Easy Meatball Recipe

My In-a-Hurry-Entirely-Too Easy Meatball and Gravy Recipe

I was in a hurry and didn't have a lot of time to start from scratch.  So here's what I did (with tons of rave reviews, I might add):

1 envelope onion mushroom soup
4 cubes beef boullion
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 package frozen homestyle meatballs
5 cups water

Put it all in the crockpot and let it go.  All day.  On low.  I served it over white (instant) rice.  I also served another vegetable side. 
You will get a juice, more than a gravy, but it worked the same way and everyone loved it!!!
We are simple folks.

Math for Mom Part 2: Budgeting our Homeschool Space

Math is a most dreaded subject for many moms, and possibly moreso for homeschooling mothers.  Numbers are not my best area, for sure.  But this series is not for giving you pointers or hints for how to better teach your child math.  This is Math for Mom!

First in this series, it's the homeschool budget. Finances are different for each family. Sometimes, time=money or the opposite. You will have to make the best judgement on that for your family's needs. But I've given my points of consideration in this post.

When my children were younger than they are now and we first began homeschooling, it was my dream to have a school room. I wanted my own classroom, with charts on the wall, a great big chalkboard, little nooks for 'centers'……the works! The reality is, we live where we learn and we learn where we live.

Desks: I have found that each child likes to have his own desk, but no one is bound to it. Actually, the children seldom use desks during 'school' time. Each one has a desk in their room. More often than not, it is used for things like building, legos, setting up battles, writing notes to friends and other miscellaneous pursuits. Most of our written school work is done right here:

(Yes, that is a keyboard stand with no keyboard in the sideground.  It was moved out for the  work that was done in here.)

 Yep, you got it right….on the couch, at the coffee table, or even using a clipboard or lapdesk. It's what works. We even use the kitchen table / bar area when we decide to. We are not traditional in that way. J

Chalkboard / charts / manipulatives: We do have one white board in our dining room on the wall. We used to use our dining room only for schooling, but have migrated to the downstairs family room, so it's more of an occasional spot now. I have found that we still like having the white board there. It goes with our contemporary elementary theme! ;)

 I print charts, helps, make manipulatives and whatever else we end up needing along the way. I try to provide a home for each item , but I don't always get that right, as you can see in the pics here. I have given a half hearted effort at organizing my bookshelves by subject, but with a 4 yr old helping out, anything is subject to change! We do have maps and a globe (which is still alive but handicapped at the present moment) around for quick reference.

Storage:  I have three bookshelves, partially arranged by subject.  There is also space that is verbally designated to house library materials so that we are not also having to budget for library fees!  We also have a few plastic rolling carts that hold things that we have on hand but aren't necessarily pretty to look at.  Some of those items are: more math manipulatives, stacks of scratch paper , a place to throw pencils/paperclips/etc.  I hope to collect a few 'pretty' storage baskets over time so that it is a little more visually appealing. 

Common areas vs. personal space: This is just a note with my personal thoughts on this matter and no one who does things differently should feel judged. I believe that the Lord has given our family this home so that we can build ties together. I do appreciate the need of each person to have private space. I, myself, enjoy alone time that is private to recharge. It is not more important that we allot each person a great amount “me space” than it is for our family to have a warm, cozy home that provides togetherness for our family (as opposed to making one or more persons comfortable.) So, in the numbers, I’d say that our “all” space outranks our personal spaces. We could close in our garage and give every single person here their own room. That is not our priority. To some, it is not a “fair” situation. We are not in the business of making everything fair for our children. We are in the business of providing a loving, nurturing family home that will serve the purpose of bringing them up with Godly character. ( I also find that there is plenty of value in learning to live peacefully with others early in life! :)  )

Here’s the rest of the tour (please excuse the mess, we just redid parts of this room and there is still plenty of drywall dust to go around). Remember, this room multi-tasks as our family/game room—so go easy on me.  Also, there is paint on the walls now, but nothing else.  So sorry :) 

 This post is load-bearing so we cannot remove it, only live around it.

 This rocking chair was my grandmother's and she rocked me and many other babies in it. I recovered it myself last year.  It's still rocking.  I'm almost 36 now.  And the afghan, crocheted by my other a few years ago for Christmas makes a cozy spot for a budding reader.

 Desk area that will likely be the last to recuperate from the moving/drywall scenario, but is functional at least.

 Our growth chart that I refuse to paint over.  The memories--one day.

The upstairs couch might also be used for videos as it sits squarely in front of our new (to us) 52" TV.  (I am too cheap to buy something like that new--bought off of craigslist for a STEAL! when our other TV died) At the time of this picture, the 11 yr old princess you see here was thoroughly enjoying Little House on the Prairie--I love that they still love the simple things.

