Feeling Chatty and Menu 9-16-17

Hello Friends!

What a week this has been and this next week is busier than that! I am trying to stay on top of it all and not get overwhelmed! Lots of stuff going on!

I have got a lot of questions lately from friends and family about homeschooling, so I just thought I would sit here and answer a few things while I am feeling chatty! If you just want to see the menu for this week, go ahead and scroll to the bottom for that.

I never really thought about homeschool until Abbey was about 3 years old. I wanted to homeschool her starting in Pre-K, but Big Daddy was against it, he wanted her to go to school. When I found out a very close friend of our family was the Kindergarten teacher a the school closest to us I felt at peace with her going. I knew she would be fine. And she was! And she still talks about the bond she has(to this day) with Mrs. Cristy, and things she learned, friendships she made, etc..
Then came 1st grade, Abbey was to have Travis's 1st grade teacher, he really wanted her to have her so that was no question there she would still go. She loved Ms. Sherri just as much as he did and made more friends and had a fun year. Moving on to 2nd grade, while we loved the teacher, and Abbey had lots of fun, this was the year we started looking in to homeschooling as an option for us.(Big Daddy still wasn't completely on board) By the end of 3rd grade it was decided, and if I had known that I could have pulled her earlier in the year I would have! We had her signed up to homeschool August 2013.
Oliver has never been to public school. (Although he has mentioned it a few times)

Homeschooling has been wonderful for our family. When Abbey was in school before she would have to get up around 6:30 or so, and every morning would be a fight(we aren't morning people) In the afternoons when I would get her back she would be hungry, grumpy, tired. We would do school work, and then get maybe an hour with her before it was bath and bedtime. I'm glad to not have to do that with Oliver.
The freedom that comes with homeschooling is amazing, not living around public school schedule is amazing, having family time all the time is amazing. In some ways homeschooling definitely changed our lives!

Recently, I changed my schedule so I can be home 4-5 days a week again and it is working out so much better for our family.
So like I mentioned in my last post we don't really have a weekend. We usually take Sunday and Wednesday off. This just means I am at work and they are home with Daddy. They don't crack open all of their book work, but they both still read their books,watch documentaries(or Magic School Bus or Brain Games, etc) play games together, draw and color, help Daddy with chores, sometimes cook dinner for Mom, etc.. Still lots of life learning even if the workbooks aren't out!

Since we do not take all of June-August off we can take more time off in other areas. So the plan is to have days off in October and then we will "take off" from the week of Thanksgiving until New Years.(Taking the days we didn't use in the Summer) Now we absolutely will not be laying around and being lazy that whole time, although I do admit there will be days of that too) Even though I say we will be off, I just mean that we will have a very light load during those times. We will still be doing Math most days because my kids do not do well taking weeks at a time off from Math. We will also be working on our Holidays Around the World Unit Study, making Holiday Crafts and Cooking, watching documentaries, etc... That time of the year is the favorite for my whole family which is why we decided to adjust our schedule accordingly.
We will also take a few days here and there in the Spring and in May/June as well.

I want people to see the other side of homeschooling. We are(obviously) not homeschooling for religious reasons. They are not locked in a room all day. We are not letting our kids lay around and play video games all the time! But they are also not tied down to a desk all day. Both of the kids can get their bookwork done in about 2-3 hours which leaves time for Art,Computer, playing outside, running errands with parents or Papaw, help with chores, going fun places, spending time with friends, etc.. And they do still get to interact with other kids and get "socialized"(I hate that word now) Heck, we just had a couple of our favorite girls over for a sleepover and I had them bring their school work with them. They didn't mind, they did their work and then they all did Art together, cooked, dyed hair, etc...
My kid gets more focused social time with people now then when she was in public school.There is usually something going on each week.  For example these last few weeks Abbey volunteered at the Fair, she also had 4-H.
And this weeks schedule looks like this:
 Both kids are going to a Historical Society picnic with my parents.
 We are going to a Dessert Social(a get to know you) picnic with our Homeschool group
 Possibly P.E. class and a Fine Arts class
 Junior Master Gardeners
 Both kids have Dr Appointments

Now obviously not every week looks like that, but as you can see they will be interacting with many different people through out all of that. Some their age, most not, and I like it that way!

Right now Oliver's base work is:
Handwriting
Math review work before we step in to a new 2nd grade curriculum.(Can't wait until next year when he can move in to 3rd Grade Teaching Textbooks!)
Grammar and Spelling
Reading and Reading Comprehension
Social Studies (which at this level is basically communities, our country, continents, family, etc...)
Daily Geography
Science- We are loving reading MANY Magic School Bus books, watching the shows, and doing experiments.

