Tag Archives: boys

Cooking With the Boys

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Homeschooling isn’t all about books and essays.

Most of the time, the best teaching happens as you go on, about your daily life.

Since we began homeschooling (which feels like the beginning of time now!), we have tried to include the children in our day-to-day activities. Some of these things seem so routine, it’s hard to remember to include our littles in this time.

I’ve prayed the Lord would allow me to be sensitive to these opportunities, and that He would use this time to speak not only knowledge into my children, but also minister to their hearts.

I hope they always remember time they spent just doing daily things with Paul, and I.

Sooo, today, we made potato soup (all that, and you were expecting something spectacular, weren’t you?!).

Timothy learned all about making soup stock. I explained why I save certain parts of the chicken, and how we take away all of the usable meat first- freeze or prepare it, and then how to prepare the pot for stock.

Next, I had him watch this video:

It was fantastic! (It amazes me how much good, FREE information is on the web, if you just look around.)

Timothy chopped the potatoes. Then he removed all the visible fat from the ham and chopped it, too.

We had a short lesson on using knives.

He remembered a class a dear friend (Hey Sherri!), taught my older children when they were learning to use cooking knives.

I explained how to keep his fingers out of the way. He did so well and just seemed to absorb the information.

We did have a little help. As Timothy was preparing one part of the dish, Benjamin was learning to caramelize onions.

After I explained why I was preparing them the way I do, we watched this video:

It’s just part of a series of cooking classes on You Tube. They are EXCELLENT!

Timothy loves to cook! With Christmas just around the corner, I had considered purchasing him a cookbook of his own. I have spent quite a bit of time looking through cookbooks written for children, and have been disappointed.

Children can learn so much, if given the chance.

The books all seem to focus on “cute” food. They don’t teach techniques and skill. I think we’ll be skipping the kid books and heading for real cookbooks while teaching our children to cook. (I’ve got my eye on that America’s Test Kitchen book!)

They both enjoyed their time in the kitchen so very much (and so did I). Tonight, I’m thinking on what we will cook next!

Want to drop by?? The door is always open.

July 16, 2011

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This has been a long, long week.

As we are preparing and starting our new school year, I’m always tweaking this and changing that….it can be a challenge, but honestly, it’s something I look forward to each and every year.

We’re working with the littles using Five In A Row. It’s a long-time favorite in our home with our young children.

We’re kicking off the year with Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.

The children are excited!

Of course, there is still a lot of summer left….

we can’t forget the important things:

I have such fond memories of playing in the rain as a girl. I hope my children look back and smile when they think of these moments too!!

Jacob, has had some fun of his own. After repairing the lawn mower last week, he took it for a “test” drive which included cutting crop circles and the word “peace” into our pasture. I wonder what folks flying above are thinking?

I’m really surprised at how neat it all looks. Maybe I could get him to coordinate with me on holiday themes? :D

Jessica, has been playing with my camera. I think she sees her big sister and would love to follow in her footsteps:

All in all, we’re staying busy–


My “to-do” list for the next couple of months.

I would definitely like to see a little more structure to things this school year, but then, I think I say that EVERY year. *smile*

Wishing you all well on this beautiful, summer evening.

With my love,

September 30, 2010

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I *detest* car problems.

In 2003, we were hit by another car that totaled our 15 passenger van. Since then, we’ve pretty much been a one car family.

Generally, this doesn’t cause too many issues. Paul works an awful lot, but he and I enjoy store trips together each week. (Consider it a purposeful date, LOL!)

I’ll tell you, one of my favorite “dates” has become dropping by the SAM’s….we can stock the cupboards and share dinner for $5.00. You can’t beat that anywhere!

There are times I would like to get out and go this place or another, but during this season of life, I’m really at home more than not, and I’m blessed with great friends who either don’t mind coming to my house to visit, or don’t mind picking me up when they go places.

Going back to the topic, this morning, the car died. Again. This will be the second time in about three weeks that we’ve had it serviced.

–Just one of the drawbacks to owning an ancient antique car…but, it’s paid for and that counts big for us!

