Outdoor Wednesday

It's Outdoor Wednesday time! Thank you to Susan, over at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2009/05/526-outdoor-wednesday-20.html for hosting this each week. Be sure to check out all the Outdoor Wednesday posts. I thought for this week I would share pictures from a Civil War reenactment that we went to in September. It was The Battle of Chickamauga. We got to hear former Vice-President Cheney speak. One of his relatives fought in this battle, so he has some special ties to the reenactment. I just love the ladies in the picture below.

The battle has begun!

Former Vice-President Cheney speaks to the crowd. I really enjoyed hearing him. The security was super tight for this part of the event.

This guy just did an amazing job! He looks so much like Abe! He did a talk for the children which was wonderful.

This was such a fun event for us. My brother participates in reenactments when he can. I want to make sure that we attend more. It is such a wonderful learning experience.

I hope you enjoyed my reenactment pictures! Have a super Wednesday!

Kim

Honor Society Happenings

Last Friday we had the Honor Society party at our house. I had a wonderful time of fellowship with some of the moms and the students had a great time together also. Everyone brought different food items, with the mom of one of the girls bringing a birthday musical note! Friday was her daughters' birthday, so we all sang to her and gave her a sweet birthday card signed by all the Honor Society members. Everyone received their membership certificates at the party. They also appointed a new president and vice-president. They have three members moving on to college so there were some open positions. The new members to the group will be installed in August.

After they ate, they played video games and board games. I just loved hearing them all in there laughing and having such a fun time together. This has been a super group. I told my husband how nice it was that all these high schoolers had a great time together just hanging out and playing board games together.

This is the musical note birthday cupcakes that one of the moms brought. How clever!

The night was just plain out fun! The moms that stayed visited with each other. We got lots of good talk in about college and such. You just learn so much from each other. I can't wait for the next get together to visit some more!

Have a super Tuesday!

Kim

Weekly Menu, Upcoming activities

We are officially in "summer mode" and lovin it! The menu for this week is:
Monday
Memorial Day Grilling
Grilled Chicken
Corn-on-the-cob
Green Beans
Garlic Bread
Salad
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tea/Kool-Aid

Tuesday

Crock-Pot BBQ Sandwiches

Baked Beans

Chips

Brownies

Tea/Water

Wednesday

Spaghetti

French Bread

Salad

Mixed Fruit

Tea/Water

Thursday

Mexican Casserole

Chips/Mexican Dip

Watermelon

Salad

Tea/Water

Friday

Homemade Pizza

Bread Sticks

Salad

Ice Cream

Tea/Lemonade

Saturday

Vegetable Lasagna

Garlic Cheddar Rolls

Salad

Mountain Dew Cake

Tea/Lemonade

I would also like to share our plans for this week:

Monday-Memorial Day Celebration

Tuesday-Clean pool, install new back door, sell items at homeschool used book fair

Wednesday-Tennessee Aquarium, Clint's piano group lessons, church

Thursday-Work on shade garden area, vegetable gardens, swim, Clint's year-end piano recital

Friday-Clean out area by the shed, swim, boy's having friends over

Saturday-Boy's friends over, swim, work on boy's school supplies for 2009-2010 school year

Today, I would also like to thank all those serving to protect our freedoms now and in times past. I would also like to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Have a blessed Memorial Day!

Kim

The Week in Review

Today we are celebrating the last day of school! We are all excited as we make our summer plans for cookouts, swimming, trips, and movie nights. Each of us is making a list of summer plans and goals to help us stay focused. I don't want us to look back at the end of summer and say "Oh, I wish we had done this or I wish we had visited so and so." Also, while I do want the boys to have some much needed relaxation time, I don't want "wasted days" of video games and computer games. So, in an effort to mix the relaxation with productiveness, we will have a "loose" plan. I am excited about this, as I think this will allow us to combine some fun with hands on learning. I hope each Saturday to share our game plan for the upcoming week. This week seems to have been the week of animals. The bird in the picture above was one that we rescued from the walking track. He was squawking very loudly by the side of the track. We looked for his nest and could not find one. We also waited to see if momma bird would come back. We never saw her. The little guy could not fly and seemed so hungry, so we took him home. We dug up some worms to feed him. We also gave him some water through a dropper. My middle son made him a nice warm "nest" and gave him the name of "Frodo." Frodo did very well for two days, but then started looking very weak. We took Frodo outside for some sunshine, but to no avail. Yesterday Frodo passed on. It was sad because he seemed to be doing very well. We gave Frodo an appropriate burial in the back yard with some sadness. We had decided, before Frodo's passing, that we were going to take him to the local zoo for rehabilitation. We did all agree that we were glad we had brought him home, since he just seemed to be so alone at the track.

Tiger, our indoor cat, has already started his "lazy days" of summer. All this week he has just snoozed on the windowsill.

