Do you bento? Do you know what bento or obento is? As we finish up our second week of homeschool I have realized that I really miss making lunches for my boys. Zane loved taking his lunch, while the other two boys would take theirs occasionally. When I sent Zane's lunch, I packed him a bento box. I truly miss this fun, creative way of preparing food for my children and have thought maybe I could still pack them these great little boxes full of goodies even while being homeschooled. Why not? They need to eat lunch anyway!
So, what is a bento box? A bento box is a complete, balanced and visually appealing meal packed into a small reusable box.
Why pack a bento box? There are several reasons why packing a bento box is a great idea: 1) this is a great way to exercise portion control. Great for adults! 2) This is a great way to pack a variety of foods in a small space. 3) When you have picky eaters, the attractive way food is displayed might encourage them to try it! Visually appealing food is always more interesting than something flopped onto a cafeteria tray. Pack some things your picky eater likes and sneak a few new items in there. 4) It saves money. Once you buy a bento box or similar container simply use leftovers as the base and add in some great items for a great look.
How do you pack a bento lunch? Packing 'rules' are pretty simple. Just 3 parts carbohydrates, such as rice or pasta, 1 part protein and 2 parts fruits and vegetables. Not only are you looking for nutrition, you are looking to add colors and textures. Pack the box and use 'fillers' to fill in the gaps. Good items include grapes, cherry tomatoes, and cheese cubes. Use silicone baking cups, small plastic lidded containers, etc. to keep everything in its place.
What do you pack in a bento? Almost anything can be used. We use leftovers, we make roll-ups with flavored tortilla wraps. Be creative! Obviously some foods work better than others. Foods that are rather wet should be packed in a separate lidded container. Some great things to do are just add a simple twist to a child's favorite food. Slice it, cut it into shapes, can it be made a different, fun color? We just do a few fun things like add some food coloring to the water when we make rice. Presto! Blue rice or green rice... Freeze individual sized portions in the shape of patties, balls or little mounds, and they are ready to add to a box.
So, that is just a little info. on bento boxes. There are so many great sites on the web for more information on bentos. Check them out. In the meantime, fix a bento lunch for yourself or your children and see how much fun eating this way can be.
Bon appetit! Or perhaps "Douzo meshiagare" (Japanese for 'enjoy your meal')
Friday, September 11, 2009
Saturday, September 05, 2009
The back-to-school socialist agenda
As the new school year gears up, public school students throughout this country will be watching our nations leader. On September 8th, as students return to school, our president will make an unprecedented live speech to these children. The fact that our tax dollars are being 'used to indoctrinate America's children to his socialist agenda' is absolutely appalling! Although in the past we have had our presidents address our school students, those speeches have not been agenda-driven. They encouraged students to stay in school and to stay off drugs. They did not tell children to go home and tell their parents why everyone needs Obamacare. They did not tell children to be open to new things, that the old way of thinking was dangerous.
This speech is coming from a president determined to shove 'Obamacare' down the throats of every American. Sorry it this offends you, but NO, health care is not a right! It is a privilege. Just like owning a home is a privilege, or owning a car.
Let's also remember that this is the president that has given us those not-to wonderful bank bailouts, oh, and all that stimulus money, and let's not forget 'cash for clunkers'. Let us not forget that this is the same man that has done countless things to show a lack of respect for this country and what it is based on. The same man that prides himself on being the first president to openly support homosexual behavior, and even goes so far as to encourage all gay couples to take a stand and get married, despite state laws prohibiting it. How about the fact that his wife, a woman in her 40's announced just over a year ago that for the first time in her life she is proud to be an American? Very impressive destruction for such a short amount of time.
Anyway, back to the back-to-school socialist agenda that will be heading to all public schools next week. What is asked of these students is a far cry from the 'Just Say No' days of our former presidents.
