I find it kinda funny how God brings things into your life at just the right time. Since Josh was born, I had been searching online here and there to find a "curriculum" to introduce and incorporate in our day. I never found anything. I'm sure at the time God laughed and said "You want to add something ELSE to your day?" Now, when I actually have the time to write lesson plans, create teaching helps and actually "teach" - I have found a fantastic website. We will be starting "school" after Labor Day. (Even Nate!) Now, don't panic - I'm not trying to get my kids reading by the time they are two or push them through school; instead this curriculum is a precursor to the author's older curriculum that is designed to help kids learn their letters. Each plan covers two weeks and the majority of items (especially for Nate's age) are things you just incorporate into your daily routine. She covers all topics - Literature (reading the same book every day for a week - kids love repetition!), Bible - a new Bible verse or, for the younger ones, a Bible story based on a rhyme, each week, Nursery Rhymes, Speech and Vocab. (explaining every day things at bath time, meal time and play time), Indoor Games (for the 1 year old), Classical Music to listen to, Singing Children's songs, Exercising, Arts and Crafts (age appropriate) and even a foreign language. Plus sign language, Nature Study, Musical Exploration, Puppetry and Art Appreciation for the 1 year old. The babies also get some baby massage thrown in! Her suggestions/ideas/plans are so simple and just over all great ideas. Plus - all of her lesson plans are free. Yes!!! Free!! She gives ideas for literature but I am picking books off our own shelves and incorporating them; I got books from the library to help with some activity ideas, and I also plan on checking out the recommended book for Art Appreciation from the library as well (if I don't have it). Most of the music you can find on youtube (either playing it that way daily or finding a CD to play) I also plan on "substituting" a Children's Worship CD in place of some of the lullaby's - especially for Josh since he loves music so much. (He is shaking his booty to Jaci V. as I type this LOL)
I am starting Nate right out at the 8 month level but have decided to start Josh at the 18 month level for no other reason than it looks fun and will carry us through to March. Than I'll move on with this same curriculum through Sept. I may continue to use this or, I've also been looking at another curriculum to start with him a year from now. I believe kids should be kids - they will be in school for a long time - but we have alot of hours to fill at home and this particular "help" gives some awesome ideas and direction to use with kids. Plus as with everything - use what you like and ignore the rest :-)
http://letteroftheweek.com/Preparatory.html
Feel free to check it out :-)
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Pork Loin Stuffed with Spinach
This is a recipe that Darryl found and made several years ago. I'm not sure why I don't make it more - it's good and it really is easy! When we both worked full time, Darryl always cooked Friday night -Sunday night so he found it fun to search for new recipes and most of them were good!!
Pork Loin Stuffed with Spinach
1/2 package frozen chopped spinach; thawed and drained
3 tablespoons margarine
1/2 cup diced onion
1 clove garlic
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
3 pound pork tenderloin
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Saute spinach, butter, onions, and garlic over medium heat until soft. Add breadcrumbs
Cut tenderloin in half (or butterfly it, depending on the size)
Stuff with spinach mixture.
And secure with kitchen twine
IN a bowl, mix ketchup, orange juice and teriyaki sauce. Baste tenderloin with 1/2 of the mixture. Sprinkle pork with cumin. Place in shallow roaster and bake at 350 degrees uncovered for one hour. Baste with reserved marinade and cook one more hour, covered. Use meat thermometer to check for doneness (160-170 degrees F.)
Notes:
1) Obviously, I didn't just cut mine in half, I butterflied it, twice, and than spread the filling across the piece of pork and rolled it up - it's prettier :-)
2) Because I made this for Sunday dinner, I pour all of the marinade over the pork roast and covered it. It cooked while we were at church. Next time - I would add some chicken broth to the pan to give it extra moisture (if cooking it this way instead of according to the directions)
3) I threw a few whole potatoes in the pan (like I do with a regular roast) so that dinner was basically all in one pan. I think if I put chicken broth in for extra liquid - I would also throw Carrots in as well so the veggie
was also done at the same time.
