Homeschooling: Oh Em Gee!

I recently started homeschooling Brett...Yes, I started in the summer. He's the type of child that has to be kept busy. He went to private preschool this past year and would be in prekinder this next year. Finding a curriculum to suit his needs has been a challenge. He's too advanced for the preschool and not quite there for the kindergarten. I needed a half and half program....

Last Monday was our first day at it. I had the whole week planned. I had his workboxes (we use a modified version of this system) full of activities. He finished it in 2 days...and asked for more. Oy!

I found this really cool website for file folder games. There are lots of games and printables for kiddos. I've also added a list here of printables I have created along the way.

Till next time!

This is how I roll

I was sitting here on the couch in front of my laptop multi-tasking. Watching Thomas The Tank Engine on TV and being nosey with facebook. It dawned on me that I must get up and accomplish something today. Then it hit. I wanted to sew.

After much clutter moving I found my serger and sewing machine in the garage. I scrounged up a pattern and some material from the massive amounts that have taken over my garage. After about 2 hours Brett has new pajamas. Of course he had to wear them immediately. Good thing I pre-wash all my fabric. Here are the results:




I think he likes them :>)

Pancit

My mom e-mailed me a recipe for Pancit recently. It got me to craving it. I altered the recipe quite a bit. Don't be overwhelmed by it. It is quite easy.

16 oz rice noodles
3 stalks celery
2 med. sized carrots
2 C shredded Cabbage (I used an 8.5oz bag of coleslaw cabbage)
2 chicken thighs (Next time I will use 2 or 3 chicken breasts)
4 cloves garlic
1/4 C onion
1/4 C Green Onion
1/2 c. soy sauce
3 T. Canola oil (can use vegetable oil)
salt and pepper to taste

Boil chicken in 4 cups water for about 20 - 25min. I leave the skin on the chicken while boiling for added flavor in the broth.


Place rice noodles in water to soak.


While chicken is cooking chop veggies and garlic into small pieces.


Put oil and garlic in large wok or pot. Saute garlic. If garlic is overcooked it will be bitter. So a light golden brown is good.


Cut chicken into small pieces, removing skin. Set Broth aside. DON'T POUR IT OUT.


Add soy sauce and chicken to pot with garlic. Heat over med for 2 min.


Add veggies, rice noodles, and 1 cup of broth. Stir well.


Add the rest of the broth in small amounts stirring well.
Let steam fry (I used a lid to keep steam in) for about 20 min on medium low heat stirring frequently.

Salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot.


Enjoy!

Gourmet Grilled Cheese

This is a fabulous snack, lunch or even dinner. It is super easy and fast.

8oz Cheddar Cheese (I use sharp)
8oz Monteray Jack Cheese
4.25oz Black Olives, Chopped
1/4 - 1/2 C Green Onions, Chopped
2oz Canned Jalapenos, Chopped
1 C Mayo ( I make my own)
Sliced French Bread

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients together.



Butter both sides of bread. Add cheese mixture to bread. Place on baking sheet.


Bake in oven at 350 for 10 minutes.



Enjoy!

Texas Brown Sugar Cake

I had some of this delicious cake at a local restaurant. It was melt in your mouth deliciousness! So, I found this recipe and whipped it up today.

* 1 cup butter, softened
* 1/2 cup shortening
* 2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 6 large eggs, divided
* 3 cups flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 cup evaporated milk
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 2 cups pecans, toasted, chopped

1. Beat butter and shortening with electric mixer until creamy.



2. Gradually add brown sugar and granulated sugar, beating until light and fluffy.


3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until the yellow yolk disappears.


4. Sift together flour and baking powder. I didn't have a sifter, so I put them in a small bowl and whisked them...


5. Add alternately with the evaporated milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat batter at low speed just until blended after each addition.



6. Stir in vanilla and pecans.

You'll notice I had to switch it to a different bowl. So, if you think you are using a large bowl...get an even bigger one.


7. Pour batter into greased and floured 12-cup tube or Bundt pan.


8. Place pan in cold oven.

9. Set oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

10. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into middle comes out clean.

11. Cool 10 to 15 minutes.

12. Remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack.

This recipe didn't have a glaze, so I made my own.
1 C powdered sugar
1/3 C Butter
3 TBSP rum
3 TBS Evaporated Milk

Heat all ingredients over medium heat for 5 minutes. Stirring constantly.
Poor over cake.

Viola! You have Texas Brown Sugar Cake!


Enjoy!

Photography Bug

I've been bitten by another bug...I went to Corpus Christi for a new camera today. I came home with a Canon Rebel XSi. I love it so far. I took these pictures on the way home.






My friend Carol was kind enough to go with me. I even got her to drive home so I could play with my new "toy".

Sewing Bug

So back in November I put away all my sewing machines and accessories. I was completely burnt out on sewing. I wanted nothing to do with it at all.
The sewing bug has bitten again. I want to sew. Sewing for money is out of the question. I had so many things I wanted to make for my family.
The problem is, I have turned my sewing area into an exercise room. Big delemma! Of course half to room is full o junk. I guess this means a garage sale is in order.
This is what I have to clean up before I can sew....UGH!






Any volunteers to help?