Friday, June 29, 2012

Cooking with Jake :: Grilled Pinwheels


My husband never ceases to amaze me with his culinary talents. Where does he come up with this stuff? I silently and sometimes openly wish I could make these mouth watering dishes. With no formal training, he can transform basic ingredients into a masterpiece.

Tonight, we had his grilled pinwheels and his classic sauteed tomatoes and spinach. I cleaned my plate, twice.

Ingredients: skirt steak, baby spinach, feta cheese, seasonings

How to: Slice the skirt steak into 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch flanks. Season with your favorite seasonings and a meat tenderizer. Create a thin layer of baby spinach on top of a flank; sprinkle feta cheese on top of the spinach. Roll into a log and fasten with a skewer or toothpicks. Grill until meat is only slightly pink.

Slice into small pinwheels and serve with your favorite side.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Declutter & Organize Challenge :: Day 19

Declutter & Organize Challenge!


One of my favorite bloggers is at it again! Crystal Paine from Money Saving Mom has offered her readers a 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home printable checklist to go along with her recent blog series. You can visit Crystal's blog and either subscribe to her 4 week challenge to receive daily emails or read through each of her individual posts.

Throughout the month, I'll be completing Crystal's 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home with several of my friends and readers. I'll list each challenge daily on Texas Homemaking, as well as via Twitter and Facebook. I'll post before/after pics of a few of the tasks - as long as you all promise not to judge me too harshly if things might get a little chaotic.

Challenge #19 - This is the day to clean your windows and blinds. If you have curtains, take them down and wash them according to the manufacturer's directions.

Let me just say - WOW! That was a lot of dust : )

An Upcoming Review & Surprise!



Hello readers! Get ready to learn about a fantastic product that may just change the way you manage your home. I'm also going to have a great give away to go along with it, so check back early next week!

Cooking with Children :: Homemade Pizza

I enjoy making pizzas at home for several reasons: it's easy, it's cheap, and I can control the ingredients. I recently made a proshiutto pizza and it proved to be an automatic hit. While making pizza at home is definitely simple, there is a little prep work involved.


The Crust

Ingredients: flour, olive oil, yeast, water, spices, salt

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt and italian spices of your choice. I sometimes add Thyme for a twist. Then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the flour mixture.
Before you can add the yeast to the flour mixture, you must proof it. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon of yeast (or a yeast packet). Allow the yeast to proof for about 5 minutes.



When the yeast is ready, it will be foamy and give off an odor resembling bread. Slowly pour the yeast into the flour mixture. Mix it with a dough hook on the lowest mixing speed. If your dough does not combine well, add 1/2 teaspoon of water.



Once combined, shape the dough into a nice round ball and place it into a well oiled (olive oil) bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp flour sack cloth towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm area until it doubles in size.

I like to make the dough in the morning and leave it until dinnertime, however, dough will rise within 2 hours.

The Toppings

This is where the only limitations to your pizza are your imagination and taste buds. I used proshiutto, mozerella, feta, parmesean, cherub tomatoes, fresh basil from the garden, and baby spinach, as well as a jar of my favorite marinara sauce.

Poll the family before purchasing toppings - you might be surprised at what they are willing to try!

Once you've got your toppings together and your dough is ready, the process of making the pizza begins. Divide the dough in half - you're going to make two pizzas! You can also divide it again and make 4 personal pizzas. The dough may also be frozen for future use.

I let me youngest son roll out the dough for the pizzas. It keeps him busy and he enjoys cooking in the kitchen with me. To ensure the pizza doesn't stick, spray a little olive oil on to the baking stone or sheet. (Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.)


Next, spread out your marinara sauce to the edges of the pizza. This is an important step and how many pizza restaurants build their pizzas. If you don't take the sauce all the way to the edge, the crust will dry out and become hard.


Your next layer in the pizza building process should be the cheese(s). Some people will place pepperoni under the cheese in order to keep it from burning, but since we didn't use pepperoni, we put the cheese down first. The youngest also added his proshiutto. This is the boys' finished pizza.

