School Projects: Science Current Event Articles
The kids recently did a school project for Science Extra Credit. They had to compile a variety of science current event articles. The articles were cut out of current local newspapers, Wall Street Journal, magazines, and more. They read the articles, glued them to construction paper, and wrote a summary about each one.
The articles were on the following science categories – Animals, Electricity, Plants, Space, and Weather. All the subjects are ones that the kids will be studying this year in school. The kids had one week to put together all their articles for science extra credit. The girls worked on their articles every day after homework, before school each morning, and even gave up some of their free time to do more articles.
We are so proud of how hard they worked all week. By the end of the week they learned a lot about the various science subjects they will be studying in school. They did more articles than we realized too. Between the two girls these are the number of science articles they completed in one week:
- Animals – 9
- Electricity – 7
- Plants – 8
- Space -10
- Weather – 8
Way to go kids! Thrilled that they love learning so much! It will benefit them throughout the entire year!
My Little Chef: Making Blue Raspberry Cookies
Mixing up the cookie dough!
When I am in the kitchen and Brina is around she is always willing to pitch in and help. She is becoming more efficient cook as she gets older. Recently, she decided to whip up some blue raspberry sugar cookies as a “Welcome Home” goodie for Jake who was arriving home that day from a work trip.
When he is away on a work trip we always try to make or pick up something special for him to have when he comes home. It is important to us to make sure he knows how excited we are to have him back home again. It is always so much better when the whole family is home together!
I am so thankful for kids that enjoy helping out in the kitchen. The girls have fun helping out in the kitchen and learning some great lessons along the way too. Grateful for my girls!
A batch of blue raspberry cookies ready to go into the oven!
Cookie rolled is blue sprinkles!
She made the perfect cookies!
Ready to eat and delicious! Thanks B!
Free Ebooks: The Art of Learning, Wrap With Love, The Paleo Pantry, and more
The price to download these books is currently $0.00 (although the price may change at any time, please confirm prior to downloading). The ebooks are specifically for Kindles, however, you can click here and download the free application that allows you to read Kindle ebooks on your PC.
Download a free copy of The Art of Learning Skills: A Simple Handbook to Improve Your Learning Techniques (Memory Improvement, Self-discipline, Learning Guide, Learning, Personal skills, Study Skills, Fast Learning) by Laeticia L.
Download a free copy of Wrap with Love: Holiday Gift Giving with Less Stress and More Joy by Lisa Bader
Download a free copy of Camelea Like a Seagull by Suzanne Gohier (Children’s Book)
Download a free copy of The Paleo Pantry: 26 Classic Comfort Foods That You Can Stop Buying and Start Making (Primal Gluten Free Cookbook) by Kate Evans Scott
Download a free copy of I Love to Eat Fruits and Vegetables by Shelley Admont (Children’s Book)
Download a free copy of Survival Pantry: The Prepper’s Guide To Modern Day Emergency Food & Water Storage (Canning, Recipes, Cookbook) by Henry Hill
Download a free copy of Number Four World Facts (Knowledge Book Series) (Boosting Brain Power) (Children Ages 4-10) by The Brothers
Love It – PrintrBot Simple Maker’s 3D Printer
So excited to watch him open this gift!!!
After a few months of saving my spending cash I was able to get my husband the PrintrBot Simple Maker’s 3D Printer for our anniversary. I was surprised that it came in such a small package! 3D printers are starting to become more popular and this one was a little less expensive because you had to put it together. Jake and the girls thought it was awesome being able to build a printer!
Several of the pieces inside the 3D Printer had “Point of No Return” stickers which was kind of funny! They read – “The option to return your PrintrBot will self destruct after opening this bag.”
It came in pieces that needed to be assembled! Jake thought it was great!
It didn’t take him long to get it together and start printing some neat stuff!
It is a neat printer! The whole family has enjoyed it! The girls have even been able to make a few items for their school projects too!
