Menu Planning Monday

I just came up from the "dungeon" (aka: the laundry room) and the battle with the dirty clothes beast is beginning to look favorable! 2 down, 4 left to go. And that's not even considering the fact that these tamed beasts (aka: clean, folded clothes) still need to be put away! Ack. Alas, I will put my sword and shield away for the night, for I am weary. :)

Anywho . . . here is the menu that I have planned for this week. I may need to be fairly flexible many nights, however, because we will probably end up working out at our new house (!!!) some nights this week. So, if you see a recipe repeated next week you'll know which nights we ended up being spontaneous.

MONDAY - Hamburgers on the Grill, Chicken Rice, Carrot Coins, Buttered Brussel Sprouts (the kids resisted at first, but actually liked them once they tried them!)

TUESDAY - Chicken Pesto Pasta, Steamed Broccoli, French Bread

WEDNESDAY - Leftovers OR Grab and Go Night

THURSDAY - Ham Steaks, AuGratin Potatoes, Green Beans

FRIDAY - Lemon Herbed Chicken, Pesto Linguine, Mixed Vegetables, French Bread

Spunky Says It!

My good friend, Karen Braun, is an extremely well-informed, opinionated, well-spoken political junkie, professional researcher of topics (my personal title for her, lol), blogger, Christian homeschooling mother of six (plus so much more!). I love how forth-right and honestly she writes in her blogs. You will never doubt her opinion by the end of reading any of her entries, for sure!

Her recent post, Abortion During School Hours, really caught my attention with her "Miranda Rights for Public School Parents" at the end of the post. The whole article is alarming and sad, but "Spunky" drives the point home with the fact that when students attend government schools, the government is solidly in charge, not the parents. Most parents do not think about the fact that their rights are denied when the Government believes that it know better, and that parents are simply not required.

I share her blog because I hope that her posts will bring to light some of what occurs when we do not speak up for our parental rights. The Government does not know best for our children and I will not sit back quietly when the Government tries to tell me what to do for them. God gave me my children to care for and watch over, and I certainly know them a whole lot better than the bureaucrats in Washington.

Some may find Government schools a necessity for their family and I understand that, but as long as I am able, I hope to be my child's teacher, guide and most direct influence. Thank you, Mr. Government, but I'll keep my keep my children under my sheltering wing as long as I can.

What a Difference a Week Can Make!

Check out this video of Little Miss Lanie showing off her cruising skills!

Comment to Win a Free Art Program for your kids!

While perusing some of my favorite homeschooling blogs, I can across this giveaway and product review. It is for Artistic Pursuits Art Curriculum. I can't pass up on a contest and figured someone else might benefit from the information too!

This is what the Artistic Pursuits website has to say about their products:

"The ARTistic Pursuits approach to teaching art is a welcome departure from typical art instruction books. This award winning homeschool art program meets the specific needs of homeschoolers at home. A variety of fun applications teach both the expressive and technical aspects of art while allowing children to make choices about what and how they will draw, paint, and sculpt. Assignments work within the stages of artistic development of children and guide them to mature artistic expression in the visual arts."

To enter the contest, go to the giveaway and review on Raising Olives' blog. <-----click there

Good luck!

Menu Planning Monday

Last week was incredibly busy so this week we are laying low and playing catch-up on school and housework. I didn't mind not leaving the house at all today either since the weather was so cold and dreary. With temperature's in the low 60s most of last week, it's hard to face rainy, blustery and low 40s without a little sorrow. I can't wait for the cheerfulness of sunshine again! :) According to the local weatherman, we should see sunshine and mid-50s by Wednesday. All I can say to that is, "Bring it on!!!" Yay!

Here is the menu for the upcoming week:

MONDAY - Homemade Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Sliced Pears

TUESDAY - Northwoods Chicken Stew, Fresh Garden Salad, Italian Bread

WEDNESDAY - Brightmoor Bistro before Church

THURSDAY - Slow Cooker Chili, Cornbread Muffins

FRIDAY - Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Fresh Garden Salad

She's Cruising!

Delanie turned 10 months old yesterday and now suddenly she'd rather stand than sit, and is really interested in her walker. Most of the time she will just stand there and hold on to it, but this evening she started walking with it! Watch out world, here she comes!

Menu Planning Monday

Yay! This week signifies a momentous occasion . . . we are breaking out the grill once again! The forecast calls for sunshine and mid-50s all week - sounds like grilling weather to me. Just because we can, I've put 2 grilled items on the menu. Can I get a "yum" anyone?!? :)

MONDAY - Homestyle Beef Stew, Fresh Garden Salad, Crescent Rolls

TUESDAY - Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken (Yay!!!), Green Beans, French Bread

WEDNESDAY - Grab a bite, busy night

THURSDAY - Chicken and Rice Casserole, French Bread

FRIDAY - Hamburgers on the Grill (Yay!!!), Cheesy Potatoes, Fresh Garden Salad