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I'll admit I'm a little distracted tonight. We received the sad news on Friday that Bryan's dear, sweet grandma had passed away in California. We covet your prayers! In light of everything, I honestly have no idea at this point what the rest of my week will look like. Regardless, this is the menu that I planned way back in January.
Monday - Baked French Toast, Sausage
Tuesday (Mom's Mtg./Horse Judging) - BBQ Meatball Sandwiches, French Fries
Wednesday (AWANA) - Cold Cut Sandwiches, Popcorn
Thursday - Sunshine Ham, Cheesy Broccoli Rice
Friday - Bible Study
Saturday (Judging Contest) - Bean Burritos
Find more menus at orgjunkie.com. Our menus for the year can be found at our website. Breakfast menu is here; Lunch is here. What's on your menu this week?
Since our state homeschool convention is this weekend, one thing that is always on my list is Kumon books. The preschool crowd always gets a couple apiece, but even Meghan (9) has requested their multiplication book. I've devoted a page to these fun books at our website. There's one there for almost any student!
Everyone I know is DONE with winter. We've had tons of snow, and I just got stuck in the driveway...again! Heading to Florida is not an option, so I started making the girlies some new warm-weather dresses (that they currently insist on wearing with long-sleeves). I set up my sewing machine at the kitchen island (out of Hunter's reach) and stich a minute here-and-there, all day long. I didn't know I could sew standing up, but I can!A huge "Thank You" to Grandma Nan's friend, Miss Thelma for all the fun fabric!
This cheesecake is pretty sinful stuff. That must be why Bryan requests it for his birthday every year, and we'll be enjoying it for Emelie's birthday celebration this weekend. So put on those elastic waist clothes and enjoy a slice!Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough CheesecakeCRUST:1-3/4 cups crushed chocolate chips cookies or chocolate wafer crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
COOKIE DOUGH:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided
In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 in up the sides of a greased 9-in. pan. Place pan on a baking sheet; set aside.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low just until combined. Add sour cream and vanilla; beat just until blended. Pour over crust; set aside.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add water and vanilla. Gradually add flour. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls over filling, gently pushing dough below surface (dough should be completely covered by filling). Place pan on a baking sheet.
Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.
Remove sides of pan. Sprinkle with remaining chips. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12-14 servings.
I'm not one of those crafty homeschoolers (Jamers, who constructs ziggurats out of sugar cubes, is now clutching her sides and rolling on the floor with that understatement). However, like most children, my children love a good, hands-on project.When we started our State History unit, we spent a few days with five children jostling for the scissors and the glue stick that just made the paper wrinkle. Then the light bulb went off...I grabbed my paper trimmers and adhesive from my scrapbooking supplies. The children get through the cutting and gluing part so much faster, and our lessons aren't interrupted by constant exclamations of "I need the scissors!" This allows us to focus on the subject being taught.
Our printers were always running out of ink, and I would forever be forgetting to put it on our Wal-mart list. It didn't help that I hated spending so much money on ink.One day in my legendary "search-bonanzas," I came across the Ink Drop program from Staples. You mail them your empty cartridge (in their postage-paid envelopes), they mail you back a new cartridge. No shipping charges!Their prices on the cartridges are competitive. Turn-around time is a couple weeks, so we try to always keep a filled cartridge on the shelf.Ink Drop is just a small things that makes my life a little simpler!
Proving that even a Pegasus needs a break now and then...
Inspired by our love for all things Olympic, the boys developed their own downhill event. They built LEGO bobsleds and raced them from the top bunk. Hitting the "Gate" was a bonus. Semifinal rounds included the placement of items on the sheet for "moguls." Do we need to get out more?
I must be ready for Spring: I'm looking through patterns and fabric to make the little girls some cute, warm-weather dresses. Seems too far away with all the snow on the ground and more predicted to fall.
The highlights of this week are dear Emelie's 14th birthday on Tuesday and the Indiana Homeschool Convention on Friday/Saturday. It's a relief to be able to rely on our meal plan to keep things running smoothly!
Monday - Waffles, Sausage, Cheesy Grits
Tuesday (Em's Birthday, Horse Judging) - Sausage Braid, Plums (Em's Favorite Meal!)
Wednesday (4-H Council, AWANA) - Cold Cut Sandwiches, Chips
Thursday - Sliced Ham, Cole Slaw, Wheat Rolls, Peaches
Friday (Convention) - Franks 'n Beans
Saturday (Convention) - Frozen Pizza, Mac & Cheese
Find more menus at orgjunkie.com. Our menus for the year can be found at our website. Breakfast menu is here; Lunch is here. What's on your menu this week?
