Our Joyful Haven

My New Food Blog!

2009-04-05T22:10:00.003-05:00

Please come visit my new food blog at http://blog.chivetalkin.com

Check this out!

2008-12-13T17:20:00.001-06:00

This site has moved to http://myjoyfulhaven.com

DD 8 isms

2008-12-02T22:24:00.003-06:00

DD 8 is known for funny sayings in our family. Tonight, she was on a roll and one of them made us all laugh out loud. While driving home from visiting Daddy at work, she said "What are we doing for that pig-out, I mean pork-out?" "No, honey, you mean potluck..." Hope that put a little smile on your face.

Where to Purchase Homeopathic Remedies...

2008-12-02T09:38:00.007-06:00

So glad you asked, Katie..."Where do you get Hylands? I have only been able to find the teething tablets and c plus cold tablets at Walmart or River Market. Do you order directly from the company? One more question...how much do you personally take of vitamin C and other remedies while nursing?"

First, just to clarify, I am not giving medical advice, just sharing what works for our family. There are some illnesses that homeopathy does not and will not cure. That being said, I have purchased those remedies you mentioned at Walmart, River Market in Stillwater, Fresh and Natural in Hudson (they have a better selection and are less expensive then River Market ), Whole Foods Market in St. Paul, Standard Homeopathic Company, and as of today, My Lil' Store in association with Amazon.com (see link). I also belong to a United Natural Foods Buying Club where I can purchase some remedies. Consider buying the Hyland's Kids Kit. It is a great way to get started in homeopathy. This was the first kit I purchased when DD 13 was a baby. Other brands to consider are Boiron or Boericke & Tafel (B & T).

Regarding Homeopathy and Nursing...I take the remedies and I have never worried about it. I figure it is by far safer than traditional medicine. I took remedies for colds and coughs during pregnancy. I always consult my books on Homeopathy if I have any questions or concerns about anything.

Concerning vitamin C...I personally take 1000 mg Ester C every hour or every other hour for five doses. This is up from my usual 1000 mg plus whatever is in my multi vitamin. I also like Emergen-C packets of Vitamin C, B and minerals. I may take 1 of those also as a replacement for one of the doses. They are fizzy, taste good and the children like them. When the children are ill, I give DD 13 up to 3000 mg, DD 8 up to 2000 mg and DS 1 up to 500mg. You can buy vitamin C powder...add it to juice and give that way. It is sour...so, that is why I opt for the Emergen-C for them. They make a Children's Strawberry that I give to DS. Keep those questions coming!

Homeopathy...works for us!

2008-12-01T12:24:00.006-06:00

The reason I use homeopathy as the main way to treat my family is because I am allergic to several different antibiotics. I needed to find alternatives for treating myself and my family so as to not rely on them. I have done a lot of research in this area and find that the method really does work, especially when used at the first sign of illness and taken in the right way. I have trained the children to tell us as soon as they are just beginning to feel sick...slight sore throat, slight runny nose, or just feeling "off." It was hard to train them to do this because they don't like to be sick and don't like to be missing out on anything fun. Does anyone? I told them if they wait till the next day or wait till it gets worse, that is almost too late to treat them homeopathically. They are very good about it now.

In preparation for winter and it's various viral maladies, I review my remedies that I have on hand, purchasing those that are low, as we tend to use certain remedies as our first choice of treatment. Some remedies I wouldn't be caught without:

Arnica montana 6x - tablets and gel...I usually have this in my purse for bumps and bruises at the playground
Hyland's Teething Tablets
Hyland's Eararche
Hyland's Sinus
Hyland's Sore Throat
Hyland's Cough
Hyland's Bronchial Cough
Aconitum nap. 6x
Oscillococcinum - taken at first sign of flu

I keep many, many single remedies on hand as well...I also treat prophylactically meaning if someone is sick in the family or have been around someone who is sick, I will give everyone a dose of the remedy for that illness. I find that we still may get sick, but if treated quickly with the remedy, then it is not as intense, it does not linger as long and it doesn't go into a secondary infection. I have also used the Herbs for Kids brand of herbal treatments, but homeopathy works the best for us and I find it a safer way to go. Along with the remedies, we increase water - to drown those bugs - and increase vitamin C. We also take zinc lozenges as needed. Be healthy and prepared this winter!

