Menu Plan Monday

**This is just a plan and plans have the ability to change at the cook's discretion! OH the last 10 days of menus have all been awash! Nothing like having dh home on vacation for 10 days...meals, schedule, routine ALL goes out the window. Don't get me wrong, I love having my dh around!! He has really worked hard at spending some quality time with the kids(and me) these last 10 days rather than working on some house project! The holidays are over and dh returns to work on Wednesday, so I am going to get back on the bandwagon and get going on some menus and a routine once again.

Lunches are a bit scrambled this week because of the holidays, so I have left them blank for the most part.

A special thanks to Laura-Organizing Junkie for hosting Menu Plan Monday! Need help with your menus, go check others out at Organizing Junkie's site!**

Sunday(12-30)

Breakfast: eggs, muffins, and bacon
Lunch: sandwiches and soup
Dinner: burgers, fries, and corn
Snack: snack basket or birthday cake

Monday(12-31)

Breakfast: cereal and toast
Lunch: leftover pizza
Dinner: skillet chicken gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans
Snack: "snack basket"

Tuesday(1-1) HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Breakfast: pancakes from freezer, leftover sausage links
Lunch:

Dinner: Oven fried chicken, pan fries, creamed corn

Snack: "snack basket"

Wednesday(1-2)

Breakfast: bagels

Lunch:
Dinner: Taco bar
Snack: yogurt

Thursday(1-3)

Breakfast: french toast

Lunch:

Dinner: Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, squash, and biscuits(using one of my 2 turkeys that I got for 59 cents/pound during the holiday sales!)

Snack: "snack basket"

Friday(1-4)

Breakfast: cereal and muffins
Lunch:

Dinner: lemon pepper pork chops, rice, and peas
Snack: homemade chocolate shakes

Saturday(1-5)

Breakfast: "Cook's Choice"
Lunch: ???????(its the weekend, anything goes! LOL)
Dinner: goulash and corn muffins

Snack: popcorn

Singing Sunday

For the last "Singing Sunday" of the year. Lets remember that God is our stronghold, our Rock, our Joy!!! No matter the troubles that we face in 2008 He will be there to lift us up and be with us. He is always there, we need to rest in him and allow Him to help us. We need to enjoy His presence in our life. Happy New Year!!!


You Raise Me Up
by Josh Groban

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

Holiday Gifts

Did you have a Merry Christmas??? We had a great one! I was able to see my entire extended family over the course of the weekend. I finally got to see my new niece!! My brother and sil are adopting a baby, who is now 6 months old!!

My kids got some of the gifts that they had been requesting. My older boys got MP3 players and Legos! My girl got Little ponies, and another kitchen set. My baby got a few toys that should keep him busy and learning!! I also got some of the things that I had been requesting!! Dh got me a new all weather dress coat. My old dress coat is one that I have had since I was a freshman in college!!(that makes the coat over 15 years old!!!) That coat is still in good shape so I am not going to get rid of it. Maybe I'll lose about 20 lbs. and have two coats to choose from! LOL I got a new Presto Tilt N Drain Big Griddle. Just to give you a picture of the size of the it, it will hold TWELVE pieces of french toast all at once!!! This new griddle will replace my old one. My old one will only hold 6 pieces of french toast and is 12 years old!!! This is a picture of the electric knife that I got from dh as well. It comes with a case too!! This is a food slicer that my parents and siblings got for me!!! I guess my mom figured that since I borrow hers on occasion that I could use my own. LOL
Now the big question.....is having an electric knife and food slicer something of a duplicate in the "kitchen servants" department??? If you have an electric knife would you think about having a food slicer or is the electric knife good enough?? Or would having the food slicer be good enough??? OR would both be of benefit in the kitchen??

Bad Weather, Awesome Pictures

WOW!! Look at the drift here!!

OUCH!! Tree meet house! House meet Tree! This happened in a town southeast of me! This was posted by another viewer of the local TV station. There are many trees down all over the state!

This is picture of sand pillars on the beach of Lake Michigan. This was posted on my local tv station's website by a LoriDoc.

Saturday night and all day Sunday, we have had high winds, snow, and freezing temperatures. The high winds knocked out power to thousands(about 120,000 in West MI) and my family was one of them!!! We got our power back last night but there are still close to 15,000 without power on this Christmas Eve. They should have their power back later this evening. The airport was without power for 14 hours due to the storm as well!!

With the blowing snow and high winds, there is some awesome pictures of God's power!!!

Keep Your Fork...Best Yet to Come!

There are many versions of this "story" around but this is the one that I like the most so I thought I would share it during this holiday season. The holidays are not all about gifts but more about our relationships with Jesus, our family and friends! Our relationship with Jesus, God's Son being the most important one of all!! Make sure that this holiday season you are sure that you have a personal and real relationship with God's Son!! Merry Christmas!!

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

"There's one more thing," she said excitedly.

"What's that?" came the Pastor's reply.

"This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.

That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.

"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the Pastor.

The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!'

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork the best is yet to come."

The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.

So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.