Since we have breakfast for dinner about once per week, I'm always looking for ways to make it more special. This syrup is so good, you'll consider suspending the rule about licking plates. It makes ordinary pancakes taste like cinnamon rolls!Cinnamon Cream Syrup
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk (or 5 oz. water and 1/3C dry milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Meanwhile, for syrup, combine sugar, corn syrup and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in the milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Serve with waffles or pancakes. Yield: 1-2/3 cups syrup.
As a certified Olympic Junkie, I'm proud that my children are following in my footsteps. Ted has decided to do a jumbo-sized lapbook on the Vancouver Games, in the form of a tri-fold board, for his 4-H Self-Determined Project. We found a colorful, not to mention super-cheap, Olympic lapbook kit at CurrClick. Only $3.75! What a fun way to learn about the history of the Games as well as keep up with current events!
This tip falls soundly within the category of "Why didn't I think of this before?" Getting ready to go anywhere can get a little chaotic around here. Twenty shoes, ten coats, various bags or belongings - and usually Hunter (15 months) is fussing and underfoot. When it's Hunter's turn for shoes and coat, it's a bit like trying to put shoes on an octopus as he wiggles around my lap. A couple weeks ago, divine inspiration had me plop him in the nearby high chair to keep him from being used as a soccer ball in all the shuffle. Voila! He sat still as I put on his shoes and coat (which was much easier since I was facing him). Giving him a book to look at, he sat quietly until it was time to take him to the van.It's these little things that can make such a difference in the ease of getting out the door!
We love watching the Olympics! This is only time our TV is on for hours every night. We become couch potatoes (more accurately - bed potatoes since our only TV is in the master bedroom). We justify it since we're all together rooting for our favorites. I must confess that I am often blubbering during those profiles of the athletes or when an underdog prevails. Unfortunately, we will have to pull ourselves away a couple nights this week with our regular activites. For dinner this week we will be enjoying:
Monday - Hashbrown Casserole, Peach Cobbler
Tuesday (Homeschool Classes, Horse Judging, 4-H Aerospace) - Taco Salad, Chips
Wednesday (Field Trip, AWANA) - Chicken Patty Sandwiches, Popcorn
Thursday - Grilled Chicken Salad, Fresh Bread
Friday -
Bible Study
Saturday - Spaghetti & Meatballs, Salad, Garlic Bread
Find more menus at orgjunkie.com. Our menus for the year can be found at our website. Breakfast menu is here; Lunch is here. What's on your menu this week?
I have long been convinced that my children will eat almost anything if you wrap it up in a warm, fresh tortilla! Below are a couple of our favorite wrap meals that everyone gets excited to see!
Turkey Ranch Wraps
8 thin slices cooked turkey
4 flour tortillas (6 inches), warmed
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
1 medium green pepper, cut into thin strips
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup prepared ranch salad dressing
Place two slices of turkey on each tortilla. Layer with tomato, green pepper, lettuce and cheese. Drizzle with salad dressing. Roll up tightly. Yield: 4 servings.
Greek Ham Wraps
6 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
6 flour tortillas (8 inches), room temperature
6 lettuce leaves
3 cups julienned fully cooked ham (about 1-1/2 pounds)
1 can (4-1/2 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
6 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
6 green onions, chopped
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and basil; spread over each tortilla. Top with lettuce, ham, olives, feta cheese and chopped onions; roll up. Yield: 6 servings.
We're taking a break from our beloved Sonlight this semester to focus on state history. I am so impressed with State History from a Christian Perspective! The children beg to work on their notebooks everyday (because mean mom has scheduled it for only twice per week).
We are using it for K-8th grade. Everyone works the same topic in varying depth. Just last night I learned that there is a lapbook to go along with the study. We might have to work that in too!
Along with working through State History from a Christian Perspective, we're reading biographies about famous Hoosiers, and Emelie and Ted are reading historical fiction set in Indiana. We're trying to spend one weekend a month visiting a site of historical significance.
All together we're developing a passion for the state we live in!
I love the look of vintage aprons. I'm not alone since there are books, blogs, and adorable patterns out there devoted to the apron. I have the patterns that my mom used to sew aprons for my great-grandmother in the '60s but have never gotten around to making one for myself. That is why I love the "Domestic Diva" apron kits. They are available at your local Joann Fabrics hidden back in the quilting section. If you use one of those 40% off coupons, they end up being much cheaper than if you'd started from scratch with a pattern and fabric. Plus they go together in about an hour.
