The Sierra Mama

Brandon's Paleo Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

2012-01-27T13:37:00.000-08:00

We have no pictures but I wanted to share it anyway. This is a recipe that my son Brandon (age 12) made up and cooked for lunch today. It was amazing!

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (chopped into bite-size pieces)
1/2 small onion (diced)
cilantro
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1-2 tsp Lemon Pepper (we use the Lemon Pepper grinder from Trader Joes)
1 cup shredded carrots
a few slices of cooked bacon
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 TBS lemon juice
1 tsp dill

Saute the chicken breast pieces in olive oil (confession: we used a bit of bacon grease and some olive oil) and season with the Old Bay and Lemon Pepper. When your chicken is almost completely cooked add in the onion, carrots and cilantro until the veggies are tender and chicken is browned.

In separate bowl mix the mayo, lemon juice and dill. Mix well and add to the chicken mixture and crumble some bacon on top.

Serve in bowls OR wrapped in romaine lettuce.

Let us know if you try it and what you think! We all LOVED it!

Paleo Menu Plan 1/23/12 through 1/29/12

2012-01-22T21:26:00.000-08:00

Breakfasts:

apple cinnamon muffins, smoothies
paleo coffee cake, smoothies
bacon, snickerdoodle pancakes, fruit
grain free cinnamon rolls, smoothies
sausage and grain free gravy, pumpkin baking powder biscuits*
sausage and veggie fritatta
cinnamon bun muffins, smoothies

Lunches:

leftover chili/chili dogs, fruit
sweet potato, bacon and egg salad
thai chicken wraps, fruit, veggies
leftover meatballs, fruit, veggies
chicken, spinach, potato soup made in the Vitamix
stir fry beef salad
tuna salad, fruit, veggies

Dinners:

ground beef stew, grain free biscuits
beanless chili, salad
chicken and pumpkin dumplings*, salad
grain free won tons*, stir fry veggies
marvelous meatballs, salad
cilantro turkey burgers, salad
buffalo chicken salads (big salad topped with buffalo chicken, lots of veggies and homemade ranch dressing)

Snacks:

paleo banana bread
homemade granola
pecan raisin bread
flourless chocolate fudge cookies
fruit
smoothies
grain free cheez-its

*(these links use the Bisquick gluten free mix.. I will be making up a mix of my own that does not have rice flour in it)

Paleo Confession...

2012-01-19T13:37:00.000-08:00

okay, here is is... my diet has been CRAP the past few weeks! I am not pleased with it and a couple days ago I had a simple partial seizure. I have not had one in about a year, pretty much since my dietary change.. soooooooo... I am putting it out here that I am back to being fully committed to eating paleo effective immediately!

Back to only my beloved almond flour and coconut flour, back to using only local honey as my sweetener for baking and back to not using so much dairy (save for my half and half in my coffee). Good bye to grains (again).. you are no friend of mine!

So, there it is... my confession and my promise to be better about posting about the many benefits of paleo and my paleo menu plans along with the other stuff I love to "talk" about on this blog such as recipes, homeschooling and life in general... stick around, okay!

Paleo Menu Plan 1-10-12 through 1-15-12

2012-01-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late in getting the menu together for the week. Hope it helps anyone looking for some paleo menu planning ideas : )

Breakfasts:

sausages, chopped apples and oranges topped with a little cinnamon

apple cinnamon muffins

bacon, paleo pancakes, fruit salad

cinnamon bun muffins

homemade granola, fruit

sausage and veggie fritatta, paleo bread, french toast for the boys using the paleo bread

Lunches:

Applegate hot dogs, grain free rolls, cuties (am I the only one who LOVES Cuties this time of year? we go through a LOT of them!)

turkey club sandwich on paleo bread

leftover meatballs, salad

leftover carnitas, fruit

turkey wraps, fruit

bacon wraps with avocado

Dinner:

buffalo chicken salads (romaine lettuce topped with the chicken, taco fixings and ranch dressing)

marvelous meatballs, salad

crockpot pork carnitas, salad

salisbury steak, artichoke, salad

stuffed flank steak, salad

ground beef stew, salad

Snacks:

paleo banana bread

pecan raisin bread

smoothies

granola

cinnamon almonds (from Trader Joes.. so good!)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T07:50:00.000-08:00

We are all moved to the new home as of yesterday and I am unpacking and organizing. I'll be back to regular posting VERY soon! Until then, have a wonderful New Years Day with your family and friends!

I'm Still Here

2011-12-20T10:27:00.000-08:00

Its been crazy busy here with lots of changes going on! We are moving right after Christmas so I am busy decluttering and trying to get organized to move. With it being Christmas time its kind of difficult. Lots of stuff to update but it may be right after the first of the year.. please stick around though, I have lots to say!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Menu Plan 11/21 -11/27

2011-11-21T14:27:00.000-08:00

Breakfasts:
homemade paleo granola
paleo coffee cake, fruit
sausage, sweet potato hash browns, eggs, fruit
hamburgers, curries veggie hash, eggs
paleo pumpkin muffins, smoothies
bacon, eggs, pancakes, fruit
cranberry orange scones, smoothies

Lunches:
sweet potato, bacon and egg salad
chicken pot pie, fruit
spaghetti, salad
sandwiches, fruit
leftovers
thai chicken wraps
ground beef stew (late lunch/early dinner on Sunday)

Dinners:
Quick Curry Soup
Salisbury Steak, chard and cashew saute, salad
crockpot pork chops, artichoke, salad
Thanksgiving at the inlaws (I'm taking paleo sides and pies)
chicken meatballs, salad, rolls
bacon wrapped mini spinach meatloaves, stir fry veggies, salad
ground beef stew and sandwiches

Weekly Menu 11/7 - 11/13

2011-11-07T14:43:00.000-08:00

This weeks Paleo menu

Breakfasts:
chocolate chip scones
bacon, eggs, pancakes, applesauce
apple cinnamon muffins, smoothies
sausage, hash browns, eggs
homemade donuts, smoothies
paleo coffee cake, smoothies
western omelets, apple cinnamon muffins

Lunches:
leftover kalua pork, carrot sticks, watermelon
hamburgers, baked sweet potatoes, fruit
chicken, potato and spinach soup (made in the Vitamix)
grilled chicken salad
spaghetti, salad
sweet potato, bacon and egg salad
chili dogs, fruit

Dinners:
garlic beef stew w/ acorn squash, salad
marinated grilled chicken, baked curry cauliflower, salad
grilled flank steak, mashed sweet potatoes, salad
chicken breasts w/ mushroom sauce. creamed spinach, fruit salad
meatloaf, rice (for the grain eaters in the house), salad
beanless chili, salad, paleo rolls
pot roast, sweet potatoes and carrots

Weekly Menu 10/31 - 11/6

2011-10-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post my menu weekly so that people who are new to paleo can get a feel for what we eat. Hopefully you can see by the menu that we are eating lots of variety.

Breakfasts:

cinnamon apple creamed hot cereal

sausage, eggs, paleo pumpkin pancakes, fruit

banana date muffins, smoothies

western omelet

upside down apple pie muffins, smoothies

crustless quiche

bacon wraps, apple cinnamon muffins

Lunches:

grilled steak salad

tacos, fruit

chicken soup

paleo pizza

chicken sausages, curried veggie hash, fruit

garlic beef stew with acorn squash

chicken wraps

Dinners:

chicken enchiladas (tortilla recipe here)

salmon with coconut cream sauce, salad

steak rolls, steamed artichoke, salad

pecan crusted chicken, baked sweet potatoes, salad

marvelous meatballs, salad

grilled chicken, sausages, stir fry veggies

kalua pork, salad

Snacks:

pecan raisin bread

berries with almond butter

fruit

homemade granola

smoothies

red velvet cupcakes (if we're feeling like a fun treat and YES, its a paleo recipe.. from Elana's Pantry's Gluten Free Cupcake book)

Hope this helps anyone wanting to know more about paleo and "what you can eat".

: )

Plank Pullin' Time - The One Where I Forgive

2011-10-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

It’s Plank Pullin’ time! The one day a week that we strongly resolve to ignore the multitude of specks and sawdust around us and pull one bona fide plank from our own eye. Matthew 7:3-5 style.

Well.. I decided to take part in plank pullin' this week. Not sure I will continue it every week BUT this week its needed. Mainly for me but I hope it can help others.

This week has been interesting for me. You see, I have a sister that I did not know about until she was about 13 (she's 30 now - we have met and adore each other BUT that's a whole other post).. she's my fathers daughter. My father who I have not see since I was about 6. He left my sister when she was 15.. see a pattern here?

This past week my sister found his address and wrote him a letter. He called her.

I have been left with a flood of emotions to deal with.. ones never dealt with. Abandonment, hurt, unworthiness, etc. Not having a father has hurt me more then I would care to articulate or even realize. These emotions can lead to anger and bitterness.

But I have realized this week that sin is sin.. I mean yeah, that's basic but is it really that basic? Its easy when its something little that doesn't "hurt" anyone right? But this week.. I came face to face with this: My father has been gone from my life for 35 years. By his choice. But really.. I make choices everyday to put myself before my kids. I listen half heartedly, I tell them "in a minute" and that minute never comes and more.

Time that by choice is not given to my kids.

35 years or 35 minutes..whats the difference when the reason is the same. Sin.. selfishness, wanting what I want, wanting to not deal with things... and that is changing... now!

I will say that its not easy to let go of the 35 years and I may never choose to speak to him BUT I do forgive.. his sin is not greater than mine.

So today, I choose to forgive.. my father and myself.

Paleo Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cream

2011-10-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

I was going to take pictures of the making of this recipe but in all honesty, its just a few things put in a blender and turned on so I decided to forgo the pics and get the recipe up on the blog.

Paleo Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cream

1 can coconut milk

1/2 cup pumpkin

1/2 cup honey or fruit sweetener

1/4 tsp cinnamon*

1/4 tsp nutmeg*

1/4 tsp cloves*

*you can substitute 3/4 tsp to 1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice for these.

Place all ingredients in a blender, mix and enjoy.

Note: The spices do settle a bit in the refrigerator so I keep mine in a small container that is usually for salad dressing so that I can give it a shake before using it.

Is My Home a Haven.. Week 3

2011-10-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

I am VERY late in posting this. We have had such a busy week and I plan to share about that over the coming days but.. for now lets get to how this past week was.

The challenges for this past week were:
1) Make a list of areas in your home that are visually stressful because of the clutter and clear them out
2) Consider any spiritual "clutter" you've noticed. What gets in the way of peace in your life?
3) Continue with last weeks tasks.. lighting the candle and praying for peace in your home (Focus on peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships) and playing soft music daily.

I have to admit that I am doing alright in the area of clutter.. having a house that's for sale will do that to you, LOL. I am enjoying listening to peaceful music and I love having candles lit. I love getting up early in the morning and lighting candles while it is still dark outside. I listen to hymns on Pandora and I read my Bible and its just so.. so.. peaceful. Imagine that! Kinda funny how that works, huh!

I am praying for peace in your home this week too!