I would like to say if more people would remember what this country was built on, if more people would stand up and say "I am proud to be an American!" If more people would announce I believe in God, I believe in Jesus Christ, if more people would take a stand, we could, we would win this battle. Sadly, they are slowly silencing every Christian. Right now it isn't with physical violence, but it could be soon. Right now they are yanking our freedoms away from us, and from our children! Right now WE are considered a hateful bunch because we don't 'accept diversity'
What does this have to do with a televised speech to our school children you may ask. The time to indoctrinate someone is when they are still young, when they will easily accept new ideas. They know this. They know that they can get in there, make a speech and all these young children will hear what a great idea this is, or how much better that idea will make our lives, or how if you don't accept this or that then you are not being a very nice person, and we don't want to hurt anyone, right? Teachers will stand in awe of this man that they have elected and the children will hear how he will save us with health care, how he will save our planet, how he will make everyone excepted, not matter who they are.... and every little head of every little school-aged child will bob up and down in agreement. A new little Democrat bobblehead.
This speech is coming from a president determined to shove 'Obamacare' down the throats of every American. Sorry it this offends you, but NO, health care is not a right! It is a privilege. Just like owning a home is a privilege, or owning a car.
Let's also remember that this is the president that has given us those not-to wonderful bank bailouts, oh, and all that stimulus money, and let's not forget 'cash for clunkers'. Let us not forget that this is the same man that has done countless things to show a lack of respect for this country and what it is based on. The same man that prides himself on being the first president to openly support homosexual behavior, and even goes so far as to encourage all gay couples to take a stand and get married, despite state laws prohibiting it. How about the fact that his wife, a woman in her 40's announced just over a year ago that for the first time in her life she is proud to be an American? Very impressive destruction for such a short amount of time.
Anyway, back to the back-to-school socialist agenda that will be heading to all public schools next week. What is asked of these students is a far cry from the 'Just Say No' days of our former presidents.
I would like to say if more people would remember what this country was built on, if more people would stand up and say "I am proud to be an American!" If more people would announce I believe in God, I believe in Jesus Christ, if more people would take a stand, we could, we would win this battle. Sadly, they are slowly silencing every Christian. Right now it isn't with physical violence, but it could be soon. Right now they are yanking our freedoms away from us, and from our children! Right now WE are considered a hateful bunch because we don't 'accept diversity'
What does this have to do with a televised speech to our school children you may ask. The time to indoctrinate someone is when they are still young, when they will easily accept new ideas. They know this. They know that they can get in there, make a speech and all these young children will hear what a great idea this is, or how much better that idea will make our lives, or how if you don't accept this or that then you are not being a very nice person, and we don't want to hurt anyone, right? Teachers will stand in awe of this man that they have elected and the children will hear how he will save us with health care, how he will save our planet, how he will make everyone excepted, not matter who they are.... and every little head of every little school-aged child will bob up and down in agreement. A new little Democrat bobblehead.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Ooops!
I guess it is going to take a while to adjust to homeschool. This morning (yep, day 3) the teacher overslept! When my alarm went off at 6:30 I thought, 'Oh, just a few more minutes.' Later, when the alarm went off signaling time to wake up the boys I thought, 'Oh, it's already to late to keep to our schedule, so what's a few more minutes' Well, about 8:30 Zane came in and woke me up and asked if we were taking the day off. My response? "We'll see." Third day of school and I wasn't motivated enough to get up! So, sometime around 9:30 we started school. We almost put in a full day, if you don't count that we skipped Science and doing our vocab. words, and maybe 1 or 2 other things. But hey... I am trying!
Ian is already on his third assigned reading book. He just loves to read. Ryan is reading The Red Badge of Courage, Zane is reading White Fang and Ian is now reading Bud, Not Buddy. He has already read Swiss Family Robinson and Woodsong. For the assigned reading a made a list of several catagories, with plenty of books under each listing. I then let them pick books from each catagory, so they could decide based on what sounds more interesting to them. Ian already has his next two books picked out: 'Robinson Crusoe' and 'A Night to Remember'
Okay, time for History...
Ian is already on his third assigned reading book. He just loves to read. Ryan is reading The Red Badge of Courage, Zane is reading White Fang and Ian is now reading Bud, Not Buddy. He has already read Swiss Family Robinson and Woodsong. For the assigned reading a made a list of several catagories, with plenty of books under each listing. I then let them pick books from each catagory, so they could decide based on what sounds more interesting to them. Ian already has his next two books picked out: 'Robinson Crusoe' and 'A Night to Remember'
Okay, time for History...
