Cooking With a Plan... That Is Smart!

Cooking with a plan is so much more rewarding than trying to come up with meal ideas on a whim. My family has found great enjoyment in using the Cooksmarts meal planning website for our weekly meals this past month. We've made the most flavorable meals we've ever shared as a family in our very own kitchen.

Here's how we've incorporated Cooksmarts into our family meal routine. 

I set aside one day a week (typically Saturdays) to review the upcoming CookSmarts recipes. Once I review the upcoming recipes, I select the meals that I would like to cook for the upcoming week. If there are specific meals that I know that my family will strongly oppose, I search through CookSmarts archives to find a recipe that I know my family will be receptive of based on the list of ingredients and after reviewing the comments of Cooksmarts users that have made the recipe and had success with it.

Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry

Once I have selected the meals that I plan to cook, I use CookSmarts grocery list builder to check off the ingredients that I already have in my kitchen. Next, I request that the list be emailed to my email address. It’s that simple!

I’ve been taking advantage of my local grocery store’s 24-hour store hour schedule and have been getting my grocery shopping done before my family even gets out of bed in the morning. The only people that grace the aisles in the wee hours of the morning are the employees stocking shelves. I’ve found myself grabbing items that have just arrived off the truck!

Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche with Rice Crust

The one difference that I can see in dinnertime since joining CookSmarts is the excitement at our kitchen table to try something different. I can say that every meal that we’ve tried thus far has been full of flavor. My oldest has also found such joy in helping me in the kitchen. She will typically take on the starch or the salad that is part of the meal and make it all by herself using the step-by--step instructions from the CookSmart website. We also appreciate the set of Preparation instructions that are provided with each and every recipe. If I have time to prep ingredients (i.e., chopping onions, marinated the meat, etc.), I take care of doing this preparation when time permits and this cuts down on cooking time.

CookSmarts has my family’s vote for meal planning!

Not One of the Usual Meal Suspects

In an effort to expand our palettes and add new recipes to our revolving list of daily dinner meals, we've had the opportunity to have a Blue Apron experience and try several of the recipes from Cook Smarts.

We were fortunate enough to cook several Blue Apron dishes after receiving a free gift certificate from a friend. All of the ingredients required for the three meals that we were receiving arrived at our doorstop, packed with ice. The box also included detailed recipe cards, detailing every step required to prepare each meal. My oldest daughter and I worked shoulder to shoulder in the kitchen to prepare two of the three meals one evening for dinner. Our taste buds were pleasantly surprised to experience something new that didn't require the hands of a gourmet chef! 

This first pictured meal was a hamburger with a homemade aioli sauce and green bean salad. The second dish pictured was a Taiwanese Chicken and rice dish with Choy Sum. 

I would have never selected these recipes from the internet had I done my usual search online for new recipes, so it was a nice change to have a special meal on our dinner table and it not be one of "the usual" meals from our regular weekly meal list. 

While the Blue Apron experience was unlike any other at our dinner table, the price of the meals isn't cost effective when we considered how it could fit into our budget. We decided to do a little searching to see what other meal planning programs there are online that may be more cost effective. 

We happened upon the Cook Smarts Program. With Cook Smarts, you are provided with a weekly set of recipes. If you do not like a specific recipe for a certain week, you can search through their archives to select one that suits you and your family. Once you've selected a recipe to your liking, you have the ability to generate and be emailed the grocery list with the ingredients necessary for each recipe. So far we've tried two recipes from Cook Smarts. 

This first meal was Chicken Thigh Kabobs with a cucumber salad (the pasta shown was the 3rd Blue Apron meal that we received). The second meal was a Chicken Udon Noodle Dish with Broccoli. Both meals were very good and definitely worth a repeat. 

