Fiddledeedee

I made this for my little family this last week. I found this recipe in Dana Carpender’s “500 Low Carb Recipes.” I tweaked it a bit, and came up with something so good that our plates were licked clean. Not that I publicly approve of plate licking. I try to wait until no one is looking.

Kind of makes you want to hurry up and invite me to a dinner party, doesn’t it?

Chicken Paprikash

3 T. Margarine
4 Boneless Chicken Breasts
1 Sm. Onion (can also used 2 Green Onions)
1 t. Paprika
1/2 C. Chicken Broth
1 Cup Fat Free Sour Cream
Salt & Pepper to taste

Melt margarine in heavy skillet, and brown the chicken and onions over medium-high heat. Salt and pepper chicken while cooking.

In a separate bowl, stir the paprika into the chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the chicken. Cover the skillet, turn the burner to low, and let it simmer for 15 - 20 minutes, until chicken reads 170 on thermometer.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and put it on a serving platter. Stir the sour cream into the liquid left in the pan, and stir until smooth and well blended. Heat through, but do not let it boil, or it will curdle.

Slice chicken, and place over a bed of whole wheat noodles. (Yes, cook them first.) Pour gravy from skillet over chicken and noodles.

Have a scrumptious weekend, y’all.

I thought it was time for a homeschool report. In my house, a parent-teacher conference just means that I’m talking to myself. After a glorious two week break, we’ve settled back down into our routine of homeschooling. The break is for the teacher, not the students. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.

And as always, whenever I do a homeschooling post, and you non-homeschooling readers actually make it to the end, I’ll have a little something just for you.

Recently, I had a sweet reader from ITALY e-mail me with a homeschooling question. Actually, it wasn’t recently, it was WEEKS ago, and since I’ve been moving at the speed of smell, it’s taking me awhile to compose my thoughts.

Silvia wrote:

“This homeschooling thing made me curious: here in Italy it’s not very popular. Well, I don’t really think we have any. I read the post in which you explained how did you get to this decision, but still there are some questions coming to my mind, for instance don’t you think that this is a rather overprotective choice? What’s there in the “outer world” you can’t shelter your kids from even if they attended regular schools? I’ll be glad if you decide to reply - if you have any spare time, obviously. And please do forgive my mistakes, I’m sure no English mother speaker.”
Silvia

And Silvia, you speak beautifully, by the way.

One good thing about living in Florida, is that the homeschool laws make it easy for those of us who have chosen to educate our children ourselves. This is not always the case. Different states have different rules. We simply have to file a letter of intent (that we want to homeschool) with our local school board at the onset of our decision, and supply the school board with either standardized test scores each year, or with an evaluation executed by a certified teacher. I wrote about our testing experience in this post. (And Emme did just great, in case you all were wondering.) I even had an evaluator look at her portfolio (something else we’re required to maintain) and test scores.

All that to say that I feel very blessed indeed to live in an area where I’m not considered a weirdo. At least about the decision to homeschool. Of course, the neighbors may have a differing opinion. After observing me rummaging through my own garbage and all.

Also, we are part of a wonderful homeschooling group, so our children are surrounded by other homeschooling children at least once a week. And three of my sisters-in-law who live closeby also homeschool. If I didn’t have all that support, I don’t know that I could do it.

So, Silvia, to answer your question, yes, I believe I am being protective of my children. Homeschooling is such a personal decision, and it’s certainly not right for every family. When I was school-aged, I would never speak up to say that “I wasn’t understanding something.” Consequently, I was left behind in academics. I was frustrated, and vented by “goofing off” a lot. Which made the problem worse.

By homeschooling, I’m able to see if my kids are not “getting it” because I’m sitting right next to them. We don’t move on until they have a good grasp of the material. For example, my Emme is a second grader. We’re working through Saxon Math 1 with her, because there were some basic concepts she wasn’t understanding when I used the Math U See curriculum last year. It’s a wonderful thing when I see her eyes light up, because she finally feels confident in her math skills. And she’ll be right on track by next year.

My friends who have their kids in public schools often complain of what seems like an increase in bullying, and disrespectful attitudes from the kids. Also, some children seem to be “growing up far too fast” these days. They have seen images in the media that I prefer to keep my kids shielded from at this tender age. And that’s just a very personal opinion. Many public schools offer wonderful learning opportunities, and a lot of children thrive in the environment.

I say “GOD BLESS ALL THE PUBLIC (AND PRIVATE) SCHOOL TEACHERS.” You have my admiration and respect.

And most of all, I love that we can talk about JESUS any old time we want. Love of God and country, and the principles that America were founded on are daily topics of conversation.

The other day at AWANA, Emme had some pretty insightful Biblical knowledge that she shared with our group. It was a proud parenting moment. I asked her, “Emme, who is your Bible teacher?” Proud as a crow, I sat back and waited for the answer. “Joel Olsteen” she replied. Joel Olsteen, if you’ll recall, is her favorite televangelist.