In the coming weeks, we’re looking at adding a second vehicle, but this week, we’ll just get her patched up again and hope for the best. ; )

Back to the point again (I am too easily distracted, I think!).

God is so faithful…so mighty….so caring- I think we forget to look for His provision, but it’s ALWAYS there. He NEVER fails.

Here are just a few ways we’ve seen Him at work this morning:

  • The weather was just beautiful! Not bad when you are having to deal with car issues.
  • Paul will be paid tomorrow and was just paid for a job he’s been working earlier this week. God provided the extra work before we even knew we would have a car expense…AMAZING!
  • We were on our way back from caring for a dear friend’s homestead when it stopped running. Because the animals had already been fed, we didn’t have to worry about them immediately.
  • We were scheduled to pick up a rental car this morning for an upcoming trip Paul has planned. When he arrived to pick it up, they gave him a rental van…(perfect!), until our car is returned. We can still run all the errands we needed to run and it won’t cost us a dime!
  • A very sweet, neighboring family was on their way out the door this morning and didn’t mind a bit giving him a ride to the rental place (they are a big, big blessing!).
  • As soon as the car broke down and Paul and I got out of the car, a woman stopped to ask if we needed a ride home…she was playing a local Christian station and lives near my friend we had just visited.
  • People do business a little differently in a small town. The wrecker service had us leave a hidden key and check. He came by picked up the car and it’s now safely at the garage for service. Paul wasn’t terribly late for work like we were concerned he might be– that in itself was a relief to him.
  • The garage, will most likely have the car repaired within a couple days and can you believe, they are actually reasonable about billing? Unbelievable!
    God is faithful, my friends!

It would be so easy to want to just go take out a car loan for a new car…that “I want it now” mentality kicks in and it’s hard to wait– but in ALL cases, it always works out better to be patient and wait to pay cash.

Prayer Requests

  • The car problem would be found and resolved quickly
  • Tiffany…still awaiting final diagnosis on cancer
  • Renee, Cancer
  • Rest…it’s just been a painfully, long week

Today I’m Thankful

  • A protective hubby who didn’t want me venturing out by myself this morning…I may have been stranded all alone!
  • God’s provision everyday of my life
  • As if the week hasn’t been stressful enough- “Mr. Three” put a LEGO man arm up his nose this afternoon. *Sigh* If I could count the number of things we’ve pulled out of ears and noses….

  • A little project I started with Jacob this morning:


    • I hope we’ll be able to get it back together!!

  • A very industrious older daughter who has been happily cleaning the house all morning
  • One more…Josie (our sweet kitty) seems much better today

Today’s Scripture Meditation

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ…”- Philippians 1:9-10

With my love,

Mr. B….

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My little boy– how can you not just smile?

When we had dinner a few nights back, I looked over to see Ben having popped the sticks out of both corn dogs. He had chopped his up into small pieces and was using the sticks as chopsticks to eat.

Little boys are too much fun!

Punishment? Hmmm…

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So one child was found to have taken a piece of gum from his brother’s drawer without asking.

I thought it would be a good idea to make him “pay” for this gum by doing work for his older brother….it didn’t work out quite the way I had anticipated.

Folding his brother’s film supplies…

Does this look like he’s learning his lesson?

He did manage to clean Joshua’s desk and make him a glass of ice water…

Playing…

Playing….

Playing…

Playing….

I think I might need a change of strategy for this boy!

August 25, 2010

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Life is just hard sometimes.

Last evening, we found these:

Ben has been keeping them- a “momento” from his personal chicken. I knew he loved her- his big brothers said that he had been out earlier in the day to place a flower pot with some flowers he had picked where she had died. *sigh* He just seems so young to have to experience death…even if it is just a chicken.

Most of us have moved past Sunday morning’s killing spree– the neighborhood dogs have not yet been seen, but we’re watching!

We have had the hatchery catalog out looking over the breeds we might like to purchase. It’s fun to plan– I personally loved looking out the window to see so many different breeds- they were all so beautiful walking through the backyard.

I’m sure Ben will be fine, with time, it’s just hard on this momma’s heart. I would love to spare him every pain in the world, but I know that wouldn’t be best either. These are the days that grow boys to men.

