Pink and Orange Coffee

Turkey burgers on the (indoor) grill

2011-04-18T12:38:00.001-04:00

Wow, it has been a while since I posted one of these. I know…slacker… Last week my husband and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. I tried to do a menu plan, but it totally got put by the wayside.

For the past several months, Graham and I have been going to the gym 2-3 nights a week. We have also strictly watched what we eat. I lost about 30 pounds so far, while Graham has lost 67! I am so proud of him! As much as I love cooking (mostly with cheese and butter), I am really trying to cook differently. Some days it is really hard, especially if all you want are burgers.

We got a cool indoor electric grill this weekend. Last night we tried it out by making turkey burgers. SO YUMMY! And so easy! It was made with four ingredients— one package of ground turkey, half a package of ranch dressing mix, a tablespoon of Mrs. Dash, and a slug of Worcestershire Sauce. Graham made 5 patties which we grilled for about 6 minutes per side. It would have been nice to actually grill out last night (since it was beautiful), but once we got home and realized that we had no charcoal, and a new toy to play with, our minds were set. The grill worked great--gave grill lines and all! And frankly, it was super easy to clean up. I wiped off the crud, and the whole plate can go in the dishwasher.

Menu Plan for April 17-23

Turkey burgers on whole wheat buns, veggies, baked beans
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with veggies and brown rice
Pork Chops and applesauce, veggies, couscous
Peanut Butter Noodles with broccoli slaw and turkey
Grilled Chicken, veggies, salad, rice

I am linking this to Menu Plan Monday

Thanks for reading,

Science Weekly

2011-04-09T00:07:00.001-04:00

Do you remember sitting in class, way back when, and receiving the newspaper-type flyers with fun facts about the world we live in, current events, and history?

Well, now there is one that will “put a little bit of science in your week.” And frankly, I am thrilled to be able to review it for the TOS Crew!

One of the things I really like to do in our homeschool is “sneak” in extra learning opportunities—fun classes and field trips, magazines, and now Science Weekly! My son knows it is school work, but it isn’t on the schedule, and it doesn’t have to be finished at the table or during regular school hours. This extra learning often happens in the oddest of places—like while waiting for a local dinner theatre show to begin. We were at the table by ourselves, finished with our meal and waiting for friends to show up—and out Science Weekly came. Together we worked on the simple 4 page booklet—and not only learned, we had FUN learning about COMPOSTING!! Yes, at the dinner theatre!

One of the coolest things about Science Weekly is that it is leveled for students in Kindergarten all the way up to Sixth Grade (there is a total of 6 levels). When we got our package, we received all 6 levels and the teachers notes. It took us a bit to settle on the right level, but then away we went!

Each booklet contains a colorful and informative page introducing the topic covered. It is quickly followed by highlighted vocabulary, math, lab project, games, puzzles, and sometimes a short writing activity. I really liked that the vocabulary often had pronunciation guides. I found that immensely helpful and thoughtful.

I think that the low price of $19.95 for 15 issues is very reasonable. You can pull out a lesson if something comes up, or add it into your own curriculum. It can easily fit in anywhere—for structured learning or a fun extra.

2010-2011 topics include:

Pulleys	Scuba Diving
Cats	Poisonous Animals
The Flu	Caves
Glass	Teeth
Fractions	Deserts
Composting	Green Buildings
Science of Movies	The Moon
Science of Money

If you are interested-you can download a sample here—or go ahead and order a full year!

Thanks for reading,

Disclosure/disclaimer as required by the FCC. I received free product in order to write this review. I used the products in my home, and the thoughts shared herein are my own, based on my personal experience. Please refer to my full disclosure policy posted here on my disclosure page. Any products reviewed by me as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew have been given to me free of charge in order for me to provide you with an honest review of the product and/or how we used the product within our family. I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog

Kinderbach--at Home!

2011-04-06T16:25:00.001-04:00

Several weeks ago Quint and I were given a trial version of Kinderbach, which consists of online piano lessons for the preschool set.

It is SUPER cute, clever, vibrant and colorful! And the characters (especially Dodi!) are simply adorable! I love that her house is right there in the middle of the keyboard—between two black keys—not three!

Just so you know, I only play the radio. I have no music talent whatsoever. I was totally taken in by the program, I couldn't wait to move on to more advanced lessons. It was THAT easy!

The online program requires very little. A computer hooked up to the internet, a piano or keyboard, and a child. You subscribe to the website and do daily lessons. Subscriptions run 19.95 a month, or 7.99 if you buy a year long membership ($95.98 total). You can even do a trial membership or a day pass for $5.95 to see if it will work for you and your family. There is even a “slow internet” option—DVD/CD packages which start at $40.45.

Included are daily videos, printable worksheets and coloring pages, games, crafts, and a ton of fun for you or your little one. Kinderbach truly is fun, effective, convenient, and affordable.