Show your friends how much you care. Remember to always be there for them, even when you need them more. For you never know when it may be their time to "Keep their fork." Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share ... being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.
~~~Author Unknown~~~

Bible Crafts/Activities Resources

Danielle's Place--hundreds of inexpensive crafts and activities for children. Many of the crafts and activities on this site are Bible-based and are great to use in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, preschool, and home school. (some areas of the site is for subscribing members only)



Adding more....

Character/Values Study Resources

Character Counts –free resources of character lessons

Character Education Network –ready to use curriculum and resources

Teaching Values –learn values through story telling.

Character Traits Journal–Bible study on character traits, includes study helps, projects, and ideas to apply the character quality.

Christian Character and Exploring the Bible--Bible lessons, exploring the Bible answers

Character Studies 

Kids of Integrity --moral focus character lessons

Bible Stories/Lesson Resources

Children's Chapel – links, bible stories, memory verses, and resources

Sermon for Kids –bible story with activities, get a free newsletter subscription with the story and activities enclosed.

Christian Answers for Kids –Bible based coloring pages along with lesson plans and stories

Children Bible Lessons–Bible lessons with worksheets and memory verses

Kitchen Tip Tuesdays

Another Tuesday is upon us so it is time for Kitchen Tip Tuesdays over at Tammy's Recipes.

My dh gets me up every day at 7am to fix his lunch for him. He loves for me to fix his lunch! He loves to take leftover dinners in his lunch. Not only does it save us money cause he eats out less but it is also a way for me to show him that I love him. Needless to say getting up that early most days is not my idea of fun! My brain is in a fog so it is hard to think straight!

So I decided that when I go to put leftovers from a dinner away. I would use some of my containers that fit into his personal size cooler that he uses as his "lunchbox". So I use either disposable plastic containers(that we wash and reuse) or tupperware containers to put homemade tv dinners in for his lunch. The containers are not divided containers just regular storage containers that can go in the microwave. One of my favorites is Ziploc brand Snap N' Seal containers. They have a "salad size" container that works great for a meat and a side dish. I cut up the meat and make sure that there is even butter(if needed) on the rice or potato so that it is ready for him to pop in the microwave at work. Any veggie or fruit or dessert leftovers, I put into their own single serve container or ziploc sandwich baggie.

Then I have these containers stacked in the fridge so that it is just a matter of pulling out the containers on the top of the stack and slipping them in his lunchbox. So despite my foggy morning brain, I can still get his lunch ready for him to go in the morning without really having to think which leftovers need to go in his lunch.

Also having these containers/meals already made up makes life a little easier on everyone else. Because if there is more than one serving of dinner leftovers the rest of us know that it is fair game to eat as a snack or for a lunch for those of us at home. It also makes my fridge not looked so cluttered and items don't get to the back of the fridge and forgotten.

So there is my kitchen tip today, head over to Tammy's for more tips.

Menu Plan Monday

**This is just a plan and plans have the ability to change at the cook's discretion! Last week, the menu was great and on target! I tried twice baked potatoes as my something new for the week and served them with oven fried chicken. Dh and I loved them! As for the kids, they would just prefer me to stick with plain old mashed potatoes. Dh loved them so much that he has been eating the leftovers as snacks throughout the week. As for this week's plan, I am still working off meats that I have in my freezer. Along with it being a bit of short week with dh and I having a date night on Tuesday night and Christmas dinner on Saturday with out of town family.

Lunches listed below are for the kids and I, dh's lunches are not included as he normally will just take what leftovers are available.

A special thanks to Laura-Organizing Junkie for hosting Menu Plan Monday! Need help with your menus, go check others out at Organizing Junkie's site!**

Sunday(12-16)
Breakfast: eggs, hashbrowns, muffins, sausage links and bacon

Lunch:Totino's pizza rolls

Dinner: Christmas party @ church

Snack: no snack due to the party!

Monday(12-17)
Breakfast: cereal and toast

Lunch: PB&J or tuna sandwiches, chips and carrots.

Dinner: Creamy Chicken over rice, peas, and leftover biscuits

Snack: yogurt or "snack basket"

Tuesday(12-18)
Breakfast: pancakes from freezer, leftover sausage links

Lunch: leftovers

Dinner: kids=chicken nuggets, fries, carrots; dh and I= date night plus finishing Christmas shopping!!!

Snack: "snack basket"

Wednesday(12-19)
Breakfast: cereal and muffins

Lunch: sandwich or leftovers

Dinner: burgers and fries

Snack: mystery snack--going to be doing Christmas baking this week so the kids will be able to have a sample for snack!

Thursday(12-20)
Breakfast: waffles, sausage and fruit

Lunch: chicken nuggets and chips

Dinner: Chicken Veggie Stew and biscuits (will be making some into a potpie for dh)

Snack: "snack basket"

Friday(12-21)
Breakfast: bagels and yogurt

Lunch: leftovers or sandwiches and chips

Dinner: Roast, carrots and potatoes

Snack: homemade chocolate shakes

Saturday(12-22)
Breakfast: "Cook's Choice"

Lunch: ???????(its the weekend, anything goes! LOL)

Dinner: Christmas dinner @Mom's

Snack: popcorn

Singing Sunday

This song basically sums up what I woke up to this morning!!! Overnight, we got about 5 inches of new snow! So instead of rushing to dig ourselves out to go to church, we stayed home and enjoyed relaxing and looking out at the fresh snow.

Winter Wonderland
Dick Smith, Felix Bernard 1934

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
in the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
we're happy tonight,
walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,
here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
as we go along,
walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say: Are you married?
we'll say: No man,
But you can do the job
when you're in town.

Later on, we'll conspire,
