Dunn But Not Finished

No, I've not been sleeping....just busy!

2012-02-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

I just realized it's been toooooooo long since I posted anything. Homeschooling will do that for a person! I've not figured out yet, how other homeschool moms blog everyday and still get everything else done. Maybe I'll get it together one of these days.

Today I want to post a something my oldest daughter wrote.

The Time on the Clock

The time on the clock's face

Does anyone notice it?

No, they run around at such a fast pace

They never stop to think that there will

Never be another time or place

Or when that clock may quit

They can't rewind it, they can't stop it

As time goes on, they may realize

That they've spent their lives

Running here and there

Time is a precious thing, don't waste it

Don't use it for needless things

Yet, don't spend it doing nothing

Let's spend our time doing the things that matter in life!

6th Grade Review

2011-10-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

Here's my review for my youngest boy.
6th Grade (11 year old boy)

Bible

Who Is God and Can I Really Know Him? - We're doing this together along with memorizing scripture

Math

Teaching Textbook 6 Textbook, CD-ROM,Workbook and Answer Key This is not a strong subject (especially multiplication) for him so he doesn't care for it. But, in his case, it wouldn't matter what curriculum was chosen, he still wouldn't like it. Grade wise, he's making A's so he can grumble and complain all he wants, but he still has to get the math done!

Science

Exploring Creation with Astronomy Textbook and Notebook Journal He is really liking this, although, I feel that he already knows most everything in this book! So, as soon as we finish this, we will probably move on to another Apologia book that he doesn't know so much about.

Language Arts

Basic Winston Grammar Set - I wasn't sure how this book would work out when I purchased it, but, to my surprise and delight, it is excellent. It is a very easy way to learn the parts of speech and each lesson reinforces whats learned. I will have to purchase the next book soon though because they are nearing completion of this one.

Total Language Plus:

The Sign of the Beaver - While I think TLP is a very well-rounded curriculum, he hates it. But once again, it's because he doesn't like reading too much. So, I'm having to really pull it out of him on this one. We will continue to do this curriculum because I feel that it challenges him. This curriculum does require much of my time, but as we keep plugging along, he is getting better at it.

History

Story of the World III - Textbook, Activity Book and Tests - I did not purchase the Cd's because after listening to the samples, I feel that he would soon grow bored with them. He will also be reading biographies of some of the people he'll be learning about - such as some of the early American heroes. This is an excellent and interesting book. But, we had a huge snag the first few weeks. As I said about my DS2, he isn't big on reading so he wasn't doing well at all on the reviews. I considered purchasing the Cd's that go with it, but, decided that I'd just start reading it to him myself. That turned everything around. This book is very engaging and being read aloud to makes it even more fun. He now looks forward to history class and my oldest son makes sure he's in the same room listening too!

Foreign Language

Spanish - We are working slowly on this. He takes this class twice a week and continually reviews from the beginning.

Fine Art

Artistic Pursuits - He loves drawing so this subject he's doing just fine in.
Guitar Lessons - This one is still up in the air yet, but he is begging to learn guitar and drums, but drums are out for now so hopefully the guitar lessons will work out. We haven't started this one yet so I have no review on it.

Six Weeks Review - 3rd Grade

2011-09-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

My approach to homeschooling was to go at it slowly, but steadily. Since this is a new journey for all of us, I didn't want to overdo it and expect so much out of the children that they end up hating it. I want them to love homeschooling as much as I love being the homeschool teacher. They have basically been working at their own pace and I'm quite pleased with the results. According to my post in May on the subjects that they would have, here's a breakdown of how it is going in 3rd grade. I will post the other grades on another day since they will be be lengthy:

3rd Grade (8 year old girl)
Bible

Who Is God and Can I Really Know Him? - We do this together twice a week along with memorizing scripture

Math

Teaching Textbook 3 Textbook, CD-ROM,Workbook and Answer Key This is going very well. I think the fact that she's able to be on the computer is helping because she loves playing games on the computer.

Science

Exploring Creation with Astronomy Textbook and Notebook Journal - We just finished learning about Mercury and made a model with homemade play dough. That was messy! It should be dry enough to paint next week. This curriculum is great. It's slow paced enough so as not to overwhelm her with too many big words. I read the lessons to her and DS2 and stop through out the lesson to explain what we're reading about. DD2 is not a strong reader nor is reading (except at bedtime) her favorite pastime.

