PJ Academy......

Thinking ahead to the '12-'13 School Year :)

2012-01-19T16:17:00.005-06:00

....yes already :-)

#1 - 9th Grade. High School. 4 years from 18. 4 years from college/career. Possibly close to picking a life mate.

HOW. IN. THE. WORLD. DID. THAT. HAPPEN????

This kid is my Reader. He reads everything and anything he can get his hands on. The dictionary? Yep read that. Encyclopedias? Yep. Been there done that. With that in mind I am thinking My Father's World Ancient History & Literature :)

My Father's World - English ~ History ~ Literature

Saxon - Math

Apologia - Science

Reading - Working on that list!

Electives:

Intro to Logic

Music - Violin

#2 & #3 - 8th Grade

Paces & Teaching Textbooks.

OR

aBeka Dvd Program

#2 - Guitar Lessons

#3 - Clarinet Lessons

#4 - Finishing K5 starting 1st.

If she finishes aBeka K5 Program.........

My Father's World 1st Grade.

Some Unit Studies

Bible Memorization

All 4 of them: http://www.proedinc.com/customer/productView.aspx?ID=3415

It totally works :)

2012-01-10T10:17:00.001-06:00

My pinterest project for the week ;-)

From HERE.......

Love This!! Can't wait to get some more going! We eat though these like crazy!!!

Looking ahead to 2012.

2012-01-01T15:24:00.004-06:00

1. Start doing extra things for hubby to S H O W how much I love and appreciate him! (thank you pinterest for the first few ideas!)

2. Do the same for kids :)

3. Run 1000 miles. YES that is way way over what I did this year. WAY. But this year I ended a slacking loser in that dept. I also this summer would like to run my first half......that training should help!

4. Continue this weight loss journey. Again this year I have become relaxed.....a bit to relaxed and it shows :(

5. Keep up with getting a bit at a time for Christmas. I hate the stress (that yes I allow myself to feel) at Christmas time. I hate feeling that it will never come together. I shop on Christmas Eve. I forget people. I have actually BOUGHT presents on the way to people homes. Not good. I have big hopes and dreams in that dept lol!!!

6. Think of others. What ways can I bless another person today?

7. One hope this year....which may be way out of my league.....another 5 minutes off my 5k time :) That would make it 35 minutes!!

8. Actually DO a pinterest project at least every other week!!

9. Blog more often!

10. Take more pictures even though the kiddos yell in protest!!

11. Torment the kids with lots of camping trips and trips to visit family!!

Thankfulness :)

2012-01-01T15:10:00.000-06:00

‎3 Things I am thankful for this morning.......

1. That I bought 16's at the same time I bought 14's (putting them up in the closet).
2. That I looked in the box BEFORE I hit the thrift store. (I usually forget what sizes are in there and I was SO. SURE. that I had only bought 14's last time.
3. Yesterday gave away 2 garbage bags full of outgrown boys size 14's and then today at church was given 2 garbage bags full of 16's & 18's :)

Which means that other then a couple of dress shirts and sweaters......the boys are set for 16 & 18 :) Woo Hoo!!!!

Merry Christmas :)

2011-12-27T10:46:00.000-06:00

How quickly it goes from this:

To This:

Girls Room......

2011-12-13T16:34:00.000-06:00

Checking the Girls Room off the list of things to do :0)

pinterest?

2011-12-13T16:31:00.001-06:00

Are you on pinterest? It is quite addicting :0)

Here is our latest pinterest project!

We are still working on the cushions and pillow part.....but you get the idea :0)

3 Years.

2011-12-05T16:34:00.000-06:00

I see this an can't help but smile and thank God for the last 3 yrs.

This child continue to amaze us!!!

Another project....done!

2011-10-23T21:08:00.002-05:00

Running....the next generation :-)

2011-10-17T13:30:00.002-05:00

#4 had her first race this past Saturday and she loved it!!!!!

Mom had one to.....never have cried at the finish line due to disappointment :*(

What we learned camping......

2011-10-10T16:31:00.000-05:00

*that we are unorganized fools!!
*that we packed too many clothes and not enough pjs.
*that even camping (read cheap vacation)......we eat out too much.
*that one person, while camping, can think of 5 times to go to Wal Mart.

*that pop ups are a pain in the rump to set up and take down 4 times in 1 week......so we bought this:

A little off road......

2011-10-07T09:21:00.000-05:00

Hiking :0)

2011-10-07T08:57:00.001-05:00

Too much stuff or need a bigger camper? lol!!!

2011-10-02T18:04:00.000-05:00

Clean clothes under the Camper!!!

Oh my soul stuff E V E R Y W H E R E!!!!!

Um more stuff.

2011-10-02T08:50:00.000-05:00

View from the Camper.

View from the lake lol!!

Our first camping trip, Day 1..........

2011-10-02T08:26:00.000-05:00

Gettin' Ready to Go!!

Got Every One Situated.

Until "someone" decided he was too good to sit with the kids!

HOLD ON Dad's Driving!!!!

And before you ask, "why so many pictures of the dog".....this is why. Kids hide :0)

The Driver!

Both Dogs are too good now ;0)

A little lovin'!

So beyond done in the car!!!!

A Vegetarian Camper :-)

2011-09-27T17:08:00.000-05:00

Yep they totally make those lol! So what does a vegetarian eat while camping?

Breakfast:
Berry Muffins
Peach Muffins
Berry Coffee Cake
Blueberry Muffins
Donut Holes
Pancakes with Home Made Syrup

Dinner:
Taco Soup
Baked Taters
"Burgers"
Breaded "Chicken" Sandwiches

Grilled Cheese and Chips
Quesadillas

Snacks:
Popcorn
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Peanut Butter Cookies
Puppy Chow
Trail Mix

The Before the clothes are even packed photo ;0)

My slight obsession with organization while packing.

Seriously...the luggage bag. This is JUST CLOTHES.

I was hoping to get the blankets and sleeping bags in there too!!

What am I even thinking taking a family of 6 and 2 dogs camping??????

Same Race a Year Later :-)

2011-09-26T10:47:00.000-05:00

I may say this every time......but this was my favorite race to date. It was so fun going in knowing exactly what was going to happen. Knowing where to get my bib. How much time I would need pre race. Where the bathroom and water fountains are. Where the starting line it.

I felt amazing, yet disappointed I REALLY wanted to hit the 30's, at the finish line. I ran the whole time... which for me is an improvement over last year :0)

The lady who handed out the bibs wondered how I got bib #1......I told her I signed up in April. She said "most people wait until the last minute"....."not me this is going to be one on the schedule every year" :0)

That being said being bib #1 is not fun.......lots of screams for "#1"!

Bad Bad Blogger.......

2011-09-07T10:15:00.000-05:00

Our family is in a slow time right now of doing anything interesting lol!!

