Tuesday in South Carolina

It's just Robyn and I right now. Hubby is on his way back to Tennessee. Please pray for safe travel for him today. He has an appointment in Chattanooga on Wednesday regarding his job. We are so glad we had both vehicles here with us. Robyn and I are going to leave a day early and come home on Friday and avoid some Saturday traffic.

Today Robyn is going to go swimming in the indoor pool here and then I think we may go do some shopping for new shoes for her and maybe go by our favorite bookstore. We love bookstores. It's what we do! We may watch some educational videos today as well, I'm thinking history!

Tonight we plan on playing some Yahtzee and a new game called Farkel. The reason we have the new game is that we had a dice missing in our Yahtzee box and the Farkel game comes in a cute little travel cup (doesn't take up much room) and comes with dice so we can just use the same dice for both games. That should provide us with some entertainment and take our mind off of our missing hubby/daddy.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Homeschooling Mother's Journal

In my life this week…we are in South Carolina this week and next enjoying some timeshare love. We had a week that was going to expire so we just tacked it on back to back with our Thanksgiving week. Only thing is, we have to go to another resort tomorrow to start our second week. We have to pack and unpack again, but we will be visiting a resort where we don't own a timeshare and it will be fun to see the differences.

In our homeschool this week…ha ha ha...what homeschool? Really? We had good intentions of schooling a few days this week but we have just been taking it easy. We will do some work today, I promise.

I am inspired by…I can't stress this enough - prayer! My praying friends and family have gotten us through the last three years. We couldn't have done it without them and our faithful Lord.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…well, we went to Kohl's last night at midnight! Yep, we wanted to give it a try. Daughter was completely overwhelmed. She's not going to want to see those crowds again. Then we went to Denny's and were bad. lol We have gone to a few bookstores this week and of course Wally World for our groceries. Today, daughter and her dad are visiting her favorite bookstores again to get in on the Black Friday specials on some books she has been wanting.

My favorite thing this week was…seeing my husband make it safely to South Carolina after having a physical Monday morning in Alabama and driving to us afterwards. Also, getting the email that he had passed his physical and his background check for the new job! PTL!

Things I’m working on…nothing! I'm on vacation!

I’m reading…books on my ipod touch. I need to update my books I'm reading section here on my blog. I've read several books on queens of England. One was about Elizabeth I and several on Queen Victoria. I haven't gotten back to Seven Gables as I downloaded so many other books that sounded more interesting to me of late.

I’m cooking…yep, even on vacation. Although I did make it easy on me by bringing foods already cooked and frozen that I just need to reheat and things like that. But we have been eating way too much junk. When we get home, it's back to eating better again.

I’m grateful for…a loving Father, a loving father, a husband who is a loving father too!

I’m praying for…safe travels back home next week, fun for our remaining week, and singing praises to God for his wonderful gifts.

Thanks for stopping by Second Star Academy at Chaos Cottage.

Pam

Happy Thanksgiving!

A little Thanksgiving humor for you!

We are enjoying our time in South Carolina and are so thankful for God's blessings on us. This will be one of our best Thanksgivings ever as we have so much to thank Him for. God has truly blessed us. After nearly three years of unemployment, my husband was offered a job, a good job. We are so elated. God is so good. It has been a trying time, a testing of our faith, and a growing time in our faith and as a family. We have learned a lot during this time which I will share at another time. But just let it suffice, that we are very thankful today!

We have been sleeping late and getting a lot of rest. I have been pinning on Pinterest. My newest hobby :) We have been reading and enjoying being together as a family. We have not done any homeschooling with our daughter! She is happy with that but we know that we will have to play some catch-up later. We are going to eat our Thanksgiving meal out today at Cracker Barrel. Their food is delicious. We may have to wait a while for a table, but it is worth the wait.

Yesterday, we got out and went to a couple of bookstores. I know, we are so nerdy. But it is what we like to do. We enjoyed some nice cups of coffee and fellowship with one another. We made some plans for our Black Friday and found out about some special sales at the bookstores as well. I want to go to Kohl's and back to the bookstores. Hubby is going out to find a paper and then decide where he would like to shop.

I think it still hasn't hit me that my hubby has a job. In my head I know it is true but I still feel a bit dazed by it. Maybe when I see that first paycheck, it will hit me! Woot woot! LOL

Well, I think I will have a cup of coffee and some toast before getting ready to go out for our Thanksgiving meal. It's so nice to be lazy and let someone else cook for me.