I love Answering Questions...Part 2

2008-11-30T21:22:00.004-06:00

Thanks again, Katie for a great question..."Another question is when have you found the best time to exercise."

If I can start an exercise routine and stick with it, then anyone can. I was not an athlete growing up...I did ride and show horses and swam, but I did not like running sports. In my thirties, I was gaining weight and feeling out of breath going upstairs. DH was feeling the same way about himself. I prayed about it because I hated to exercise. I felt the Lord urging me to exercise and that He would help me. So, with trust and faith in Him, we gave each other a treadmill as our Christmas gift and haven't looked back...that was four years ago this Christmas. DH has always ran on it and I have always walked. When I first started walking on the treadmill, I did it when DH was home to watch the children...so it was after supper. I am not a morning exercise person, unless it means I am taking a walk outside, then I can be. I would exercise for 25 - 30 minutes while he watched and played with the children. (I used to exercise every day no matter what, even during my pregnancy with DS. Since his birth, I try to walk everyday, but it doesn't always happen. I try to at least five days a week.) I walk with three pound hand weights for most of my walk. As DD 13 got older and able to watch her sister, and then brother, I switched to before supper. This is by far my favorite time to exercise. I have supper made or mostly made and almost ready to eat. Then I am done my workout and ready for the rest of the evening with the family. If I don't get to it before DH gets home, then I will walk after supper, but not after 8:00 pm. If the weather is nice, I add outside walks to my routine. I prefer to walk outside in the mornings or evenings...with DH and the children. The children are either walking, riding their bikes, or in the Burley. DH will run in the morning before work or after supper, after me if I still need to walk. He runs every other day. I love walking now and my health, at age 41, has dramatically improved over the last four years. Praise God! I only wish I had started sooner...but it is never too late.

Week of 12/1/08

2008-11-30T21:10:00.003-06:00

We had a great trip to the Twin Cities and are now back home in Baraboo. This week's menu is super easy...I would love to see your menus too if you care to share.

Monday - Black beans and rice...DH requested this. I use the sticky brown kind of rice. We add chopped tomatoes, onions, fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese and salsa.

Tuesday - Thai Chicken Wraps

Wednesday - Potluck at DDs Awana...I have not completely decided what I want to bring. It may be a big salad (probably) or a chicken pesto pasta dish.

Thursday - White Chicken Chili...another DH request

Friday - Pizza of the week...probably Papa Murphy's Gourmet Vegetarian or homemade

A Great Date!

2008-11-29T18:21:00.004-06:00

You know we had a stressful Thanksgiving and our plans while in Minneapolis included an overnight date at the Westin downtown. Our DS went with us and we all had a great day and evening together. We were able to do some Christmas shopping during the day. We changed a few charcoal poopity-doops...we were warned by the doctor...they were like something we had never seen before...see our previous post regarding the reason for the charcoal. We went to the Hollidazzle Parade and dinner at Palomino. DS was so sweet and really enjoyed himself. He went right to sleep in the Westin's Heavenly Bed and then DH and I got to enjoy some quality "Mommy and Daddy Time." Actually, this was one of the best dates we have ever been on, even though we had our little chaperone with us.

We have much to be thankful for...

2008-11-29T14:42:00.005-06:00

Well, our Thanksgiving promised to be full of good food, family and football, but an unexpected trip to the hospital kept us for over six hours! DS 1 got into his Pop-Pop's pill box and could have potentially taken up to 8 different kinds of medications...how scared we were! DH called Poison Control right away, who urged us to go to the nearest hospital...we went to Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater where they administered oral charcoal. Then, we were transported by ambulance to Children's Hospital in St. Paul where he was placed on a heart monitor for 6 hours. There are many things to be thankful for during this whole situation...all the doctors, nurses and EMTs who took such great care of DS...DS who was so brave and took a whole lot of YUCKY charcoal like a big boy...that DS had no ill effects of the medication...that DH got to watch, in the hospital room, his favorite team - Dallas Cowboys - win the game...that my 3 beautiful nieces (my DNs :-) ) made all the Thanksgiving fixings and everyone waited for us to return from the hospital. Later, Thanksgiving evening, with clear minds, we were able to determine the exact missing pills...3 of them...we found tiny bits of a Tenormin on the floor...probably spit out due to bitterness...the other two missing were a Paxil and a Micardis. The doctors said because we got the charcoal into him quickly - within 30 minutes, it helped bind the medications in his stomach. He slept a wee more Friday and today...but that's ok, it kept him out of trouble! Yes, we have much to be thankful for. We are praising God for His kindness and protection over our little one!

