First Quarter . . . Done!

Pin It Now! I am simply dumbfounded by the fact that I have completed 10 weeks of school already!! So, technically we are done with the first quarter plus one week. Now it is time for a break--FALL BREAK. :)

Gigantic praise for no one getting sick for an entire school quarter!! Hootyhoo! (I don't count the 2-day cold my daughter caught right before her surgery.) I don't think that's happened the whole 4 years we've been living in AZ.

I had thoroughly anticipated a challenging school year since a kindergartner was being added to the mix, but I am so happy to report that this school year has been quite pleasant. It's astonishing that I have a kid in junior high who pretty much completes school on his own, my third grader has surprised me this year by tackling a few more subjects without too much mama help, and my 5 year old is very easy to teach and has such a sweet disposition!! (Plus, I think it helps that 11 years of motherhood has relaxed me a smidge.)

The one thing that feels so strange about my 7th year of homeschooling is that I am falling WAY behind on keeping up with my boys' science and history. They both read everything on their own now, and instead of spending my time reading their books, I am teaching a beautiful little girl how to read and write. I actually enjoy learning right along with my kids and staying on top of every last detail, but there is only so much time in a day!!

So, now on to Fall Break--so many "to dos" are already piling up!

Introducing Cooper

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Yes, this is my backyard.

No, this is not our puppy.

He's cute, though. Some kind of rare, long haired dachshund breed--can't remember the proper name. My dad and his wife had to get him b/c their rescue golden retriever needed a pal. :)

I know where my kids are going to want to spend part of their fall break!

WFMW: The Last Drop

Pin It Now! Cutting lotion bottles works for me!!

Whether it's hand lotion, body lotion, face moisturizer, sun tan lotion, etc., I make sure I get the very last drop out of every bottle!

It's easy and just takes a second to cut the bottles/tubes in half. You wouldn't believe how much lotion is still in the containers! Sometimes there are so many extra applications that I have to store the remaining contents in a plastic baggie, or I stuff a baby wash cloth in the opening to keep the lotion from drying out.

Some bottles are easier to cut through than others, but to me it is totally worth the effort.

For more fabulous tips, visit We are THAT Family.

Monterey Meatloaf

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I tried really hard to resist the urge to frown, huff, and grumble on meatloaf nights as a kid. I hated meatloaf. I swore I'd NEVER fix it when I grew up.

That was until I found this recipe for Monterey Jack Meatloaf--oh, bless my soul it IS GOOD!!!!

And my kids LOVE it. Meatloaf is not a bad word in my house! You've just got to try it especially if you have a thing for ooey, gooey, cheesy goodness. YUM.



Wish my pictures did this meal justice! Here is the recipe:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 to 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack or pepper jack cheese, divided*

In large bowl, combine egg, bread crumbs, onion, salt, and pepper. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Press half of the beef mixture onto the bottom and halfway up the sides of a greased 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pan. Sprinkle 3/4 cup cheese over meat to within 1/2 in. of sides. Pat remaining beef mixture over cheese.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 50-55 min. or until meat is no longer pink. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 5 more min. or until cheese is melted. Let stand for about 10 min. before slicing.

*I don't shred my cheese. I buy the block kind and cut it into cubes. I do shred some for the topping, though. Just my personal preference. :)



Linked to:
Tasty Tuesday
Tuesdays at the Table
Tempt my Tummy Tuesday
Works for me Wednesday
Raising Homemakers

Barbie's Arsenal

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I don't even know what to say. I just hope she has a license for all this. Oh my, and there's a child in the room!

Maybe toys really do come to life at night and she needs to defend herself and the rest of Barbieland from Clone Troopers and Halo dudes??