On the adult pizza, I took it a step further and added the fresh basil and spinach. I typically would add mushrooms and onions, but we were out of those and I didn't want to make a run to the grocery store. If you add sausage, you should cook it prior to placing it on your pizza.

Bake your pizza for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted. Cut into slices and serve.


This was incredible. Jake said it was the best one yet!

What are some of your favorite pizza toppings or spices?

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Declutter & Organize Challenge :: Days 17 & 18

Declutter & Organize Challenge!


One of my favorite bloggers is at it again! Crystal Paine from Money Saving Mom has offered her readers a 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home printable checklist to go along with her recent blog series. You can visit Crystal's blog and either subscribe to her 4 week challenge to receive daily emails or read through each of her individual posts.

Throughout the month, I'll be completing Crystal's 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home with several of my friends and readers. I'll list each challenge daily on Texas Homemaking, as well as via Twitter and Facebook. I'll post before/after pics of a few of the tasks - as long as you all promise not to judge me too harshly if things might get a little chaotic.

Challenge # 17 - Reorganize your kitchen cabinets!

While I did this a few weeks back, I still need to re-straighten the pots and pans area. My boys help put dishes away and sometimes they just don't get all items back in the right spot. I don't complain; I'm just glad they help me out!

Challenge #18 - Clean your closet floors. Vacuum carpeted floors and sweep and mop tile or wood floors.

I'm working on this right now! The boys' closet carpets were vacuumed last Thursday, but my tile definitely could use a lite sweeping.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Travel Texas :: Moody Gardens & The Space Center





Have you ever needed a weekend to recover from your weekend? Well, I sure did! I spent all morning Monday at Panera enjoying a mocha and trying to recap everything this past weekend held.

My husband works in a multinational corporation setting and for over a week gentlemen from around the world and country have been training here in Longview. This past weekend, the group headed south to Galveston and Kemah. I was fortunate enough to get to tag along.

Friday afternoon, we loaded up luggage and our group of twenty-one headed to the Galveston area. After checking into our hotel, we hit the Kemah Boardwalk for dinner and fireworks. We dined at Joe's Crab Shack, where the guys told the wait staff it was Jake's birthday. He had to shake salt and pepper shakers and dance while the restaurant sang Happy Birthday; he was a good sport, considering his birthday was months ago!

Needless to say, it was a late night of eating, firework watching, and story telling from around the world. We entertained people from Canada, Brazil, Columbia, South Africa, and Australia, as well as other parts of the U.S.

After a quick lunch at Hooter's Saturday, the group headed to Moody Gardens. Built in the 1980s, the complex includes a one-acre rainforest environment pyramid, the Discovery Pyramid of science exhibitions, a 3-D IMAX theater, and one of the country’s largest aquariums, also housed in a pyramid. A small water park and a replica paddle boat are also on site. The attraction has been renovated and reworked since Jake and I were there in 2001 to celebrate our Honeymoon. Moody Gardens provides an amazing adventure for the young and old alike.


While definitely hot Saturday, the Rainforest Pyramid was my favorite. I remember being in awe when I first visited as a child. Now, visitors experience all levels of the forest and even get up close with butterflies.
























The aquarium is a breathtaking experience as onlookers view penguins, seals, sharks, and all things sea. I have an affinity for these creatures.


Bodies Revealed was on exhibit in the Discovery Pyramid. Most of our group enjoyed this exhibit and while I have heard positive things about it, Jake and I choose not to explore. I'm not really into seeing exhibits that could potentially haunt my dreams.

We spent our evening on the Seawall in Galveston at Island Famous' The Spot. A serve yourself style restaurant, The Spot was the fastest way to feed a group as large as ours. After dinner, we made our way to the top level called the Rum Shack and enjoyed the beautiful view.