We add in lots of books, documentaries, experiments, Art,Field Trips, extra classes, etc...

Right now Abbey's base work is:
Cursive Writing
Math
Grammar and Vocabulary(Wordly Wise)
History
Science
Geography
Reading
Typing

And same as above we add in read-alouds, documentaries, experiments, Art, Music, Field Trips, extra Classes such as 4-H., P.E., JMG etc...

Obviously, this is not all I have to say about that subject, I could keep going on about how much we love it, the benefits we have, etc...
If you have questions about homeschooling I can help you the best I can or I can get answers from other seasoned homeschool Moms for you.
I understand that it is not for everyone, but like I said above it's what works for our family!

Now on to the Menu! Crazy busy week, not even sure we will be home for some meals so I am just throwing out what I have down and I will fill in with what I have on hand as we go.

Breakfast:

Shake

Smoothies

Giant Breakfast Cookies

Cereal

Eggs and Toast


Lunch: 

Eat Out

Salad

Sandwiches

Leftovers


Dinner:

Sweet Potato Taco Foil Dinner   with Corn on the Cob  (Carry Over)

Low Country Bake (using my grill recipe and just baking it on a sheet pan in the oven!)

Eat Out

Turkey Kielbasa, Taters, and Kraut in the Crock pot with green beans

Mississippi Chicken  with Cauliflower Rice

Chicken Sausage with Veggies


Hope you all have a great week!

Menu 9-10-17

Hello Friends!
Hope you have all had a good weekend!
We have been moving right along with school at our house. We have a different schedule going on right now. We are currently taking 2 days off a week from school on Monday and Wednesday. Tuesday is our day that's up in the air each week. If we are home, we do book work but, we are also using it as a Family Day/Field trip day as well. Just whatever is going on that week.
Today we got our school done in the morning, had lunch, did some outside work(making sure everything is secure in case we get high winds from the storms coming in), and brought up the inside decorations for Halloween from the basement.

I had a few minutes before I need to start dinner so I thought I would share this weeks menu plan. We have 2 new recipes that we are trying out, the Salmon bites and the Spaghetti Sauce. Everything else are things we love!

Breakfast-

Cinnamon Rolls with Fruit (held over from last week)
Protein Shakes
Smoothies
Omelet with Toast
Banana Bread with Fruit (held over from last week)

Lunch-

Salad
Leftovers
Sandwiches
Snack Plates (hummus and veggies, pepperoni, applesauce, etc..)


Dinner-

Pork Carnitas  with Cauliflower Rice

Beef and Broccoli with Brown Rice, Egg Rolls, and Fortune Cookies

Leftover Night

Salmon Bites with Red Potatoes  and Brussel Sprouts

Jambalaya Pasta  with Roasted Green Beans

Sausage, Kale, and Potato Soup

Spaghetti with Sausage and Meatballs  (I am not making that huge pot that she is because I have never made it before. We will see how it goes and if we like it then I may make a big pot next time)


So there you have it. Hope y'all have a great week!

Vegetable Beef Soup

When I think about comfort food, this soup is one of

 the recipes that is first in line! 

My Mom made this all the time when I was a kid, with a big pan of cornbread! 

It's super simple, nothing fancy.

 But every time I make it takes me home to Pittman Center, smelling Mommas cornbread, smelling the smoke from the chimney, and breathing in that cool crisp air of Autumn. 

I love Mommas recipe but sometimes I change a few things, I will tell you the recipes for both. 

YaYa's Beef and Vegetable Soup

1lb ground beef

1 yellow onion

1 can whole tomatoes, squished up

1 large can of Veg All(drained)

(or cut up and use potatoes, carrots, okra, onions,etc)

Beef or Chicken broth(eye ball to cover everything, usually a box) 

Salt and Pepper 

1-2 Tbsp Butter(not margarine)

*Fry the hamburger and the onion in your pot.

 *Drain the grease off. 

*Add back to the pan.

*Add the rest of the ingredients, cook for 2-3 hours 

and add butter right at the end before serving. 

YaYa's Cornbread 

2 cups cornmeal mix 

1 egg 

1/4 vegetable oil

1 cup buttermilk

*Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. 

*Grease your cast iron skillet.

*Pour batter in to the skillet. 

*Cook at 450 degrees for about 25 minutes. 

*Remove from oven and turn out on a plate or cutting board. 

