Saturday, September 24, 2011
Fresh
As usual, life has been busy so this blog has been temporarily abandoned. I've got lots of ideas and motivation, so I'm hoping to make a fresh start of it in the next couple of weeks. No promises, though. I want to work on a new look, one that is more comfortable, more me.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Homeschool Mother's Journal - 2
In my life this week:
This week I spent a lot of time planning for our next unit. We are going to be studying New World Explorers using Homeschool in the Woods' Time Travelers series. It has notebooking and lapbooking components, so I've been busy printing pages for those. It also has many fun hands-on activities, so my goal for next week is to make lists of the all the supplies I need. I would love to start gathering them now, because I know that will increase the likelihood of us actually doing all of those activities. Sad, but true. :)
In our homeschool this week:
More phonics for the little guy. He especially liked adding different consonants to the '-at' ending, using magnets and our easel. Another highlight was doing a word search puzzle he got at the restaurant on his Pie Date with Daddy this week. It was too difficult to do on his own, so I helped him a lot. We turned it into a fun letter and sound recognition game.
Lots of reading and math for the older two. We are just about finished reading Robin Hood aloud.
We visited a local children's museum. One of the exhibits has a 'lie detector' display. I must be related to George Washington because I just cannot tell a lie. My husband and the kids knew every time I was trying to hide the number I guessed. It was funny because my kiddos didn't want to lie about the number they guessed. I guess Ted and I have done a good job reinforcing that honesty is the best policy.
My favorite thing this week:
Mother's Day! While it technically was not a school day, we had a great day hanging out together. We ate at our neighbor's new restaurant. Besides enjoying the fabulous food, we had a good time socializing. Our neighbor's kids were there so all the kids had a fun time hanging out, with the added benefit that my husband and I were able to have some conversation time while the kids were busy. The kids ate quickly, then started working on making codes. They did that for like 45 minutes straight. How do they come up with these things?
What's working/not working for us:
Planning is working for me right now. Being in the planning stage is the easier place to be; let's see how I feel when I'm in the application stage!
I'm trying to simultaneously plan for the summer and fall, all while trying to keep up with our current lessons. It's a juggling act, for sure, but I'm motivated to finish what we are doing now so we can move on to the fun stuff I'm planning for the summer.
Homeschool questions/thoughts I have:
It's Friday night--no questions or thoughts allowed! :) Maybe next week.
This week I spent a lot of time planning for our next unit. We are going to be studying New World Explorers using Homeschool in the Woods' Time Travelers series. It has notebooking and lapbooking components, so I've been busy printing pages for those. It also has many fun hands-on activities, so my goal for next week is to make lists of the all the supplies I need. I would love to start gathering them now, because I know that will increase the likelihood of us actually doing all of those activities. Sad, but true. :)
In our homeschool this week:
More phonics for the little guy. He especially liked adding different consonants to the '-at' ending, using magnets and our easel. Another highlight was doing a word search puzzle he got at the restaurant on his Pie Date with Daddy this week. It was too difficult to do on his own, so I helped him a lot. We turned it into a fun letter and sound recognition game.
Lots of reading and math for the older two. We are just about finished reading Robin Hood aloud.
We visited a local children's museum. One of the exhibits has a 'lie detector' display. I must be related to George Washington because I just cannot tell a lie. My husband and the kids knew every time I was trying to hide the number I guessed. It was funny because my kiddos didn't want to lie about the number they guessed. I guess Ted and I have done a good job reinforcing that honesty is the best policy.
My favorite thing this week:
Mother's Day! While it technically was not a school day, we had a great day hanging out together. We ate at our neighbor's new restaurant. Besides enjoying the fabulous food, we had a good time socializing. Our neighbor's kids were there so all the kids had a fun time hanging out, with the added benefit that my husband and I were able to have some conversation time while the kids were busy. The kids ate quickly, then started working on making codes. They did that for like 45 minutes straight. How do they come up with these things?
What's working/not working for us:
Planning is working for me right now. Being in the planning stage is the easier place to be; let's see how I feel when I'm in the application stage!
I'm trying to simultaneously plan for the summer and fall, all while trying to keep up with our current lessons. It's a juggling act, for sure, but I'm motivated to finish what we are doing now so we can move on to the fun stuff I'm planning for the summer.
