Someone requested that I provide some menu plan ideas on my blog. So here goes!
Monday: Chuck Wagon Casserole and corn (from my home church cookbook)
Tuesday: Tuna Casserole with peas (The Happy Housewife)
Wednesday: Fish (not sure how I'll cook this yet) and Baked Potatoes with Broccoli
Thursday: Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas (a new recipe also from the home church cookbook) and Spanish Rice (Betty Crocker Cookbook)
Friday: Homemade Pizza and Salad
Saturday: Leftovers!
Sunday: Pork Loin Roast in the crockpot, Carrots and Potatoes
This is only our dinners. I have yet to consistently meal plan breakfasts and lunches. I struggle with getting breakfast done ahead of time, since our mornings are pretty rushed. Maybe I should get up 30 minutes earlier, or be more intentional the night before.
Ideas I have for breakfasts this week are pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, homemade granola, Oatmeal, and waffles. That sounds so much better and filling than cereal, but unfortunately, when I don't plan well, cereal is often our most common fare.
Lunches are typically little bits of leftovers and sandwiches, yogurt, cottage cheese and fruit. Nothing fancy.
Recently, I moved my shopping day to Sunday afternoon. I put together the meals I want to fix on Saturday evening or after Sunday lunch, then make up my grocery list based on what I already have, and what is on sale at the grocery store. This has greatly decreased my dilemma of what to fix at the last minute. It has also significantly reduced my grocery bill over the years, as I purchase fewer impulse items and only buy just what I need to cook with that week!
What kind of meals are you planning this week? I am always looking for new ideas!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Observations of a homeschool experiment
After a full week and a day of this new homeschooling adventure, I have a few observations and thoughts that run through my head. Foremost, I am so tired! Not the tired of "I need more sleep!" but the tired that comes from mental exhaustion, when my brain feels fried by the end of the day. I have read aloud more texts and instructions and books in these past days than I care to count! So mentally sapped, that I haven't even posted my usual daily thoughts and recaps on Facebook recently. (and that's saying a lot! (-: )
In spite of some of these challenges, I have observed some really special triumphs in the last few days;
- Some things that I am learning in this new responsibility:If I expect my 7 year old to develop good handwriting skills, it's going to have to start with me cleaning up my own poor handwriting skills. (Ouch! Do as I say, not as I do???)
- If I have no idea what the math textbook means, I sure can't expect Dakota to get it either. Also, just because the book assumes by the end of the days' lesson that the child will understand the concept being taught, doesn't mean he will. And how do I am I to explain it any better than a well published math book will explain it!?
- One of the reasons why we decided to homeschool involved giving him some one-on-one attention in order to help him focus better. Why did I think that bringing him home would immediately improve this concentration deficit? Which leads me to the next observation;
- Another of the concerns we both had was whether I was going to be patient enough to properly work with Dakota. That concern is being tested daily! I am either going to grow more patient than my mother ever was (love you mom!) or be sent to the padded room trying. :)
In spite of some of these challenges, I have observed some really special triumphs in the last few days;
- It is such a privilege to sit down at the table in the morning, just Dakota and I, and hold his hand and pray together over the work ahead of us.
- What a blessing to look over at my son when I've just read him an interesting piece of information, or a concept he needs to learn, and see the light dawning in his eyes, either of intrigue, or understanding!
- How fun it was to perform our first "experiment" together, and watch his excitement when he discovered the egg floats in salt water, and sinks in fresh water. So much better than asking him after a full day of school away, "How was your day?" and receiving a grunt in return, or, "fine" at best.
- I know what my son is learning all day; I am there. I had the privilege of reading it to him.
- I understand what he is struggling with, because we are struggling through it together.
- We are growing closer as mother and son. It is a precarious place to be, because I do want to continue to be a good mother, and grow into a good teacher for him, but I also think there is a blessing of developing a bond with him that wasn't the same when I sent him away to school. I don't know what the future holds, but right now I am thrilled at the opportunity Dakota and I have of learning together.
