AND NOW those who have robbed us of everything and taken advantage of our mother, for her kindness, gentleness and lack of understanding have locked us of our Dad's house.
We are not to be trusted, we are not worthy of the solitude of our very own Father's house. My Dad cries from his grave...like he did in life. "Why do you do this to your very own sister and brother? Why? I did not teach you this...After I die, let my house son be a place of refuge where you can come and seek me. For those who have done this, listen to Dad when you lie in your bed at night... you can hear him crying.
Chendo
"Mi casa es tu casa", my Dads favorite saying. He would say it over and over again. Everything he owned belonged to all of us. He taught it and modeled it to us over and over again. AND NOW those who have robbed us of everything and taken advantage of our mother, for her kindness, gentleness and lack of understanding have locked us of our Dad's house.
We are not to be trusted, we are not worthy of the solitude of our very own Father's house. My Dad cries from his grave...like he did in life. "Why do you do this to your very own sister and brother? Why? I did not teach you this...After I die, let my house son be a place of refuge where you can come and seek me. For those who have done this, listen to Dad when you lie in your bed at night... you can hear him crying.
Chendo
Voice of Our Father...
October 24, 1972
Tuesday
Dear Son, (Hijo)
We are fine and sure hope that you are in the best of health. This sounds funny because I just talked to you about 3 hours ago.
I just decided to write about anything I might have forgotten.
Mom just got back from Davenport after saying the rosary for Mrs. Rocha. She told you about it on the phone. Seferino is all done with football this year. He has joined the “Los Amigos” and will play a bugle.
Lillian is doing all right in school. You aught to hear her sing those record songs.
Lydia is al right. She was sick last month and she will probably get sick again. It is something we will have to live with for a while. Some day she will out grow it.
Ray is working everyday. He just got home from riding around. And! And! He got his first ticket (speeding) Remember when you got your first ticket!
Well, I said I was going to write a few lines.
Hijo, have faith in God and in yourself. Don’t give up. But! But! If ! Don’t be ashamed to come back to your “home”.
God be with you,
Your living dad (padre) R.I. Terronez
In this letter my Dad again talks about his children, their health, education, their jobs, getting in trouble and reminding another of a time when he got in trouble.
But the most important thing in the letter was having faith in God and in yourself. He says never to give up and that you can always come home to him. His home was a place for his children to come home too, no matter what.
Now after all this years, he words are still very loud and clear but not loud enough. His family is locked out of his house...by some of their very own siblings. Like in life and now in death, they continue to think they ways are better than his.
Another letter tomorrow.. His voice resounds in these letters. Love you, Dad
Tuesday
Dear Son, (Hijo)
We are fine and sure hope that you are in the best of health. This sounds funny because I just talked to you about 3 hours ago.
I just decided to write about anything I might have forgotten.
Mom just got back from Davenport after saying the rosary for Mrs. Rocha. She told you about it on the phone. Seferino is all done with football this year. He has joined the “Los Amigos” and will play a bugle.
Lillian is doing all right in school. You aught to hear her sing those record songs.
Lydia is al right. She was sick last month and she will probably get sick again. It is something we will have to live with for a while. Some day she will out grow it.
Ray is working everyday. He just got home from riding around. And! And! He got his first ticket (speeding) Remember when you got your first ticket!
Well, I said I was going to write a few lines.
Hijo, have faith in God and in yourself. Don’t give up. But! But! If ! Don’t be ashamed to come back to your “home”.
God be with you,
Your living dad (padre) R.I. Terronez
In this letter my Dad again talks about his children, their health, education, their jobs, getting in trouble and reminding another of a time when he got in trouble.
But the most important thing in the letter was having faith in God and in yourself. He says never to give up and that you can always come home to him. His home was a place for his children to come home too, no matter what.
Now after all this years, he words are still very loud and clear but not loud enough. His family is locked out of his house...by some of their very own siblings. Like in life and now in death, they continue to think they ways are better than his.
Another letter tomorrow.. His voice resounds in these letters. Love you, Dad
Friday, March 16, 2007
masa for tamales
Masa (Tamale dough) from scratch
1 pound lard3 pounds finished fresh corn mixture (see instructions in Tamale-making Steps on Page G3)1 cup chicken or pork stock2 1/2 tablespoons saltBeat the lard in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until very fluffy and fully aerated, about 3 minutes. It may take longer if your mixer is not powerful. (A heavy-duty machine such as a KitchenAid is best.) The best alternative to a weak mixer is not a spoon, but your bare hand. Whip and beat the lard with a rapid folding motion until you feel the lard is fluffy and full of air. It should be as light as butter creamed for the lightest butter cake.Still mixing on medium speed, begin adding the fresh corn mixture a handful at a time. If mixture seems too stiff, add stock a little at a time, up to 1 cup. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. When all the masa has been incorporated, the mixture should be very light and delicate, the texture of buttercream frosting. Beat in salt.When the dough has reached the light and fluffy stage, beat in 1/2 cup of the cooled red chile (from accompanying chile recipe) and mix thoroughly to color the dough evenly.To test the readiness of the dough, drop a teaspoon of it into a glass of water. If it doesn't float, continue to beat. If it does float, the mixture is ready to be spread onto corn husks, but can hold if other ingredients, such as the filling, need to be prepared. Makes enough masa to make 45-50 tamales.Approximate values per serving (masa only): 203 calories, 11 g fat, 6 mg cholesterol, 3 g protein, 24 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 255 mg sodium, 48 percent calories from fat.
