Tender Hearts

Kade's my tender hearted child. He's seven and has the heart of Mother Teresa. I love this about him but at the same time it worries me (ironically) that he worries too much.

Last week we had a tornado watch. It lasted about 1 hour. I debated on whether or not to heed the warning and wake the kids. Ultimately, I chose to carry them down with their bedding and lay them under the stairs in the window-less storage room. Jaxon got out his flashlight and read, the two little ones slept (or so I thought). Come to find out, Kade just laid there frozen with fear. I later found out he'd been sending out fervent prayers all night, asking that the strong winds and rain would cease. When it was time to go back to bed he hesitantly told me he just wanted to snuggle.

This week has been a rough one for him. The other night he caught a glimpse (maybe a 3 minute segment) of the news coverage on the devastation in Haiti. I have purposely kept the news off for this reason and for the fact that I got super depressed when Katrina hit. I knew I needed to keep the t.v. to avoid a repeat. Anyway, about 10 minutes after we had seen the bit on Haiti, I looked over at Kade and couldn't believe his face. I knew right away what he must be thinking about. He admitted he was upset about the person in Haiti who is blind and now hospitalized. The parents who lost one of their two children and all the collapsed buildings. Each day when he prays, he remembers all the people who are suffering.

Skip ahead two days: Kade comes to me and says he wants to tell me about a sad commercial he saw that morning. It was the one with the animals in shelters. The one where they say "Why did you leave me? Will I die today?" Though it was several hours after he saw the commercial he still got all teary just thinking about it and needed a hug. Poor little guy. He then made me assure him we'd rescue a dog one of these days.

Most of you know about Stephanie (Nie Nie), the Mesa lady who was in a fiery plane crash with her husband. Here's her blog button if you haven't a clue what I'm talking about.

Several months ago, I told Jaxon and Kade about her story and what an amazing women/inspiration she is. Well, Kade often asks about her and wants to see her blog. He wants to send her a care package, something to make her painful days a teensy, weensy bit more bearable. She's currently here in Arizona recovering from her latest surgery. I wish I knew where exactly, so we could make a delivery. If someone out there knows, drop me a line...otherwise, we'll just send it to her Utah address when she returns.
In true Nie Nie fashion, I give you my thankful list...

Today I am thankful for:

-The smell of Sophi's clean hair

-Good books and rain (that combo)

-Home school

-Free agency

-The Atonement

-Kimball's unconditional love

-Tonight's dinner at Ruth Chris

-The client who's taking us to Ruth Chris

-Tivo

-Prayer

-Good Health

-My compassionate child

Lastly today Kade said in a very mature and concerned voice, "What are we going to do about Sophia's bad behavior?" He feels that ever since we got an XBOX 360, she's been a brat. Too funny.

Twenty-Ten Curriculum Picks

This is the type of post you'd normally get in the fall, just before a new school year starts. However, because of my wishy, washy, indecisiveness...you're getting it now. After Christmas break, we decided it would be best to homeschool Kade. In other words, Kade and I both missed it dearly and were giddy at the idea of homeschooling again. You can read more about that here.

I didn't have a lot of time to plan. I used a blend of my three favorite methods last year (Charlotte Mason, Classical, and TJED). I was pretty sure I wanted to use them again, even though they are time consuming for the parent, they are in my opinion the best way to encourage a love of learning. Plus, as a bonus I get to learn right along with him.

I am still using (and loving) the 3 ring binder system. This is recommended in The Well Trained Mind and I've found it's the easiest way to organize, notebook, and journal everything. I catagorize subjects like so...

Kade is 7 and is doing 2nd -3rd grade work, here's what we are using this year. We used some things last year (like The Story Of The World & Saxon Math), some of the curriculum is new to us this year but is working like a charm already, and others we just recieved from Amazon. Toward the end of the school year I'll write a review and let you know what I like and dislike.

Bible - daily verses and discussion.

Memory - Ten Commandments, Psalms 23, Phillipians 4:8 (so far), Shakespeare, poems, various scriptures...I'll update this as we go.

Math - Saxon 2 (book 2), flash cards, online games, manipulatives

Writing - Writing With Ease, daily letters/notes to friends & family, narrations from reading.

Grammar - Shurley English

Spelling - Spelling Workout C, words I notice he's having trouble with, new words that we are learning in history.