Jake and I slipped away for a walk along the beach. I haven't been on the beach since 10-30-10 when we left Virginia Beach for Texas, so I wasn't going to miss my chance. It was nice to feel the water and sand on my toes again.

On Sunday morning, we headed to the Johnson Space Center where the International Space Station's Mission Control resides. The Space Center offers a museum as well as tours of the astronaut training facility and the newest mission control room. We got a chance to see a Saturn V rocket up close. Wow! Those astronauts were brave! I ended up purchasing the boys freeze dried space food - after all, what better souvenir could you ask for?






I had a great time with wonderful and interesting company. I enjoyed sharing Texas history with our foreign friends; and it's always neat to see what souvenirs they purchase to remember their time in Texas.





Monday, June 25, 2012

Declutter & Organize Challenge :: Day 16

Declutter & Organize Challenge!


One of my favorite bloggers is at it again! Crystal Paine from Money Saving Mom has offered her readers a 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home printable checklist to go along with her recent blog series. You can visit Crystal's blog and either subscribe to her 4 week challenge to receive daily emails or read through each of her individual posts.

Throughout the month, I'll be completing Crystal's 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home with several of my friends and readers. I'll list each challenge daily on Texas Homemaking, as well as via Twitter and Facebook. I'll post before/after pics of a few of the tasks - as long as you all promise not to judge me too harshly if things might get a little chaotic.

This is our last week!

Challenge #16 - Clean out your vents! Wash them down if they are in the ceiling or vacuum them out if they are in the floor.

I'm a little tired from our busy weekend, so I'm hoping to get this accomplished sometime after lunch!

Weekly Goals :: 6/25-7/1/2012

Last week I posted a few of my weekly goals. I've crossed out and added to the goal list. Did you get your goals accomplished? Did you set new ones?




Goals for 6/18 - 6/23/2012

Home
1. Plan menu through the end of the month.
2. Drop donation items off at the Goodwill.
3. Pack down old dishes.
4. Purchase flea meds for Duchess.
5. Begin week 3 of the 4 Week Challenge.

Family
1. Youngest to summer Olympics at Church.
2. Eldest to last piano lesson for the month.
3. Logs to the summer reading program at the library.
4. Work on family vacation planning.
5. Spend an afternoon with friends.

Volunteering
1. Teach the JMG class : Soil Color, Texture, and Structure.
2. Deliver canned food donations to the East Texas Food Bank. Still waiting on a few more : )

Personal
1. Set-up Vocal Point's RSVP party.
2. Advance writing for blog.
3. Create a new DIY project list.
4. Finish working on curriculum selections for fall (eldest's).
5. Work on saying yes more!
6. Continue reading Shine, Shine, Shine by Lydia Netzer and begin Cleaning 
   House by Kay Wills Wyma. I enjoyed Shine, Shine, Shine and I'm about half way through with Cleaning House.

Goals for 6/25 - 7/1/2012

Home:
1. Paint youngest's bed like a jungle. (I'm wondering what all this entails)
2. File this month's bills, insurance claims, misc. paperwork.
3. Clean-up after last week's landscaping drainage project.
4. Last week of the Declutter & Organize Challenge

Personal:
1. Begin DIY projects this week.
2. Finish reading Cleaning House by Kay Wills Wyma
3. Relax and enjoy the week.

This week is short on goals! I've worked hard for the past few months and it seems I've nearly run out of things to do! Sure, I've got the usual house work, but this week is mainly filled with enjoying time with my husband and taking a break. Enjoy the week!

Friday, June 22, 2012

For the Home :: Introducing the MyLowes Card






I wanted to share some information about a new program at Lowe's; it is called MyLowes and its revolutionary for homemakers everywhere.

Jake and I work on a lot of home and garden projects together. (Shh! Don't tell him, but I really enjoy it!) The last time we were in Lowe's we were looking for a Bay window. I tend to dream big and I think a Bay window would be great place to read. Of course, Lowe's didn't have any in stock and even if they did, you would have to know what size you needed. When asked about size, I told the gentleman working there, "You know, standard." He chuckled and then he handed me a brochure and a MyLowes card.