Spiritual Growth

2011-10-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them... Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

I have to say that I am enjoying the Fall Challenge very much and the above scripture has been on my mind this week! Its been good to pray for the peace in our home and realize that the peace begins with me.. I know, sounds so basic but some days its just not as easy as it sounds. Our schedule is crazy busy with homeschooling, youth group for the oldest at church, scouts for both boys, swimming for my youngest, baseball practices and games for the oldest (he's on 2 teams) as well as babysitting our friends baby each day, being a wife and keeping up a home (which happens to be for sale so it needs to be a bit more clean and uncluttered at all times)

The lit candle is a visual reminder to me to pray for peace, not only in our home but for peace in our hearts, minds and bodies. I have a son whose mind always seems to be several steps ahead of what he can articulate. Sometimes its easy to get frustrated because he knows what he is trying to get across and we just don't. I have been praying for peace within him and for him to be able to process what he wants to get across and in the past couple days its improved.

I am praying for peace in my heart about some things happening that are out of our control. I turn these things over to the Lord every morning and begin each day anew. Its brought about a tremendous peace in my heart and I can see the results in our home life already.

I turn on Pandora and listen to the Hymns for Worship channel each day or on to KLOVE and its so refreshing to have godly music playing. I feel like we have a sanctuary in our home right now. I feel like I can breathe and relax internally and as a result I am a much more pleasant and patient mama. Much better then the usual TV that permeates our home some days. (Disclaimer: I have NOTHING against TV. In fact, I love me some television BUT I am finding that keeping the day partly free of it is helping. The kids haven't even wanted to turn the TV on. They are just doing other things that they want to do)

That said, am I under any delusions that every day will be as wonderful as the past few? Absolutely not! Some days will just not be as peaceful being that I'm a sinner and mess up a lot but I am happy to have found a way to peace in our days at home, something to remember each day as I strive to be more like Him.

Fall Challenge Week 2

2011-10-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed last weeks challenge and even though I started a few days late I believe that being able to pray for peace in my home has been a blessing... how is it that I can go through my days and not think to pray for peace and how is it that a candle can remind me of that? Well, the candle works so I'm gonna go with it!

Here is this weeks challenge:

Play soft music everyday in your home

Choose music that the family enjoys.

Some music suggestions that I like: I'm a Pandora junkie so I usually set my station to Hymns for Worship, Contemporary Christian or sometimes a classical music station. Check it out and let me know what stations you like on there. I also have many cd's that we like to listen to.. Casting Crowns and Matthew West are probably our favorites.

Focus on using peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships:

Role model gentleness with your words this week
Purpose to not let someone else's anger make you angry.
Control your temper - Your home will not be a haven if you are not controlling your temper.
Continue to light a candle and pray for peace in your home

I'll check in soon to let you know how I'm doing. If you're participating in the challenge let me know how its going in your home.

Fall Challenge

2011-10-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

I know this started on Monday but I just found out about it today and decided that I not only want to take part in this challenge but I feel that I need to also.

This weeks challenge: October 3 - Go buy a extra large candle and light a candle everyday in your home. Each time the candle catches your eye, say a prayer for peace in your home.

I love to have candles burning (although I am a bit obsessed with Scentsy right now so I don't have many candles right now - case in point, today I am burning a tea light candle). But do what works for you. I will be getting a candle this evening and then starting my candle early each morning and letting it burn throughout the day... if it reminds me to pray for, create and be the peace in my home then its worth the investment!

Paleo Pumpkin Smoothie Recipe

2011-10-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

Its Fall and that means pumpkin!! Okay, I admit it.. I use pumpkin year round but today I wanted to create a pumpkin smoothie and I do have to say that it turned out fantastic!

Pumpkin Smoothie (makes 3-4 smoothies)

2 cups vanilla coconut milk (I use the So Delicious brand)

3 dates, pitted

2 frozen bananas (you can use one banana and add ice if you like to get it to the right consistency)

1/2 cup organic pumpkin (I used the Farmers Market brand today but I have pureed pumpkin in the freezer that I will use too)

dash of cinnamon (it was probably about 1/4 tsp)

dash of nutmeg (about 1/8 tsp)

Blend and enjoy!

If you try it, let me know what you think!

Using KONOS

2011-10-02T06:45:00.000-07:00

Well, we're a few weeks in to the school year and as promised I am going to start posting some reviews on what we are using to learn. Today, I'll talk about KONOS unit studies.

I'll preface this by saying that while a lot of people pick a "character trait" that they want to work on with their children and choose a unit that corresponds with that particular trait. I let my kids choose the units they want to do. I figure if they pick it, they are interested in it.

So, that said, we started with a unit on flight and aviation. We read about the Wright Brothers and their Wright B Flyer, made paper airplanes and had contests to see whose design was better and discussed why that plane flew so well or why a plane did not fly well. We did experiments to help us better understand Bernoulli's Principle. We watched a couple movies and documentaries about flight. We read about Amelia Earhart. We learned about the Spirit of St. Louis and we also went to the Reno Air Races.

One activity that stood out to me was this.. we made a list of planes and my boys knew SO MANY just off the top of they heads that I was amazed! I think the list on our small white board was a least 40 planes. I am continually amazed by what the boys know about by just living life.

Now, back to the review... KONOS is a set of 3 volumes and each volume is LARGE with LOTS of ideas for your unit study. They have a schedule laid out for you or you can make up your own choosing from the many activities and ideas that they have given you. It is Bible based using character traits to break down the units into sub-groups.

Pros of KONOS: It has so much in it and has so many ideas. Perfect for the homeschooling mom who lacks creativity (raising my hand). The activities are fun.. well, most of them. It depends on your child and what they like but you can choose the activities that you think or know your children will like. There are 3 volumes so there is LOTS of material and you can use it with many ages groups. I have heard it said that with unit studies, all the kids "get on the bus at the same time but they get off at different stops" so for example, your 9 year old will be doing what your 14 year old is doing. The older child will study the unit more in depth though.

Cons: It has so much in it and has so many ideas.. yes, I listed that as a pro too. My advice, you MUST pick and choose what activities sound best to you and not do what you don't think will be effective or met with enthusiasm by your children. There is so much in there that you could fill HOURS doing KONOS alone. Don't try to do it ALL! The book list and resources are pretty outdated. I can not find many of the resources they recommend at our library at all so I just go to the area that has the books on that topic and pick what we like. My boys LOVE hands on, experiment type things so I get books like that for them. While it has a lot of ideas the volumes can be difficult to navigate when you are just starting out. And last on the cons list is price.. a new volume is over $100 BUT if you can find one used you can get a volume for about half that or less.

So, I am enjoying using KONOS but I am realistic of my expectations of it. We just don't have the time to use it to its full intent BUT we are using it the way that works for us. I have used many unit studies and I have to say that KONOS would be listed in the top two of my favorites.

Something Big is Coming and a $56,000 Homeschool Sweepstakes! | Home Educating Association

2011-09-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

Something Big is Coming and a $56,000 Homeschool Sweepstakes! | Home Educating Association

Free Stuff! Check it out!

What We've Been up to This Past Week

2011-09-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

We have been learning about flight and aviation and Trevor was inspired to try to build a Wright B Flyer out of wood. Unfortunately we didn't have any thin enough for the attempt. We'll be looking for a model for him. He did enjoy some time trying it.. sawing and measuring.

Brandon is reading Tom Sawyer. Its a classics for kids edition so its not the full version but its very understandable for him and honestly, I prefer this version. I am having more fun reading it again and it's easier to read then the original which I labored through many years ago. Also, ya gotta love being able to sit on the deck and enjoy a smoothie while you read. Homeschooling Rocks!!

First Day of Homeschool 2011

2011-09-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

Its that time! First official day of homeschooling 2011

Brandon 6th Grade

Trevor 4th Grade

science experiment showing that air has force.. enough to keep the paper on a jar fill with water and turned upside down.

right after I took the picture he started to put it up over his head and the cardboard fell off which explains the change of clothes in the following pictures (it was getting pretty wet from being upside down for a while)

Trevor working on math

and Brandon

and this year we are learning astronomy!

we love the notebooking journals!

First day = big success!

How We Have Chosen to Learn This Year

2011-09-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, as the title suggests "we", as in the boys and I all take part in choosing what we want to learn and what we want to use to do so. Over the next few weeks there will be a series of posts highlighting each of the programs/curriculum that we have chosen, why we have chosen it and our thoughts on it.

We officially start school on the 12th so I will probably start posting these about a week after.

There will be posts on the following:

KONOS
Teaching Textbooks
Apologia Exploring Creation with Astronomy
Spelling Power
Easy Grammar
Explode the Code
and
Rosetta Stone

See you soon!

Homeschooling Poll

2011-09-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

In an effort to get to know more about who is reading my blog I am publishing a poll. If you choose other, please comment and let me know what you do : )

Its That Time of Year

2011-08-22T19:32:00.001-07:00

Public school started here today. It always leaves me with a question.. for myself and other homeschoolers though, not for those going to school.

My question is this: when your kids want to play outside during public school hours what do you do? Do you have them play in the backyard? Do you let them go out and play in the front? Today, my kids went outside in the front yard and shot some hoops together at 2pm and it got me to thinking about what others do...

I have heard some people say they keep the kids in or have them play in the backyard until public school lets out. I personally think that if we want to play outside we will do it wherever and whenever we want to. The basketball hoop is out front and they can ride their bikes out there too. If anyone ever asks any questions my response would be "it's homeschool PE"... which leads me to the question: "what do you do?"

AB See Photo Meme

2011-08-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

E is for Eggs

(from our own chickens)

Making Wax Paper Bookmarks

2011-08-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

Trevor and I have been spending lots of time together the past few weeks. Brandon has been at baseball camp and this week he is at scout camp so Trevor and I have been finding some projects to do together. This past week we made wax paper book marks.

We started with some wax paper we bought at Whole Foods.. one was a natural wax paper (brown in color) and we had some clear white wax paper also.

We started by going outside and picking some flower petals, leaves, blades of grass.. anything we found interesting. Then we arranged them on the wax paper.

Once we got everything in place where he wanted it we folded the wax paper over.

Then we ironed it.. note, make sure the iron is not set on steam. It won't work that way. We started it off on dry iron and then we accidently hit the setting and it turned on to steam which made the entire bookmark steam back open.

not bad for his first time using an iron!

Then Trevor cut them in to bookmarks.

The finished product! On a side note, next time I would probably use a wax paper from Walmart.. the ones from Whole Foods, while great for kitchen use don't seem as waxy and didn't stick as well as we would have liked. We will be trying it with another kind of wax paper and blogging about that later to see if our theory about that is right.

Stay tuned....

Lego Guitar

2011-07-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Trevor is my Lego boy and is so creative in what he makes. Recently he decided that he was going to make a Lego guitar (bass guitar to be exact). Every time he makes something I am amazed! I think he may grow up to be a Lego Engineer!

Here is is with his Lego guitar on the guitar stand

Rockin' Out!

Showing his guitar next to a real bass guitar.. its really true to size!

My creative boy!

Grain Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Using Peanut Flour

2011-07-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

Its the middle of summer and I'm craving something "pumpkiny", go figure! After looking through the pantry to see what I had to accompany said pumpkin, I decided to try to make some grain free pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

First start with one of these.. any baking in this house needs to be done with a cup of coffee in hand (you're choice of iced or hot)

Meet the cast of characters: butter, organic cane juice crystals aka sugar, vanilla, peanut flour, organic canned pumpkin, organic chocolate chips, grain free baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, salt and an egg.

I tried to take a pretty picture a la Pioneer Woman but I realize that I have UGLY dishes. I need to an expense account at Williams Sonoma!

Start by mixing together 1/2 to 1 cup of pumpkin (depending on how strong of a pumpkin flavor that you want - I used 1 cup), 1/2 cup butter, cane juice crystals and the egg.