- I am so glad we have Ethan in the preschool setting. I wasn't so sure beforehand, but there's really no way we would have had the same dynamic with Ethan around. I know many other moms have done it and will continue to do it, but for us, this has worked out very well. Ethan loves going to preschool, he seems to thrive on being there and around other children his age. Hopefully, that positive impression will continue as the school year goes on.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Compaan Christian School opening day and Ethan's first day of preschool
Today was THE day I've been planning for months. Excited about, anxious about, praying over, talking on and on to anyone who would listen.
Ethan's first day of preschool. Dakota's first day of second grade and homeschool.
I woke up feeling well rested. Reading my Bible, I felt spiritually fueled by the passage in Habakkuk which included these words from Habakkuk 3:19:
"The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places."
At the appointed time (it was on the schedule I created after all!) I went in to get the boys up. Ethan would have none of it. This was NOT what I had pictured at all. He kept saying "I'm still sleepy" in his groggy little voice. I sat there and lovingly talked to him off and on for 15 minutes. Nothing doing. Finally, I started dressing him, against his will. Mark had to assist me. Ethan was in hysterics. He was too tired, he didn't want his clothes on. Ugh. Finally, he was dressed (shorts on backwards, yesterday's dirty socks, notwithstanding). I sat in the chair with him until he was calmed down. After about 5 minutes of that, it was as though nothing had happened. He was fine. He was happy, he was ready to go to preschool.
After breakfast, we drove to his preschool. They don't even unlock the doors until 7:45 AM sharp (when preschool is scheduled to "start"). The 5 minutes we had to wait outside for the doors to open, I kept thinking, oh, man, the longer we drag this out, the harder it's going to be for Ethan when we have to separate. We walk in the big doors and Ethan is already saying "goodbye!" in a cheery, no nonsense, be on your way mom, voice. I couldn't believe it! As I took him to the classroom, he kept repeating his goodbyes in this dismissing, happy voice. I made him hug his brother. He had no time to hug me. Ha! Ethan walked straight into the classroom, took his place at a table occupied by other classmates and immediately began working with some blocks. Not looking back at me, leaving me to stare after my little boy, and leave with Dakota, for the next big adventure.
Dakota and I arrived home and began schooling right after a quick break. We prayed together about the day ahead, that was important. The curriculum included Bible, Math, Spelling and History for the first day. I debated about even doing the Math today, but before I could even decide against it, Dakota asked if we could. I hope he's that excited about Math a few months from now! I felt some nerves at the beginning, but those quickly subsided. Dakota was soaking everything in. His open demeanor made it easy to relax and teach. We worked for a good hour and 15 minutes when he asked for a break. Outside, he and I had fun shooting the basket, throwing the football, getting some fresh air for 15 minutes. Back inside, we had a "patriotic" snack of blueberries, yogurt and strawberries. (I'm not that creative, it was in the curriculum suggestions.) Back to work for a little over an hour, we continued to work well together. It was rather involved. I had already determined ahead of time, that I would not check my computer, or cook, and the time really went by quickly. While he worked on an art assignment (making an elephant out of construction paper and a paper plate), I started laundry. He had time to practice the piano about 5-10 minutes.
We left to pick up Ethan. He was very busy brushing his teeth, then picking up some toys when we arrived, happy to see me. From scattered conversations with him, I was able to determine that he tried milk and liked it (ultimate shocker), didn't like broccoli, liked the hamburger, colored something, and didn't like going to the bathroom alone. They feed the children a breakfast and a lunch. I wasn't sure if he'd be hungry or not, so I prepared him lunch, but he said he wasn't hungry. He acted tired, but I let the boys play for a while until they started fighting. "Nap time!" I declared. Ethan wasn't too thrilled about going to bed without Dakota in the room with him, but he didn't protest too loudly. An hour and a half later, he woke up all smiles.