Homeschool questions/thoughts I have:
It's Friday night--no questions or thoughts allowed! :) Maybe next week.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Just another day
Yesterday was Mother's Day. But it was also just like most other days.
Eating together, hunting for small treasures at Goodwill, laughing at silly jokes, admiring artwork and creativity.
Teaching older siblings how to speak nicely to younger ones, saying no to endless begging for 'just one more Webkinz', convincing tired children that brushing their teeth before bed is, in fact, necessary.
What's that old TV show theme, "You take the good, you take the bad..."
That is what motherhood is all about: taking the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, and accepting them as what God wants for me right at that moment. Through His grace and mercy, I am able to cherish the ordinary, to grow closer to my children, and learn from the greatest Parent of all.
Eating together, hunting for small treasures at Goodwill, laughing at silly jokes, admiring artwork and creativity.
Teaching older siblings how to speak nicely to younger ones, saying no to endless begging for 'just one more Webkinz', convincing tired children that brushing their teeth before bed is, in fact, necessary.
What's that old TV show theme, "You take the good, you take the bad..."
That is what motherhood is all about: taking the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, and accepting them as what God wants for me right at that moment. Through His grace and mercy, I am able to cherish the ordinary, to grow closer to my children, and learn from the greatest Parent of all.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Avgolemono
We live within walking distance of a fabulous Greek cafe. And our neighbors just opened up a Greek restaurant a few miles away. I *puffy heart* Greek food so you will find no complaints from me about either of those facts.
I have had such a craving for the chicken-lemon-orzo soup (or avgolemono) but didn't want to go to one of those restaurants for thesecond third fourth time in under two weeks. I thought I probably had the ingredients to make the soup at home but figured it would probably be too difficult or time-consuming or I'd end up with inedible glop.
I've never been so pleased to be absolutely wrong. This soup is easy, quick, and delicious. My only complaint is that it doesn't make a lot, so take that into account if you plan on serving it to a large group. You don't want a fight to break out over who gets a bowl of this!
Avgolemono Soup
slightly adapted from Epicurious.com
1 32 oz. carton chicken broth
1/4 c. orzo
3 eggs
4 T. fresh lemon juice
1/2 c. shredded cooked chicken breast
Salt and pepper to taste--I didn't measure but would guess I used 1/2 t. salt and 1 t. pepper. I like pepper a lot!
Greek seasoning (optional)--I have some from Penzey's so I threw a bit in.
Bring the broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook to al dente.
While the orzo is cooking, whisk the eggs and lemon juice together until smooth.
When orzo is al dente, lower heat to simmer. Add a cup of hot broth to egg mixture and stir until incorporated. Then add all of egg/broth mixture into pan with broth/orzo. Add chicken and seasonings. Simmer until thick and creamy.
If you are me, it makes two servings--lunch and dinner. :)
I have had such a craving for the chicken-lemon-orzo soup (or avgolemono) but didn't want to go to one of those restaurants for the
I've never been so pleased to be absolutely wrong. This soup is easy, quick, and delicious. My only complaint is that it doesn't make a lot, so take that into account if you plan on serving it to a large group. You don't want a fight to break out over who gets a bowl of this!
Avgolemono Soup
slightly adapted from Epicurious.com
1 32 oz. carton chicken broth
1/4 c. orzo
3 eggs
4 T. fresh lemon juice
1/2 c. shredded cooked chicken breast
Salt and pepper to taste--I didn't measure but would guess I used 1/2 t. salt and 1 t. pepper. I like pepper a lot!
Greek seasoning (optional)--I have some from Penzey's so I threw a bit in.
Bring the broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook to al dente.
While the orzo is cooking, whisk the eggs and lemon juice together until smooth.
When orzo is al dente, lower heat to simmer. Add a cup of hot broth to egg mixture and stir until incorporated. Then add all of egg/broth mixture into pan with broth/orzo. Add chicken and seasonings. Simmer until thick and creamy.
If you are me, it makes two servings--lunch and dinner. :)
Friday, May 6, 2011
The Homeschool Mother's Journal - 1
In my life this week:
This week has passed by in a blur. Lots of hockey--N playing and the guys going to the Lightning playoff games. Plenty of cooking--five loaves of bread (two regular, three mini), chipotle chicken tacos, avgolemono soup, homemade yogurt, and poached chicken to freeze for later.