History - The Story Of The World Vol. 2, along w/ coinciding activity book.

Geography - Blackline Maps (on CD), Wall maps, 50 U.S. States flash cards, National Geographic flash cards

Science - Handbook Of Nature Study, Biology For Every Kid: 101 Easy Experiments That Really Work

Spanish - Currently using a random workbook purchased at Walmart...Kimball tutor's both boys 1-2 nights per week. I'm saving up in hopes to buy Rosetta Stone next year.

Literature - Some of the 'read alouds' this year are Pilgrim's Progress (about 3 pgs per day), The Trumpet of the Swan (finished last week), The Wind In The Willow's (currently reading about 10 pgs per day), Shakespeare, Joan of Arc. Kade's current 'free read' is Farmer Boy. He's also listening to The Merry Adventures Of Robin Hood (audio version, 30 min. per day).

My favorite books on homeschool are The Well Trained Mind, Charlotte Mason Companion, and Leadership Education.

Web-sites I recommend are Amblesideonline.org, SimplyCharlotteMason.com, WellTrainedMind.com , TJED.org

These are all great sources if you are looking to learn more about the classical method or if you're just looking for recommended book lists.

(RED) Meatless Monday - Hawaiian Chicken & Shrimp Skewers & Football

We had a get together with some friends last night to watch the Vikings/Saints game. I meant to take more pictures of the food but was preoccupied and totally forgot. I wish I could say I tried a new recipe that I can share but I just bought Lawry's Hawaiian Marinade for the chicken and a garlic butter rub for the shrimp. Super quick and easy and they were delicious. I served them over wild rice.

What a fabulous season...

Way to go Vikings!

Life - Charlotte Mason Style

Cooking dinner with 'Miss Sophia'.

Nature walks.

Park hopping.

Spreading our wings.

Observing.

Making care packages.

Reaching new heights.

Reading aloud The Trumpet Of The Swan.

Counting our blessings.

To see what weather other bloggers are experiencing visit Darcy.

Tabloids, Hair Removal, Cash Budgets And Science Projects

Oh, I've been a bad, bad, girl. It went something like this....

I pull into Walgreen's and get out of my car, walking toward the building I try to remember the purpose of my mission. I get side-tracked when the thought pops in my head "I'm so glad I'm no longer addicted to tabloids...there will be no temptation whatsoever." (BTW, I use the term 'addicted' loosely.)

I'm now about 15 steps through the front doors and something catches my eye. It's the cover of this weeks OK magazine. Without any hesitation at all (or recollection of my last thought) I stop dead in my tracks. I start flipping through the pages. A good 5 minutes go by and I realize what's just happened. I shamefully scurry away.

Once again, I begin racking my brain for what it is I'm supposed to get, when this little lady grabs my attention.

The Smooth Away.

Now all my fellow hairy, insomniacs know exactly what I'm talking about. The infomercial claims to remove hair instantly and pain free. It also claims to be safe for the upper lip, sensitive areas...anywhere! I say aloud, "That's it I'm sold!"

Behind me are the office supplies. I'm smitten yet again, this time with a 8x10 dry erase board. Ironically the purpose of said board is to keep a running shopping list on my refrigerator.

Do you see where this is going?

Smooth Away $9.99
dry erase board $4.19
eye liner $3.79
lip gloss x 2 $9.00
eye shadow $7.49
The Office calendar $5.00
mascara $8.49
nail polish $1.99
gum $1.29
Mentos x2 $.80

Total damage with tax, - $56.73

Luckily, after 20 minutes or so of wandering around aimlessly, I notice my teeth feel a little gunky. I head over to the gum aisle and as I'm taking my good, sweet, time trying to decide what flavor I'm in the mood for... VIOLA!! As Oprah would say, I have a 'lightbulb moment'.

What is so significant about Mentos? Well you see, they are the reason for my trip...tomorrow's science project.

Moral of the story: When you're a graduate of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, you should never ever, under any circumstances walk into a store without a list OR with plastic!

Lesson learned. It won't happen again. I think. I hope. I mean I'll try my best. Seriously though, if you haven't read his book you should. I promise you won't regret it. I believe it's a must read and should be a high school requirement. Mindless spending is easy to do, I'm glad to say we've been on a cash envelope type budget for the last 2 1/2 years and I know it's helped us keep our masonry business afloat during a super slow economy.

