I hope to be posting a picture of Matthew's renaissance costume soon, the fair was this weekend. I did not go but Matthew and Melissa did. He bought a wooden sword and a robin hood hat to add to his costume. It was a windy and sunny day, he also got a bad sunburn on his face and his nose is blistering. :(
Taco SaladLast week I did another canning session. I made stufado (basic Italian stew) from Bryanna's Nonna's Italian Kitchen Cookbook, brown basmati rice, TVP taco meat, gingered pear butter, and avjar (red pepper & eggplant salsa). The pear butter did not need to be pressure canned, but I had room and processed it under pressure like I did the rest for 1 hour 15 minutes. I also canned 4 pints of pears and stevia sweetened apple butter in my steam canner (like a hot water bath but uses less water and I like it better). These fruits take 20 minutes.
The lunch above is Guiltless Gourmet corn chips, taco meet on salad with purple onions, kalamata olives and red pepper, with a little chocolate.
Melissa will be testing for her first degree taekwondo black belt this evening. This picture is when she dressed for "celebrity" day at the public school. She taped a sign to her back that says "Chuck Norris" 8th degree black belt.No cookie baking was made this weekend with the renaissance fair going on. She also is involved in a play and has had musical practice every night of the week, in addition to her normal routine of school crossing guard, Taekwondo, piano, church youth group, and Friday night home football games. So there will be no cookies baked by her this week either. We get to eat a family supper together Wednesday night this week.... we will eat supper together that night! Not all kids can handle a schedule like this, but Melissa seems to be able to. She is partly home schooled still which allows her a little extra time since she only goes to the school for a few select classes. We received her last years test results not long ago and she tests at an average grade level of 16-18, at age 15, I think this has been due to her home school environment. I could preach you the praises of homeschooling but I'll spare you the hours. :)
I have been taking a few classes and a part of my goal was a secondary ed teaching license in Family and Consumer Science. My time to student teach is here, I start today. I packed three lunchboxes yesterday (Dave, Melissa, and Mine). I'm excited, anxious, prepared, and a whole mix of emotion that I cannot yet identify.
The little kitten we were feeding is growing. I have all of the kittens pictures on my other blog - the feline pal family.
We named "cream puff" TED.
Ted likes to sleep on his back.
18 comments:
The Taco Salad looks good. Good luck to your daughter on her Tae Kwon Do black belt test. That's awesome she is testing at school at a higher grade level. WTG :)
Hi! The kitties are adorable! The karate pic makes me want to take a class! And the Taco Salad...YUM! I love Mexican!
Oh! btw...Tara mentioned in the Vegan Recipe Area on Veggin Out that she's in need of a Chocolate Cake Recipe...wasn't sure if you had any suggestions...that are diabetic friendly that is.
Good luck with the new gig, Dori. I'm excited for you!
And congratulations and celebrations, Miss Melissa!
:D Mikaela
Good luck with the student teaching! And congrats to Melissa on her test scores and all her other accomplishments. I remember being super motivated and busy in high school, swim team, community theater, band, chorus, soft ball, college for kids courses…hmm wonder what happened to all of that. I get tired just thinking of being that busy now LOL!
I’ve just recently discovered TVP and love it! So far all I’ve made is the VwaV veggie chorizo, but I plan on making some chili with it soon, maybe some sloppy joes too. Thanks for linking the Ajvar recipe, I’ve got an eggplant and lots of peppers in my fridge that need using up.
why is that TVP meet highlighted but not taking me anywyere? I have a potluck this week and i agreed to bring taco meat...if i could make the best "meat" ever, i'd be pleased...help!
Congrats on your new job. I'd be kind of scared and nervous to student teach. You go girl!
I was watching a CSPAN book reading and I can't remember the name of the book but it was about how public schools are doing a huge diservice to children. I would definitely try to homeschool my children if I had any. You've certainly proved (with your own children) that homeschooling is the way to go. I remember watching a John Stossel TV show many years back and there was a guest talking about how we should privatize many public services (basically leaving only police, fire, and a handful of other services public) because in the private sector competition leads to better service. He asked the question, "When has a public serivce done better than a private service" and I have been hard pressed to come up with an answer. His example was red cross lifeguards versus private lifeguards. With hidden cameras, they showed the red cross lifeguards joking around, flirting, and not paying attention. The private lifeguards were always alert and attentive to their surroundings.
Ok, long rambling is over now.
Wish Melissa good luck for me. I think it's so cool that she's a back belt!
Bye!
YEA!! Melissa!! good luck! you go girl! I thought my 16 yr. old was busy working 2 jobs and high school and her ever important boyfriend..
I am betting you dori are looking very forward to wed. night and having a family dinner.
enjoy!
Dori, Ms. Student Teacher, this is very exciting! Hope you will keep us updated on how things go.
Melissa really DOES take after her mom. Look at how much she does every week. It's unbelievable. Love her stance in the taekwondo outfit as Chuck Norris. Hee hee. Wishing her the best of luck at her testing tonight!! And as far as the homeschooling... look at how she tests. That is truly a testament not only to homeschooling but to YOU, Dori. Do allow me to pat you on the bag and say GOOD JOB!
Sorry about Matthew's sunburn. Ouch! My nose used to burn every summer for years and years. It is not fun! Can aloe vera help??
Taco salad! Yummy. I remember as a kid my mom would make this for me (except using real meat, ugh!) and i loved that spicy flavor. Taco flavor used to be in Doritos back in the day and i recall eating that by the bagful as well. Wasn't i a healthy eater? Ha ha. Better to go for those Guiltless Gourmet... which i do love now!
Nice that you put a little chocolate there. Sweetness.
Hope you enjoy the Wednesday night family dinner! Of course you will.
Ted is adorable! Tyler, Tina, Ted... Hee hee, so cute! All of your kitties are comin' along beautifully. Bless them... and bless you!
How cute is that kitten...it's so precious looking.
You have a busy week ahead of you -- good luck with the student teaching. I know you'll do great!
Oooh taco salad, looks good! I have yet to use TVP but am definitely interested.
I'm so jealous of Melissa! I wish I had learned something like taekwondo. I guess it's not really too late..
ooh no- always wear sun screen! :(
Sorry i haven't commented much, just seems like there isn't enough time in the day
Your daughter is amazing for keeping that kind of schedule.
and I like the name TED :)
Teddy
Melissa is amazing! That's quite a schedule.. No doubt, she is helped by the great fuel you give her!
I can't wait to see the costume!
thankyouthankyouthankYOU Dori. i'm going to make that for my meat eating co-workers and see if they can tell the difference...um...too much so.
That kittie (and the others on the other site) are precious. Watch it, that tiny one will grow up to be quite a rambunctious, fearless cat. My Persy sure did, and she was no bigger than a single handful when we found her.
Sounds like you're having quite a time. Good luck with student teaching. :) :)
that looks good. sorry i haven't been on in a while...my blog tells all about it.
congrats and good luck to your girl!
wow - you canned so much! You don't mess around!
The salad is beautiful! I ahven't had a taco salad in ages.
I got some organic dark choc., Endangered Species brand, with tangerine in it. That stuff is delicious. Cherie
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