I make mention of little ones, because this is really for little ones. Preschool-Kindergarteners will learn to count, say their alphabet and colors, and of course, learn music and some simple songs. Kinderbach is marketed at 3-7. I think I would put it more at 3-5, but again, it all depends on your child.

Now, I will also mention that Quint played along with me for a full week of lessons (that he was able to complete in a day). Then, he got bored. He is eight and already knows his letters, numbers, and colors. I must say though, he surprised me with how long he stayed to watch.

He did NOT do the coloring pages though. To him, that was an insult to his advanced age of eight, and dare I say, gender. BOYS!

Thanks for reading,

Don't kill the Goldfish!

2011-04-05T15:23:00.001-04:00

or…10 random thoughts for Tuesday

1. Bill and Bob, our 2 goldfish, have successfully lived through the move from a 10 gallon to 20 gallon tank. Bob is the top one—6 inches long, Bill is only 5 inches long. We thought they were goners…but they have survived!!!

2. I am really enjoying America’s Next Great Restaurant on NBC.

3. The shed is getting cleaned out. Backyard shed+field=lots of mice. I am NOT helping.

4. Curry Thursday is being changed to Curry Tuesday, Graham asked for Indian tonight….OK!!! Totally makes me happy that he loves Indian food!

5. Allergies and sinus infections and other issues are really draining. Just saying.

6. I LOST 2.5 pounds this week!!!!

7. I have started scrapbooking again—or rather card making. I even signed up for a class at my local SB store—Basic Grey’s POTM class. I am so excited! I went in to look around, and came out with several past class kits. I think I am going to do it differently this time around though. I used to get so overworked on making pages for pictures that this time, I am going to make pages and later find pictures. Sounds weird, right? We shall see how it goes…

8. I am falling WAY behind in reading my subscribed blogs. SO SORRY!!!

9. I have also gotten way behind in blogging. SORRY AGAIN!

10. There are 1174 pieces of macaroni in one 1-pound box of elbows. You know how I know? We counted them today in Math. I estimated 1500, Quint estimated 40,000. Then we counted into piles on 10, and then made piles of 100. TOOK FOREVER!!!!

I am linking this to Hip Homeschool Hop

Thanks for reading,

Classical Academic Press--Latin for Children

2011-03-30T21:28:00.001-04:00

We have officially changed our Latin curriculum!

Last year, my son expressed an interest in learning a foreign language after a trip to New York City. He told me that if he lived in NYC he would be able to learn lots of languages since that city has so many different people there from different places. Being a first grader at the time I thought this was a strange request, but sure…why not. BUT, since I am the mom/teacher I get to choose the language—Latin. It is the building block for so many other languages, including our own—as well as all the romance languages.

So, like the diligent mom I am, I researched for a ~~short~~ while—and found one that had rave reviews and was geared for elementary kids. And it was BORING!

And then…I got a box from Classical Academic Press. In it was the student’s book, and activity book, DVDs, teacher’s key, and a reader. WHY OH WHY didn’t I see this before? It is geared to elementary aged children. It is in our price range. IT HAS A BOOK OF MAZES AND GAMES!!!

I tore through the box, perused the book, watched a video or two, and then showed my son. The next week we switched gears and started Latin for Children, Primer A.

Let me just tell you—WOO-HOO!!!!!

There is even a free on-line game that quizzes ~~moms~~ students.

By far, Quint’s favorite part of Latin for Children is the Activity Book. My child has a fascination with mazes and maps. In the first two chapters alone he did three mazes! His favorite was this one from chapter two—a treasure map—which helped him remember his 1st-2nd-3rd person and plural/singular endings.

He also REALLY enjoys the videos on DVD that we received. Each lesson is divided into three parts—the chant, a lecture, and an extra video (which vary between stories, plays, puppet shows, interviews, etc.)

The chant part of the lesson is fun because there are children of various ages speaking Latin—along with hand movements. Shocked doesn’t come close to expressing my surprise when my son started chanting along. He doesn’t do that. EVER!

The lecture part of the lesson was also easy to watch and listen to and was well explained—especially for a mom who really didn’t do well in high school Spanish and really thought she wasn’t up to learning Latin along with her child.

Now, I have to be honest here—we have not yet made it to the reader. I believe that comes into play sometime during the second half of the book. But, that being said, Quint has picked it up a few times to see how much he can read; at two lessons in—not much. But, he is interested and anxious, so more power to him!

Another thing I like about the program is the ease of incorporation into our schedule. We do a lesson a week—at about 15-20 minutes a day.

Day one—chant and the grammar lesson
Day two—review chant and watch the DVD
Day three—review chant, grammar and do worksheet
Day four—FUN activity pages!
Day five—Quiz

Downsides—NONE!!!!!

The entire “system” is priced at $99.95 for one full year of activities, DVD lessons, quizzes, readers, chants, worksheets, FUN, and lectures. I found this totally acceptable and worth the price. Have I mentioned the Activity Book full of mazes?

