Mom, Wife AND Student

Well, I've started my classes. I'm still waiting on 3 books so I'm a bit worried about getting the first week's assignments done on time. Virtual college is quite different than anything I've done before. I continually feel like I'm forgetting things. I've got everything laid out in my calender organizer (online), but I usually still feel like I'm missing something.

I consistently use the Google tools such as calender and documents for organizing, and creating and storing easily accessible items. I've also started using a site called Remember the Milk to make lists (such as grocery lists) to print out. I like the site, too bad Google doesn't have the same thing in their tools.

It's going to be quite a challenge for me to keep doing what I've been doing (keeping my household running and kids taken care of) AND get my schoolwork done. I've only got 4 classes, but there is quite a bit of reading and writing for all of them. Too bad we can't afford a nanny and housekeeper! LOL

I wanted to share a recipe I found not too long ago that has become a favorite of mine (and Josh's). It's easy, quick, fills the kids up and it's not too expensive if you can get a good price on chicken where you live:

Parmesean Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients:
1/2 large chicken breast per person
garlic butter (enough to dip all chicken pieces) – tip: it's best to use unsalted real butter
italian bread crumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, grated Parmesan cheese, salt & pepper (enough to coat all chicken pieces)

I usually buy split bone-in chicken breasts. They're cheap when they're on sale and have a LOT of meat on them. After I cut the breast off the bone, I use the bones for a chicken soup stock.

Cut the chicken up into bite sized pieces – nuggets. Dip the pieces into the melted garlic butter then roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Arrange chicken on a large baking sheet (try not to crowd the chicken too much) and bake for 15 minutes (yep, only 15) in a 450 degree oven.

The chicken will be very tender, toasty brown on the bottom and much lighter on top.

I'll never buy chicken nuggets again. You can serve them with dipping sauce if you want to, or ketchup... but they really don't need anything. I found the recipe at Simply Recipes, but it's not the only really good recipe on that site. I hope you try them and like them!

I'd better get going with my day. I've got a lot to do and the morning's already well under way!

Activities I'll be doing today: housework!, schoolwork!, housework!, schoolwork! lol

Artwork in Children's Books

I've been reading books to my little one for at least 3 years now, but I was never struck with how wonderful and beautiful some of the artwork in these books is until just the other day. We were reading a book called Circus Train by Jos. A. Smith who is a fine artist and art professor. He wrote a note at the beginning of his book that tells all about the paintings telling the story.

Now, the story itself is not the best, but the artwork is really wonderful! After reading that book, I started to pay more attention to the other books we had checked out from our library (which is hard to do with an impatient 4 year old wanting to continue the story!) and discovered that I've really been missing out on some great artwork.

Check out some of these artists and see what YOU think:

1. Jos. A. Smith
2. Helen Oxenbury
3. Anne Mortimer
   
4. Tad Hills
5. Macky Pamintuan

Great stuff!

I know there are those of you out there who would say, "How could you be so blind?!" Well, I dunno.... just blind, I guess. LOL

Looking at all this great artwork has made me want to get out brush and paper and get back into is myself. Only... who's got the time and money to do it? Maybe one day I can do it... when I'm retired.

I've been talking a lot with my good friend, Doug West, who is a phenomenal artist. He lives in Kansas City with his wife and 2 (soon to be 3) children. Doug does a lot of paintings working in oil and even takes requests. He wants to try sculpting in bronze someday and I hope he gets to do that. (He's also very reasonably priced since he's still trying to break into the market.) So, if anyone is looking for a custom painting, give him a holler.

School is just a very few days away. I think Chris and Bee are beginning to look forward to it. They're tired of being "bored" at home. LOL And they're both really looking forward to their art classes this year. I did try to talk them into home schooling, but neither one wanted to do that... for different reasons. That's ok, it's still an option when/if they want to take a deeper look at it.

Josh also starts school soon. His open house is the 21st and I can't wait!!! This is terrible to say, but "Peace for 4 hours a day!!!!!!" LOL I'll be able to study!

Activities I'll be doing today: Pulling weeds in our small vegetable garden, getting ready for dinner tonight (hosting Mom!), hopefully reading more books with wonderful illustrations!

It's Cool and Cloudy Today

What a wonderful break from the 3 digit temperatures! We've got clouds and possible rain from yesterday through the weekend. It's so nice, I wish it would stay this way for the rest of the summer.

School is just around the corner... for all of us but Mike. We are planning to do our school supply and school clothes shopping this weekend. I don't like crowds, so I'm not looking forward to the experience.

I tried looking into home schooling, but Chris and Bee didn't like that idea. They enjoy being around their peers, even with all the problems they complain about, and didn't like the idea of having to do all their schoolwork solo. And then there's sports... we don't have a program here that would let Bee be part of the sports she wants to participate in this year. So, that was another black mark.

We'll just keep on keepin' on.

Anybody want to contribute to the school clothes fund? :O) Click DONATE!

Activities I'll be doing today: Organizing my office, enjoying the cool weather outside!