Thanksgiving blessings to all of you!

The Homeschooling Mother's Journal

In my life this week…I have had the lazy's this week. This is not good, but I just gave in to it.

In our homeschool this week…didn't get to everything assigned. We will have to make up for that next week.

I am inspired by…answered prayers. Thank you Lord for your blessings on me!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…daughter and I are leaving in the morning to drive to South Carolina for a few weeks. Hubby will be going to Alabama Sunday evening for his physical the next day. Then, he will join us in South Carolina. We will be gone a few weeks. We do have a house sitter, so don't even think about breaking into our house. LOL

My favorite thing this week was…seeing my Mom and Dad again. Dad was sweet and let us borrow his van for the trip. It gets so much better mileage than the old Lexus. Hubby will drive my Mazda which is also good on gas. Thank you Dad.

Things I’m working on…since finding Pinterest, I have found so many ideas for things I want to do in the future. I'm not working on anything at the moment. I have big ideas, but the body isn't willing.

I’m reading…several books this week. I'm still reading the House of Seven Gables on my Ipod. I downloaded several more books. I started on a History of England and a book about Queen Victoria by a Mr. Brown. I'd have to check to get his full name.

I’m cooking…made muffins today with chocolate cake mix and canned pumpkin. My family just loves those and they're so easy to make.

I’m grateful for…friends and family and my husband's good health!

I’m praying for…safe travels for all of us and a blessed Thanksgiving vacation.

That's my week at Second Star Academy and Chaos Cottage. Thank you for stopping by and please come back again.

Menu for week of November 14th

Monday

B-Apple Muffins (Freeze extras), Banana, Coffee
L-Leftovers and/or Yogurt and Sliced Apple
D-Potato Soup with all the fixin's

Tuesday

B-Oatmeal with Blueberries, Banana, Coffee
L-Celery with Peanut Butter, Yogurt
D-Breakfast for Dinner-Pancakes, Sausage Patties, Fruit Salad

Wednesday

B-Pumpkin Muffins (freeze leftovers), Banana, Coffee
L-Freezer Meal Surprise? ? ? or Leftover Potato Soup, Fruit Salad
D-Lasagna Roll-ups (freeze a pan or two of these), Salad, Texas Toast

Thursday

B-Oatmeal with Blueberries, Banana, Coffee
L-Favorite China Take Out (go to Mom and Dad's to borrow van)
D-Snack Plate-Wheat Thins, Cheese, Fruit, etc.

Friday

B-Oatmeal with Strawberries, Banana, Coffee
L-Celery with Peanut Butter, Sliced Apple, Yogurt?
D-Chicken Fingers (freeze extras), Oven Fried Potato Wedges, Salad or Fruit

Saturday

Daughter and I leaving for out of town trip-woot-woot! Road trip! Treating ourselves to McD's Mocha Fraps and a Biscuit!

That's my week. How about you?

Tennessee Volunteers

On Monday of this week, we volunteered to serve the seniors lunch at our church. There were over 70 people there and a few employees of the church. These older folks make us younger folks look pitiful. It was amazing how nicely dressed they all were and how happy they were to be there. Some of these seniors had exercised that morning in the church gym and gone home to change to come back for lunch. I wish I had their energy NOW. They are amazing.

They were served ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, bread, and a choice of pumpkin, apple or cherry pie. They also had a small salad bar, tea, coffee, and lemonade. We got to eat after serving them and to also listen to the Scott family sing and play guitar and violin. What a treat.

We really enjoyed doing this. Our church serves lunch once a month for the seniors and it is a nice way for them to socialize. They also had the parish nurse there to take their blood pressure and provide them with information on how to tell the difference between the cold, flu and sinus.

I am hoping we get to volunteer many more times at church. It was a pleasure to do this and our 12 year old enjoyed it too. We love our church.

Pam

In my life this week…I have been a bit of a couch potato this week. I have big ideas sometimes but following through with them is a weakness of mine. I have put off going grocery shopping several times this week. I must go tomorrow. I must!

In our homeschool this week…we took a few days off as daughter went to her grandparent's house for a few days of visiting.


I am inspired by…God's promises.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…Robyn went to see Puss N Boots with her dad and some friends Friday evening (today). She got in a few days visiting with her grandparents this week as well.