Language Arts

In addition to the following books, she is also learning cursive writing. I bought this book last year and we are just continuing it.

Explode the Code (books 5, 5 1/2, 6 - a little behind in phonics skills so we're starting at 2nd grade level) These books are so fun. We just started book 5 1/2 this week so she is moving along nicely. However, I have back-tracked to a different curriculum to support this (Alpha-Omega Horizons Book 1) She just didn't do very well in public school learning how to read. It is amazing how the books, although written by different authors, compliment each other nicely.

Total Language Plus: We are crawling through this curriculum. But I do feel that it is very well written. Although DD2 is not as advanced as she really should be to do this, we do it together. At first, I was having her do spelling tests and although we worked on it daily, it did no good. She is just not good at memorizing words yet. But, I have put index cards on a ring with the spelling words and vocabulary meaning on the cards. We go through these almost daily. She is recognizing the words. We may not get through as many books as I originally listed, but that's just fine. I don't want to rush her through it to see how many we can get done, but I want her to fully grasp what she's learning.

History / Art

Draw and Write Through History (all 5 books) These books are really cool. However, DD2 is not that interested in drawing step by step. She does love them and we read the history that goes with each drawing. We will finish these in another 6 weeks. I'll let you know what we do next.

Foreign Language

Spanish We are working slowly on this. I decided not to rush through these so that the kids will retain what they are learning. I'm doing the program myself so I can keep up with what they are learning. It helps DD2 because I'll quiz her while we're driving or right before bedtime and most of the time she passes the "quiz". I'm not having her do the writing part yet because she's struggling to learn to spell in the English language. But if she can hear it and speak it, the writing will come later - at least that's my goal.

Fine Arts

Piano - private lessons and recital - She's still taking lessons and will do a recital next spring.

2011-09-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a post from the Daily Take Away that I receive everyday from our church. This young man is 20 and there is such wisdom in his thoughts as follows:

I Corinthians 8:1-3

I know that this is short and simple, but this is what I felt that this Scripture meant: Of all man’s knowledge and all the things a man could say, using technical terms and such, God’s love reflecting from us in every aspect of our lives speaks even greater volumes. While there is nothing wrong with educating in the midst of any ministry opportunity to keep all on the same page, I want to make sure that I am speaking the Truth in love (Eph 4:15) first and foremost, and not trying to “puff up” my own image when witnessing, etc. Let’s go tell it on the mountain, but don’t tell everything you know. God Bless!

Ramzi

There is science in everything - including a can of tuna

2011-08-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

We just finished our third week of school and it is going well. Yes, there have been some challenges, but that is to be expected. I love being a full-time home school mom to all of my children.

In science, Andrew learned about hypothesis, theory, and scientific law in module 2 of his science book - Apologia, General Science. Yesterday, I was able to use a kitchen example to teach this. My example may seem silly to some, but my mind works a little weird at times anyway.

I have noticed over the past few months that the lids on the tuna cans have two different patterns. The brand doesn't even determine the pattern. When I open a can of tuna, I like to squeeze the water out using the lid. Sometimes the lid just folds in half and that really irritates me! So, yesterday, I made tuna casserole for dinner and made the children come in and watch the difference in the two different lids. The lids with the spaced out circle patterns are stronger than the lids with the circles close together. The spaced out circle pattern must make the lid a little stronger. So, this time, I've made note of which pattern works better. That way when I purchase tuna I can get the lids that work for squeezing the water out better. I know - a little corny or weird, but it was fun teaching anyway.

Hypothesis: My observation is that there are two different patterns on the tuna lids and one is probably stronger and will squeeze out the water from the tuna better.
Theory: After opening can after can of tuna, the lid with the spaced out circle pattern is stronger and seems to be thicker than the lid with the circles close together. The lids with the circles close together do not hold up to squeezing the water out of tuna.

Of course this isn't a scientific law, but I was able to get a point across using a silly illustration. It will also help me in the future when buying tuna. I took pictures of the lids and the one on top (while it is bent) is actually the stronger lid.