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
First Day of School
Well, yesterday was our first day of school for the 2009-2010 school year. We have a Sophomore and 2 seventh graders this year. Not sure I am ready for this after taking a year off, but I know God will be with us, no matter what choices we feel we need to make.
Ryan will be taking a Biology dissection class with a homeschool group. Yea! I just couldn't teach that at home. We have been discussing CAP and a few other things to supplement their education this year. Zane isn't sure he wants to be homeschooled this year, but Ryan and Ian say they do. I guess we'll see...
After having a year off from teaching I am hoping I can get back into this. I am very torn, enjoying the freedom that I have while they are in a government school, but on the other hand, I seriously don't want them there. I am also battling with the stress of homeschooling, and all that goes with that, and do I really need that stress added to the stress I already have while Jim is in Iraq. Not to mention, will I be adequately teaching my high school student, or will he suffer because I kept him home...?
Well, the step has been made and homeschool was our choice, and with 2 days under our belt, I feel even more uncertain than I did just a few days ago. I know God will be with us and will guide us, and that is my only reassurance.
Ryan will be taking a Biology dissection class with a homeschool group. Yea! I just couldn't teach that at home. We have been discussing CAP and a few other things to supplement their education this year. Zane isn't sure he wants to be homeschooled this year, but Ryan and Ian say they do. I guess we'll see...
After having a year off from teaching I am hoping I can get back into this. I am very torn, enjoying the freedom that I have while they are in a government school, but on the other hand, I seriously don't want them there. I am also battling with the stress of homeschooling, and all that goes with that, and do I really need that stress added to the stress I already have while Jim is in Iraq. Not to mention, will I be adequately teaching my high school student, or will he suffer because I kept him home...?
Well, the step has been made and homeschool was our choice, and with 2 days under our belt, I feel even more uncertain than I did just a few days ago. I know God will be with us and will guide us, and that is my only reassurance.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
End of Summer
Hello everyone! (all 2 of you that read this blog!) I'm not very good at updating, but I thought I would do an 'end of summer' recap.
Jim left for Iraq recently, and it has been pretty tough on the boys and myself. I know I can do this, we have gone through long seperations before, but I don't want to have to do it. Most importantly, I don't want my boys to have to go through it.
That has been the major event this summer.
We did have a great week at Family Camp with our church family in July. The boys went to summer camp at Lake Ann Camp in June, and that time is always such a blessing. It is so great to see how God works in their lives. Jim got to come home for 72 hrs before leaving for Iraq, and that was the best part of the summer.
I haven't had much time for reading this summer. I think maybe 1 book, 2 tops! Although there a few I am still hoping to get to. Maybe they will have to wait for the long, freezing cold, Michigan winter!
I don't really remember watching any movies at the theater this summer either. I did rent 'The Jane Austen Book Club' and really enjoyed it. I am sure we have gone to the movies, I guess whatever we watched just didn't have a lasting impression!
I did have a great time visiting with my sister-in-law, Liz, twice this summer. I am also looking forward to a visit from Gail and her daughter, Sommer, later this month. I have had a lot of fun hanging out with some dear friends, especially those that went out with me on my anniversary, since Jim was gone.
Our God is so amazing, and I am so incredibly blessed, I owe all that I have, all that I am, and all that I will ever be to Him!
Jim left for Iraq recently, and it has been pretty tough on the boys and myself. I know I can do this, we have gone through long seperations before, but I don't want to have to do it. Most importantly, I don't want my boys to have to go through it.
That has been the major event this summer.
We did have a great week at Family Camp with our church family in July. The boys went to summer camp at Lake Ann Camp in June, and that time is always such a blessing. It is so great to see how God works in their lives. Jim got to come home for 72 hrs before leaving for Iraq, and that was the best part of the summer.
I haven't had much time for reading this summer. I think maybe 1 book, 2 tops! Although there a few I am still hoping to get to. Maybe they will have to wait for the long, freezing cold, Michigan winter!