4) Another great thing about this recipe is you can make it the day before and just have to put it in the oven before walking out the door to church.
Pork Loin Stuffed with Spinach
1/2 package frozen chopped spinach; thawed and drained
3 tablespoons margarine
1/2 cup diced onion
1 clove garlic
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
3 pound pork tenderloin
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Saute spinach, butter, onions, and garlic over medium heat until soft. Add breadcrumbs
Notes:
1) Obviously, I didn't just cut mine in half, I butterflied it, twice, and than spread the filling across the piece of pork and rolled it up - it's prettier :-)
2) Because I made this for Sunday dinner, I pour all of the marinade over the pork roast and covered it. It cooked while we were at church. Next time - I would add some chicken broth to the pan to give it extra moisture (if cooking it this way instead of according to the directions)
3) I threw a few whole potatoes in the pan (like I do with a regular roast) so that dinner was basically all in one pan. I think if I put chicken broth in for extra liquid - I would also throw Carrots in as well so the veggie
was also done at the same time.
4) Another great thing about this recipe is you can make it the day before and just have to put it in the oven before walking out the door to church.
31 in 31 - Day 19
One of the things I enjoy doing is Cooking . . .both savory and sweet! When I "used" to work - I didn't have the time nor the energy to cook and bake like I do now. Actually, I seldom baked because I didn't like taking up a Saturday or Sunday afternoon baking. Same with cooking nice meals - I stuck to the 20 minute meals because there wasn't time to really cook. Well, today I had to catch up on some baking since I didn't get a chance to go to the grocery store until Saturday night (Usually, I go on Friday evening and bake on Saturday but Darryl worked a double shift on Friday bringing him home later than normal!) So, today's picture is of my baking :-)
In the back, the cookies are Lime Dime cookies. (A recipe I saw on the old Martha Stewart show - I kinda miss her old show . . .I actually got quite a few ideas from her!-; than the bread is a Cinnamon Bread - Darryl used to take Pop-tarts in his lunch every day but we are switching to homemade "breakfast" foods for him to take so I found this recipe and tried it - ; In the 8x8 pan are lemon bars. I don't make them often but instead of making a big batch of cookies, I went for two small things (the lime dimes and bars); and finally a Strawberry Cream Pie. Do you ever look at The Parade magazine that comes in the Sunday paper? I found this recipe in there several years ago and tried it. It is really good, really sweet, and really runny! LOL I don't tend to make it for company because it isn't pretty once you cut it but it is pretty good. Just as an FYI - my normal baking includes a batch of cookies, one dessert, and now, one loaf of bread or batch of muffins.
One last note - it was HOT today and spending hours in the kitchen makes me anxious for fall!!
One last note - it was HOT today and spending hours in the kitchen makes me anxious for fall!!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Grocery Shopping Deals
Last week, my picture of the day was of a copy of shopping receipt because I was so excited I had come so close to my spending goal. This week, my goal was to only spend $74.00 (my budget is $75.00 and I'm SLOWLY trying to get that lower but cutting back by $0.50 a week). I did it - actually I BEAT it!! My total today was $69.19!!! I saved almost $25.00 between sales, coupons and some special deals. YEAH!! So I wanted to share a couple of my tricks - if you shop at Meijer.
First, Meijer has a new program called mperks and you can find it at:
https://www2.meijer.com/mperks/Welcome.aspx
This is a brand new program - enter you cell # (that becomes your account #) You than have access to coupons and can "clip" them; they are saved in your account. When you go to Meijer, when asked for coupons, you can turn in your normal ones but than touch the Mperks button on the payment "box" and it will ask you to enter you account #. Once you do that, that coupons are automatically taken off your total. You will see it on your recent. The only downside I see is that you don't have the coupon in front of you so you either just do it every time to make sure you use any coupons you have clipped or write down what you have specifically for that week. I happened to snag a $5.00 off coupon that expired today so that helped my grocery total! The one thing I don't know yet is how many text messages they may send, if any. If you have unlimited text it won't be an issue but if you are like me, and don't, this may out weigh the savings. Also, some phone plans will not let you use this service yet.