as we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
the plans that we've made,
walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
and pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman,
until the other kids knock him down.

When it snows, ain't it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
walking in a winter wonderland.

Walking in a winter wonderland,
walking in a winter wonderland.

Kitchen Tip Tuesdays

Do you ever find yourself looking for ways to cut expenses, especially the grocery expense? With grocery prices on the rise and feeding a family of seven, I find myself looking for ways to cut costs but not at the expense of my family's eating habits. My dh has always been a meat and potatoes type guy and the rest of the family has seemingly followed suit. So it is difficult for me to make up a casserole with a bunch of veggies and very little meat because I know that it will not get eaten with a gusto. Matter of fact, I am pretty sure that my family would rather go hungry than eat the casserole.

So I have looked for other ways to stretch my groceries. One way in particular is that I do stretch is with the meat that we use. My family only likes white meat chicken, so I buy what will get eaten so there is no waste and purchase boneless, skinless chicken breasts in bulk at Sam's Club or if they are sale at the local grocery store for under $2 per pound. When I get it home, I take the time to divide the packages into meal size portions for my family. I find that the chicken breasts are usually pretty thick and slice them longwise("butterfly cut"), so it looks like I have now two pieces of meat rather than just one thick piece. When I do this I can take 3 chicken breasts and make into 6 breasts, hence stretching the meat for a meal for my family.

As for pork, I usually will buy a half pork loin from the grocery store when they are under $2 per pound. I will bring it home and slice it into pork chops and a pork roast, then place it my freezer for meals. If I don't get a pork loin then I will get pork loin chops at Sam's Club. The butchers there always slice the chops thick! So when I get them home, I take the time to slice them in half, so instead of a 9 count thick cut pack I end up with an 18 count pack and that will make 2 meals for my family instead of just one!

As for ground beef, I just buy that in bulk at Sam's Club. My last Sam's shopping trip, I was able to find some ground chuck for $1.66 per pound due to it being on "reduced for quick sale" rack. I just bring it home and either shape it into patties to freeze right away or I cook it up and divide it into 1 to 1 1/2 pound containers to use in things like chili, spaghetti, goulash, sloppy joes or hamburger gravy. When I cook the burger patties they always end up too thick for my younger ones, so I will slice one in half the long wise so it is thin burger(think fast food burger) for my youngers to have a bun. This translates into me having leftovers(for at least 2 of my crew) from my homemade burger meal.

Oh and just so you know, I still do those casserole type dishes to help stretch but they are not an every day or even every week type dish at my house. :-)

So what creative ways do you cut your grocery costs?

So there you have my kitchen tip! For more tips, head over to Tammy's for Kitchen Tip Tuesday.

Menu Plan Monday

**This is just a plan and plans have the ability to change at the cook's discretion! Last week, I had to do some rearranging of the menu so I am going to try to work in those meals this week. Some of that rearranging was due to dh not being in the mood for what was planned! lol Along with everything else that went on last week, I was able to get to Sam's Club and the grocery store so I have a full freezer and pantry to plan this week's menu. I should be able to get thru the rest of the year with very minimal grocery shopping.

Last week, I posted some baking that I wanted to get done. I got some of the planned baking done, however I ran out of eggs between my baking and my family eating them! So other than Sunday's breakfast, eggs are out the menus this week(or at least til I can make it to the store for more!)

Lunches listed below are for the kids and I, dh's lunches are not included as he normally will just take what leftovers are available.

A special thanks to Laura-Organizing Junkie for hosting Menu Plan Monday! Need help with your menus, go check others out at Organizing Junkie's site!**

Sunday(12-9)

Breakfast: eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, sausage links and bacon

Lunch:Totino's pizza rolls

Dinner: Wendy's

Snack: sandwiches

Monday(12-10)

Breakfast: cereal, muffins, and go-gurt

Lunch: grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup

Dinner: well I thought I would put a new recipe here, but no new recipe tonight, just some good ol' comfort food....Skillet Chicken & Gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, and biscuits.

Snack: creamy center cupcakes or go-gurt

Tuesday(12-11)

Breakfast: bagels, and go-gurt

Lunch: leftovers

Dinner: kids=chicken nuggets, fries, carrots; dh and I=dh's work Christmas party!!!

Snack: "snack basket"

Wednesday(12-12)

Breakfast: cereal and toast

Lunch: Lunch out with Grandma!

Dinner: spaghetti and breadsticks

Snack: graham cracker cookies

Thursday(12-13)

Breakfast: waffles, sausage and fruit

Lunch: sandwiches and chips

Dinner: Oven Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes, corn and rolls

Snack: "snack basket" or go-gurt

Friday(12-14)

Breakfast: cereal and donuts

Lunch: leftovers or sandwiches and chips

Dinner: Saucy Pork Chops, boiled potatoes, peas

Snack: homemade chocolate shakes

Saturday(12-15)

Breakfast: "Cook's Choice"

Lunch: ???????(its the weekend, anything goes! LOL)

Dinner: homemade english muffin pizzas (using pizza sauce and pepperoni)

Snack: popcorn

Singing Sunday

We got our Christmas tree on Friday evening. My house is now decorated for Christmas. So I am getting into the Christmas spirit! So I am posting my favorite traditional Christmas song.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley(1707-1788), 1739

Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise;
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of the favored one.
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;
hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"

Hail! the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
born to give them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"

Online Christmas Party

