Friday, January 30, 2015

My Week in Review #22


It is that time again!  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  God bless!




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My Week in Review/Weekly Wrap-up January 24/31

This is going to be a two-week review since I just didn't have the time to get one published last week.

Speaking of last week, there was important milestone-- Kiddo #1 got his driver's license!  Here is he driving off with his instructor to the course.  We are very proud of him.  :-)


There is nothing like having school time on a sofa or comfy chair.  We do a lot of our reading and/or discussions that way.  Here Kiddo #4 is showing some work she is doing on the liver for her digestive system lapbook.


In addition to the Digestive System lapbook, they are working on one on the Lewis and Clark expedition.  Kiddos 1 and 2 are progressing well with their online classes, as well as Kiddo #1's college class.  

Another highlight of the week was the resumption of the homeschool bowling league.  The kids all did SO well.  They are looking forward to continuing every Friday for the next couple of months. Here are the kids and some of their friends.





One of my absolute favorite things about homeschooling is how close my children are to one another.  I found this ping pong set at a local store in their clearance Christmas section for $5.  Kiddo 1 and 2 must have played together for over an hour.  There was so much laughter.  They had me playing some, too.  Much, much fun and good memories made.  Just LOVE it!  They all even challenged hubby to games!  :-)



This week, on Wednesday, we had my dad's birthday and my parents' anniversary (yes they were married on his birthday and yes, after 48 years, he still says that she was the best present he ever received.  Too sweet).  We celebrated at breakfast, dinner and after dinner with a cake that Kiddos 1 and 4 baked themselves.



Looking forward to this weekend, as we are having some friends over for the Super Bowl.  Not that I am even interested that much in the game since our team isn't in it and the whole "deflategate" has my opinion of the NFL even more tarnished, but it isn't everyday that you get to hang out and chat with some friends and family.  There will definitely be good food and good fellowship.

Hope you have a great weekend, too!

On the blog the past 2 weeks:

Try a New Recipe Tuesday- 1/27 (come check out some great recipes!)

Baked Cauli-Tots (really yummy and low carb, too!)

My Week in Review- 1/23 (lots of great posts about everyone's week)

Try a New Recipe Tuesday- 1/20 (more delicious recipes!)

Almond Pancakes (low-carb and SO good!)


Linking up today with:  My Week in Review,  Homeschool Mother's JournalWeekly Wrap-UpShow-Off FridayLearn and Link and It's a WrapFriendship Friday and Friday Connection and Family Fun Friday and T.G.I.F. Linky Party and Let's Homeschool High School and This Week and Collage Friday




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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Try a New Recipe Tuesday- January 27

I hope those of you who are in the path of Snowmageddon on the East Coast are keeping safe and warm.  We are here.  Well, all except my hubby who works outside, but he has assured me that he is taking care of himself.

It is that time of the week again-- time to share your delicious recipes!



The most viewed post from last week's post is:


In the first spot below, I linked my Baked Cauli-Tots, a delicious low-carb side dish!  Hope you enjoy!  :-)



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Sunday, January 25, 2015

Baked Cauli-Tots

Tried these for the first time the other night and they were SO good.  So good, in fact, that they were a hit with the family.  (I didn't tell them that they were low-carb!)  :-)

Ingredients:

2 12-ounce bags of frozen cauliflower (I will use more next time as I think everyone wanted even more!)
Grated cheese (the original recipe called for Parmesan.  We had Picorini Romano in the house)
sea salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic to taste (the cauliflower I used had garlic already on it, so I didn't add any extra)

That is all the ingredients!  Super simple with items you probably already have in the house.

Cook the cauliflower as per the instructions on the bag.  Mine called for about 6 minutes a bag in the microwave.  Pour off water.

Mash cauliflower.  Some use a food processor.  I just used good old muscle power and my potato masher.  Pour off water again if necessary. (Photo #1)

Add spices and mix well.

Form into tater tot shapes.  Roll into grated cheese then place them on your greased baking sheet. (Photo #2)

Place entire baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes. (they maintain their form when cooked better this way).  After this initial freezing period, you can place them in a freezer bag for storage up to a month if you aren't cooking them the same day. (Photo #3)

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.  Bake for 10 minutes (mine needed a bit more), rotating at 5 minutes for even browning. (I didn't rotate and they came out just fine) (Photo #4)

The best part?  Only 4 carbs for 6 tots!  And they taste really good, too.  They passed one of my teenager's taste tests, lol.