Sara's Vegetable Soup 

1lb ground beef(or ground turkey)

1 yellow onion  

1 can diced tomatoes(I use whole if I have it, YaYa says they are softer) 

1 can green beans(drained and rinsed) 

1 can corn(drained and rinsed) 

1-2 Sweet Potatoes(depending on size of potato)

1 box Vegetable Broth 

Garlic Powder

Salt and Pepper

*Fry the meat and onion in your pot. 

(I use a dutch oven and I use a bit of oil if I use turkey,

 I also add a bit of garlic powder here too)and then drain. 

*Add the meat back to the pot, and then add everything else in.

*I try to let cook at least 2 hours, sometimes I make

 in the morning and let it cook all day long!  

No matter which one you decide to make, 

this soup is delicious and definitely a great comfort food!  

P.S. Yes, I am aware that I do not always take great food pictures! Sometimes I am lucky to get a shot of any of the food I make before it has a bite out of it, cut, or completely gone. 

Remember I blog and share with everyone as a Hobby! 

Although the picture won't win any ribbons, the soup is still delicious! ;-) 

Menu 9-3-17

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn!

This weekend couldn't have been better for a Fall lover like me! Saturday felt amazing!
I am trying to figure out all the things I want to do to start decorating and things I want to add in the kids school lessons and to my menu plans.
Monday is the first TN football game and I am excited to watch it with my Hubby and kids.

I am diving right in to Fall with this first menu plan! Cinnamon Rolls, Chili, Pot Roast etc...
I am hoping to get a Freezer Cooking Day soon, so I can get some meals in the freezer for busy days ahead.


Breakfast-
Smoothie
Cinnamon Rolls and Fruit
Shakes
Omelet with Toast
Banana Bread with Fruit
These Waffles ( We tried these last week and they were great! I made a double batch so we have some in the freezer)


Lunch-
Salad
Eat Out
Tuna Salad
Leftovers
Sandwiches

Dinner-

Cookout with Family

Biscuits, Eggs, and Bacon

Chili with Cornbread

Marinated Chicken Tenders with Sweet Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts  

The Pioneer Woman's Pot Roast  with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans

Sweet Potato Taco Foil Packet  with Corn on the Cob

Leftover Night (or as I like to call it Fend For Yourself night!)


What are some of your favorite Fall meals, and Freezer Cooking meals? Leave me a comment on here or on Facebook, I love getting new ideas!

Have a great week Y'all!

Buttermilk Pumpkin Pie

Hello Friends!

I wanted to share this pie recipe with you today, seeing how pumpkin everything will be here soon!

I found this recipe a few weeks ago when I wanted to use up some stuff in the house!
I had a pie crust, can of pumpkin, and half a bottle of Buttermilk on hand and wanted to throw something together. A quick Google search pulled up this recipe from The Food Network Kitchen.
I skipped the pie crust recipe and just went with the filling.
So here is what I did...

• 1 can pure pumpkin(not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 stick butter(mine was salted) 
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar 
• 1/4 cup sugar 
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice 
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 
• 3/4 cup Buttermilk 
• 2 Tbsp all purpose flour 

Preheat oven to 375. 

Mix the pumpkin, butter,eggs,sugars, and spices in a bowl until well combined. 

Add the buttermilk and the flour and mix until smooth. 

Pour in to the pie crust. 

Bake for 1 hour, or until the filling is set. 

Let cool completely before cutting. 

Can put confectioners sugar on top if you want. 

Super easy and delicious! Y'all try this soon! 

Menu 8-27/9-2-17

Hello Friends!
OK. OK. Technically September is on Friday but I am looking ahead people and this menu is for the whole week!

We are in full on Fair mode over here. Trying to get all the pictures printed, Fairy Gardens straightened back up, Lego Structures built, and deciding what we want to bake.
I took a break from all that to take some needed Momma time and to get this Menu out to all of you!
Our breakfast and Lunches are pretty much the same from week to week but, I still like to add it because I know not all the same people are looking each week.



Breakfast:
Smoothies (Our favorite right now is a Banana, 2 Strawberries, Chia Seeds, Flax, sometimes peanut butter, and Almond Milk)

Shakes (I love Premier Protein Shakes. I buy the Atkins shakes with less protein for the kids)

Eggs and Bacon

Omelet with Toast

Whole Wheat Banana Oatmeal Greek Yogurt Waffles
(Excited to try this one after seeing my friend April make them!)