Sure I still give into the urge now and then but when I start getting out of line, I reread Total Money Makeover and get back on track.

Side-note: When I got home, Jaxon had the nerve to say "Mom, I also need a pack of balloons."

Seriously???

For more randomeness go to

(Red) Meatless Monday - Chicken Noodle Soup

What's better than a day of laundry, reading C.S. Lewis, football and comfort food. That's how my Saturday went down. Not too happy about Kurt Warner's injury or the Cardinals loss, but other than that it was a fabulous day. This Chicken Noodle Soup came to be when I wanted to make something using the grocery's I already had. I'm happy to say it's another 5 thumbs up, meaning all five of us loved it!

64 oz. chicken broth
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
2/3 c. milk
1/4 c. butter
Get all that heating in a big pot, then add...
2 cans chicken (I get mine at Costco)
1 1/2 c. chopped carrots
1 c. frozen peas
1 c. frozen corn
1/2 c. diced red peppers
3 stalks celery chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
salt and pepper to taste
Bring to boil, then add...
1/3 bag egg noodles
Stir often and reduce to simmer...the longer you let it simmer the better the taste.
Serves 10

What I like about this recipe is #1 it's super good, #2 it's easy, #3 you can add or take away any igredients you don't care for, #4 it warms your belly.  I know most of you are in freezing temps so give this a try...you won't be sorry.

If you'd like to link up, I'd love to see what you've been cooking.

Our Homeschool Room Take 2

BEFORE:



AFTER:

Last month I posted a sneak peek of our new craft/play room. Since then, I've added yet another function to this space...homeschool room. All I can say is BOO YEAH!

Not only is it big and spacious, it's bright and cheerful. I just adore this paint color (Robins Nest) from Benjamin Moore. It was love at first sight when I saw my friend Edie's  make-over on her girls bed room. Too die for!

This is Kade's desk by day...Jaxon's by night.

Obviously having a chalkboard wall works great for us. The paint can just be purchased at any Lowe's or Home Depot. They can mix any color you'd like, it doesn't have to be black.

I store my craft and sewing supplies in here as well, it works nice for times we want to work on handicrafts, or if I want to work on something while Kade studies.

Soph has all her toys and books at hand so she can play along side us.

The flip chart/easle in the corner is for our memorization of scriptures and poems. One of our favorite parts of school is memorizing together. The kids have such amazing memories, always leaving me in the dust.

Our first school room was so small and being claustraphobic and all, I couldn't stand to be in there too long. Last year we ended up bringing all the books and supplies down to the family room where we could comfortably read and snuggle up on the big sofa. Kimball was a sweetie and bought us this inexpensive couch from IKEA. It makes all the difference. He also was a dear at put together all the shelving. I purchased them from Target and Walmart. Super affordable, like only $30 for the tall white book cases.

With this room I can keep all the h.s. supplies in one place, do all our school work comfortably and finally feel like this large space is being put to good use. It's so bright and cheery I can't seem to stay out!!

GO VIKINGS!!!!!

Potty Training 101

repeating the course...

don't let the smile fool you,

miss sophia is so not in compliance

{sigh.}

High School Friends - Summer 2009

Kerrian, Jen, Whitney, Nicki, Andrea & Me

Last July when I was in Utah,

I went to dinner with some of my high school friends.

Aren't they a bunch of hotties?

It was so fun seeing them,

way too much time had passed...

I won't let that happen again!

I was already a little homesick,
seeing them just made it worse
and looking at this picture
brings back such great memories.

There's nothing like
having good friends.
I can hardly wait until I go back.

Thanks for the picture Whit!

(Red) Meatless Monday's - Turkey Manicotti

Welcome to my second week of (Red) Meatless Monday. To find out what that's all about click HERE.

I originally got the idea for this recipe on the Internet but after much 'tweaking' and getting distracted by the Cardinals game...it became my own. P.S. Nice job Warner & Fitz!

