Posted By mommaofmany in Help For Growing Families
Who doesn't appreciate some tried and true 'large family' recipes? Here is a complete meal we enjoy around once in a while around here. I might serve this (doubled, perhaps) when company visits or for a special occasion. All of these dishes are easily made, but taste extra special! Chicken Parmigiana 5 chicken breasts, butterflied into 10 pieces 1 can tomato paste 1 1/8 cup water 2 (or more) cloves garlic 1 1/2 Tbsp parsley 1 1/2 tsp EACH salt and Pepper 3/4 tsp EACH Italian seasoning and oregano 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese Lightly grease an 11 x 15 baking dish. Add chicken. In a saucepan, combine the tomato paste, water, garlic, and spices. Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute. Pour over chicken. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses and bake 10 minutes longer. Makes 8-10 servings Garlic Parmesan Rice 2 cups prepared brown rice 3 tsp minced garlic 1/2 cup butter, cubed 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1/4 cup milk 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, minced 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the garlic in the butter until tender. Add the hot cooked rice, the cheese, milk, parsley, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until heated through and the cheese is melted. Italian Cheese Bread 2 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1 tsp. EACH salt and pepper 1 Tbsp quick rising yeast (regular works, too) 1 cup warm water 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1/4-1/3 cup prepared Italian salad dressing 1/4 tsp. EACH salt, garlic powder, thyme, oregano a dash of pepper 1 Tbsp Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella In a bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Combine water and oil and add to flour mixture. Add additional flour if needed, to form a soft dough. Turn out onto floured surface and knead 1-2 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl and allow to rise 20 minutes. Punch down. Place on greased pizza pan and push down to fill pan. Brush with salad dressing. Combine seasonings and sprinkle over dough. Bake at 450 for 13 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses. Bake another 2-3 minutes till cheese is melted. Serve warm. Now, don't forget to make a great big bowl of green salad, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, etc and serve this dressing on the side: Creamy Italian Dressing 1 cup mayo 2/3 cup white vinegar 2 tsp olive oil 1/4 cup corn syrup 1/4 cup Parmesan AND Romano cheese, finely shredded and chopped tiny (though I usually just use 1/4 cup Parmesan and it tastes just fine) 1/2 tsp garlic salt 1 tsp Italian seasoning AND Parsley 2 Tbsp. lemon juice Mix all together well (even in the blender if you'd like) and serve beside greens. Store in the fridge, but bring to room temperature before serving (if you have time). Visit Ship Full O' Pirates for more tips on raising a large family! |
Posted By Nikki in Language Ideas
by writing a letter to our new Commander in Chief. If you use Handwriting without tears you might want to stop by their site to learn about the new writing to the president campaign. All handwritten letters will be delivered to the president on January 25th. Stop by the HWT site to find out all about it. There is also writing paper for download for this project. www.hwtears.com/handwritingday Nikki |
Posted By Nikki in Simple Womens Day book
It is cold and cloudly although the forcast looks clear for the future. I am thinking... review this site. I am really enjoying it. This is right up Superboys Alley and I know that when I show him all the fun paper puppets the children made that From the learning rooms... Princess: Math Long Division Muliplication tables once and for all with Times tales... I hope Reading and literature American Literature heros like Ben Franklin, Philis Wheatly and seveal others History Salem Witch trials and Colonial life.. Science We are learning about Oceans and their water currents etc.. We will finish this unit I hope this week. Art In art we are continuing a little with our native american studies through Art. Music Learning about the Broque period, notes and keyboarding Superboy- Math Learning how to regroup with large numbers in addition and subtraction Reading Long way to a new Land, The long way