After mixing the first ingredients together add the dry ingredients and mix well.

pretty and orange!

Then mix in the vanilla and fold in the chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded spoonfuls on to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.


once again, please excuse the well loved yet unattractive baking sheet

And the finished product! They are more of a cake type texture which we love!

Grain Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Using Peanut Flour
1/2 cup to 1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup organic cane juice crystals
1/2 cup butter (or grapeseed oil)
1 egg
2 cups peanut flour
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tsps grain free baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups organic chocolate chips

1) Combine pumpkin, cane juice crystals, softened butter and egg. In separate bowl stir together peanut flour, grain free baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and blend well.

2) Add in vanilla and chocolate chips.

3) Drop by spoonful on a bakign pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 13-15 minutes.

Stay Tuned

2011-07-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

I'm baking with peanut flour tomorrow.. stay tuned for a post with pictures of the yumminess

Observations from a Day at the Lake

2011-07-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we were able to go camping. We take an annual camping trip with other families that we have known for years and over time it has grown to be more and more people.. most of them people that I don't know. (friends of friends kind of thing) So to say that this past weekend was a bit awkward would be an understatement.

The families that we go with.. well, I have always felt different from them and every year it shows more and more that I am VERY different and I usually remember why I feel that by being around the people that they bring with them. They bring like minded people with them. To help you understand what I mean I'll give you a few of things that observed this weekend.

Observation #1 - parents talking about not giving a child juice, they said if they want orange juice eat an orange or apple juice eat an apple. I'm thinking, what if the child is just thirsty and would like some juice? If you buy 100% juice is it a big deal if they have that and not an apple? What if they are not hungry but would like something to drink other then water? I know that I sometimes don't want water. Sometimes I want something with a bit more flavor, maybe something to satisfy a sweet craving when I'm not necessarily hungry. Would they consider it ok for themselves to have a glass of orange juice and not the orange?

Observation #2 - making a child eat all of a hamburger that they obviously did not want so that they "could have some protein".. doesn't forcing a child to eat everything on their plate increase the risk poor eating habits? What if you're full?

Observation #3 - being upset with a child when they act like.. well, a child. I saw a child who had spent about 5 hours at the lake fall asleep in a chair. The child slept for about 10 minutes and was woken up to climb up the hill to go to the car. The child cried and was told "you're 8 years old, act like it".. well, I think the child was acting like it.. tired from a long day at the lake and woken up, told to carry some things and not cry about it all. Wouldn't it have been easier to have dad take up the stuff to the car while the mom sat with the kids and then for dad to then carry the exhausted, sleeping child to the car?

Those are just a few of the things I observed over the weekend. I just parent differently then the people we used to spend time with and when we see each other once a year it becomes painfully obvious that we are on different paths in life.

Its sad to not have like minded people to spend time with. As a Christian who doesn't believe in spanking or other forms of punitive forms of discipline I am finding that its difficult to find your place.

Maybe its just me....

A B See Photo Meme

2011-07-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

D is for Dare Devil

A B See Photo Meme

2011-07-05T16:01:00.000-07:00

C is for Cousins

A B See Photo Meme

2011-06-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

B is for Bicycling

Salad Spinner Art

2011-06-24T15:07:00.000-07:00

I came across this post on Play at Home Mom's blog and thought it looked liked lots of fun! And really, my boys are always looking for a reason to play with the salad spinner and if it doesn't involve making a salad its even better!

First thing you do is coat the paper plate with hair gel. I'm not sure if it helps the paint spread better or if there is another reason. I wonder of it helps the plate not soak in the paint and end up as a paint drenched mess?

Add drops of paint to your plate. Important note - make sure to use washable tempera paint.. if you use anything else, such as acrylic your salad spinner will forever be condemned for art use only.

Commence the Spinning!

This is Trevor's first one.. I think it looks kind like feet. Webbed feet or feet with funky toes. Do you see them?

Trevor and his friend putting creations together

Brandon's turn!

Turned out pretty cool, don't ya think? In other news, my kid wears the coolest shirts!

And a picture of a few of the finished product. While Play at Home Mom's site seems to be geared toward younger children there are some great things on there for everyone.. especially those of us who still want to play with paint, clay, toilet paper and salad spinners. I encourage you to check her site out!

Natural Curiosity (complete with lots of pictures!)

2011-06-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

This year for Fathers Day we went on a hike. One of the many perks of living where we do is that there are lots of places to hike and mountain bike. After asking the hubs what he would like to do he suggested a hike and picnic which sounded wonderful to me! Really, he works so hard and has so little time sometimes that spending Fathers Day this way felt like a gift to me.

We started off driving up a dirt road that I wasn't a fan of in the first place but when we got to the place to park and I found out we had to go up higher to turn around and park there.. well, lets just say that made me nervous because I knew it was going to get steeper. Thankfully, the hubs has been on that road many, many times so I was okay albeit a bit shaky.. steep dirt roads that are kinda chewed up and steep embankments on the side of you with no guard rail, well.. lets just say that's not my favorite thing! Trevor on the other hand rolled his window down and took it all in! We got turned around safely, parked and set off on our hike.


Here go my favorite guys in the whole wide world!

We stopped at an are with a picnic table and the stream running next to it. We decided to keep hiking and come back to the table for our picnic later.

We found that the wild flowers are blooming in the area after a long winter here.

Snow Plant.. pretty cool huh! Its a fungus. Awful pretty for a fungus don't ya think!

And this boy! This boy's natural curiosity came out this day in full force! I have never heard him ask so many questions... ever! If I ever doubt my childs innate curiosity.. please direct me back to this post! So many "why's" were asked, so many times "what is this" was asked. It was amazing!

He loved the log bridge!

We found more flowers!

Lupine (I believe)

Indian's Paintbrush

a gratuitous picture of Ammo the wonder dog.. running, as usual

We took a quick break to sit down, have some water and we found...

this stuff! Check it out! Its like grass but it comes apart at the sections that you can see on it. The stuff was wild! It reminds me of bamboo. If anyone knows what it is, please comment and let us know.

Headed back up!

More fun on the log bridge. I guess mountain bikers ride across this thing!

Trevor found a small stream under a bridge.

We saw a small waterfall too

and we ended the day by going out to the river and seeing the rapids. The snow is melting here off the mountains so the river is running fast! We plan on going back later in the week when it gets hotter to see if the water level is higher. I'll end it with a picture of my 3 favorite guys again!

I am blessed!

A B See Photo Meme

2011-06-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

I decided to take part in the A B See Photo Meme.. just cause it looks like fun!

A is for All Star

Feel free to join in on the fun!

Making Grain Free Wraps/Tortillas Using Chebe

2011-06-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Once again I am working with the Chebe mixes to make some "bread" for me. Since going grain free, I am finding that I miss having things like wraps or burritos. Today I decided to make some wraps using the Chebe Original Cheese Bread Mix.

I started by putting the mix in a bowl and I added a cup of sharp cheddar cheese which is under the mix.. that's what happens when you decide to take pictures and blog about something after you start.. eh, such is life.

I then added some grape seed oil and 2 eggs.. and really, aren't those just the prettiest eggs you have ever seen? I love our chickens.. especially the one who lays the speckley eggs. Good girl Java chicken! I mixed it all by hand and then added in 1/4 cup water.

Once its all mixed I roll the mix into equal sized portions and then roll out between two pieces of wax paper.

Fry on both side in an un-greased pan until golden on both sides. Since I used cheddar in this batch you can see that the cheese turned an even deeper golden brown.

The family loved these fresh from the pan.. I love how I make things for the grain free mama and everyone else eats them too! Guess it can only be good for us all.

I have made these before using a cup of parmesan cheese and found it much easier to work with so I think my next batch will be made with parmesan again. The cheddar when mixed with the oil, eggs and water kind of stuck to the wax paper a bit but that could easily be remedied by adding a bit less water. Overall this is a great alternative for us grain free foodies!

Let me know if you give these a try.. let me know what you think : )

Big Fat List Update

2011-06-13T15:23:00.000-07:00

Oh mercy I have neglected my list! Here is an update with what got done in May and so far in June crossed off. Anything in italic is a work in progress.

1. Spend time every day with God - prayer journal, prayer, meditation, Bible reading
2. Completely give up soda pop (again.. did this 2 years ago and felt great)
3. Find a really good homeschool groove
~~4. Make homemade cinnamon rolls~~
~~5. Print my list and start checking it off~~
6. Organize the cd's and dvd's
7. Spend time outdoors
8. Put school before housework no matter what the house looks like
9. Blog more often
10. Redesign my blog
11. Work on being better about routine - bedtimes, getting up, school times, etc.
12. Purge emails and keep the boxes cleaned out
~~13. Clean up/out my bookmarks folders online~~
~~14. Say no to something I can't do - without feeling guilty~~
15. Set aside a planning day for homeschool every week
~~16. Prepare and plant the garden for Spring~~ - decided not to plant a garden this year
17. Homeschool Tracker lesson planning/recording weekly
18. Do a new Bible study
~~19. Make a new turtle habitat~~ - not needed... turtle ended up with a bowel obstruction and passed away
~~20. get a new composter and move the compost pile into it~~
21. Purge things we don't need - sell, donate, & throw away
22. Redo our school schedule and adjust as needed to our new routine
23. Read 2 new books each month
24. Start doing a family devotional and reading time
~~25. Reorganize my closet~~
26. Make health a priority
27. Get a case new case for my Kindle
28. Cook and freeze meals
29. Create a living will and make sure life insurance papers are updated
30. Schedule time for myself every day and keep a journal as to how it is spent
31. Read through the Bible in a year
32. Read to the kids every day
~~33. Keep up with menu plans and weekly meals at home (eat out less)~~
34. Do more art and fun activities with the kids for school
35. Declutter once a month (set a schedule up for it)
36. Add on to the chicken coop
37. Send birthday cards to friends and family (no e-cards!)
38. Be better about birthdays and Christmas giving/thoughtfulness
39. Reward myself with a special treat when I get half way through the list
40. Deep clean the house
41. Paint over this horrid stencil painting in this living room
42. Entertain more
43. Have Trevor participate in Flat Stanley
44. Thanksgiving in June or July (just for fun)
45. Celebrate half birthdays
46. Have more date nights in 2011
47. Make cookies and take them to someone
48. Go on more field trips
~~49. Buy new underwear~~
~~50. Steam clean the carpets~~
52. Detail the car
53. See the living nativity at Christmas
54. Learn to make homemade pasta
55. Clean and organize the boys closets
56. Fine a better way to organize boys clothes that are not in season
57. Make my bed every day
58. Use the juicer more often
59. Fold the laundry and put it away when its done.. don't turn it on to "fluff it" because I don't feel like folding the clothes
60. Floss

What Shapes Us

2011-06-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about what shapes us.. our thoughts about ourselves, our outlooks on life, the labels that we give ourselves, etc...

My biological father ran out on me when was 5 or 6. I have not seen him since. I would not know him if he walked up to me, I do not know his voice, what he likes or dislikes or much of anything about him really.

I do know one thing though.. that the decision that he made 35 years ago still affects my life today and to be honest.. it pisses me off! There are some good things, yes.. I will admit that and I will write about them later but for now I'm going with the bad because frankly, I need to get this off my chest!

Parents - mothers and fathers.. our actions affect our children years and years down the road. Something that you think may not be a big deal could be to your child and our actions can cause issues later in life.