In our homeschool this week:
Among other things, these were three areas of emphasis for us this week:
Multiplication--We worked on review of concepts. Next week we will move on to drill work.
Home economics--We are working on keeping the house tidy throughout the week. My oldest two did a great job working together.
Free reading for the biggers, phonics for the little guy.
My favorite thing this week:
My little guy lost his first tooth. He is so excited! He loves anything that makes him feel like a big boy. Another tooth is loose, so he's been trying hard to get it to come out as well.
What's working/not working for us:
Supplementing our regular curriculum with units from other programs has been a huge success. We're currently doing this with handwriting and math. It has helped create some excitement during a part of the year when the 'blahs' can set in. It has also worked to hone in on areas in which my kiddos need more reinforcement. This is one of the things about homeschooling I love: being able to see the needs of my children and make changes to meet them right away.
Homeschool questions/thoughts I have:
Will the school year ever end? Ha! We are year-round schoolers, so that's a trick question!
Sometimes I question our choice of calendar, but for the most part it works for us. Lucky for me there's a little rest ahead, as we will be taking a break this month to travel to my little sister's graduation.
This week has passed by in a blur. Lots of hockey--N playing and the guys going to the Lightning playoff games. Plenty of cooking--five loaves of bread (two regular, three mini), chipotle chicken tacos, avgolemono soup, homemade yogurt, and poached chicken to freeze for later.
In our homeschool this week:
Among other things, these were three areas of emphasis for us this week:
Multiplication--We worked on review of concepts. Next week we will move on to drill work.
Home economics--We are working on keeping the house tidy throughout the week. My oldest two did a great job working together.
Free reading for the biggers, phonics for the little guy.
My favorite thing this week:
My little guy lost his first tooth. He is so excited! He loves anything that makes him feel like a big boy. Another tooth is loose, so he's been trying hard to get it to come out as well.
What's working/not working for us:
Supplementing our regular curriculum with units from other programs has been a huge success. We're currently doing this with handwriting and math. It has helped create some excitement during a part of the year when the 'blahs' can set in. It has also worked to hone in on areas in which my kiddos need more reinforcement. This is one of the things about homeschooling I love: being able to see the needs of my children and make changes to meet them right away.
Homeschool questions/thoughts I have:
Will the school year ever end? Ha! We are year-round schoolers, so that's a trick question!
Sometimes I question our choice of calendar, but for the most part it works for us. Lucky for me there's a little rest ahead, as we will be taking a break this month to travel to my little sister's graduation.
Monday, January 10, 2011
menu plan-week of 01/10
Okay, I failed miserably at sticking to last week's menu. Several of our plans changed at the last minute, plus one son got sick, the other had a birthday, and Ted had to work a couple night shifts (on those nights I usually don't make anything too involved). Oh well, if at first you don't succeed... So I've planned this week to be very similar to last week, just a few tweaks in content and order:
Monday:
B-Cereal, fruit
L-Turkey & cheese sandwiches, chips/salsa, carrots
D-Soup, crackers, pineapple
Tuesday:
B-Ricemeal, bananas
L-Broccoli & cheddar nuggets, salad, oranges
D-Taco soup, tortillas
Wednesday:
B-Waffles, grapes
L-Grilled chicken salad
D-Chicken stir-fry w/broccoli & carrots, brown rice
Thursday:
B-Bacon, eggs, bagels
L-Pasta, peas
D-Chicken enchiladas, rice, beans, pineapple
Friday:
B-Banana muffins, apples, cheese
L-PBJ, Carrots, Smores brownies
D-Pizza (homemade?)
Saturday:
B-Cereal, fruit, hardboiled eggs
L-Homemade lunchables
D-Turkey burgers, vegetarian beans, Alexia onion rings
Sunday, January 2, 2011
menu plan-week of 01/03
This is the first time I've blogged our menu plan. Confession time: I actually haven't done much any menu planning since we moved at the end of October. Yikes! My theme for 2011 is action, so we will see at the end of the week how well I execute this plan!