westward , wagon wheels and other American tales Science Animal habitats History The Renaissance, People, food, wars, etc... Art Renaissance Monarchs and making music Music Learning how to play the recorder with a DVD we have. Spirit- Exploring Christmas activities, Gingerbread Jesus birth, Counting christmas bows, Making ornaments, reading holiday stories and other fun activities for December.. Bible for all.... Enjoying the Advent season with special daily readings. Looking at the names of Jesus, and paintings of Jesus and Mary. Will also be creating some fun Art. I am creating... Puppets for some books we are doing. Thank you puppet tools. :) I am hearing... Princess and Spirit singing.. Around the house... Most of the household chores are completed From the holiday. I do need to make dinner this evening but basically I am back to my cleaning schedule on my side bar. Hoping to keep up with things for the next holiday. I do have a small list of tasks to complete. 1. Laundry 2. Address and write Christmas Cards 3. Work on plans for Youth Christmas party (Which is next week but good to plan ahead) 4. Work on some review things 5. Wrap Christmas Gifts. 6. Shopping-Groceries, printer paper and wrapping paper. A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Tuesday- Grocery shopping Wednesday- Choir Thursday- Going to see a play A Christmas Carol Sunday- Church services and youth I am thankful for... This day to get organzed. It feels good to have time to sit and figure out our lessons. I love adding in little fun things but don't do that when we have busy weeks. From the kitchen... Monday- Chicken, pasta and peas Tuesday- Smoked hot dogs and fries Wed. - Meatloaf, baked potaotes and corn Thursday- Pot roast Friday- Broccoli soup and bread Weekend- Leftovers I am wearing... Black pants and black shirt. I am reading... The bible, Books from Salem Ridge Press for Reveiw and the Old Schoolhouse magazine. I am hoping... To do a bit of holiday crafting. Mix up some fun smelling playdough and enjoy my children. Prayers.. I am adding prayers to my daybook today. I ask for prayers for my dad who is trying to pass a kidney stone. I also ask for prayers for Vallies dad (my ex husband) the doctors Believe he has thyroid cancer. We are awaiting test results. Thank you Nikki |
Posted By MontanaMama
Whew! I cannot believe Thanksgiving 2008 is already over. I have a slew of pics and hours of wonderful memories....unfortunately all of you in bloggyville are about the receive the short end of the stick seeing that I am totally dragging booty this morning and have no intention of uploading pictures or even indulging you in my adventures...instead you get the highlights: Wednesday: I did most of my cooking ahead of time so the whole family took a long, hard butt kicking hike in Yellowstone Thursday: Typical Turkey dinner (although next year I am totally cooking a breast) and a wonderful conversation with my grandpa who was/is in the hospital recovering from an emergency bypass surgery Friday: Trimmed the tree, ate leftovers, decorated for Christmas, baked fudge Saturday: Black Saturday shopping with hubby...since we observe a consumer-free day on the other Black day Sunday: Christmas movies, haircuts, and packed hubby for Seattle Time does fly and I cannot, cannot, cannot believe it is already Monday...screaming into Christmas. I have much to do today...first on the list is slowing time down :)! Although much of my morning has been spent trying to find one of eBay's Door Buster Deals to no avail. No Juicy bag for me this year. Probably a good thing considering I would have no where to use it without looking ridiculous. Happy Monday! |
Posted By Plain Jane in The Simple Woman's Daybook
Outside My Window...it's that time of year, when we have the term "Wind Chill" in the forecast - today's high is expected 26 degrees with a wind chill of zero to 10 above. We have a light dusting of snow on the ground and a few flurries in the air.
I'm thinking... Happy Birthday to my dear husband! From the learning rooms... I expect very little happening in school books this week - it's just going to be one of those weeks where everything is happening - a lot of "real world" educating - none of this artificial stuff that happens in an institutionalized classroom. I am thankful for...my wonderful husband and super daughters - I am blessed beyond measure. From the kitchen...
