Keeping It Simple

Our journey to a healthier lifestyle/way of eating began at the end of October in 2012. I can't believe it has been that long- we have eaten "this and not that", cut down on sugar, moved to a more plant based way of eating (we're still carnivores over here, but I can see eating less and less meat over time), learned to love walking, taken hikes, ... it is a few steps forward and one step back type of journey, but moving forward all the time. We recently went to a doctor, who suggested some dietary changes and a few supplements that might help with some medical issues two sons are having. It is suggested that for SIX weeks, my boys are to eat gluten-free, sugar-free (no added processed sugar), minimally processed, and minimum dairy. I know there are many who have gone before me- I read your blogs, I scoured pinterest for find your best pins, and I have even picked up a cookbook or two. But I am surprised how actually difficult it can be. My biggest source of f...

Boy, do I have a lot to share, but this is what is most on my mind: The other day I read a FB status that a friend posted about her children. It was about some of their homeschool successes. My initial reaction was to "like", of course. And, I really do like it. She was not doing any grand bragging. Just sharing some accomplishments. I have done that occasionally here as well. But it gave me pause to think. One of my children has done some "amazing" things lately. They are not things that other people would understand are amazing. They are ordinary every day milestones that come with a struggle so big that he might as well have climbed Mt. Everest. And I am amazingly proud of him because these milestones have come because of his hard work and willingness to do what it takes to get the job done. I am not going to share what those milestones are- like my teens before this one, I keep their blogger profile pretty low. It is just not good for their dignity to be...

A few moments in time from this month... Fun at CEC!  He reminds me of the kiddos in those meme photos that have clever captions written under them. He is loving grandpa's breakfast burritos.     My card sharks- actually, I think it is Blink.  Mom's lap is disappearing! But it's still the best place to hang out.  James' newest hobby- made from dad's bucket of scrap wire.  The very best grandpa ever!  Precious little one in there.  This is real!  I just had to take the photo op before I tucked the girls safely back in their bassinet.  Love these faces.  33 years yesterday (Friday the 31st)

(or)  If You Were To Ask Me  Not sure that is the correct way to begin this (it sounds so pretentious!). Let me explain. As my daughter left our house today with her two young boys in tow, I half-heartedly offered her a few educational items that I am getting rid of. I say half-heartedly because I really did not want her to take them. S tuff can be a homeschoolers enemy- stuff is my enemy. To me, the best way to have an effective and enjoyable homeschool is to keep it simple (note the title of my blog). Especially during the younger years. These years are a great time for our "students" to explore. Lots of time can be spent building Legos, painting, climbing, swinging, inventing, exploding , creating, sewing, investigating, digging in the dirt... and most of these things don't require much stuff . The times that learning was at its best in our young family (aside from when my children were free to explore and learn on their own) was when we had ...

Because I trust in that each choice we make is what is best for the moment... I am revamping our school year to include more workbooks! Yes, I love hands-on learning and am thankful for all the opportunities that come our way, but sometimes workbooks are good enough. I also trust that my children have enough curiosity and initiative to make their learning hands-on in their own way. Just to show me that He has got it covered, God has sent me this very dear friend who has come over to do some hands-on type learning with my boys already!! :) I am not all that sure what it was even all about but it had to do with "states of matter" and making Oobleck (and other gooey substances ;)). Today, the same friend took my two youngest boys on an awesome field trip to visit an old cemetery (where graves of Union AND Confederate soldiers were seen) and explore the waters of Santa Cruz (and play a bit). So, I am trusting that God has a plan for this year that is be...

In my life… This is an odd collage. This caught our early morning arrival home from mass on the 1st where I think my boys are actually still asleep in spite of having alter served AND my dear dear husband helping to get our little house cleaned up.  Which leads to the "in my life" portion of this post... our youngest daughter is getting MARRIED . So after mass my sleepy head boys and morning owl husband pitched in with me to get the house straightened up for the arrival and meeting of our daughter's future in-laws. Crazy!!  That is them! Erin and Nick.  In our homeschool… We have been working hard on the basics with a strong dose of baby care thrown in. We have also hired a tutor to help our oldest son with some of his school.  Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share... In regards to the above, I was at a homeschool conference years ago when a "veteran homeschool mom of many" told a group of rapt newbie moms, me included, th...

Very unlike me , but I experimented in the kitchen (I'm usually a strict follow the recipe type!:)) So here it is:  When I walked in the door of Trader Joes this morning, I spied precut butternut squash bagged and ready to cook with. I have never cooked anything with it before, but had recently had the most heavenly butternut squash soup while eating out, so I grabbed a bag.  The bag said to cut the corner and microwave for 5-8 minutes then blend with warmed up vegetable broth. I started microwaving, but thought it just did not sound that delicious... so I detoured.  In the blender, I put one cup of vegetable broth, one cup of raw cashews,  a tablespoon plus of nutritional yeast (NOT active yeast), tossed in a very large roasted red pepper (the kind that comes in a jar), and blended it until smooth.  Then I put 2/3 C diced onions, 1 minced garlic clove , and 1 large sliced carrot in a skillet over medium heat with some veg. broth (just enou...