What’s Cookin’ at Our House This Week…

Another week, another grocery list, another menu plan…

This week, I’m trying out some new recipes and hoping they will be a good fit for our family… we have some finnicky eaters (of which I am the QUEEN) and it makes it difficult some weeks.

If you are needing some menu ideas or some new recipes, check out the many blogs that participate in Menu Plan Monday over at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Monday ~ it’s a delicious El Paraiso Mexican meal with my pals for me while the kids are in class, for the family, it’s Slim Jim sandwiches, chips, and fruit salad.

Tuesday ~ French Dip Sandwiches, oven fries, green beans

Wednesday ~ Italian Sausage Penne Pasta, salad, bread maker yeast rolls

Thursday ~ Chicken Enchiladas, refried beans, salad

Friday ~ Hamburgers on the grill, baked beans, cupcakes (made with the kidlets)

Next week, I’m wanting to try an “Oven Risotto with tomatoes and sausage”… I’ll let you know how it turns out…

Happy Cooking!!

 

New Recipe to Try This Week…

I borrowed this recipe from “The Adventures of Miss Mommy” and I can’t wait to try it out!!

French Dip Sandwich

Just needs cheese & a little broil.... YUMMY!!!

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

• 4 slices smoky bacon, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• 1 beef brisket, chuck roast, or big piece of meat that is about 3 pounds
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 pound mushrooms, quartered or sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 loaf of French bread {UK- white bloomer} , cut into 4-inch sections, split and toasted
• Sliced Swiss cheese, provolone, or white cheddar

In a large skillet over medium heat drizzle with EVOO.  Add the bacon to the pan and cook until just starting to crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Return the skillet to a medium-high heat leaving in the remaining bacon fat.  Season both sides of the beef with salt and pepper and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

While the meat is searing, add the reserved bacon and remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.  Add in the seared meat to the pot and cover.  Set the timer/heat level of the slow cooker depending on the time at which you want your meal to be served, or cook until the meat is tender.

Thinly slice the beef.  To serve, place a layer of sliced beef, cooked veggies, Swiss cheese on top of a slice of the bread and broil until cheese starts to brown.  Serve with a small bowl of juices to dip sandwich.

Frugal Finds ~ My shopping trips to CVS and Walgreens

Okay, I’m a little late with last weeks post on my deals from CVS and Walgreens, but here it is…

This is my Walgreens purchase… and I spent $2.11 OOP and got $3.00 back in Walgreens bucks… So basically, I made money… YEAH!!

And here’s what I managed to get at CVS ~  

I hadn’t planned on getting the Dove chocolate bars, but they were B2G1 Free and I had 2 coupons for B1G1 Free, so I couldn’t resist… Using ECB’s from last week, I spent $2.91 OOP and got $7.99 back in ECB’s… made money again!!! WOOHOO!!!

Then I was off to Kroger ~ I spent more this shopping trip than normal, because I was buying chicken (which when buying free-range, vegetarian fed birds gets super expensive) but I still managed to shave off $96.25 using coupons and my Kroger Plus savings… all I will need over the next 3 weeks will be some fresh veggies and milk…

Happy Shopping!!

Our New Pets…

Tommy is participating in the 4H Chick Chain, so we are now the proud owners of 16 chicks.. (14 from 4H and the other 2 from a neighbor with chickens)

Here’s some pics of our new pets…

We made a brooder from a livestock trough and a infrared heat lamp.

 

         

and here’s the little doodles… they are all black, except for one yellow one..

       My favorite one..

Planning for our summer session…

For the last couple of days, I have been working on a new plan for our summer school session. While exploring curriculum choices makes me happy and excited, that feeling doesn’t carry over into the actual ins and outs of the everyday school day. We are a relaxed homeschool family, but we function better and get more accomplished when we have some sort of plan ahead of us. So, 3 times a year, I work on a schedule to give us a guide for what we need to accomplish.  I like the idea of new curriculum but the implementation is so difficult for me.
I have had so many plans that have been unfulfilled over the last 6 yrs. of homeschooling, that it took lots of soul-searching to decide what were our family goals, what really would work for us and how to go about it. I came to the conclusion that I wanted my kids to “LOVE” learning as one of our primary goals, unit studies and chronological history using living books worked for us, and that we are really laid back and a relaxed style was what was needed in our home. No stress!

We’ve homeschooled for 6 yrs. now but every time I start looking at curricula for the next year or sit down to make a plan, I have to remind myself of what our priorities are and what works for us ~ because it all looks good from the outside!!

Do my kids study different things and do they need to? Well, when we started, I had only 1 child in school, DD played with play-doh and doodled, watched Sesame Street counting videos and pretended to read books from the pictures. So it was so much easier, and we also went that first year with basics for kindergarten. We followed that first year with Abeka, which is a great intensive learning curriculum ~ we liked some aspects of it like the math, but overall it wasn’t a fit for us. That led us to unit studies and Five in A Row… This is where we begin to really have our eyes opened to what worked for us as a family unit.
I found that it isn’t necessary or desirable for us to use different curriculum for each child. Some mothers are better at scheduling and can handle this. I can not… My brain will not allow me to have so many things floating around and stay sane. This may come as Earth-shattering news, but it’s true…
My kids study the same topics and subjects using slightly different information and intensity based on age. I try and plan for certain subjects based on grade level (like Math, English, Spelling)  to assure continuity and increased levels knowledge and understanding based on age and ability. .