You can join the Cook Smarts Program for $6 a month, receiving weekly recipes, gaining access to their recipe database, and having your grocery list sent to you as you shop for your ingredients for each meal. My family has always enjoyed gathering around the table each day. It is the one moment out of the day where we get to break bread together and share the ups and downs of our day, laugh a little, and eat till our hearts content. It is a nice treat when there's something new on the table to add to our conversation. If either of these programs are not a fit for your family, doing some searching online and reading through the comments on recipes will help you find new meals that you can bring to your family's table. 

(For a look back at a previous blog entry on meal planning go here)

Venturing Out Just a Little

I'm venturing out a little beyond knitting scarves and hats. I found some nifty knitting dvds at the library that teaches the viewer step by step. I'm hoping that I can pull off making the second mitten!

MY FIRST MITTEN AND DISH CLOTH

School Time

Lea - 4th Grade

It's a new school year and we're drawing to the end of our first week of school. This year I have a 4th grader, a 6th grader, a toddling almost two year old, and my 10th grader that joined us back in January. We had a sweet first week of school, breaking in our new schoolroom in the basement and adjusting to our new surroundings. I selected the Sonlight Curriculum for a second year for the girls after having such an enjoyable year last year in the subjects of History, Reading, Science, and Writing Composition. I've actually stuck with the same curriculum selections for grammar and vocabulary as well as the girls were very receptive to the selections from last year. If ain't broke, don't fix it! (excuse the sloppy grammar)

My 10th grader is breaking away from the pack this year, working more independently in all subjects in his own space in the dining room. We're trying out a new schedule for him as I plan to develop his own schedule each week that he can separately work on each day. He works with me one-on-one in Math, as I teach him varying Math concepts, and he works independently on practice problems for reinforcement.

Love - 6th Grade

The goal for my toddler is just to keep him busy while he's underfoot, doing his toddlin-thing while we do school. God has been so overwhelmingly gracious to me as Trey still takes two naps in the day, which allows me the opportunity to have long, quiet, uninterrupted stretches of time with the kids for certain subjects that require my undivided attention.

This place that God has brought me didn't come easy. The journey was long and challenging in that the path wasn't handed to me in a step-by-step book. We've arrived here simply on faith. God burned a desire within my heart, and he developed a fuel of faith to take a step one day at a time to realize what He had planned before I was ever created.


No day is easy, but everyday is a blessing. As my girls mature and grow, God is cultivating a friendship through our relationships as Mother and Daughter. I can't put a price tag on the moments that we get together, our hidden jokes, our silly moments, or the times that we're blessed to reconcile matters in a loving way when conflicts arise (we get lots of opportunities to practice reconciliation!). God is faithful and His love for His children is evident in the way He blesses a heart that desires to honor Him.

Milestone

My hubby and I celebrated 15 years of marriage a few weeks ago. I couldn't let the opportunity pass without reminiscing a little about that 19th of August in 2000. It was a day in my life of walking from one era of life, singlehood, into the arms of the man that God designed and formed to be my husband. God has a plan for every aspect of our lives. Nothing is out of his control. No moment in our lives is a mistake or a mishap. As I danced a little jig as the sun rose on that beautiful day, I had no idea what God had in store for my life. For my husband's life.

What I do know is that God had an idea. He had a beautifully, well thought out plan for each of our lives. This plan has played out in a way that though we're not the same people that we were on the day that I walked an aisle and took my man's hand, we committed to loving each other until death do us part. The journey has gone so fast. It's as though we've blinked and fifteen years has passed us by and we're in a place of still changing and growing more into the image that God is moving us to become. God has used life experiences, our children, and simply our own personal differences, to draw us together to become more... One.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit (2 Co 3:18).

 

I'm thankful that fifteen years ago, my hubby didn't just say 'yes' to me, he also said 'yes' to commitment. Yes to the struggles that may lay ahead, yes to moments of not understanding me yet still willing to hear me out, and yes to our love no matter what that love may entail.

 

For better or for worse.

 

May our love be an image that shines forth the Lord's glory.



 

 



New Homeschool Digs

My family and I were really excited to officially move into our homeschool room just in time for our 3rd Homeschool year. I am beyond grateful to have a dedicated space for our school supplies, books, curriculum, and a place to hold "school" everyday.