July = SOS / Crusade / VBS / IHop

2011-07-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

Wow - what a whirlwind month. It seems like this month just started. We've packed in three weeks of church activities.

SOS - The second week of July - the youth group of our church had their Summer of Service (SOS). This year, they went to a retirement home, two of our church family's homes, and worked around the church.

Under Construction VBS - The third week, we went to Odessa for our yearly VBS out there. God did awesome things there and we met several new people who had never been to church before.

Pandamania VBS - This week, we just finished VBS at our church. We ended the final night of VBS at IHop with some friends.

I've been at church so much this month that subconsciously I called my kitchen counter the platform the other night! But, I wouldn't want to do things any differently. We have so much fun working with the children and seeing what God has for them.

Now, it's time to focus on getting ready for school which we will start in a week.

The Aftermath....

2011-06-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

My boys returned from their Boy Scout summer camping trip and I don't think I've ever seen them this dirty! Of course, my camera did not even get close to showing how dirty they actually were. Let's just say that I had to wash each load of their laundry three to four times each and there were at least 6 loads of laundry. My washer and I are tired! I think they must have brought back half the state of NM dirt with them!

I am glad they are home. This is the first time they've been away for an entire week and we missed them so much. They had a blast and are looking forward to next years event.

Staying busy....

2011-06-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

While the summer months are here, it seems that we are busier than during the school year. The boys are preparing to leave for Boyscout Summer Camp. This will be their first year to go and they are very excited. My daughter turns 14 this week - yikes - that just doesn't seem possible! And we're working on VBS activities for July.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Ecclesiastes 9:10

Mark 12 - Daily Take Away

2011-06-03T21:23:00.001-07:00

Another great conclusion of the scriptures that I would like to share with you.

Mark 12

This chapter gives us one of what I consider one of the most fundamental staples of Christian living. Through His teachings Jesus is describing principle-based living. We've been fasting as a church lately in preparation for the revival God's going to send. But when we do things like that, or participate in our prayer meetings, or even pray over our lunch every day, Jesus instructs us to be careful about our motives. If we're just fasting so we can say we did, or praying loudly just so people can hear how good we are at it, we might as well not do it at all.

When we do these things, the sacrifice is unto the Lord, and in secret. God will reward us openly. Let's keep our motives in check today, and do the things we do as if God's the only one watching, and base our lives off of principle, not rules.

Joey Hart

Homeschool Curriculum for 2011/2012

2011-05-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

Below is a list and links for those wanting to check out the curriculum I've chosen for next school year. One note on the Total Language Plus. These are the books I've selected, but we will start with one and see how it goes - the book list may change midstream. Since there is a local seller of this curriculum, I will be purchasing one study guide per child at a time.

3rd Grade (8 year old girl)

Bible

Who Is God and Can I Really Know Him?

Math

Teaching Textbook 3 Textbook, CD-ROM,Workbook and Answer Key

Science

Exploring Creation with Astronomy Textbook and Notebook Journal

Language Arts

Explode the Code (books 5, 5 1/2, 6 - a little behind in phonics skills so we're starting at 2nd grade level)
Total Language Plus:

The courage of Sarah Noble
Charlotte's Webb
Pippi Longstocking

History / Art

Draw and Write Through History (all 5 books)

Foreign Language

Spanish

Fine Arts

Piano - private lessons and recital

6th Grade (11 year old boy)

Bible

Who Is God and Can I Really Know Him?

Math

Teaching Textbook 6 Textbook, CD-ROM,Workbook and Answer Key

Science

Exploring Creation with Astronomy Textbook and Notebook Journal

Language Arts

The Sign of the Beaver
Amos Fortune Free Man
Adam of the Road
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
My Side of the Mountain
The Cricket in Times Square

History

Story of the World III - Textbook, Activity Book and Tests - I did not purchase the Cd's because after listening to the samples, I feel that he would soon grow bored with them. He will also be reading biographies of some of the people he'll be learning about - such as some of the early American heroes.

Foreign Language

Spanish

Fine Art

Artistic Pursuits
Guitar Lessons - This one is still up in the air yet, but he is begging to learn guitar and drums, but drums are out for now so hopefully the guitar lessons will work out.

7th Grade (12 year old boy)

Bible

Who Is God and Can I Really Know Him?

