Homeschooling

After thinking long and hard, we have decided to homeschool our 8 year old, ADHD son. Things at school are not going well for him. He can't stop fidgeting, even on his meds, can't sit still, talks too much, can't focus, can't concentrate, etc. 

Last year, before we had him diagnosed, we had a HUGE problem with major tantrums (meltdowns) through out the day. Everyday, he would tell us he didn't want to go to school and from there it was a major battle for him to get ready. Usually it ended with him on the ground throwing a 2 year old type tantrum. 

Now that he is on meds, we don't have meltdowns very often anymore, Thank God. But, he is with a new teacher and I don't know if she is equipped to handle him (this is her first year teaching also). All I know is he no longer wants to be at school. It's become a major problem. 

Now don't get me wrong, this kid loves to learn! He isn't just sitting around not caring or not doing things. He is always excited when we learn stuff together. I think the classroom atmosphere is very difficult for him. I also think he is getting talked to a lot because of his Adhd behavior. He tries to do what he supposed to. He really does. I know what that was like as a kid and I do not want my children to have to experience being in trouble ALL the time. I don't want him to lose his spark.

The best part about all this: He is so excited that he will be doing school at home. He has been telling me all the things he wants to learn and do. It is so neat to see the excitement in him. I hope that all my children remember to love learning. 

My Youngest and My Oldest

I'm glad I have pictures like this. They help me remember that I like him and his 14 year old, argumentative, self. 

Driving

Tuesday, as I was leaving school, I pissed off another driver. I had turned my blinker on and got in front of him. He proceeded to throw his hands up, honk, and then stared at me as he passed me. (I had gotten into the turn lane.) So, I flipped him off. I mean, what a jerk, to stare at me like that. Shit, I had my blinker on. 

Well, he turned around and followed me to the parking lot where I was meeting my husband. He then drove up to where our windows meet and proceeded to stare at me with his window still up. I stared back. After about 15 seconds of just staring, he signaled to me to roll my window down. I did. Why not? Luckily, my hubby was standing right with me, I just don't think the guy saw him.  

Him: "Why did you flip me off?"

Me: "Because you were throwing up your hands and staring at me all rudely."

Him: "Why did you cut me off?"

Me: "I didn't, I had my blinker on." 

Him: "No you didn't. (I think he was to busy staring at all the college girls.) Who do you work for?"

You see, I drive a 15 passenger van so I must work for someone because no one would CHOOSE to drive one. 

Me: "I don't work for anyone." 

Him: "I will find out who you work for. I have your license plate number."

Me: "Okay. Whatever."

As he was leaving, Hubby tried to ask him something but he just kept going. Chicken shit. He can harass a woman but can't answer a question from her husband. Unfortunately, I didn't think of getting his license plate number until it was to late. I would have reported him for harassment. 

Then today:

I was picking up my kids from school and the parking lot gets a little out of control. I pulled out in front of someone (this time on accident) and she honked and threw up her hands. (do we see a pattern here?) I didn't do anything back this time. I just kept going. I learned my lesson after the last one. 

She FOLLOWED me most of the way home. When we got to the only light by my house, she finally turned. My oldest said that her kid held a sign out the window, but we don't know what it said. I will remember her car. It is a really small school. I will see her everyday for the rest of the year. (She is probably thinking the same thing about me and my car. The only difference? I didn't act all psycho and follow her.)

It's probably my driving. Maybe I drive like my mother and grandmother. But, I have never had these problems before with driving. It makes me want to give up driving.

I remembered to take a picture!

It's my baby's first day of preschool today. She was so excited! 

She is wearing her new school outfit that she picked out. Can you tell she likes pink?

I love this face! 

Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

Sorry, I forgot to take a picture. 

8 boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 15 oz. cans corn

2 15 oz. cans beans~kidney, black, pinto, your choice (I used great northern white beans because that's all I had)

2 16 ounce jars salsa (I use one medium heat and one mild)

32 ounces plain yogurt or sour cream (I use yogurt because it is so much lower in fat and calories and when added I can't tell the difference and neither can my kids.)

Shredded cheese 

Put all ingredients into the crock pot, except the yogurt and cheese. Cook on high for about 4 hours or low for about 6 to 8 hours. 

When chicken is cooked through, shred it as best you can. Add yogurt and stir well. Serve over rice and sprinkle a little cheese over the top. 