And if you aren’t into Latin….that is ok! They also have Spanish, Greek, and French, not to mention Logic, Poetry, and even Bible studies.

Thanks for reading,

BigIQKids.com

2011-03-25T17:11:00.001-04:00

This is not me…apparently I am “prettier in real life.”

So said my son, when he first started using BigIQKids.com. His “tutor’s” name is Alexis, and Quint thought it was HILARIOUS that I am his homeschool teacher and his game tutor. First—because my hair is all on top of my head. Second—I don’t ever play video or computer games.

At least he thinks I am pretty.

BigIQKids.com is an online game that helps students in four core skill areas—Math, Spelling, Vocabulary, and Geography.

Once your student picks his core subject, they are given a series of games to help them learn a skill. Sometimes they are even also given a “pop quiz.” As the student progresses, they earn coins. Later, the coins can be spent on other “fun” games.

As the student does more and more, the program learns what the child knows, and will not progress until a lesson is mastered. Each module takes about 10-15 minutes.

The parent or teacher can customize lessons too. If you input that your child is doing double digit addition, and single digit subtraction, the program will give extra practice and reinforcement in those areas.

Also—parents receive email notifications when the child “levels up.”

Quint enjoyed the program for a while, but found the "voice of not-mommy” a bit annoying. Hopefully I don’t actually sound like her! It is a synthesized computer voice. He did like all the flashing and bright colors—but remarked at one point that it wasn’t the same as video game graphics.

BigIQKids.com has two versions—free or premium. You can, of course, try it for a week before you buy. The major differences—if you pay, you get more games, quizzes, tests, and customization. Also—you get tracking (email notification) and it will save scores.

In all, I liked this program, as did Quint. I would not use it as a curriculum—although you probably could. The sounds and graphics are not stellar, but they are decent and not terribly distracting. I liked that Quint had to do lessons to earn coins to later spend on fun games. Quint liked being able to have computer time. I think the program is priced well. If you are interested in only two modules—you might as well just get all four. (Each is approximately $10 a month separately). Also—it has geography! I haven’t seen a lot of state studies around. That in itself makes it truly unique.

Thanks for reading,

A balloon belt and pink scooters

2011-03-19T10:11:00.001-04:00

It’s been a while, Homeschool Mother’s Journal. I like this meme, I am not sure why I forgot it…SORRY!

In my life this week...

I think I caught a cold! Or allergies.

I made two cards and I started two mini-scrapbooks! WOO-HOO!!! It has been a really long long time since I made anything. The cards are both for birthdays (one today!) and the mini books are for two little boys who I really like a lot! I used my cricut and chalks and inks and glitter paper and had a blast!

The inside of the dinosaur card is cute too. It is for my son’s best friend. He came up with the sentiment “have a roar-ific birthday!” I know that’s not much for us adults, but the fact that my kid came up with that totally made me giggle.

In our homeschool this week...

Quint did NOT catch a leprechaun. Although he did write a polite note to him asking for three wishes, which the wee green man would only find AFTER climbing up and into the box and falling into the trap. There were plenty of green napkins inside to cushion the fall and plenty of fake gold and GS cookies to tempt him in….but alas…none stayed.

Places we're going & people we're seeing...

I joined a couple friends for St. Paddy’s day festivities, and realized I was old when I was on the way home around 11 and the college kids were JUST getting to the bars.

My favorite thing this week was...

We went for a walk with one of my friends and her daughter, while Quint ran around the neighborhood with a balloon belt and a pink scooter. I have no explanation other than…he is eight and WEIRD. We were hanging out with a 3rd grade girl and she acted like he was totally normal. She in fact said he reminded her of two of her classmates. I guess that makes me feel a little better. My weird child could actually fit into a classroom…if something drastic ever happened and he was forced to go to public school.

What's working/not working for us...

We started two new programs this week…BOTH are total keepers. I got them because I a on the TOS crew, and I really can’t wait to review them! Quint is over the moon and has some really insightful things to say about both programs. I am so impressed with him sometimes.

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...

Why are boys so weird? And Messy?

A photo to share...

I forced him to scrub his face after he ate a half a pan of Lasagna. He was a MESS! It was good that Graham had a business trip this night because I don’t think he would have had dinner—Quint almost ate my food too.

I won’t mention that he can now burp on command.

Join in the fun! I linked up at

Thanks for reading,

Googlie Eyes and Foam Dinosaur Parts

2011-03-16T07:03:00.000-04:00

It’s Walls of Art Wednesday!

What are you going to show off???

Tuesday we had a dramatic departure from the world of “art.” Instead, we did crafts. FOAM crafts ala Oriental Trading Company.

One of my local homeschool groups had a crafts fair at the library. For only a few dollars, each child was able to get ten tickets to trade in for individual crafts packets. OOOH BOY! Us moms had to bring the glue…and oh yeah…a kid.