We definitely want our children to love our home--their home. Our goal is to meet the needs of ALL in providing an environment that will be conducive to strong relationships with the Lord and tying heartstrings among everyone who lives here.

Next up:  Budgeting Time

Math for Mom Part 1 - Homeschool Budget

Math is a most dreaded subject for many moms, and possibly moreso for homeschooling mothers.  Numbers are not my best area, for sure.  But this series is not for giving you pointers or hints for how to better teach your child math.  This is Math for Mom!

First in this series, it's the homeschool budget.  I will confess that I love thumbing (surfing) through curriculum.  I just know that I will find the best tidbits that will spark an idea that will in turn light a fire of delightful learning in my children.  Some of those ideas and tips come at a price, though.  Here are a few things to consider when preparing your homeschool budget.

1.  Does it point your child toward a Biblical worldview of the subject?

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the innoculation theory when it comes to using materials that contain secular information.  I take opportunities to challenge my children with what the world will hand them, in terms of defending Biblical accounts and beliefs.  From evolution to the cultural stereotypes of today's teenagers.  I use some  reference materials, non fiction, fiction, even picture books that contain non-Christian beliefs and character traits.  I feel it gives us all great opportunities, so that when we are out in the world, we do not get the feeling that we are OF this world and begin to help them recognize what is good and evil.  

  If you are not comfortable in doing this, be very sure that you purchase materials carefully.  But most of all, pray and seek guidance from your husband as to his preferred direction.

2. Is it something you are able to use? As in, do you have the time and availability to implement it properly?

Time and availability are two of my biggest struggles.  I have a limited number of teaching minutes in the day, so I have to make them count.  If a resource requires a huge amount of preparation on my part that I cannot spare, I must move that item down to be considered in question #3.  If it is indeed a priority, then I will consider any additional helps that I may purchase to ease the burden or even possibly find a personalized method of implementing.  It is vitally important to set yourself up to succeed in teaching your children.  Unrealistic expectations of yourself will only cause you and your children unneeded tears and heartache.

3.  Is  it on your list of priorities to teach this year?

So, you might find that you are able to include a subject that sounds fun or you feel like is a good idea.  But not all of those will end up being priorities  I try to always remember that when I say 'yes' to one thing, in means I am saying 'no' to another and then decide if it is worth the tradeoff.   Subjects that do fall into this category are then deemed worth it to me to purchase additional "helps" that might be available such as printables CD's, additional student books (instead of making copies), reference materials that will make it more convenient to have on hand with relying on the library.   If a subject is of questionable importance, I then go back to choosing "best" over "good" for my children.  

 4.  Is it consumable?

It goes without saying that if you are homeschooling more than one child, consumables may not always be the most budget-friendly choices.  Many times, our core subject are taught with consumables.  But  if an item has longer usability in my family, it holds a higher slot on my list!  It is not the deciding factor, but it is a consideration especially if it is something that will likely be used by most in the family.

5.  Crunching the numbers-oh, what fun!

My budget is allotted once a year.  It comes in the form of the tax return in the spring. Some have a monthly allowance.  Others just fly by the seat of their pants.  I wish I were able to do that sometimes.  But, I must have a plan - for my mental health and my husband's planning purposes.  By tax filing time, I have a good idea of what is and is not working for us and things that might need adjustment.  Once I have figured out my priority subjects and decided on which resources I will need to accomplish our family's mission, I go looking for bargains.  I do not spend  a set amount on each child, I go by the needs of our family in general and then narrow down what each child needs to accomplish in the coming school year.  "Amount per child"  does not exist here!  If I can find it used, by all means, I go for that first.  Otherwise, I check for sales, coupon codes, wait for the "season" for the item, or go for the best prices at Amazon or Rainbow.  When an item is published by a small Mom & Pop business, I try to support them if at all possible. 

Budgeting for homeschooling can be a challenge!  There is so much from which to choose these days.  It is vitally important that we choose wisely in order to steward our finances, time and children's hearts and minds well!

Linked at                                                                                                                             

Reconciliation

Reconciliation - the process of making consistent or compatible.
My wonderful, hard-working husband works the evening shift and so I lead devotion time with my children before bed. Some nights are quick and easy and they're off to bed in a flash. Tonight has not been such a night. But I am oh-so-thankful! The Lord showed Himself mighty tonight. Having absolutely nothing to do with the devotional book that we use this night, we spent over half an hour in reconciliation time. We go through the catechism using the devotional book mentioned here. I've been inconsistent in using this resource and have bounced around a bit but will keep it up for the sake of consistency for a while. If we don't find ourselves having further discussion on the material in the day's reading, we move into encouragement and reconciliation.