We homeschool year-round, so we can still take breaks often but not have to repeat information that I spent weeks working on with them due to it being forgotten while we spent 2.5 months playing outside in the sun. For us, it works to be able to do both. They still have frequent vacations, just not for months at a time, and are able to get some school done everyday. And it is possible to do it all the while meeting the needs of your kids who are most likely at different stages of development. Another thing that I like about using one curricula is that it saves time, money, and sanity.

We are able to take field trips, do crafts and activities, and play games as they relate to our studies as a family unit. Not having one child be bored or uninterested because they aren’t familiar with what the other child is studying or what the field trip is about. Plus this allows for me to get our goals accomplished without overextending myself. Something that used to happen on a daily basis and left me tired, grumpy, and not enjoying the time spent with my kids.

There is no single curriculum that is going to answer all your homeschooling needs. Children in a family are at different ages, abilities, interests, and developmental stages. But you can develop a plan that suits your own family needs and can build on it to help aid you in your learning adventure. Take the time to build a library for your house, and encourage your kids to have fun while learning. By combining our studies, I have saved money (very important in this economy), my time (one of my most important posessions), and saved my sanity (at least for awhile). And the best benefit is that my family is growing, learning together and becoming a closer knit family. The best outcome of all.

What’s Cookin’ at Our House This Week…

Every week, Laura at Organizing Junkie hosts “Menu Plan Monday”. If you are new to menu planning or want to look at some great menu ideas, this is the place to check out. Here you can find great resources to make planning your weekly / monthly menu easier, like recipe sites, dietary restriction recipe sites, coupon help, printable planners, etc. Plus lots of other great organizing ideas if you’re interested. Here’s our plan for this week:

Monday ~ Easy Fritatta w/ bacon, cheese, and tomato

                spinach salad, and clementines

Tuesday ~ Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup (this was a change since it was rainy and I wanted something warm and comforting)

Wednesday ~ Pork Chops, roasted red potatoes, broccoli and cheese

Thursday ~ Sloppy Joes, oven fries, light salad,

Friday ~ Grilled slaw dogs, baked beans, corn on the cob

To my darling son on his 11th birthday…

Dearest son,
I want you to know that you are always first and foremost in my mind. I thank God everyday for allowing me to be your mother and it’s a blessing to be able to watch and see you grow and change everyday. I have had 11 years with you and wouldn’t trade a minute of it. I wish I could turn back time and start again, but that isn’t God’s plan and all I can do is be thankful and enjoy the ride.
I am so proud of all your accomplishments and how hard you work at things. You are not a quitter and are so determined at times, that I often wonder where it comes from. You have a giving heart and are so patient and kind.
I love your interest in sports, your love for art and music, and your appreciation for design and architecture. How you enjoy your animals or playing with Legos and even the dreaded Xbox. I am happy to be able to see you enjoy these things and how each day as you grow and mature, your interests change…
I am so thankful that you are generous, helpful, and sensitive. Most of all, I am thankful for the love you have for Jesus.
I am blessed to be your mom and look forward to seeing all that you become in the future!
I love you! 
   This year for his birthday, Tommy wanted to go to MagiQuest.
    Tommy and Libby casting spells with their wands…
   At his favorite restaurant for the birthday dinner…


 The skateboard his sister got him for his birthday ~ yes, he’s already tore the knee out of his pants…
  And he’s off…

 



  Tommy wanted a birthday cookie this year ~ so here’s what he and I whipped up together.
  A happy boy!!

What’s Cookin’ at Our house This Week…

It’s been awhile since I posted a weekly menu, I’m sticking with the planning ~ because it just makes my life so much easier to have an guide to go on.
Monday ~ Mexican for me (It’s my evening to eat with my friends while the kidlets are in a sign language class).. Grilled cheese with tomato and bacon sandwiches for the family
Tuesday ~ Chicken and dumplings, green beans, rolls
Wednesday ~ Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, coleslaw
Thursday ~ (slow cooker meal) Chili
Friday ~ Chil dogs (with the left-over chili), over fries, corn on the cob
Saturday ~ Grilling time (depending on which cut of meat is on sale this week
Sunday ~ visitor’s lunch @ TLC,  spaghetti, salad, and homemade rolls (gonna put on some dough before we leave for church in the bread maker to mix and rise)

Wishes for a blessed Easter…

 

Because of his sacrifice, his love for me, I will know eternal life…

And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

                                                               ~ 2 Corinthians 5:15

Feelings of…

Lately with all the changes that have occurred in our family life and having to make changes in all of our routines, I have been feeling so overwhelmed, out of control, depressed, and just plain tired. All of which, make my body’s ability to function with my auto-immune issues and chronic pain from the fibro and arthritis that much more difficult.
It’s hard to find words to say how I feel and it’s even harder to find an answer to the feelings and how to “fix”it… I have always struggled with the need to “have routine” and “clarity” in our family structure. And change (especially when unexpected) doesn’t come easy for me.