Picking and cutting veggies for the freezer......no that's not interesting.
Cleaning the barn.......nope that's not it either.
Switching the clothes from summer to fall.........no.
Cleaning out the attic........um BORING.
Doing laundry.......can't do that to people.
Making food for the camping trip.......no again.
Thrift shopping........no not blog worthy.
Lost Library Book.......nope!
Lack of weight loss.......can't do that to myself lol!!

Can't share pictures because once again my cord has gone MIA.

I don't even have a new recipe to share???

I do have a race coming up the end of Sept.......that's all I got for ya folks. That's it :-)

First 10k. First Blister. First Puke. First AG Award!

2011-08-15T12:06:00.000-05:00

I had a full Saturday Morning ;-)

Start Friday.....I knew I wasn't ready but just could not DNS. (did not start)

So I went for it knowing it would take me FOREVER and a day to finish!! And it did. 1.25.22.....

First 3 miles went well. I felt "good". Really I was okay until mile 5 and I was done. I was SO FAR behind anyone and the 4 wheeler was following me in. I was a bit embarrassed but decided to let that be motivation to be serious about training in the future!!!

My family was outside of the (high school) foot ball field waiting for me and I almost stopped. I almost turned around and siad "forget it". But I was so close to finishing. So I went for it. I pulled (from somewhere I am not sure) enough energy to run that last little bit.

As I entered the field a young girl (high school age I assume) asked if I would like her to run around the field to the finish with me.I told her sure becasue at that point I seriously felt like an absolute idiot, the other runners were in the bleachers waiting on the award ceremony to start and they were waiting on me :*(

So we ran. And I finished. I know a lot of people don't understand the need to "just finish" or why one would "race" to just finish. But for me that is what I came to do. I lost 80 pounds to even attempt a 10k.....after this last 40 next years will be easier ;)

We crossed the finish line and I made it to the grass before all the water from the run made an appearance.
Can I just say that sweet girl, whoever she was, went and got paper towels, fruit and a water for me and sat with me until I got up and felt good.

I left.

Not long later a friend on FB sent me a message telling me I was 3rd in my age group.....LOL Me? Really?

Yes it was a SMALL home town race :)

Then I finally kicked off my shoes and noticed the blister........what a Saturday!!

Wowzers.....where did summer run off to?

2011-08-03T10:13:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it is back to school time.
Best thing about "back to school".....that much closer to fall.
The midwest has been WICKED hot!!!
I'm not sure that it is actually hotter than any other summer but when you are IN it it feels like the HOTTEST EVAH!!!!
We are planning our first camping trip to........Land of the Lakes :)
We bought a "new" car to pull the camper......just couldn't do that to the poor mini van!
I have been making an extra breakfast, lunch and dinner a week in prep for having it "easy" while camping. I'll let you know how that works out for me lol!!
We patched all the holes in the canvas and it has rained twice and NO LEAKS :-)
The I*R*S* is driving me batty too!
Prepping for my first 10k in August!!

Random Recipes :-)

2011-08-02T10:42:00.001-05:00

The Uncanned Condensed Soup

3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp flour
1/4 tsp salt
dash of pepper
1 1/4 cup milk or stock

Melt butter in saucepan. Stir in flour and seasonings. Cook over medium heat until bubbly, stirring frequently. Add milk slowly, stirring with wire whisk to prevent lumps. Cook until thick. May add any sauteed vegetables or liquid combinations you choose or substitute stock for milk or oil for butter. Be creative--much better than store-bought soups. Yield: 1 cup.

Tomato soup: use tomato juice for liquid. Add sash of garlic and onion powder, basil and oregano.

Mushroom/celery/chive soup: Saute 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms, celery or chives and 1 TBSP minced onion to butter before adding flour.

Cheese soup: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheese after the liquid. Stir until melted.

Chicken soup: Substitute chicken broth for half or all the liquid. Add 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning or sage.

NOTE: I've just added a can of mushrooms to the base soup above for cream of mushroom soup. :)

From--Whole foods for the whole family cookbook by LLL

Mayonnaise

1 whole egg at room temp
1 egg yolk at room temp
1 teaspoon Dijon-type mustard
1 ½ TBSP lemon juice
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
Generous pinch sea salt

In your blender or food processor, place egg, egg yolk, mustard, salt and lemon juice. Process until well blended, about 30 seconds. Add oil drop by drop with motor running. This has to be done very slowly! Taste when blended to check seasonings. You may wish to add more salt and lemon juice. Will keep for about 2 weeks in the fridge.

2 pkgs active dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water (10-115 degrees)

1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk (scaled then cooled)

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp cinnamon (if desired)

2 eggs

1/3 cup shortening

4 1/2 cups flour

1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

cinnamon sugar or sugar

In large mixer bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, eggs, shortening, and 2 cups of flour. Blend 1/2 minute on low speed, scraping bowl constantly. Stir in remaining flour until smooth, scraping side of bowl. Cover; let rise in warm place until double, 50-60 minutes. Turn dough onto well-floured cloth-covered board; roll around lightly to coat with flour. (Dough will be soft to handle.) With floured stockinette-covered rolling pin, gently roll dough about 1/2 inch thick. Cut with floured 2 1/2 inch doughnut cutter (or cut both ends out of a can about 2/1 inches in diameter and use about a 1 inch cutter for centers). Lift doughnuts carefully with spatula and place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet. Brush doughnuts with melted butter. Cover; let rise until double, about 20 minutes. Heat oven to 425. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Immediately brush with melted butter and shake in cinnamon or sugar if desired. Spreak with creamy or chocolate glaze.

CHOCOLATE DOUGHNUTS

Omit nutmeg and cinnamon. Stir in 1/2 cup cocoa with the first addition of flour. After baking shake dougnuts in confectioner's sugar or spread with chocolate glaze.

APPLESAUCE DOUGHNUTS

Substitue 1 1/2 cups lukewarm applesauce for the milk. Substitute 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg and 1/2 tsp cloves for the 1 tsp nutmeg and 1/4 tsp cinnamon. (If using self-rising flour, omit salt.)

CINNAMON SUGAR

Mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon in plastic bag. Shake doughnuts in it.

CREAMY GLAZE

Melt 1/3 cup butter or margarine in saucepan. Blend in 2 cups confectioner's sugar and 1 1/2 tsp vanilla. Stir in 4 to 6 tbsp water, 1 tbsp at a time, until glaze is of proper consistency. (Glazes about 1 dozen doughnuts)

CHOCOLATE GLAZE

Melt 4 oz semisweet chocolate and 1/3 cup butter or margarine over low heat. Remove from heat; stir in 2 cups confectioner's sugar and 1 1/2 tsp vanilla. Mix in 4-6 tbsp hot water, 1 tbsp at a time, until glaze is of proper consistency. (Glazes about 1 dozen doughnuts)

[Here's a note from my grandma at the bottom of the recipe]

Storage Information: Doughnuts are best if eaten the same day they are made. Leftover doughnuts will keep their fresh-baked goodness if frozen the same day they are baked. To freeze, wrap doughnuts carefully in heavy-duty aluminum foil. (Freeze no longer than 1 month.) To serve, thaw glazed doughnuts in a wrapper 2 hours at room temp. Heat frozen foil-wrapped cinnamon sugar doughnuts in 400 degree oven about 10 minutes or until warm.