During encouragement time, each child is to look to the person beside him and encourage or compliment three or more attributes of that person. Most of the time there are giggles, great big smiles and even a little embarrassment. There are comments on talents, abilities, physical features and just lots of love going around during this time. Mom is included in this time. I am always interested to hear what they say about me. There is not a lot of hesitancy in the words of our little ones J


Next is reconciliation time. We take the down time to make anything right with someone anything for which we feel we need to ask forgiveness. It is becoming a more open and honest time. Sometimes, the other person has no idea that the offender has thought or felt the emotion or thought for which they are asking forgiveness. Other times, there was a clear and verbal/physical spat that will bring obvious acknowledgement. Again, Mom is not immune. I get frustrated, impatient, rude or otherwise unloving and must be reconciled as well.




It is the latter about which I am writing tonight. This was such a sweet time this evening as the Holy Spirit prompted an unusually wonderful number of confessions. Some even taking place years ago-thoughts that were never revealed, words murmured, hateful attitudes, and the list goes on. The tenderness in the hearts of my young ones was palpable and so precious to my heart this evening. I am so thankful that He has been faithful to help make our family more consistent and compatible. I have heard my children voice their recognition of wisdom brought about by discipline and teaching in their lives. I am sure that we are all coming into better focus as we head toward our family's vision of training up children who will love the Lord and serve Him alone. I will have to keep details among family since they are so close to our hearts and we must be painstakingly cautious with their trust. But I would encourage you, if you don't include these things in your family devotional time, that you are missing out on many, many blessings in your family.

Amanda Bennet Unit Study: Download 'N' Go - George Washington

WHAT?
George Washington Download 'N' Go is a unit study created by Amanda Bennett in e-book format. It is very simple to use; the only preparation required is to search out optional library books to read along during the week for enrichment. This already contains indepth studies in every subject in this lineup:

Day 1: Who Was George Washington?

Day 2: People and Places in George Washington's Life

Day 3: The Accomplishments of George Washington

Day 4: Lessons to Learn From George Washington

Day 5: Remembering George Washington

WHO?

I used this study with my four children, ages 10, 8, 7, 4. Although it is recommended for K-4, I found that my 5th grader did well with the study.   Some of the library books provided further enrichment  and activities for her age group.

HOW?

We were able to get a number of the go along titles from our public library. I used the e-book on a daily basis, as presented and added in literature for story times, bedtimes, individual reading, even some fun activities to throw into the mix. For an older child, adding extra reading and expecting  a bit more on some of the assignments seemed appropriate and went over well.

I gathered my children around the computer and we read through them, taking one activity at a time. The unit is neatly divided into days and all we have to do is enjoy it.  We did the activities, read, and watch edthe videos that are linked within the study.  I preprinted all that is needed from the e-book itself.  No creating my own notebook pages or forms.  Also, to save a little money, I just keep the e-book saved on a flash drive and do not print out the entire book. For those who lapbook, the components are linked within the book and are found at the end of the study with a link back to where you are in the study so you don't have to search to get back.


THE VERDICT


I can say with certainty that this was our favorite DNG so far!  Download 'N' Go George Washington gave us more than the typical unit on our country's father. This study could have easily lasted my family two weeks or more, had we done every single activity and thoroughly explored every title suggested in this study. We wanted to, though! This study brought some things more to life for them, seeing it presented through some of the links provided and correlating it with our local historical sites.
This is not just a history lesson - it is a complete study, with all of the subject areas covered nicely. You will find mapwork, timeline activities, and more. Of course, I found many opportunities for copywork and writing exercises at my fingertips. I appreciated the character studies included, as well.  We loved all the information about George Washington personally. My husband even enjoyed learning with us and confessed  to learning something new!  It probably feels even more "real" to us because we live in an area that is chock-full of  historical Washingtonion sites.  We drive by many of them regularly and some, even weekly.   There wasn't anything for me to add in or have to pull together to supplement. But many of the suggested titles made the study even more fun.  And now, our calendar is marked and we will be serving a special breakfast in honor of George Washington very soon!!!  We can't wait for warmer weather, as we are headed out to Mount Vernon as soon as the cold lets up a bit.

Here, we are writing with quill pens.  We found out that it isn't easy to get things done writing with those!
We also kept a journal, as George Washington did and even learned steps to a Minuet.  It was such a fun time.  We really could have gone on for quite a while with this study.

If you'd like to read more reviews from other homeschool parents, click here and see what they think of Download 'N' Go George Washington.