Melissa over at Lilliput Station is hosting her first online Christmas party! She is offering some great prizes and a chance for others to share their Christmas ideas! I thought I would join in on the fun. My dh works with computers for a living. Last Christmas, the kids and I made him some things to hang at his work made from old CDs and simple coloring shapes that we traced unto construction paper, colored and then cut out.

Here is the ornaments that we made...dh and his co-workers hung them on their Christmas tree. In order to get the holes in the top of the CDs we used dh's cordless drill with a small drill bit. We place the CD on a block of wood to drill the hole. Then we were able to thread ribbon thru the hole and tied it.

Here is a wreath that they hung on the door to their conference room. We used hot glue to stick the CDs together.

The kids decided to make them a snowman as well. The hat is made out of construction paper, the buttons are scraps of black construction paper, the arms are twigs, the body has cotton balls glued on, and the boots are made out of construction paper.

Then what was leftover of the CDs, we made them a personalized tree for their department. We just took our leftover shapes and glued them onto the tree. Then we typed up all their names along with Merry Christmas in red and green.

Menu Plan Monday

**This is just a plan and plans have the ability to change at the cook's discretion! Last week, Sonshine's family favorite meals were a hit! The only day that I didn't follow the plans exactly was Saturday. I used the meat that I had planned but fixed it differently than planned and had other side dishes as well. This week, I am going to try to work in as much as I can from my pantry and freezer. I need to hit up the good sales at the grocery store this week along with making a Sam's Club run so menus could change if I find some good sales on meats. Lunches listed below are for the kids and I, dh's lunches are not included as he normally will just take what leftovers are available. A special thanks to Laura-Organizing Junkie for hosting Menu Plan Monday! Need help with your menus, go check others out at Organizing Junkie's site!**

Sunday(12-2)
Breakfast: eggs, hashbrowns, muffins, sausage links and canadian bacon
Lunch: Wendy's
Dinner: Pizza Hut Pizza @ church before the Kids Christmas Musical
Snack: "snack basket"

Monday(12-3)
Breakfast: cereal, toast, and go-gurt
Lunch: chicken nuggets, mac & cheese, carrot sticks
Dinner: chicken n' gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, and biscuits
Snack:"snack basket" or go-gurt

Tuesday(12-4)
Breakfast: eggs, poptarts, and go-gurt
Lunch: leftovers
Dinner: goulash and rolls
Snack: "snack basket"

Wednesday(12-5)
Breakfast: waffles and fruit
Lunch: sandwiches and chips
Dinner:Chicken club sandwiches, seasoned pan fries, and green beans
Snack: mystery snack(probably cookies or brownies--gotta get some baking done this week!)

Thursday(12-6)
Breakfast: cereal, donuts and fruit
Lunch: sandwiches and chips
Dinner: chicken and fish and shrimp, fries, and corn (I like to call this dinner "homemade Long John Silver's night" lol)
Snack: "snack basket" or go-gurt

Friday(12-7)
Breakfast: pancakes, eggs, and sausage
Lunch: sandwiches and chips
Dinner: homemade pizza
Snack: "snack basket"

Saturday(12-8)
Breakfast: "Cook's Choice"
Lunch: ???????
Dinner: beef stroganoff, peas, and homemade bread
Snack: popcorn


This week aside from the menu, I need to get some holiday type baking done!! It will be interesting as to how much of this I get to this week!! On the to-do list is (I'll post recipes for all of them later):

• Pumpkin bread
• Pumpkin cake
• No-bake cheesecake
• M&M cookies (double the recipe--put one bag chocolate chips and 2 cups of M&Ms)
• Jewish Coffee Cake
• Snickerdoodles
• Chocolate Chip Cake
• Peanut Butter Balls
• Bran Muffins
• Apple Bread
• Apple Pies(indivdual pies using Grands biscuits)
• Sugar Cut-out Cookies
• Orange Juice Muffins
• Creamed Filled Cupcakes

Singing Sunday

Be Thou My Vision
sung by Jars of Clay

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought by day or by night
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light
Be thou my wisdom and Thou my true word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, I , Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one
Riches I heed not nor man's emptly praise
Thou mine inheritance now and always
Thou and thou only first in my heart
High King of heaven my treasure Thou are
High King of heaven my victory won
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun
Heart of my own heart whatever befall
Still be my vision O Ruler of all

Lunch Box Dessert

Looking for an easy dessert to slide into a lunch box??? How about "homemade" layered pudding cups?? What do you need?







Ingredients:
3-3oz INSTANT pudding mixes (I used 2 boxes of chocolate and 1 box of white chocolate)
3 cans of evaporated milk
Individual containers-- I use 16 Gladware mini rounds(1/2 cup/4oz). You can get them at your local grocery store, Target, or Kmart.
Pour the dry mixes into mixing bowls. Then pour the whole can of evaporated milk into the bowl slowly while you whisk the pudding mix so that it doesn't go lumpy on you. You will need one can of evaporated milk for each box of pudding. I measured the whole can of evaporated milk, it equals 1 3/4 cups, which is exactly the same amount as what you use for making "Pudding Pie". Once the pudding is soft set, I take my medium size Pampered Chef scoop(about 2 tbsp) and scoop the chocolate pudding into the bottom of the containers. Then I take my Pampered chef tart shaper and use it to smooth out the pudding. Then I repeat the step and add another layer. Usually it is three layers in the 1/2 cup containers. Refrigerate when complete.
Here is the finished product!
I love using these Gladware containers for individual servings in the lunchbox. The containers are reusable along with being disposable. So if they get dumped by accident it is not a great loss. I use the containers to make up individual pudding cups or no bake cheesecakes.

This was also posted over at Jenn-Frugal Upstate and her Frugal Food series!

Kitchen Tip Tuesdays

A few weeks ago, I came across Tammy's Recipes blog and found that she has a Kitchen Tips Tuesday. So I thought I would participate today with a Kitchen Tip.

My Kitchen Tip is....

Make a list of everything that you buy, divide the items into categories(canned goods, frozen, breads, etc). Basically you are making yourself a Master Grocery List! The one I have made I did on MS Word, and it is one sheet.