It is only by God's grace that we've come this far as a family, taking a step of faith each year to take our children's education in our own hands, in order to teach and train them up in the admonition of the Lord.

It is my prayer that in these very walls our kids will thrive, grow, and be inspired to walk the steps of good works that God created for them beforehand.

Quick and easy Spaghetti Pepperoni Casserole

Whipped up this quick and tasty meal for a yummy lunchtime meal today. This recipe will definitely be added to our meal list.

Adventurous Birthday Girl

It wouldn't have been a birthday for my Lea if there wasn't adventure in the schedule.

Happy 9th Birthday Lea!

Family Road Trip

We took a road trip out to Petersburg, KY to the visit the Creation Museum. We were fortunate to hear Ken Ham, creator of the museum, speak at a homeschool convention this past June and were eager to visit and see what we could learn on Creationism. 

Just like about every other school subject that my kids learn, I in return learn so much. There is a wealth of information in this museum. One of the most interesting topics presented explained the existence of dinosaurs when God created the beasts of the ground. Being exposed to a scientific theme contrary to evolution, in a museum, was so intriguing and at the same time a sweet blessing.

Botanical Gardens

We had time in our trip to visit Cincinnati where we toured the Underground Railroad Freedom Center. There was a special exhibit where we were treated to an up close and personal viewing of the Emancipation Proclamation. It was one of the original 24 copies that remian in the US with Abraham Lincoln's signature (there were no pictures allowed in that particular exhibit).  

Ohio River

Summer Days Roll On

With my Instagram account I can easily develop picture collages. Here are a few that capture our summer days thus far,

Homeschool Convention 2015

Summer Golf Camp

4th of July Weekend Fishing

Field Trip to Yorktown 

My Oldest turned 11 and celebrated "Chopped Style"

Trip to Niagara Falls to visit with friends

What's in a Title?

It’s one of those moments when my little guy is napping and my girls are off having Grandma-time. I get to think in brief, but worthwhile 30-minute moments of clear and uninterrupted time, without being mentally distracted with a need to settle a sibling argument or change a stinky diaper. Oh, the joys of motherhood.

Image Source

Over the past few weeks I was having thoughts about the call of motherhood and how society has a way of placing the requirement on every Mother to have a specific title or a job that they need to identify with beyond motherhood. If we think back, maybe it all started with the Feminist movement where women were being motivated to peer beyond the four walls of the home and into the world for a sense of purpose.

Several words have been echoing in my mind and on these peaceful, quiet moments within the four walls of my home, I find the time to write them down. THIS IS what you do.

When you’re first introduced to someone and you carry on a casual conversation, more often than not you’re asked the question, “So, what do you do?” From there you reply with whatever your job title is. For the homemaker, we may respond with “Oh, I just stay at home”, or “I’m at home with my kids”, as if to imply that our title isn’t worthy enough of saying it with confidence and conviction.

As I got up the other day and worked to clean up my dirty dishes, put in a load of laundry, and tidy up the living room, I thought about all of the mundane tasks that are required of the homemaker. Every day that the homemaker gets up to take care of her family and her home, there are a list of things that are required of her to complete the required tasks of the day. Once she has completed those tasks, she may feel a deep yearning to do more. To do another task, or fulfill another purpose, outside of what she’s expected to do within the home.

 

But, my question is why?

Why does she need a title beyond, “Homemaker”, “Stay At Home Mom”, “Housewife”, “Soccer Mom”, etc. ?

Titus 2:3-5 states, Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

I admit that I fell privy to needing a title as I grew up. I needed a title that I could identify with. Now… the only title that I really need is,

Daughter of the King.

A Child of God.  

A Servant of the Most High.

