Vegan Chili--it's totally YUMMY!

I did my own take on this Vegan Chili by Rocco.
It is a thick Chili, but it hits the spot for sure.
Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 Large onion chopped
5 chopped celery sticks
1 cup chopped carrots
3 tsp garlic (ya know the ground kind from the jar)
3 Chopped green and/or red bell pepper
3 tbsp chili powder (I like the taste)
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 (28-oz) can of diced tomatoes with liquid
1 small 60z jar of tomato paste
1 (15-oz) can organic black beans with liquid
1 (15-oz) can organic kidney beans with liquid
1 (11-oz) can organic whole kernel corn, undrained
2 tbsp dried oregano
1 1/2 tbsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute veggies and seasoning.

Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, and corn. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-45  minutes, stirring occasionally.

* Little Man likes Taco Cheese on top of his--that would not qualify this as vegan. But, he says it's GOOD!*

Lunchbox notes

Another lunch box note link can be found here. I love to put notes in Little Man's lunch box and feeling like mine were repeating and getting a bit stale I went in search of more ideas. Here is one that I found and thought I would share with you, so go ahead and personalize and make someone you love smile today!
makeandtakes Lunchbox Notes in pdf form

Image from Makeandtakes.com
Enjoy!

Thankfully, he still likes my notes. Whew!

So somehow this little blog has landed on Pinterest!

I about fell off my seat. We all know I have not jumped onto the boat of social networking, much to the dismay of a lot of friends. But, somehow I got on a site that I can't join because I don't have a facebook account.

However, less than a year ago, I did a series of posts on The Mission of Motherhood. LOVE that book!
Anyway, it has caught some wind, not tornado like, but minor wind over on Pinterest. So glad that my rambles touched someone enough to post it. And that they were able to overlook my grammar and spelling mistakes and all in these posts. :)

If you are hoping to find these all in one spot, I think if you click on the link on the Mom page, you will find just that. Enjoy!

Now, as I pick myself up from the floor, I wish you all a great weekend!

Why?

I often wonder why I blog. The thought comes to my mind to say, just stop it's not like you get a million hits a day or make any money doing it. But, then in the back of my mind, I remember why I started and those facts don't seem to matter anymore.
I started as a way of possibly helping others. Helping people who I don't even know or perhaps a few I do know. Realizing that I get to share my voice on here and that people in other countries whom I have never met are reading it. That is pretty cool.
I've kept my eye on the poll over there. Thanks to those of you that took the time to answer the question.
I have no idea where this little blog is going to go in the future and you know, I am finally OK with that. If I all of a sudden decide the blog is done, it's done. But, for now, I am taking it one post at a time and allowing my heart to lead the way.
Until next time...

Teachers here is something just for you.

Guided Math! Yes, you can have multiple groups going on in one classroom. It's just like guided reading, but with Math. Yes, it does work. Yes, it does take time. Yes, your kids can do it. Yes, they will love you for it. Yes, so will the parents!
Click here to see how you get started!

Thought on Tuesday

From pinterest

Today my Day was...

I had one of these (self reflection sheets) that the kids completed at the end of the week when I was teaching. It was different, but had some of the same ideas. It was a great way for the kids, parents and I to all stay connected.

I can see doing this at the lower grades on a weekly basis and changing it a bit to suit the age of the children.

Or if you had a student that needed a nightly progress report (K or 1st), this could be a good form to start. It could be adapted a bunch of different ways, just use it as is or as a springboard for your own.

Lastly, if you are a parent and just want more information from the kids and they are not talkers, this could possibly help.
Enjoy!

Print off here thanks to Amy at livinglocurto

Fashion Friday Fun!

So, here are a few ideas for BOYS! Inspired by Little Man's Style. :)

Enjoy! :)

Poll on the blog!

See over there on the right hand side? I want to know what you want more of. Please click, you can pick more than one and it's anonymous. So, let me know your thoughts!
Have a great day everyone!

Apple Pie Pancakes and A Task! :)

This recipe was over at CCK. However, I adapted it a bit.
Apple Pie Pancakes

• 1/3 cup flour (You choose what kind you use)
• 1/4 c rolled oats
• 2 finely-chopped apples
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2/3 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 T sugar or 1 packet stevia ( I used Sugar to make mine)
• 1/3 cup skim milk (or more, for thinner pancakes)
• 1 T oil (not necessary, but if you don't like Fat Free tasting pancakes, this is a must to add.) Thinking you could add applesauce to this as well.