Now, you might think this is an awesome idea, fun and easy. Word to the wise—bring GOOD glue, and some patience. Earplugs would help too. Because—glue sticks only mostly work, and a gaggle of kids is loud. A Xyron sticker maker would have been ideal, if I had thought of that. One of my friends brought a hot glue gun—YEAH! But the problem with that is it is HOT and therefore not something I really want my ~~hooligan~~ kid to play with.

I can just see me rushing him to the ER because he glued a bunch of googlie eyes and foam dinosaur parts to his arm.

Although it would have been a good life-lesson.

Or a fashion statement.

The other important thing to remember—let your kid do what he wants. If your triceratops has four legs all on one side, that is OK. At least it has legs. And not on its back.

Remember--reading direction is for wussies. Another life-lesson!

Being WHO I am, I wanted to just take over and do it right (hardee-har-har).

I have issues.

I kept telling myself to let him do what he wanted. My plan tonight is to do my OWN crafts. Maybe I will make a card or a scrapbook page. Maybe I can go dig out some gold paint. Hmmmmmm

But you know the best thing? He made something for me! Every mom needs a Koala pin!

Please join in the fun! Show off your “Walls of Art Wednesday”

All you need to do is write a post showing off your kid’s art! He can sing. She can dance. They can paint! Whatever is art to you and yours is welcome!

Thanks for reading,

ENTER YOUR ART HERE! Meme will close March 23, 2011. You have all week!

God dislikes math...see number 3 for explanation

2011-03-15T11:06:00.001-04:00

So here it is…Tuesday.

I had planned to be gone all day, but…our morning Nature Days class on Ants was postponed…so we have time to get everything else done we needed to do before this afternoon’s craft fair.

Things I have realized so far today:

1. An eight year old homeschooled boy STILL believes in Leprechauns and is trying to build a trap to catch one. I really need to look for some gold paint TODAY and paint some rocks to fool him. Also—I need to find some green felt for a fake shirt and orange fur for a fake beard. Something needs to get caught in the trap! The bait—same as last year—Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies! Hopefully he won’t be disappointed again.

2. The “tornado warning” issued by my county is only a TEST! No need to hide in a doorway or bathroom.

3. Math is NOT fun. Even 2nd grade math. I think God dislikes math as well. Only mean and evil people would make a 2nd grader (and his mom) do a 100 question, 5 minute math test on a dreary Tuesday. God invented people so we could invent calculators for a reason.

4. It might be ok for me to have some wine with dinner tonight. I have a new bottle opener and I really want to try it out! Also, Guinness is more than a beer, it is a meal. Is it too early to gear up for St. Patrick’s day? Maybe that would be good bait for the trap!

5. Why does my weird child want to learn Latin? I think Italian would be way more fun. We are trying out a new curriculum and he loves it. I still wish it was Italian though…Lasagna, spaghetti, pasta Norma, mozzarella! SEE??? Way more fun!

6. I feel REALLY bad about not participating in the TOS Crew’s question of the week regarding Homeschool conventions. We have 3 in my state, two of which I always attend. I think I am even going to do a class at the one at the end of this month. I invited my mother-in-law to them this year. Usually I invite my parents, but I decided she needed a chance to attend this year.

7. I am so sad for all the citizens of Japan. I can’t believe there has been yet another earthquake south of Tokyo (9.0???) and an impending 4th nuclear meltdown. 6 on a 7 scale…worse than 3-mile island, less than Chernobyl. I just don’t know. Quint has so many questions and I am having a hard time explaining everything to him. He knows and understands what is happening, but he totally doesn’t understand the magnitude of the disasters.

8. I live WAY too close to a nuclear power plant. At least we had a tornado warning today, not nuclear sirens. I am pretty sure that would have sent me over the edge.

9. We are attending a craft fair this afternoon. I MUST remember to pull out my camera phone and take a couple pictures. If you are planning on participating in tomorrow’s Walls of Art Wednesday, pull out your camera or phone and take a picture or two as well!

10. My coffee cup is empty. Again.

I am linking this to Hip Homeschool Hop

Thanks for reading,

March 14 Menu Plan

2011-03-14T15:30:00.001-04:00

Here is this week’s menu plan. I am adding dome old favorites in with a new one or two…

Menu Plan for March 14

Apricot chicken in crock, couscous, broccoli
Irish stew, colcannon (leeks with mashed potatoes)
chicken korma, rice, cauliflower
Steak, spinach, tomato orzo

This is my PLAN…but I know its going to be a crazy week! I hope I don’t go too astray…

I am linking this to Menu Plan Monday

Thanks for reading,

Dragons in the Sky!

2011-03-09T09:57:00.001-05:00

Have I ever told you how much Quint hates to paint? I mean, he really despises watercolors. This week when I pulled out the pallet and paper he immediately stated that he was NOT going to watercolor. It was pastels or nothing. I calmly told him that all he was painting was a sky with some clouds and that he could in fact use pastels AFTER he water colored. Disaster averted!

The background has a blue wash on watercolor paper. He then took a balled up paper towel and gently removed some of the paint to make it mottled and cloud like. He then drew a dragon with his pastels which was later cut out and mounted to the sky.