Second, have you ever looked at Meijer Mealbox? Basically, it is located on their home page ( http://www.meijer.com/home.jsp ); click the tab on the top of the page or there is another location near the bottom. Once there, you can browse recipes which include sale and coupon items. BUT what I like is the tab that says "Specials" - those are Meijer coupons. Match them up to current sales and/or use them with Manufacturer coupons. (Did you know that you can combine Manufacturer and Store coupons to double your savings??? I learned that just a few months ago after YEARS of using coupons!) I did this today and got 5 Totino's Pizzas for $3.25.
I know many of you have other store's you use; some of you even get to use double or even triple coupons but my choices are limited so when Meijer offers new deals I get excited :-) Even if you shop there on occasion take time to check the coupons in both of these areas.
And - despite the fact that beat my goal - next weeks goal will still be $73.50 - still moving in $0.50 increments until I reach a reasonable point.
First, Meijer has a new program called mperks and you can find it at:
https://www2.meijer.com/mperks/Welcome.aspx
This is a brand new program - enter you cell # (that becomes your account #) You than have access to coupons and can "clip" them; they are saved in your account. When you go to Meijer, when asked for coupons, you can turn in your normal ones but than touch the Mperks button on the payment "box" and it will ask you to enter you account #. Once you do that, that coupons are automatically taken off your total. You will see it on your recent. The only downside I see is that you don't have the coupon in front of you so you either just do it every time to make sure you use any coupons you have clipped or write down what you have specifically for that week. I happened to snag a $5.00 off coupon that expired today so that helped my grocery total! The one thing I don't know yet is how many text messages they may send, if any. If you have unlimited text it won't be an issue but if you are like me, and don't, this may out weigh the savings. Also, some phone plans will not let you use this service yet.
Second, have you ever looked at Meijer Mealbox? Basically, it is located on their home page ( http://www.meijer.com/home.jsp ); click the tab on the top of the page or there is another location near the bottom. Once there, you can browse recipes which include sale and coupon items. BUT what I like is the tab that says "Specials" - those are Meijer coupons. Match them up to current sales and/or use them with Manufacturer coupons. (Did you know that you can combine Manufacturer and Store coupons to double your savings??? I learned that just a few months ago after YEARS of using coupons!) I did this today and got 5 Totino's Pizzas for $3.25.
I know many of you have other store's you use; some of you even get to use double or even triple coupons but my choices are limited so when Meijer offers new deals I get excited :-) Even if you shop there on occasion take time to check the coupons in both of these areas.
And - despite the fact that beat my goal - next weeks goal will still be $73.50 - still moving in $0.50 increments until I reach a reasonable point.
Dill Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta
Last fall I attended a Freezer Meal "workshop" and made several awesome meals. This is one that I put together that day and am making again. I used all of the meals I made during the two weeks after Nate was born along with a few other easy meals (like tacos, Spaghetti, and Take-out :-) ) to help make getting dinners on the table a little easier.
Dill Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta
In a gallon-size freezer bag, mix the following ingredients:
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup olive oil
4 Tablespoons parsley
4 Tablespoons sliced green onions
4 Tablespoons dill
2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 pound shrimp without tails, fresh or frozen, pre-cooked or raw
1 box Angel Hair Pasta
Seal bag tightly and "squish" gently to combine all ingredients and coat shrimp well. Press out excess air, seal, wrap several times in saran wrap and label. Than place in freezer. (If making the dish the same day, it does not need to be wrapped and labeled)
To serve: Thaw shrimp and marinade. Prepare angel hair pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and marinade to skillet and cook approximately 5 minutes until shrimp is heated through (pre-cooked) or until no longer opaque (if raw). To serve, place pasta on a large, rimmed platter, spooning the shrimp and sauce over the top.