So, what was this piece of paper and plastic card he handed me? Well, it was the greatest thing I'd ever been given at a hardware store. It was a way to manage, track, and dream about all things home. Lowe's had created a way for me to upload all sorts of information pertaining to my home online at MyLowe's account (for free) and bring it with me every time I went to the store. Thus, making the "What size windows?" question easily answered.

I can load the types of filters the fridge and the A/C unit use, the type of stains and paints used for various projects, and the light bulb sizes for every fixture in the house. It is a Type-A Homemaker's dream come true!

I can't wait to get all the measurements, paint schemes, and maintenance parts loaded on this card. I have a feeling it will make my future trips to the hardware store blissful!

Declutter & Organize Challenge :: Days 14 & 15

Declutter & Organize Challenge!


One of my favorite bloggers is at it again! Crystal Paine from Money Saving Mom has offered her readers a 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home printable checklist to go along with her recent blog series. You can visit Crystal's blog and either subscribe to her 4 week challenge to receive daily emails or read through each of her individual posts.

Throughout the month, I'll be completing Crystal's 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home with several of my friends and readers. I'll list each challenge daily on Texas Homemaking, as well as via Twitter and Facebook. I'll post before/after pics of a few of the tasks - as long as you all promise not to judge me too harshly if things might get a little chaotic.

Challenge # 14 - Clean out the junk drawer!

I definitely have had one of these.


I'm ashamed to show you all such a mess. I found a new debit card, all the stamps I could ever need, gift cards, a brand new flash light, and 45 cents.


This is it  - a notepad, sd cards, cds, a stapler, tissues, headphones, a handful of reward cards and a bag of box tops.

Challenge #15 - Clean your computer. Wipe down the screen. Replace the mouse batteries. Clean up the email clutter.

This is an easy enough task, but I bet you spend most of your time deleting emails!

Enjoy your weekend. We've got one week left!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Experimental Recipes :: Refrigerator Pickles


We've been growing a garden with another family this summer. One of our largest producers are the cucumber plants. I think the last cucumber harvested was over a foot long!

Since we had so many of them, I decided to make refrigerator pickles. I've never made these before, and I was a little nervous about proceeding. I searched the internet for a recipe and then adapted it to what I had on hand. It was not a bit complicated and it didn't make my house smell horrible either.

Let's begin!

Ingredients:

6 cups of sliced cucumbers
1 1/2 cups white vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons of pickling spices
4 garlic cloves, sliced thinly






First, place the sliced cucumbers into a jar(s).


Combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices in a pot and bring them to a boil.


Boil for one minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a minute.


Pour the liquid over the cucumber slices. It is okay if the liquid does not completely cover the cucumbers, as they will make their own liquid. Allow the jars to cool. Refrigerate for at least 4 days before serving. Pickles can last up to one month in the fridge. Enjoy!

After the fourth day, I popped open a jar. Wow! I made pickles!!! They were approved by the husband and the children and will continue to be a staple in the house. I hope yours turn out well, too.




Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Declutter & Organize Challenge :: Day 13

Declutter & Organize Challenge!


One of my favorite bloggers is at it again! Crystal Paine from Money Saving Mom has offered her readers a 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home printable checklist to go along with her recent blog series. You can visit Crystal's blog and either subscribe to her 4 week challenge to receive daily emails or read through each of her individual posts.

Throughout the month, I'll be completing Crystal's 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home with several of my friends and readers. I'll list each challenge daily on Texas Homemaking, as well as via Twitter and Facebook. I'll post before/after pics of a few of the tasks - as long as you all promise not to judge me too harshly if things might get a little chaotic.

Challenge #13 - Clean the top of your kitchen cabinets and the top of your refrigerator. Wipe down the outside of the kitchen cabinets.

