Seventh Grade Reading List

This year we have decided not to do unit studies with each book that the kids read off their required reading list. Instead they will be filling out this paper.

Below is the list of books that Alexzander will be reading for his seventh grade required reading.
To Build a Fire
The Chronicles of Narnia
Sounder
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer 
The Incredible Journey
 Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry
Bridge to Terabithia
Tuck Everlasting
My Side of the Mountain Trilogy
Watership Down

Struggles

There are days that I feel like I am crushing this whole mom thing, other days I feel like I am being crushed by it. Parenting is not for the faint of heart people. Trying to raise kids to be the best they can be can be brutal. This is a statement that I think most people would agree with, yet there is still far to many people that are belittling others choices.

It seems like everyone you meet has advice on what you should and should not be doing when it comes to raising kids. It will never matter how you are doing it, someone will always think you are doing it wrong. I have been told some pretty hurtful things over the years when it comes to raising kids. I am going to high light the two I seem to hear the most.

1. Home schooling will make your kids socially weird.

- I have heard this countless times, along with many other variations of it. It is simply not true. My kids were doomed to be weird from the start, I am their mother.

All joking aside, being home schooled does not mean my kids never see the light of day. It is not like they never see, or play other kids. My kids have loads of friends, not just limited to those in their age group. One of the great things about home schooling is that my kids get the chance to socialize with people of all age groups. Being able to relate to people of all ages will come in very handy in their adult lives.

2. You lead a different ( strange, weird ) lifestyle.

- First off, this is so rude! Why would you say something like this to someone? Second off, my lifestyle choices are exactly that, my choices. Yes, we may be a little different from the main stream, but so what?

We like GMO free, organic foods, it is our choice. I do not try to force it on anyone else.
We believe in natural living/medicine, again I do not try to force it on anyone else.
We lean mostly towards attachment parenting, but we do not try to force it on anyone else.
We home school, but do not try to force it on anyone else.
We are teaching our kids old school survival skills, including forage....yet again....we do not try to force it on anyone else.

It has been said a million times before and I am going to keep saying it. Stop putting your judgements on parents for things you may not personally agree with. As long as their children are cared for and loved, that is what really matters.

Everyone struggles, we need to help lift each other up. If someone comes to your with a struggle, give them helpful non judgemental advice, if you have it. If not, a listening ear is sometimes the only thing people need from you.

We need to start being kind. Your words matter.

Giving up meal planning ( this time for good )

After several months of taking a lot of time to make it, and still not following the meal plan I made,  I have decided to give up on meal planning, this time for good.

With that note, be watching my blog for new posts about what is going on in the kids' education, and several new recipe posts.

May Meal Plan

May 1st  - 5th
Tuesday
Breakfast - Oatmeal or cereal and fruit
Lunch - Macaroni and beef with broccoli
Dinner - Grilled cheese and tomato soup

Wednesday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or cereal and fruit
Lunch- Egg bake and watermelon
Dinner - Spaghetti and meatballs


Thursday
Breakfast- Oatmeal banana cookies
Lunch- Cheddar dogs and watermelon
Dinner- Chicken, potatoes, and veggies

Friday
Breakfast- Muffins
Lunch - Chicken and rice soup or leftovers
Dinner- Chicken pasta with squash sauce

Saturday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch - Sausage and cheese egg bake and fruit
Dinner - Chicken tacos and beans

May 6th - 12th
Sunday
Breakfast- Apple muffins
Lunch- Church lunch
Dinner - Baked chicken, potatoes, and veggies

Monday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Cheeseburger macaroni and broccoli
Dinner -

Tuesday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Roll ups and veggies with dip
Dinner - Family game night

Wednesday
Breakfast- Breakfast bars
Lunch - French toast and fruit
Dinner - Spaghetti and meatballs

Thursday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Leftovers
Dinner - Cheese burger chowder and salad

Friday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Homeschool group picnic
Dinner - Loaded potato meatloaf casserole and veggies

Saturday
Breakfast- Muffins
Lunch - Chicken strips, french fries, and veggies with dip
Dinner -  Sandwiches, cottage cheese, and celery with peanut butter

May 13th - 19th
Sunday
Mother's Day

Monday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Ravoli
Dinner - Hot ham and cheese sandwiches and salads

Tuesday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- PBJ roll ups and fruit
Dinner - Family game night

Wednesday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Pancakes and fruit
Dinner - Ham, potatoes, and veggies

Thursday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Tuna or ham sandwiches and veggies with dip
Dinner - Au grain ham and potatoes and veggies