Hope you enjoy!


Linking up with the Gathering SpotKids in the Kitchen, Tasty TuesdayTempt my Tummy TuesdayDomestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Mighty Arrows,Addicted to RecipesHomemaking Wednesdays, Living Well WednesdayWisdom Wednesday , Favorite ThingsModest MomFull Plate Thursday and Melt in your Mouth Monday and Show Off Friday and Tuesday's Table and Look What We Did and Titus 2sday Mom's Monday MingleMonday MingleCrafty SpicesBetter Mom,Create with JoyThursday's TreasuresTasty Thursdays and Wonderful Food Wednesday and the Chicken Chick and Creative Mondays

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Friday, January 23, 2015

My Week in Review #21

Welcome to another great linkup of sharing all about your week!  We are looking forward to reading your posts.









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Monday, January 19, 2015

Try a New Recipe Tuesday- January 20

Welcome to another week of sharing your delicious recipes!  :-)



The most viewed post from last week's hop was:


The first post linked below is my Almond Pancakes (low-carb).  They were SO good!



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Sunday, January 18, 2015

Almond Pancakes (low-carb)

I have been trying to eat healthier, and much to my chagrin, that means cutting back on carbs.  I found this recipe last week from popsugar.com, and with a modification or two, it was delicious.


Ingredients:
3 cups almond meal
1 tablespoon ground flaxmeal (I didn't have this on the day I made them and they turned out just fine)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 large eggs
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or light coconut milk (I used unsweetened coconut milk)
2 tablespoons extra-light olive oil, walnut oil, coconut oil or butter. (I used coconut oil)

In a medium bowl, combine the almond meal, flaxeed, salt and baking soda.  In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the milk and oil or butter and whisk thoroughly.  Gradually whisk the flour mixture into the egg mixture.  Add more milk as necessary one tablespoon at a time, to reach pancake batter consistency.


Lightly oil a skillet and heat over medium heat.  Pour 1/4 cup batter onto the skillet.  Cook for three minutes, or until bubbles form and edges are cooked.  Flip and cook for three minutes or until underside is lightly browned.  Repeat with remaining batter.





Enjoy!  :-)





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Saturday, January 17, 2015

My Week in Review/Weekly Wrap-up/THMJ

It has been a great, but busy week here at the Home to 4 Kiddos.

There was schoolwork and online classes....



A visit to the PA Farm Show (the largest show of its kind in the country!)



It really is so much more than just farm animals (which the kids loved, btw.) There are hands-on exhibits, state history and everything we would want to learn about our state.  Did you know that Pennsylvania is #1 in the country for the production of mushrooms and in hardwoods?  We are #2 in the country in the Christmas tree industry.  Lots to learn.  Much, much fun and even better that we got to share it with good friends.






And, what would the week be without some home baked goodies?



On my blog this week:

Try a New Recipe Tuesday (link up or just come over to check out some delicious recipes!)

My Week in Review (come share or read about everyone's adventures this week)


Linking up today with:  My Week in Review,  Homeschool Mother's JournalWeekly Wrap-UpShow-Off FridayLearn and Link and It's a WrapFriendship Friday and Friday Connection and Family Fun Friday and T.G.I.F. Linky Party and Let's Homeschool High School and This Week and Collage Friday


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Thursday, January 15, 2015

My Week in Review #20



You have read that correctly!  My Week in Review now has a co-host!  I am so happy to have my friend Chareen, from Every Bed of Roses join as co-host.  Be sure to stop by her blog and say hello!






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Monday, January 12, 2015

Try a New Recipe Tuesday- January 13

Welcome to another week of delicious recipe sharing!  :-)


There was a tie for the most viewed post from last week's hop.  They were:











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Thursday, January 8, 2015

My Week in Review #19

Welcome to My Week in Review!!!





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My Week in Review/Weekly Wrap-Up

On Sunday, my mom, Kiddo #4 and I had a "girl's afternoon out."  The guys were watching football playoffs.  We headed to the mall for some lunch, a ride on the carousel and a stop at Build a Bear. (forgive the quality of the photos, as they were taken on my phone.)  Gotta love the last photo which was our selfie.  Mom is on the left and I'm in the center.  Kiddo is on the right with Olaf who accompanied us to the mall.  You can see him strapped in and enjoying the carousel ride with her.  :-)



It is definitely winter here in PA.  Cold isn't even the word for it.