This day has passed so quickly! We woke up early and were amazed by how cool it was outside. Wasn’t I just saying I was looking forward to the windows opening?? It was glorious to smell that fresh air!

I am so glad to say I’m still walking with my sweet friend, Jan. She is so faithful to arrive every other day for our walk. I’m afraid if she weren’t at my door, it would be all too easy to stay in bed.

To date, I’ve lost between 35 and 40 pounds! I really am shocked to be able to say that!! All the time I’ve tried to lose weight and it woulnd’t budge- I’ve learned, you have to exercise! It just doesn’t work if you don’t. Walking is just fine, too! I’m walking 1.5 miles, three times a week. I really hope to increase to 3 miles once I’m sure my feet have healed.

I haven’t been on any real diet. We only drink water during the day unless for breakfast, or on Sunday, when I do splurge and have a cup of tea. We don’t eat after dinner anymore for the most part. If I’m still hungry, I go for popcorn (I am still nursing Miss Meredith and do find myself hungry sometimes). We have stopped eating most sugary snacks (oooohhhh, well we did have one last night, which I’ll share in a minute). I am also not eating as much, but I’m really not as hungry.

Soooo….that said, we made the most delicious dessert last night. I found this recipe in the Publix Grape magazine:

Crème Brûlée

  • 1 1/4 cups half and half, or light cream (I just used whole milk)

  • 5 egg yolks, lightly beaten (we used our own free-range eggs– the color was really beautiful!)

  • 3/4 c sugar, divided

  • 1t vanilla

  • 1/8t salt

Preheat oven to 325^. In a small, heavy saucepan, heat half and half over medium-low heat just until bubbly. Remove from heat.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine egg yolks, 1/3c sugar, the vanilla and salt. Beat with a wire whisk just until combined. Slowly whisk the hot half and half into the egg mixture.

Place four 6 ounce ramekins or 6 ounce custard cups in a 2 quart square baking dish. Pour egg mixture evenly into ungreased ramekins. Place baking dish on rack in oven. Carefully pour boiling water into the baking dish until halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Carefully remove ramekins from water. Cool 30 minutes on a wire rack. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or for up to 8 hours.

In a heavy 8″ saute pan, heat the remaining 1/3c sugar over medium high heat until sugar begins to melt, shaking the pan occasionally for even melting. Do not stir. When sugar starts to melt, reduce heat to low. Cook about 5 minutes more or until all sugar is melted and golden brown, stirring with a wooden spoon. Let the caramelized sugar cool slightly then quickly drizzle over the cooled custards. Serve Immediately.

Makes 4 servings.

(A couple of quick notes here– obviously, I had to multiply this recipe, but I only doubled. Everyone had a small cup which was plenty! **ALSO, if I might add, please do not try to stick your tongue to the hot spoon after drizzling on the caramel. Today, I can’t taste much of anything….**

This was delicious! If you try it, please email and share how you liked the recipe. It’s a definitel keeper for my home!

Prayer Requests

Please continue to keep my little nephew in your prayers
Paul, also has a lot of work this week- pray for him as he goes along his tasks

Today I’m Thankful For

This wonderful weather
Fun cooking something up with the girlies in the kitchen last night
Little gifts Ben always brings me from our yard..tiny pine cones, red leaves, etc. They are each so special to me. I need to figure out some way to save some.
Books Courtney checked from the library today- they always make me feel so inspired!
Piano lessons that are still going great!!

Today’s Scripture Meditation

“Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”- Psalm 119:165

With my love,

When the Chicken is Dirty….

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What else do you do??

I walked into my guest bathroom to find this yesterday:

*sigh* Boys. Boys. Boys. What more is there to say??

Jacob decided his rooster was dirty and needed a bath.

Amazingly, the chicken didn’t peck him. He stayed very still…who knows maybe he enjoyed the whole thing. Jacob was proud afterward–
the chicken now smells like “hotel shampoo”. *smile*

Jacob, btw, decided a while back that he might like to try out veterinary medicine. He would make a great vet. I can’t wait to see what the days bring for him!!