A day in the Life of a Homeschooler

2008-11-25T16:48:00.007-06:00

I just had to share these photos I took today...DD 8 was reading a picture book and little brother wanted to join her. So, he got up on the sofa, with book in hand, by pushing his feet against the coffee table and "scooting up" with it. The expressions on their faces were identical. They were so intrigued with what they were reading...too bad DS had his upside down! All the while, DD 13 was making their lunch!

I see you, little one!

I am a salad-eating fool...right Mikey?

2008-11-24T21:54:00.007-06:00

I try to eat vegan, vegetarian or raw for lunches. Supper is usually the meal that we eat "cooked" and it can be vegetarian, poultry, fish, lamb or beef. We only eat beef and/or lamb about once or twice a month.

I usually get on a salad kick and eat a particular kind for a while, before I tire of it, and move on to something new. This salad is something I currently eat a couple times a week and it is really delicious...

I take a big handful or two of baby mixed lettuce and top with a big handful or two of Mann's Broccoli Slaw. This is found in the produce section near the bagged salads. It has no dressing on it...just broccoli, red cabbage and carrots finely julienned. Then, I add a handful of pumpkin seeds - either raw or tahini roasted, maybe a bit of cheese - like mozzarella, if I am in the mood, and a handful of cherry tomatoes, if I have them. Finally, I sprinkle on black sesame seeds and drizzle all with Annie's Shitake and Sesame Seed Dressing. I love the crunch - so yummy!

A Thankful Heart

2008-11-23T18:10:00.005-06:00

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Phil. 4:4

It is good to cultivate a thankful heart...We are trying to instill that in our children. It is hard when this world offers so many material desires. We really have to stay focused on the good and keep our desires pure.

I decided to make a quick list of the things I am thankful for...

God, the Father, for creating me and His Divine Providence

God, the Son, Jesus, for saving me

God, the Holy Spirit, for continually sanctifying me

My DH, for loving me these past 19 years

My children...my precious gifts

My family...my Mom and Dad...how blessed I am to have them close by...my brothers and their families...the good memories I have of growing up...my in-loves...how good it is to say that I love my in-laws

My friends...I miss so many of you because I don't live close to you, but know that I think fondly of you often

Homeschooling our children

The freedoms we have because we live in this great country

DH's job...he truly enjoys what he is doing

I am thankful for all the things that make life easier - our cars, the computer, the cell phone, etc...but I would have to say of all the material things that we have, I am most thankful for our treadmill...truly, one of the best gifts we ever gave each other four years ago...it facilitated an 80 pound weight loss between DH and I...that we have been able to keep off because of continued exercise and sensible eating

This was intended to be just a quick, short list...contemplating what I am thankful for is good practice for the soul. This may be the start of a continuation of thankful thoughts...Happy Thanksgiving to all those who are near and dear to me...

Week of 11/24/08

2008-11-23T17:54:00.004-06:00

I have planned my menu this week very simply...

Monday - DH wants Chicken Caesar Salad...

Tuesday - DH is MOD, so the children and I will be cleaning the fridge out! We have lots of good food that will go to waste if we don't eat it by Wednesday.

Wednesday - We will be on our way to family in Minnesota for the Thanksgiving holiday...I will be making a Pumpkin Cheesecake in an Oatmeal Crust for Thursday's dessert after we arrive.