My favorite thing this week was…the call! Hubby heard from a prospective employer and they offered him a job! We were ecstatic and singing and praising God for his blessings on us. More blessings that we deserve.

Things I’m working on…trying to stick to my "to do" list in an attempt to get things done in a timely manner.

I’m reading…my book has been placed on the black burner as I have discovered Pinterest and I can't get enough of it!

I’m cooking…good eats and freezer meals for our vacation. Still need to post some photos and blog about some of these freezer meals that are new to us.

I’m grateful for…my hubby who is happy about his new job and this good news is having a great effect on his blood pressure which is continually coming down closer to normal levels.

I’m praying for…hubby to pass his physical for this new job with flying colors!



That's my week at Second Star Academy at Chaos Cottage. Thanks for stopping by.

Pam

PRAISE THE LORD !!!

My hubby got a phone call today about the job we have been praying about. Assuming he passes the physical and background check, he will have the job of his dreams!

Thank you all my praying friends. It is a blessing to have family and friends who have interceded for us and we are thanking God for answering those prayers.

Continue to pray for Robert's blood pressure to normalize and that he passes his physical with flying colors!

AMEN,

Pam

Menu for week of November 7th

I didn't get to everything last week due to too many leftovers to eat and one night we felt the call of Little Caesar's $5.00 pizza, which also makes for lovely leftovers! So, this week you may see a few repeats from last week's menu.

Monday:

Breakfast- Pepperidge Farm's Pumpkin Swirl bread, toasted with butter (couldn't resist this in the bread aisle and wanted to try it before it was out of season), Banana and Coffee

Lunch-Serving Seniors lunch at church-either eat there or a sammie when we get home.

Dinner- Impossible South West Pie and Salad (see last week's menu for this recipe)

Tuesday:

Breakfast- Apple Muffins (freeze leftovers for trip), Yogurt, Coffee

Lunch- Leftovers

Dinner- Husband going to Men's Night Out and they are eating Thanksgiving food so I am making a Corn Casserole and Stuffing for him to take. Daughter is going to her grandparents for several days so I will be all alone for dinner. I may eat more leftovers and go to the bookstore!

Apple Muffins

2 cup all purpose flour
2 t. cinnamon
1 t. b. soda
½ t. salt
2 eggs
1 c. oil
1 c. sugar
1 t. vanilla
4 c. apples, peeled and chopped
1 c. chopped nuts (opt.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir flour, cinnamon, b. soda and salt in small bowl. Set aside. In large bowl, beat eggs with beaters until foamy. Beat in oil, sugar and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture; fold in apples and nuts. Spoon mixture into muffin pan or baking cups. Fill half full. Baked 350 degrees 15-20 minutes.

Wednesday:

Breakfast- Eggs, Sausage, Toast, Juice and Coffee

Lunch- PB&J and Sliced Apple

Dinner- Chicken Casserole, Corn, Mashed Potatoes (from last week)

Thursday:

Breakfast- Oatmeal and Yogurt, Coffee

Lunch- Lovely leftovers

Dinner- Our favorite Chinese takeout

Friday:

Breakfast- Cream of Wheat and Cinnamon Rolls, Coffee

Lunch- Make Ahead Lunch Wraps (eat a few and freeze the rest for vacation)

Dinner- Lasagna Roll-ups (make a couple of pans for the freezer and to take on vacation), Salad, Texas Toast

Make Ahead Lunch Wraps


"These are a delicious make-ahead lunch to freeze as a handy lunch to bring to work! Just make, freeze, and then heat in the microwave for a very balanced meal." Original recipe yield: 16 wraps.


· 2 cups uncooked brown rice (I'll use white as that is what i have on hand)
· 4 cups water
· 4 (15 ounce) cans black beans
· 2 (15.5 ounce) cans pinto beans
· 1 (10 ounce) can whole kernel corn
· 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles
· 16 (10 inch) flour tortillas
· 1 pound shredded pepperjack cheese (I'll use sharp Cheddar)

Combine rice and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, or until tender. Remove from heat, and cool.
Place black beans and pinto beans into a colander or strainer, and rinse. Add corn and diced tomatoes with green chilies, and toss to mix. Transfer to a large bowl, and mix in rice and cheese.

Divide the mixture evenly among the tortillas, and roll up. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, place into a large freezer bag, and freeze. Reheat as needed in the microwave for lunch or snacks.