Lunches:
Leftovers
Sandwiches
Snack plates
Salad 
Soup


Dinner: 
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce( I am having Spaghetti Squash) with Greenbeans

Turkey Kale Tacos

Taco Tuesday(plus Taco Salad)

Big Daddys night = Subway

Hamburgers(bun-less) with Sweet Potato Fries
(I found 80/20 Chuck patties at Aldi with the only ingredient being ground beef. So I bought a bag over the Summer and this will be using up the last of it. Also the Sweet potato fries came from Aldi as well)

Roasted Marinated Chicken Legs with Roasted Veggies

Cherry Pork Roast

Leftover Night

Homemade Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Homemade Chick-Fil-A Nuggets and Waffle Fries

Recipe adapted from: Tamar McGill

We love Chick-Fil-A it's one of our favorite restaurants to grab lunch at. I saw this recipe pop up on Facebook and I knew I had to try it. 

These are so good! Very easy to make and  the kids gobble them up every time I make them! I thought I would share the recipe that I have been using. 

I buy frozen waffle fries at Kroger.(Usually the plain, but I grabbed the seasoned bag this time)

• 1 pound chicken breast or tenders, cut into large chunks
• ⅓ cup dill pickle juice
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp almond milk
• 1 tbsp almond flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• coconut oil for frying

Directions:

• Marinate the chicken in the pickle juice in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
• Mix the beaten egg and almond milk.
• Pour out pickle juice then add the egg/almond milk mixture. Let sit for 10 minutes.
• Mix the dry ingredients.
• Drain the egg/almond mixture and add the spice mixture. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
• Add a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil to a large frying pan. Add a single layer of chicken when the oil is hot enough.
• Fry about 3 minutes on each side or until it's thoroughly cooked.
• It may take 2-3 batches to cook one pound of chicken.

(can use coconut milk, coconut flour, and arrowroot flour if you prefer) 

Y'all give these a try they are so Yummy! 

A small Menu and Homemade Breakfast Burritos

Hey y'all! How was your week? It has been busy here!

Seems like we have had something going on every day these last few weeks! 

I am longing for slower days, crisp air, leaves falling, my favorite time of year is just around the corner, and I can not wait! 

Lets take a peek in to our school week...

This week in school we are working on the Eclipse obviously, but also so much more! 

Oliver is perfecting his time telling skills in Math, devouring all the books he can get his hands on for Reading, working his way through the Magic School Bus series (books and shows) for Science, painting some for Art, learning about families, oceans, maps, etc.. in Social Studies and Geography, and so much more. 

He also did another Fairy Garden that he wants to enter in to the Fair. 

Abbey is working on Ratios in Math, Painting and Hiding Rocks for Art, Reading a My America book for History and a Harry Potter book for pleasure, and much more. 

She also got accepted in to Honors 4-H, helped work on the Fair Youth Board, had a Fine Arts class, and made another Fairy Garden to enter in the Fair! 

We have a lot going on this week but I did pull together a bit of a meal plan so I thought I would share a little bit of that. 

Breakfast- 

Cereal

Breakfast Burritos(recipe below) 

Omelet with Toast 

Smoothies 

Premier Shake 

Oatmeal 

Lunches- 

Leftovers 

Sandwiches 

Salad 

Eat Out 

Dinner- 

Chick-Fil-A Nuggets with Waffle Fries(recipe coming soon) 

Turkey Kielbasa, Taters, and Kraut in the Crock-pot 

Marinated Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Squash and Zucchini

Eat Out (We have a small back to school shopping trip planned along with Family Day so we will eat while we are out.)

Big Daddys cooking night(his schedule has changed were he will be home another night and he is going to take over dinner that night. He really doesn't like to plan ahead so we will pick up something when we are out shopping the day before!) 

Birthday Party(We will eat dinner at the party) 

Hamburger Patty with Sweet Potato Fries 

Friday I made some of my friend Aprils Breakfast Burritos to go in the freezer. Super simple and yummy! I wanted to share the recipe with y'all! 

• 1 lb Pork Breakfast Sausage(I used Jimmy Dean all natural)
• 1 bag Simply Potatoes Southwest Style Hashbrowns
• 1 cup kale
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk 
• 10-12 Flour Tortillas 
• Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese 

In a large skillet or pot add the sausage, break it up, and then add the hashbrowns. 

Allow these to cook until the pork is no longer pink and fully cooked. 

Crack the eggs in to a bowl, whisk the milk in. 

Add the eggs to the sausage/hashbrown mixture.

Allow to cook, stirring occasionally, add the kale and leave until the eggs are fully cooked. 

Lay out your tortillas and add the filling with some cheese on each one, then fold up. 

I wrapped them up in plastic wrap and then froze them in a freezer bag. 

The kids had one this morning, we put it on defrost for about a minute and then we cooked it about 2 minutes. 

Definitely a keeper and will make again! 

Menu 8-7/8-13-17

Hello Friends!

One week in to August already! I can't believe it!