I don't really remember watching any movies at the theater this summer either. I did rent 'The Jane Austen Book Club' and really enjoyed it. I am sure we have gone to the movies, I guess whatever we watched just didn't have a lasting impression!
I did have a great time visiting with my sister-in-law, Liz, twice this summer. I am also looking forward to a visit from Gail and her daughter, Sommer, later this month. I have had a lot of fun hanging out with some dear friends, especially those that went out with me on my anniversary, since Jim was gone.
Our God is so amazing, and I am so incredibly blessed, I owe all that I have, all that I am, and all that I will ever be to Him!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
It's Rawesome!
LO'S RAWESOME 7-LAYER SALAD
serves 1
spinach
3 mushrooms, halved & sliced
6 raspberries
1/4 bell pepper, sliced thin
raisins, just a small handful
3 tsp. salsa
1 Tbls. raw pumpkin seeds
1 T. flax seed oil, or to taste
salt & pepper, to taste
In a bowl place a big handful of spinach. I use about 3 oz. Layer the sliced mushrooms on top of the spinach. Drizzle with some flax seed oil. Sprinkle the handful of raisins over the mushrooms. Arrange the raspberries and bell pepper slices attractively over the raisins. You can use any color of bell pepper, but the orange ones look good, adding some extra color. Add several small spoonfuls of salsa, either in the center, or along the edges of the bowl. (make it look good!)Sprinkle the raw pumpkin seeds over the salad, add salt and pepper to taste. I also like a pinch of dill on top.
I just love this salad. It is tangy, sweet, crunchy and smooth all at the same time. No more typical '7-layer salad' with boiled eggs, bacon, sour cream and mayo. This is better than that could ever be, and so much healthier. Enjoy!
serves 1
spinach
3 mushrooms, halved & sliced
6 raspberries
1/4 bell pepper, sliced thin
raisins, just a small handful
3 tsp. salsa
1 Tbls. raw pumpkin seeds
1 T. flax seed oil, or to taste
salt & pepper, to taste
In a bowl place a big handful of spinach. I use about 3 oz. Layer the sliced mushrooms on top of the spinach. Drizzle with some flax seed oil. Sprinkle the handful of raisins over the mushrooms. Arrange the raspberries and bell pepper slices attractively over the raisins. You can use any color of bell pepper, but the orange ones look good, adding some extra color. Add several small spoonfuls of salsa, either in the center, or along the edges of the bowl. (make it look good!)Sprinkle the raw pumpkin seeds over the salad, add salt and pepper to taste. I also like a pinch of dill on top.
I just love this salad. It is tangy, sweet, crunchy and smooth all at the same time. No more typical '7-layer salad' with boiled eggs, bacon, sour cream and mayo. This is better than that could ever be, and so much healthier. Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Time Flies
The last time I posted we were experiencing the wonderful, warm summers of Michigan. Now we are just over a week from Thanksgiving. Where has the time gone?
It seems like just yesterday I was sending my babies off to school. Yes, after 6 years of homeschooling all my little guys are in school. My oldest 'baby' is a Freshmen this year and my little 'babies' are now in 6th grade. They are doing very well, and for the most part really enjoy it. For me, it was a little hard to adapt, but I am kind of enjoying my new found freedom. There are times when the house seems a little quiet and lonely, and years worth of school books are collecting dust, but we all seem to have found our niche and are doing well.
When we decided to put all the boys into school this year we had all agreed that if they didn't like school we would go back to homeschooling. However, they had to give it a try, and our time frame was Thanksgiving. If by Thanksgiving they didn't like public school, then they could return home. They have all decided to stay in school for the time being.
There have been some changes going on, too many to write here. The highlights are: My parents will be returning from Europe for a visit in the spring, so we have that to look forward to. On the flip side, I am not looking forward to spring, because hubby will be going to Iraq, and I am not ready to have him gone again. I do the best I can to just know that we are all in God's hands, and He will take care of us.
Now, our beautiful summer weather has passed away, given way to falling leaves and dropping temperatures. We had our first real snowfall just yesterday. Just days before we had incredible weather with temps in the 70's. It was such a blessing, as I am not ready for winter. I stay ice cold from about mid-October through mid-May. One would think that after living in 'the great white north' for 4+ years I would have adapted just a little. Nope. I think my body will forever long for those warm Florida winters, and summers that are so hot you just don't want to go outside unless you are heading to the beach. Somehow the ocean water and those tropical breezes make the heat tolerable.