Saturday:

Breakfast- Pancakes, Coffee

Lunch- Chicken Salad Sammies

Dinner- Game Night with church group-eating there I think

Sunday:

Breakfast- Toaster Strudel before church, Coffee

Lunch- Bean Burritos, Mexican Rice, Yum-o!

It's official! I'm a pinhead!

I just recently joined Pinterest. I am just now figuring all the ins and outs about it and will be creating various boards of the things I like. I think this will be fun. Are you a member? You can go to their website and ask for a membership. Or you can just click on my button below to join.

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

In my life this week…post Halloween, lots of candy, no self-control...On the home front, we have made the decision to wait until spring to list the house. Our realtor says the business really slows down in the winter as no one really wants to get out and look at houses. Robert did load up a bunch of our packed things that had been boxed and sitting in the dining room and took them to our storage unit.

In our homeschool this week…Robyn caught up all her projects and we are working ahead so that she can spend a couple nights with her grandparents next week. That is the joy of homeschooling. If she was in regular school, we could not do this.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…I have been nowhere this week folks. Nowhere. But, I am going grocery shopping today. Does that count? Robyn went to lunch with her Aunt on Monday to her favorite restaurant of the moment, Famous Daves. Robert and his discipleship group helped our friends, the Nuebeck's with their Shine group host a Halloween party on Monday and Robert was the bounce house guard.

My favorite thing this week was…was watching a couple of really old movies with daughter and watching her actually enjoy them. One was the Alfred Hitchcock classic, Dial M for Murder and the other was a Sci-Fi classic, Them. Them has giant ants in it and they were really giving her the heebie-jeebies. We all enjoyed both of these movies.

Things I’m working on…still thinking about our two week visit to South Carolina, and everything I need to do to prepare for that. Like make some freezer meals to take with us. Another big grocery trip before that to buy all the ingredients needed to make those meals too. I hate grocery shopping of late. Blah.

I’m reading…didn't do much reading this week. Just a little Bible and maybe a few pages of my latest book, The House of the Seven Gables. I've been playing a lot of solitaire on my I pod before going to sleep. Or surfing Wikipedia.

I’m cooking…still enjoying the pumpkins of the season by making a pumpkin pie this week and pumpkin spice muffins. Still have some in the fridge to use up. Probably will make some pumpkin bread with it.

I’m grateful for…God's forgiveness daily.
.
I’m praying for…Robert's blood pressure. Some days are better than others. Praying that the meds work and he is able to stick to his walking regimen. Praying that he gets a job very soon.

Thanks for visiting Second Star Academy at Chaos Cottage. Please come back.

Pam

Holidays, Schmolidays...

This year the holidays will be a little weird. First of all, Halloween was weird. Daughter didn't dress up and was visiting her aunt and I had to call her and ask her to come home so she could hand out candy here. My hubby was at another house that was hosting a party for kids from church and he was guarding the bounce house. It was just weird not having him here but he was doing a good deed with his dicipleship group.

Thanksgiving we will be in another state and eating our dinner at Cracker Barrel. I hope to host Thanksgiving again one day in my new home. I like a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings and I must say that Cracker Barrel does a good job, but there is nothing like having this feast at home and getting to enjoy all those leftovers days later.

Christmas. Where do I begin? We have been paring down the house and storing things in a rented storage unit and I had hoped we would be out of this house months ago and the house would be sold or at least listed and on the market. Guess what? That ain't happening. Hubby's health has taken precedent and he isn't supposed to do anything strenuous so we are still storing stuff but things have slowed waaay doown...Hubby thinks most of our Christmas decor is stored away. Ugh. We sold our dining room furniture, so no Christmas dinner in there this year. I am hoping my Mother-In-Love will be hosting Christmas this year. Even so, it won't be feeling much like Christmas around here. My house isn't going to look very festive without the lighted deer in the yard, candles in the windows, Christmas tree twinkling in the window and Christmas decor strewn throughout the house. It is just gonna be kinda weird.

I guess we should just focus on what Thanksgiving and Christmas are really about this year. Daughter is 12 years old and can truly understand the true meanings of these holidays and we should emphasize that this year. I'll get back with you with some ideas later. In the meantime, if you have any ideas, please share.

Giveaway

A giveway is under way at Between You and Me.

Giveaway is over-winner was chosen.