Please join in the fun! Show off your “Walls of Art Wednesday”

All you need to do is write a post showing off your kid’s art! He can sing. She can dance. They can paint! Whatever is art to you and yours is welcome!

Thanks for reading,

ENTER YOUR ART HERE! Meme will close March 16, 2011. You have all week!

Stir-fried MPM

2011-03-07T12:59:00.001-05:00

Now that we are back from Sunny Florida, we are going on a real food kick…no more eating out, ice cream, sodas, and junk food…back to BASICS!!!

To start it off, today I went to the inaugural meeting of a new group—Health Nuts. One of my friends started the group and I am SO EXCITED! At the bi-monthly meetings we are going to discuss nutrition, healthy eating, and trick for getting our spouses and kids to eat better too. There was even a kid’s class! All the kids (except mine, of course) came out with a calendar to track their fruit and veggie intake. It looked like all the kids (but mine) had fun and learned a lot. Quint is still in vacation mode. PUNK!

Last night, I made a quick chicken stir-fry with 5 vegetables and brown rice. I sautéed the chicken in a soy sauce and cornstarch slurry, removed it from the pan and added 2 grated carrots, 4 sliced scallions, 1/2 head shredded Napa cabbage, small bag of baby corn, and a can of drained water chestnuts. I also added some minced garlic, teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Once the Napa had wilted down, I added the chicken back in and heated it through. I plated it with steamed brown rice and YUM!!!

Menu Plan for March 6-12

SUNDAY==Stir Fry Veggies, Chicken and brown rice
MONDAY==Italian Beef with orzo and green beans
TUESDAY==Chicken with sweet potatoes and California medley
WEDNESDAY==OUT
THURSDAY==Moroccan Pork with couscous and carrots
FRIDAY==Chicken with bulgur wheat pilaf and broccoli
SATURDAY==OUT

I am linking this to Menu Plan Monday

Thanks for reading,

Magic Monday

2011-03-01T00:04:00.001-05:00

Sorry I haven’t written in a couple days…I have been busy!

(I am working on Sunday’s post…I am having problems uploading videos. We went to SeaWorld on Sunday and pet/fed dolphins, stingrays, and sea lions! Hopefully I can get them up this week.)

Quint pulling a sword from a stone

Quint and Poppy on the Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride.

Graham, Poppy and Quint on “It’s a Small World”

Quint and Poppy on the Carousel

Gigi and Poppy eating Ice cream

Twilight view of the Castle

Quint and ME!!!

Thanks for reading,

Math Rider

2011-02-25T07:16:00.000-05:00

I almost wish I was an 8 year old girl again, just so I can learn my dreaded math facts while playing Math Rider! It is SO much more fun than boring textbook or flash cards ever could be!

Math Rider is an adventure game filled with quests. It is almost like a role-playing game, but without distractions. Your character rides a horse, and as you answer a problem, your horse jumps an obstacle and gets closer to the finish line. You and your constant companion travel through “The Mathlands.” You encounter obstacles in a Desert Land, an Enchanted Forest, a Dragon’s Realm, and an Elven Land, all the while practicing your basic math facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Math Rider has another great aspect—it LEARNS about your child’s skills and what skills they need to practice more. It tracks what questions are not answered correctly or in time and tailors subsequent rides to the strengths and weaknesses of the student.

Now, with that said…Quint did not enjoy it. Fickle little boy that he is…GIRLS ride horses and BOYS drive star ships. I am sure that my two nieces would have LOVED the game though. The art work is so interesting! The story is compelling! And the horse…come on! What little girl didn’t want a pony growing up?!?! I must say that I was disappointed with my son and his fierce, vehement, and immediate dislike to everything about it. I think to him it was akin to going to the Barbie section of Target.

If there is ever an overtly boy version—meaning spaceships—I will be one of the first in line to purchase! You can tell in everything that the designers who created this game were definitely looking out for their kids and created something special and utterly amazing.

Math Rider’s regular price is $49.95, but it is currently on sale for $37.00. It is TOTALLY worth it!!!!

If you aren’t convinced…here is a video:

Thanks for reading,

WOAW! Tulips!

2011-02-23T09:45:00.001-05:00

Quint went back to the printing press this week…and made me a bouquet of tulips. They are my favorite!

To do this, he had to draw the picture on a piece of Styrofoam—similar to meat trays. Then he loaded the brayer with ink, loaded the picture plate with ink, and then carefully made a print. He actually made about 5 copies of the flowers.

Please join in the fun! Show off your “Walls of Art Wednesday”

All you need to do is write a post showing off your kid’s art! He can sing. She can dance. They can paint! Whatever is art to you and yours is welcome!

Thanks for reading,

ENTER YOUR ART HERE!

WOAH! A Valentine Recorder

2011-02-16T06:55:00.000-05:00

I am taking a break from my “formal art lessons” this week, and showing off my boy in two very different ways.