Math

Teaching Textbook 7 Textbook, CD-ROM, Workbook and Answer Key

Science

Exploring Creation with General Science Textbook, Solutions and Test Manual and CD-ROM

Language Arts

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
The Bronze Bow
Rifles for Watie
The Call of the Wild
The Phantom Tollbooth
The Hiding Place

History

Mystery of History Volume 1 Textbook, Reproducibles CD-ROM, and Vol 1 Enrichment CD-ROM

Foreign Language

Spanish

Fine Arts

Artistic Pursuits
Violin - He has shown interest in continuing his violin studies since he's had two years of violin already. We will see how this goes.

9th Grade (14 year old girl) 7 1/2 credits

She will be using Abeka Academy for the majority of the following. However, we've made a few changes because she needs one full credit for geography and Abeka only offers one semester.

Bible (1 credit)

Hebrew History

Math (1 credit)

Algebra I

Science (1 credit)

Biology

Language Arts (1 credit)

English 9 (includes spelling, vocabulary, grammar, composition, poetry and literature)

Geography (1 credit)

World Geography (one semester)
Trail Guide to World Geography / Uncle Josh's Outline Map Book / Around the World in 80 Days (one semester)

Foreign Language (1 credit)

Spanish

Fine Arts (1/2 credit)

Piano - private lessons and recital

PE (1 credit)

Variety of exercises and outdoor activities including some exercising videos such as Leslie Sansone and Jillian Michaels. She's been using these already so we will just continue it.

Matthew 19: 16-22

2011-05-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

This young man has an excellent article concerning these verses. He also goes to our church and has preached for us. Keep up the good work Ryan!

Matthew 19:16-22

I was thinking, dangerous I know, that I catch myself at times just doing what I feel it takes to simply 'get by'. I allow distractions of life and relationships to consume my time, and my thoughts. If I am not careful I can become lethargic in my prayers, in my worship, and in my walk with God. I'll feel that tug from God drawing me deeper and calling me to a new level, but I make excuses as to why I can't get there. I feel sometimes like this rich manJesus Christ. Let us not get so comfortable with where we are that we cannot hear the voice of God calling us deeper.

Ps. 42:7 "Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me."

Ryan Denard

Mother's Day Memories

2011-05-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

This past Mother's Day weekend was one of the best I've had.  We took our children out of school (I know - big gasp!) for Thursday and Friday. We've never done it before and since next school year, they'll all be homeschooled, the whole idea of skipping school will take on a different meaning. So, my children needed at least one memory of "skipping school", right?

For Thursday, we attended the Homeschool Day at Six Flags. I must say that it was a very pleasant experience. Although there are always going to be those that are "radical" in the way they talk and dress, for the most part, people were kind, and not so skimpily dressed, that we had to put blinders on!

Friday was the annual Homeschool Book Fair which we also attended. I finally made up my mind for most of the curriculum we will use for 2011/2012. The only thing left undone is the History curriculum and that is because I have not reviewed it yet. I have my eye on one in particular, but have not been able to get my grubby hands on a copy. But, at the book fair, I found out that a store in this area has that book. So, in the next few weeks, I will check it out and make up my mind on that.   My children enjoyed the book fair, well, all except my youngest who was bored! My youngest son played three rounds of chess and won every game. If we'd gone both days he could have played in the tournament.   My oldest was in book heaven. He's one that always has his nose in a book.

Friday afternoon, we packed up and headed to a state park to spend the weekend. The really nice part of the whole camping trip was the fact that I did no cooking whatsoever. My children did all the cooking. I spent the whole weekend lazing around, reading (finished two books) and taking naps (something unheard of).

While I totally enjoyed my weekend, there was a sadness to it.   The fact that we couldn't call up my mother-in-law and wish her a happy Mother's Day made this day a little hard on both my hubby and I.    I'll never forget sending her flowers last year for Mother's Day, not realizing that it would be the last time. I am glad we were able to to make memories with her. My children loved her and will hold those memories dear as they grow up.

Making memories, hopefully good ones, is what our children will remember. I hope that this weekend will be one of those that our children will talk about for years. Maybe this will become a yearly tradition!

Scripture said it....