Even though we Homeschool year round now, after being in public school all my life I still feel as though I should be getting ready for back to school! We are currently moving right along with 2nd grade and 7th grade. I can not express enough how much we love the freedom that comes with Homeschooling. It has absolutely helped our family in many ways!

I am currently sitting in the school room as I write this blog. I have been in here most of the day, doing some school with Oliver(Abbey was gone to a 4-H Day of Service), cleaning up, getting things better organized, etc..
Yesterday, I got some motivation to start back with this blog. A Homeschool Mom friend of mine said that she was going to be posting on a Facebook page to keep track of their Homeschool happenings for her kids to look back on. And it made me think, I already started a blog and I pay for this website every year so, why not pick up where I left off and get back to something I enjoyed! I still want to post meal plans, recipes, school happenings, adventures, etc...

So here we go! I thought I would jump back in with a simple meal plan for the week.
I am only doing 5 days because we have a Baby Shower and Birthday party this week.

Breakfast-
Smoothies
Premier Shakes
Oatmeal with fruit
Cereal with fruit
Omelets (Ok, don't laugh but, we have recently discovered making omelets with bacon bits and my kids love them!)

Lunch-
Leftovers are the main thing!
Sandwiches
Snack Plates (Fruits, Veggies, Pepperoni, Pretzels, etc...)

Dinner-

Chicken Salad - I am basically taking some of those Tyson Chicken that I bought on sale at Kroger and putting it in a Salad. Easy/Lazy dinner.

Pinto Beans, Cornbread, Sauerkraut and Wienies, Fried Taters (Big Daddys request for his one night off)

Buffalo Chicken with Sweet Potatoes (recipe)

Pork Chops with Veggies

Pizza Casserole(Recipe coming soon)


We hope you all have a great week!

If you haven't already, check out the Smoky Mountain Momma Facebook page!

Thanks for stopping by!

Meal Plan 2-29/3-6-16

Hello Friends!

I thought I would jump over here and share our Meal Plan for this week, while I had a chance.
Lots going on here and there. We are in full swing with our addition to the house and every thing is looking good! We are all very excited! The kids will have their own rooms and we will have a new Dining/School room! I can not wait to get in there and get everything organized!

We are hoping for a ride in the mountains this week to get away for a bit. I will share pictures if we do! :-)

Due to some changing health issues I have started dabbling in to the Trim Healthy Mama Plan so some of those meals are on here as well. I haven't gone 100% in because I am not big on all the artificial sweeteners. But I like the concept of the plan.
There are a few new meals on this plan and if we like them I will be sure to share the recipes!

Monday:
Breakfast Sandwich with Fruit
Packed Lunch
*ARBYS*

Tuesday:
Smoothie
?
Moab Tacos (Crockpot) with Veggies

Wednesday:
Smoothies
L.O. Tacos
*PAPAW*
(Papaws night to take care of dinner)

Thursday:
Fried Eggs with Bacon and Avocado
Chicken Sausage with Kraut and Veggies
Egg Roll in a Bowl Meal

Friday:
Oatmeal with Smoothies
Salad
Smoked Sausage and Veggie Bake

Saturday:
?
?
Lazy Lasagna with Green Beans and Salad

Sunday:
Cereal/ Smoothies
Quesadillas with Veggies
Taco/Taco Salad

I'll start on Monday...

Hello friends!
I thought I would get on here and try to jump in to this blogging thing again.
(I appreciate everyone who has reached out and tried to encourage me to get back at it.)

I titled this "I'll start on Monday" because that's what I would tell myself every time I thought about posting over here again(because it is always great to start something on Monday right?)
I took some time away from all this...just because!
But, I want to get back in the hang of it, so I thought I would post today and give you an update on where we are and what we are doing now!

*Oliver turned 6 in November
*This February 15th is mine and Travs 10 year anniversary!
*Abbey will be 11 in March
*We got a dog! A Black Lab/Golden Retriever mix, she is about 16 weeks old now.
*We are about to go in to a renovation on our house and redo some flooring.
*We are still homeschooling...and still loving it!
*I made a YouTube channel and I am hoping to figure it all out so I can share some "Vlogs" with y'all :-)

I would like to get back on track with blogging recipes, meal plans, grocery hauls, homeschool things, and anything else y'all would like me to.