In a totally different climate, what makes the cold tolerable? As you run from house to car to store and back. Drive in snow storms. Brave icy roads and parking lots. While heaters crank away at full blast, frost forms on window panes, and bodies shiver in the cold. What exactly makes this artic air tolerable? Part of me cannot grasp the desire to live in this cold. Part of me loves the first snowfall so much that I act like a child.I love every beautiful snowfall. I love curling up in a cozy blanket with a cup of hot chocolate or tea. I enjoy Christmas shopping with this incredible chill in the air. Snow on Christmas morning is just amazing. I don't enjoy any winter sports, unless reading by the fireplace has become a winter sport. I don't spend a great amount of time outside in the winter. However, this is something God has given us, and we should enjoy it. Find the silver lining. Look for the hidden beauty, or admire that obvious beauty. As much as I enjoy the beauty of a fresh snowfall, my silver lining is Spring. When new life blooms, flowers peek through the soil, grass springs to life, and trees begin to burst with color. I thank God for the winters we have, because those winters give us the most wonderful springs.
For now, I will relish the falling temps. and the falling snow. For there is a time for every season under heaven, and my time to 'hibernate' has arrived.
It seems like just yesterday I was sending my babies off to school. Yes, after 6 years of homeschooling all my little guys are in school. My oldest 'baby' is a Freshmen this year and my little 'babies' are now in 6th grade. They are doing very well, and for the most part really enjoy it. For me, it was a little hard to adapt, but I am kind of enjoying my new found freedom. There are times when the house seems a little quiet and lonely, and years worth of school books are collecting dust, but we all seem to have found our niche and are doing well.
When we decided to put all the boys into school this year we had all agreed that if they didn't like school we would go back to homeschooling. However, they had to give it a try, and our time frame was Thanksgiving. If by Thanksgiving they didn't like public school, then they could return home. They have all decided to stay in school for the time being.
There have been some changes going on, too many to write here. The highlights are: My parents will be returning from Europe for a visit in the spring, so we have that to look forward to. On the flip side, I am not looking forward to spring, because hubby will be going to Iraq, and I am not ready to have him gone again. I do the best I can to just know that we are all in God's hands, and He will take care of us.
Now, our beautiful summer weather has passed away, given way to falling leaves and dropping temperatures. We had our first real snowfall just yesterday. Just days before we had incredible weather with temps in the 70's. It was such a blessing, as I am not ready for winter. I stay ice cold from about mid-October through mid-May. One would think that after living in 'the great white north' for 4+ years I would have adapted just a little. Nope. I think my body will forever long for those warm Florida winters, and summers that are so hot you just don't want to go outside unless you are heading to the beach. Somehow the ocean water and those tropical breezes make the heat tolerable.
In a totally different climate, what makes the cold tolerable? As you run from house to car to store and back. Drive in snow storms. Brave icy roads and parking lots. While heaters crank away at full blast, frost forms on window panes, and bodies shiver in the cold. What exactly makes this artic air tolerable? Part of me cannot grasp the desire to live in this cold. Part of me loves the first snowfall so much that I act like a child.I love every beautiful snowfall. I love curling up in a cozy blanket with a cup of hot chocolate or tea. I enjoy Christmas shopping with this incredible chill in the air. Snow on Christmas morning is just amazing. I don't enjoy any winter sports, unless reading by the fireplace has become a winter sport. I don't spend a great amount of time outside in the winter. However, this is something God has given us, and we should enjoy it. Find the silver lining. Look for the hidden beauty, or admire that obvious beauty. As much as I enjoy the beauty of a fresh snowfall, my silver lining is Spring. When new life blooms, flowers peek through the soil, grass springs to life, and trees begin to burst with color. I thank God for the winters we have, because those winters give us the most wonderful springs.
For now, I will relish the falling temps. and the falling snow. For there is a time for every season under heaven, and my time to 'hibernate' has arrived.
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