Thursday, April 24, 2014

Summer Vacation for the Homeschool Mom!

I smell summer! We are nearing the end of our "homeschool year". I feel like a summer vacation is just as much for me as it is for my kids! Anyone else? Because honestly I cannot wait!!!

Summer vacation for myself as a homeschool mom means:

  • Reading books and not remembering to write down the author and title for a book log.
  • I'm going to stop to smell the flowers without using words like photosynthesis or noting plant adaptations.
  • I will mix batter and make cookies and not ask a child to come read measurements but to just lick the bowl!
  • I will request boogers go in tissue and not call it health class. hahaha
  • I will not divide up natural learning into subjects that I can log because I won't have to.
  • We will paint and construct without wondering if it is math class or if it is art.
  • We will garden without worrying about science lessons or health.



Homeschooling in Pennsylvania comes with a plethora of paperwork and second guessing on my part. I am constantly wondering if I am doing enough. If I am missing something. I overdid it this year. It is our first year homeschooling and I would rather have back up documentation than too little documented.

I think I am more nervous since we didn't purchase a curriculum and we like to improvise and change our minds as we go along.Nothing stood out to me and I really didn't know my kids various learning styles and needs.
As eager as I am to get started sifting through their interests for the fall and making book lists I am forcing myself to get these portfolios completed, evaluations done, letter of intent filed, and take a break too! 

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Vitamix Tomato Soup

After making the Messy Veggie Lasagna I had a couple cups of tomato sauce left over.

I had mentioned that I would love to try making homemade tomato soup just a few days before that and so that's what I did.

Tomato Sauce
1 (28oz) Can Plum Tomatoes with Basil
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp. Oregano
Garlic Powder - to taste
Onion Powder - to taste

Then I added:
1/2 c. milk 2%
1/2 c. half and half


Since the sauce was still very warm I just gave it a quick blend and it was warm throughout.
It was probably the best tomato soup I've ever had.
Although, I'm not sure I've ever had homemade tomato soup before.

I should add that my husband who was never fond of tomato soup really enjoyed this. 



Thursday, April 17, 2014

My Nature Box!


 

I love Nature Box!
This is what I received in my first box!











These Pistachio Power Clusters arrived instead of
 Pear Praline Crunch Granola .... and they are a big hit with my husband!
 The Apple Orchards Granola is so moist and delicious I eat it right out of the bag.
 Cranberry Jubilee is also quite delicious!








The Citrus Chipotle Chickpeas were a bit spicy but I think they are good for what they are. As I have never been a big fan of chickpeas I wasn't expecting much. I am considering blending some into a powder to bread things in. Maybe some cauliflower or chicken!
These would also be good on flavor coordinated salad.



Somehow I failed to take a picture of the Granny Smith Apples I received. They were so very good! No sugar, nothing added, just apples!

Here are all my little munch time soldiers ready to battle hunger!



Not getting paid for this review either.
I just LOVE food and think everyone should have access to great information about fantastic products.

Box review for month two coming soon!