Life-
Life is always hectic around here. I would love for it to slow down a bit but, this is the season that we are in, in our life right now, and I just have to embrace/accept it and move on. So in order to help a bit, I have started using a large Dry Erase board to schedule out our day(I said I would never do this but, we have seen that it helps tremendously with getting everything done, being accountable, saving sanity...) I actually go through and right out a detailed schedule for the entire day from 7:30 a.m.-10.pm. What dinner is and who is cooking it, what chores need to be done, who has what activities which days,etc..
So today's schedule looks like this, not much actual book work for school today because we have a Valentines Party and Abbey has Basketball practice tonight.
We have started limiting the time the kids have for T.V. and Kindles so in order to get "Tech Time" they have to have their chores done. But they can also lose Tech Time for bad behavior.
(Excuse the messy handwriting)

Recipes-
I don't have any recipes to share today but we try new ones about every week, so look for some new ones soon. :-)

Meal Plans-
Meal Plan for this next week;

Monday:
Pigs N Blanket
Snack Foods before party
Biscuits,Gravy,Eggs and Sausage

Tuesday:
Eggs and Toast
Soup
Red Beans and Rice with Kielbasa in Crockot

Wednesday:
Banana Muffins with Smoothie
L.O.
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches(Crockpot) with Baked Beans and Chips

Thursday:
Oatmeal with Fruit
L.O, OR Salad/Hummus plate
Chicken Stir Fry with Rice

Friday:
Eggs and Toast
L.O. or Dipping plate(Veggies with Hummus, Fruit with yogurt)
Hamburger Steak and Gravy with Taters and Peas(Big Daddy request)

Saturday:
FREE DAY...KIDS WITH YAYA  :-)


Groceries-
We went on our big once a month grocery trip this past week and I had fun spending the day shopping with the kids. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of this trip.(It was just me and the kids and it was a bit hectic.) I was able to hit up a Grocery Outlet,Walmart,Aldi, and Kroger Marketplace, and found some great prices and things to stock up on.
So we will just have short trips in the next few weeks for mainly produce.

Homeschool-
We have been homeschooling for almost 2 years now, and I feel more relaxed and settled in then when we first started. I am still learning new things every day though. We hope to stick with it from here on out!

Abbeys 5th Grade Curriculum-

*Math Teaching Textbook 5
*Handwriting without Tears + Keyboarding without Tears
*Spectrum Science + Skit Kits
*Spectrum Spelling
*Spectrum Writing
*Spectrum Reading + Reading List with comprehension questions
*Spectrum Geography
*Social Studies text book
*She also has Art books, Craft books(Like Origami, etc...) We have Sign Language flash cards that we work with. Lots of odds and end like Brain Quest cards,Kindle games, and lots of books on lots of subjects :-)

Abbey and I just got done reading Roll of Thunder Hear my Cry and we watched the movie. We are going to start the other 2 books that go along with that this week.

Olivers Kindergarten Curriculum-

I am pretty laid back with Olivers schooling. Right now we are mainly working on numbers, and reading, and just the basics.

We have workbooks(for letters,numbers,handwriting,math,reading,etc...),Handwriting Without Tears + Keyboarding without Tears, ABCmouse.com, StarFall.com, we watch Youtube videos (on letters, numbers, counting,reading,etc..)We have the Bernstein Bears Big Book Of Science,We use Bob Books and we are going to start Hooked on Phonics Learn to Read this week! We do scissor activities, play-dough, outside play, Brain Quest cards,games, read lots of books, etc...

Both kids also do Field Trips, and Craft Times, etc with local Homeschool groups.

I have figured out that we like to take June off, and then start back up in July so we can take extra days off in October when the weather is beautiful outside, It also gives us extra time off in December when there is so much going on.

Here is a snow video that I was playing around with, while learning the ropes of Youtube. This is from a storm that we got in January. We are currently expecting snow the next 3 days, not sure on accumulation but hoping for enough that the kids can play in it!
Snow in the Smoky Mountains

So that's it, y'all should be caught up with what we are doing and have been up to since I last blogged. We'll see if I can keep up with it.
Thanks for coming over and please let me know if there is anything you would like me to blog about.

Christmas Movie List and Christmas Decorating

Christmas is our favorite time of the year! We have lots of Christmas traditions, such as decorating the tree together as a family, watching certain movies together, and making the gingerbread house on Christmas Eve together. I try to find fun crafts and do at least 2 a week with the kids. We will also take a night to go to the Shadracks Christmas Light Show at the Smokies Stadium and possibly ride through the rest of the county to see lights as well.
  Here is a list of some of our favorite Christmas movies! And some pictures of our decorating! (Keep in mind my house is VERY small and I am not a professional photographer)