Thursday - Thanksgiving Dinner...Roasted Turkey...Homemade Stuffing/Dressing, Sauerkraut and Pork (a family tradition) - I will eat the sauerkraut but not the pork, Succotash, Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Caramelized Onions, Steamed Carrots, Mashed Potatoes, Homemade Gravy and Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cherries, Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Cheesecake with Homemade Whipped Cream..my mouth is totally watering. Hopefully, we will have some leftovers!

Friday - DH and I are going on an overnight date to downtown Minneapolis...so, I am thinking we are going out to eat. Not sure where yet.

Biten by the bug

2008-11-20T17:13:00.006-06:00

My DD 13 has been bitten by the bug...the horse bug, that is! I thought it skipped a generation, but it doesn't. She loves horses so much and she is not snobbish with her tastes. Any horse would do her just fine. Although, she does have favorites - the ones that have shiny coats. The object of her current affection is named Ramsey...a 6 year old Palomino gelding. She got to ride him today...what pure joy on her face. I wish I had my camera. I am so glad she got to ride. Now, we just need to figure out if this is the horse for her. It is hard to think about riding right now, since it is getting so cold in Wisconsin...I said to her, can't we just wait until warm weather? She really doesn't mind riding in the cold - that is what the bug does to you...it gets in your heart and mind and nothing matters but that horse...you see, I know, because I was bitten once too. We will really be in trouble if DD 8 gets bit!

New juice combo

2008-11-18T20:53:00.005-06:00

I am sitting here enjoying another fresh juice concoction...this time it is carrots, apples, ginger and pomegranate seeds...wow...my taste buds are actually tingling - in a good way! My DDs don't really care for the carrots, apples, ginger and cranberries combo I made recently. It must be the cranberries because they like the carrots, apples and ginger. DH and DS like just about everything I juice. I try to use honey crisp apples if I can find them...they taste delicious.

New Photos...

2008-11-16T19:31:00.005-06:00

DH took some photos today for his office, here are some favorites. He did his in grey scale, but you are getting the full color!

What do trains say? Choo Choo...he looks like he just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar...

My best friend in the whole wide world...DD 13 took this.

Mommy and her little guy...notice Mr. Independent's shirt, no sippy cups for him!

Ah Sisters! When DD13 was 4 she prayed for a little sister..."a friend that wouldn't go home" and she got one - God is so good!

Week of 11/17/08

2008-11-16T18:33:00.003-06:00

I got my menu planned this week already and most of my shopping done for it. Yeah, I am ahead of the game!

Monday - Salmon...we love salmon so I try to fix it once a week. I will serve this with a Caesar Salad (I will marinate the salmon in some of the dressing before hand) and Lundberg Wild Rice blend.

Tuesday - Wild, Wild Pasta...this sounds so good...a new recipe I am trying out...has pasta, feta, wild mushrooms, wild rice ( I will cook a double batch on Monday), sun dried tomatoes, and some other yummy flavors I can't recall at the moment. I will add a salad and probably another veggie...maybe some roasted butternut squash and apples? I also have a new kale recipe I want to try with caramelized onions and balsamic vinegar. I may make that also...

Wednesday - Greek Lamb Saute...this has eggplant...yes, Mom, I am using a little bit! Eggplant is not my favorite, but does taste good in this dish. Zucchini will also go well with it...I may just throw it in with the rest of the ingredients for a one pot meal!

Thursday - Roasted Fingerling Potatoes (they are so cute!) with Turkey Italian Sausage and Vegetables. If I can't find the Fingerlings (and I may not be able to) I will substitute some baby red potatoes...this is another new recipe that sounded so good.

Friday - You guessed it! Pizza of the Week! This has been a tradition for DH and I before we had children and they love this as much as we do...we sometimes make it ourselves or get it from Papa Murphy's, but lately we have been getting it from Bella Mia's in Wisconsin Dells. This is the best pizza west of Chicago and east of Cossetta's in St. Paul, MN. We are so happy to have found it. We have had their veggie and cheese...and we really like the cheese.