1 pound lard3 pounds finished fresh corn mixture (see instructions in Tamale-making Steps on Page G3)1 cup chicken or pork stock2 1/2 tablespoons saltBeat the lard in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until very fluffy and fully aerated, about 3 minutes. It may take longer if your mixer is not powerful. (A heavy-duty machine such as a KitchenAid is best.) The best alternative to a weak mixer is not a spoon, but your bare hand. Whip and beat the lard with a rapid folding motion until you feel the lard is fluffy and full of air. It should be as light as butter creamed for the lightest butter cake.Still mixing on medium speed, begin adding the fresh corn mixture a handful at a time. If mixture seems too stiff, add stock a little at a time, up to 1 cup. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. When all the masa has been incorporated, the mixture should be very light and delicate, the texture of buttercream frosting. Beat in salt.When the dough has reached the light and fluffy stage, beat in 1/2 cup of the cooled red chile (from accompanying chile recipe) and mix thoroughly to color the dough evenly.To test the readiness of the dough, drop a teaspoon of it into a glass of water. If it doesn't float, continue to beat. If it does float, the mixture is ready to be spread onto corn husks, but can hold if other ingredients, such as the filling, need to be prepared. Makes enough masa to make 45-50 tamales.Approximate values per serving (masa only): 203 calories, 11 g fat, 6 mg cholesterol, 3 g protein, 24 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 255 mg sodium, 48 percent calories from fat.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Fighting for your Audistic Child...
We moved here from Ft. Riley, KS and Jesse was a little under 3 years old when he received his dagnosis. Moving here we had to search for all the therapists, get on waiting lists for services, go through EFMP/ECHO paperwork so we could get ABA for him. We are very lucky we are allowed $2500 a month because most private insurance companies do not pay for ABA. Right now, Jesse is in a 2 hour a day class that we are VERY happy with. We moved from Columbia to Lexington just for their preschool program for children with special needs. Jesse gets 2 hours a week of ABA and that averages about $1000 a month. We have more money we can be spending, but my lead therapist can only fit in 2 hours a week in her schedule and we have yet to find another therapist that will bill Tricare directly (SCEAP will not). Jesse is receiving a range of services from ST, OT, early interventionist, ABA, his school program, and two "social" groups. He will be starting another social/therapy group in February.
Jesse had zero spontaneous language when he was 3 years old. It seemed he could not comprehend the words we were telling him; like nothing was going in. I pushed for 40 hours a week of intensive ABA Therapy because I was sure that was the only method to recover my child from Autism. You will see, in my opinion, these kids can not handle to sit there for 8 hours a day of therapy. I wanted results, and I wanted them fasssst. However, it was Jesse who made that call because he would only work sometimes 20 minutes a day and he would shut-down because he was on overload. I was frusterated and thought we were going no where if I could only get 20 minutes of GOOD work time in. Slowly, he began to sit and work through longer and longer therapy sessions and was happier when his therapists came. (First, he would just cry and tantrum.) I decided to watch him and I would know by his actions how much he could take -- and we would take it slow.
Jesse is 4 years old now and I have completely erased all the stimming from his daily activities, he has over 150 words he uses AND understands, he is happy, bouncy, bright-eyed, and will look at you when he talks to you. He is doing absolutely wonderful and surprises me every day with his language. Even if you can't get all the therapy you may want, right away, you son will come around. It'll take a lot of hard work, but so very, very worth it when my little boy looks right in my eyes and says, "Mommy, I love you too." There is hope for these kids and it's good you caught it early. Some parents may be in denial or wait for a diagnosis because they are afraid and if those kids don't get help early or right away, they may be at a disadvantage later on in life. You have the power now to help your son because he can't help himself for now. I took it one day at a time, was always thinking about the next step, and never gave up on hope.
Good Luck,
Yolanda Bushong
P.S. If the school does not provide ABA, it is very hard and takes a long time to try and fight that school (from what I heard). I didn't think it was worth the time for me to fight them and months or years could go by with my son still not receiving those services. He was losing out not anyone else, and time isn't a luxury we can take. Instead of fighting the school, we picked up and moved to another (better) school district. It's all worth it.
Jesse had zero spontaneous language when he was 3 years old. It seemed he could not comprehend the words we were telling him; like nothing was going in. I pushed for 40 hours a week of intensive ABA Therapy because I was sure that was the only method to recover my child from Autism. You will see, in my opinion, these kids can not handle to sit there for 8 hours a day of therapy. I wanted results, and I wanted them fasssst. However, it was Jesse who made that call because he would only work sometimes 20 minutes a day and he would shut-down because he was on overload. I was frusterated and thought we were going no where if I could only get 20 minutes of GOOD work time in. Slowly, he began to sit and work through longer and longer therapy sessions and was happier when his therapists came. (First, he would just cry and tantrum.) I decided to watch him and I would know by his actions how much he could take -- and we would take it slow.
Jesse is 4 years old now and I have completely erased all the stimming from his daily activities, he has over 150 words he uses AND understands, he is happy, bouncy, bright-eyed, and will look at you when he talks to you. He is doing absolutely wonderful and surprises me every day with his language. Even if you can't get all the therapy you may want, right away, you son will come around. It'll take a lot of hard work, but so very, very worth it when my little boy looks right in my eyes and says, "Mommy, I love you too." There is hope for these kids and it's good you caught it early. Some parents may be in denial or wait for a diagnosis because they are afraid and if those kids don't get help early or right away, they may be at a disadvantage later on in life. You have the power now to help your son because he can't help himself for now. I took it one day at a time, was always thinking about the next step, and never gave up on hope.
Good Luck,
Yolanda Bushong
P.S. If the school does not provide ABA, it is very hard and takes a long time to try and fight that school (from what I heard). I didn't think it was worth the time for me to fight them and months or years could go by with my son still not receiving those services. He was losing out not anyone else, and time isn't a luxury we can take. Instead of fighting the school, we picked up and moved to another (better) school district. It's all worth it.
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