Ingredients

1/4 cup bulgur*

2/3 cup boiling water

3/4 pound lean ground turkey

1 1/2 cups small curd (fat free) cottage cheese

1/4 c fresh basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

3 cloves minced garlic

14 uncooked manicotti shells
1 (28 ounce) jar meatless spaghetti sauce
2 handfuls sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup water
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup parmessan cheese
-top w/ sliced olives if desired

Directions
1.Place the bulgur in a bowl; stir in boiling water. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Drain and squeeze dry.
2.In a nonstick skillet, cook turkey over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the cottage cheese, basil, oregano, salt, pepper and bulgur; mix well. Stuff into uncooked manicotti shells. Arrange in a baking dish coated with Pam.
3.Combine spaghetti sauce and water and mushrooms; pour over shells. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until shells are tender and sauce is bubbly. Uncover; sprinkle with mozzarella & parmessan cheese.
Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Notes: *If you've never purchased bulgur before, it's usually in the cereal, rice or organic food aisle. It's yummy and super healthy. Also,if you've never cooked w/ ground turkey before...you'll love it! It's such a healthy alternative. I think I even have my older brother Jeff hooked.
It's located next to the ground beef.

Tip: A great tip I learned from Jen @ Balancing Beauty & Bedlam is to cook meat in bulk. It helps save time and for those of us who don't enjoy meat...it saves us from having to do it often. Just cook it all in a big pan, separate into zip locks and season it in the zip locks for quick use later; taco seasoning, Italian etc. Then stick it in the freezer and you've got that part done for quick and easy dinner prep.

If you'd like to link up...go ahead, just remember my only rule...no RED meat!

Now wish me luck, I've got a crazy week ahead...homeschool prep, potty training & I'm trying my hand at square foot gardening. EEK!

Bella Notte

Friday night we went to Phoenix for dinner with my old high school BFF. Chantell and I reconnected on facebook about 6 months ago. You can read about that HERE. The Old Spaghetti Factory was a gold mine for papparazi blogger's like me who like to take a million pictures.

We had our 6 kids in tow, making all kinds of ruckus and getting all sorts of looks. Since her husband was off hunting, I was generous enough to share my man...because that's what a true BFF does. Kind of like in high school, if you have a cute brother pair of Girbaud's you of course share...right?

Anyway, not sure if all the looks were from the noise or the fact that we only had one husband???  Kimball was awesome as usual, playing Pac-Man and Donkey Kong with the kids and then patiently waiting while they got their cartoon portraits done.

Like I said in my 'Long Lost BFF post', I'm so happy we've reconnected after almost 12 years, I only wish we lived closer. It was definitely a bella notte. Thanks for the fresh lemons Chantell..see you next time!

We're Back In Business

Time to let the cat out of the bag...Riverside Scholars is back in business. We've decided to homeschool Kade again, (you knew we'd be back)!! We both missed it so much and though he liked his new charter school and was getting all A's...he still enjoyed homeschooling more. Teaching a 7 year old is pretty easy, especially when I don't have an 11 year old too. It's actually totally fun...I missed learning with him and watching him grow. Kade's always had an awesome attitude, he really makes each day a delight.

This week, we've been taking advantage of this warm Arizona weather, it's been in the 70's. We're going on daily walks, having picnics at the park and reading on the swings. Sophia seems to enjoy having him back home. She squeals every morning when we drop off Jax and she realizes Kade (or Red as she calls him) gets to go back home with us.

Now for our curriculum...well, I'm working on it. Luckily, I still have plenty of materials and for what I don't have I will just use free sources online or from the library. Kade's such a positive, snuggly little guy, it's hard not to love every minute of it! He wants to run a race with me too, so we will be signing up and getting ready for that. SO FUN!

Jaxon is still happy at school, he has 3 BFF'S that all seem to be great kids. He's getting good grades and is  learning a lot. As for his book club...it kind of dissolved. I think it was hard for the kids to keep up with the reading schedule (I warned them it was too tough), and it was hard getting everyone together for the monthly meetings. Maybe we'll have to try again when they have their own drivers license. :) Jax invited me to do a little book club with him. Our first book is The Trumpet Of The Swan. He really liked it and is waiting for me to finish it so we can have a discussion. I decided to read aloud w/ Kade so he can join in on the fun, he is also loving it. Kade just finished James And The Giant Peach and is now starting Farmer Boy for his free read.

Flag football just finished up but will start again next month. They loved it and are hoping Kimball will be the coach. Oh, and I've rehired Kimball as the Spanish tutor, nothing like having your Hot Latin Lover hanging around a few times a week! :)

IF YOU ARE FOLLOWING ME ON Riverside Scholars, COULD YOU DO ME A FAVOR & SWITCH TO http://www.these-are-the-days.com/ I'm no longer posting at Riverside Scholars.