If your fridge has a ton of clutter up top, go through it! Throw out what you don't need and find a new place to put your fridge clutter.

Good luck!

Texas Fun :: Summer Festivals & Events

Summer officially begins today! All around the state. family friendly events and festivals are kicking off.

June 28th - July 29th:


The Texas Shakespeare Festival, held annually in Kilgore, will open next week. Festival company members come from all over the country to be a part of the productions. This year's playlist include: The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Liar, Measure for Measure, Blood Brothers, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), and the children's play: The Quest for the Lost Chalice. Please visit the festival's webpage for tickets and show times.

July 4th:



The best celebration of the summer! Find your local fireworks display location, grab a dessert picnic, and salute our country. If you happen to be in Fort Hood, stop by Sadowski Field for a free concert with American Idol Kelly Clarkson and a 30 minute firework show. Attended by over 100,000 Texans annually, this Freedom Fest salutes our country and military. The festival grounds open at 1pm, with the concert beginning at 7:40pm.

July 27th - 29th:


The Great Texas Balloon Race will be held in conjunction with the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships at the East Texas Regional Airport in Longview. This year's events will attract competitors from all over the U.S. and world. Advance tickets are $12 per adult each day and may be purchased online through Out House Tickets or locally at Brookshires. Ticket prices at the gate are $15. Children 12 and under are admitted free. There will be free admission on Sunday. Each evening, pending wind conditions, balloon pilots will participate in the yearly balloon glow. Locals can also "chase" balloons as they race across the city. This event provides for some amazing photo ops!

July 28th - August 19th:


The World Soaring Championships will be held at Garner Field in Uvalde for 2012. Soaring has been a part of Uvalde's history for the past 26 years ~ you definitely don't want to miss this event! 120 pilots from 40 countries will vie for top soarer. There will be two main events daily for the public to watch the launch and the return of the gliders. Glider rides will be available at a cost.

Are you making plans for to attend any summer events or festivals this year? Have any not on my list? Please share them!



Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Texas Homemaking was Hacked!

Have you ever been hacked? Well, Texas Homemaking was hacked yesterday around 6pm. I went frantic for about 11 minutes until I finally found a phone number to call. I had no idea if the respondent on the other end of the line could help me. I can't tell you how many times I've called for help regarding an appliance or a program only to be utterly let down.

Sixteen minutes later, I was conversing with a LIVE person from my domain server. He apologized profusely and added my name to the "immediate and severe" list. Before I hung up, he had promised to have Texas Homemaking fully restored by the end of the night.

At 7:45, Texas Homemaking was back online! Thank you tech guys!

June's Declutter & Organize Challenge :: Day 12 & Cleaning Tip #7

Declutter & Organize Challenge!


One of my favorite bloggers is at it again! Crystal Paine from Money Saving Mom has offered her readers a 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home printable checklist to go along with her recent blog series. You can visit Crystal's blog and either subscribe to her 4 week challenge to receive daily emails or read through each of her individual posts.

Throughout the month, I'll be completing Crystal's 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home with several of my friends and readers. I'll list each challenge daily on Texas Homemaking, as well as via Twitter and Facebook. I'll post before/after pics of a few of the tasks - as long as you all promise not to judge me too harshly if things might get a little chaotic.

Challenge #12 - Clean out the microwave and the stove top!


Every Friday, I scrub out the microwave. However, after searching on Pinterest for some new microwave tips, I wanted to share my new favorite with you.

Cleaning Tip #7 : The Lemon Method

First, cut a lemon in half. Place it cut-side down on a plate; add one tablespoon of water to the plate. Then, microwave the lemon dish for three minutes. Wipe down the microwave with a towel and wash the rotating plate. Don't forget to wipe down the inner glass door as well as the outside of your microwave.


Don't throw away your lemon if you have a garbage disposal; lemons make great disposal cleaners!