This one is for you, Ed and Sue

2008-11-16T18:02:00.006-06:00

Saturdays are great, and yesterday was no exception. Our friends from Minnesota -Ed, Sue, and their children - stopped by our home on their way to their new home in Pennsylvania. How good it is to see old friends...and they look so good for being old! Hee hee! The DHs took the children to the waterpark for some fun in the water before dinner. We love this family and had a great time fellowshipping and eating take out Chinese food with them. I had planned a different meal, but my DH had been craving Chinese all week, so that's what we had...spicy Hunan Chicken, Orange Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Beef and Broccoli, Sesame Chicken and Chicken with Veggies...we like our chicken...all washed down with a tasty beverage. We finished the meal with a homemade banana cream pie. We wish Ed and Sue all the best in their home...I always say good food makes good company even better.

Above Rubies...A Gem

2008-11-15T00:28:00.010-06:00

Oh, this was a good week indeed. My favorite magazine, Above Rubies, arrived Tuesday! This issue's focus is on marriage and although I have not delved too far into it yet, I am sure it will prove to be another wonderful treasure to read over and over again. You see these magazines are so good that I have saved probably nine years worth...they are only printed four times a year or as donations come in. It is a non subscription magazine. In other words, you pay what you can or how you feel led to pay. I can't tell you how many times I have been blessed by the godly wisdom and encouragement it provides. Check out their website at http://www.aboverubies.org/ Make sure you click at the bottom of the introduction to go to the main website. There you will find devotionals, articles, forums, music and bookstore to explore.

A great Friday

2008-11-15T00:00:00.002-06:00

Today was co-op day and we did crafts...lots of them. There are some creative ladies in our group. Everyone brought a craft idea and we rotated through stations. We made a fall themed fabric collage...these turned out beautifully and were a huge hit, fabric covers for journals out of composition notebooks - another one we will repeat at home, 3 different Thanksgiving themed crafts, card stamping, paper quilling, beaded Christmas ornaments, string angels and soap carving. DDs want to try this again at home as well...Ivory soap works the best. We had a great morning!

Week of 11/10/08

2008-11-09T19:37:00.006-06:00

Yeah! I got this done early this week...

Monday - Vegetarian Delight and quinoa on the side...my cousin Kerry Dunnington has a cookbook called "This Book Cooks - A Caterer's Secret Collection" and this recipe is taken from there. Isn't that a great name for a cookbook? Check out her website at http://www.thisbookcooks.com/ This week I am trying three of her recipes. I am excited to try them as Kerry shares my love of family, friends and good food.

Tuesday - DH is MOD tonight...so the children and I will have breakfast for dinner...omelets.

Wednesday - Ginger Glazed Chicken from Kerry's cookbook...have not decided yet on sides...probably spinach and butternut squash whip.

Thursday - Black Bean Enchiladas again from Kerry's cookbook...with homemade guacamole and salad

Friday - Pizza of the Week

Putting their best foot forward

2008-11-07T18:12:00.005-06:00

The DDs were treated yesterday to a spa pedicure at Scoops Spa in the Great Wolf Lodge, Wisconsin Dells. How fun to sit on a banana split bench with your sister and get a delicious smelling pedi. DD 13 picked Coco Loco as her "flavor" and DD 8 picked Vanilla...the spa is a children-only spa with ice cream scented "flavors" for spa products...they can even do birthday parties! I must say I was a bit jealous because they smelled good enough to eat and their toes looked so pretty afterwards. I am glad they had fun, they deserved it!

Week of 11/03/08

2008-11-02T20:37:00.009-06:00

Wow...I got to this early this week...

Monday - Turkey Italian Sausage with Pasta, Sundried Tomatoes, and Mozzarella...this is one of DH's favorites. I sometimes use ground turkey instead of the sausage and season it with Italian seasonings. I use whole wheat blend spiral pasta and fresh basil. We love this dish with a Caesar salad.

Tuesday - Election Day!!! Go and vote...we are having Portabello Mushroom Sandwiches...I make these by marinating the portabello mushrooms in balsamic vinegar,sauteing them in olive oil and a bit of fresh garlic, then I add a slice of mozzarella cheese, some roasted red peppers, and put it all on focaccia bread. My mouth is watering thinking about these.

Wednesday - Salmon...haven't decided how I am going to fix this...probably with lemon pepper or marinated in Caesar Salad dressing baked in the oven...or on the grill...We will have this with Israeli Couscous and a veggie or two - I am thinking roasted sweet potatoes and salad. My family really likes the texture of this couscous...