When Mark came home, he added to the schooling day by teaching Dakota music, then giving him a piano lesson. That seemed to make a positive impression on Dakota. Two of the highlights of homeschooling for Dakota, at least today, based on his comments; that he didn't have to wear a uniform (which for the past three years, was the norm) and that he didn't have to raise a flag to go to the bathroom. I'd say those are pretty important factors to a 7 year old. :)
I admit after the first day that it's going to be crucial that I start managing my time better. Sort of like having a part time job, no pay, but benefits. I struggled with not being able to start dinner in the morning. It was hard not knowing what to do with Dakota in the afternoon, when we had clearly already accomplished all of the day's schoolwork. He and I both rested a short bit during Ethan's nap, but that was stretching it for Dakota. He wasn't interested in resting much. He was a little bored this afternoon. I didn't want to be his event planner all day, but on the other hand, it is a little strange for him being in school in the morning, with less to do in the afternoon, while everyone else is at school, and even Ethan was unavailable during his nap.
All things considered, today was a super awesome, amazing experience. I FELT the prayers of those who lifted me up today. I know God was blessing it. Is every day going to be just as fulfilling, as satisfying? No, I do realize that. But I also know that I am doing the right thing as we have been impressed to do at this time. :)
Ethan's first day of preschool. Dakota's first day of second grade and homeschool.
I woke up feeling well rested. Reading my Bible, I felt spiritually fueled by the passage in Habakkuk which included these words from Habakkuk 3:19:
"The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places."
At the appointed time (it was on the schedule I created after all!) I went in to get the boys up. Ethan would have none of it. This was NOT what I had pictured at all. He kept saying "I'm still sleepy" in his groggy little voice. I sat there and lovingly talked to him off and on for 15 minutes. Nothing doing. Finally, I started dressing him, against his will. Mark had to assist me. Ethan was in hysterics. He was too tired, he didn't want his clothes on. Ugh. Finally, he was dressed (shorts on backwards, yesterday's dirty socks, notwithstanding). I sat in the chair with him until he was calmed down. After about 5 minutes of that, it was as though nothing had happened. He was fine. He was happy, he was ready to go to preschool.
After breakfast, we drove to his preschool. They don't even unlock the doors until 7:45 AM sharp (when preschool is scheduled to "start"). The 5 minutes we had to wait outside for the doors to open, I kept thinking, oh, man, the longer we drag this out, the harder it's going to be for Ethan when we have to separate. We walk in the big doors and Ethan is already saying "goodbye!" in a cheery, no nonsense, be on your way mom, voice. I couldn't believe it! As I took him to the classroom, he kept repeating his goodbyes in this dismissing, happy voice. I made him hug his brother. He had no time to hug me. Ha! Ethan walked straight into the classroom, took his place at a table occupied by other classmates and immediately began working with some blocks. Not looking back at me, leaving me to stare after my little boy, and leave with Dakota, for the next big adventure.
Dakota and I arrived home and began schooling right after a quick break. We prayed together about the day ahead, that was important. The curriculum included Bible, Math, Spelling and History for the first day. I debated about even doing the Math today, but before I could even decide against it, Dakota asked if we could. I hope he's that excited about Math a few months from now! I felt some nerves at the beginning, but those quickly subsided. Dakota was soaking everything in. His open demeanor made it easy to relax and teach. We worked for a good hour and 15 minutes when he asked for a break. Outside, he and I had fun shooting the basket, throwing the football, getting some fresh air for 15 minutes. Back inside, we had a "patriotic" snack of blueberries, yogurt and strawberries. (I'm not that creative, it was in the curriculum suggestions.) Back to work for a little over an hour, we continued to work well together. It was rather involved. I had already determined ahead of time, that I would not check my computer, or cook, and the time really went by quickly. While he worked on an art assignment (making an elephant out of construction paper and a paper plate), I started laundry. He had time to practice the piano about 5-10 minutes.