I clean my glass stove top everyday - usually after the elements have cooled. I swear by Weiman's glass cook top formula and a simple kitchen rag. If things are looking really bad, I use Weiman's red scrub pad to help with burnt residue.




 

Monday, June 18, 2012

Texas Made :: Sign Language


In a previous post, I mentioned my husband and I attending the Funky Finds indie art show in Longview. A local artisan (she's from Kilgore) named Kathy Adams was present.

Kathy creates hand-made, vintage chic signs under the name Sign Language. A combination of lovely paint and artsy papers ensures these signs are uniquely styled.

We spotted a sign painted in creams and blues adorned with paper blue birds and the phrase "Our Nest." It was quickly wrapped and packaged and bound for the Lake (Jake's parents). 

Besides the one we purchased, Sign Language offers a plethora of signs in all shades of colors. Kathy also takes custom orders.

I'm planning on placing an order in the future for my youngest son's birthday. There is a quote by A.A. Milne which reads, "Promise me you'll always remember: you're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." I think Mr. Milne wrote this for my son.

To contact Kathy about her signs, email her at adamskathy@yahoo.com Let her know you heard about her from Texas Homemaking!



A Peak into the Library :: Favorite Children's Picture Books


Ever since the first time I read the words out of a National Geographic magazine, I have loved to read. I believe the most important thing you ever learn in this life is to read, because through reading you can learn anything else there is to know.

As an avid reader, our home library is quite large. It grows daily (especially when I am shopping for new curriculum). I even added five books to the collection this afternoon!

We have a lot of favorites in various genres. Today, I'd like to share with you my children's favorite list of picture books. We made this list together for the readers of Texas Homemaking. You may have read some of these, while others maybe be unknown. These are all wonderful reads, I promise!

Do you have any favorites you'd like to add? If so, please share in the comment section!

The Norris Boys' Favorite Children's Picture Books List

  • Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
  • Hedgie Blasts Off by Jan Brett
  • Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sandek
  • Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
  • A Children's Anthology of Poetry edited by Elizabeth Sword
  • How much is a Million? by David Swartz
  • Strega Nona by Tomie de Paola
  • Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
  • Lowly Worm's Story Book by Richard Scarry
  • Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk
  • Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus
  • The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
  • Go! Dog, Go! by Dr. Seuss
  • The Jolly Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
  • Bear Snores On by Kharma Wilson
  • Icarus at the Edge of Time by Brian Greene
  • The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
  • The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter
  • The Berenstain Bears series
  • D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

Remake America :: Update



The next video installment of Remake America can be viewed today!I encourage you all to visit the Selexman's Yahoo! News page and journey with them on their voyage to financial freedom.

Let them know you read about them on Texas Homemaking! If you leave a comment on their page, I'll enter you into a drawing for some great Yahoo! swag headed my way!

June's Declutter & Organize Challenge :: Day 10 & 11

Declutter & Organize Challenge!


One of my favorite bloggers is at it again! Crystal Paine from Money Saving Mom has offered her readers a 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home printable checklist to go along with her recent blog series. You can visit Crystal's blog and either subscribe to her 4 week challenge to receive daily emails or read through each of her individual posts.

Throughout the month, I'll be completing Crystal's 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home with several of my friends and readers. I'll list each challenge daily on Texas Homemaking, as well as via Twitter and Facebook. I'll post before/after pics of a few of the tasks - as long as you all promise not to judge me too harshly if things might get a little chaotic.

Challenge #10 - Dust all ceiling fans in the house and wipe down all light fixtures. Check to see if they have bugs trapped inside, if so, remove and wash out.

Challenge #11 - Clean out your utensil drawer. Pull out the tray and empty all debris from it (crumbs, dust). Vacuum out the drawer and remove any unused items in it.

I've actually completed both of these challenges less than a week ago. I usually dust on Fridays, and all the kitchen drawers were emptied and cleaned for the upcoming garage sale. It's nice to have a reprieve!