You can pickup one of the PrintrBot Simple Maker’s 3D Printer for yourself or someone special at Amazon or from PrintBot! If you have been saving some Amazon Gift Certificates from Swagbucks this would be an awesome gift for that tech person on your list! Never tried Swagbucks, that’s okay it’s easy and you can get started today! If you are looking for ways to earn gift certificates to Amazon, Walmart, Target, Starbucks, Cash via PayPal, and many other popular rewards check out my Swagbucks: Earning A Little Extra post to get you started!
“Love It” is a series of posts on items that I use regularly in my household that I love! There are some items in our daily lives that make life more enjoyable, efficient, or just plain fun. I will be sharing with you some of the products that have been given to us (or to me) that have made it to the top of my list. It’s my way of giving a huge thumbs up!
A Couch Full of Books
Karlie has all her library books spread out over the couch so she can choose which one to read first. Not sure if the line of books are placed in random or specific order. She is very thoroughly in picking out what book she wanted to read.
She has been reading through the South Carolina Children’s Book Award Nominee list. For her Gifted & Talent class she is suppose to read at least four of the SC Children’s Book Award and pass an Accelerated Reading on them. We pick up several of the books from our local library and she has been working her way through them. A couple of the books Jake and I decided we didn’t want her to read for various reasons, but otherwise we want to encourage her to read as much as she wants.
Karlie loves reading! She was finished reading her four required books within a week. Now she is continuing to read just for fun and taking the tests. It is wonderful seeing her read and it amazes how quickly she can get through a book, sometimes one that is several hundred pages! If she really likes the book finish it and read it again the next day! Her stack of library books has been higher than mine lately!
Happy Veterans Day – List of FREE Food, Drinks, and Meals for Active Military & Veterans
A picture we took at the Vietnam Memorial earlier this year! Thankful for those who have served our country!Happy Veterans Day! I am grateful for all the veterans who have and are currently serving our country! I have several family members who are veterans and I am sure you know of someone you could thank too. In honor of Veterans Day several restaurants have extended a very special “thank you” in the form of discount or free meal or food item(s).It is always a good idea to confirm with the specific restaurant prior to going. Also, many require that you show military ID so be prepared. Here is a list of some honoring Veteran’s today – November 11, 2014:
Applebee’s Free Meal (Lunch or Dinner) – On Tuesday, November 11, 2014 Applebee’s is offering veterans and active duty military members free signature Thank You Meal menu meal from open to close. The menu includes some of Applebee’s favorite items – 7 oz. House Sirloin, The American Standard All-In Burger, Three-Cheese Chicken Penne, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Double Crunch Shrimp, Chicken Tenders Platter or Oriental Chicken Salad. To receive the free meal you must present valid Veteran’s form of identification or be in uniform.
Carrabba’s Free Appetizer – Free appetizer of your choice for all active duty service members and veterans at participating locations November 8th through November 11th, 2014.
Chick-fil-A Free Meal – Free meal to all veterans and those currently serving on November 11, 2014 at participating stores. Military ID required.
Chili’s Free Meal (Lunch or Dinner) – All veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. They have a choice of one of 7 meals during the dinner hour, or any lunch combo during lunch. Dine-in only and from limited menu; beverages and gratuity not included. Must show proof of military service.
Chuck E. Cheese’s 20 Free Tokens – 20 Free tokens for all active military or veterans that visit participating locations from Sunday, November 9 through Saturday, November 15. Military ID or proof of service is required
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Free Dessert – Veterans and active military receive a free complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake dessert at participating stores on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. Must show valid military ID.
Denny’s All You Can Eat Pancakes – Free all you can eat pancakes for active military and veterans at participating stores on November 11, 2014 from 5:00 AM to Noon. Must show valid military ID.
Fatz Cafe Free Entree – All veterans and active military will receive a free $12.99 entree credit on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating stores. Must show valid military ID.
Golden Corral Free Buffet & Drink – All active military or veterans will recieve a free buffet and beverage on Monday, November 17, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (please note the date). All Golden Corral locations will be participating. Must show valid military ID.