Ketchup: http://yhwhleads.blogspot.com/2011/07/homemade-ketchup.html

Flour Tortillas:
4 c four
1/2 t baking powder
4 t salt
4 T shortening
1 c water
mix everything together
form and flatten into totilla shape. fry in frying pan

It's that time again!!!!!

2011-07-20T08:57:00.000-05:00

.....except this year I don't seem quite as excited :-)

It's time to get the 2010-2011 school year on the brain! So far the only thing I know we are using is Teaching Textbooks for Math. Pretty sad huh!

In my quest for the "Crunchy" or "Hippie" Label.........

2011-07-11T20:42:00.001-05:00

I made deodorant AND "clorox" wipes today!!!!!

Deoderant

1/4 C baking soda, 1/4 c corn starch . . . mix, 2-3 Tbls coconut oil. . . mix, then add 2-3 drops TTO and 5-10 drops of your optional EO.

The wipes: http://www.liverenewed.com/2009/09/homemade-clorox-wipes.html

Summer 2011........

2011-07-06T10:49:00.009-05:00

1. Paint Boys Room. Done.

2. Give Master Bedroom a Face Lift!

3. Paint Girls Room
4. Paint Family Room
5. Find a Pop Up Camper

6. Take a trip....sadly to anywhere outside of our 10 acres lol!!

Menu Plan.

2011-06-20T12:22:00.001-05:00

Roasted Corn Quesadillas

3 Beans Salad & Bread

Open Faced Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Sandwiches

Vegetable Pot Pie

Enchiladas

Burritos: But if you take flour tortillas and spread refried beans and some cheese on them, roll them up folding down the ends to make a burrito and then deep fry them, you have some super yummy burritos. They are really cheap and super good. You could probably bake them, too, it would just take longer. But then you can top them or dip them in anything you like, salsa, sour cream, whatever.

Queso and Mexican Rice......Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients:

1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil

1 1/2 cups white rice (he says he likes the meatier texture of medium-grain rice but any is fine I think)

1 cup bottled tomato salsa (or he gives a recipe for homemade but I didn't copy that page)

1 cup chicken broth

salt

1 1/2 cups frozen peas

Turn on the oven to 350 degrees. Set a medium (3-quart) ovenproof saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil and rice. Stir frequently until the grains of rice turn from translucent to milky-white, about 5 minutes - don't worry if some of them brown.

Add the salsa, chicken broth, and 1/2 teaspoon salt (that's what I add for normally salted salsa and salted broth). Stir a couple of times, then let the mixture come to a full boil.

Cover the pan and set in the middle of the oven. Bake 20 minutes. Uncover, add the peas, and re-cover. Bake 5 minutes longer, then remove from the oven adn let stand 5 minutes.

Fluff the rice, releasing the steam and mixing in the peas. You're ready to serve.

Race Report #6!

2011-06-20T10:08:00.000-05:00

Father's Day 2011

FB Status after the race.....HOLY. HUMIDITY. BATMAN......but my Dad rocked his first 5k anyhow!!!!! 32 minutes and some change WOOT WOOT go Dad!!!!! And looking at the previous races times I think I set a PR (I couldn't remember exactly what the clock said and hadn't seen the pictures!)

After the results were posted I did PR (personal record) 41.26.3!!

Blog Cleaning.......

2011-06-18T12:48:00.000-05:00

.....to happen this week :)

I always think it will be such a great idea to separate my blog into blogs.......to not bore people! But then I hate having everything in different blogs. So if I bore the home school people with adoption stuff and the adoption people with recipes and the recipe people with running and everyone with the random things I find to talk about.

So. be. it.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!!

2011-05-30T13:28:00.000-05:00

Burgers, "Hot Dogs", A Hot Grill, Potato Salad, Grape Salad (<------ this you HAVE TO TRY!!!!!!!), Vegetarian Baked Beans and Corn on the Cob.

And a Morning at the Creek!

Sounds like Memorial Day at our House :-)

Menu Plan Monday :)

2011-05-22T13:44:00.000-05:00

Haystacks......make the French Dressing.

Patties and Mashed Potatoes and Veggie.......make extra patties for the meatballs.

Veggie Soup

Pasta Salad and Raw Veggies

Spaghetti and "Meat"balls, Garlic Bread and Asparagus

Falafel Nuggets and Fries.

Mac and Cheese and Veggie Dogs

2011-05-18T17:13:00.009-05:00

I have decided to run the Indianapolis Women's Half Marathon as my first half marathon :-)What I am working towards? 1.) 3 Hours Goal = 13.44 Minute Mile.....which I can do for 2-4 miles. 13.1....hmmm not so much!2.) Be at goal weight....if it kills me! About 50 pounds to go!3.) Get monthly mileage up to 35 Miles a week. More than double what I am doing this week!4.) Long run to 14 miles. 4-6 is the "long" run right now!5.) Find something cute to wear for the Pictures!!!

Menu Plan.

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

Baked Ziti III

Vegetable Quinoa Chili

7 Layer Mexican Dip

Race #5.

2011-04-30T19:21:00.001-05:00

How cool am I??? LOL!!!!

http://illinoishomepage.net/fulltext/?nxd_id=243317

As for the race…..I think I have come to the conclusion that evening races and I do not get along. Both that I have done I felt so sick at the end???? Weird I don’t know why?

Time was 1 minute slower then my best last year. BUT it was the first race that I ran the whole thing. Well in all honesty I ran the 3 and walk the .1….in hopes of not actually throwing up!

Almost Done with Our Challenge!

2011-04-26T13:32:00.000-05:00

So here we are almost done with our Vegan Challenge. First.....it was not as hard as I thought it would be. I think mostly becasue there are SO MANY Vegan alternatives to just about everything! We found some products we love and products we won't be buying again :)

We have decided that we will be "Mostly" Vegan. A true Vegan does not use animal products at all. We will continue eating our hens eggs and eat honey. We will drop the dairy though (we found a good cheese!) and continue with the Almond Milk!

While I do make it a point to find "No Animal Testing" on our products, things like shoes and clothes at least right now are WAY OUT OF our league!!!

I figure wach step we make is a step in the right direction!

I think that what has surprised me the most is I had quite a few people say how wonderful they feel on the Vegan Diet, weight came off and lots of energy! Um can't say that has happened here at all??? Sorta disappointing!!!!!

Menu Plan....Today!

2011-04-21T10:35:00.000-05:00

Cheesiest Potato Soup

Pasta and Steamed Asparagus

Veggie Soup

Falafel Nuggets, Mashed Taters and Peas

Santa Fe

Southwestern Shepard's Pie

Bow Ties & Asparagus <---- with some tweaking ;-)

Rice and Black Bean Bake

Update on "I".

