Glad I homeschooled . . .

As I watch the protests in Wisconsin, I have to find myself doubly thankful that I found the blessing of homeschooling for my children. These teachers claim they are fighting for the children but while they prance around with posters, the children are not in school because the teachers are out prancing with their posters. It was also mentioned that since the protesting teachers basically forced many schools to close down, last week, the free breakfast and lunch programs didn't happen. I don't know that I totally agree with the food programs but they are there because the teachers and government think them necessary. Uh, then why don't they do their protesting and petitions from the classroom so school can go on as it should? Oh, and why is the federal government getting involved in a State matter. I guess the prevailing question is why don't these protestors understand simply math as it 'there is no money, you have to downsize'?

Baking today . . .

It's official . . . I'm in love with mini cupcakes! I saw a Food Network show about making these tiny cakes and it makes so much sense. Instead of bogging down with a regular cupcake while wishing you had tried the other flavor, you CAN have a bite-sized cupcake of several flavors and not add up to the size of a normal-sized cupcake treat. Add variety to your life and makes baking fun, too.

Although I only made intense vanilla 'baby' cakes with chocolate frosting, today, I can see spending an afternoon in the kitchen and getting the end result of three different offerings. It is also interesting how the taste of the cupcake if often what you really want vs. a bunch of cupcake. I'm thinking a fudge mini cupcake next time and, perhaps, a really choice spice one. Seems like it would be a nice combination along with the vanilla type I made today.

It also reminded me about my 'weird' cupcake phase of several months ago. I made cupcakes with bean, some with carrots, and yet another one with tomatoes. Yes, they sound odd but by using about a cup of either of the three instead of the egg, oil, and water called for on boxed mixes, you reduce the fat and add a lot of interesting flavor. I steamed the carrots, first, and then pureed them with orange zest and a touch of fresh juice with a very orange-intense frosting. The beans were garbonzo and I just pureed them with ginger, cinnamon, lemon zest. Tomato mixed in a cupcake batter calls for a touch of cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a good dose of vanilla extract.

I'm thinking the sudden baking creativity was sent directly by God as He knows Lent is around the corner and I will miss doing sweet creations for six weeks.

Arizona Law Explained!

http://www.youtube.com/embed/tsH8xvjTAlo

Best explanation I have heard to date!

Topic on the radio today . . .

California has a huge deficit and the only solution according to our politicians is to increase taxes . . . again. Uh, while they push for this, I'm pretty sure their salaries are not taking a beating. One intelligent person actually ventured forth with the solution to cut our deficit in half . . . Put teachers on the same copay system of health care that the rest of us have. Yeah, the teachers are all for sacrifice as long as it doesn't entail them. I just don't understand WHY teachers should be singled out for such a benefit. It would be interesting to know if the police, firemen, etc. get the same deal and, again, why? Aren't we in a democracy where all men are created equal?

It is almost humorous to think about the teachers in Los Angeles where the drop out rate is around 48%. Where are the teachers and what are they doing? Hanging out for free at the doctors' offices?

You have to wonder what caliber of doctor, nurse, teacher we will eventually have in our country if we keep dumbing down the system and then insisting on rewarding inadequate teaching with contant salary increases.

I remember the looks and words we got from friends and relatives because we dared to think ourselves good enough to home school our children. I never asked for a raise (!) and three of my four are already graduating from college.

The older one gets, the more they should consider this!

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die the world cries and you rejoice.

Indian Proverb

Speaks for itself . . .

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.

Albert Einstein

Am I missing something . . .?

I've been a stay-at-home mother since I brought my first baby home. I have also homeschooled my children. Besides caring for the children, part of my job that I take seriously is cooking for my family. I get confused when other like-minded mothers tell me they don't have time to cook. I have to wonder why. Yes, we have a lot of work with school and children but cooking isn't a grand mystery. Even if you aren't a gourmet-minded person, a good, basic dinner can be on the table within 30 minutes if you take the time to think about it.

With only one income, my greatest gift to my family is a hot meal that is good for them but tastes good, too. I used to know a person who would practically kill herself fixing and freezing meals for a month all on one day. We have been known to put away leftovers for another day but frozen/defrosted food is never the same as smelling the bubbling pots on the stove or coming home and the crock pot has once again done it magic.

One person snottily told me that 'you just LIKE to cook'. Hey, there are days when it can be a struggle but that's my job! As long as my husband works hard to support us, the least I can do is see that he gets a healthy meal. I didn't start out exactly liking to cook. I starting out hungry and wanted to eat something good. The liking to cook grew on me when I discovered how basic, simple ingredients can turn into a crowd pleaser at the dinner table.

A bonus of cooking at home is that my husband can take leftover for his lunch at work. This saves a LOT of money and he is happier eating good food than fast food. It keeps him out of the bad cholesterol/high blood pressure link, too.

I'm wondering if it is really worth it to spend one day cooking a massive amount of food and freezing it than to just plan your day around cooking an evening meal fresh. I remember having a friend over for sewing, one day, and she left at four with her husband coming home hungry at six. I gave her a pound of pasta, a jar of sauce, and she purchased some ground beef and greens on the way home. Her husband thought he'd hit heaven to come home to a plate of hot and meaty spaghetti.

Sorry, but cooking is easy if you think about it. My husband said that he could never do my job, however, as it takes too much thinking. Job is the operative word and if you like your job, you learn to like all of her job.

Just my rant for the day as I plan the evening meal!