I have struggled with insecurity.. wondering what people think of me, do they like me, do they think I'm smart, am I pretty, am I worthy of friendship, am I worthy of love.. who's gonna leave me next - there you go, that's the big one. I have worried about who will deem me worthy enough to be valued as a friend, family member, church member, etc.

I am finally coming to terms with it all and will be making some changes. I have been letting life pass me by and that is going to stop. I am worthy of all the amazing things that life has to offer!

So - Life is Calling and I will Answer!

Just A Couple More Days

2011-06-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

I've been gone for a few days and really, lets be honest.. I'm not the best at updating my blog but that will change... in a couple days

A funny for today though.. my friend Jennifer over at The Path Less Taken blog told me how to find out blog stats so now I can see how people find my blog.. ie the words searched to get here. There was nothing new this week BUT the random search of the past month.. someone found this blog searching for "biggest yo yo"... EPIC!

New Tagline for The Sierra Mama

2011-05-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Since I am now a grain free cooking and eating mama, I decided that the tagline "Going Against The Grain" fits.. not only for how I eat and feed my family but it seems to work for how I live life in general... homeschooling, thoughts on religion/church, respectful and peaceful parenting, etc.

What do you think?

Unschooling vs. Relaxed Homeschooling

2011-05-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about this off and on recently.. more on then off really, it's been weighing heavily on my heart. Not really sure why but I decided to post about it to get it off my chest.

I am a mom who loves unschooling and everything about it. I believe that my children will learn as they grow without the use of curriculum.

I have a husband who likes structure and order. Its built in to him, really.. its ingrained in him, part of his essence and inmost being.

I have 2 boys who are their fathers sons. My boys like order and structure in their learning. They thrive on it.

We unschooled the boys for 2 years and while I loved it, they didn't.. was it because I had unschooled "wrong"? No, I don't think so at all.. we had a great time living and learning together but like I said, they are like their daddy and love structure. My oldest asked to start doing school again a while back so I honored that request.

So what is a mama to do when they want "school"? I talked to the boys about it and they wanted to do unit studies. They give them the structure they want and desire while being fun and kinda "unschooly" for the mama. We adapt unit studies, take rabbit trails and enjoy learning together. We cook, craft, spend time outside for whatever study we are doing. We have learned about Stonehenge recently so currently there is sidewalk chalk all over the driveway from us trying to make perfect circles on our own and finding ways to make them together.

I've come to the conclusion that we are relaxed homeschoolers.. not really a method by itself but the use of methods that work for my kids. Not curriculum or the absence of curriculum but using what my kids want and what they enjoy. We discuss together what they want to learn and how they want to learn it. We recently had a conversation about math. My oldest wanted more so we discussed his options, looked at things together and he chose Teaching Textbooks. We have had it a few weeks and he absolutely loves it. He feels good about it and is thriving and for me that's all that matters... not method.

I have friends who are very "school at home"y and others are unschoolers. Do I think of them differently? No, not at all! I believe they are all doing what works best for their children and family... I guess sometimes I feel on the outside of the homeschooling "circles", not really in one place or the other but you know what, I'm starting to be okay with that... although sometimes it would be nice to have people to talk with about relaxed homeschooling : )

Mission Statement

2011-05-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

Today I started reading 31 Days to Clean: Have a Martha House the Mary Way and was encouraged to write a personal mission statement. This is something I have never done before but after reading some that others had put together online I think I was able to put one together that I can be proud of.

So, here it is:

Mission Statement

To pursue Jesus with my whole heart. To build my relationship with Him daily through reading and prayer.

To make Ken feel loved, cared for, admired and desired. To have fun together. To be best friends.

To have fun with Brandon and Trevor. To make time with them a priority. To model kindness, compassion and a desire to selflessly serve so that they will grow up to be men who embrace these qualities. To help them grow up to be men who love and serve God.

To provide Brandon and Trevor with a safe and loving environment in which to learn. To make learning fun. To share in their wonder of the world around them and their natural curiosity.

To create a home where love grows and where people feel welcome.

What do you think?

May Menu

2011-04-30T23:27:00.000-07:00

1 - Taco Pie, Salad
2 - Polenta Lasagna for the family, leftovers for me
3 - Chicken Potato Chowder, Salad
4 - Spaghetti and Meatballs, Salad
5 - Pork Roast w/ Creamy Mustard Sauce, Quinoa, Salad
6 - Chicken Strips, Sweet Potato Fries, Salad
7 - HM Pizza, Salad
8 - Turkey Noodle Casserole, Salad
9 - Chicken Enchiladas, Salad
10 - Pumpkin Chili, Salad, Rolls
11 - Sloppy Joes, Chips, Salad
12 - Sausage Potato Chowder, Salad
13 - Beef w/ Sweet Potatoes and Spinach, Rice, Salad
14 - Meatballs, Mac & Cheese, Salad
15 - Ground Beef Stew, Rolls
16 - HM Pizza, Salad
17 - Slowcooker Chicken Soup
18 - Pot Pie Pockets, Salad
19 - Tortilla Wraps, salad
20 - Sesame Beef Stir Fry, Rice, Salad
21 - Tuna Melts, Potato Chowder, Salad
22 - Mini Meatloaves, Quinoa, Salad
23 - Breakfast For Dinner
24 - Crockpot Green Chile, Salad
25 - Salisbury Steak, Quinoa, Salad
26 - Crockpot Beef Stew, Salad, Rolls
27 - Tacos, Refried Beans, Salad
28 - Hamburgers, Potato Salad, Chips, Fruit Salad
29 - HM Chili Mac, Salad
30 - BBQ Chicken, Potato Salad, 3 Bean Salad, Fruit
31 - Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Salad

Since I am gluten, corn and rice intolerant any meals with pasta will be made using quinoa pasta. If any meals list rice, I won't be eating the rice.. just the main dish and a large salad. Tortillas, Pot Pie Pockets and any rolls for me will be grain free. My family will use regular flour and corn tortillas and sometimes regular whole wheat rolls depending on how much time I have to make both types of rolls. If there is a meal that my family loves that just won't work for me such as the polenta lasagna on the 2nd, I will have leftovers.

Yay, I Can Still Have Cinnamon Rolls!

2011-04-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

Today I spent the morning in my kitchen with My New Best Friend, my mixer and a handful of ingredients to make some grain free cinnamon rolls. If you missed my last post when I introduced my new friend you can find it here.

Today, I started with the Chebe Cinnamon Roll Mix. Its a super easy mix to use adding only an egg, applesauce and milk (or milk substitute if you're casein free). I made one change just because that's how I roll... HA, roll, that's funny!

Instead of applesauce I used Fruit Sweetener from Azure Standard which worked very well!

Here is how the dough looked after it was mixed. I did have to add one extra TBS of milk to get it to the consistency that I wanted.

All rolled out!

I used Earths Balance for spreading on the dough.

And some cinnamon sugar. I mix my own and reuse this container that I have had for... well, longer then I can remember.

Next I rolled up the dough, cut it in to half inch pieces and put them in a pie pan. They are not big, giant Cinnabon size rolls.. I'm thinking of doubling up the recipe next time so that they are a bit bigger.

I made some cream cheese frosting and topped the finished rolls with it after they had cooled just a bit. They are amazing tasting and really made me feel like being grain free won't be as much of a hassle as I had thought it would be.


Aren't they purty?

The boys LOVED them so much so that I only got a couple for breakfast!

Hi Diddle Dee Dee... Dietary Changes for Me

2011-04-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

I have had some suspected food sensitivities for a while. I have had celiac testing which came back negative, which I knew it would.. really, the majority of people with celiac are having major digestive issues and if you look at me I am anything but dealing with something that would cause me to be malnourished.

Over the past year I have still been having problems such as fatigue, mild depression (although if the sun would shine more often I suspect that would change, lol), some digestive issues although nothing too tragic.. so, this past weekend I went to see a homeopathic doctor and found out that I have food sensitivities to gluten, corn and rice... eek! RICE!!! Really??? Most gluten free foods use rice as their main ingredient which left me wondering what on Earth I was going to eat...

After doing some research at Whole Foods, I would like to introduce you to my new best friend...

Chebe is a mix that I can have, made with manoic (tapioca) flour and the mixes are so versatile! I used the original bread mix to make tortillas and they are absolutely amazing! So amazing in fact that I ordered a case from Amazon.

Check out what its does not have...

no gluten, no corn, no rice and a bonus.. no soy which I try to avoid if possible.

So there you have it.. if you're struggling with gluten intolerance or if you can't have any of the things listed on the picture above, I would suggest to try Chebe... my new best friend : )

Nine Things about Trevor on his 9th Birthday

2011-04-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

I'm a couple days late posting this.. life has kept us REALLY busy recently but here is my list about Trevor for his 9th birthday.

1) He LOVES all things Lego

2) He has an amazing sense of humor

3) He has mad skiing skilz! He was skiing double black diamond runs at 7 years old!

4) He would prefer to be in his pajamas all day

5) He is wildly creative

6) He is a good friend

7) He loves his older brother

8) He has a wonderful laugh that brightens my days

9) He does not like potatoes..

and a bonus:

10) He completes our family beautifully!

We LOVE you Trev!!!

April Update on the Big Fat List

2011-04-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

March was not the month for accomplishing anything on the list really.. in fact, i blew it in several areas. Spending time with God and reading my Bible was not a priority last month.. its been a bit stressful, spiritually speaking.

We were able to get outdoors a bit on warm days and that has been nice.

As for school.. well, things are gonna be changing back to a more natural way of learning. The kids do love unit studies so we will incorporate them, as long as they are fun and not a bunch of copywork. Those are no fun!

1. Spend time every day with God - prayer journal, prayer, meditation, Bible reading
2. Completely give up soda pop (again.. did this 2 years ago and felt great)
3. Find a really good homeschool groove
~~4. Make homemade cinnamon rolls~~
~~5. Print my list and start checking it off~~
6. Organize the cd's and dvd's
7. Spend time outdoors
8. Put school before housework no matter what the house looks like
9. Blog more often
10. Redesign my blog
11. Work on being better about routine - bedtimes, getting up, school times, etc.
12. Purge emails and keep the boxes cleaned out
13. Clean up/out my bookmarks folders online
~~14. Say no to something I can't do - without feeling guilty~~
15. Set aside a planning day for homeschool every week
16. Prepare and plant the garden for Spring
17. Homeschool Tracker lesson planning/recording weekly
18. Do a new Bible study
19. Make a new turtle habitat
~~20. get a new composter and move the compost pile into it~~
21. Purge things we don't need - sell, donate, & throw away
22. Redo our school schedule and adjust as needed to our new routine
23. Read 2 new books each month
24. Start doing a family devotional and reading time
25. Reorganize my closet
26. Make health a priority
27. Get a case new case for my Kindle
28. Cook and freeze meals
29. Create a living will and make sure life insurance papers are updated
30. Schedule time for myself every day and keep a journal as to how it is spent
31. Read through the Bible in a year
32. Read to the kids every day
~~33. Keep up with menu plans and weekly meals at home (eat out less)~~
34. Do more art and fun activities with the kids for school
35. Declutter once a month (set a schedule up for it)
36. Add on to the chicken coop
37. Send birthday cards to friends and family (no e-cards!)
38. Be better about birthdays and Christmas giving/thoughtfulness
39. Reward myself with a special treat when I get half way through the list
40. Deep clean the house
41. Paint over this horrid stencil painting in this living room
42. Entertain more
43. Have Trevor participate in Flat Stanley
44. Thanksgiving in June or July (just for fun)
45. Celebrate half birthdays
46. Have more date nights in 2011
47. Make cookies and take them to someone
48. Go on more field trips
~~49. Buy new underwear~~
50. Steam clean the carpets
52. Detail the car
53. See the living nativity at Christmas
54. Learn to make homemade pasta
55. Clean and organize the boys closets
56. Fine a better way to organize boys clothes that are not in season
57. Make my bed every day
58. Use the juicer more often
59. Fold the laundry and put it away when its done.. don't turn it on to "fluff it" because I don't feel like folding the clothes
60. Floss