2011-04-15T09:59:00.001-05:00

I have had a lot of people ask about "I" and I have ignored a lot pf people when they asked. It hurts sometimes. It hurts when you think life should go in one direction and it goes in another.

My husband wanted to accomplish a few things before we officially set out to adopt him....or anyone for that matter. We are close to what he wanted to accomplish and I went to check the waiting child list and "I" was gone. Gone. There had been talk of him switching to another orphanage....an orphanage closed to adoption. So immediately I hoped that was not the case. I know ALL orphans deserve a home but some of them manage to pull on heart strings more then others for some reason. THIS boy I needed to hear he was in a family and not in a closed orphanage.

So I shot an email.....to get the news that he was in fact GOING TO BE IN A FAMILY :) And my heart is so happy for him :) So happy. Rumor has it he will be in the US.

Maybe our place wasn't to have him in our home. Maybe our place was to pray him into HIS home :) Maybe our place was to pray for his adjustment into his new home (I thought I was praying for his adjustment into our home ;))

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SO if an internet search brings his family across this blog PLEASE let us know how he is doing when he gets home. If you have a blog PLEASE share it with us :)

"I" is 7. His Bday is Sept! And he is expected home sometime this year!

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So we as a family will continue to wait until God opens the next door officially for us :)

Keepin' it Real :)

2011-04-14T10:10:00.000-05:00

Sometimes things happen and while you are in it, it makes no sense. The why's come quickly. The how will we survive? What will we do?

Then one day when you are sitting around a bed in a nursing home. A nursing home you never expected to spend so much time at. And you see your kids laughing and giggling with their Grandpa, hearing stories that may have never been told because life gets too busy. And now we have no choice. But that is a good thing.

And you realize once again that God has this. He has this thing called life :)

2 Birthdays in the House!

2011-04-12T09:53:00.000-05:00

Our oldest turned 13 and our youngest turned 6! Crazy. Crazy. Crazy.

Then it turns even crazier to think that when my husband was this age, we met. We met? How crazy to think that anyone who crosses my oldest's path could be "the one"......CRAZY! Luckily he isn't into girls yet. But I know it is just a matter of time.

6 yr old? Wow! She has come a long way in the 2.5 yrs since she came home. I went back and watched the video I made right after India......wow she has changed. Amazing!

These birthdays also fell in the month of our Vegan Diet. And we all survived. As did our extended family :) I went ahead and made all the food.....just seemed easier then trying to share with everyone we can eat this but not that. I made 4 dozen cupcakes last week lol! CRAZY! But they were so good and everyone loved them!!

Vegan Week 2.

2011-04-05T21:11:00.000-05:00

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Pasta Salad

Pasta, Garlic Bread and Veggie.

Tacos & Guacamole and Chips!

Santa Fe....over Rice

Rataouille Soup

Fries and

Failed!

2011-04-01T13:15:00.002-05:00

1 meal into being a vegan.....I already failed! Yep there were eggs in the bagels this morning LOL!!! I need to adjust what it is I am looking for in the ingredient list!!!!

Vegan. Week. One.

2011-04-01T01:23:00.001-05:00

Breakfasts:

Bagels/Peanut Butter/Bananas
Cereal/Almond Milk
Muffins
Banana Bread
Oatmeal
Smoothies

Lunches:

PB&J/Grapes
Baked Taters
LOTS of leftovers!

Dinners:

1. Spinach Rolls and Marinara Sauce.
2. Pasta and Asparagus.
3. Sloppy Joe's, Corn, Vegetarian Baked Beans and Homemade Fries.
4. Kind Veggie Burritos
5. Falafel Nuggets, Green Beans and Mashed Potatoes
6. Veggie Soup
7. From Hillbilly Housewife:

Quinoa Corn Chowder

1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup onion, diced
1 large potato, diced
2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups plain soymilk
3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
3 tablespoons cilantro, torn into small pieces
salt and pepper

Get out a medium sized pot and cook the onion in the oil until it is translucent. Add the corn and diced potato and saute everything for a minute or two. Add the vegetable broth and soy milk and bring everything to a boil. Add the quinoa and cumin. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer to soup for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa and potatoes are tender.

Add the cillantro, salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Blessed Beyond Measure.

2011-03-30T10:03:00.001-05:00

Sometimes you have to focus on the good in life. Sometimes I find it all to easy to focus on all that we don't have. To focus on all the old hand me down stuff....when others are getting the new and improved stuff.

It's stuff after all.....who cares.

This picture is a reminder to me of who is important. Who I would actually have a hard time with out.

The (human) person who is in fact my world.

The person who lifts me up when I am down.

The person who lives out the words "for better or worse".

The person who has been there when I have made some of the stupidest mistakes.

The person who is my best friend.

My everything.

Trying another Change!

2011-03-28T14:29:00.001-05:00

Family and I hit the thrift stores last week and we were lucky enough to find "Food for Life" for a dollar :) It was on our list of books to read!! I underlined some quotes that I wanted to share but well I am sure blogger won't let me quote that much. If you care about what you eat and how it pertains to your health.....GREAT book and I highly recommend it! HIGHLY!

After reading said book Hubby has decided that he would like to "Go Vegan" ;) Our compromise is to try it for a month and see if it fits our family's needs.

So starting April 1st I will be boring you with our adjustment to trying a Vegan Diet for a month.

Added to my own personal "April Challenge" I also will be bringing back p90x AND taking a break from the old Treadmill and start running outside again :) YAY!!!! Next race is April 29th!!!!

....still here.

2011-03-16T10:57:00.000-05:00

It's a beautiful (almost) 50* day today with thoughts of close to 70* tomorrow.......I can't help but start thinking about the PJ Garden this spring :) So far the list looks like:

Cucumbers
Onions
Peppers
Tomatoes
Cilantro
Whatever Berries& Grapes made it from last year!

Hair Cut!

2011-03-02T12:26:00.000-06:00

Mmmm Applesauce!!!

2011-03-01T12:20:00.000-06:00

This is what 30 pounds of apples look like is sauce form :)

Except there *should* be one more......but it was REALLY good!!!

Playing Photographer.

2011-02-28T12:05:00.003-06:00

Building his love for classical music!

Mutual Love!

My Little Musician!

One said she could come. One said she could stay.

Menu Plan for March :)

2011-02-23T12:35:00.004-06:00

Week 1:

Cold Taco Dip
Cheesy Salsa Bake
Pancakes
Pot Pie
Mac & Cheese
Lasagna
"Meat" ~ Mashed Taters ~ Veggie

Week 2:

Veggie Subs
Tacos/Nachos
Biscuits and Gravy
"Burger" & Fries
(Food Bank Thursday) Order Pizza
Spaghetti and Garlic Bread
Rice and Broccoli Casserole

Week 3:

Warm Taco Dip
Kelly's Taco Dip
French Toast Casserole
Stuffed Shells
(Grown Up) Grilled Cheese & Soup
"White" Spaghetti
Spinach and Rice

Week 4:

Veggie Pitas
"Chipolte"
Breakfast Burritos
Taco Soup
Fried Rice & Orange Sauce
Squash Lasagna
Home Made Pizza

Desserts

Black Bottom Banana Bars
Snickerdoodles
Chocolate Milkshakes
PB/Oatmeal/Choc Chip Cookies
Cake
Brownies
Rice Pudding
Raw Chocolate Banana Coconut Cream Pie

Monday Randomness!!