IHOP Free Meal – All active military and veterans will received a free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. At some locations, the Red, White and Blue pancakes will be featured as part of a free combo plate including eggs, bacon and hashed browns. Must show valid military ID.
Krispy Kreme Free Doughnut & Coffee – Free doughnut and small coffee to any active military or veteran on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. No ID required.
Longhorn Steakhouse Free Appetizer & Beverage – Active military and veterans receive a free complimentary Texas Tonion appetizer and non-alcohol beverage on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. Must show valid military ID.
Olive Garden Free Meal – All active military and veterans will receive a free meal from a special menu on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. Must show valid military ID.
Outback Steakhouse Free Bloomin’ Onion® & Beverage – All active and retired military as well as veterans get a Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. Must have valid ID. Plus, all military personnel get 15% off from November 12 through December 31, 2014.
Red Lobster Free Appetizer – All active military or veterans receive a free complimentary appetizer from a special menu starting Monday, November 10 to Thursday, November 13, 2014 at participating locations. t receive a complimentary appetizer from a special menu. Must show valid military ID.
Ruby Tuesday Free Appetizer – All active military and veterans receive a free appetizer on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. Must show valid military ID.
Starbucks Free Coffee (includes spouses) – All veterans, active duty military and their spouses get a free tall 12oz brewed coffee at participating stores.
Texas Roadhouse Free Lunch (includes Sides & Beverge) – All active military and veterans can choose from one of 10 free lunch meals which include sides and a beverage on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. Must show valid military ID.
TGI Fridays Free Lunch – Veterans and active duty military service members will receive a free lunch (11:00 AM to 2:00 PM) from a special menu on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at participating locations. Valid on dine-in meals only. Must show valid military ID.
A great reminder! This quote is on a plague at one of our favorite parks in Charleston!
A big thanks to Military Benefits and The Military Wallet for their help in collecting this information for our service men and women! For a more comprehensive list of 2014 Veterans Day Free Meals, Discounts, Sales, Promotions, Deals, and More visit their websites. Both websites are great resources! Thanks for Serving! Hope you are able to get out and enjoy some delicious food today!
Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial that we saw in Washington DC earlier this year. We have several family members that have served and are currently serving in various branches of the military. We are thankful for each person who serves our country!Holiday Gift Giving: Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Chocolates
If you a looking for a wonderful and delicious gift to give this Holiday Season check out Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Chocolates! Everyone loves a sweet treat! It is the perfect gift and will help you check one more name off your list!
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There was a time when Marie Cavanaugh spent hours in her South Dakota farmhouse each Christmas season making pecan rolls and homemade chocolates for holiday gifting. “It started when my aunt sent her pecan-rolls recipe,” Mrs. Cavanaugh recalled. “I gave the recipe my own touch and started making the yummy specialties. Then I began dipping chocolates. Our friends and neighbors loved these treats, encouraging me to start a candy business. Finally, I decided it might be a good idea.'”
Her husband George and children Carla, Lorraine, Calvin, Colene and Genise rallied, helping Mrs. Cavanaugh fill demands for her homemade sweets. In 1972, the family moved to Utah, leaving good friends and their beloved cattle ranch. “It was a difficult decision, especially for George,” Mrs. Cavanaugh said. “He was excited about making our new venture, which we chose to call Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Candies, a great success. We felt Utah was blessed with good chocolates and that we would enjoy – and could compete with – those who pride themselves on making excellent chocolates.”
Millions of pounds of chocolates later, Mrs. Cavanaugh’s candies have earned a reputation for unquestionable excellence…. Ask chocolate aficionados. They will direct those seeking the best chocolates to the popular Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Candies.
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What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
You may notice that this weeks menu looks a lot like last week? Yes, it is actually identical! Well, there is a reason for that….I pretty much had to scrap my plans and menu for last week due to the epidural steroid shot in my neck last week taking a much greater toll on me than I originally thought it would. I was under the disillusion that I would bounce back rather quickly from the treatment, ha! Lesson learned!