We left to pick up Ethan. He was very busy brushing his teeth, then picking up some toys when we arrived, happy to see me. From scattered conversations with him, I was able to determine that he tried milk and liked it (ultimate shocker), didn't like broccoli, liked the hamburger, colored something, and didn't like going to the bathroom alone. They feed the children a breakfast and a lunch. I wasn't sure if he'd be hungry or not, so I prepared him lunch, but he said he wasn't hungry. He acted tired, but I let the boys play for a while until they started fighting. "Nap time!" I declared. Ethan wasn't too thrilled about going to bed without Dakota in the room with him, but he didn't protest too loudly. An hour and a half later, he woke up all smiles.
When Mark came home, he added to the schooling day by teaching Dakota music, then giving him a piano lesson. That seemed to make a positive impression on Dakota. Two of the highlights of homeschooling for Dakota, at least today, based on his comments; that he didn't have to wear a uniform (which for the past three years, was the norm) and that he didn't have to raise a flag to go to the bathroom. I'd say those are pretty important factors to a 7 year old. :)
I admit after the first day that it's going to be crucial that I start managing my time better. Sort of like having a part time job, no pay, but benefits. I struggled with not being able to start dinner in the morning. It was hard not knowing what to do with Dakota in the afternoon, when we had clearly already accomplished all of the day's schoolwork. He and I both rested a short bit during Ethan's nap, but that was stretching it for Dakota. He wasn't interested in resting much. He was a little bored this afternoon. I didn't want to be his event planner all day, but on the other hand, it is a little strange for him being in school in the morning, with less to do in the afternoon, while everyone else is at school, and even Ethan was unavailable during his nap.
All things considered, today was a super awesome, amazing experience. I FELT the prayers of those who lifted me up today. I know God was blessing it. Is every day going to be just as fulfilling, as satisfying? No, I do realize that. But I also know that I am doing the right thing as we have been impressed to do at this time. :)
Monday, January 2, 2012
New Beginnings
Funny how God gives us multiple confirmations of some certain truth He wants us to know. This week, I was meditating on how I might make a better impact on others this year. It's like this: I have a lot of things I want to do to become a better person, but ultimately, the biggest concern on God's heart, is man's soul condition. God laid it on my heart to share Christ with someone once a week. I know it was not my idea. The thought of sharing Christ terrifies me. But I'm committed to trying to fulfill this directive.
In the church message this morning, the pastor at my mother in law's church spoke of promises and keeping them (in respect to New Year's resolutions). Additionally, she spoke about her attempt to share Christ with people in line at the grocery store. Um. Yeah. Confirmation of earlier commitment.
Today, my aunt began a blog where she spoke of her desire to be more outspoken about her faith. Second confirmation.
I get the point. My mission is clear.
Other resolutions? Exercise patience with my family. Show more love and grace to my family. Be more intentional with organization and housekeeping, and tracking finances. Read the bible in a year (rather than three years, the first time I tried this).
I like to write and always have "something" to say. I've called my Facebook status "bloglite" but I would like to branch out. My blog has existed dormant for a long time. Time to pick it back up.
Favored topics include cooking exploits, children issues and spiritual leanings.
What are your resolutions if you keep any?
In the church message this morning, the pastor at my mother in law's church spoke of promises and keeping them (in respect to New Year's resolutions). Additionally, she spoke about her attempt to share Christ with people in line at the grocery store. Um. Yeah. Confirmation of earlier commitment.
Today, my aunt began a blog where she spoke of her desire to be more outspoken about her faith. Second confirmation.
I get the point. My mission is clear.
Other resolutions? Exercise patience with my family. Show more love and grace to my family. Be more intentional with organization and housekeeping, and tracking finances. Read the bible in a year (rather than three years, the first time I tried this).
I like to write and always have "something" to say. I've called my Facebook status "bloglite" but I would like to branch out. My blog has existed dormant for a long time. Time to pick it back up.
Favored topics include cooking exploits, children issues and spiritual leanings.
What are your resolutions if you keep any?
Friday, September 17, 2010
A new tradition?