Weekly Goals :: 6/18 - 6/23/212


Last week I posted a few of my weekly goals. I've crossed out and added to the goal list. Did you get your goals accomplished? Did you set new ones?



Goals for 6/11 - 6/17/2012

Home
1. Price garage sale items
2. June's Declutter & Organize Challenge days 6-10
3. Weekly chores
4. Weed front bed and remove wasp nest, again

Family
1. 4H record book with eldest
2. Be spontaneous for adventure day with the boys
3. Take Duchess to the dog park We just didn't get around to this due to all the rain...and the fact I didn't want a muddy dog in my car : ) Maybe this week!
4. Bake a cake for Jake - just because : )
5. Continue working on school year plans

Volunteering
1. JMG garden - begin planning seed planting for the Fall garden
2. Prepare for next week's JMG class

Personal
1. Work on being less critical this week
2. Continue reading The Lady in Gold  by Anne Marie O'Connor and Shine, Shine, Shine by Lydia Netzer (a fellow homeschooler from Virginia) I finished The Lady in Gold and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm more than halfway through Shine, Shine, Shine and love it!
3. Finish up all projects before beginning others

Before I share this weeks goals, I wanted to tell you all about one of my personal goals: being less critical. I think I did well on this task. I made sure I accepted things for what they were; not what they could or should be. I changed my attitude for a more positive outlook even when things were not what I wanted or how they turned out. And do you know what? I got amazing results!

Goals for 6/18 - 6/23/2012

Home
1. Plan menu through the end of the month.
2. Drop donation items off at the Goodwill.
3. Pack down old dishes.
4. Purchase flea meds for Duchess.
5. Begin week 3 of the 4 Week Challenge.

Family
1. Youngest to summer Olympics at Church.
2. Eldest to last piano lesson for the month.
3. Logs to the summer reading program at the library.
4. Work on family vacation planning.
5. Spend an afternoon with friends.

Volunteering
1. Teach the JMG class : Soil Color, Texture, and Structure.
2. Deliver canned food donations to the East Texas Food Bank.

Personal
1. Set-up Vocal Point's RSVP party.
2. Advance writing for blog.
3. Create a new DIY project list.
4. Finish working on curriculum selections for fall (eldest's).
5. Work on saying yes more!
6. Continue reading Shine, Shine, Shine by Lydia Netzer and begin Cleaning 
   House by Kay Wills Wyma.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father's Day :: Geocaching with Dad

Jake looking up our next cache!

I'm hoping all the wonderful Dads out there are enjoying their day! If you've already had lunch and are still wanting to do something unique with your father this afternoon, give geocaching a shot!

We found it...

You might be wondering what geocaching is all about, so let me give you a little background. Gecocaching began in 2000 after the Global Positioning Satellite system was retrofitted with an upgrade. By May of that year, the first cache was planted in Oregon to test the accuracy of the system. Once the initial cache was discovered, the sport grew overnight. As of this morning, there were 53,898 caches listed for the State of Texas.

...now what's inside?

Have a smart phone? Then, head over to your App Store and download Groundspeak's instant GPS app. Apple had a lite version for free, or you can purchase the full version for $9.99. We used the lite version the last time we went out; we are planning on purchasing the full version this week before our summer vacation.

If you don't have a smart phone, no worries. You can visit Groundspeak, the global GPS hunt site, and download coordinates for nearby caches to your handheld GPS unit. We have used this route in the past and it worked great!

Modern day treasure hunters!

Once you've visited the website, create a handle for you or your family to use when logging found or missing caches. Make sure you always proceed with caution when retrieving boxes. Snakes, spiders, poison ivy, and more are in the great outdoors - so are these boxes (well, at least the majority of them).

He found the cross in the cache!

Don't forget to bring cool swag to leave behind for the next visitor. You can even purchase geo coins and other trackables from Groundspeak. Trackables allow the finder to post their current location or the new cache they get transported from. We've found trackables from Alaska and even Europe.

Good luck and Happy Father's Day!