Honey, our outdoor stray that we took in, had a liter of five kittens four weeks ago. We have the kittens in the garage. I have loved seeing how she mothers her kittens. They were outside, where she gave birth to them, but last week she started bringing them to the front door. I think she just didn't like them being outside at that point. She kept trying to put them under the couch, but we came to a compromise in the garage. She stays outside for the most part. We let her in to nurse the kittens, but she prefers the outdoors. In a couple of weeks we will be taking her to be spayed. That should be an interesting trip!

We have a black lab that stays in the back yard. We have had him almost 11 years. I just love him! He doesn't get around as much now as he used too, but he always comes to the fence to greet us when we get home or when we are leaving. When we are in the back, he always is right by our sides. He doesn't play fetch like he once did, but he does love for us to be out there with him.

I hope everyone has had a good week and I wish everyone a wonderful weekend!

Kim

Recipes

I wanted to share a recipe today from Mrs. H over at Heritage Schoolhouse. She shares some really great recipes on her blog. You can find her blog in my side bar. Just click and check out some of her wonderful recipes.

King Ranch Chicken
12 servings
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup1 cup chicken broth1 can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers2 tablespoons butter
1/2 onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
18 corn tortillas3 cups cooked, diced chicken8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder1 teaspoon garlic salt

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine soups, broth and tomatoes. Set aside. Saute onion and pepper in butter until tender. Lightly grease a casserole dish. Layer 6 tortillas, 1/3 of the chicken, 1/3 of the onion and bell pepper and 1/3 of the cheese in the casserole dish. Pour 1/3 of the soup mixture over layers. Repeat layers two more times. Sprinkle with chili powder and garlic salt and bake for 45 minutes. Enjoy!

I have made this for my family and they loved it!!

Have a super Thursday!

Kim

Outdoor Wednesday

Welcome to Outdoor Wednesday. Thanks to Susan, over at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2009/05/520-outdoor-wednesday-19.html, for hosting this. Be sure to check out all the Outdoor Wednesday posts. My flowers around my mailbox are finally blooming. I just love the color that they add to the mailbox area.

The next two pictures are of a bush near the back of our property. I do not know what this is, but it is so pretty among all the greenery. I really want to spruce up that area of the yard. We have our shed back there, along with an area for lawn mower storage and some other things. I've always thought it would be a good spot for a kind of "secret garden" area.

This is an area that my oldest son and I worked on last summer. We want it to be a nice relaxing spot. I am still working on a few things in this area. It does make a nice reading spot. I would like to add a cushion for the bench and something to create a nice walkway.

I hope you enjoyed my Outdoor Wednesday pictures. If you know what my "mystery bush" is or have suggestions for my "secret garden", I would sure love to hear them.

Have a great Wednesday!

Kim

Senior Recital and Graduation Reception

Saturday was my oldest son's Senior recital and graduation reception. Leading up to this day was very emotional for me. I am extremely happy for him and proud of his hard work, but I also am a little sad. I am happy for that next phase of his life to begin. I am happy to see the man that God has made him, but at the same time I am a little sad for selfish reasons. I have been a little sad that he will be going away this fall. Not far, but still not at home anymore. I love that feeling at night knowing that all of my brood is safe at home. However, I do realize that God is watching over him and leading him on this next journey. I also know that God is with me on this next phase of motherhood. Motherhood is such a learning and growing experience. I am very thankful to God for making me a wife and mother. I have never felt such fulfillment as I do in taking care of my family and in making a place of comfort and security for them in our home. There is always so much to learn and to experience. So, I am now leaning extra hard on God for wisdom on my part in this transition in my son's life from boyhood to manhood. I know many of you have already traveled this road. I would so much appreciate your prayers of support right now. Thank you so much!
I wanted to share a few pictures of the recital and reception. My mother ordered this cake for him. I thought it turned out really nice!

It was so nice to talk to relatives that I haven't seen in quite a while.

The day went very well. My son appreciated all the well wishes and support of those who were able to make it and those who couldn't be there, but sent words of encouragement. Sometimes there are things in life that try to crowd out the really important. Events like this bring us back to family and friends and the fellowship that is so very important in our lives.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward, like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth, happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, "I used everything You gave me." Erma Bombeck

Enjoy your Tuesday!

Kim

Menu Monday

What a wonderful weekend. Saturday, my oldest son had his Senior piano recital and graduation reception. I will be sharing pictures of this in tomorrow's post. It was a very special event with family and friends. We enjoyed the fellowship and the music. Yesterday, we had another wonderful day of worship. Last night was the wrap up of our PEP groups (small group study) . We break with these groups through the summer, then re-start with new groups in the fall. Last night was an all group meeting at one of our family's homes. I wasn't feeling very well , so I did not get to attend, but Mike and the boys went. They had a great time of study and fellowship. These groups are such a nice way to really get to know other church members on a more personal level.