Notes: I know it seems like a lot of dill - but it really isn't once you cook it - it adds just the right amount of flavor.
** Pick up "extra" bags of shrimp when they are buy one get one free - this is a super simple recipe to throw together last minute.
Dill Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta
In a gallon-size freezer bag, mix the following ingredients:
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup olive oil
4 Tablespoons parsley
4 Tablespoons sliced green onions
4 Tablespoons dill
2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 pound shrimp without tails, fresh or frozen, pre-cooked or raw
1 box Angel Hair Pasta
Seal bag tightly and "squish" gently to combine all ingredients and coat shrimp well. Press out excess air, seal, wrap several times in saran wrap and label. Than place in freezer. (If making the dish the same day, it does not need to be wrapped and labeled)
To serve: Thaw shrimp and marinade. Prepare angel hair pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and marinade to skillet and cook approximately 5 minutes until shrimp is heated through (pre-cooked) or until no longer opaque (if raw). To serve, place pasta on a large, rimmed platter, spooning the shrimp and sauce over the top.
Notes: I know it seems like a lot of dill - but it really isn't once you cook it - it adds just the right amount of flavor.
** Pick up "extra" bags of shrimp when they are buy one get one free - this is a super simple recipe to throw together last minute.
31 in 31 - Day 18
This picture really needs no words.
I was laughing so hard when I got him up this morning I HAD to get the camera. The amazing thing is - that huge yawn is after 12 1/2 hours of sleep. He could have slept another hour if I had let him - if not more! And yes, he has his blue jean diaper on too - what a stud! (Apprently, he is also ready for another haircut . . .. )
Friday, August 27, 2010
Reading List - "Along the Infant Way"
For those of you who have read through my posts, you will have read my list of books that I want to read over the next 5 months. The first one on the list was "Along the Infant Way" by Ezzo and Ezzo. This is a book that was given to me when Josh was born but I had not fully ready it (I skipped to the bones and forgot the rest) I really wanted to read it in order to be able to discuss it when other people spoke about it.
I would give this book a "C". I think the authors have some really good ideas when they talk about the importance of scheduling with your newborn/children. I believe that a schedule set by the parent is so much better for everyone than one set by the children. But I do feel he takes it a little too far. He talks about not rocking your children to sleep; well, I must confess we rock our kids. Now, Josh is old enough that he really wants to go to his bed to sleep but he enjoys that 15 mintues after his bath in the recliner with his dad. But Nate still gets that last bottle with the rocking and normally falls asleep. That is something I wouldn't give up no matter what author told me too :-) Another thing with this book just as an FYI - he speaks a lot to women who choose to nurse. Early on he states that it doesn't matter whether you bottle feed or nurse but throughout the rest of the book he gives most examples based on a nursing mom. From someone who bottle fed, I skipped many sections in the book because they didn't apply.
Should you read it - sure; but read it with a grain of salt (as you should with any book!) Take away the truths that you can really use and throw the rest out :-)
That's just my humble opinion.
I would give this book a "C". I think the authors have some really good ideas when they talk about the importance of scheduling with your newborn/children. I believe that a schedule set by the parent is so much better for everyone than one set by the children. But I do feel he takes it a little too far. He talks about not rocking your children to sleep; well, I must confess we rock our kids. Now, Josh is old enough that he really wants to go to his bed to sleep but he enjoys that 15 mintues after his bath in the recliner with his dad. But Nate still gets that last bottle with the rocking and normally falls asleep. That is something I wouldn't give up no matter what author told me too :-) Another thing with this book just as an FYI - he speaks a lot to women who choose to nurse. Early on he states that it doesn't matter whether you bottle feed or nurse but throughout the rest of the book he gives most examples based on a nursing mom. From someone who bottle fed, I skipped many sections in the book because they didn't apply.
Should you read it - sure; but read it with a grain of salt (as you should with any book!) Take away the truths that you can really use and throw the rest out :-)
That's just my humble opinion.
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