The joys of homeschooling in cramped quarters. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:19:00 -0600 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:19:00 -0600  Here are some Turkey Tips from Food network.  There are those of us that have the same conversation every time it's time to cook a turkey...how long do I defrost it or cook it???  Whether you're tackling a Thanksgiving turkey for the first or hundredth time, our top 10 tips will ensure your big bird is the best it can be. 1. Thawing a frozen turkey requires patience. The safest method is to thaw turkey in the refrigerator. Be sure to plan ahead — it takes approximately 3 days for a 20 pound turkey to fully defrost. 2. For crisper skin, unwrap the turkey the day before roasting and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight. 3. Cooking times will differ depending on whether your bird was purchased fresh or frozen. Plan on 20 minutes per pound in a 350 degree F oven for a defrosted turkey and 10 to 15 minutes per pound for fresh. 4. A turkey will cook more evenly if it is not densely stuffed. Consider adding flavor by loosely filling the cavity with aromatic vegetables — carrots, celery, onion or garlic work nicely — or by carefully tucking fresh herbs underneath the breast skin. For the stuffing lovers, cook the dressing in a casserole dish on the side. 5. For even roasting, truss your turkey. 6. Before roasting, coat the outside of the turkey with vegetable or olive oil, season with salt and pepper and tightly cover the breast with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning (it will be removed in step 7). 7. Don't be a peeping tom (no pun intended)! Once you get the turkey in the oven, resist the temptation to open the oven door and admire your handiwork. When the oven temperature fluctuates, you're only increasing the likelihood of a dry bird. About 45 minutes before you think the turkey is done, remove the foil from the breast to allow it to brown. 8. Remove the turkey from the oven when the deepest spot between the leg and the breast reads 180 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. Check the internal temperature of the stuffing as well; it should be at least 165 degrees. 9. Tent the bird with foil and let rest for about 15 minutes before carving. If you need more time to make gravy, heat up side dishes, etc., you can let the turkey set for up to an hour without losing too much heat. 10. Remember to carve your turkey with a very sharp or electic knife. Maybe you just want to cook the turkey breast...here is The Barefoot Contessa's recipe for Herb Roasted Turkey Breast....yum! Ingredients 1 whole bone-in turkey breast, 6 1/2 to 7 pounds 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves) 2 teaspoons dry mustard 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons good olive oil 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 cup dry white wine Directions Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place the turkey breast, skin side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. In a small bowl, combine the garlic, mustard, herbs, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice to make a paste. Loosen the skin from the meat gently with your fingers and smear half of the paste directly on the meat. Spread the remaining paste evenly on the skin. Pour the wine into the bottom of the roasting pan. Roast the turkey for 1 3/4 to 2 hours, until the skin is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees F when inserted into the thickest and meatiest areas of the breast. (I test in several places.) If the skin is over-browning, cover the breast loosely with aluminum foil. When the turkey is done, cover with foil and allow it to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Slice and serve with the pan juices spooned over the turkey.     http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/747045/ Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:19:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/747045/    I find it amazing, that blog entries get pulled because the powers that be "think" it is offensive.  What happened to free speech?  The posting I am refering is a jab at the government, but nothing hateful.  There is no malice in the post.  There are no threats in the post.  It is merely an opinion.  Have we really gotten to the point where we have to have sensitivity police?  If the post I am refering to was an harsh attack on our government, then I might understand.  If the person posting was filled with hate, then, yes, perhaps they should take their hate elsewhere.  But to just block a post because the picture refers to the stupidity of the government????  Wow!   In our history, didn't the government give less than what was promised to Indians, or, Native Americans for those needing PC lingo?  Doesn't our government have a history of promising much and giving little?  Facts are facts and sometimes it helps to deal with those facts by poking a little fun or making a joke.  It is the liberal, touchy-feely, everyone has to get along and be equal kind of attitude that put the current admministration in place.  Everybody play nice and don't say anything...that way you won't offend.      Hello, socialism......here we come full steam ahead! I find myself weary of people that want to dictate everything others do and say.  I miss the America of old. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/743120/ Sun, 8 Nov 2009 17:32:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/743120/     I read this on a homeschooling site today and thought it was cute.  I have been known to have a chat with myself now and again.      "I overheard my 7 year old daughter talking to the neighbor girl. The neighbor girl was telling my daughter that she didn't have to go to school that day because of parent-teacher conferences. My daughter asked her what that meant and the neighbor girl explained it was when her Mom talked to her teacher. "Oh, we have that in home schooling too," replied my daughter. I was a bit puzzled until my daughter added, "My Mom talks to herself all the time." (Kelli from CA), http://www.homeschoolstories.com/humor/"     I am thankful for the right and privilege to school at home.  God blesses our decision daily! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/739224/ Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:47:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/739224/         October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Have you battled the disease or know of someone who has been through it?  Our family is quite aware...my mom has had it three times now.  She is a survivor.  Her strength is like none others I know.  