Monday ~ Pizza Hut
Tuesday ~ Garden Salad & Rolls
Wednesday ~ Mashed Potatoes with Hamburger Gravy
Thursday ~ Soup & Breadsticks Friday ~ Hamburger Hotdish
Saturday ~ Sauteed Sirloin Tips & Potato Skins Sunday ~ Teriyaki Stir Fy Chicken & Rice I am wearing...usual barnwear -- denim capris, berry colored fleecy top, sports socks, hair is flipped up in ponytail I am reading... OT: Isaiah - Jeremiah; NT: II Peter - II John I am hoping... my husband has a very nice birthday today. I am creating... we are still working on our "frugal" Christmas gifts for our Ruby Girls Bible Study girls & moms (can't show them now as some of them visit my blog). I am hearing...the usual...clock ticking and computer engine humming; dh took the day off and he has some building/gardening show on tv. Around the house & barn... not on schedule today with dh home. Today it's all about making a special day for daddy. He has already opened his gifts of a gift card, peanut butter cookies, and king-sized Snicker bars. One of my favorite things... the brown UPS truck pulling up with a package for me and tearing into it. I am going... we will be going swimming at a local motel later today with daddy (and in the hot tub) and out for pizza (his favorite) this evening. A few plans for the rest of the week... a pretty busy week... maybe going to look at (and hopefully buy) a 4/4 violin for Bookworm (long overdue); going with friends to get their nails done (cashing in a gift card from last Christmas); a girly-party at a friend's house; violin lessons; call on guitar lessons for Ladybug; and a Christmas party for our girls' Bible study. Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
A view from our upstairs bedroom window this morning.Thanks for stopping! Have a lovely day! If you would like to join us in The Simple Woman's Daybook, please see our Hostess, Peggy for details. You may also visit her for the Mr. Linky to many other Simple Women. |
Posted By keeperathome
Advent starts tonight. Today is the fourth Sunday before Christmas so the Advent readings start tonight.
That meant I had to dig out the necessary items from the Christmas boxes. We'll do the real decorating next weekend but I needed the advent stuff. The book we're doing this year...... ![]() and the wreath....(notice I didn't get to the store to get new candles, we'll use these until I do) all set up on the buffet and ready to go. ![]() And the kids calenders all set for tomorrow. ![]() The little two get the chocolate ones and the big kids get these. ![]() Its an idea I got from here. Mine is real simple but the kids liked it. They open up and inside is gum. A piece a day. ![]() ![]() So....Let it begin! Only 25 days till Christmas!!! © Copyright 2008 Called Home |
Posted By mommaofmany in Healthy Eating
Ingredients in a McD's chicken nugget:
Chicken, water, salt, modified corn starch, sodium phosphates, chicken broth powder (chicken broth, salt, and natural flavoring (chicken source)), seasoning (vegetable oil, extracts of rosemary, mono, di- and triglycerides, lecithin). Battered and breaded with water, enriched bleached wheat flour (niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), yellow corn flour, bleached wheat flour, modified corn starch, salt, leavening (baking soda, sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium aluminum phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, calcium lactate), spices, wheat starch, dried whey, corn starch. Batter set in vegetable shortening. Cooked in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, (may contain partially hydrogenated soybean oil and/or partially hydrogenated corn oil and/or partially hydrogenated canola oil and/or cottonseed oil and/or sunflower oil and/or corn oil). TBHQ and citric acid added to help preserve freshness. Dimethylpolysiloxane added as an anti-foaming agent. And the sauces to dip it in: Hot Mustard: Water, high fructose corn syrup, distilled vinegar, soybean oil, mustard seed, sugar, mustard flour, salt, egg yolks, spices, modified corn starch, xanthan gum, turmeric, sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate (preservatives), annatto extract, caramel color, extractive of capsicum, paprika, calcium disodium EDTA to protect flavor. BBQ: Water, high fructose corn syrup, distilled vinegar, soybean oil, mustard seed, sugar, mustard flour, salt, egg yolks, spices, modified corn starch, xanthan gum, turmeric, sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate (preservatives), annatto extract, caramel color, extractive of capsicum, paprika, calcium disodium EDTA to protect flavor. Sweet and Sour: High fructose corn syrup, water, fruit concentrate (peach and/or apricot), distilled vinegar, salt, modified corn starch, soy sauce (water, wheat, soybeans, salt), dextrose, soybean oil, xanthan gum, mustard flour, sugar, sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate (preservatives), garlic dehydrated, spices, natural flavors (vegetable source), cellulose gum, malic acid, onion dehydrated, caramel color, succinic acid. |