Thursday - Turkey Taco Salads...I make this with ground turkey and black beans, field greens, tomatoes, onions, avocados, shredded co-jack cheese, sour cream, salsa, ranch dressing and tortilla chips.

Friday - Pizza of Week - probably from Papa Murphy's Gourmet Veggie and a Mushroom Cheese.

Rock the Vote!

2008-10-31T14:42:00.003-05:00

Ok, ok...I will not just sit back and say nothing about the current Presidential elections. Things are getting crazy out there and it just bugs me beyond belief when the mainstream media prematurely picks a candidate as the winner and are clearly biased in their reporting. Now, I don't care if it is my candidate or not that has "won" the election. It is just not fair to the rest of the country to have the election "over", because it's not. I would just urge everyone out there to carefully weigh the past voting records of the candidates on a non partisan site. And if you are pro-life, pro-marriage, pro-USA you already know who to vote for on Tuesday, November 4th. Attend rallies, let your voice be heard. Nuff Said!

The Importance of Date Night

2008-10-28T15:03:00.009-05:00

I have said it before, and I will say it again, date nights are one of the most important things you can do to keep the spark in your marriage alive. Popular culture assumes that marriages become monotonous with age. They can become that way if neglected, particularly in the dating area.

Now, women like to be pursued, but so do men. If your DH isn't planning dates, then it is perfectly acceptable to take matters into your own hands. It takes work to be intentional about dating your DH. You need to make a plan, then execute it. Your plan can be as little as "Hey, I would love to go on a date with you!" and let him plan it all to you planning the entire date. But, it is so worth it and your efforts will be rewarded - the improved communication and increased "warm and fuzzy" feelings for him. Even if you only go out together once a month, or once every other month, do it. The best thing you can do is go out in public, loving your DH up, letting the world know that marriages can be anything but monotonous.

On our date last Saturday night, we went to see the movie "Fireproof." It was great - very well done and sparked lively conversation between us. We highly recommend it. I can't stress it enough, make a plan, date your husband and reap the rewards!

BTW, I love the song from the movie called "Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns. (Monday, I had to download it to my iPod because I kept hearing it in my head.)

Week of 10/27/08

2008-10-28T13:15:00.008-05:00

Ok...so I am still a bit behind on my menu plan update.

Monday: Thai Chicken Broccoli Wraps...now my store didn't have the broccoli slaw used in this recipe in stock, so I improvised. I chopped a head of broccoli, some carrots and mushrooms up fine. It made a mush...a good mush...but a mush. This has a homemade peanut sauce with it that is very good. We like this but with the slaw better. Oh well, live and learn.

Tuesday: DH is MOD tonight...so the children and I are having spaghetti and marinara sauce with a big salad.

Wednesday: Chicken Tortilla Soup...still haven't found my favorite recipe on this yet...I will be trying other recipes for this soup in the coming weeks to find the perfect one.

Thursday: I changed my mind...actually DH requested this when given the choice...so, we are having Slow Cooker Veggie Chili tonight. This chili is packed to overfilling with veggies and beans...no tofu in here. Oh well, the Turkey Taco Salad will have to wait for another day.

Friday: Pizza of the Week

Tie dying, rain sticks and drama

2008-10-24T23:48:00.006-05:00

Today was co-op day. It was our first day with this group and we had a great time. DD 13 loved her drama class - not surprising at all. Her class tie dyed a shirt (she also made one for her Dad) and made a jump rope out of rubber bands. The projects took a bit longer, so no gym for her this time. DD 8 had fun practicing basketball skills in gym class, learning about molecules, making a tie dyed shirt and a rain stick. I made a shirt for DS.

The rain stick was a great project that I would like to share. We have made smaller ones in the past, but this one was made with a larger postal mailer. She hammered nails in all over it...so they criss crossed one another. Next, she filled it with beans and rice and sealed the ends. Then, she put wood grain contact paper on it and tied a braid with beads on one end. It turned out really cool.