2011-02-21T10:08:00.002-06:00

I really miss my camera! I hate blogging without pictures :)
I'm ready to file our taxes so I can get a new camera!
I'm ready to open the windows and get some fresh air in this house!
I wonder if the sun is still working? I haven't seen it in weeks and we could really use it to get rid of all of this mud around here!!!
We have some new curriculum to try and I can not wait! I am a mean evil awful Mom and we school (lightly) in the summer :) Pre Algebra here we come!!!!!!!

Our New Curriculum:

Teaching Textbooks .....this came recommended from a home schooling mom of 10 :) As the kids get into more involved schooling I just find myself drowning in everything that needs to be done! So we are going to give these a try!! Which changes our tax list of needs to include a couple of computers ;)

Vantage Learning....... This is another struggle here....but I know it needs to be done!

Letter of the Week (Preschool) - it's weird but just the past month or so she (#4) has really seemed to have matured a great deal! We had all intentions of having her do preschool and K5 this year but she just didn't seem ready! But something hit and she is ready. So we are going to do this and hoping by late summer/early fall she can start K5. Putting her a year behind US standards.......but we aren't worrying about that just yet :)

#4 has also outgrown nap time. Joy! So we need something to fill her day :)

On today's agenda:

Finally finish up the pumpkin.....in bread form......before no one is in the mood for pumpkin :)
Bake some Peanut Butter/Oatmeal/Chocolate Chip Cookies
Get together breakfast for the AM......Baked Oatmeal.
This looks yummy too. Can't decide if that should be made today lol!!!
And Lentil Tacos for dinner!

Next Week's Menu!

2011-02-10T19:02:00.000-06:00

It's Menu Time again......I really need a better routine for this! It is a dreaded chore for me....right up there with cleaning the toilet and folding the basket full of socks ;)

Honey BBQ Chik'n Sandwiches

Veggie Pitas

Cheesy Salsa Skillet

Warm Taco Dip & Guacamole

Valentine's Day Meal

Squash Lasagna

Fruit Salsa & Cold Taco Dip

Visions of Valentine's Day dancing in my Head!

2011-02-10T18:24:00.000-06:00

I am on the hunt for a fun memory filled Valentines Menu :)

So far it looks like this:

Vegetarian Black Bean Burgers

Oven Fried Potato Wedges & Chocolate Milkshakes

And Better then boxed Brownies for dessert:

INGREDIENTS

1/3cup Dutch-processed cocoa
1 1/2teaspoons instant espresso (optional)
1/2cup plus 2 tablespoons boiling water
2ounces unsweetened chocolate , finely chopped (see note and related illustration)
4tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter , melted
1/2cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2large eggs
2large egg yolks
2teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2cups (17 1/2 ounces) sugar
1 3/4cups (8 3/4 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4teaspoon table salt
6ounces bittersweet chocolate , cut into 1/2-inch pieces (see note)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Referring to directions in Making a Foil Sling (related), make sling using the following steps: Cut 18-inch length foil and fold lengthwise to 8-inch width. Fit foil into length of 13 by 9-inch baking pan, pushing it into corners and up sides of pan; allow excess to overhang pan edges. Cut 14-inch length foil and fit into width of pan in the same manner, perpendicular to the first sheet (if using extra-wide foil, fold second sheet lengthwise to 12-inch width). Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Whisk cocoa, espresso powder (if using), and boiling water together in large bowl until smooth. Add unsweetened chocolate and whisk until chocolate is melted. Whisk in melted butter and oil. (Mixture may look curdled.) Add eggs, yolks, and vanilla and continue to whisk until smooth and homogeneous. Whisk in sugar until fully incorporated. Add flour and salt and mix with rubber spatula until combined. Fold in bittersweet chocolate pieces.
3. Scrape batter into prepared pan and bake until toothpick inserted halfway between edge and center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer pan to wire rack and cool 1½ hours.
4. Using foil overhang, lift brownies from pan. Return brownies to wire rack and let cool completely, about 1 hour. Cut into 2-inch squares and serve.

and for hubby and I ;)

Petit Fours!

and trying this fondant..... and topping with strawberries IF I can find any decent ones at the store ;)

Wordless Wednsday!

2011-02-09T08:56:00.002-06:00

Monday Randomness!!

2011-02-07T08:54:00.000-06:00

One time I promise........

On today's Agenda is THIS cake. This will be the second time I make it and last time is was TO. DIE. FOR. oh my soooo good!!!

I suppose I also should work on the Menu/Grocery List.........

Laundry Folding is also calling my name........

I need to get to gettin' huh?

So we survived :)

2011-02-03T09:06:00.000-06:00

......what was supposed to be called "The Storm of the Century" here in our part of the US :)

Tuesday evening I decide maybe if we get stuck for a few days we would like to have more food, water and TP! I'm not going to lie.....I was a little worried about what the store would look like the day before we would get said storm of the century......but our store was fine. Yes there were a few extra people...but as far as stock they had plenty :) Praise the Lord!!

Fast Forward to Wednesday. we get up yesterday and still see some grass and a lot of our driveway???? What the heck.....people had pictures of buried cars and had to dig themselves out if their front doors? And we opened our doors to maybe 2 inches of snow! Then hubby decides to go and plow and he finds all the snow......DRIFTS were awful out here!! But we are safe and back to "normal" although we are freezing our bums off..... -20 is the wind chill today! New Mexico anyone?

But anyhow here is the city.........

Kind of blurry but those poor people were stuck there for 5+ hours!!!!

Stock the Freezer......Monday :)

2011-01-31T11:39:00.000-06:00

It has been my goal to cook and bake on Mondays and stock the freezer with goodies so I don't feel like I am forever in the kitchen :) So I am going to do it.....starting today!

For Today:

Pumpkin Bread
"Meat" Balls
Brownies
Cookies
Chopped the Onion that were starting to look "sad"
Boiled Beans

It's Menu Time Again!

2011-01-26T12:44:00.000-06:00

So last week I decided to write my menu down on paper and well I lost it. So here I am putting here again! I am less likely to loose it here :)

Spinach Pizza 'cept I will be using our favorite Crust recipe and THIS recipe for the Alfredo Sauce!
"Regular" Cheese Pizza for the Kiddos!

Spinach Casserole.....cause I never got to it last week :)

Dutch Cheese "meat balls" and spaghetti and Garlic Bread.