April Menu

2011-03-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

1 - crockpot chicken and gravy, rice, salad
2 - dinner at the inlaws
3 - mini meatloaf muffins, quinoa, salad
4 - oven fried coconut chicken, mashed potatoes, salad
5 - beef daube provencal
6 - sesame beef stir fry
7 - crockpot pork carnitas, salad
8 - grilled chicken salad, homemade rolls
9 - ground beef stew, biscuits
10 - homemade pizza
11 - tacos, refried beans, salad
12 - green chile, homemade rolls
13 - biscuit topped chicken pot pie, salad
14 - crockpot lasagna, salad, garlic bread
15 - beef and guiness stew, salad, biscuits
16 - meatballs, mac and cheese, salad
17 - potato sausage chowder, salad, bread
18 - creamy chicken and rice casserole, salad
19 - beef with sweet potatoes and spinach, salad
20 - chicken and noodles, salad
21 - hamburger lo mein, salad
22 - mexican bow tie pasta w/chicken, salad
23 - breakfast for dinner
24 - tuna melts, potato corn chowder, salad
25 - polenta lasagna, salad, garlic bread
26 - crockpot apricot chicken, quinoa, salad
27 - meatloaf, mashed potatoes, salad
28 - pork roast with creamy mustard sauce, rice, salad
29 - chicken barley stew, salad, homemade rolls
30 - chicken tenders, sweet potato fries, salad

I Think I'm in Love

2011-03-17T23:01:00.000-07:00

Sierra Mama has a new toy!

Being a Christian and Peaceful Parenting

2011-03-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to work up a post for a few days now. I have thought about in in my mind... the wording, punctuation and I am still struggling with how to put it all together but decided I would just go ahead and put it together.

I am a Christian and we are also non-spankers. I posted a link on my personal Facebook page and it created a lot of.. well, controversy would be a good word I guess or maybe argument a better word.

I was told that the Bible says that I "hate" my kids if I "spare the rod". I was told that some people prefer hot sauce. I have heard craziness about people using homemade "whips" on their children. I was in tears thinking about that last 2.

I am baffled at how we are taught, even preached at about how Jesus came into the world to save us and we are free from the old law.. otherwise we would still be sacrificing goats but when it comes to disciplining children people want to hang on to 6 scriptures in Proverbs. What happened to Jesus abolishing the old law? What happened to treat others as you want to be treated? What happened to do not exasperate your children?

Some people say "its okay as long as you spank biblically" or "don't spank in anger".. to this I say that's pure CRAP! Really, can you hit your child and not be angry? I can't imagine I could hit anyone and not be angry. My favorite response was "can we smack our spouses around as long as we do it biblically?"

I love my children with all of my heart and I would die for them as most parents would so to suggest, that because I parent peacefully I hate my kids is ridiculous! It was also suggested that I was giving in to the "liberal, secular" thought of the world. Really??? I am floored that people can say these things with a straight face.

On the other hand, I received an email from a Facebook friend thanking me. They were struggling with their toddler and knew there was a better way and was grateful for the encouragement.

You can be a Christian and parent peacefully and respectfully. Here are a few links for anyone who may be interested in more info..

http://abandonimage.blogspot.com/2010/03/why-do-some-christians-reject-spanking.html

http://abandonimage.blogspot.com/2010/03/why-do-some-christians-reject-spanking.html

http://parentingfreedom.com/discipline/

http://unschoolingchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/03/why-we-do-things-we-do.html

I guess if the worst thing people have to say about me that that I don't hit my kids then I'm fine with it.

Redbox Rentals

2011-03-11T01:25:00.000-08:00

We have gotten several dvd rentals at Redbox over the past few months and have been very pleased with them. I love that the locations are easy to find and there are several to choose from. I like that I can return the movie to any Redbox location and I especially like that if we feel like watching a movie we can go to the closest location to us (about half a mile away) and get a movie for just a dollar!

March Update on the Annual List

2011-03-10T21:34:00.000-08:00

Lets see where I'm at this month... I got a new composter so that one can be crossed off and the boys closets are cleaned and organized. Anything in italics is an ongoing project.

1. Spend time every day with God - prayer journal, prayer, meditation, Bible reading
2. Completely give up soda pop (again.. did this 2 years ago and felt great)

3. Find a really good homeschool groove

4. ~~Make homemade cinnamon rolls~~

5. ~~Print my list and start checking it off~~

6. Organize the cd's and dvd's
7. Spend time outdoors

8. Put school before housework no matter what the house looks like

9. Blog more often
10. Redesign my blog
11. Work on being better about routine - bedtimes, getting up, school times, etc.
12. Purge emails and keep the boxes cleaned out
13. Clean up/out my bookmarks folders online
14. ~~Say no to something I can't do - without feeling guilty~~
15. Set aside a planning day for homeschool every week
16. Prepare and plant the garden for Spring
17. Homeschool Tracker lesson planning/recording weekly
18. Do a new Bible study
19. Make a new turtle habitat
20. ~~get a new composter and move the compost pile into it~~
21. Purge things we don't need - sell, donate, & throw away
22. Redo our school schedule and adjust as needed to our new routine
23. Read 2 new books each month
24. ~~Start doing a family devotional and reading time~~

25. Reorganize my closet

26. Make health a priority
27. Get a case new case for my Kindle
28. Cook and freeze meals
29. Create a living will and make sure life insurance papers are updated
30. Schedule time for myself every day and keep a journal as to how it is spent
31. Read through the Bible in a year
32. Read to the kids every day
33. Keep up with menu plans and weekly meals at home (eat out less)
34. Do more art and fun activities with the kids for school
35. ~~Declutter once a month (set a schedule up for it)~~
36. Add on to the chicken coop
37. Send birthday cards to friends and family (no e-cards!)
38. Be better about birthdays and Christmas giving/thoughtfulness
39. Reward myself with a special treat when I get half way through the list
40. Deep clean the house
41. Paint over this horrid stencil painting in this living room
42. Entertain more
43. Have Trevor participate in Flat Stanley
44. Thanksgiving in June or July (just for fun)
45. Celebrate half birthdays
46. Have more date nights in 2011
47. Make cookies and take them to someone
48. Go on more field trips
49. ~~Buy new underwear~~
50. Steam clean the carpets
52. Detail the car
53. See the living nativity at Christmas

54. Learn to make homemade pasta

55. ~~Clean and organize the boys closets~~

56. Fine a better way to organize boys clothes that are not in season

57. Make my bed every day

58. Use the juicer more often

59. Fold the laundry and put it away when its done.. don't turn it on to "fluff it" because I don't feel like folding the clothes

60. Floss

March Menu Plan

2011-02-27T16:31:00.000-08:00

1 - Santa Fe Chicken Soup, Salad
2 - Sesame Beef Stir Fry
3 - Chicken Pita Sandwiches, Pineapple Coleslaw
4 - homemade pizza
5 - Beef Stew
6 - turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies
7 - beef w/sweet potatoes and spinach
8 - Chicken Enchiladas
9 - meatballs, mac and cheese, salad
10 - Green Chile
11 - homemade pizza
12 - turkey rice soup
13 - hamburger lo mein
14 - lentil and rice tacos
15 - pizza bread, split pea soup, salad
16 - chicken stir fry
17 - Enchilada Soup
18 - homemade pizza
19 - chicken, potato and black bean soup
20 - mexican hamburger rice bake
21 - turkey noodle casserole
22 - sesame beef stir fry
23 - meatballs, mac and cheese, salad
24 - smoked sausage, red beans and rice, salad
25 - homemade pizza
26 - taco rice on tortillas
27 - chicken and noodles, biscuits
28 - fried rice, salad
29 - beef with sweet potatoes and spinach
30 - Chicken Enchiladas
31 - beef dumpling stew

On some days I wrote in salad as our veggie.. other days I didn't write it in. We pretty much have a salad every night with dinner unless some other inspiration strikes.

My BIG FAT Annual List Tradition - February Update

2011-02-02T22:38:00.000-08:00

Got a few things crossed off! Anything in italics is an ongoing project.

1. Spend time every day with God - prayer journal, prayer, meditation, Bible reading
2. Completely give up soda pop (again.. did this 2 years ago and felt great)

3. Find a really good homeschool groove

4. ~~Make homemade cinnamon rolls~~

5. ~~Print my list and start checking it off~~

6. Organize the cd's and dvd's
7. Spend time outdoors

8. Put school before housework no matter what the house looks like

9. Blog more often
10. Redesign my blog
11. Work on being better about routine - bedtimes, getting up, school times, etc.
12. Purge emails and keep the boxes cleaned out
13. Clean up/out my bookmarks folders online
14. ~~Say no to something I can't do - without feeling guilty~~
15. Set aside a planning day for homeschool every week
16. Prepare and plant the garden for Spring
17. Homeschool Tracker lesson planning/recording weekly
18. Do a new Bible study
19. Make a new turtle habitat
20. get a new composter and move the compost pile into it
21. Purge things we don't need - sell, donate, & throw away
22. Redo our school schedule and adjust as needed to our new routine
23. Read 2 new books each month
24. ~~Start doing a family devotional and reading time~~

25. Reorganize my closet

26. Make health a priority
27. Get a case new case for my Kindle
28. Cook and freeze meals
29. Create a living will and make sure life insurance papers are updated
30. Schedule time for myself every day and keep a journal as to how it is spent
31. Read through the Bible in a year
32. Read to the kids every day
33. Keep up with menu plans and weekly meals at home (eat out less)
34. Do more art and fun activities with the kids for school
35. Declutter once a month (set a schedule up for it)
36. Add on to the chicken coop
37. Send birthday cards to friends and family (no e-cards!)
38. Be better about birthdays and Christmas giving/thoughtfulness
39. Reward myself with a special treat when I get half way through the list
40. Deep clean the house
41. Paint over this horrid stencil painting in this living room
42. Entertain more
43. Have Trevor participate in Flat Stanley
44. Thanksgiving in June or July (just for fun)
45. Celebrate half birthdays
46. Have more date nights in 2011
47. Make cookies and take them to someone
48. Go on more field trips
49. ~~Buy new underwear~~
50. Steam clean the carpets
52. Detail the cars
53. See the living nativity at Christmas

54. Learn to make homemade pasta

55. Clean and organize the boys closets

56. Fine a better way to organize boys clothes that are not in season

57. Make my bed every day

58. Use the juicer more often

59. Fold the laundry and put it away when its done.. don't turn it on to "fluff it" because I don't feel like folding the clothes

60. Floss

February Menu Plan

2011-01-30T13:34:00.000-08:00

1 - chicken pot pie w/ cheesy biscuit topping
2 - beef w/ sweet potatoes and spinach
3 - pork chops w/ apricot sauce
4 - homemade pizza
5 - chicken, potato and black bean soup
6- breakfast for dinner
7 - hamburger lo mein
8 - beef & dumpling stew
9 - potato, sausage chowder
10 - meatballs, homemade mac and cheese, salad
11 - Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet
12 - chili and cornbread
13 - pork sandwiches w/ mustard sauce
14 - mexican bowtie pasta w/ chicken
15 - cajun baked chicken, quinoa, salad
16 - beef w/ sweet potatoes and spinach
17 - taco soup
18 - homemade pizza
19 - turkey dinner w/ all the trimmings
20 - breakfast for dinner
21 - turkey rice soup
22 - leftovers, quesadillas
23 - chicken stir fry
24 - roast w/ potatoes and carrots
25 - homemade pizza
26 - pork carnitas
27 - lasagna, garlic bread, salad
28 - meatloaf, mashed potatoes, salad

Curiosity

2011-01-17T14:56:00.000-08:00

Trevor is my curious child. He is always asking questions, wanting to know how things works, building amazing Lego creations or looking for a better way to do things. He found an old portable cd player and decided to take it apart to check out the inner workings of it.

he has it opened and is ready to check it out

armed with a screwdriver

and wire cutters

I was amazed as I watched him take it apart. He pretty much took out everything and told me what he thought it did and I think he was pretty accurate. He showed me how the laser moved to read the cd's and when he was done he made a pennant out of the circuit board like the one he saw Sam Flynn wear's in Tron. How's that for being creative!