“I pray that God gives me strength to adapt and make the necessary changes, to overcome feelings that I shouldn’t have, and that kindness, compassion, and love would be what my heart feels instead of the stress and worry that have been with me the last several weeks.”

I was reading my bible and I read this particular verse over and over. It’s words ringing true to what I know has to be done and how I should deal with everything now.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
                                                                         ~ Colossians 3:12
Sometimes, I think it is just selfish of me to not want changes to occur, even when I know they are for the good and will only in the end enrich my children’s lives in so many ways. I just need clarity and reassurance that “I“ can deal with things and handle all that is happening so quickly. And there again, the “me” factor sinks in and I start feeling the feeling of doubt and fear of what is next to come.
I know that thru it all that God has a plan. I know that he is in control at all times. I know that he has all the answers. And that I only have to turn to him for help. But sometimes, that is so much easier to think than to actually do. So many times, it seems, I struggle with just asking for help. That is where I find the wall. The wall that keeps me tied up with those feelings of depression, insecurity, doubt, and fear. All feelings that make it so difficult to adapt and handle change effectively. 
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
                                                                                                    ~Galatians 6:2
I see tiny little sparkles of beauty everyday in the midst of all that is going on. I pray that God will allow me to continue to grow with compassion and grace. And continue to bless me in the midst with seeing the beauty of my children grow in compassion.

Great book deals!!

I love buying books! I love finding books at a great price even better.

This week while traveling with my family, I stopped at a thrift store to kill some time before picking up my mother-in-law.

for $20, here’s what I came out with…

Science :   

• Geology Rocks
• Poison
• Extreme Pets
• Weather by Janice Van Cleave
• Plants by Janice Van Cleave

History: 

• 100 Things You Should Know About A Pirate
• The Story of the Pony Express (Cornerstones of Freedom)
• The Journal Of Wong Ming Chung (Dear America Series)
• Meet Kirsten (American Girl) ~ we already had this one though
• Meet Molly (American Girl)
• Life of Washington

Literature: 

• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
• Moby Dick
• Benjamin’s Box (we already have this one, but I’ll give it to my nephews)
• Black Beauty

 

Mowing the yard…

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!

DS is finally heavy enough to keep the lawnmower running and be able to mow the yard!!

He is so excited and loves doing it ~ I’m so excited, because I won’t have to be doing it…

Touring the Titanic

April 15th is the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.

The ship struck a massive iceberg late on the night of April 14, 1912. It took approximately 3 hours for the entire ship to sink. The Titanic became completely submerged about 2:45 AM on the morning of April 15, 1912.

So, I thought this would be a great day to take the kids to see the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN.

We got a special homeschool rate and also had the use of the info speakers for the audio tour.

   The view from outside the Museum.

  The size of the iceberg.

It was a 2.5 hour tour that seemed incredible. Each person is assigned a character that actually was a passenger or crew on the Titanic and at the end of the tour, you find out if you survived the iceberg.

We actually saw a passenger that had the same surname as have and that has became a project for DS to trace it and see if he was an actual relation in the past.

The most magnificent sight for me was the Grand Staircase, constructed from the original Harland & Wolff plans with its oak carvings and cherub statue. There is a magnificent glass chandelier that reflects all the light and elaborate railings and iron scrollwork. Then you learn that the flooring was the most expensive of the day in 1912 ~ linoleum. That was a surprise to me… At that time it was more expensive than European Marble.

    Outside with the HUGE anchor

You are welcome to take pictures outside but they don’t allow any pictures to be taken inside.

And there are tons of learning activities “on board” for the kids that they can do that only helps to make the memory of the Titanic come alive. 

   

it’s easy to see the magnitude of the size of the museum from this picture.    

 

  No details were left out ~ even the life boats are on there…

It truly was like stepping back in time!!

4H Demonstrations

Today was “Demonstration Day” for our 4H 4Him Club.

This year the 5th grade had to do a demonstration pertaining to their chosen projects.

This was DS second year doing a demonstration and he was excited to talk about his project this year ~ POULTRY !  (I am sure that you are just as excited as I was about this topic, but he has been on Cloud 9 since we told him he could have chickens)…

He was much calmer this year about doing it and I think it was mostly because he was talking about a subject that he truly loves and is enjoying learning about. In the end he received a purple ribbon and an invitation to the county competition.

  

DS getting started with his demonstration on “CHICK CARE”

  

Explaining the importance of using good feed and proper equipment.

  

Here’s his friend Peyton doing a demonstration on football calls.

Some of the others were ~

   making lasagna

   how to compost

    making a smoothie

 making a homemade bag

They were all great and I can’t believe how much work and effort the kids put into them. GREAT JOB!!!

Spring photos…

Couldn’t resist snapping some pictures with some beautiful gardens on a beautiful day! God is good and his beautiful creation is ours to enjoy!

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth

                                                                    ~ Psalm 50:2

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.

                                                                                                     ~ Isaiah 40:8

Have a blessed day!!