Post that Master Grocery List on your fridge so that when you are out of something or nearly out you can highlight or circle it. Then remember to look at the list before you go do your grocery shopping so you know what you need to get from the store. I have found that having a Master Grocery List on my fridge has saved me ALOT of those last minute store runs in order to finish a dinner or a baking project.

Thanks to Tammy for hosting and be sure to check out the other kitchen tips on her blog.

USA State Study

I used the following items to do a FREE 50 State Unit Study with my oldest ds!

Here is some sites specific to Michigan(my home state)

Michigan House -- many FREE publications

Michigan Senate --check out the Kid's page!

Michigan Government's Kids Page

Michigan History Magazine --pdf of Introducing Michigan history

About.com's Unit Study of Michigan

Michigan's History, Arts, and Libraries --tips on teaching the states' history and other state lessons.

Traveling Mom's Michigan Online Unit Study

TEACH Geography--Great Lakes

Here is some general sites for all the states:

ClassBrain.com--pick your state from the map and get facts about the state

List of State's Symbols

University of Texas' State Map Collection--maps on the states' county roads, average precipitation, geological, plus much more!

Lesson Plans by State

Learn ALL 50 states --tons of information on state government, people, almanacs, news, geography, etc.

Blank outline state maps

ABC Teach State Facts Sheets--blank outline state maps along with facts on each state.

Easy Fun School--list of unit studies on 40 of the 50 states.

State Coloring Pages -- coloring pages of each of the states, blank or with the capital city names. Also have full USA maps with states outlines.

Kid Zone's States Symbols --coloring pages of each states' flag, map, bird, flower

Enchanted Learning States Facts Page --some of their printables require site membership in order to print the full size.

America's Library--click on a state and read facts and stories about things that happen in that state.

Kid Info's States Page---links to many sites on state facts and maps along with links to the States' government/homepages!

Unit Study on 50 States--many links and ideas/activities

Fifty States, Five Lessons

Also if you Google each of the state's tourism center you will find tons more information about the states as well. I typed in things like "Florida travel"; "Maine travel" or "Maine tourism". I got a BIG list of sites!! You can also go and visit Joann at Our Homeschooling Expedition and find many links to various states that she has put together.


Visit your local library for books on each state. There are such series as "Welcome to the U.S.A" and "Discover America State by State Series".
Some other books are:
"Eat Your Way Thru the USA" by Loree Pettit
"The Scrambled States of America" by Laurie Keller


Projects to do with your States Study:

• State Lapbook or State Notebook--printable forms and ideas to create a lapbook/notebook on each state.
• Collect postcards from each state
• Learn the capital cities of each state(make up a bingo game)
• Learn the states in alphabetical order(Learn the 50 States Rhyme/Song)
• Read across America--Read a book from each state. Look here 50 States Book List or Carol Hurst's Literature Site or List of Books for a book.
• Make a travel guide/brochure for your state.
• Have some fun and play the Mystery State Game

Honey Oatmeal Bread(breadmachine)

This is my family's favorite homemade bread. We love having it with soups or just as a nice addition to a meal instead of biscuits. This recipe also makes yummy dinner rolls!

Honey Oatmeal Bread (breadmachine)

11 1/2 ounces(1 1/4 cup + 3tbsp.) water (80°F)
3 tablespoons honey
3 1/4 cups bread flour
1 cup oats, (quick or old fashioned)
2 tablespoons dry milk
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast(can be used in the breadmachine)
OR
2 teaspoons bread machine/fast rise yeast

Place in bread machine in order starting with water and ending with yeast.Basic Bread Setting, unless using fast rise yeast then you can do Basic Rapid Bread Setting. Makes 2lb loaf

***If you want rolls instead of a loaf of bread, place the bread machine on dough setting. After the cycle is done, take the dough out of the machine and make into 12-24 balls(depending on what size rolls you would like). Place in a greased pan...let rise til double in size(1/2 hour to 45 minutes). Bake in oven at 350° for 15-20 minutes or til golden brown.

Looking for more breads, pasta, or potato recipes, head over to Jen-Frugal Upstate's Frugal Food Series--breads, pastas, or potatoes.

Menu Plan Monday

**This is just a plan and plans have the ability to change at the cook's discretion! I like short weeks like last week for menu planning, BUT having short weeks means not enough leftovers for dh's lunches the following week so we shall see if I can get some dinners made this week with extra leftovers to compensate. I am also in a menu planning "rut" this week. Nothing sounds good to fix for dinners, so I am going with Sonshine's family favorite meals. Lunches listed below are for the kids and I, dh's lunches are not included as he normally will just take what leftovers are available. A special thanks to Laura-Organizing Junkie for hosting Menu Plan Monday!**


Sunday(11-25)
Breakfast: eggs, hashbrowns, donuts, sausage links and canadian bacon
Lunch: chicken tender sandwiches and mac & cheese
Dinner: Lemon pepper chicken, boiled potatoes, and peas
Snack: "snack basket"

Monday(11-26)
Breakfast: cereal and leftover donuts
Lunch: leftover chicken rice soup
Dinner: bacon cheeseburgers, fries, and corn
Snack: "snack basket" or go-gurt

Tuesday(11-27)
Breakfast: waffles
Lunch: sandwiches and chips
Dinner: oven fried chicken, seasoned pan fries, and green beans
Snack: "snack basket"

Wednesday(11-28)
Breakfast: bagels and yogurt
Lunch: chicken nuggets, leftover boiled potatoes, and apple slices
Dinner: Taco bar and tortilla chips
Snack: graham cracker cookie sandwiches

Thursday(11-29)
Breakfast: french toast
Lunch: sandwiches and chips
Dinner: Roasted turkey breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and rolls
Snack: "snack basket" or go-gurt

Friday(11-30)
Breakfast: cereal and poptarts
Lunch: leftover tacos
Dinner: seasoned baked chicken, rice, peas and/or salad
Snack: homemade chocolate shakes

Saturday(12-1)
Breakfast: "Cook's Choice"
Lunch: grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup
Dinner: Roasted(crockpot) Pork Roast and gravy, baked potatoes, french style cut green beans, and biscuits
Snack: popcorn

Singing Sunday

In Your Presence
by Jeremy Camp

As I stand here in your presence,
Of your beauty I will always stand in awe,
I reach my hands out to the heavens, yeah,
And I lift my voice to you alone, To you alone,


As I bow my head before you,
