Oh crap (literally): USDA to privatize poultry inspection?

A couple of my girls in the backyard.

I just wanted you to know about this:

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) currently inspects all chicken and turkey carcasses for things like bruises, bile and feces before they are sent to further processing. However, the UDSA is now considering a pilot program that would eliminate that inspection and allow private poultry processing plants to do whatever they want.

The USDA is holding a public commenting period on this proposed change right now. Please sign the petition opposing the privatization of poultry inspection before the public commenting period ends.

That's why I signed a petition to United State Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Will you sign this petition? Click here:

http://signon.org/sign/oh-crap-literally-usda?source=s.em.cp&r_by=4453247

If you signed, too, let me know.  And thanks!

Mock Frozen Yogurt

This has got to be one of my family's favorite desserts.  And because all the ingredients are real food, I don't feel at all bad about serving it up on a regular basis  Recipe compliments of Laura at Heavenly Homemakers.

Mock Frozen Yogurt

Serves 4.

• 3 C frozen fruit
• 1-1/2 C plain yogurt
• 1/4 C maple syrup
• 2 t vanilla extract

1. Place all ingredients in food processor.  Process until smooth.  Serve immediately.

Rebooting My Body - Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead

No, I'm not nearly dead.  Or sick.  Fat?  Well, I could shed a few pounds. 

So why am I writing this post?

Menu Monday, April 9

We always take our Easter vacation at a time different from the public schools.  And notice I said "Easter vacation" not "Spring break". I'm kind of funny about stuff like that, I know.

So, this week is our vacation.  I can tell we could all use a break.  I am praying for sunshine so we can go do some hiking, biking, gardening, etc.  Getting out into the sunshine and fresh air is just what the doctor ordered.

I'm still continuing with my juicing, etc. and I promise to share about it this week.

In the meantime, this is what I'm feeding the troops:

Homeschool Curriculm Ideas - Science & History

Science and history were both subjects that I was questioning why I was teaching from two different books.  So off I went on my search.

As far as science goes, I have used books from A Beka and have really enjoyed them.  This past year, we used Reilly's 5th grade book for both her and Dane, who is in 2nd grade.  We read through the chapter and then I had Dane tell me what he learned in the chapter.  We used the questions at the end of the segment and sometimes did a page for our notebooks.  It worked out okay, but I was feeling the itch to try something different.

While researching for science, I found a lot of great books.  The one curriculum that stood out was by Apologia.  Science is one of those subjects that is  important to us that it is taught from a biblical perspective and it fit that bill.  Check.  Their science curriculum is also designed to be taught to multiple grades.  Check.  The reviews were great and that means a lot to me.  Check.  (I'll let you know what I thought myself at the end of the year!)

For History, I have used books from Christian Liberty Press.  They are great books written in an engaging manner.  My daughter loved them.  But again, I wanted something that didn't require a lot of effort on my part to be able to teach to both of my pupils. 

For the coming year, I selected "The Mystery of History I".  Again, this course can be taught to a varied age group.  I love history and the idea of weaving Bible history into world history really gets me excited!  I've not yet seen a curriculum that melds bible history with world history until now.  Again, the reviews are really good and I can't wait to give you mine at the end of the year.

Homeschool Curriculum Ideas - Bible

I grew up going to Christian schools and have very fond memories of learning Bible stories.  It was engaging and memorable.  But one thing we didn't do very much was actually use our Bibles for our study.

When I first started homeschooling, I used a full "boxed" curriculum...and was very happy with it except for one thing.  I wasn't really crazy in love with their Bible texts.  Although in later years I found that this curriculum did use a Bible in the study, I personally found it to be a bit *ahem* ... dry.  In addition, Bible is one of those subjects that I question why it can't be taught as a group?  Well it can, but I'm not creative enough to design my own Bible curriculum!  (Whine!)

Homeschool Curriculum Ideas - Getting Started

Warning:  I'm on a bit of a rant today.  I hope you will hear my heart behind my words.  Okay...here we go!

First of all, to those who say, "Oh, I could never be like you and homeschool!  I just don't have the _________ (list excuse here such as patience, time, money...)", YES YOU CAN.

I believe that if you want something bad enough, you are an intelligent person and you can figure it out  If getting or keeping your child out of the public school system is a priority to you, you will make it work. I've know families where both parents work and still homeschool.   So time really isn't the problem...  It's how people choose to use their time is the key.

Am I coming on a bit strong?  Maybe so.  But I REALLY hate people comparing me to themselves.  Homeschool moms (and dads) are not saints that you could never be.  That's an excuse not to try in my book.  Instead, we are real people doing our best for our kids, sometimes taking it one day at a time, making mistakes and learning along the way.

Now that we've covered that, have you ever thought that you would like to homeschool your child(ren) but just don't know where to start? 

Springtime...When a Homeschool Mom's Thoughts Turn to Curriculum

(So sorry this pic is a bit to big for my page but it was too cute..and too right on the money...not to share!)

When we made the choice to homeschool our children, I was still a work-at-home mom.  I had a business that required my attention almost full-time and I did not have the luxury of time to check in to different curriculum and explore what was available out there.

Menu Monday, April 2

It's been a strange morning.  I woke up to some really strange sounds...gurgling sounds...you know, like someone's stomach really going for it.  It wasn't coming from me.  It wasn't coming from my hubby.

Finally in my sleep induced stupor I realized where it was coming from.  It was coming from the dog.

Did she not get fed last night?  No, I remember she did.  Hmmm...? 

Well, she is laying here by my feet and the gurgling, although it has slowed, continues.  I'll be watching her closely, if you know what I mean.

On that lovely note, here's what's on our menu for the week.  I know, it would have sounded a lot more appetizing if I hadn't shared...you know...about the dog.

Oh, one last thing.  I've been juicing and eating only fruits and veggies for the past couple of weeks, so you see a lot of leftovers on the menu.  I'll be writing about this little adventure soon, I promise!

Monday:

Breakfast – Oatmeal w/ strawberries
Lunch – Leftover lasagna 
Dinner - Potato bean soup, toast, carrot sticks