Friday
Breakfast- Muffins
Lunch - Boiled dinner or leftovers
Dinner - Creamy chicken enchiladas, rice, and beans

Saturday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch - Sandwiches, cottage cheese, and veggies with dip
Dinner - Ham and cheese tortellini and veggies

May 20th - 26th
Sunday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Ham and cheese egg bake and fruit
Dinner - Cheesy ham and potato soup and rolls

Monday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Fried eggs, toast, and fruit
Dinner - Breakfast taquitos  ( making mine with ham and not sausage ) and fruit

Tuesday
Breakfast- Muffins
Lunch- Pancakes and fruit
Dinner - Family game night

Wednesday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Roll ups and veggies with dip
Dinner - Spaghetti and meatballs with salad

Thursday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Ravoli and salad
Dinner - Biscuits and gravy, eggs, and fruit

Friday
Breakfast- Breakfast bars
Lunch- Leftovers
Dinner - Chicken tacos, rice, and beans

Saturday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Dinner - Meatball sub casserole and veggies

May 27th - 31st
Sunday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch - Sandwiches, cottage cheese, and veggies with dip
Dinner - Roast sandwiches, fries, and veggies

Monday
Breakfast- Muffins
Lunch- Chicken strips, fries, and veggies/with dip
Dinner - Beef and noodles and green beans

Tuesday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Egg bake, toast and fruit
Dinner - Family game night

Wednesday
Breakfast - Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Fried eggs, toast, and fruit
Dinner - Grilled cheese and tomato soup

Thursday
Breakfast- Oatmeal or yogurt with fruit
Lunch- Roll ups and veggies with dip
Dinner - Chicken sandwiches, fries, and veggies with dip

Chickpea Salad

I am trying to eat healthier and lose weight right now. So I have been eating a lot of salads and veggies. Eating lettuce salads over and over again was getting really old. I have a bean salad at a local restaurant and I really loved it. This is my attempt to recreate it, and it is delicious!
It is a great dish to make for a gathering, it is simple, cheap, and refreshing!

Chickpea Salad -
1 large cucumber
1 large tomato
2 celery stalks
Dried parsley
2 cans chickpeas ( well drained )
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper

Slice your veggies to the desired size. Add beans and veggies to a bowl, toss well. Drizzle one tablespoon of lemon, one tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and parsley. Toss well, chill and serve.

April Meal Plan

1st - 7th
Sunday
Breakfast - Easter breakfast at church
Lunch - Gone
Dinner - Chicken and veggies

Monday
Breakfast - Oatmeal or cereal with fruit
Lunch - Gone
Dinner - Leftovers

Tuesday
Breakfast - Oatmeal or cereal with fruit
Lunch - Sandwiches/wraps and veggies
Dinner - Egg bake, toast, apple sauce, and hashbrowns

Wednesday
Breakfast - Oatmeal or cereal with fruit
Lunch -Hot dogs, mac and cheese and veggies
Dinner - Spaghetti and salad

Thursday
Breakfast - Oatmeal banana cookies
Lunch - Ravoli and veggies
Dinner - Biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, and fruit

Friday
Breakfast - Oatmeal or cereal with fruit
Lunch - Salads
Dinner - Chili

Saturday
Breakfast - Oatmeal or cereal with fruit
Lunch - Chicken sandwiches, fries, and veggies
Dinner - Eggs, toast, and fruit

8th - 14th
Sunday
Breakfast - Muffins
Lunch - Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Dinner - Gone

Monday
Breakfast - Oatmeal or cereal with fruit
Lunch - Chicken sandwiches and veggies
Dinner - Cheeseburger chowder or broccoli cheese

Tuesday
Breakfast - Oatmeal or cereal with fruit
Lunch - Pizza
Dinner - Crockpot lasagna and salad

Wednesday
Breakfast - Oatmeal or cereal with fruit
Lunch - Alexander's birthday
Dinner -Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn

Thursday
Breakfast - Fruit bars
Lunch - French toast and fruit
Dinner - Ham, veggies, and potatoes

Friday
Breakfast - Oatmeal or cereal with fruit
Lunch - Wraps and veggies
Dinner - At gratin potatoes and ham and veggies

Saturday
Breakfast - Muffins
Lunch - Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Dinner - Taco bar ( Alex's party )

15th - 21st
Sunday
Breakfast - Muffins
Lunch - Ham and cheese tortellini
Dinner - Boiled dinner or baked potato soup