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl, then add wet. Mix, but don’t overmix. Cook on an oiled (or sprayed) pan, on low-medium, flipping each pancake once.

Top with syrup or frozen yogurt. I can't tell you how they taste as I have not had one yet. But, Little Man gobbled them up. He liked that Frozen Yogurt was the topping. :)

NOW, POST YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE AND I WILL FIND A HEALTHY MAKEOVER FOR IT!

Valentine Ideas for Kids

Here is a gathering of a few ideas--in no order. Enjoy! If anything is linked wrong, please let me know.

Crush Soda = I’ve got a “Crush” on you.
Source

Symphony bars = Valentine, you’re “music” to my ears! Or, You’re the “song” in my heart!
Source

 Crayons = Valentine, you “color” my word with happiness.
Source

 Pop Rocks = Valentine, You “Rock”. Or, Valentine, you’re a POP star.

Source

Bananas = I go “bananas"' over you!
Source

Or, You’re a great “catch”!
Source

Koolaid = Valentine, you sure are “Kool”!
Source

Tic Tacs = Tic Tac Toe game

source

 

 Matchbox Cars = Valentine, I “Wheelie” like you. Source
 

Pencils = Valentine, you’re just “Write” for me!
Source

Peeps = Happy Valentines Day to all my Peeps!

Source

Rolos = Valentine, I like the way you roll! Source

 

Popcorn & More = Valentine you’re a “POPstar”! (Popcorn, Pop Tarts, Pop Rocks, etc.)
Source

 Lucky Charms = I’m lucky to have you as a Valentine!
Source

Chewy things = Valentine, I “chews” you. (Gum, Chewy Quaker Oats bar, Jolly Rancher chews candy, etc.)

Source

Orbit Gum = “Valentine, You’re out of this world.”

Source

Silly Bands = Nothing “silly” about me wanting to be your Valentine!Source

Sidewalk Chalk = Anyway you “chalk it up”, I’ll be your Valentine! Source

 Crazy Straws = Valentine, I’m “crazy” for you.

Source

If you want more? Check out mudpiestudio She has 101 of them!!! WOW! There is some inspiration for you!!!

Let's Start the day with cookies?

Sounds great, right? Well, let me tell you. If you are thinking sugar filled cookies, you are wrong.
You want to start the day with a good grain and some fruit and some yummy goodness! If that is the idea, then yes, these cookies will be right up your alley.
These come from Chocolate Covered Katie. If you have not been to her website and enjoy eating healthy you are missing out! :) I've never met her and just started reading her blog/website. But, I can tell you. It's bookmarked and I will refer to it often! SHE ROCKS!

Photo from Chocolate Covered Katie

Oatmeal-Raisin Breakfast Cookies * My adaptions in bold.*
(gluten-free!)

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (I did about 3/4 cup)
• scant 1/2 cup applesauce or over-ripe banana (mashed) I used slightly over 1/2 cup applesauce.
• 1/4 cup nut butter (I used salted pb) I used all natural unsalted peanut butter! It was just the ground peanut kind. No added anything. Pure and simple.
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon More of 1/2tsp I LOVE cinnamon!!!
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3 T raisins (or other dried fruit, or even chocolate chips) I used 3 heaping Tbsp.
• pinch salt if desired (taste the dough to decide)
• 1 packet stevia (or 1 tablespoon sugar. I actually omitted this altogether. If you have absolutely no sweet tooth, you can try it that way. And if you have a huge sweet tooth—or are used to “non-healthy-tasting” desserts—try adding 1/4 cup sugar. As I said above, don’t expect these to taste like your everyday oatmeal-raisin cookies. I’ll post a recipe for those soon!) NO SUGAR ADDED or needed for me. Not even a tsp! :)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mash the banana with the nut butter, then add all other ingredients and mix until well-combined. Shape into cookies and bake for around 14 minutes. (Alternatively, you can try pulverizing the raisins and oats before combining them with the banana mixture, if you want more sweetness.) I would say 12 min will work.
This recipe yields around 12 cookies.

Valentines Day is coming up!