Heavy sigh.

Silvia, thank you for your question. If you decide to join us all on this homeschooling adventure, you have a lot of blogging support, that’s for sure. And count me as one.

And lastly, I wanted to tell you all about a great homeschooling resource. Sprittibee has put together a team of homeschool bloggers on the Homeschool Blog Awards site. I’ll be a monthly contributor, if I can think of anything insightful to say. Beginning in October, there will be daily homeschool articles, reviews, interviews, and more.

And now for you non-homeschoolers, if you’re eyes haven’t glazed over, here’s something for you:

The First Parent

by Bill Cosby

Whenever your kids are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God’s omnipotence did not extend to his kids.

After creating Heaven and Earth, God created Adam and Eve. And the first thing He said to them was: “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?”, Adam replied.

“Don’t eat the forbidden fruit.”

“Forbidden fruit? Really? Where is it?”

“It’s over there,” said God, wondering why He hadn’t stopped after making the elephants.

A few minutes later God saw the kids having an apple break and He was angry.

“Didn’t I tell you not to eat that fruit?” the First Parent asked.

“Uh huh,” Adam replied.

“Then why did you?”

“I dunno,” Adam answered.

God’s punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own.

Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed. But there is reassurance in this story.

If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give them wisdom and they haven’t taken it, don’t be hard on yourself.

If God had trouble handling children, what makes you think it would be a piece of cake for you?

I dug up the only available footage I could find from my Disco Modeling Days. If there was ever any doubt that I was a big dork in the late 70’s, I hope this clears it up for you. That’s me, on the far left. I believe the song that was playing on the 45 phonograph was “Brick House.” That’s all I’m sayin’.

But in other yesterday’s-post related news, I now have proof positive that Cailey is my child. As we were exiting AWANA on Wednesday night, Cailey was frolicking to the car and tripped on nothing and landed right on her face in the parking lot. Her knee sustained the worst of the fall, whereas the brunt of my 8 year old injury was my elbow. There was much wailing and gnashing of baby teeth. But all was silent after a stop at Publix for a cookie. With sprinkles.

A cookie beats a Barbie Band-Aid any day of the week.

Last night I shuffled into the kitchen to wash dishes. Mindless work. Carelessly I flipped on my little kitchen TV. The same TV I watch only to stay up to date on pending weather doom and disaster. And accidentally, I may or may not tune in to Oprah from time to time. As I was arranging everything in alphabetical and color coded order into my dishwasher, I turned to catch a glimpse of a show I’ve never watched before. “Dancing With The Stars.” Never. Never had any interest. No thank you.

Within five minutes I had flung my hot pink rubber gloves off to the side and was standing in front of the TV clutching the countertop. FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD, WHAT HAVE I BEEN MISSING?

When Marie Osmond stepped up to take the dance floor I almost sank to my knees. Marie Osmond. I adore her. And we have so much in common! We’re both over 45. We both love Donny (but in very different ways). And, um, well, uh, I guess that’s it. I thought she did a wonderful job. And it did my heart good to see those middle-aged mamas, who are NOT skinny minnies, get out there and strut their stuff. In sequins. Although, I dined on a few fingernails worrying about a possible wardrobe malfunction.

Before long, my toes were tapping and I was handing out scores. And by golly, I was simpatico with the judges. Who I loved. Everyone has such a great time on “Dancing With the Stars.” Not like that other show that boots off singers, and has 3 dislikable judges. Whatever it’s called.

I desperately want to be on “Dancing With The Stars.” Only a couple of things stand in my way.

A) I’m not a star.

B) I can’t dance.

But other than that, I’d be a natural.

If only I had continued with my ballet lessons. I studied with OnnaLisaVonHelgenberger until that fateful day that I suffered a horrible ballet injury. My elbow, you see. I couldn’t bend my arm for weeks. I was frolicking into the rehearsal for the big recital, tripped on the crack in the sidewalk, and fell flat on my face. The only thing that saved my nose, was my elbow, which skidded into the concrete first. An awful crushing blow for any 8 year old. I still bear the scar. Emotional and otherwise.

For my mother, it was just the last straw. My podiatrist had just informed her that my feet were not developing correctly, because all that I would wear were ballet slippers. And the lack of arch support was going to cause my parents to have to spend large sums of money on corrective orthopedic shoes. Which they instinctively knew I would never wear.

So, I had to hang up my slippers and bid my dream of becoming the Prima Ballerina for the Company of OnnaLisaVonHelgenberger adios.

Some years later I attempted to channel my inner dancer once again to try out for the High School Dance Team. There were 14 spots open. Sixteen were trying out.

I didn’t care for the uniforms anyway. Stupid Dance Team.