Nachos

Chili

Pot Pie Ring.......this one is for the "Taco Ring" (which is GOOD btw) I just substitute the taco for "pot pie" fixins :)

Potato Soup OR Cheddar Soup.....haven't decided!

Look at that Crazy Hair!!!

2011-01-25T13:43:00.000-06:00

Saving for........

2011-01-19T10:11:00.004-06:00

The Flying Pig Marathon ;)
I am no where near ready so I have plenty of time to fill
him up a couple of times :)

My New Red Shelves :)

2011-01-18T09:44:00.001-06:00

My Hubby painted my shelves for me!!!!! Aren't they BEAUTIFUL!!!! 3rd shelf down are the Hooks for Bananas.....which we are out of......um again!!!!!

And the bottom 2 shelves (because that is where an outlet is) for the new Black, 4 Slice toaster and the juicer I plan on buying with my taxes ;)

Menu Plan.....Tueday Night :)

2011-01-11T21:37:00.001-06:00

Dinners:

Home Made Pizza going to try THIS recipe :)

Dutch Cheese Patties and Mashed Tators!!

French Onion Soup......per Hubby's Request. Instead of the onion soup mix THIS is the plan.
.......Veggie Subs and Chips for the rest of the clan!

Veggie Soup and Grilled Cheese Dunkers!

Baked Spaghetti ~ Garlic Bread ~ Asparagus

Mexican Haystacks

Spinach and Rice Casserole.

Pancakes. This Momma has been craving them for a week!

Left Over Pumpkin?

2011-01-11T10:30:00.004-06:00

Trina's Yummy Pumpkin Bread

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

4 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup water

3 cups white sugar

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7x3 inch loaf pans.

In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.

Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

More Modest Sites :)

2011-01-07T13:13:00.001-06:00

Lovin' their Shells,skirts and Dresses :)

Lovin' their Skirts and Dresses :)

Modest Cami's

Swimwear

FIL.

2011-01-06T20:32:00.002-06:00

PRAISE THE LORD! Glory to GOD :) HE'S talking (can't understand him very well) :) He's sitting up in a chair :) He seems to be waking up :) Thank You just doesn't cut it for all the thoughts and prayers we have been a part of.

He's awake and wanting "Orange Juice and Cold Pop" :)

They are still monitoring his brain for bleeding....so far we are in the clear.
He need to be weened off of oxygen. (he is still on the nasal cannula).
He needs to eat....still on the feeding tube.

Resolutions.

2011-01-04T11:39:00.002-06:00

For Me:

Keep up with the Physical Goals I have.
Read through the New Testament and Psalms and Proverbs.
I have gotten very laxed in the childrearing and they know that!

For My Family:

I want to show the world (within reason of course) to my children. Our world is so much bigger then the walls of our home. More then our wants and even our needs. I want them to see and learn what our part is in helping others.

For My Home:

Continue and Keep up the organization......I struggle with this greatly!
Pick and "Spring Clean" each room.......again.

For Our Finances:

Continue the Dave Ramsey Journey......so v.e.r.y. close right now!!
More Savings
Actually saving (through out the year) for Christmas this year!

For Our 2011 Christmas:

I have a lot of thoughts here. I pray the Lord will open some doors for us to do more for others!

1/4/11 Update.

2011-01-04T10:33:00.000-06:00

FIL Update: More and move movement. Eyes are starting to twitch. He was moving his head yesterday. Temperature is down! He is following more commands and finally did that for the dr and not just the nurses! Drs are still concerned with breathing... but not enough to do more then the c pap. And now onto a bunny trail IF YOU SMOKE STOP IT. STOP IT RIGHT NOW! His lungs just aren't where they need to be because of it!

Up again.

2011-01-03T09:31:00.002-06:00

Text from my SIL this morning: "Dad did well last night. No worse. He still has a temperature they are giving him antibiotics. It's funny, looks like he is smiling under his mask!" :)

Up, Down, Up, Down.

2011-01-02T13:56:00.002-06:00

We are back in the ICU.

Another update :)

2011-01-01T20:03:00.000-06:00

He is OUT of ICU :)

Update!!

2011-01-01T15:42:00.003-06:00

Y'all are awesome prayer warriors!!! The update from the dr.....are ya
ready? His breathing has greatly improved today. Monday my in laws
talk to the social worker as to what the next few steps would be. He
will get moved to a floor soon. (so out of ICU) They need to decided
home with a nurse or to a nursing home, until he wakes up. (after he
is done being out of ICU and on the floor)

They are weaning him off of the oxygen today. Also having all the
results sent for a 2nd opinion :) Praying for wisdom still :)

The dr also said there is definite brain activity and he fully expects
him to wake up...he just can't guess when!

I can't thank you enough for the prayers! They mean a lot :) There is a
peace in the family that is for sure!!!

Another update :)

2010-12-31T14:49:00.001-06:00

No infection. Praise the Lord!! Cat Scan showed no new swelling! Lots of movement on the right and starting to see some on the left! Poor guy everyone who walks in the room asks him "When are you going to open your eyes Jim?"

He knows and starts to get "vocal" when we talk to him. He is moaning and groaning in response to our questions. He can follow simple commands :) He is awake on the inside.....we just need him to wake ALL the way up :) They had to put soft restraints on him because he, even in the sleep state, is trying to pull the tubes out!!

When will he wake up? She (the nurse) said it is different for everyone. (a few days to a yr or whenever) His brain needs the rest, to heal. And when it is ready it will wake up.

Prayer request: he is having some trouble breathing on his own which leads to the question "do we hook him to a ventilator?"

A Small Update to "URGENT"......

2010-12-31T09:00:00.001-06:00

My FIL is breathing on his own.....a H.U.G.E. blessing :)

He has movement on the right.

He is responding to people by movement. He also responds to simple commands asking him to move his right side.

And the drs are confident that he can hear us.....also a blessing to us :)

Requests:

We would like him to wake up :)
He had a fever so we pray his body is strong enough to fight the infection.
No seizures.
No more bleeding.
No more swelling.

Urgent.

2010-12-28T12:01:00.001-06:00

Sunday Night we came home to a text on the phone from my SIL (sister in law). "Dad slipped on the ice and is on his way to the ER"

Followed a bit later by "he is heading to surgery, dr not sure he will make it"

Hubby and #1 head to the Hospital.

Monday we get that some family is coming in "just in case" and to be with those waiting at the hospital.

Then enter Tuesday's News: WE HAVE MOVEMENT (on the right side) and he is (still out of it) BUT able to follow simple commands pertaining to moving his right side. PRAISE THE LORD :)

So our requests as of Tuesday:

He is still unconscious. But there was movement last night. He was
able to follow simple instructions to move his right side. That was a
blessing.

One concern right now is there still has been no movement on the left
side. They (the drs) are waiting for him to wake up before giving any
guesses at to where he is at mentally and physically.
They removed part of his skull to relieve the pressure build up. They
will keep him like that (w/o part of the skull) for 90 days. During
those 90 days they will do multiple cat scans watching for aneurysms,
bleeding and swelling. They are also watching closely for seizures.