I've made three so far and enjoy them all. It almost inspires me to vacuum in high-heels and pearls. Almost.Here's Meggie modeling our latest "Diva" apron. Please ignore the fact that the baby is sitting on the table doing heavens-knows-what!
It's a blue Sunday here - Colts Blue. Sadly, our favorite team couldn't make it happen tonight. I think I'm getting to old for these games 'cause they really stress me out! Tomorrow, we'll reenter the real world to another busy week. In addition to our regular activities, Emelie will be paging in our State Senate with her best buddy, Doodle.To get dinner on the table each evening, I'll be relying on my crockpot and meats that I've already cooked. We will be having:Monday - Blueberry Pancakes, OmeletsTuesday (Homeschool Classes, Horse Judging, 4-H Aerospace) - Chili Day Meatballs crockpot, RiceWednesday (AWANA) - Frozen Pizza, Mac & CheeseThursday (Em Paging, 4-H Rabbit & Horse) - Greek Ham Wraps, Tortillas, FruitFriday (Roller Skating) - Hearty German Potato Salad, RollsSaturday - Mexican Chicken, Spanish/White Rice, BroccoliFind more menus at orgjunkie.com. Our menus for the year can be found at our website. Breakfast menu is here; Lunch is here. What's on your menu this week?
I first heard about Swagbucks at a couple of my favorite blogs. I'm usually pretty slow to jump on any bandwagon, but after hearing that they had paid for their Christmas presents via Amazon using Swagbucks, I had to check it out.After signing-up, you just the Swagbucks search engine to do all your normal searching. I will also use their search engine to search for things like my own blog and those of my friends. Every once in awhile, while searching, a Swagbuck or two or five will be awarded. These can be redeemed for prizes or Amazon gift cards. (Note: The best deal is currently the $5 denomination.)It becomes almost a game. The children get very excited when they win a Swagbuck and eagerly watch the toolbar to see how the total grows. I invited Bryan and my mom to sign-up, and as they earn Swagbucks, my total number increases.Check out Swagbucks and start earning giftcards or other fun prizes!
Last week, Heidi and I were going through a bag of patterns that someone had blessed us with. There was one that particularly caught her eye. I dug through my bag of fleece scraps and made these outfits for her and Brigitta. Now they can be warm, toasty, and cute!
This next one's for you, Mom. Check out the binding I used in Heidi's top. Think vintage placemats!!
We just enjoyed this dish tonight. It was wicked yummy! My children aren't big on lasagna, but they enjoyed this. Some even said it tasted like Sausage Braid made with pasta. High praise indeed!
Cheesy Sausage Penne12 Servings
Prep: 25 min. Bake: 30 min.
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 garlic clove, minced
1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce
1 package (16 ounces) uncooked penne pasta
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
4 green onions, sliced
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
In a large skillet, cook the sausage and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream and onions.
In a greased shallow 3-qt. baking dish, layer half of the pasta and sausage mixture. Dollop with half of the cream cheese mixture; sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat layers.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly.
Stumpf Notes: I didn't have any green onions, so those were omitted. Probably won't include them in the future since they would set off alarms in the children! I probably used about half of the spaghetti sauce called for since they aren't all big fans of a lot of tomato sauce. This filled a 13 x 9 to the top. It served us for dinner with lunch leftovers.
Around here we rarely have much food left over after meals. I purposely cook large enough portions for dinner to enjoy for lunch the next day. Only occasionally we will have a serving or two left after that. Since it takes so many "single servings" to make up another meal, I've gotten into the habit of freezing them for my mom to take home with her after her visits. It saves her time and effort, and helps me to keep from wasting food.As I was packaging up some of our chicken soup for Mom, I got to thinking that this could become a ministry for others. Perhaps you know of an elderly person or couple, college student, or struggling single that would be blessed by some of your good home-cookin'?Those 1 or 2 cup disposable Ziploc containers work great. So would a freezer bag in some instances. Just remember to label the contents and allow for the frozen food to expand (visualize tomato soup running out into the freezer and then freezing into red concrete!).
On Saturday we braved the cold to visit the home of James Whitcomb Riley, the Hoosier Poet, in downtown Indianapolis. We've been reading his poetry during Circle Time as well as a biography of his childhood. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed seeing this incredible historic preservation!
Behind us is a bust of James Whitcomb Riley that stands at his height.
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