Monday:
B-Banana muffins, apples, cheese
L-PBJ, carrots
D-Chicken enchiladas, rice, beans, pineapple
Tuesday:
B-Ricemeal, bananas
L-Homemade lunchables, oranges
D-Chicken stirfry, brown rice
Wednesday:
B-Waffles, grapes
L-Bagel bites, salad
D-Chicken noodle soup
Thursday:
B-Bacon, eggs, bagels
L-Pasta, peas
D-Tacos, refried beans, corn
Friday:
B-Cereal, fruit, hardboiled eggs
L-Grilled chicken salad
D-Pizza (homemade?)
Saturday:
B-Oatmeal, apples
L-Sandwiches
D-Turkey burgers, vegetarian beans
Sunday: ???
Not exciting, but on Monday we are back to school, I'm starting the Bible in 90 Days, and Ted will be starting his P90X exercise and nutrition (part of which is eating 5 times a day=me making extra meals), so keeping it simple seems like the way to go.
Monday:
B-Banana muffins, apples, cheese
L-PBJ, carrots
D-Chicken enchiladas, rice, beans, pineapple
Tuesday:
B-Ricemeal, bananas
L-Homemade lunchables, oranges
D-Chicken stirfry, brown rice
Wednesday:
B-Waffles, grapes
L-Bagel bites, salad
D-Chicken noodle soup
Thursday:
B-Bacon, eggs, bagels
L-Pasta, peas
D-Tacos, refried beans, corn
Friday:
B-Cereal, fruit, hardboiled eggs
L-Grilled chicken salad
D-Pizza (homemade?)
Saturday:
B-Oatmeal, apples
L-Sandwiches
D-Turkey burgers, vegetarian beans
Sunday: ???
Not exciting, but on Monday we are back to school, I'm starting the Bible in 90 Days, and Ted will be starting his P90X exercise and nutrition (part of which is eating 5 times a day=me making extra meals), so keeping it simple seems like the way to go.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
out & in
out with the old...
2010 was a year of
2010 was a year of
- transitions--We purchased and moved into what we hope will be our 'forever' house. This was our 10th or 11th move in less than 10 years of marriage (I lost count 3 or 4 moves ago--ha!).
- travel--We took the kiddos on their first big trip, California. Ted and I went to Paris for a few days, our first European trip together and hopefully not the last! :)
- challenges--I read through the Bible in 90 days with Mom's Toolbox; Ted worked through the hardcore Insanity exercise program. We installed flooring, painted, and made our house company-ready in less than a month after moving.
- hospitality--We hosted friends at Thanksgiving, friends and family on Christmas Eve, and Chinese guests who were attending an area conference. We've also had neighbor kids in and out of our house throughout the year, which can be crazy at times but is a dream come true for me.
- epic motivational fail--We were so busy with looking for a house, buying a house, and fixing up a house that I was overwhelmed and let myself slack off on too many important areas. Menu planning, exercising, school routines, and many more got passed over way too often.
in with the new...
Looking for 2011 to be a year of
- travel--Well, okay, not so new. Ted works in the travel industry, so I guess the wanderlust is in his blood. He and I are taking a short cruise in February (our first--I'm wary, but he has wanted to take one for a long time); I'd like to do more mini-trips, i.e. go on daytrips around the state, visit local museums and sites. We might go someplace special for our 10th anniversary...we'll have to see what Ted the Travelmaster has up his sleeve. :)
- dedication--We are starting several new programs that require perseverance. I'm doing the Bible in 90 Days again, this time as a reader and mentor. Ted is going through P90X. Together we are going to take the next foster parent classes offered at our church. We plan on joining the YMCA, so we will need to dedicate time to exercise there. I also have several tasks as a home manager, mom, and teacher that I need to be diligent in completing daily, no matter what.
- action--I've decided this is my word for 2011. I love to research and plan but often fizzle out when it comes to application. I don't want to be all talk but no walk. Like in Isaiah 6 when the Lord says "Whom shall I send?", I don't want to think about it, consider my options, weight it out. Instead, I strive toward being like Isaiah who immediately calls out "Here am I. Send me!" I want to be spring into action, not just stand on the sidelines waiting for others who are more capable to fill the needs. I want to act, not based on my own skills (which in most categories are sorely lacking), but instead based on a reliance on God for the strength and know-how needed.
I fully realize these are pretty vague--the traditional pie-in-the-sky type of resolution that doesn't make it past January 12th. I hope to expand on each of these goals with specifics in the future. For now, they work for me as a placeholder and reminder of the direction in which I believe God is leading me this year.
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