2011-05-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

The men of our church are once again writing a short inspirational message of different chapters in the Bible. In the coming weeks, I will post some of them that really speak to me.

Having read Matthew 8 many times, I never thought of it this way. That's why I enjoy reading these. They help me see the scriptures from other people's viewpoint. That's the awesome thing about God's Word - one can read it time and time again and get a new message from it each time.

The first one I'm posting is from a cousin of mine.

Matthew 8

This chapter has four healings, and a storm being calmed. The thing that caught my attention is the disciples just saw the Lord perform three healings, but were afraid, and doubtful in their storm. Did they lack faith because they were with Jesus all the time, and had the mentality that miracles were for other people and not for them? Could it be that I am so used to hearing/seeing miracles for others that I lack the faith when it comes to my own personal situations ? That I doubt God can touch my situation?

Randal Sheppard

Homeschooling - Take 4

2011-05-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

We're rapidly approaching the end of this school year and I am diligently working on finding new curriculum for next year. Hopefully this weeks book fair will help.

We have decided to go ahead and homeschool all of our children. Some issues happened this year at the public school where my three youngest go and after much prayer, we decided that this is what God wants us to do.

When it first became clear that we would be doing this, I was so excited. Then, reality hit! Apprehension, and many questions filled my mind. Am I really disciplined enough? Do I have what it takes to make a successful homeschool teacher? Am I qualified enough? Will my children even listen to me? What are my goals for my children? While homeschooling my oldest daughter has gone fairly smooth, teaching four children is a whole different world.

But, with God's help, and only with His help, we will succeed. My oldest starts high school this fall, and I'm reading every book I can get my hands on about homeschooling highschoolers. I rely heavily on those homeschooling families who have been there, done that! The best source of information and support has come from several blogs that I read. The reason is that these are down-to-earth moms and dads who have experience and blog their experiences and tips. If I had wanted to home school ten years ago, I would not have the confidence that I have now.

Today, I'm listing the blogs that I read. Thank you fellow homeschoolers - you give me the courage and insight to continue. Just knowing that I'm not alone in this wonderful world of homeschooling is a blessing.
http://www.thehappyhousewife.com/
http://www.thehomeschoolchick.com/
http://www.milkandcookiesblog.com/
http://www.homeschoolingthechaoticfamily.blogspot.com/
http://www.homegrownmom.com/
http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/
http://www.ourjourneywestward.com/
http://www.homeschoolingbell.com/
http://www.bethanylebedz.blogspot.com/
http://www.blogshewrote.blogspot.com/
http://thetiethatbindsus.com/
http://fivejs.com/
http://hsbapost.com/
http://www.rightintexas.com/
http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/

Forty Minutes to Supper

2011-04-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

I love trying new recipes, especially bread recipes. Back in December, I decided that I was paying too much for bread and decided to completely stop buying bread. It's been a journey, and I'm still not completely making my own, but I do only end up buying about 2 loaves a month which is a lot less than in 2009 when I first became interested in pursuing this. I first began with several recipes using my bread machines (I have two - both of which were given to me). I just wasn't satisfied with the results because the bread just didn't rise enough. So, then I began using the bread machines to make the dough and cooking it in the oven. That has worked out great. My sister recently gave me a wonderful recipe for Batter Brown Bread from the Bread Book and so far, I like it the best for sandwiches. But I still needed a recipe that would work for hamburger buns. Again, I found it on the same website as the recipe from my last post. It's called 40 Minute Whole Wheat Rolls . I've used it several times already and these rolls are so yummy. I did change it up by only making eight instead of 12 due to the size.

Tonight, the kids wanted pizza. I did not have time today to make pizza dough. So, I got this recipe out and decided to make a pizza roll with it. Instead of dividing the bread I spread it out into a rectangle shape, added pizza sauce, cooked sausage, and mozzarella. Then, I rolled it up and placed it on a cookie sheet. The nice thing about this bread is that it only has to bake for 8-10 minutes.

The bread turned out beautiful, but the real test was whether the kids would like it. They loved it and asked me to make it again. The next time, I'm going to make it into a deep dish pizza.