**Favorites

* Smoky Mountain Christmas
* A Christmas Story
* To Grandmothers House We Go(Olsen)
* The Santa Clause 1,2&3
* One Magic Christmas
* White Christmas
* The Grinch - new and old
* National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
* A Charlie Brown Christmas
*The Christmas Gift
* It's a Wonderful Life
* Home Alone 1,2
*Polar Express
*Jingle all the Way
* Jack Frost
*Scrooged
* A Christmas Carol

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas
Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas
Mickey's Christmas Carol
Eloise at Christmas Time
Berenstein Bears Christmas Tree
Franklin's Christmas
Casper Haunted Christmas
Barney's Night Before Christmas
Curious George:Very Monkey Christmas
A Very Thomas Christmas
Santa Paws 1&2
Beauty and the Beast:Enchanted Christmas
Ice Age: Enchanted Christmas
Muppet Christmas Carol
Garfield Christmas
A Chipmunk Christmas
Donkeys Christmas Shrektacular
Beethoven's Christmas Adventure
A Scooby Doo Christmas
Ernest Saves Christmas
Arthur's Perfect Christmas
A Golden Christmas
Elmo Saves Christmas
Flintstones Christmas
Winnie the Pooh and Christmas too
Elf

Sesame Street Christmas Carol
Prancer
Prancer Returns
Miracle on 34th Street
Rudolph
Frosty and Frosty Returns
Santa Clause is Coming to Town
Frostys Winter Wonderland
A Year without Christmas
Mickeys Choo Choo Express
Mickey Saves Santa
The Happy Elf
Prep and Landing & Totally Tinsel Collection
Disney's Christmas Carol

I'll be home for Christmas
Nightmare Before Christmas
Holiday Inn
A Year without Santa
The nutcracker
Blizzard
Shrek the Halls
Elmo's Christmas Countdown
Santa Buddies

The Boy is 5 and a Fall craft!

Yes it's true, the boy is 5! I can not believe time has flown by so fast! It seems like yesterday we brought him home!

He was very different from Sissy...from day 1. He cried more, he fussed more, and needed a lot more attention than she did.

He has always been rambunctious,and hard headed...and I think it's the red head in him! Look at those red curls...beautiful!!

But the time came to get the curls cut...and Mommy cried! My baby was a little boy.

We had his party on Sunday so family could come. Big Daddy made him the Lego cake and he wanted pizza. He had a great party and we enjoyed spending time with family! 

 He woke up on his 5th birthday with a dusting of snow on the ground. His first birthday that it has snowed.

Who says you can't have chocolate cake for breakfast on your birthday?? (HaHa...No Ma, he didn't eat all of that!)

 And yet another "Maginex" toy!

 We spent well over an hour finding, setting up, and playing with the "Maginex" toys.

We decided to take a break in our school/birthday day and do some crafts.

       


Lunch as requested "cheese sandwich" and  Big Daddy surprised him with ANOTHER Imaginext toy.

I am so glad this little boy is mine! He likes to tell me he loves me about 50 times a day. And he tells me "Mom you are my favorite girl ever" I get hugs and snuggles all through out the day(every day). 

He is my Wild Child, bouncing off the walls and being loud...but I wouldn't change him...he is my Brother Bear! 

Here is where I got the craft...

Hello November and a menu!

I can not believe that it is already 3 days in to November!! It is amazing to me how fast time flies!

November is a really busy month for us, lots of homeschool activities, Toys for Tots, and just getting ready for the holidays in general!
I am trying to use up items that we have on hand for my weekly menus so that's why I haven't shared many lately. But, I have had a few requests so I thought I would share what we are having this week!


Monday:
Yogurt,Granola,and Fresh Fruit
Shrimp and Rice
Crabby Patties (Salmon Patties) with sweet potato fries

Tuesday:
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins with Kefir
Soup and Sandwiches
Baked Spaghetti  with green beans and garlic toast

Wednesday:
*PAPAWS DAY*

Thursday:
Biscuits,Eggs,and Bacon
Homemade Mac and Cheese with Homemade Chicken Nuggets
?

Friday:
Oatmeal with Kefir
Quesadillas with Fresh Fruit
Shepherds Pie  with Peas

Saturday:
Cereal
*Papaw*
Pork,Kraut, and Taters in Crock-Pot with green beans

Sunday:
Cereal with Smoothie
Grilled Cheese
*Daddy's Choice"

October Movies and Pumpkin Bread

October 10, 2014: Today is a rainy gloomy Fall day. A great day for some of YaYa's Tuna Casserole, a little school work,a list of October Movies( 60 to be exact) and some homemade Pumpkin Bread! I love days like this!

Lets start with the list, the kids and I came up with some of our favorite October movies and some that we want to see, so we thought we would share! :-)
(Some of these we own,some we need to buy, some are on Netflix, some are on Youtube!)