I thank the Lord that by his grace, He has granted me this title by His Death on the Cross and His forgiveness of my sins. Beyond this title, He has given me the title of Mother.  As I serve the Lord as a Mother, He gives me peace in knowing that it is in the title of just being Mom that I find an additional sense of purpose where I can glorify the Lord each day as Mother. When I ponder over my titles in this light, my duties take on great meaning and purpose. I'm called to mentor and disciple other young women in the ways of the Lord, urging them to love their husbands and children. I'm called to be busy at home, kind, and submissive to my husband as He in return strives to honor the Lord as my husband. I'm called to teach my children God's Word as we rise up in the morning, as we walk along throughout the day, and as we turn in for the night. The purpose in doing all of this is first and foremost to glorify God. To draw attention to the One, true God in this sinful world, that others may see Christ in our lives and His Word not be put to shame.

When we meditate on these truths, the title of a Child of God and a Mother brings with it a lofty set of expectations. Though they are lofty, they are not impossible because God has given each child of God the Holy Spirit to empower us to fulfill the title.

When I think of all of the titles that I've held in the past, and all sorts of other titles that I could attain in this world, I thank God for renewing my mind with His Word.

I'm okay with the titles He's given me.

For me, being a Mom IS what I do.

Summer Break'n

We are officially celebrating summer around these parts and it's a nice change from our regular, school routine. Since our big move to the great, pine tree wooded outdoors, we've been enjoying being outside so much more. Nature has a way of slowing life down and reminding us that the world does not revolve around television shows, commercials, and the latest happenings on the news. We've been eating up the summer days thus far simply with, family time.

 

I've also taken it upon myself to rededicate time in my day to a regular workout regimen that started out in early May with a walk and run routine in the early morning and bike rides. Getting up as the sun rises has given me the motivation that I needed to stay committed now for over a month at working out. The kids have been motivators as well as they enjoy bike rides too. I have a hard time telling them no when they ask to go out for a spin.

 

 

 

Yes, our days have been filled with family time, exercising, and yard work! With the countless number of dry, warm days after months and months of cold, wet weather, we have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to plant seed and watch our grass grow. The hubby has also been earning brownie points putting in our sidewalk and setting up the flower beds.

 

 

The last adventure that has been filling our summer days is cooking. I haven't really dabbled into many new recipes, but my girls have been keeping my kitchen dirty. I honestly don't mind the dirty dishes when I don't have to cook the meal. My oldest continues to have a passion for cooking and baking. Here, with the help of her sister-sous-chef, she whipped up pan seared chicken, loaded diced potatoes, and brown sugar green beans. All without my help! I'm so thankful there's another cook in our house. I need to incorporate her more into my meal planning, especially during these summer months so that I can officially have a summer break!

And the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers

Rivers never ceases to amaze me in her writing.

I picked up her book, "And the Shofar Blew", a week ago and wasn't too impressed with the cover of the book. I'm one of those superficial readers when it comes to picking out a book based on the cover. I have the tendency of gravitating towards beautifully illustrated covers that attract my eye as I walk library aisles. This book was published in 2003. Perhaps Rivers wasn't took keen on impressing readers back then with the book cover. Whatever the reason, I didn't pick this one because of the cover. I chose it mostly based on the reviews and the book description.

Many of the Rivers books that I've read so far have a love story that entangles the reader and beckons you to turn page after page as you hold out to see what happens in the end. While this story does tell a story about the love between a man and woman, its not the main theme that drives the story. This book instead tells the story of the Church. God's Church that is and the struggles the Body of Christ can experience when sin enters the pulpit.

The state of the Christian Church is hotly debated today. Topics such as church growth, prosperity, and the degradation of how the gospel is presented across the pulpit fill the conversations of Church-goers. Rivers takes these topics and weaves in God's view of them with a story that grips the reader and makes them ponder over their own view of the Church and what's truly important as one seeks out a Church. If you're looking for a book that is a change from the typical man meets girls and then live happily ever after, check out this book and read about how a man (Christ as the Groom), desires his Bride (the Church) to be a light in the world.