Monday
Breakfast - Cereal or oatmeal with fruit
Lunch - Wraps and veggies
Dinner - Chicken, potatoes and carrots

Tuesday
Breakfast - Cereal or oatmeal with fruit
Lunch - Salads
Dinner - Chicken tacos, rice, and beans

Wednesday
Breakfast - Muffins
Lunch - Eggs, toast, and fruit
Dinner - Roast, creamy cheesy corn, salad, and potatoes

Thursday
Breakfast - Cereal or oatmeal with fruit
Lunch - Tuna sandwiches/wraps, cottage cheese, and veggies
Dinner - Spaghetti and salad

Friday
Breakfast - Fruit bars
Lunch - Chicken sandwiches, cottage cheese, and veggies
Dinner - Hot ham and cheese sandwiches and veggies

Saturday
Breakfast - Cereal or oatmeal with fruit
Lunch - Leftovers
Dinner - Pork roast, potatoes, and veggies

22nd - 28th
Sunday
Breakfast - Cereal or oatmeal with fruit
Lunch - Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Dinner - Breakfast burritos and fruit

Monday
Breakfast - Muffins
Lunch - Eggs, toast, and fruit
Dinner - Pork enchiladas in sour cream sauce, beans, and rice

Tuesday
Breakfast - Cereal or oatmeal with fruit
Lunch - Ravoli
Dinner - Pork tacos, rice, and beans

Wednesday
Breakfast - Cereal or oatmeal with fruit
Lunch - Salads
Dinner - BBQ pork sandwiches, potato wedges, and veggies

Thursday
Breakfast - Fruit bars
Lunch - Sandwiches/wraps and veggies
Dinner - Chicken pasta in squash sauce

Friday
Breakfast - Cereal or oatmeal with fruit
Lunch - Pancakes and fruit
Dinner - Biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and fruit

Saturday
Breakfast - Cereal or oatmeal with fruit
Lunch - Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Dinner - Spaghetti and salad

29th - 30th
Sunday
Breakfast - Muffins
Lunch - Hamburger mac and veggies
Dinner - Shredded roast sandwiches, rosemary potatoes, and veggies

Monday
Breakfast - Muffins
Lunch - Sandwiches/wraps and veggies
Dinner - Beef and noodles and green beans

My Children Are A Blessing

Five?? You have five kids??? You would not believe the number of times I have heard someone ( usually a stranger ) say this to me. I can not even count the number of times a comment has left me feeling kid shamed. Something a mother should never have to feel.

                                        



Some of my other "favorites" include -
Don't you know what causes that. ( I am sure you don't want to have this discussion with me, honestly, this is not appropriate to ask someone at all. )

Boy, you sure have your hands full. ( Hands and heart people, I would not trade it for anything. )

Did you want that many? ( I am not sure how to respond to this question. I can not believe someone would ask me if I wanted my kids....especially when my kids are standing right next me. This is such a rude thing to say to someone. )

Are they all yours? ( No, I take other random children to the store with me as well. It makes my shopping experience more exciting. )

Are you ever going to stop? ( Again, rude! )

This list could go on for a long time, but I don't want to dwell on all the comments. I want to get to the heart of this post.


Kids are a normal part of every day life. The truth of the matter is that kids are our future. So why do so many people look at kids like they are such a burden? Why does it seem like there are so many eye rolls at stores ( yes I do take all five to the store ), restaurants ( yes I take them out to eat too ), and other public places? Why do people feel the need to make rude comments, stare, or act like a larger family is like watching a circus?

You do not have to have kids yourself, that is fine. You get no judgement from me for living a child free life. What you do not get to do is expect other people to live a child free life and keep their children out of public.  My kids have just as much right to be the places they are as you do, and they have the right to be there without your comments, stares, and impolite behavior.

My husband and I work hard to teach our kids to behave. They are kids though, they are not perfect. Will they sometimes misbehave in public? Yes, of course, they are still kids! They have an excuse, adults on the other hand do not. My children are friendly, loving, and kind. They will gladly sit and talk your ear off, they love people, even when people are not so loving to them.

Kids are kids. They are often loud and messy. Kids are kids. They need love and guidance, not just from parents, but from other people around them. My kids love it when other adults actually engage with them. My eight year is a people lover, you make her day when you actually talk to her. Kids are kids. They are not annoying, they are not there to ruin your day, they are not a problem. Kids are kids. They are the living, breathing future of our world. It is time to stop treating them with such little respect, and to start showing them the love they want to show you.