I know I want to get a good collection of kid valentines ideas on here for all of you. I am trying to get our idea for Little Man's class and teacher narrowed down.
But, I came across a super cute idea for husbands that I wanted to share with all of you.
You can find the information and printable for this over at jeannewinters.com
But, here is a photo (from her site) of what you will get when you go over there!

Cute right? Well, head over via the link I gave you and you can get your own printable for your hubby!

Fabric Magnet Board (12"x18")

Found on Pinterest--but for sale on etsy-check information below.

If you are feeling crafty you can make one. If not, you can check out this cute thing right over here! It's for sale.

Eat this!

Love Pizza? Kids Love Pizza?
Well, eat this....

Pizza Roll Up- Information found here at Eating Well

Ingredients

• 1 8-inch whole-wheat flour tortilla
• 2 tablespoons prepared pizza sauce
• 12 leaves baby spinach
• 3 tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella

Preparation

1. Place tortilla on a plate and spread pizza sauce over it. Top with an even layer of spinach and sprinkle cheese on top. Microwave on High until the cheese is just melted, about 45 seconds. Carefully roll the tortilla up. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into pieces, if desired.

Tips & Notes

• Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate the pizza roll-up for up to 1 day.

Nutrition

Per serving: 217 calories; 7 g fat ( 2 g sat , 1 g mono ); 14 mg cholesterol; 26 g carbohydrates; 1 g added sugars; 10 g protein; 3 g fiber; 427 mg sodium; 18 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Calcium (17% daily value).
Carbohydrate Servings: 2
Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat

Foods that should be on your shopping List...

DR. OZ's List

Bucket Fillers and a conversation...

So, the school/classroom has bucket fillers as their means of getting the children to behave and think of others. Although I see value in this, I also see where it has flaws. I won't go into the rambles of that, as it is not the point.

I just want to share a conversation that happened between Little Man and I at the beginning of the year. He was discouraged because he wasn't getting a lot of pom poms, but was doing nice things and doing as he should. However, at the same time a light when on in his head that made it Ok on some level.

He said you know Mom, I don't just do nice things in our class or when I know I will get the Pom Poms as a reward. I do them whenever I can because that is what God would want me to do. I do them for HIM not for the Pom Poms. As a mom, my heart melted, my eyes filled with tears and I knew right then and there, it never matters how many pom poms he gets. Because his heart is right where it should be.

Fashion Friday- 3 different looks!

I am hoping that all this fashion posting will inspire me to dress as I wish I could. Until then, I am living my love of these things online here with all of you!

Another fun outfit from Polyvore! Kelly Green and Navy Day

From Polyvore Cute shoes... I like the red pops of color. I am so bad at that. I do a lot of black!

 

Pops of Pink Information here
Like I said, I'd love to find ways to do these at stores that I shop at.
I already have a pink shirt like that from The Limited. I have black boots,
Not that skinny of a heal though, but that's OK. I wouldn't go for the purse, it's cute, just not me.

Perspective...

The minute your feet hit the ground this morning, you were handed two gift cards. The first gift card is loaded with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The second gift card is loaded with little white lies, gossiping, sharp words, eye rolling, short tempers, anger, pride, jealousy, doubt, and hate. Both gift cards are unlimited, and you will use them multiple times today. Which gift card you choose to use, however, is entirely up to you. Choose wisely, because the recipient will know which gift card you reached for today. But only you will know which one you reached for more often.
Found here
Your thoughts???

Fashion Post and Where will this blog be going?

This year, I am not sure...I have ideas. But, no set plans. So, we will see where it goes in due time. Until then, enjoy the ride. :)

Today a FASHION Post...
Fashion, that's a topic around our house lately. Seems Little Man is acquiring a taste for ties again. Only, picture this...it's a white t-shirt,  jeans, black sneakers, a button up grey shirt (that is unbuttoned so you can see the white shirt) with a black skinny tie hanging around the neck 1/2 done. Different, but he looks cute no matter what! I like that he's not afraid of trying something new that he thinks is cool.

As for me, I would totally be seen in this outfit.. I always see these cute outfits on pinterest and notice they are from polyvore. Most of the items are spendy, but you can adapt and just go for the looks. This one is from http://www.polyvore.com and you can expect to see others from there too.