The menu this week is as follows:
Monday
Chili ( it is cold outside today)
Corn Muffins
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tea/Water

Tuesday
Tacos
Fried Rice
Chips/Salsa
Salad
Birthday Cake
Tea/Water

Wednesday
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Baked Beans
Chips
Fruit
Tea/Water

Thursday
King Ranch Chicken ( Mrs. H's recipe at Heritage Schoolhouse blog)
Corn
Peas
Salad
Chocolate Pudding
Lemonade/Tea

Friday
Honor Society Party

Saturday
Grilled Hamburgers
Corn-on-the-cob
Chips/Salsa
Salad
Key Lime Pie
Tea/Water

Have a wonderful Monday!
Kim

Outdoor Wednesday

It's time for Outdoor Wednesday! Be sure to check out all the posts at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2009/05/513-outdoor-wednesday-18.html Thanks to Susan for hosting this! Today I am showing some pictures of places that we love to be. This is the lighthouse on St. Simon's Island, Georgia. We usually try to visit it when we go to Jekyll Island.

I just thought this bird was fun to watch. We were enjoying the ocean and so was he!

This is an area of our backyard that we like to sit and read and just relax. One of the favorite places we like to be is in our own backyard!

I apologize for the blurred picture, but I just thought this was too funny. This is a stray that I have been feeding ( my husband keeps telling me that the cat is not a stray anymore, but ours, as he hangs out with us now!). He just loves to sit by the walkway light. Sometimes I will not even notice he is there.

I hope you enjoyed some places that our family loves! Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Kim

Menu Monday

I hope everyone had a wonderful day of worship and a Happy Mother's Day. We spent some time together as a family, then headed off to visit my dad and mom. We then headed to my mother-in-law's to eat supper with her. It was a very nice day!

On Saturday night we spent time visiting family at my niece and nephew's birthday party. Despite the rain, we had a great cook-out. It was nice to see my sister-in-law's family. Her side of the family was celebrating some birthdays, so we actually ended up celebrating about four birthdays in all. What a nice evening!

The menu for this week looks like this:
Monday
Lasagna
Breadsticks
Fruit
Salad
Tea/Water

Tuesday
King Ranch Chicken
Corn-on-the-cob
Green Beans
Rolls
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tea/Water

Wednesday
Grilled Hamburgers
Oven Fries
Cantaloupe/Strawberries
Salad
Tea/Water

Thursday
Homemade Pizza
Chips/Salsa
Salad
Brownies
Tea/Water

Friday
Out to eat

Saturday
Sub Sandwiches
Chips
Fruit
Tea/Water

Have a wonderful Monday!
Kim

Sunday's Thoughts

Happy Mother's Day!

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward,Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,So are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them: They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:3-5

THE SWING

How do you like to go up in a swing, Up in the air so blue? "Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing Ever a child can do!"

"Up in the air and over the wall, Till I can see so wide, Rivers and trees and cattle and all Over the countryside-

"Till I look down on the garden green Down on the roof so brown- Up in the air I go flying again, Up in the air and down!"

Robert Louis Stevenson

Have a blessed Lord's Day!

Kim

School Activities

This has really been a busy time! My youngest son finished his standardized testing, my oldest finished his finals on his dual-enrollment classes, and my middle will have his finals on his two outside classes next week. Boy, we are about tested out! But, all is well, even though I haven't had much time to blog.
This is Chase on the first day of testing. We have a certified tester in our homeschool support group. Those who are testing meet at one of the local churches. This is the boys at the end of testing week. We thought a celebratory lunch was in order.

We had a great lunch and then went home for some "down time". When my middle finishes his outside classes next week, my plan is for us to go on some of the field trips that we just haven't had time for. We will be winding things down for some much needed rest and recreation ( okay, the boys might not call cleaning the house recreation) !

Friday is homeschool day at Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta. We have been watching the weather closely. We usually go to this as an end of the year field trip, but I am not sure this year. It is a great day to go. The park is not open to the public that day. With your ticket purchase you can get a return ticket and a meal ticket. It's a fun family day. But, if it is raining heavily we will just stay put and go later in the month.

Have a wonderful Thursday!
Kim

Recipes

Today I would like to share a couple of recipes from my Gooseberry Patch calendar. I just love Gooseberry Patch! I have not tried these recipes yet, but I'm thinking about using them this weekend.

Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf
3/4 c. bread crumbs
3/4 c. milk
1-1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 T. salt
1 T. pepper
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 c. catsup
1 T. mustard
2 T. brown sugar, packed
Combine bread crumbs and milk in a large bowl; add next 5 ingredients, mixing well. Place in an ungreased 9"x5" loaf pan; set aside. Stir catsup, mustard and sugar together; spoon over meatloaf. Bake at 375 degrees for one hour. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Baked Potato Salad
6 to 8 potatoes, cooked and cubed
1/2 to 1 lb. bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
1-1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 onion, chopped
1 c. mayonnaise-type salad dressing
Combine potatoes, bacon, half the cheese, onion and enough salad dressing to moisten; mix well. Spread into a greased 9"x9" baking pan; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly, about 30 to 35 minutes. Serves 8 to 10.

Enjoy!
Kim