Please keep my FIL (Father in Law) Jim in your prayers.

Christmas Prep......

2010-12-27T01:36:00.001-06:00

......yes already!!!!

Biblical Holidays

Bethlehem Dinner and Again Here

I Love My Family!

2010-12-25T09:37:00.002-06:00

I'm sure that every thinks theirs is the best......well I am no different lol!!! Here are some pics from Fall 2010 Family Pics!

Can I be Thankful again?

2010-12-20T09:28:00.002-06:00

I love my kitchen! Love it!

Our Day in Chicago!

2010-12-18T12:08:00.001-06:00

We went into the city for my Running Expo for the Hot Chocolate and decided since we were there we would hit a few stores that the kiddos would enjoy! Keep in mind this was a few months ago! We don't make it a habit to take the kids out in winter with out being bundled ;)

Well this was #4's Favorite!! lol!!

Race #3!!

2010-12-16T12:00:00.005-06:00

Hot Chocolate in Chicago!!!! Actually I ran it a few months ago....I just finally got around to posting!!!

Thanks to my Runner's World Friend for taking some great pics!!

The Bad:

It was difficult to know where to line up.
Difficult to pass.
Seemed like quite a few bottle neck spots.
Water Station was a Nightmare!!

The Good:

It was fun!!
Having an announcer was great.....he was very chatty with the runners and calling out names (on our bibs) at the end encouraging us in.
Music was great....even if it wasn't my genre.
Chocolate was great.
Volunteers were fantastic.
There were plenty of goodies for everyone!
The scenery was amazing.....I am a country girl so running in the city was really cool!!!!
It was a beautiful Morning.....a little chilly when you were standing around but perfect for running!!!
I have the health to run......and was physically able to finish. And for that I am thankful :)

All in all a race I would do again just knowing what I know now it would be for fun and not trying to beat my previous times!!

Time: 45:01

Overall: 10839 of 12702Age Group: 1491 of 1732

The After Race Goodies!!!!

Thanks to my Another Runner's World Friend for this pic!!

Working on a Christmas Menu!

2010-12-15T01:04:00.002-06:00

First of all THIS web site looks A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!!!! I am thinking about making those cookies!!! More food.... Our Menu! We are having a Mexican theme not sure why just My Craving I suppose :)

This year we are having little bit of presents and lots of bits of food LOL!! We are going to focus on being together and making memories other then the "stuff". Our kids are blessed with Grandparents that like to spoil. This year we are going to let them and go easy ourselves :) I really wanted to get in some Jewish Traditions for this time of year and maybe a Bethlehem Dinner. And sadly this year has completely gotten away from me. So I getting the book Brooke recommends for the Jewish Traditions and will add them next year!

2011 Christmas is going to be different. I am going to start planning in January. Every year I say that and every year well I don't and I end up a ball of stress. Not next year lol!!! I am hoping THIS site will help keep me on track!!! So if you see a random post about Christmas when the US is just plain hot you will know why!!!

My Puppy graduated from Kindergarten!

2010-12-14T11:51:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving.

2010-11-29T13:26:00.001-06:00

This time of year always makes one think of all they have!! Compared to most of the world we are all so very rich :) So in honor of Thanksgiving............ (# 156-186 of The Thousand Gifts)

My Husband. I can not imagine life with out him. I am so thankful for that trip to Camp.....that I didn't even want to go.....and managed to fall in love!
My Children and what they have added to our family. They each bring their own individual ways to our family and it wouldn't be the same with out them. I am also thankful for their health. And thankful that they have been so opened minded with all the changes in our family the past few years.
My Extended Family.
My In Laws. When I hear of someone complaining about theirs I always say a little "Thank You" pryer to God for my In Laws.
My Husband's Job. In a time where many do not have one I am very thankful that his is still around.
My Home. (goes along with #1) My Husband has made it exactly what our family needs.
"My" Acres. I love living in the country and thankful that his boss allows us to live on this property!!
My Outside Animals. Call me a nut but I love having them!!
My Inside Animals. Again I know, I know a nut. What can I say :)
My Washer and Dryer..anyone who has kids and been with out one knows why that makes the list ;)
I am thankful for my "In Real Life" Friends!
I am thankful for my "Online" Friends. Amazing to have friends online that are as "real" as your IRL ones!
My Mizunos and the ability to use them!!!
My Husband who has been supportive with my using those Mizunos!
My Van. It's not the newest. I have to open the doors myself ;) But it runs and runs well. Actually we have taken it in for a fixin', and the guy always tells us what great condition it is in for it's age.
I am thankful that me being home with the kids is as important to my Husband as it is myself!
I am thankful for a furnace in winter and an AC in the summer.
I am thankful for a fall day of hiking.
I am thankful for my Full Pantry and Refrigerator.
I am thankful for the 4 days off that Hubby had for the Thanksgiving Holiday!
Black Friday....need I say more ;)
I am thankful for the clothes that needed to be given away because they are too big!
I am thankful for clothes to replace the ones given away :)
I am thankful for Family Movie Night......a fun memory in the making!!!
I am thankful for the ability to drastically change my family's diet by choice not because the choices were not there.
My Tread Mill....and the fact that it hasn't turned into a "catch all" for clutter!!!!
My Race Bibs. They make me smile when I see them lined up on the wall.
My Little Christmas Tree. I didn't like it at first but it has grown on me :)
I am thankful for Garage Sales, Craigslist, Freecycle, clearance rakes, hand me downs and eBay.....love saving $!!!
The internet......to have the ability to have everything at your fingertips is amazing!!

Race #4!!

2010-11-29T11:33:00.001-06:00

Turkey Trot #1 is done!!!!!!

Last night is was rain/sleeting. I was thinking it would be a no go for this Momma But woke up this morning to a beautiful 40* morning!!!!!!

Note to self for future races…..make sure you check the map. 13 Hills….wowzers!!!!! That kicked my behind and I felt it for 3 Days!! But time wise it was only about a minute and a half slower then what I did 4 miles at home…..with the hills I was excited with that time.

Our First Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu!

2010-11-22T14:16:00.005-06:00

Breakfast:
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Appetizers or Snacks:
Berries with Sour Cream Sauce
Calico Corn Salsa
Spinach Dip

Lunch:
Ratatouille
Mashed Tator/Gravy .....of Course!
Vegan Homemade Stuffing .....not vegan though we will use butter and not margarine!
Cream Cheese Corn
Sour Cream Biscuits

Desserts:
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies (Cut Out, Bake and Decorate FUN!)
Peppermint Bark

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I still love you....really!!

2010-11-17T09:30:00.000-06:00

I really do love blogging really I do. I hate what blogger has become. I hate that I have issues getting pictures on here. I don't know why? It says I can upload them from my computer but it never works. I have upload them to photo bucket and then upload them here...and....well....that is just a pain in the behind.