I lay my burdens down at your nail pierced feet,
Every ounce of you radiates your glory,
With you I know that I’m complete


And I sing Hallelujah,
You are my God,
Maker of the heavens,
Hallelujah, You are my LORD,
I bow before your presence,


As I stand here in your presence,
Of your beauty I will always stand in awe,
I reach my hands out to the heavens, yeah,
And I lift my voice to you alone,

And I sing Hallelujah,
You are my God,
Maker of the heavens,
Hallelujah, You the LORD of all,
Maker of all the heavens,
I can only kneel before your presence,
All the nations praise your Holy Name,
You are the great I Am,
More than I can reason,
I realize more that I am needing you,


You are worthy, you are worthy LORD,
You are worthy, You are worthy,
You are mighty, You are mighty,
You are mighty, You are holy,
You are mighty, You are holy

Menu Plan Monday

**This is just a plan and plans have the ability to change at the cook's discretion! Last week's menus seem to go off without too much trouble. This week is a short week for us as we will be heading to my MIL's for the end of the week. Having a short week means it will be rather painless to plan. Lunches listed below are for the kids and I, dh's lunches are not included as he normally will just take what leftovers are available. A special thanks to Laura-Organizing Junkie for hosting Menu Plan Monday!**


Sunday(11-18)
Breakfast: scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, cinnamon rolls, sausage links
Lunch: pizza rolls
Dinner: Wendy's (another night of musical practice and Sunday night church activities)
Snack: PB & J sandwiches
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Monday(11-19)
Breakfast: cereal, and leftover raspberry muffins
Lunch: chicken nuggets, fries, baby carrots
Dinner: beef tips gravy, egg noodles, green beans, and rolls
Snack: graham cracker cookies(frosting sandwiched between two graham crackers)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Tuesday(11-20)
Breakfast: waffles and fruit or yogurt
Lunch: sandwiches, chips and baby carrots or leftovers
Dinner: chicken rice soup(using leftover chicken), and homemade honey oatmeal bread
Snack: "snack basket"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


Wednesday thru Saturday menu is missing as we are on family vacation to MIL's. Other than turkey dinner on Thursday, I am unsure as to what meals will be served at MIL's as she usually provides all the food. I will be taking "snack basket" items for our trip down. I probably will also make a portable lunch(sandwiches and chips) for the trip down as well.

Singing Sunday

Better is One Day
by Chris Tomlin

How lovely is
Your dwelling place
Oh Lord Almighty,
For my soul longs
And even faints
For You

Oh, here my heart
Is satisfied (is satisfied)
Within Your presence
I see beneath
The shadow ofYour wings

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Than thousands elsewhere)

One thing I ask,
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells
(One thing I ask)
One thing I ask
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You inThe place
Your glory dwells

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

(Better is one day)
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

(My heart and flesh cry out)
My heart and flesh cry out
For You, the Living God
Your Spirit's water to my soul
I've tasted, and I've seen
Come once again to me
I will draw near to You
I will draw near to You
To You

Better is one day
Better is one day
Better is one day
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere(4X)
Yeah, than thousands elsewhere
(Yeah)Oh, than thousands elsewhere

FREE 2008 Calendar

Betty Crocker is offering a Free 2008 calendar to everyone that signs up for their email newsletter. The newsletter comes with recipes and coupons galore!! The calendar has a different recipe at each month to try. Once you sign up you have the ability to tell five friends of the offer as well. Keep in mind there is a limited number of calendars so get yours today!!

My Kitchen

This is the majority of my cupboards! Other than these, I have one cupboard with all my baking supplies and three drawers over on the stove side of my kitchen(you can see those down in the pictures below)

This is basically the whole kitchen!! To the right of the trash can is a doorway to the downstairs or the outside! You can also see my "little man" there getting into trouble! Pots and pans are in there! LOL

We had the microwave on a cart BUT there is no room to do that now with all the kids! Excuse the breakfast dishes in the sink! LOL

This is the storage shelf in my coat closet that my dh made from some of my appliances. This closet is over our stairs that goes to the basement so there is a slope in the wall where this shelf fits right in at.

You can see that I also utilize the top of my refrigerator for space as well. I would prefer not to but gotta do what I gotta do! Also the cupboards over the refrigerator have items stored in them that I would use but not on a regular basis. We took the doors off the cupboards over the stove and made it a shelf for all my cookbooks.

Saucy Chicken(or Pork Chops)

Saucy Pork Chops or Chicken

The original recipe calls for pork chops but I use the same sauce for pork chops or chicken!

6 pork chops or chicken

1 can cream of chicken soup(or cream of whatever soup)

3 Tbsp. ketchup

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp. onion, minced

1/2 cup of milk

Brown pork chops or chicken; remove any fat. Salt and pepper to taste; place in a 2 qt. casserole dish. Mix remaining ingredients together and pour over pork chops or chicken. Cover and cook at 350 degrees 1 hour.

**Sonshine's notes: Sauce is really good over baked or mashed potatoes or rice. I use boneless/skinless chicken breasts and slice the chicken into 4-5 pieces after browning. This helps to "stretch" the servings out of the main course. Also I double the sauce recipe and put it into a 9x13 or bigger casserole dish when I do chicken. Also so one isn't caught off guard, the sauce does have an orange tint to it but it is still really good sauce!! Serve with mashed potatoes or rice along with a leafy salad and a veggie.

**This recipe is crockpot friendly too!! I put it together at lunch time and place it in the crockpot on high for 2 hours and then on low til dinner time. OR you can start it in the morning after breakfast on low for 5-6 hours.

This recipe is part of the Recipe Swap--Meat & Potatoes Edition over at Life as a Mom. Head over there for some new meal ideas!

Menu Plan Monday