Posted By Nikki in Blogging
Just wanted to let my readers know that I set up a feed on my sidebar for anyone that is interested in subscribing. You can also type in your email address and get email notification when I post something new. Making reading my blog easier for you. :) Watch out this week for several Christmas Crafty ideas. |
Posted By Nikki in Games
I finally got my digital camera to work want wanted to show the the neat chessboard I found at good will. I have never seen anything like this one. I searched on the net seeing if I could find something similar but could not find anything. Maybe someone else has seen one like this before. This is the view from the top of the board and pieces.. ![]()
gift for Princess since she is learning to play chess but instead decided to enjoy it the whole month of December as a special board we pull out for fun family game nights. The holidays are always so busy this will surely be a treat as the business continues.. ![]() |
Posted By Connie or Norman Ward in Writings by Connie
Our local homeschool group had a unit study recently on "The Pilgrims: The First American History Topic". Classes were held every Monday from 1-3pm for 4 weeks. If anyone is interested in making this a future activity for their own homeschool group, I've included the outline of activities. Otherwise, enjoy the pictures. J Week One: Introduction - Pilgrims leave England, travel to Holland, life in Holland, and leaving Holland. · Hand out notebooks for unit study (includes a three-ring pocket folder that will hold handouts, coloring sheets and other info. · Make a quill pen. · Give out the Mayflower paper diagram that the students may design a presentation for the next co-op. Younger students can make them by coloring, cutting & pasting. Older students may make them as complex as they would like (build an actual model, do a diorama, a shadow box, etc.). · Fabric dying - Please bring anything from nature that you think would dye cloth (blackberries, mulberries, cranberries, tea, etc.). Each student will get a swatch of muslin. · We will give out age-appropriate spelling lists for a spelling bee that will be held at the final co-op. · We will give a book resource list for student & family reading. Week Two: Preparing for the journey to the New World, life on the Mayflower, landing & getting started. · Corn husk dolls - We will have some fabric scraps for aprons. Please bring any scraps that you want to use. These can be for boys & girls. · Tin can lanterns - Bring your own hammers. Instructions will be given on week one. · We will be starting our journals. · The students will be presenting their Mayflower models. Any student wishing to give a 2-minute presentation on their model may do that. Week Three: Life in the New World, meeting the Indians, learning a new way of life, and sickness. · Planting corn the Indian way (add chopped up fish/sardines to one cup and see which seed grows more quickly). · Making Pilgrim hats & Indian headbands. Other artifacts will be on display. · Writing stories on veneer (thin wood - free of charge donated by Old Threshers), using Indian symbols. Bring your quill pens & ink. · We will be planning our authentic Thanksgiving feast - who will bring what & we will be handing out recipe cards. Talk about Pilgrim napkins & how they ate. We will be talking about the different kinds of foods that were available. Sorry, no pumpkin pie or cranberry sauce! · The students will be presenting their Pilgrim/Indian hut models. Any student wishing to give a 2-minute presentation on their model may do that. · Hand out scroll for notebook & unit report assignment. Week Four: Thanksgiving feast by candle light & our own handmade lanterns. · Student presentations over unit (wear appropriate dress for Pilgrim or Indian). · Thanksgiving feast (turkey with onion gravy, deer, fresh corn soup & popcorn, succotash, Indian pudding, Bannock cakes, cornbread muffins, roasted pumpkin & apples, and other vegetables & fruit). · Have the spelling bee! · Play "pin the feather on the turkey". |





A view from our upstairs bedroom window this morning.




