So the blog sits untouched because why would anyone read with no pictures. So here is a boring post with no pictures.

I have pumpkin patch pictures.
I have race pictures.
I have the cutest Christmas Pictures.
I have kids just being kid Pictures.

Yet no posts.

Anyone else having issues getting pictures in their post straight from their computer??? Or am I the only one "blessed" :)

Is it too early......

2010-11-01T14:48:00.002-05:00

.....to be thinking about 2011 goals already?

Here is a sneak peak on the Physical Goals :) Still praying on the Spiritual Goals!!

780 Miles for 2011 (12 Per Week)
Go from 4 to 8 Miles for the Weekly "Long" Run
Finish Bridge to 10k
Run 10k in August
Run 15k in November
Up Monthly "Goal" 44 to 65 Miles a Month.
Loose another 40-50 Pounds.

Thankfulness.

2010-10-27T09:55:00.001-05:00

Today I was busy in the kitchen thinking about all the things....in our home....I was thankful for :)

The Stove simmering today's lunch! Yummy Veggie and Rice Soup!
The Chopper cutting my onions.....no tears :)
The Dishwasher....no not #3....busily washing the breakfast dishes.
The Rice Cooker that was cooking the rice for the Soup.
The Bread Maker that was kneading the dough for the home made bread for lunch.
The Washer who was busy washing and wringing the clothes.
The Dryer making them nice and toasty.
The Oven that is making my Amish Friendship Bread.

Some days I think being a SAHM isn't that difficult...ya know until you add the kids.....and home schooling ;)

For my New Friend "E"......

2010-10-25T10:45:00.000-05:00

....also Odie and Tommy's First Mom :)

Just wanted you to know they are doing well!!!!

What have we been up too????

2010-10-18T14:49:00.003-05:00

Our Friends.

Well the Hubster has been busy the kids and I have been "Gophers" and Company :)

What a FAN TAB U LOUS job he did!!!!!!

I am amazed at what he can do!!!

Walking to The Garden/Barnyard.

The New House :)

The Entrance.

Ginger saying "Good Morning"

Roosts.

Nesting Boxes.....in need of some straw :)

Welcome to our Yard!

The "old" Coop!

Ginger again....just cause she's so sweet :)

Ginger's New Play Yard.....'cept we catch the chickens on it more!

This Year's Babies on one of the Houses.

The other "Old" Coop!

THE BEST NEWS OF ALL:
We bought some of the lumber, a bit of insulation
THAT'S IT.
IT WAS ALL leftovers from FreeCycle!!!!

2nd One Done :)

2010-10-17T14:10:00.001-05:00

Hmm I wonder if this ever gets old because the 2nd was just as great as the 1st......minus the nervousness of the first.....so in fact it was perfect :)

I wasn't last AND I had a better time then the last 5k :) Okay not much better but I smiled when I saw the time!! 43:xx no idea the seconds....I was trying desperately not to throw up :( Not sure what my problem was but it passed quickly!!

My times looked something like:

1st Mile: 10:28 <---- WOOT WOOT!!!

1st & 2nd Mile: 29:xx

Whole Thing: 43:xx

The race was in the dark we ran by candlelight (with hills ACK)....... and the weather was perfect!!!

Hubby and Me after the race :)

Have I mentioned that I love running......even if for now it's slow :)

20 days until the next one!!!!!!!

And Mrs McD.....just in case there was any question ;)

ETA: 43:37.5

#372 out of 455 Runner/Walkers

52nd out of 70 in my Age Division

Menu Plan Monday :)

2010-10-11T14:22:00.001-05:00

Lunches:
Sandwiches ~ chips ~ fruit
taco dip and guacamole
baked tators
leftovers
New to Try for the Hubster: Avocado and Quinoa Salad!

"Chicken" Parmesan Sandwiches
Home Made Pizza
Spaghetti/Garlic Bread
Creamy Veggie Soup/Home Made Bread
Nacho Bake
Mac & Ch and "Hot Dogs"
Chili

My Sweetest Day Gift :)

2010-10-10T14:56:00.000-05:00

Meet Ginger :)

Just some health articles.

2010-09-14T09:23:00.000-05:00

Plastic

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Just when you think you have nothing to blog about.......

2010-09-13T08:53:00.000-05:00

......you kid says something and you and you can't wait to blog it :)

From #2 Kid: "Mom do you want me to pull the van for you?" which wouldn't be shocking IF he was 16, or 15 or maybe even 14....he's ELEVEN!!!!! WAY to young to be asking me that question!!!!!!

Is it just me......

2010-09-10T10:18:00.000-05:00

....or do blogs get really boring after the adoption is final and year 6 of home schooling and on year 3 of gardening!!! :)

I haven't given up but man we are boring these days!!!!

Thankful Tuesday!!!

2010-08-31T10:25:00.001-05:00

New (to us) (Free) Furniture!!

Reading.....

2010-08-31T09:17:00.001-05:00

......sometimes I wish we hadn't taught our children to read!!!!

New "rules" at our house.

No reading T Shirts
No reading bumper stickers

Nice Save Dad!!!!!! Wowzers!!!

The WWF Backpack :)

2010-08-30T19:45:00.000-05:00

Are you serious? Yes totally....
Why in the world would she want WWF? Because she's a nut!!
Do you guys watch it? NEVER EVER EVER. We don't have tv channels :)
That is hilarious. I actually thought so too!!!
I am glad you suggested her second choice. She was actually given 3 choices. Tinkerbell. Princesses or the Penguins. Princess and Tinkerbell were crossed off the list pretty early. So I thought she'd just get the Penguins. Then she picks up WWF. I told her #4 We can't get naked men :)

Wow, where does the time go??

2010-08-30T09:16:00.001-05:00

I need to get to gettin'!!! Always waiting until the last minute :)

Found it for you Brooke ;)

2010-08-27T09:55:00.000-05:00

New Shoes!!

My Favorite Kids :)

Her 2nd choice in Back Packs! WWF was the 1st LOL!!!

#4 READY for school to start!!!

Um Brooke......

2010-08-23T09:17:00.001-05:00

......pictures are taken.......cord has gone missing.

Please know that I am doing every thing in my power to find it in a timely manner ;)

Schooling......

2010-08-21T11:19:00.003-05:00

...with Big Ones and Little Ones.

I am working on an activity a day for the little ones to try and occupy them while the big ones are schooling. So far our new schedule is 9-12 for school. I'd like for the tv to not turn into the babysitter for the 2 younger ones.
So the "plan" is for them to school for half that time and an activity for the other half time. Today's plan is to get a jar made for them to draw from to let them know what the day's activity is. So far we have:

Puzzles
Crayons
Paint
Fingerpaint
Movie
Books
Kitchen Set
Babies
Polly's
Flash Cards
Foam Blocks
Building Blocks
Legos
Play Doh
Tea Party

Those are the ideas so far......Anything you can add??