But during my Senior year of high school, I showed them all by becoming a Disco/Mannequin Dancing Model for a local department store. Oh, yes I did. There I was in my polyester blouse, and high wasted Sassoons, sporting platform shoes, and a Farrah hairdo, executing the ROBOT. In front of people. To the tune of “Turn The Beat Around”. On a 45 turntable.

A proud period of my life.

Inexplicably I feel the need to throw up, just a little.

Yes, I think a show like “Dancing With The Stars” would greatly benefit from the likes of me. But the format may need to be changed a bit. Sort of a cross between “Desperate Housewives” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” With a little “Biggest Loser” thrown in for good measure.

Who’s in with me?

Last Friday we made our annual pilgrimage to visit the Kennedy Space Center.  I can’t believe it’s been a year already.  I have to say, that living on the Space Coast, and being able to see the Shuttle blast off from your front yard is very cool.  Not that the launch is in the front yard, we can just view it from there.  Even though it’s still very far away.

Just wanted to clarify.

It’s just a nice thing about living in Florida.  Which almost detracts from the fact that in Florida the bugs are as big as your head.  Which is pretty big in itself because of what the humidity does to the hair.

But I’m not bitter.

Our plan was to leave first thing in the morning.  But, Jensen got up just before 6 AM.  Which technically, I guess, can be considered morning.  IF YOU’RE A ROOSTER.  And we knew that if we should attempt the trip in the morning, that by, say, 11 AM, Jensen would lose all sense of decorum.  And get us permanently barred from Kennedy Space Center.  There are a lot of elderly tourists, and they are awfully jumpy around a screaming 2 year old.  We know this from our many visits to Publix.  So, we opted to give him a nap and leave in the afternoon.

Good choice.

The afternoon was nice and balmy.  Jensen refuses to ride in his stroller with the canopy over him.  He’s afraid he might miss something exciting.  So he was nice and sweaty.  And in rare form.  We decided that our favorite attractions were the ones that were air conditioned.  And allowed us to bring our stroller inside.  We didn’t much care what the attraction was.  One attraction was a wildlife exhibit.  There were stuffed bald eagles, ducks, possums, armadillos, raccoons, alligators, and snakes.  All housed with silk plants that simulated a forrest.  The plants and the animals looked as though they hadn’t been dusted in a number of years.  Many of those taxidermically preserved animals we’ve actually seen in our own back yard, and a few of those have even been on the business end of our shovel!  And every silk plant in my house boasts a good 1/4 inch worth of dust. So we felt right at home.  And since the air conditioning was heavenly, we just kept circling the exhibit.  Until the children made us leave.

Then we moved on to a new “ride” at KSC.  It simulates a shuttle launch, while you’re strapped into the capsule.  Along with about 60 other sweaty disheveled patrons.  They made us leave the stroller outside, so the plan was to go into the air conditioning, holding Jensen, and take turns riding with the girls, who were finally tall enough to ride “a big ride.”  The girls chickened out and I rode alone.  While my family watched on a monitor.

When I exited, the girls excited said, “MOMMY, we saw you, we saw you!”  “How did I look?”  They looked at me blankly.  Fiddledaddy spoke up and said, “Very petite.”

He’s a good man.

I have to admit I was a bit disappointed in the ride.  After riding Mission Space at Epcot, which really makes you feel like you’re being hurled into space, anything else pales in comparison.  But unlike Mission Space, thankfully, I didn’t feel like I was going to blow chunks at harmless bystanders.

Which is a nice change.

Jensen’s favorite exhibit was the playground.  It was a tall maze of slides and platforms.  He scampered up with two of his beloved hotwheels cars, and sent the cars speeding down a nice tall slide.  But he was afraid to go down with them.  So, wearing my little skort, I bravely climbed up to slide down with him.  Thusly accruing “slide burn” on my rear section.  Because I enjoyed that so much, I had to repeat it two more times.  Anything for my boy.  Fiddledaddy captured the moment on video, but it will have to be edited.  I’m just sayin’.

And since we live in Florida, the clouds rolled in late in the afternoon, bringing much appreciated shade.  But over the loud speaker, a park employee announced that all visitors needed to take immediate cover, as a dangerous weather system was moving into the area.  And anyone standing near the tall rocket exhibit (otherwise known as the lightening rods) should be especially speedy in seeking shelter.  We looked up.  We were surrounded by metal.  Tall tall metal.

Check please.

We made a mad dash for the car, after stopping to purchase Space Shuttle Gummies.  We had to settle for the gummies because the Space Dots Ice Cream stand closed as soon as the lightening started.  Where’s THEIR sense of adventure?

It was the perfect field trip, as we’re preparing to do a Space Unit Study starting next week.

And I’m beginning to think ahead to our next unit study on Oceanography.  Perhaps a cruise would be in order for that field trip.

Alas.  A girl can dream.