Her positive attitude, humor and courage have seen her through each time.  My mom is my hero!     About 10 years ago, my mom had a mastectomy.  She had cancer for the second time on that side and decided to remove the breast.  With humor, lots of jokes and laughter, mom got through it.  We all got through it.  Hearing that your mom has cancer is like a knife cutting to the very center of your soul...at least, that is what it was like for me.  Time passed.  Always wondering if it would come back, Mom would stay on top of her care and visits every 6 months to be sure...checking for new cancers.  She had some biopsies and was told by her doctor that she might want to remove the other breast to be safe...as a preventative measure.  Mom tucked that idea away, but never felt ready to do that...until this year, in August.  There was something that told her, "Do it...get it over with....the waiting and wondering..."  So she scheduled herself for the elective surgery, for another mastectomy.  She reached that point where she just wanted to get it over with.  After the surgery, I went to my mom's room.  Here I was, nervous for her and hoping she was okay, and she met me with a joke!  She was all smiles and there was relief on her face.  It was done.     A week later, the pathology report came back...an unexpected report.  They found cancer throughout the breast tissue!  It was bad, one that would have spread quickly had they not removed it.  We were stunned!  No one suspected that...this was to prevent, but turned out to be a surgery that saved her the agony of another infection!  The doctors were certain nothing more needed to be done, the cancer had not spread outside of the breast.  I remember standing there, dumbstruck...no one moved, except Bryan, who jumped up and hugged his Nonna hard.  She knew...God whispered to her that this was the time for the surgery....and she obeyed.     I have had one biopsy scare in my life...in my 20's.  Since then I make sure to do self checks and have had my mammograms.  With the disease in my family, it only makes sense.  I pray that anyone reading this will do the same..take care of yourselves and listen for God's leading.  With the knowledge that we have today, more and more women are surviving.      I am thankful that my mom is still here today.  She is the most beautiful person I know!  Her strength is an inspiration to me and to many that know her.      Here are some sites that you might be interested in: http://www.nbcam.org/ http://www.bcsurvivors.org/       http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/737531/ Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:53:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/737531/     Is it really October 18th?  I look outside...nearing 80 degrees with sunshine and a light breeze.  Beautiful.  The last few days have been muggy, nice, but muggy.  Probably from that whopper of a storm we had last week.  I have heard our frog again.  His croaking sound disappeared for a long time...I don't know why...but after the rains, he was back, as loud as ever.  It is a funny sound too...I think he is an old frog.  As I think about Mr. Frog under the bushes I am listening to the new birds that have moved into our yard.  They are noisy!  They bicker back and forth all day but mostly at 3:00 in the am!!!  Not so cute.     Life marches on, time ticks by and we do our best to keep up.  Funny about life...ready or not, like it or not, it moves along and takes us by the hand with it.  We just have to go.  That makes me think of children.  There are those little darlings that grab our hands willingly, obediently and go follow us whereever we go.  They trust our knowledge and ability, completely and fully, to lead them safely through the journey.  How wonderful and it makes for a nice shopping day, know what I mean?  Then...there are those sweetie-pie's that decide they want to tug and pull and complain.  They think their way is best and they want the world to know.  They fight every turn, every command and after a short time, both Momma and the wee one are ready to collapse.  No one is happy.  No one wins and the idea of repeating that episode is not a pleasant one.  Which one are we, when God takes our hands?  Are we the trusting child, knowing that whereever we are taken it will be alright, because God is in the lead?  Or are we that obstinant and angry child, ready to pull and complain about each and every turn?  Interesting thought, isn't it?     This life is always full of crazy turns and changes.  We have those times that are peaceful and easygoing and then those that require every ounce of our patience and faith just to make it through.  We would prefer the peaceful and easy, of course.  Who likes to endure the difficult??  I have a suggestion...for myself and for anyone that is reading this.  Relax, reach out your little hand and grasp The Father's strong hands.  Let Him lead you.  Let Him  guide your steps and protect you from the storms of life.  Trust Him to keep you safe as your steps take you to the next place in life.  Resist the desire to pull and beg to be left alone.  Resist that feeling inside that screams YOU know best and can take yourself to your destination.  That will only lead you to painful struggle that sends you walking in circles, finding no rest at the end of the journey.  Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/737114/ Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:31:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/737114/ Today, I learned about the Simple Woman's Daybook and it looks interesting.  Here is my entry: For Today October 13, 2009 Outside my window...falling, soggy leaves I am thinking...it would be nice for the storm to stop I am thankful for...our dry home From the learning rooms...my son getting his desk ready for a new day From the kitchen...clean counters and a coffee pot ready for morning I am wearing...cozy jammies I am creating...ideas for a book I plan to write I am going...to make a way for us to go home for Christmas I am reading..."The Shack" at the urging of my sister I am hoping...to buy a new pillow soon I am hearing...the wind and the last of the rain drops pitter pattering on the roof Around the house...it smells of our Pecan Pie candle One of my favorite things...hot coffee in the morning, noon or night A few plans for the rest of the week...grocery shopping, visiting my BFF, calling my grama Here is picture for thought I am sharing...  it makes me think of paths we are on ones that we choose to take... http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/736009/ Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:08:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/736009/     My son has become an artist...almost overnight.  