Mexican food is perhaps my absolute favorite food ever...except for chocolate. But I could live on Mexican food. Sadly, I don't think I could live on chocolate alone. I try to make something mexican related on a semi-regular basis, especially when we're living overseas, because good mexican is just really hard to come by.
Tonight, we had beef enchiladas. I don't make them very much, because in my experience, they are really complicated and time consuming. But my, oh my, the time spent was so worth it. One limitation I've had is buying cheddar cheese, which is pricey in small quantities at the grocery stores here. However, after receiving advice from several friends I found a gigantic (2 Kilos) block of it at quite a deal at the nearby bulk wholesale store and now have a freezer full of cheese! When I make mexican, I have to tone down the heat to accommodate my family's preferences. The recipes always call for chili powder in amounts that are probably authentic, but way too much for us. I just use what I think we can handle. Tonight, the meal was a smash hit and I was very pleased and excited at the response. Here is a recipe I used from Betty Crocker with some adaption.
Beef Enchiladas
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup sour cream (I used plain yogurt-it works interchangeably)
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 ounces or 125 grams)
2 tsp dried parsley
1/4 tsp pepper
1/3 cup green bell pepper chopped (didn't have, left it out)
2/3 cup water
1/2 tsp chili powder (recipe calls for 1 TBSP)
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 green chili, seeds removed, chopped (recipe called for 2 whole, chopped)
1 clove garlic finely chopped (or 1/4 tsp minced garlic)
2 cups tomato sauce
8 flour tortillas (recipe called for corn)
Shredded cheese, sour cream (or yogurt) if desired
Heat oven to 350.
Brown beef in skillet, drain. Stir in onion, sour cream/yogurt, 1 cup cheese, parsley and pepper. Cover, set aside.
Heat bell pepper, water, chili powder, oregano, cumin, chili(s), garlic and tomato sauce to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 5 minutes.
Take out 1/2 cup of tomato sauce mixture and mix with meat mixture. Spoon about 1/4 cup beef mixture onto each tortilla. Roll tortilla around filing. Place in ungreased rectangular baking dish, (I used a 9x13 pan). Poor remaining tomato sauce mixture over enchiladas (Here, I only poured enough sauce over to cover the tortillas, and used the rest for topping at the table).
Bake uncovered about 20 minutes or until bubbly.
Leave bowls of extra tomato sauce mixture, cheese, and yogurt on the table to dress enchilada as desired.
Maybe Friday night Mexican fare will be our new tradition!
(I'm sorry no pictures this time)
Tonight, we had beef enchiladas. I don't make them very much, because in my experience, they are really complicated and time consuming. But my, oh my, the time spent was so worth it. One limitation I've had is buying cheddar cheese, which is pricey in small quantities at the grocery stores here. However, after receiving advice from several friends I found a gigantic (2 Kilos) block of it at quite a deal at the nearby bulk wholesale store and now have a freezer full of cheese! When I make mexican, I have to tone down the heat to accommodate my family's preferences. The recipes always call for chili powder in amounts that are probably authentic, but way too much for us. I just use what I think we can handle. Tonight, the meal was a smash hit and I was very pleased and excited at the response. Here is a recipe I used from Betty Crocker with some adaption.
Beef Enchiladas
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup sour cream (I used plain yogurt-it works interchangeably)
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 ounces or 125 grams)
2 tsp dried parsley
1/4 tsp pepper
1/3 cup green bell pepper chopped (didn't have, left it out)
2/3 cup water
1/2 tsp chili powder (recipe calls for 1 TBSP)
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 green chili, seeds removed, chopped (recipe called for 2 whole, chopped)
1 clove garlic finely chopped (or 1/4 tsp minced garlic)
2 cups tomato sauce
8 flour tortillas (recipe called for corn)
Shredded cheese, sour cream (or yogurt) if desired
Heat oven to 350.
Brown beef in skillet, drain. Stir in onion, sour cream/yogurt, 1 cup cheese, parsley and pepper. Cover, set aside.