**This is just a plan and plans have the ability to change at the cook's discretion! There was some switching of days that took place for last week's menus. I am still working with what I have on hand! After this week though, I will definitely need to do some MAJOR grocery shopping. Aside from having to get some baby food for my baby and milk and WIC, I have gone three weeks with not doing a major grocery shopping trip!! I'll be headed to the store later in the week so that I don't run out of food for next week. This week, the kids have three nights that they have Christmas musical practice at church so I am doing some quick and easy type of meals. Lunches listed below are for the kids and I, dh's lunches are not included as he normally will just take what leftovers are available. A special thanks to Laura-Organizing Junkie for hosting Menu Plan Monday!**

Sunday(11-11)
Breakfast: eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, jiffybox muffins
Lunch: bacon cheeseburger sandwiches, fries
Dinner: Crockpot Pork Roast, rice, green beans
Snack: PB & J sandwiches

Monday(11-12)
Breakfast: cereal, toast, and yogurt
Lunch: leftover sloppy joes or baked chicken sandwiches, chips
Dinner: Veggie Beef Stew using leftovers
Snack: graham cracker cookies(graham crackers with vanilla frosting for "creme" of the cookie)

Tuesday(11-13)

Breakfast: pancakes and sausage
Lunch: leftover pizza from Little Caesars
Dinner: Chicken Club Sandwiches, fries, corn
Snack: "snack basket"

Wednesday(11-14)
Breakfast: bagels, fruit or yogurt
Lunch: sandwiches, chips, carrots
Dinner: Creamy Chicken, egg noodles, green beans, bread
Snack: "snack basket"

Thursday(11-15)
Breakfast: cereal and donuts
Lunch: leftovers

Dinner: Baked Chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, corn

Snack: popsicles

Friday(11-16)
Breakfast: waffles and fruit
Lunch: chicken nuggets, fries, and carrots
Dinner: crockpot chili and rolls
Snack: "snack basket"

Saturday(11-17)
Breakfast: "Cook's Choice"
Lunch: ????
Dinner: ????
Snack: popcorn

***not sure what I am doing for Saturday lunch and dinner as the kids do not have musical practice that morning, so that means I'll actually be home most of the day--first in about 2 months! lol***

Singing Sunday

King of Glory
by Third Day

Who is this King of Glory that pursues me with his love
And haunts me with each hearing of His softly spoken words
My conscience, a reminder of forgiveness that I need
Who is this King of Glory who offers it to me

Who is this King of angels, O blessed Prince of Peace
Revealing things of Heaven and all its mysteries
My spirit's ever longing for His grace in which to stand
Who's this King of glory, Son of God and son of man

His name is Jesus, precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty, the King of my heart
The King of glory

Who is this King of Glory with strength and majesty
And wisdom beyond measure, the gracious King of kings
the Lord of Earth and Heaven, the Creator of all things
He is the King of Glory, He's everything to me

The Lord of Earth and Heaven, the Creator of all things
He is the King of glory, He's everything to me

Apple Crisp--Another Fall Favorite

4 c. apples
Cinnamon
7 Tbsp. butter/margarine(cold)
1 c. sugar
3/4 c. flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put apples in a greased baking dish (I use a casserole dish). Sprinkle with cinnamon. In a separate bowl mix flour, sugar, and cold butter til a crumbly like a streusel type topping; put on top of apples. Bake for 45 minutes til golden brown.

***Side note/helpful hints*** I don't measure the apples...I just pick a pan no bigger than a 9 x 13 and fill it 1/2 to 3/4 full but I still measure out the struesel topping for it. The pan that I normally use for it is The Pampered Chef deep dish baker stone which measures 11-inches diameter and holds up to 8 cups....I just filled the baker to the top with apples and then added the struesel topping and it doesn't boil over in the oven the apples cook down enough. Also you can use peaches, cherries, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries with this struesel topping to make a very delicious dish.

Menu Plan Monday

**This is just a plan and plans have the ability to change at the cook's discretion! Last week's menus were a little bit disorganized! There were appts/events that happened that I forgot about so dinners on a couple nights were switched around and then they were canceled because we ate out instead. Also, my honey decided to go out to eat on a FRIDAY night to celebrate my birthday(last Tues. Oct.30th) so that didn't help the plans either. I did make it to the store this past week for a few things so I am all set for all my meals plus two extra meals just in case I am not in the mood to fix what is on the menu. Again this week is planned with what I have on hand! This is also the first full week of the month and I always seem to struggle with plans and it shows this week!! Lunches listed below are for the kids and I, dh's lunches are not included as he normally will just take what leftovers are available. Leftovers for dh's lunches are very limited this week due to several eating outs and one night of fixing just enough for everyone where there wasn't any leftovers. Hopefully, I can stick to my menus this week so there are leftovers towards the end of the week for him to have, otherwise I am going to have to do extra meals for him. A special thanks to Laura-Organizing Junkie for hosting Menu Plan Monday!**

Sunday(11-4)

Breakfast: eggs, hashbrowns, canadian bacon, donuts

Lunch: chicken tenders/fish stick sandwiches, fries

Dinner: Homemade Taco Bar

Snack: PB & J sandwiches

Monday(11-5)

Breakfast: cereal and leftover donuts from Sunday

Lunch: sandwiches, leftover pan fries, fruit and carrots

Dinner: roast, carrots, mashed potatoes, and crescent rolls

Snack: "snack basket"

Tuesday(11-6) HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY P!!!

Breakfast: french toast and sausage

Lunch: pizza rolls

Dinner: Oven Fried Chicken , mac & cheese, peas

Snack: cupcakes

Wednesday(11-7)

Breakfast: bagels, fruit or yogurt

Lunch: chicken nuggets, fries, carrots

Dinner: pork chops, mashed potatoes, corn, and bread

Snack: popsicles

Thursday(11-8)

Breakfast: cereal and toast

Lunch: ??? got afternoon and evening appts along with needing to pick my honey from work so life should be interesting!

Dinner: ???

Snack: "snack basket"

Friday(11-9)

Breakfast: waffles, eggs, and fruit

Lunch: leftover tacos from Sunday's Taco Bar

Dinner: Saucy Chicken, rice, green beans, and rolls

Snack: homemade chocolate shakes

Saturday(11-10)

Breakfast: "Cook's Choice"

Lunch: ????

Dinner: Bacon Cheeseburgers, fries, corn

Snack: popcorn

Singing Sunday