Kitchen Adventures

2011-02-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

I'm always trying out new recipes and most of the time they turn out great. But, I rarely follow a recipe completely. There are several blogs that I read that have some really yummy recipes, and when I see one that sounds like something my family will eat whole-heartily, we try it. Most of the time, I then post a note about the recipe on that person's blog. My latest recipe came from http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/. So, the following story just goes to show that not following a recipe is not always a good idea.

Here's my review of the Chicken Queso Soup, which I posted on her blog:

I must say that making this soup was quite an adventure! My youngest son dislikes tomatoes unless they are pureed. So, since this recipe calls for a lot of tomatoes, I decided to puree the tomatoes and add it to the soup. The soup was going along just beautifully until I added the cream cheese, which for some reason, would not melt. I then got the “brilliant” idea of putting the soup in the blender so that the cream cheese would blend. Not so brilliant! The mixture was already runny and even with holding the lid on, it exploded and burned my thumb. I then thought that maybe I’d put too much in the blender and tried it again with a smaller amount. The mixture again burst out of the blender and burned my arm. My husband took over at that point and we finally got dinner on the table. The end result was the creamiest, most delicious soup that I’ve tasted in a long time. I just wanted to share my adventure with this recipe. Thank you for posting it, I will be using it again – but without the blender next time!

By the way, I just realized yesterday that there are still remnants of the soup splatter on my cabinets!

The moral of this story is:

Never puree Hot liquid in a blender.

Heart Shaped Cake Memories

2011-02-13T15:34:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday, my family surprised me, and I mean REALLY surprised me with a birthday party. Some of my very close friends and family were there. My oldest daughter planned the whole thing and did a great job of it. It was a lovely evening.

Along with it came a beautiful heart-shaped chocolate cake with chocolate frosting complete with chocolate covered strawberries. When I saw the cake, I nearly burst into tears. You see, my biological mother died almost 20 years ago, and my step-mom had no idea that the cake she baked for me brought back some of my favorite birthday memories. When we were children, we got to pick what kind of birthday cake we wanted, and I always chose a heart-shaped chocolate cake. I haven't had a heart-shaped cake since I was probably sixteen.

Thank you Mom for a beautiful cake and birthday present. Although you didn't know that baking a birthday cake would totally make my day, it did. And it was scrumptious!

Winter Break in February

2011-02-04T10:34:00.000-08:00

I was wishing for snow again after February 2010's breaking record for snowfall here. Here it is February 2011 and we're getting snow again! No - it's not the 12+ inches we got last year (you northerner's please don't laugh - 12 inches is a huge deal down here) The public schools have been out for four days this week and that, according to one of the teachers, has never happened since she started teaching 16 years ago. I would love to get at least a week of snow every year. Do I love cold weather? No, I like to stay warm, but there is something very relaxing and therapeutic about watching the snow fall.

Holiday Baking Update

2011-01-30T21:58:00.000-08:00

My last post was concerning my holiday cooking (before Christmas) and I never bothered to show pictures or comment on the outcome of them.

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake - Absolutely scrumptious - every morsel eaten

Spice Mocha Fudge - My favorite coffee flavored dessert.

Homemade Marshmallows - I was disappointed in the outcome of these. I personally like the bought ones better. I should have taken pictures, but threw them out before I thought about it.
M&M Cookies - These were gobbled up too fast so there are no pictures.
Brown Batter Bread - I haven't made this one yet. I really need too though because my sister says it's wonderful.
Red Hot Apple Cider - We were going to have this on Christmas Day (evening), but we were so stuffed from Christmas dinner that we didn't. But, I think this might be a good drink for this week. We're supposed to get some nasty frigid weather and this will be the perfect drink for one evening.

A time for baking...

2010-12-13T18:26:00.000-08:00

Not sure why it always happens this way, but December 1st rolls around and all of a sudden, the baking bug takes affect. Here's some of what I bought Saturday, just for baking purposes!

On the menu for baking is:

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake (by request from my dh)

Red Hot Apple Cider (love apple cider with red hots)

Homemade Marshmallows (the marshmallows in the picture are for the fudge!)

Spiced Mocha Fudge (another request from my dh)

Batter Brown Bread (a new recipe from my sister)

M&M Cookies (by request from my baby girl)

Let the baking begin!

November Memories - come and gone....