Heat bell pepper, water, chili powder, oregano, cumin, chili(s), garlic and tomato sauce to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 5 minutes.
Take out 1/2 cup of tomato sauce mixture and mix with meat mixture. Spoon about 1/4 cup beef mixture onto each tortilla. Roll tortilla around filing. Place in ungreased rectangular baking dish, (I used a 9x13 pan). Poor remaining tomato sauce mixture over enchiladas (Here, I only poured enough sauce over to cover the tortillas, and used the rest for topping at the table).
Bake uncovered about 20 minutes or until bubbly.
Leave bowls of extra tomato sauce mixture, cheese, and yogurt on the table to dress enchilada as desired.
Maybe Friday night Mexican fare will be our new tradition!
(I'm sorry no pictures this time)
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Eggless Banana Bread
Today, I started feeling a little anxious. It's Sunday, and tomorrow is shopping day. Only, we had next to no food in the house right NOW. Okay, we had enough meat and a couple potatoes for dinner tonight. No bread, no yeast to make bread, one egg. But after giving the kids the very last two good bananas, and two apples in the fridge, I seriously wondered what I would do for Dakota's lunch tomorrow. I had 4 bananas in the freezer waiting for banana bread. But most recipes call for at least two eggs. I could make it with one, but I wasn't sure how that would turn out, so I decided to go on a search for eggless banana bread.
This is what I found.
You'll need the following:
The finished product was a bit crumbly when I sliced it. Not sure if this can be helped without egg as a binder, but it was so delicious, none of us minded!
There, we now have a "bread" and a fruit all in one. But I think I'd still better get to the shopping quickly.
This is what I found.
You'll need the following:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Lightly grease an 8x4 inch loaf pan. (or a 9x5 like I have is fine)
In a large bowl, cream the shortening and sugar.
Sift in the flour, baking soda and salt.
Blend in the mashed bananas.
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into center of loaf comes out clean.
Lightly grease an 8x4 inch loaf pan. (or a 9x5 like I have is fine)
In a large bowl, cream the shortening and sugar.
Sift in the flour, baking soda and salt.
Blend in the mashed bananas.
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into center of loaf comes out clean.
The finished product was a bit crumbly when I sliced it. Not sure if this can be helped without egg as a binder, but it was so delicious, none of us minded!
There, we now have a "bread" and a fruit all in one. But I think I'd still better get to the shopping quickly.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Rewards from Heaven
Some days when I have both my boys home all day, I pull my hair out and am complaining to my husband by the time he comes home. Knowing this, I prayed ahead in preparation for today. My goals were to give the kids my attention, to not be selfish about my personal time, and to still somehow get my usual tasks done for the day. No small order!
Mark had a teacher's in-service day, so no school for Dakota. Mark took the car, (I told him to) so we wouldn't be going anywhere. It was raining early so we weren't going to make it outside. Mark needed to tape a football game so the TV was off limits. Those were our limitations.
Ethan was awake by 5:18, so sleeping in was not in the cards. (I set my alarm for 6, but this was a pipe dream) We had breakfast, washed dishes (Dakota did these 3 times today!), did laundry (both boys helped load), made pudding (Dakota helped), started dinner (chili in the slow cooker and Dakota even helped with this), colored, ate a snack, played with play-dough, talked online with their Nana and Grandpa, read a book together, they played together, Dakota "read" books to Ethan, and this was all before lunch! Whew! The rest of the day wasn't quite as full, but it went so well, I was really feeling pleased by the time Mark walked in the door.
Granted, we had a few issues; sibling rivalry is pretty routine, writing on the wall was a setback. Did you know dry erase marker comes right off a glossy paint? And pencil is easily erased! I was already in a good mood, so I handled it better than I would usually. It was just one of those days, where I was excited by day's end. I'm no super mom like I think and admire about some of my mom friends. After a day like today, I am beginning to understand why children are a reward from heaven.
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