Growth

Our second year of school is drawing to a close. We exhaled after our week of testing and then later rejoiced over how well the girls performed on their tests. It’s amazing that our second year of homeschool has come and gone! Just yesterday it seemed that I was canvasing the internet, googling the words, “how to homeschool”. I can still remember the flutter of butterflies in my stomach at the thought of spending my every waking moment with my children and standing before them to teach concepts that I hadn’t seen since grade school. The fears were very real back then, but was so my God.

With each wakeful night that I found myself staring up at my bedroom ceiling pondering over what the years ahead would be like as a “homeschool Mom”, God was my constant strength, my rock, the one thing that remained steady and firm in my journey. When others questioned, “why do it?” the only question from God seemed to be, “why not?”

The girls continue to learn, grow, and thrive in this home environment where we just happened to do school. While there is lots of growing going inside the walls of our home, there is some growth outdoors as well!

Yes, there is much more than dirt and trees outside my windows these days. About a week ago, our Excavator completed grading our yard, which prepared our land for grass seed. Our ground is now beginning to compliment the beautiful, whispering pines in the surrounding woods. We’re also laying out our sidewalk and preparing to fill up our flower beds.



The past few months have surely been a time of growth as God has been faithful to provide for us as we seek to honor Him. We’re looking forward to summer days. We won’t tread too far from the world of education as we continue math drills, reading, and  maybe even a little science in the summer, but we’ll work in some much needed mental rest too.

A New "Home" for our School

My hubby is blessing us with a special treat, hopefully to be in working order by the end of summer.

 

A new, dedicated space for our homeschool!

 

Walls are now up and just about ready for a coat of paint.

 

Since moving in our home we've been quite comfortable having school at the kitchen table and the living room. It's been very convenient having the children do their schoolwork so close to the kitchen, making it easy to break for lunch and then jump right back into schoolwork. The only downside to not having a dedicated space is having to store away all of our school materials everyday. It will be nice to be able to setup our "school room" once and not worry about packing it up at the end of the day.

Spring Times

It's sort of felt like spring this past month. We've had a few whiffs of spring weather, but the rain and cooler days have made it feel still more like fall. We know that it's slowly coming. On the warmer days the woods have been beckoning us outside for long walks, rides on the 4-Wheeler, or just simply playing in the dirt. Springtime also means softball season for my hubby who plays with a league of men from Church. I look forward to a weekly outing with the family, watching my man still work his magic on the softball field.

My oldest and I have been in the kitchen as well trying up a few new recipes. Here are pictures of our latest dinner rolls and skillet apple pie. They were both easy recipes and very tasty. These will definitely be repeat recipes for our kitchen.

 

I can already tell that my little guy loves Spring. He can't get enough of being outdoors, especially with Daddy on the tractor. He's just learned how to go down the slide at the playground by himself.

 

Oh, what joy Spring brings!

Life in Pictures

Since returning from our vacation and getting back into the normal routine of life, the kids jumped back into Science using the TopScience Corn and Beans Science Project. I absolutely love the TopScience experiments. They are so very well organized and planned out in such a way that my work is minimal and the kid's learning is maximized. The Corn & Beans Experiment project expands five weeks that include the children developing a science journal and continues through the plant growth process. Every day of school the children document the growth process in their handmade journals, they measure seed mass as it changes, and diagram plant parts and the process of photosynthesis. We've enjoyed watching simple corn and pinto beans break open through a little nurture and care, blossoming from seedlings into a full grown plant. They grow really fast! 

 

Speaking of growing things, here's my little bean who has also been growing like a bean. He's coming into a place of wanting to do what his big sisters do. When they do schoolwork, he likes to sit at the table and have school too. 

 

 



Don't be impressed. When he's not trying to be a big kid, he does a very good job of getting into any and everything he can find to be entertained until its time for nap time.

 

On a food-note, here's a throw back recipe, Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin. I dusted off this recipe from my blog and wowed my family's taste buds. If you're in the mood for the other white meat, be sure to try this one out.