We took the tie dyed shirts in plastic bags on our weekend trip up to the Twin Cities. I am anxious to see how they turned out...hopefully my Mom won't mind me washing them in her washer. :-)

This Year's Plan in a Nutshell

2008-10-23T21:20:00.006-05:00

We have been homeschooling for nine years and have enjoyed every minute of it (for the most part - lol.) When we started, our educational philosophy was centered on the Charlotte Mason approach. Throughout the years, we have gone from her philosophy and tweaked it to include aspects of The Well Trained Mind and Classical approach. Then we started using boxed curriculum with Sonlight, went to Tapestry of Grace Year Four. Now, these curriculums are excellent, but I felt after last year, I had lost the "gentleness" that I had started with. I became a task master and was not happy with the direction of our homeschool. So, I started praying about what to do this year. God is so faithful...I really felt Him leading me to "go back where you started." I re-read The Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola and set about to make a plan. This is what we are doing this year and so far, so good. The children are really enjoying school, as am I teaching it, and we are all learning a great deal.

DD 13/8th Grade: Teaching Textbooks Pre-Algebra, Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science, Queen Homeschool's Language Lessons for Secondary Child - Vol. 2 (will probably finish this rather quickly and go on to the next), Starting Points Worldview Primer (will probably take longer than 1 year to complete), Rosetta Stone Spanish and My Father's World Exploring Countries and Cultures.

DD 8/3rd Grade: Singapore Math, Math Drill, Queen Homeschool's Language Lessons for the Very Young (will probably finish this rather quickly and go onto the next) and My Father's World Exploring Countries and Cultures. I must say how much we are enjoying My Father's World. I wish we had tried it sooner.

Both girls are in AWANA this year, so Bible reading and memory verses are studied daily. Also, we attend two different co-ops...both on alternate Fridays, which works out great! We have always had Friday Fun Days in our homeschool and this just makes them better. One co-op focuses on community service, field trips and projects. The other one has art, drama and gym classes. We are very fortunate to have found them.

DS 1/pre pre pre K: keeping busy with toys, the dog, scribbling on paper, the table, his face and getting into whatever he can get into...

So, that is the year's plan in a nutshell. Our days seem to go much smoother. We are having shorter lessons, usually finished with all but My Father's World before lunch. We are usually done school by 2:00 pm to pursue hobbies and interests.

Week of 10/20/08

2008-10-21T21:20:00.006-05:00

I am writing this on Tuesday...so we have eaten the meals up to now, hence the comments from me. My Mom always said to make sure you have lots of color on your plate to make it pretty and interesting - so that is what I am going for.

Monday - Oven baked Bar-B-Q Chicken (you can take the girl out of the South, but you can't take the South out of the girl), green beans, mashed potatoes (my children's favorite food), and smashed acorn squash (I added a touch of maple syrup.)

Tuesday - My ratatouille experiment and brown rice. I love traditional ratatouille, but I am not super fond of eggplant. I didn't have zucchini either. So, I used green peppers, yellow squash, tomatoes, onion, garlic, mushrooms and kale. It turned out very well. The children didn't care for the green peppers, but liked everything else. I love brown rice. Buy the short brown rice. Yes, it takes 50 minutes to cook, but oh, so worth it. It turns out sticky, like sushi rice.

Wednesday - Salmon Cakes, quinoa, sliced tomatoes and broccoli

Thursday - Black beans and rice...again the sticky brown kind. We like to add chopped tomatoes, onions, fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese and salsa. This is one of our favorites for sure!

Friday - Pizza of the week - either homemade or from Papa Murphy's....usually one gourmet vegetarian and one mushroom.

Menu Planning

2008-10-21T21:13:00.007-05:00

I have always planned out my menus for the week...typically on my market list...where they would just get tossed after I shopped. I thought it would be a good idea to write out each week's menus. This will greatly help me not to repeat a meal too quickly, less we suffer boredom at our house. I don't want that to happen. I will just list Monday through Friday. We are more spontaneous on weekends and I don't typically plan them out. We usually have pizza on Friday and a bigger meal on Sunday. If there is something of note that I am planning I will include it. I know there are blogrolls for weekly menu planning, but I thought I would just do one here. If you are brave enough to join me, then please comment with yours.