*FAVORITES*
  *1* HOCUS POCUS
  *2* DOUBLE DOUBLE TOIL AND TROUBLE
3. Toy Story of Terror
4, Nightmare Before Christmas
5. Adams Family
6. Adams Family Values
7. Casper
8. Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
9. Coraline
10. Little Monsters
11. Mr. Boogedy
12. Bride of Boogedy
13. Dr, Suess Halloween is Grinch Night
14. The Worst Witch
15. Ghostbusters
16. Ghostbusters II
17. Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
18. Dreamworks Scared Shrekless
19. Dreamworks Monsters vs Aliens Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space
20. Halloweentown
21. Halloweentown High
22. Spooky Buddies
23. Franklin Halloween
24. Alvin and Chipmunks Batmunk
25. Halloween Tree
26. Hotel Transylvania
27. Igor
28. Frankenweenie
29. Paranorman
30. The Witches
31. The Black Cauldren
32. Escape to Witch Mountain
33. Return to Witch Mountain
34. Mickeys House of Villians
35. The Little Vampire
36. Witches in Stitches
37. Spookley the Square Pumpkin
38. Poohs Heffalump Halloween Movie
39. Garfeilds Halloween Adventure
40. Dear Dracula
41. Vampire Dog
42. Mad Monster Party
43. Goonies
44. Young Frankenstein
45. Monster House
46. The Ghost and Mr. Chicken
47. Ernest Scared Stupid
48. Disneys Halloween Treat
49. Once Upon a Halloween
50. Curius George Halloween Boo Fest
51. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
52. Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat
53. Berenstain Bears Spookiest Pumpkin
54. Berenstain Bears Haunted Lighthouse
55. Elmo says Boo
56. Barneys Halloween Party
57. Goosebumps
58. Casper's Scare School
59. Beetlejuice
60. Haunted Mansion


Now on to the Pumpkin Bread! I haven't found a clean pumpkin bread recipe that we all like yet, so this is my go to right now. I got this recipe from a family friend and we all love it! I tweaked it just a bit(as usual-haha).

Pumpkin Bread: From Darlene Derosia

Here is the recipe:

2 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup Vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
1 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350.
Beat eggs. Add sugar and beat together.
Add pumpkin, oil, and water and mix well.
Add flour, soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Beat until well combined.
Add walnuts and gently mix.
Pour in to a greased and floured bread pan.
Bake around 60 minutes or until knife inserted in middle comes out clean.
When done, turn out on a rack to cool

(I only used 1 cup sugar. I used Coconut oil. And I added 1/3 cup walnuts)

MY HOUSE SMELLS AMAZING Y'ALL!!!


We are ending the day with some Yummy Pizza Soup and Grilled Cheese!

Pizza Soup

Here is another Easy Peasy recipe..Pizza Soup. Way better than plain tomato soup!Everyone loves this soup, I just add a grilled cheese sandwich and you have a great school day lunch!

Ingredients: 

1lb ground beef

2 cans condensed tomato soup(26oz), undiluted

1 jar Spaghetti Sauce

15-20 pepperonis, chopped

4 cups water

1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• In a large stock pot, cook beef until no longer pink,drain. Add soup,spaghetti sauce,pepperoni,water, and seasoning, bring to a boil. 
• Reduce Heat; Simmer,uncovered,for 15 minutes. 
• Add cheese, cook and stir until melted. 
• Garnish with additional cheese 

*This recipe makes enough to have plenty of leftovers and enough to put in freezer for another meal!

From Taste of Home

Sara's Mixed Up Rice (Santa Fe Style)

I found a recipe for "Grandma's Rice Dish" from Taste of Home. I made it one time and it reminded me of a frozen meal that I use to eat called Sante Fe-Style Beans and Rice. So I took that recipe and I added my own twist to it, and this is what we got!

Ingredients:

1lb lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green onion
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 can diced tomatoes,undrained
1 can whole kernel corn,drained
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
6 bacon strips(I use turkey bacon but regular bacon is great too)
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese,divided
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 Tbsp butter, melted

• In a large skillet, cook the beef,onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink;drain. Stir in the rice,tomatoes,beans,corn,bacon,chili powder,garlic powder and salt. Bring to a boil;remove from the heat. Add 1 cup of cheese and stir until melted. 

• Transfer to a greased baking dish(11x13). Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Toss bread crumbs with melted butter,sprinkle over top of cheese. Bake uncovered,at 350 for 15-20 minutes. 

This is definitely a comfort food! My kids like finding trying to find the bacon hidden in with everything else!