This recipe feeds the 7 of us with left overs. If you are a small family, cut it in half. 

Menu Plan for Week of 8/17/09-8/23/09

I haven't done a menu the last couple weeks and it really makes a difference. I really like knowing what to make for dinner ahead of time. I noticed I didn't want to eat out or "just grab something" when I had a menu. So, I am going to (hopefully) make it a weekly thing. 

I am trying a lot of new dishes this week because I get bored with the same old thing. I will try to post the recipes of the dishes we like. 

Monday:

B: Cinnamon raisin toast, yogurt, melon

D: Crockpot salsa chicken, rice, broccoli

Tuesday:

B: Zucchini Bread, apples

D: Tuna patty burgers, tater tots, corn

Wednesday:

B: Cereal

D: Skillet chili mac, salad

Thursday:

B: Oatmeal

D: Pasta Carbonara, bread, salad

Friday: (AKA: the day we spend at the park, usually, hopefully)

B: Egg Muffin Sandwich, grapes

D: Tuna helper (yes, the horrible, easy, boxed stuff), some veggie

Saturday:

B: Baked french toast

D: Quiche, salad

Sunday:

B: Apple Pie muffins

D: Daddy Night because I work through dinner. 

The new camera cont....

Today I am going to buy the memory stick for the new camera, finally. Someday, you all might get to see some pictures. 

Woohoo...Go Me!

I have finally, after 1 1/2 years of trying, hit my first goal weight. When I first started trying to lose weight I weighed 181 pounds and was a size 14. I am now a size 10 in pants and I am, once again, wearing medium tops. 

I got on the scale this morning, naked and before eating a darn thing, and it finally said 149.9 pounds. I have been trying to get into the 140's for about a year now. Last summer I reached 155 pounds and I have been anywhere between 155 and 160 pounds since then.

To get to 149.9 I had to really watch my portion sizes. I still eat whatever I want. I just eat a smaller portion of it. For example, instead of eating a whole candy bar I am learning to eat half of it one day and save the other half for another day or make someone share it with me. I also measure EVERYTHING I am eating. Calorie counting has been a good thing for me. I am probably staying around 1200 calories a day. 

It's been working out great. Although, I will tell you, the first three weeks were really hard. I found myself really hungry and it was extremely hard to NOT EAT. 

I can now honestly say it was totally worth it. 149.9!!! 

Well, I did it.

I sold my pretty camera-Nikon D80. 

Which is fine. I mean, let's face it, I didn't have time to learn all the wonderful things it actually does. The things I did know? Well, this pretty LITTLE thing does it all very well: 

This is a Sony Cyber-shot H20.  It is a more advanced point and shoot with manual capabilities. But, it is way smaller than the Nikon. This thing will actually fit in my purse. 

See, Hubby and I made a deal. I would sell the Nikon, but I get to chose a new camera because we need something to take pictures of the kids with. I decided that when the extra lens sold, I would get this beautiful Sony camera. Well, the lens sold and Hubby ordered this for me on Sunday. It is supposed to be here on Monday. (Added bonus? This camera cost me less than that wonderful lens.)

I am disappointed that we had to sell the Nikon. I really liked the idea of being an amateur photographer someday. It still could happen, but right now, I have to prioritize my life and this just wasn't a priority. And, I will still get to have fun playing with the new camera.

Trying something different

Last night, while working, I decided to make a menu for the week. I want to see if it helps us save money when it comes to grocery shopping. I took into account the meats and other items we already have. Here is what I came up with:

Sunday:

B: Cinnamon Rolls (these were given to us) and some fruit

D: Texas Pinto Beans, Grilled Chicken and cornbread

Monday (Hubby's Birthday):

B: Bisquits and Gravy with Sausage

D: Parmesan Chicken and some veggies

Tuesday:

B: Cereal

D: Meatloaf mini's, mashed potatoes and veggies

Wednesday:

B: 1/2 a cinnamon roll, egg and fruit

D: Bratwurst sausage in a roll with grilled green bell pepper and grilled onion, Salad

Thursday: 

B: Cereal

D: Burritos

Friday:

B: Breakfast burrito

D: Crockpot roast with carrots, onions, and potatoes, Crusty bread

Saturday:

B: Apple Pan Goody 

D: Daddy night

Sunday:

B: Stuffed French Toast, Fruit

D: Taco Salad

The best thing about having this menu? I feel like I have a plan.