Home school studies: Mexico

We studied Mexico back in August and I'm just now posting these pictures. Oh well, better late than never. During our studies we're trying to cook a meal or at least a few recipes from the country of study. During the Mexico study they recommended having a fiesta at the end of the study. Well, since we were in the process of moving, our fiesta turned out much different than I'd anticipated. But my children seemed to enjoy it anyway. That's what counts. I'd planned to make tortillas with them, but had to compromise on this mix that you just add water to. I don't recommend it at all. It was a mess and they tasted terrible, but I didn't have the time to get anything else accomplished that week. The children had fun patting and shaping the tortillas into balls and then flattening them out. Looks like my pictures are in reverse order, but you get the idea! We also had rotel cheese dip and chips, guacamole and taco rice. Not very authentic, but it worked for us. Overall, our fiesta was a success even though it didn't turn out quite like I'd planned.

Bible Reading for 2010

It's been a few years since I've taken the challenge of reading the Bible through in a year, but I plan to take on that challenge this new year. I'm going to use the Book at a time plan. In years past I have done the plan that goes through the New Testament and Old Testament. I hope to stay on track and spend time learning more and more about the scriptures. Will you take on that challenge and read with me in 2010?

End of the Year Cleaning Out

Well, another year is almost behind us. It's hard to believe it's almost 2010. Did you ever think you'd see those numbers as a year? As a child it seemed unimaginable to think we'd ever live to see that year. Since we're taking a break from our school work, I'm on a mission to get my house organized. Since moving 2 months ago things have just gotten stuck somewhere or hidden in a closet. My goal is to get as much of that organized or thrown out as possible. I worked in my kitchen this morning. It's amazing how much you can accomplish when you set your mind to it. I went through my cabinets and put things that didn't have a home in places suited for them. I, also, worked on my desk area. It was terrible! I just needed to declutter it. It only took about 15 minutes and it was done. What are you planning to work on in the new year? Do you have areas that are in need of organization?

Christmas countdown

My almost 8 year old daughter tells me every day how many days left until Christmas. Well, here we are and we have 3 days left. I have several more things I would really like to get done, but I'm not going to stress out about them. I try not to do that- it's not good for my health :) Well, here goes. My last few things left: - make 12 dozen cookies ( 6 dozen chocolate chip and 6 dozen rolled sugar cookies) I will freeze some of these to pull out when we need a yummy snack. This keeps us from eating too much at one time. -work on pillowcases for each of my children. I make each of my children a special pillowcase for Christmas each year. I'm very late getting this done. I'm using what I have on hand since finances are tight this year. I'm excited to see how they turn out. I hope I have time to finish. - make more Chex mix. I made a big batch yesterday, but I need to make some more for little gifts. - microwave raw peanuts. My father-in-law used to always give us raw peanuts every Christmas. They are so good cooked in the microwave and then adding butter and salt. Yum, yum! -make domino ornaments with kids. I found the cutest idea on the net one day last week. I'll try to find the site and put up the link. Such a cute idea!

Rejoice

This is the day that the Lord hath made; I will rejoice and be glad in it. May we be reminded of the real reason for the season-the birth of the Savior- Jesus Christ.

Birthday Meal

As I mentioned in my last post, we have several birthdays in our family this month. My little boy has been asking for red beans and rice with sausage. Since his birthday was coming up I decided to make it for a special birthday lunch. He was so excited and gave me a special hug. Those are hard to come by since he has started saying he doesn't like hugs and kisses. It was a special moment for me. There are many things we Moms can do to make birthdays or other days special for our children without costing extra money. We all enjoyed our lunch, but my 6 year old probably enjoyed it the most because it was his special birthday lunch.

Busy, busy times

Where has the time gone? We moved 4 months ago and it seems like I'll never get caught up. Life is busy these days. December is a busy time for everyone, but ours is even busier when you put several birthdays in the mix. Since we've moved I've tried to change a few habits for the better. I think they say it takes 3 weeks to form a new habit. My first habit I'm trying to accomplish is getting up before my children wake me up. This is a hard one for me, mainly because I usually stay up too late. So I'm doing better and enjoying the extra time with the Lord and the quiet of our home. Another habit I'm working on is time management. We don't have internet yet so this helps a lot. I find that surfing the 'net eats up so much time. Therefore, I'm getting a lot more done since I have to go over to my parents' house to use it. Those are a few things I'm working on right now. We're still trying to settle in. We have so much to be thankful for. What a blessing to be a child of the King!