I want to show the second, first. Today, Quint played his first song for me on his recorder. Mary Had A Little Lamb.

BEST SONG EVER!!!!

On Monday, we went to a valentine’s day party. He “artfully” decorated his bag before handing out and receiving 70 valentines from his closest homeschool friends. Isn’t this just a cute little face??? Don’t ask me about his hair…LOL

So, what have you been doing this week????

Show off your “Walls of Art Wednesday”

All you need to do is write a post showing off your kid’s art! He can sing. She can dance. They can paint! Whatever is art to you and yours is welcome!

Thanks for reading,

ENTER YOUR ART HERE! Meme will close Feb 22, 2011. You have all week!

Thoughts on Tuesday

2011-02-15T20:42:00.001-05:00

I am SOOOO behind…I should NOT be writing right now, so I will make this QUICK!

Quint had his science fair this weekend. He did AWESOME!!! He showed off his collection to the judges, talked about the different igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, minerals and crystals he “discovered,” and really did better than I thought. No nerves on that child! Here he is cheesing with a geode. He did everything but cut out the letters. He even glues everything down and wrote all the information cards. SO PROUD!!!

I lost 4.5 pounds in the last two weeks, and since November, I have lost over 16 inches! WOOOO-HOOOOO! Unfortunately it was in my shoulders and hips, and arms, and thighs…not my waist. So although 20 lbs. are officially gone, I still haven’t gone down a size in my jeans. AND IT IS KILLING ME! So, I think I am going to start doing sit-ups every day in addition to all the healthy eating and cardio I am already doing. GEESH! I won’t even tell you that graham has lost over 50 lbs. and 5 inches in his waist. I am so proud of him. And insanely jealous.

I also got a new car this weekend. A 2011 Jeep Patriot. YEAH! I haven’t had a chance to take pictures of MINE though. I got it late in the day on Saturday, and pretty much drove 300 miles since. So yeah, I have been IN the car—driving everywhere in town. Just haven’t had a chance to slow down. So here is kind of what she looks like…

And now I must leave because I have to finish up something for my brother in law. I have WORK to do!

See you tomorrow for Walls of Art Wednesday!

I am linking this to Hip Homeschool Hop

Thanks for reading,

The Curiosity Files: Quicksand

2011-02-13T10:56:00.001-05:00

Do you remember watching Gilligan’s Island as a child? There is one episode (or maybe 100) where a castaway finds himself in quicksand and all you see is his hat. During the summer between Quint’s kindergarten and first grade year, we watched the ENTIRE SERIES of Gilligan’s Island. There was a lot of quicksand. To a little boy, that is magic. It is something that absolutely must be explored and investigated. I was overjoyed to receive a copy of The Curiosity Files™- Quicksand from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine to review.

This unit study is geared towards kids ages 8-13. I would say 2nd or 3rd grade is an accurate start. The e-book is divided into several sections, largely by discipline. The unit begins with a very easy to read, conversational, dossier of the Quicksand. It is quickly followed by a question and answer section (quiz). After these first two sections, the file continues on with bible readings, math activities, grammar lessons, writing prompts, spelling and vocabulary, puzzles, biblical copywork, science fair projects, history, geography, art, lapbooking, and music. Like most products by TOS, it is the total package!

The Curiosity Files contains “explorations with Professor Ana Lyze, an expert in outlandish oddities.” It is full of weird facts and fun games. It has puzzles and art. Science experiments were included to make the kids happy and grammar to makes the moms happy. In all, this “file” has everything you could possibly want! Quint liked how the facts were written—loads of information but accessible for an exuberant eight year old boy. There are bible verses and lessons if you want to use them. There is leveled math and spelling as well. And really, you can not miss the EDIBLE QUICKSAND!!!

I did NOT like that there was no logical path—like a weekly schedule. That’s my thing, I am a planner. I wish this came with an optional one or two week plan that I could easily integrate into our schedule, instead of randomly picking what we were going to do day-by-day. But, for $6.95—WELL worth the effort of having to do some heavy planning.

There are currently nine weird and zany units available: Blue Diamond, Dung Beetle, MRSA, Puffer Fish, Red Tide, Zombie Fire Ants, Blue-footed Booby, Cicada Killing Wasp, and Quicksand.

Thanks for reading,

Walls of Art Wednesday--Durer

2011-02-09T00:30:00.000-05:00

This week, Albrecht Durer was Quint’s inspiration. Durer was a German artist, printer, engraver, mathematician, and theorist. You can learn more about him in Artistic Pursuits (Grades K-3 Book Two) or through Wikipedia.
In his lesson, Quint learned about the printing press and monoprints. We made two different types or art this week. One came out better than the other, but both were quite exciting for an eight year old. He loved using the brayer and smooshing (technical term) blue printer’s ink around on the table.