Thankful for Jake, the girls, family, and friends who stepped up and pitched in to help throughout the week. Your thoughts, prayers, messages, visits, meals, flowers, and everything have been a tremendous blessing to our family. With that being said I hope (and pray) that this week will be more “normal” whatever that means anymore. We are going to attempt to repeat last week’s menu and actually eat the food that I planned this week. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Shepherds Pie, Fresh Salad (Make 1 & Freeze 1 Meal)
- Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Homemade Pizza, Fruit Salad
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Chicken Curry, Naan, Steamed Rice
- Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree): Baked Tilapia, Steamed Vegetables
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
Healthy Snacks: Grapes on a Stick
It is fun surprising the girls with healthy treats in their school lunch bags. The girls love it when I put grapes on a stick for their fruit snack. For an extra touch you can add eyes on the grapes and call them caterpillars. Every time we have grapes they request this simple treat to be added to their lunch bag.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
It was a challenging week and it didn’t go exactly as I planned. Early in the week I had to go into the hospital for an epidural steroid shot for the herniated disc in my neck that has been giving me problems. I happen to be one of those “rare” people who reacted uniquely to the epidural steroid shot with nausea and vomiting. Thankfully, we got that under control and now just waiting for about two plus weeks to see if this shot worked. Although, the doctor did mention that it at times takes more than one shot to get the body to repair the disc, but it is better then the more evasive solution of surgery that would remove the disc and fuse the bones together with metal plates. Needless to say I spent more time recovering this week than I initially planned. I did get some things accomplished and praying for a much better week coming up even if it means trying to tackle the same items that were on my list last week!
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Read the book Double Fudge by Judy Blume to read to the kidsPlan one special activity with the familyPrepare for Upcoming Fall Events & TripsSpend time Monday – Friday helping the kids with HomeworkAttend After School Activities- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before – the girls packed most of their lunches this week (my girls are the best)
- Play a Game with the Kids – the week did not go as planned
- Start Organizing the Kids Scrapbook Items – this did not get done
ENT and Eye Appointments for Kids
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – the nausea did not help with this one as I was having problems keeping water down
Continue my YouVersion plan(s)Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – it took more than one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week – dinner was planned but do to Doctors orders we could not eat what I had on the menu, my husband was super sweet and pitched in to make our family meals. Plus my sister-in-law delivered a meal one night this past week too. Thankful for family!
Do at least one “Make 1 & Freeze 1″ Meal Prep (make a main dish to eat that day and one to freeze for later)- Clean out & Organize Refrigerator & Freezer – still needs done
- Clean House (Focus – Basement Floors) – no progress with this either, ugh!
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Storage Room) – storage room continues to wait as well
Put Spring/Summer Clothes in the Attic– my amazing husband did this for me- Yard Cleanup (Focus – Pool taken down and put away) – pools still waiting for take down
- Pet Care (Focus – Refill Goat Food Bin) – needs to be done
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails – made a little progress
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention – fell behind on the day to day items
- Work completed for clients – had to put on hold this week
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch – house bound this week
- Prep for our Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child boxes – got it started
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – working on it
- Payoff Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, and other debt) – working on it
Pay Bills & File Paperwork- Make an extra payment on Outstanding Debt – working on it
- Earn some Creative Cash – working on it
- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget – my husband did the grocery errands this week for me, thanks Babe!
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read the book Wonder’s Promise by Joanna Campbell to read to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Prepare for Upcoming Fall Events & Trips
- Spend time Monday – Friday helping the kids with Homework
- Attend After School Activities
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Start Organizing the Kids Scrapbook Items
- Dr. Appointments for Kids
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Do at least one “Make 1 & Freeze 1″ Meal Prep (make a main dish to eat that day and one to freeze for later)
- Clean out & Organize Refrigerator & Freezer
- Clean House (Focus – Basement Floors)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Storage Room)
- Yard Cleanup (Focus – Pool taken down and put away)
- Pet Care (Focus – Refill Goat Food Bin)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Prep for our Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child boxes
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car
- Payoff Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, and other debt)
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- Earn some Creative Cash
- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results.