For so long I tried to convince him that he can draw and be creative and he fought it.  He never believed it!  Well, on his own, he started to draw, and has come a long way from the little stick men he used to scribble on paper.  It is fun for me to watch his creativity flourish.  Another area of art he has fallen in love with is creating videos, music, dialogue, and special effects.  He is getting pretty good at it!  I signed him up for online classes, Youth Digital Arts School, and what fun that has been!  Bryan is learning about animation, drawing and painting on the computer and will eventually make video games.  It is a great opportunity for him.      Isn't it funny how kids develop?  I have tried to get Bryan to draw, to at least learn the basics, for the last, well, forever.  He has never been interested.  He would humor me and scribble a few lines, but then give up.  On his own, he was ready to try and ready to learn.  A friend of ours, and artist herself, along with my mom, who is an amazing artist, encouraged Bryan to keep going and build on his desire to learn.  He has followed their advice and I have stepped out of the way.  The result is...Bryan has a sketchpad full of drawings and many hours are spent working on his new hobby.  You have to love that!!!  I sure do!     Fall is approaching, the air feels differently and all is well here at Da Cabin.  We are busy and excited about this year of learning.  I hope that you are having fun as well.  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/735230/ Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:44:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/735230/     I am not a fan of record keeping.   I don't know anyone who is...but it has to be done.  Years ago, I found a software program for about $40 that was easy to use and effective in keeping track of Bryan's work.   I liked it so much I recommended it to many.  It is called Homeschool Solutions and it is still available online, maybe at a higher price, I am not sure.  Last year, though, I think we outgrew the program and there haven't been updates since we bought it.  I wanted something a bit more extensive, easier to use and easier for Bryan to be a part of the logging process.  I believe I found exactly what I desired!  To make things even better, it is free!      The program is called Homeschool Skedtrack.  With my old program, if the activity wasn't done, because of a sick day, or whatever, it had to be re-typed and things were frustrating to fix.  With Skedtrack, activities stay in place and move to the next day if they aren't finished on the scheduled day.  So much easier!  I have added our courses, typed up the assignment (activities) and then when Bryan signs in, he checks off when items are complete....easy...all online.  I can edit and add, whatever I need to do and Bryan sees his assignments each day.  I love it!!  If you have not seen this program, I suggest looking at it.  You might like it.     That is my exciting news for the week! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/733278/ Mon, 5 Oct 2009 00:06:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/733278/ It has been raining for hours.  The sound is relaxing, comforting and we are so cozy here in Nonna's house.  Bryan and I are in Washington State, on the Peninsula, staying with my mom and grama for a few weeks.  Mom had surgery and is recovering nicely.  It sure is nice to have a break from the cramped quarters at home in Da Cabin.  Our Cabin is home, but it is nice to be in a spacious house at times to, well, spread out a bit.  Isn't it great to be able to pack up the school books and go where ever, whenever....we love it! We are still with our Charter School, South Sutter, and both Bryan and I are looking forward to this new year of schooling.  As a highschooler, Bryan finds himself WANTING to work harder.  WANTING!  I love that...he is setting high goals for himself and it makes this momma very proud.  Some of the books we are using for 9th grade are:  Saxon Algebra 1, along with the Saxon disks(what a wonderful tool); Wordly Wise; Apologia Physical Science; Rosetta Stone, Russian; Writing; Literature.  For history, we are piecing together all sorts of materials on wars, battles and military history.  We will study photography this year, as well, and that will be fun!  Being at Nonna's, Bryan has a tough time concentrating, but he still gets his work done. The rain makes the coziness even sweeter this morning.  I am thankful we did not have camping plans for this Labor Day weekend!!  Today will be a day of relaxing, resting, healing, drawing and laughter.  All good things. Take care and enjoy your day!  Peace and joy be yours! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/724388/ Sun, 6 Sep 2009 11:41:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/724388/     Here we are, the summer before my little precious, I mean, my darling son starts high school.  I can remember telling people years ago when asked about homeschooling: "Of course, we will still school at home when Bryan gets to high school!  Why wouldn't we?"  And now, here we are....starting high school.  I have no clue what books we will use yet.  I have some ideas, but really, I don't know.  We might be with the charter school again, but I have not decided yet.  I enjoyed this past relationship with Sutter, but, part of me tenses when I have to follow other people's "rules".  We have done fine all these years and I believe we can continue to do so.  It is the financial help that is hard to pass by.  Whatever the decision, we will be okay.      I am really proud of Bryan, by the way.  I told him that he can have the summer off.  It was his decision to continue with the Russian study.  He has learned enough to know that staying on it will keep him sharper.  Makes my heart skip a beat as I watch him develop responsibility.     I wanted to say something about character....a wise woman told me years ago to focus more on character than on the books.  Building a godly character is more valuable than all of the classics, all of the sciences, all of it....that has been our goal and I think things have gone well.  Bryan is a good guy; caring, considerate, helpful, polite and he loves God and works at pleasing Him.  I am a very blessed mom.     Take care and find time to chat with family and friends.  Time is short and there are so many blessings to be had every day! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/701976/ Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:30:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/javanuts/701976/