China Day

2008-10-19T20:20:00.005-05:00

Our homeschool co-op did a China Day on Friday and had a super turnout - at least 50 children attended. We learned about the persecuted Church in China and how to pray for them. We packed Bibles to be sent to families in China. We made paper lanterns and kites and learned about the Chinese Alphabet and their art. We had a speaker talk about her family's experience living in China. We divided the children Olympic teams and competed in various gym games. We finished our day with a Chinese potluck lunch.

Simple Pleasures

2008-10-19T12:22:00.009-05:00

Yesterday was a lovely day in Wisconsin...the fall colors are peaking and it was sunny and crisp out. We decided to go to Riverside and Great Northern Railroad for the "Pumpkin Train." The children and I had gone first on my birthday and had a great afternoon. This time, DH got to join us. DS was a bit apprehensive, but being only 19 months, that is understandable, I guess. He settled down as soon as the train started. I knew DH would enjoy himself as much as the children. The ride goes through the Wisconsin Dells on a restored "mini" train. The "Pumpkin Train" stops and the children get to go pick a pumpkin and then ride back to the station. What a fun time we had. Then we went to a craft festival in the Dells. We purchased a very cool primitive style painting/sign from a vendor that says "FORGIVEN" then in script has the following..."Blessed is the man who surrenders his life to be counted among the living, he no longer lives but Christ within and his new name shall be called forgiven." May you feel what it's like to live FORGIVEN today.

Another tasty juice combo

2008-10-19T12:17:00.003-05:00

The other evening, I realized I didn't have apples to juice, so I improvised and used what we had...it ended up being delicious! I juiced pears, beets, carrots, grapes and ginger. The color was gorgeous - crimson and orange swirl. We will definitely add this to our favorites.

Juicing

2008-10-12T21:18:00.003-05:00

I love garage sales and this past summer, I found a Jack LaLanne Juicer for $2! Absolutely one of my best finds! We love this juicer. It works perfect! Our family's favorite juice right now is carrot, apple, ginger. We try to have a big glass every evening. Even our little guy loves it. Nummy! (as we like to say)

Change is good

2008-10-12T18:47:00.001-05:00

Our family recently moved from the Twin Cities area to the Madison area. It is so cool to be able to start over and explore a new community and meet new friends. We are really enjoying ourselves.

I should back up and tell you about our year thus far. DH took a job at a water park in the Wisconsin Dells. He loves his company and job. Who wouldn't want to work at a water park? It has been a positive change for him. The really great part was that since February, our whole family lived at the water park during the week and then home to Twin Cities for the "quick" weekends. It was "easy" to do because we homeschool our children. They continued their studies during the days, and in the evenings enjoyed life at a resort. Pretty cool, huh?

Well, it was because of this change that I am where I am right now - literally and figuratively. Our house had been on the market since June 2006, as our plan was to move closer to family, church and work in the Twin Cities. (But the Lord had other plans.) Our house finally sold last month and we moved to our new community 4 weeks ago.

OK, now don't get me wrong, it was a blessing to live at the resort for six plus months - we were together as a family - but you can only eat so much "dude food" - eating out at establishments with huge portions and burgers with fries. I only had a kitchenette in our room - bar sink, microwave, dorm fridge to work with. We brought an electric skillet and a blender from home. At times, it felt like glorified camping.

I have always loved to cook, always tried to feed my family healthy - whole, organic foods as much as possible. For the most part, I did a pretty good job while at the resort. But, I must say, unfortunately, convenience foods reigned supreme during this time. On the weekends, we couldn't wait to get home to cook a "real" meal in our "real" kitchen.

So, during our stay at the resort, I did a lot of praying and reading. I realized what I could live with and without. I learned to be innovative and creative. My thoughts about nutrition have definitely changed and have, in a sense, "come full circle." Now, I clearly see the benefit in raw, fresh, organic, whole foods. Where before I was willing to compromise, I am not so much now. It is definitely a process and I am taking baby steps. There is much to learn, but I am an eager student.

It was an eye-opening experience and I am so thankful for it. I learned a lot about God, myself and my family. I wouldn't change my experience for the world and change is good.