Guess it's a good thing that we were starting back up with our school work this week since we are cozy and warm.  Kiddos 1 and 2 started back with some of their online classes.  Kiddo #1's next college class starts up next week.  His online class that started today is called Spaceflight Operations and is being taught by a NASA scientist.  Ok, how cool is that?  And, part of his homework is to try out this flight simulator they had to download.  My guess would be that he thinks he died and went to heaven.  This is the kid who is always either building or flying his RCs, putting together models or practicing on a flight simulator. He will definitely enjoy this semester!  :-)

(trying out the required simulator program for the first time)


Kiddo 2's next course in ASL starts up next week.

We got our first snow of the year.  Not very much accumulation, but enough to freeze up and be burdensome.



We were learning about Lewis and Clark this week.  I found the greatest free printable game from Relentlessly Fun, Deceptively Educational called "Westward Bound."  Take a look at the sheer size of this game!  They had so much fun and learned a lot.  I really love hands-on learning opportunities for the kids.



I also found a Lewis & Clark lapbook on Hands of a Child for only $5.  We are also working on one the digestive system that I purchased from A Journey through Learning during their summer sale.


The house is looking pretty empty without the Christmas decorations.  Epiphany (the 12th day of Christmas) was on the 6th, so we have begun taking everything down and packing it up.  I can't believe that Lent will be here before we know it.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  God bless!

In case you missed them, my posts this week were:

Try a New Recipe Tuesday- 1/6 (there are already almost 4 dozen recipes shared.  Come check them out and/or share one of your own!)

Top-10 Recipe Posts of 2014- come check out what you and my other viewers thought were the best of the bunch.

One Word for 2015- come see what word I chose and leave a comment sharing your word.  :-)

Linking up today with:  My Week in Review,  Homeschool Mother's JournalWeekly Wrap-UpShow-Off FridayLearn and Link and It's a WrapFriendship Friday and Friday Connection and Family Fun Friday and T.G.I.F. Linky Party and Let's Homeschool High School and This Week and Collage Friday

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Monday, January 5, 2015

Try a New Recipe Tuesday- January 6

It is that time again!  :-)  Looking forward to seeing all of the delicious recipes that will be shared.



In the first spot below is my post- The Top 10 most viewed recipes here on Home to 4 Kiddos in 2014.  Hope you enjoy!  :-)

The most viewed post from last week's hop was:










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Friday, January 2, 2015

My Week in Review #18

Merry Christmas!  Happy New Year!

Have you blogged about your week?  (you can also include One Word posts, if you'd like!)  I would love to have you join us!







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Thursday, January 1, 2015

"One Word" for 2015

Happy New Year!  I wish you and your families all the best in 2015!

Wow, 2015.  We were just ushering in 2014.  Where did this year go?  I used to laugh as a child when all of the adults around me (some of whom are no longer here with us) would wipe a tear on New Years Eve.  My cousins, friends and I would be jumping and celebrating and so excited that we just couldn't understand why they were melancholy.  I certainly understand it now.  The years have gone by quickly.  I am no longer that kid jumping up and down, but a middle aged woman (geez, when did that happen?!) who is thinking that there are probably more years behind me than there are in front. Sobering, for sure.

Last year, I chose "Indomitable."  You can read the post here.  What a challenge that word was!  It means "that cannot be subdued, or overcome, as persons, will or courage, living and trusting without fear." A lot is packed into that word, isn't it?  And this past year was certainly one in which we needed to trust, have courage and not live in fear.  We are called to "be not afraid," but were never told it would be easy.

So, what to choose for this year?  After some prayer and thought, I have chosen Intentionality.  It means the fact of being deliberate or purposive; the ability to act with purpose.  Intentionality is behaving with a goal in mind and taking deliberate actions to achieve those goals.  It is being thoughtful in action or decision.  As I grow older, I want to not take for granted the special, little moments and gifts that are in the everyday.  I will live with purpose to enjoy and cherish and make the most of each moment.

Living intentionally and with purpose-- Making.everything.count.



"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."-Philippians 4:8


"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."- John 15:12


"...pray without ceasing."- Thessalonians 5:17


"Joy is a great remedy.  I recommend it to you and I do so very enthusiastically....!  Be joyful!  I say it again.  I say it again: be joyful!  When we are joyful, we are less aware of evil and are cured more quickly.  Cast all your cares on God.  He is the best of Fathers and will look after you as well as possible."  - Bl. Guiseppina Nicoli


"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above."-- James 1:17



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