2010-12-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

November was quite an eventful month. First of all, my dh and I celebrated sixteen years of holy matrimony. We had been looking for the perfect location to celebrate and found it back in August - a little cabin near Acton, TX. We had a very enjoyable and relaxing weekend. The place we chose was a nice little surprise. The cabin is a charming mix of antique and modern. If you're looking for a quiet weekend get-away, you need to check out this place.

www.granburycabins.com

The next event (if you want to call it that) was the removal of my gallbladder. The surgery went well even though my body hated the medicines that were given. My dh cooked almost the entire Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, he is a great cook and enjoyed taking on that responsibility.

November, along with it's memories has come and gone.....

Hello December - new memories to make!

Sneaky and Delicious

2010-11-08T20:37:00.000-08:00

Tonight just felt like a lasagna sort of night. So, out came all of the ingredients I had. Ooops! I didn't have enough ricotta cheese! Not to worry - I just substituted cauliflower and zucchini. And thanks to those sneaky little cookbooks I wrote about a few weeks ago, I now have a new and very delicious recipe that is a little more nutritious. It also cut out some of the fat too. By the way, the family loved it and asked for seconds.
My Sneaky Lasagna

1 box oven ready lasagna noodles
1 26 oz jar spaghetti sauce (or make your own)
1 pound lean hamburger meat
1 cup water
1 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 15 oz part skim ricotta cheese
2 cups cauliflower and zucchini puree

Preheat oven to 425.
Cook hamburger meat until done and drain. Add water and spaghetti sauce and mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, eggs, ricotta, and puree.
Place 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce mix in bottom of 9x13 pan.
Place one layer of lasagna noodles on top of sauce mix.
Spoon 1/2 of the ricotta cheese mixture over noodles and spread out evenly.
Pour one cup of the spaghetti sauce mix over the cheese mixture
Place another layer of lasagna noodles on top of sauce.
Spoon remaining ricotta cheese mixture over noodles
Pour another cup of spaghetti sauce mix over the cheese mixture
Place last layer of lasagna noodles on top of sauce
Pour remaining spaghetti sauce mixture over noodles
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over top
Cover with double foil and bake 60 to 75 minutes or until noodles are tender.

Results of my last post...

2010-10-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

Okay - I just know you're anxious to hear how supper went last night! Everyone loved the homemade macaroni and cheese except my youngest who normally doesn't like anything anyway, so I wasn't surprised. My oldest boy had two helpings and was asking for more later.

If they only knew they were eating cauliflower, zucchini, and flaxseed - wouldn't they be surprised! So, since that went well, my experiement with sneaking veggies in will continue.

Shhhhhhh!

2010-10-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

I have a secret and I do not want my three youngest children to know about it. So, please don't tell them! Oh, you want to know what that secret is? Well, it wouldn't be a secret if it told you! You promise not to tell them? Okay....here's the secret. My children will be eating baby food this evening! How and why, you ask? I'll tell you.

It all comes from finding a couple of very interesting cookbooks - Deceptively Delicious and The Sneaky Chef. My children love fruit, but trying to get vegetables down them is sometimes tough. The cookbooks give recipes for sneaking vegetables into average every day meals. Tonight will be my first go at it. While I don't think I want to put spinach in brownies, I do like the idea of adding carrots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, zucchini, bell pepper, peas, and spinach to casseroles, burritos and soups.

I just made up some cauliflower/zucchini puree and sweet potato/carrot puree. It looks just like baby food. Tonight, I will try homemade macaroni and cheese with the cauliflower/zucchini puree.

Shhhhhhh....you promised - don't tell them. I'll let you know how it went!

The Candlestick

2010-10-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

Last week, my daughter and I were moved greatly by the Chilean rescue. It brought tears to my eyes. There is no way I can know just how those men felt down in that hole for 70 days. For me, it would probably cause my insanity. But those men held up for over two months not knowing when or if they would be rescued. My daughter was so inspired by the rescue. She was especially moved when several of the miners fell on their knees in thanksgiving to God for their rescue. That day she wrote her very first poem. I just wanted to share it with you.

The Candlestick

God is like a candlestick

That gives light to the whole world

Not only just to certain people,

But to every one.

His light will never go out

Like other gods made of stone;

He will shine the day he calls us home

Forever and more