I have been provided one free copy of the George Washington Download 'N' Go to review in exchange for my honest opinion on the product.

Amanda Bennett Unit Study Review: Magnificent Moon Download 'N' Go

WHAT?
Magnificent Moon is a unit study created by Amanda Bennett in e-book format. It is very simple to use; the only preparation required is to search out optional library books to read along during the week for enrichment. This already contains indepth studies in every subject in this lineup:

Day 1: What Exactly Is a Moon?

Day 2: Getting to Know the Moon

Day 3: The Story of the Moon

Day 4: Science Secrets of the Moon

Day 5: Cool Things About the Moon

WHO?

I used this study with my four children, ages 10, 8, 7, 4. Although it is recommended for K-4, I found that my 5th grader did quite well with the study presenting it as-is.

HOW?
We went at this with just the unit provided. We live in a small town with a limited library. We still  learned plenty  just doing the study alone with none of the read-along type extras. It was more than enough! I find in doing these DNG units that I don't really need extras. Amanda has done all of that for me and that's the simple beauty of these studies.

I gather my children round the computer and we read through them, taking one activity at a time. There is always debate on who get to do the scrolling and who gets to read all the cool information.  Also, to save a little money, I just keep the e-book saved on a flash drive and do not print out the entire book. I only print out the activity pages. For those who lapbook, the components are linked within the book and are found at the end of the study.


THE VERDICT



Download 'N' Go Magnificent Moon  is a much deeper study than I expected. This study could have easily lasted my family two weeks, had we done every single activity. We had some previous experience with another unit on moons and astronomy. But I felt that the information presented in Magnificent Moon was still quite challenging for my 5th grader.  This study brought some things more to life for them, seeing it presented through some of the links provided.  I have always enjoyed watching the shuttles lift off, land and followed their journeys.  So, I was able to share my thoughts and memories on watching space exploration through my lifetime.    We ended our study with our version of a moon cake. 

I appreciated that this is a complete study, with all of the subject areas covered nicely. I did feel that some of the information was over the head of a Kindergartener and on some days, my First grader; but a basic introduction is sufficient for that age anyway.  There wasn't anything for me to add in or have to pull together to supplement. Download 'N' Go studies make it effortless to teach on so many topics and feel confident that they are learning.

If you'd like to read more reviews from other homeschool parents, click here and see what they think of Download 'N' Go Magnificent Moon.

Also, check out these other value priced studies from Amanda Bennett:

The Cabin Fever Fun Pack, which includes Magnificent Moon, Winter Wonders, Expedition Canada, and Popcorn is currently on sale, and will be through 1/31/11 for $20 (regularly $28).

Also, stay tuned for a fabulous giveaway contest! The contest will run from 1/24-28/11, with the drawing at 9pm on 1/28. We will be giving away 2 standard Moon Maps from National Geographic, valued at $16.99 each


I have been provided one free copy of the Magnificent Moon Download 'N' Go to review in exchange for my honest opinion on the product.

How Young is Too Young to Train Our Daughters to be Homemakers?

I have owned this (as well as the companion boys' book) for a few years now.  I haven't used it as much as I hoped I would have by now, but I keep at it.  I read through topics here and there to keep things fresh in my mind regarding training up our daughters.  It does mention in this book that the earlier items in each chapter are for the younger and then they increase in appropriateness with age.    This seems to be true.

  I wondered today how young is too young to train our daughters to be homemakers?  Is it when they are able to handle tools with safety?  Is it when they can actually get the clothes to stay onto the hanger?  Or what about when they are able to organize a menu and shopping list fairly regularly?   

Oh, I know!  It must be when a young lady looks like she's ready for work and training and is strong enough.    No.  Maybe it will work when she keeps a budget and is responsible for her schedule and much of her own education. 

The longer I am in this role, the more I am convinced that being a homemaker has less to do with the tasks at hand and more to do with my heart.  A house is a building.  We would all like for it to be clean most of the time.  The 'home' of our hearts is more important, though, so that we provide a  welcoming temperament for the Holy Spirit to take up residence. ?  Just my own questions for myself.....I'm just thinking out loud here..but I think that my daughters' future homes depend on what I live out for them.  And that begins with the state of my heart.

Am I training them in the tasks they need in a purposeful manner? Do they feel encouraged and uplifted in their endeavors?  Do I honor their efforts and gently guide them in corrections (not always).   Is their work appreciated when they've done it with a  good attitude?  Are they seeking wisdom?  How is their spiritual life going?  Am I modeling what I desire to see reflected?

This is one of my Intentional areas this year..making a lovely home..inside my heart and beyond.