2011 Book List Update

2011-01-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

One down and deciding what to read next.. I'm thinking I'll go with Made to Crave

Matthew West Concert

2011-01-08T11:34:00.000-08:00

Brandon and I were able to attend the Matthew West concert this past week in Reno and had so much fun! It was Brandon's first concert ever and it was my first time seeing a Christian artist in concert and I have to say that we could not have picked a better concert. Matthew is absolutely a wonderful performer.. engaging the audience with amazing stories (some heart tugging and some absolutely hilarious), he is so kind and takes the time to speak with people and have pictures taken with them and his songs.. well, they are amazing and God inspired and his voice is just as wonderful as on his cd's. You know how when you go to some concerts and the artists sound NOTHING like the cd.. well, not Matthew.. he sounds as good or better in person! I came away form the concert feeling refreshed and we are anxiously waiting for him to return to our area so that we can go again and this time we'll be taking Trevor with us.. he will love it!

Brandon, Matthew West and I

Yeppers! Matthew West in Concert!

Did I mention that we had AMAZING seats!

Such an amazing concert!

Homemade Fabric Softener

2011-01-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

I originally found this recipe here and wanted to share it with you. I have been using it for about a month now and so far I am pleased. I use a cheap conditioner for the recipe in a scent that I feel would be nice on clothes (Suave is 87 cents for a 15oz bottle and I just use the whole bottle.. makes measurement easy!). My husband does not like a lot of scent on his clothing so for his clothes I just use a small amount of white vinegar when I wash his clothing. For me.. well, I like to have my clothes smell good so this is an economical way to get soft clothes that smell nice.

Fabric Softener Recipe

1 cup white vinegar

2 cups hair conditioner

6 cups of water

Mix all this together. You may use this like any other Fabric Softener.

2011 Book List

2011-01-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

This is my book list for the year. Let's see how many of them I actually get to read, lol

My First Annual BIG FAT Annual List Tradition

2011-01-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

I read SprittiBee's blog and like the idea of making a list for the New Year. Not resolutions but just well, a list.. things I want to do, accomplish, work on, etc. Nothing is too small (as you will see from my list) and some things will involve a little more "work". For the record, I don't expect to get this entire list completed. Its just a little reminder for me of the things I would like to try to do this year and I will come back and revisit it monthly, crossing off anything that I have done.

1. Spend time every day with God - prayer journal, prayer, meditation, Bible reading
2. Completely give up soda pop (again.. did this 2 years ago and felt great)

3. Find a really good homeschool groove

4. Make homemade cinnamon rolls

5. Print my list and start checking it off

6. Organize the cd's and dvd's
7. Spend time outdoors

8. Put school before housework no matter what the house looks like

9. Blog more often
10. Redesign my blog
11. Work on being better about routine - bedtimes, getting up, school times, etc.
12. Purge emails and keep the boxes cleaned out
13. Clean up/out my bookmarks folders online
14. Say no to something I can't do - without feeling guilty
15. Set aside a planning day for homeschool every week
16. Prepare and plant the garden for Spring
17. Homeschool Tracker lesson planning/recording weekly
18. Do a new Bible study
19. Make a new turtle habitat
20. get a new composter and move the compost pile into it
21. Purge things we don't need - sell, donate, & throw away
22. Redo our school schedule and adjust as needed to our new routine
23. Read 2 new books each month
24. Start doing a family devotional and reading time

25. Reorganize my closet

26. Make health a priority
27. Get a case new case for my Kindle
28. Cook and freeze meals
29. Create a living will and make sure life insurance papers are updated
30. Schedule time for myself every day and keep a journal as to how it is spent
31. Read through the Bible in a year
32. Read to the kids every day
33. Keep up with menu plans and weekly meals at home (eat out less)
34. Do more art and fun activities with the kids for school
35. Declutter once a month (set a schedule up for it)
36. Add on to the chicken coop
37. Send birthday cards to friends and family (no e-cards!)
38. Be better about birthdays and Christmas giving/thoughtfulness
39. Reward myself with a special treat when I get half way through the list
40. Deep clean the house
41. Paint over this horrid stencil painting in this living room
42. Entertain more
43. Have Trevor participate in Flat Stanley
44. Thanksgiving in June or July (just for fun)
45. Celebrate half birthdays
46. Have more date nights in 2011
47. Make cookies and take them to someone
48. Go on more field trips
49. Buy new underwear
50. Steam clean the carpets
52. Detail the cars
53. See the living nativity at Christmas

54. Learn to make homemade pasta

55. Clean and organize the boys closets

56. Fine a better way to organize boys clothes that are not in season

57. Make my bed every day

58. Use the juicer more often

59. Fold the laundry and put it away when its done.. don't turn it on to "fluff it" because I don't feel like folding the clothes

60. Floss

And I'm sure there will be more... things that get added along the way. I'll add anything extra to my monthly "check-up" posts to keep track of how I'm progressing

I'm off to print my list now!

January Menu

2010-12-31T11:38:00.000-08:00

1 - pork roast, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, salad
2 - beef w/ sweet potatoes and spinach (new recipe)
3 - tacos
4 - split pea soup, pepperoni bread, salad
5 - turkey noodle casserole, salad
6 - meatball stew, salad, biscuits
7 - homemade pizza
8 - chicken cacciatore (new recipe)
9 - hamburger lo mein (new recipe)
10 - potato, sausage chowder, salad
11 - fried rice, salad
12 - crockpot meatballs, homemade mac & cheese, salad
13 - chicken stir fry
14 - homemade pizza
15 - hamburgers, fries, salad
16 - sausage and pinto bean soup (from the freezer) cornbread, salad
17 - pork carnitas
18 - meatloaf, mashed potatoes, veggies
19 - chicken tortilla soup (new recipe)
20 - tuna melts & potato, corn chowder
21 - homemade pizza
22 - chili, cornbread
23 - crockpot chicken and gravy, rice, salad
24 - grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup
25 - spaghetti and meatballs
26 - turkey rice soup
27 - chicken, potato and black bean soup
28 - homemade pizza
29 - tacos
30 - lasagna, salad, garlic bread
31 - meatball stew, salad, biscuits

Wyoming Vacation Part 3

2010-12-23T16:01:00.000-08:00

Here is my last post from our vacation. Just wanted to share a few last pictures with you.

some hot tubbing in the snow

Moose! He was BIG!!

Grand Tetons and grazing buffalo

My 3 Favorite Guys

He's so funny!

Gibbon Falls in Yellowstone

near Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone

Look! They're in 2 states at once!

In Kelly, WY.. looking towards Jackson

Rosetta Stone Giveaway.. link

2010-12-18T16:16:00.001-08:00

Now is the perfect time to give your child the gift of possibilities for the holidays with Rosetta Stone Homeschool — and you can WIN a Level 1 Homeschool program, language of your choice (valued at $249)!

Right now Rosetta Stone is having a special Holiday promotion on our Homeschool Edition program and we’d like you to help spread the word! Everyone can save up to $150 on Rosetta Stone Homeschool by visiting our website at http://www.RosettaStone.com/hsw1110.

By helping us spread the word you can win a Rosetta Stone Homeschool Edition Level 1 program, language of your choice, valued at $249.

This is a computer based curriculum and Rosetta Stone will also include a headset with microphone, and a supplementary “Audio Companion” CD so you can practice lessons in the car, on the go, or where-ever!

Students participate in life-like conversations and actually produce language to advance through the program. Rosetta Stone incorporates listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary and writing along with speaking and pronunciation lessons. For parents, the new Parent Administrative Tools are integrated into the program to allow parents to easily enroll up to ten students in any of 12 predetermined lesson plans, monitor student progress, grade completed work (the program grades the work automatically as the students progress), and you can view and print reports for transcripts. Homeschooling a lot of kids at your house? This program is designed to enroll and track up to ten students (five users on two computers) and will work for nearly all ages — from beginning readers up to college students.

To win this program, copy these paragraphs and post them in (or as) your next blog post, and/OR post about this contest on your facebook page. Then go to the original page at

http://www.othersuchhappenings.com/2010/12/rosetta-stone-giveaway-yay.html and leave a comment saying that you’ve posted about, or have linked to, the contest. Please make sure the link works to get back to the original contest page when you post, and good luck!

Wyoming Vacation Part 2

2010-12-18T13:03:00.000-08:00

More Wyoming Pictures!

Brandon, enjoying the fireplace

we could see the tram running from our timeshare unit

Buffalo just roamed across the highway

we saw this larger herd almost every day in various places

our view.. beautiful!

Trevor with his wolf, Lily

Brandon, relaxing

Our Wyoming Vacation Part 1

2010-12-08T14:32:00.000-08:00

We were fortunate enough to be able to go to Jackson, Wyoming this fall for vacation and stopped along the way to take in a few sites.

The boys and I in Idaho with the Snake River in the background

We got to Jackson and checked in to the timeshare, went grocery shopping and got settled in the afternoon and relaxed that evening. The weather forecast was for snow the next day so we didn't think we would make it to Yellowstone that day. We woke up to it snowing and at about 11am my husband looked at me and said.. "wanna try to get to Yellowstone anyway? Worst thing that can happen is we would be turned back because of road closures..", so off we went and I'm so glad we did! It was beautiful and snowy but not crowded.


Brandon.. he's growing up so fast!

at Old Faithful.. or "Old Reliable" as Brandon called it : )

we saw only 1 lonely buffalo that day


In front of a spring called "Dragon's Mouth"

We were gone until late in the evening, enjoying the sites with hardly anyone else in the park. It was amazing! We got back that evening and had dinner and spent the evening in the hot tub while snow was falling.

Coming Soon... Part 2

Baseball Update and a Mild Rant about "Socialization"

2010-12-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

Brandon has been playing on a baseball travel team. He loves the game and playing on his team has been a real blessing. All of the kids are just great and they have welcomed Brandon on to the team. He has become one if "the guys" and it really warms my heart to see the friendships grow. The parents of the kids are all just as amazing and we have made many new friends.