The artist is hard at work preparing his wax-paper print block. After he drew his picture with an eraser, he carefully laid a piece of paper atop the area and gently pressed the paper flat. He drew a Capri Sun juice pack. After explaining that the picture would be backwards, he decided to omit the words from his print.

Quint thought this was the coolest project he had ever done. It was “like magic!”

Please join in the fun! Show off your “Walls of Art Wednesday”

All you need to do is write a post showing off your kid’s art! He can sing. She can dance. They can paint! Whatever is art to you and yours is welcome!

Thanks for reading,

ENTER YOUR ART HERE! Meme will close Feb 15, 2011. You have all week!

Thoughts on Tuesday

2011-02-08T10:35:00.001-05:00

I am a little sad. I have almost 200 readers, and NOT ONE PERSON does art with their kids. I mean, that is the only logical explanation for no one joining me for Walls of Art Wednesday. I really hope to see SOMEONE sign up tomorrow. If you are a homeschooler, and do art, write a post and join up! The meme is meant to be a reminder to us moms/teachers that we need to do art! You can post a picture of a sculpture, a painting, a craft, musical instrument, dance, etc. As long as it is ART.

I feel bad about missing Homeschool Mom’s Journal this weekend. I meant to do it…but by the time I was able to sit down and write, it was Monday afternoon.

Saturday night can’t come soon enough. It’s valentine’s day weekend and I have a date with my main squeeze. And Quint will be at the gym enjoying Parent’s Night Out. YEAH!!!!! I am hoping the I get t try the local Indian restaurant. I would love to see how the authentic dishes match up to my homemade versions.

Speaking of Saturday night—Quint will be doing his first Science Fair!!!!! He is showing off a rock collection. I remember only doing a science fair project once in high school.Never in elementary or middle. So, this is as much a learning experience for me as for Quint. Plus, I signed my husband up to be a judge. There is no backing out of it for him! LOL.

I am sick again, with a cold. I would go to the doctor but I know I don’t have strep, but a sinus thing, and they probably won’t give me any meds. So, I am trying really hard to get by on Dayquil. I did NOT go to the gym last night. I feel kinda guilty, but kinda don’t care.

I am done whining, for now…

I am linking this to Hip Homeschool Hop

Thanks for reading,

Tejas Tacos and MPM

2011-02-07T12:35:00.001-05:00

I know I spoke about Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic a couple times last week. DUDE!!!! It was so good! But presentation wise….I need to work on that. I am going to put off posting the recipe for just another week or so, I want to perfect my version.

Instead, here is another recipe that went together easily and is low-fat and low-calorie while being high in taste:

Fajitas! (I have some meat in tortillas with fat-free Greek yogurt, salsa, and veggies, I also eat meat “as in” on lettuce with salsa for dressing. SO GOOD!!!!)

I know you have eaten fajitas before, so I wont go on about how to fix them and grill or broil them. Instead, here is a marinade recipe. One I like a lot, and will continue to use. Now, usually I get the store bottled version, but I was out. So, I threw this together with guidance from “The Border Cookbook” by Cheryl and Bill Jamison. It was a James Beard Award-Winning Book, so I figured it would be good to use.

Tejas Tacos

Serves: 4 Calories: 273 Fat: 13 Carbohydrates: 2 Protein: 35

2 tablespoons pickling liquid from a jar of pickled jalapenos
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds toasted and ground
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
3 garlic cloves, minced
1salt and pepper
1 1/2 pound flank steak

Mix everything but steak together in a Ziploc bag. Add steak, seal, and let marinate for 4 hours, or overnight.

Grill or broil meat. You can also pan fry it—but be careful to not overcook it. It is sad when meat is overcooked and like leather.

Serve with tortillas, salsa, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickled jalapenos, sour cream (or Fat Free Greek Yogurt).

I did not factor in all the accompaniments. Sour Cream and Cheese are high in fat and calories. Tortillas vary a LOT. Veggies and Salsa are practically free. It depends on what you like. I use 1/4 cup 2% cheese, yogurt, and whole wheat tortillas. TONS of salsa and veggies to fill me up. My meal came to around 550 calories according to SparkPeople.com.

Menu Plan for January 30-February 5

Sunday—Superbowl Party
Monday—midwinter minestrone
Tuesday—almost tandoori chicken
Wednesday—chicken parm pasta toss
Thursday—spaghetti chicken and salad
Friday—Curried Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole or chicken salad
Saturday—OUT

I am linking this to Menu Plan Monday

Thanks for reading,

Fit Mommy MONDAY (hahaha!) Week of Jan 29-Feb 4

2011-02-07T11:44:00.001-05:00

It’s Monday…I know…

I weigh in tonight! Last week I lost 1.6 lbs. I am hoping to loose at least that much this week too. And tonight we are doing measurements!!!!!! We were first measured way back in November, before Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am very anxious to see who we are doing.