Amazing Grace(My Chains are Gone)
by Chris Tomlin

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed


My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood
His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace


The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace


The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbade to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine

You are forever mine

Thanksgiving Unit Study

THANKSGIVING UNIT

Links/Websites:
http://www.billybear4kids.com/holidays/thanksgiving/thanksgiving.htm Loads of fun Thanksgiving activities for the younger set: games, puzzles and crafts.

http://www.theholidayzone.com/thanks/ Find Thanksgiving craft projects, discussion ideas, language arts activities, songs and more.

http://123child.com/UBB/showthread.php?t=3095 Art, games, math & science, songs & finger play, make a recipe book with kids favorite recipes, and dramatic play

http://www.kinderart.com/seasons/paperbagturkey.shtml Craft project for little kids to make table decorations that resemble turkeys.

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/thanksgiving/ These crafts projects are for preschool, kindergarten and elementary school children. The crafts use materials found around the house, like egg cartons, cardboard, paper, boxes, string, crayons, paint, glue, etc.

http://www.abcteach.com/directory/seasonalholidays/thanksgiving/ Print out these pages from ABCTeach to have a complete unit study for a young child.

http://www.pacon.com/projects/TurkeyBooklet.htm Create this easy and colorful booklet in your home and write down what you are most thankful for this year.

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/thanksgiving/teacher-resources/6670.html lesson plans

http://www.holidays.net/thanksgiving/ stories of the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving, turkeys to take home, holiday pictures for the kids to print and color, tasty holiday recipes and e-greeting cards to send your friends and family

http://holidays.kaboose.com/thanksgiving/index.html crafts, family fun, clipart and much more

http://wilstar.com/holidays/thanksgv.htm history, traditions, and customs

http://members.aol.com/calebj/thanksgiving.html the Pilgrims 1621 Thanksgiving

http://members.aol.com/calebj/clothing.html Pilgrim clothing

http://teacher.scholastic.com/thanksgiving/ an interactive on the first Thanksgiving, voyage on the Mayflower, look into their daily life, learn about the Thanksgiving feast.

http://www.teachercertification.org/generalteaching/plimoth-plantation.html virtual tour of the Plimoth Plantation

http://www.mayflowerhistory.com/index.php Mayflower history including a passenger list.

http://pilgrims.net/plymouth/thanksgiving.htm recreate the first thanksgiving feast, recipes included

http://pilgrims.net/plymouth/history/index.htm Plymouth history

http://www.tolatsga.org/wampa.html Wampanoag history (Native American group—New England)

http://www.education-world.com/holidays/archives/thanksgiving.shtml articles, lesson ideas, site reviews, books, crafts, clipart and much more

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/thanksgiving/index.html crafts, activities, recipes and much more

http://www.kate.net/holidays/thanksgiving/ history, crafts, activities, parades, and much more

http://www.oklahomahomeschool.com/pilgrimCL.html Thanksgiving unit study for older kids

http://library.thinkquest.org/J002611F/ about life as a colonial kid, see how the pilgrims dressed

http://teachers.teach-nology.com/themes/holidays/thanks/ writing sheets, songs, recipes, crafts, vocabulary builders, games, lesson plans, and much more

http://atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Thanksgiving/ activities for the younger grades

http://comsewogue.k12.ny.us/~rstewart/k2001/Themes/Thanksgiving/Thanksgiving.htm --songs, poems, art, math activities and much more for the younger grades.

http://www.teacherplanet.com/resource/thanksgiving.php links to lessons, units, worksheets, clip art and other resources

http://www.ed.uiuc.edu/ylp/97-98/97-98_units/97-98mini-unit/BWexler_Thanksgiving/overview.htm Kindergarten level--Thanksgiving mini unit

http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/the_pilgrims__first_thanksgivi.html younger grades unit study

http://www.theteacherscorner.net/seasonal/thanksgiving/index.htm activities for all grades

http://www.fastq.com/~jbpratt/education/sstudies/us/thanks.html books, music, and tons of links

http://holidays.mrdonn.org/thanksgiving.html lesson plans and activities on Pilgrims and Native Americans

http://www.crayola.com/calendar/detail.cfm?event_id=98&year=2004 crafts, activities and lesson plans

http://everythingesl.net/downloads/Thanksgiving_story.pdf -- Thanksgiving story on pdfs

http://www.history.com/minisites/thanksgiving/viewPage?pageId=872 –first Thanksgiving table manners and the type of meal.

http://www.eduref.org/Virtual/Lessons/crossroads/sec3/k2/unit3/UNIT3-1-Lesson2.html day in the life of kids at the Plimouth Plantation

http://americanhistory.about.com/library/blthanksgiving.htm facts on the first
Thanksgiving

http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/the_pilgrims__first_thanksgivi.html kdg./1st grade level unit of crafts, activities and lessons.



Books: (this is just a small selection of the books that are available)
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’
A Turkey for Thanksgiving
The First Thanksgiving
Don’t Know Much about Pilgrims
If You Were At the First Thanksgiving
Its Thanksgiving (I Can Read Book 3)
P is for Pilgrim: A Thanksgiving Alphabet
Thanksgiving on Thursday(Magic Tree House Book)
The Story of Thanksgiving
The Mayflower Secret: William Bradford (Trailblazer Books #26)—(older kids book or read aloud)
If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620
Sarah Morton’s Day: day in the life of a Pilgrim Girl
Samuel Eaton’s Day: day in the life of a Pilgrim Boy


Hymns:
We Gather Together
For the Beauty of the Earth
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
Give Thanks


Projects:
Acrostic Poem using “Thanksgiving”
Imagine yourself on the Mayflower write a story about what life is like on the Mayflower
Create your own first Thanksgiving feast, cook up some of the dishes that the Pilgrims ate on that day.
Make a turkey craft
Make a book of blessings---shape book from abc teach.
Do a Thanksgiving themed Lapbook


Facts/People/Terms to know:
Governor William Bradford
Squanto
Samoset
Wampanoag Indians
Pilgrims
Mayflower
Plymouth
Life on the Plantation
1621
Foods that were served at 1st Thanksgiving
Hardships of the Pilgrims
How did the Indians help the Pilgrims?