Here is this weeks’ meal. I actually had planned this meal as week three of my planning schedule. All the shopping has been done for this meal, except I think we’ll have to pick up more lettuce. The taco dinner used more than I had anticipated.

• Sunday – Tacos
• Monday – Leftovers
• Tuesday – Turkey Soup
• Wednesday – Hamburgers with homemade buns
• Thursday – Meatloaf
• Friday – Beef Soup & homemade bread
• Saturday – Swedish meatballs over noodles

Notes for the week:

Take out hamburger on Tuesday. Make sure to bring out enough to form meatballs for Saturday’s meal.

Have a great day as you serve your family!

Tags: kitchen cares, Organization

I have been reading about Starbucks offering a coffee on Monday, September 29th. I thought I’d share what HSLDA has to say (condensed) about home educating parents since we are home educators:

This coming Monday, September 29, homeschool parents will be able to pick up a complimentary tall size (12 fl. oz.) cup of Pike Place Roast from Starbucks.

This promotion is part of Starbucks “Great Start for Great Teachers” promotion, and is now open to all teachers.

HSLDA continues to state their appreciation that homeschoolers may participate and give the below evidence to be presented when taking advantage of this special:

Any one item on the following list should be accepted by Starbucks:

• Home School Legal Defense Association membership card.
• Membership card from a state homeschooling organization.
• Notification from a school district or state government recognizing compliance with compulsory attendance.
• Paperwork submitted showing intent to establish a homeschool program.
• Paperwork showing the establishment of a private school.

If you don’t have one of the items on this list be creative and try to provide other proof of homeschooling.

Please note: the final decision about whether to accept proof of homeschooling resides with Starbucks.

They also remind members to go print copies of their membership cards at their site. (See link above)

Enjoy your coffee while serving your family today!

Tags: just fun, Mama

Since I haven’t the gumption to go through over 200 photos in order to bring you the Weekly Round Up, I thought I’d share my photos through the eyes of my kids, who did go through over 200 photos! Enjoy!

• Visit Emily
• Visit Katie’s blog to see her photos, too
• Check out Elizabeth’s view here
• Joe is more creative with his photos
• Anne has a few here, as well

Tags: Family, just fun, Photos

Finger Paint
Mix 2 cups flour with 2 teaspoons salt. Add 2 1/2 cups cold water. Stir until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to 2 cups boiling water. Boil until smooth and thick. Add food coloring, then stir until smooth.

• Visit the fire station
• Go to the post office and let the kids send some mail.
• Take a nature walk. Collect ferns, flowers, leaves and rocks to make a centerpiece for the dinner table.
• Find a construction site and watch the trucks and tractors.

I’ll have a few more ideas in later weeks. In the meantime, share some of your own in my comments section.

Tags: Homeschool, just fun, kitchen cares

This is not a long list, at all. My guess is that you have something fun to do together that you could add to this list.

1. Take a walk
2. Ride bikes
3. Visit some historical places
4. Have coffee in a coffee shop and talk
5. Go to a museum. There are some great free ones around
6. Take a small boat onto a peaceful lake
7. Make a picnic basket and go to a park or somewhere with a view and sit in your vehicle
8. Go to a free home improvement show and dream
9. Put the kids to bed, make popcorn and play board games
10. Meet your spouse for lunch and take a walk together while eating a sack lunch
11. Go sledding
12. Go for a drive. Fall is a particularly beautiful time of year for this.
13. Put the kids to bed and have a picnic in the living room, complete with blanket
14. Go bowling
15. People watch somewhere busy. Doesn’t have to be the mall. It could be at the hospital!
16. Do your grocery shopping together
17. Play miniature golf
18. Go shopping at the dollar store
19. Go to a local event that is free, such as music in the park during the summer
20. Park somewhere with a view or at the airport (to watch the planes come in and go out) and talk
21. Go to a friend’s or relative’s concert or performance. Rate them using the star system.
22. Give your own concert for friends or family.
23. Check out your favorite childhood books from the library and read them to each other.
24. Go hiking
25. Sit on the beach
26. Pick up a $5 pizza and go park somewhere to talk
27. Have a bonfire. Make sure the local laws allow.
28. Pick up a box of specialty ice cream and two spoons
29. Visit a book store (some have coffee shops and dessert items)
30. Go to the Saturday market or a flea market
31. Bake something together then eat it
32. Go to a local high school game
33. Play in the snow
34. Check out the rehearsal of a local play, as they are free to the public
35. Visit a friend in the hospital. Bring them something special
36. Write out your Christmas card list
37. Plan your child(ren)’s next Birthday party
38. Sit outside and view the stars with, or without, a telescope
39. Give each other a back rub
40. Go caroling (more fun with a group)
41. Play mini golf
42. Visit thrift stores
43. Visit the library
44. Go roller skating
45. Dress up to the nines and go for dinner at McDonald’s
46. Visit a home improvement store and dream

Have some more to add? Leave me a message.

Tags: marriage