As a homeschool family you always get the "what about socilaization or how will they get socialized" question. It comes in waves and its usually asked at a social occasion and I won't even go into the difference between socializing and getting socialized but I digress... you see, my kids don't have to be involved in public or traditional education in order to make friends. They have plenty of friends and you know what.. if there is a person that they don't care for (and be honest, we ALL have been around those kind of people), we can choose not to be around them. You can't do that in a classroom. I like that their friends who go to traditional school don't care that they are homeschooled and in some cases are a bit jealous.. "you mean you don't have to wake up at any certain time?" or "You're Lucky!!!" are words we have heard many times and yes, we are lucky and fortunate that we are able to educate our children at home in ways that don't resemble a traditional classroom, because really.. if I want to recreate a school in my house I may as well send them to one. For a great article about this look here

anyway.. enough of that, here are some pics of my boy playing the game he loves!

Oh Where, Oh Where has Sierra Mama been????

2010-11-30T13:22:00.000-08:00

Wow, my last update was in August! Guess I'll do a quick post to update you on what we've been up to.

We've been to baseball tournaments

We've been to Yellowstone and saw Old Faithful (and many other amazing things!)

We've played in the snow at home

and we've celebrated Thanksgiving with family

So there is a glimpse of the last few months. Over the next few days I will update more in depth. Stay tuned....

What We've Been Up To in Our Homeschool

2010-08-29T15:47:00.001-07:00

We have been staying pretty busy the past few weeks with the start of our school year. Trying to get into the groove of things and get some kind of loose schedule going. We switched almost much everything this year and I'm not all the way sure that I am pleased with every change I made. I switched our science curriculum and while its not bad, its just not Apologia. I asked the boys what they preferred and they wanted to go back to Apologia so I broke down today and ordered the Zoology 3 book from Rainbow Resource and we will start that when it gets here. We did Zoology 1 and 2 last year. I plan on taking a year to do Zoology 3 though. Last year felt too rushed to really enjoy the books as we went through them (we did them with a co-op).

History.. we went to Mystery of History and I like it. There is a lot of great stuff in it and I feel we are just scratching the surface of things so I need to find a way to make more out of it. I think we may start lapbooking tomorrow to go along with it.

Language.. I like LLATL but it takes so long to do with 2 kids doing different levels. It is by far the most time consuming. Gotta figure that out too.

Math.. still loving Math on the Level!

Handwriting and spelling is always a work in progress. My youngest prefers to use all capital letters and my oldest like to spell phonetically so he leaves vowels out of things (such as "mothr".. he prefers just the "r" instead of an "er" ending), LOL. It will all come together though!

So, as usual some adjustments need to be made. I'll fill you in as we go along.

Its the First Day of School at Soaring Arrows Academy for 2010-2011

2010-08-09T21:29:00.000-07:00

Today was the start if the 2010-2011 school year at Soaring Arrows Academy. We actually unschooled for a couple years and about a year ago Brandon asked me if we could start school again like we had done before and Trevor wanted to also, so we jumped back in last year and got our feet wet again. It was a good year but full of scheduling mistakes for me. (Don't try to plan a year in advance.. it does not work out! LOL) I have learned from my mistakes and have made a plan to avoid "burn out". Our curriculum is educational, fun and lots of hands on activities. Its going to be a great year!

I took a couple pictures of the boys working on their Bible Notebooks this morning. It was a great way to start our day!

Brandon took this picture of Trevor (and a bit of me) as he was putting things in his binder

More Tournament Pictures

2010-07-04T12:33:00.001-07:00

We finished up the Renegades Tournament this past Thursday. Our team finished 4th. Not a bad showing overall. Brandon sure had a great time playing on the post season team!

Here are a few more pictures from the games.

heading over to 2nd base to make a play

ready to take the throw

single to center field

Renegades Tournament

2010-06-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

We had pool play for the Renegades tournament this past Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Thursdays game went extra innings and we ended up losing 15-14. It was a tough and hard fought game. Friday's game we won 12-2 and Saturdays game we won 17-4. Great games and lots of fun. Now the actual tournament starts this week. Brandon and the rest of the boys on his team are excited and want to win the tournament very much!

Here are some pictures from the first few games.

Wait for it.....

Got a base hit and on first

The lead off.. he ended up scoring from first on a double by the next batter. See the scoreboard.. he was the 12th run. They won this game 12-2

Playing 3rd base

Renegades 2010

2010-06-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

Brandon loves playing baseball. This year was his first year in minors and he played well enough to be chosen to be on the post season Renegades team!

We are VERY proud of our All Star!!!

Planning For The Next Year and a New School Name

2010-06-09T15:47:00.000-07:00

Why is it that most homeschool moms always start thinking of the next school year as soon as summer starts.. its a sickness I tell you! I can't help myself though so I have been searching the web for what I want.. in reality, I know what we are going to be using. Now its just searching the web for the best prices on what I want.

In other news.. we have a new name for our homeschool. We have had one that worked for us for a few years but I never really liked it. It wasn't bad, it just didn't seem right for us. At the top of my blog is a verse from the Bible. Psalm 127:4 says "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the son's born in ones youth". Its an amazing verse and while I was thinking about what to call our homeschool I realized that my goal is to help these arrows of mine soar.. and that was it.

I like it! What do you think?

Chickens.. again

2010-06-02T13:30:00.001-07:00

Brandon and Ruth the Chicken

The one scratching its head in this picture makes me laugh.. Trevor is keeping an eye on them during "Free Range" time

Dumpling and Rocco

Dumpling

Rocco

Finally, A Warm Day

2010-06-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

The weather has been weird this year.. and that's putting it nicely. A couple weeks ago it warmed up enough to actually go for a bike ride on the trail near our home. The trees are finally getting their leaves and the birds are singing. Its nice to see the green grass, beautiful blooms and the mountains that still have snow on them. Its a pretty amazing place!

Isn't it beautiful!

checking out the stream

Trevor made a torch!

Ammo had fun too

Legislature Field Trip

2010-05-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

We live in Northern Nevada, in the capital city and we just love it here! Its a small town.. only about 50,000 in our valley and its amazingly rich in history. We had not been to the legislature so we jumped at the chance to go on a field trip with some other homeschoolers to take a tour.

Our tour guide, Woody has great stories to tell and makes the field trips fun (he was also our guide for our Nevada State Museum field trip).

They are all shielding their eyes from the sun. It looks like they are all saluting the flag, LOL. See that big marble block on the left. Its sole purpose to to block the front of the building. Apparently a car drove through at one point so they put a giant marble block in front of it. I think they should at least engrave it with the state seal

Woody, telling us about the Senate Room

This is the Assembly Room

This picture of Abraham Lincoln, the "Father of Nevada" has a great story. In the 50's (I believe) the janitor heard 3 shots coming from the Assembly Room. He said it sounded like a derringer but a derringer only has 2 shots. Anyway, he ran into the room and 3 kids run out past him. They had used the picture as target practice and had shot it 3 times. The janitor didn't want to get into trouble so he took it down and repaired the painting himself. The painting weighs about 2oo pounds and he took it down, repaired it somehow and put it back up. No one noticed a thing until the mid 70's or so when they took the painting down for some reason and noticed it had been repaired. They tracked this guy down and he told them the story. Not sure of the validity of the story but its neat. If you stand at certain angles you can see where it has been repaired.

Basketball

2010-05-26T14:32:00.001-07:00

I was born in Indiana which means that I can shoot a basket.. if you can't play basketball in Indiana they take away your birth certificate, LOL. That being said, its almost embarrassing to admit that my boys have never really been introduced to basketball until recently. Brandon's Boy Scout troop plays after every meeting and he has been loving it so we had talked about getting them a hoop but just had not been able to yet.

A few weeks ago we were at the park with a friend who is moving out of state. Brandon had the basketball with him and the kids were shooting hoops and I said that he had recently gotten interested in basketball and we needed to get them a hoop. My friend told me.. "I have one in my backyard that we're not taking with us. You can have it if you want". How cool is that! God is so good to us!!

So here it is! Our new to us basketball hoop (which happens to be in amazing condition!) We are loving playing basketball together as a family in the evenings.. when its warm enough but that's altogether another post.

Got the lay up!

Trevor has a nice little jump shot!

Teenage Chickens and their New Home

2010-05-23T18:20:00.001-07:00

We got the chicken coop and put the chicks out in it. They like it outside and I like them not being in my boys bathtub! These were taken about a month ago. I'll post updated pictures of them soon.

Its Baseball Season

2010-04-23T07:02:00.001-07:00

Brandon is my baseball boy. He lives to play baseball! He has improved so much this year. He has moved up to a different league (no more pitching machine among many changes) and he is really coming out of his shell. His confidence level is building with every game. He is hitting the ball well, fielding well and has started pitching and has done fantastic at that also!

playing 2nd base

that's him at shortstop

lookin' good and hitting well

this was a different game that he pitched in. it was raining.. not sure if you can tell by the picture other then the mound looking wet. springtime baseball in Nevada means you could play on a sunny day (as seen in the above pictures) and the next game it could be raining or snowing

Skiing

2010-04-23T06:45:00.001-07:00

Trevor is my unique boy. Full of personality and always sure of what he wants and how he wants it done. He's not so much in to team sports, as his brother is. Trevor has played soccer and baseball but they just are not his thing, He didn't really enjoy them. Last year Trevor said he wanted to ski so we signed up for the homeschool skiing/snowboarding lessons at Mt. Rose and he did really well. It was almost as if he was born to ski. This year we decided to have him ski at Heavenly. He had lessons on the weekends so that dad could take him (dad is the skiier, not me) and he also went skiing with dad several non lesson days. My baby, at 7 years old is now able to ski double black diamond runs! I am just floored at his ability on the slopes.

Here he comes!

enlarge and read the sign... it scares me but my boy skis it!

wassup Dad?

An unplanned trip to Vegas

2010-04-05T15:55:00.001-07:00

We made an unexpected trip to Vegas last week. My sisters' father was really sick and in the hospital (good news is that he is going to be okay though). My sister, Amber had a baby 6 weeks ago and she was flying out so we hopped in the car and drove the 7 hours to Vegas to see everyone.

Me and Bryce... I just LOVE him!

Isn't he beautiful!!!

Trevor with his baby cousin (look at that cute baby belly!)

Brandon, giving Bryce some love

Its a shame that no one loves this baby, huh.. Look at all the kisses he's getting! We all just adore him! (can you tell its been 5 years since have had a new baby in the family? LOL)

We were only gone for 2 days so it was a quick trip but so worth it to see my sisters and my niece and nephews. I would make the trip again tomorrow if I had the chance to see them again!

Baby Chicks

2010-03-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

We got baby chicks this week because what I really need is more animals to take care of.

Okay, seriously, we had planned on getting chickens this year and raising them. I have heard that they are great pets, smart, social and fun to watch in addition to the benefit of getting fresh eggs. The boys and I went to look at the chicks and see what we would need and came home with 6 babies that were a week old. So far, they are very easy to take care of! As long as they have a heat lamp, food, water, clean butts (don't ask) and bedding they are pretty happy little campers.

see, don't they look happy?

they're not as happy when little hands reach in to grab them though. you should see them scurry!

just what every boys needs.. chickens in their bathtub!

Brandon, looking like he wasn't ready for this picture and his little chicken. Her name is Ruth.

Now we just have to build the coop!