Especially after all the eating we did this weekend. Thursday we went to Chinese Buffet for Chinese New Year. Friday we took my hubby’s sister out to the Cheesecake Factory. Saturday we went out with his brother, and Sunday—well—SUPERBOWL PARTY! During the day, I did great…it was the dinners that really messed me up. I tried to eat double veggies at the meals…at least that is something, right? I know I did good on Saturday, and I ate a ton of fresh veggies and yogurt dip at the party last night. I won’t talk about the BBQ sandwiches…

Exercise wise, I think I did good. Sunday I took a nice yoga class and managed to not fall flat on my butt. Monday and Wednesday we had training. Saturday I ran 3.5 miles on the Octane Elliptical and burned a LOT on calories in 30 minutes. I feel so EMPOWERED after that! I RAN!!!!!!!

If you want to join in Fit Mommy Friday, click the button up top, or go to Got Chai?

Thanks for reading,

A lesson from Anguissola

2011-02-02T08:17:00.000-05:00

This week, Quint took a lesson from Sofonisba Anguissola. She was a well-known Italian Renaissance artist of the sixteenth century who eventually became a painter for the Spanish court of King Phillip II and his queen, Elisabeth of Valois.

Quint’s lesson mostly centered around light and dark values this week. Using oil pastels on a piece of chipboard, Quint drew a picture of a castle. He painted over the picture with black tempura paint and then scratched some of the dried paint off.

Please join in the fun! Show off your “Walls of Art Wednesday”

All you need to do is write a post showing off your kid’s art! He can sing. She can dance. They can paint! Whatever is art to you and yours is welcome!

Thanks for reading,

ENTER YOUR ART HERE! Meme will close Feb 8, 2011! You have all week!

Thoughts on Tuesday

2011-02-01T16:25:00.001-05:00

I think I have inadvertently started something...my thoughts on Tuesday post. This is my third or fourth one of these kinds of posts. How neat! And I like that I can share it with the ladies over at the hip homeschool hop.

First off—I started back up with Walls of Art Wednesday last week. I have three posts lined up too! Or at least artwork done for them by Quint. I really hope you come back and join in the meme tomorrow! All you have to do is post a picture of homeschool art! PROOF, if you will, that we are not neglecting the fine arts! Frankly, art class always seems like my last priority. If we drop anything, it is always that. Which is really really sad.

Right now, I am listening to Quint's recorder class practice. We are hoping he does well in class today. He has been practicing up a storm! GAGAGGGAAA!

Speaking of storms—we had an “ice storm” this morning. Local schools were closed. The rain cleared up by 10 AM. SOOOOO glad we homeschool. That was just crazy and ridiculous.

Speaking of crazy—Quint wants to do a science fair. Just because. He is planning on showing off a collection of rocks and crystals. I just don’t know what to say. I don’t remember ever doing one myself, so this will be a learning process.

I got low-lights put into my hair yesterday (going darker). I think I want to have a streak of purple or green added in someday. FUNKY! Any thoughts on that???

Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic is amazing, and I WANT MORE!!! We had it for dinner last night. MMM MMM GOOD! Although the steak marinating right now for fajitas will be yummy too, I am sure…

I have rambled…sorry. My thoughts are scattered.

I am linking this to Hip Homeschool Hop

Thanks for reading,

Italian Chicken Pasta Soup, MPM Jan 30-Feb 5

2011-01-31T09:25:00.000-05:00

Apparently last week was my official Crock Pot Recipe week. I made 3 meals in the slow cooker, and all of the were pretty good, low fat and low calorie, and satisfying.

But one of the stars of last week was this soup-turned-stew. Basically, it is a chicken noodle soup that turns into stew with the addition of pasta. The original inspiration called for egg noodles, which I didn’t have. I did however have orzo, a rice shaped pasta. I wasn’t sure how much to add, so went for half a box. After about 20 minutes the pasta had soaked up most of the broth. My soup-loving husband was happy, and my soup-hating son was happy. And so was I—it was healthy, low fat and low calorie, and had plenty of vegetables!

Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta

6 servings//Fat: 2.1g Carbohydrates: 40.4g Calories:296.3 Protein: 29.3g

20 oz. boneless skinless chicken tenders, cubed
2 teaspoons Thyme Leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons Oregano Leaves
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) reduced sodium chicken broth
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 thinly sliced carrots
1 stalk celery, diced
1 large onion, diced
8 oz. Orzo pasta
3/4 cup frozen peas

1. Cut each chicken piece into 4 pieces. Sprinkle with thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and oregano.
2. Place chicken broth, tomatoes, carrots, celery and onion slices in slow cooker. Top with chicken. Cover.
3. Cook 8 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH. Stir in orzo and peas. Cover. Cook 15 to 20 minutes on HIGH or just until noodles are tender.

Menu Plan for January 30-February 5

SUNDAY==leftovers
MONDAY==Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic
TUESDAY==Fajita Salad
WEDNESDAY==OUT
THURSDAY==Curried Chicken with Brown Rice Casserole
FRIDAY==Ham and Broccoli Spanish Tortilla
SATURDAY==OUT