State Museum Field Trip

2010-03-28T22:02:00.000-07:00

We went with a few other homeschooling families to the Nevada State Museum this past week. Its been a while since we had been there and I left thinking that we should go more often. This past Friday they were running the coin press in the Carson City Mint Building. They were pressing coins commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Pony Express. It was amazing to actually see this historic machine in action. The man who runs it is the only person who is authorized to even touch the machine (from what I have heard). This press was used to mint silver and gold coins between 1870 and 1893 and they said it was loaned to the Denver mint for a period of time recently and used to mint coins there too.

we got to see some of the guns in the gun room and learn about them

and ore cart on the outside of the "mine"

showing us a blank (also called a planchette)

an out of focus photo of the printed coin but you get the idea. Its a beautiful coin!

the coin press in action... I also dig this guys pants. He's rockin' the plaid!

Getting Back into the School Routine after Vacation

2010-03-23T21:22:00.001-07:00

Wow, was it hard to get back into a routine! I stumbled around for a few days making lame attempts to get things going and get the boys engaged (in my defense, my DH had to go out of town for work the day after we got home from vacation and was gone for over a week so I was a bit overwhelmed with.. well, everything!). After day 3 of things not going as planned, I canceled day 4 (we have school Monday through Thursday and Science Co-op on Fridays) and decided to sit and plan and prioritize the following week.

I received a new planner last week. Its the Well Planned Day Planner and I got the 2009-2010 planner on clearance($4.99!) to see what I thought of it before ordering the planner for next year. I am pleased to say that I really like it. I was using Homeschool Tracker and while I like it, I feel that it takes too much of my time logging hours and tracking what was done.. especially when a activity could fall under more then one subject. I also found myself hopping on the computer too much to track our day. I took my Well Planned Day Planner to Starbucks and had some coffee and planned our week and I am so happy with how things have gone the past couple days. This is how homeschooling should be! We are on schedule.. its a loose schedule but its a schedule which is what we need, a plan! Now, I'm not delusional enough to think that everyday will be like this but I am happy to have found a planner that works for us.

Here are some pics from our week so far...

testing the density of fresh water vs. salt water... an egg sinks in fresh water

Trevor adds the salt

the egg floats in salt water! salt water wins the density test!

Trevor working on his 5 a Days (Math on the Level)

Brandon working on his 5 a Days. We LOVE our math program!

Random Vacation Pictures

2010-03-14T16:21:00.001-07:00

A very cool playground that we took the boys to

my love, looking especially tan... enjoying his morning coffee on the lanai

me and my love

Brandon and a chameleon we found in a tree

dinner at sunset on our last night there.. Grandma and Grandpa are still there enjoying the sun and sand

Snorkeling Pictures

2010-03-14T16:10:00.000-07:00

Parrotfish

This would have been a nice picture, LOL.

Brandon

I love this picture!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Black Sand Beach

2010-03-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

Family picture with Us and Grandpa (crater is smoking in the background)

The boys and I in the rain forest

Black Sand Beach.. AMAZING!

Hapuna Beach

2010-03-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

Hapuna Beach is one of the best beaches in the U.S. (ranked 4th, I believe) Its absolutely beautiful!

Grandpa buried Trevor in the sand

Trevor, heading out into the surf. Charlie and Brandon were out there but never came in close enough to get a good picture.

Enjoying the View

2010-03-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

We were very blessed to be able to stay in a wonderful condo that is right on the ocean while on vacation. (Thanks to my inlaws!) We had stayed here a few years ago and enjoyed it so much that they rented it again for this stay. I loved listening to the ocean every night. Charlie and I were in the master bedroom (the ocean keeps the inlaws awake = blessing for us!) and slept with the sliding door open every night. It was like God Himself was rocking me to sleep. So peaceful!

The view from the lanai

we had every meal on the lanai!

Brandon was watching the whales and dolphins

Swimming with Wild Spinner Dolphins

2010-03-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

As a special surprise for the boys we set up a boat to take us out on the ocean and snorkel with wild spinner dolphins! What a difficult surprise it was to keep but so worth it! Here are a few pictures from that day!

a family picture as we headed out

see them jumping!

they jump out of the water and spin!

one from the underwater camera. many swam below us.

and some swam beside us!

Aren't they just beautiful! I also gotta give props to my amazing husband who manned the underwater camera. He took great pictures!

Hawaii Vacation part 3

2010-03-11T13:16:00.000-08:00

On day 3 we found a very cool beach a bit off of the beaten path. It was very windy on the beach and there were kite surfers out in the ocean. We all enjoyed watching them surf!

Tsunami Sirens

2010-03-03T15:55:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Hawaii on Friday and were awakened on Saturday morning at 5:45 am by civil defense sirens and a voice coming over a loud speaker saying "the state of Hawaii has issued a tsunami warning, please take only your personal items and head to higher ground. The first wave is expected at 11am"

This is not a fun way to wake up!

We got a few of our things and headed up to a parking lot that doubles as an evacuation center. There weren't too many cars when we got there but it soon filled up. We did meet nice people from all over the world there and everyone was very friendly which was nice since we spent 8 hours there.

The big white building on the right is were we stayed the first couple days

full parking lot.. the movie theater should have opened. they could have made a lot of money!

we had entertainment. this man sang a song called "there's a tsunami coming".. it was pretty funny

watching and waiting

Thankfully, it was only day 2 of our vacation so we still had 9 left. Some people spent the last day of there vacation in this parking lot which would have been a real bummer.

Fortunately, the tsunami wasn't as bad as predicted! Vacation has been AMAZING since then!

I also want to acknowledge the state of Hawaii's early warning system. They did a great job of evacuating everyone and keeping people calm. I was very impressed!

Vacation Time!

2010-02-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

We are in Hawaii and enjoying the warmth! We arrived on Friday (and were awakened on Saturday morning by the civil defense sirens and told there was a tsunami warning - but I'll talk about that in another post.)

For now though, here are pictures of our first afternoon/evening in Hawaii.

Trevor, ready to snorkel

Love this smile!

our welcoming committee

Book Review

2010-02-24T16:24:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of The Language of Love and Respect: Cracking the Communication Code with Your Mate by Emerson Eggerichs to review a few months ago. I was excited to read the book and had high expectations since his first book had received such great reviews. Unfortunately, this book fell short for me. It didn't hold my attention very well (which it probably why it took me a few months to read it) . It talked too much about the "Crazy Cycle" as they call it. Trying to keep all the cycles straight, honestly made my head spin.. it was just TOO much! Then add to that all the acronyms for mens and womens communication styles, again.. too much! It also, in my opinion did not have enough Biblical reference or practical life application and seemed to repeat things too often throughout the book.

If a couple is struggling with communication in their marriage, this book may be a good fit for them but there are better out there. The "For Women Only" and "For Men Only" books are much better in my opinion.

Menu Plan February 21-24

2010-02-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

This weeks menu plan is just for a few days. We are leaving on vacation on Thursday : )

Sunday:
Breakfast - french toast for the boys and breakfast tostadas for me
Lunch - boys are at a party.. I'm having whatever tickles my fancy
Dinner - cabbage rolls, 3 bean salad, buttermilk biscuits

Monday:
Breakfast - Blueberry Coffeecake
Lunch - macaroni Monday for the boys, leftovers for mom and dad
Dinner - beef roast, potatoes, carrots (this was planned for last Saturday but I failed to take the roast out of the freezer and get it in the crockpot)

Tuesday:
Breakfast - egg muffins, bacon, toast
Lunch - leftovers or sandwiches
Dinner - polenta lasagna, salad

Wednesday:
Breakfast - finish up blueberry coffeecake
Lunch - meatballs, french fries, carrot sticks
Dinner - turkey enchiladas, salad

Snacks this week will be yogurt, fruit (gotta finish up whats in this house before we go) and I will make some peanut butter cookies for our trip.

Menu Plan, February 14 - 20

2010-02-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

Finally posting this!

Sunday:
Breakfast - the boys made me breakfast in bed!
Lunch - sandwiches, chips, carrots
Dinner - chicken cordon bleu, brown rice, salad

Monday:
Breakfast - green chile and cheese egg muffins
Lunch - macaroni Monday or leftovers
Dinners - turkey, mashed potatoes and veggies (turkey wasn't thawed out enough to have last weekend)

Tuesday:
Breakfast - cereal, fruit
Lunch - out to lunch
Dinner - green chile, refried beans, salad

Wednesday:
Breakfast - breakfast burritos
Lunch - quesadillas, fruit
Dinner - turkey& rice soup, salad, fresh gluten free bread or rolls

Thursday:
Breakfast - french toast, canadian bacon
Lunch - leftovers
Dinner - salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, veggies

Friday:
Breakfast - eggs, bacon, toast
Lunch - meatballs, french fries, carrot sticks
Dinner - potato soup, salad

Saturday:
Breakfast - cereal
Lunch - packed lunches (Trevor is skiing and Brandon has a Boy Scout activity)
Dinner - beef roast, potatoes and veggies

First Boy Scout Activity

2010-02-14T21:25:00.000-08:00

Cross over to Boys Scouts on Thursday and learn to build snow caves, igloos and fires in the snow on Saturday! No wonder my boy loves scouting!

Brandon and his friend Joe building a fire

working on the igloo

working in the walls with the scout master

all done! time for the slide out...

relaxing inside the igloo

Hearing him talk about building this was completely fascinating for me. He told me how they made it and how difficult it was. If we ever need to live in an igloo, I now know that my boy can direct the construction!

Blue and Gold Banquet

2010-02-14T13:56:00.001-08:00

This week was a very special week for Brandon. On Thursday, he crossed over from Cub Scouts into Boy Scouts and received the Arrow of Light which is the highest award that a cub scout can receive. We are so proud of him!

Brandon started scouting 5 years ago as a Tiger Cub Scout and he just loves scouting. Its hard to believe that we have been going to scout pack meetings and having den meetings in our home for 5 years! Time sure flies!!!

This years cross over was just AMAZING. The mayor attended as well as the sheriff and district attorney. The event was held at the Governors Mansion which was just a beautiful venue.

Here are a few pictures from the evening.

Brandon, practicing before the ceremony started. He said the prayer before dinner and carried the American flag during the flag ceremony

Trevor got his Wolf badge

Brandon, receiving his Arrow of Light award

Arrow of Light recipients and their parents

New neckerchiefs and reciting the Boy Scout oath

Weekly Menu, February 6-13

2010-02-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

Sunday:
Breakfast - gluten free blueberry coffeecake
Lunch - Pizza, Oranges
Dinner - Chili, Salad, gluten free Cornbread

Monday:
Breakfast - bacon, eggs, gluten free english muffins
Lunch - Macaroni Monday for the boys, leftovers for me
Dinner - Polenta Lasagna, Salad

Tuesday:
Breakfast - oatmeal, fruit
Lunch - leftovers
Dinner - african peanut soup

Wednesday:
Breakfast - green chile and cheese egg muffins
Lunch - leftovers
Dinner - chicken enchilada casserole, salad

Thursday:
Breakfast - french toast, canadian bacon, applesauce
Lunch - quesadillas, fruit
Dinner - Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet

Friday:
Breakfast - eggs, bacon, toast or cereal
Lunch - sandwiches, carrot sticks, fruit
Dinner - homemade pizza, salad

Saturday:
Breakfast - Breakfast Crepes
Lunch - tacos/bean burritos
Dinner - Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies