As homeschoolers, we love educational games and toys. Playtime and learning time rolled into one. That makes the kids and Mom happy. MindWare carries many of the best learning games, puzzles, and activities available and until February 15, 2011, you can get 15% off your MindWare purchase by using the code FEB15. 

We have the marble run and the boys have all loved it. While I'm attracted to the more natural wooden sets, this bright-colored plastic set is much more affordable and very durable. There can be frustrating moments when your structure comes apart {similar to Legos} but that is part of the challenge. One of the boys' new favorite games is Blokus. Even Levi likes to play by just taking turns fitting pieces onto the board, more like a cooperative game. We have been getting the MindWare catalog for several years and my wishlist is getting long. They have lots of things that are perfect for boys. I really want to get the Contraptions Catapult for Noah for his birthday but it won't be available until about a week later. And Levi would absolutely LOVE the Design & Drill Activity Center. I almost got the Perplexus for the whole family at Christmas and now I wish I would have. It would be great for travelling and for waiting for Mom to finish working with a brother during school time. The Ultra Stomp Rocket would appeal to every boy in the house, including the 16 and 38 year old ones. I would probably need to get more than one to save my sanity.

Disclaimer: I am an affiliate with MindWare and if you make a purchase through any of the links above, I will receive a small percentage. Thanks!

Slow-Cooker Italian Chicken & Vegetables

I always keep ingredients on hand for this recipe. My family loves it because it's hearty and delicious. I love how easy it is to make. The amounts listed are flexible. This recipe makes about 6 servings but, as you can see from my pictures, I usually just fill up my 6 qt. crock pot as full as I can. You can increase/decrease or even add other vegetables, like quartered onions, green beans, etc. to suit your family's tastes.

Italian Chicken & Veggies

3 lbs baby red potatoes, washed & quartered 

1 lb baby carrots (or carrots, peeled & sliced)

4-5 frozen chicken breasts (or equivalent amount of tenders)

1 pkt Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix, prepared as directed

1 c water

Place ingredients in crockpot in order listed, pouring Italian dressing over all. 

I used Idaho potatoes here because that's what I had.

I add the extra water to the dressing, prepared with white vinegar and EVOO. If you want a boost in flavor, try apple cider or Balsamic vinegar.

Cook on low 8+ hours or high 6-8 hours, until chicken and veggies are tender (carrots tend to take the longest). Shred chicken and stir together before serving. After shredding chicken, you can let it cook a while longer to thicken, if desired.

Serve with a salad and buttered bread or rolls {to soak up the yummy"gravy"}.


Linked up at Raising Homemakers.

Conversations With LJ

M2 was having his mid-morning "nurnie" and LJ wanted me to do something. M2 pulled away for a moment and then decided he wasn't finished...
LJ: "He wants more! {sigh} This is gonna take a while."

Papa Bear brought home a bunch of flowers for me and they were on the kitchen table in a vase of water. A few days later, the hobbits noticed that they were drooping...
LJ: "Momma, your flowers are dying! You need to give 'em some soil."

We were driving past Dairy Queen...
LJ: "Are you going to get me some ice cream, Momma?"
Me: "Hmm..."
LJ: "Say yes, Momma. Just say yes. Say yes, Momma. I yike ice cream. Say yes, Momma."

LJ's favorite random words: "Butternut" & "Bourbon getty" {???}

Wordless Wednesday # 10 - "This Time Last Year"

Linked up at Mama to 4 Blessings, 5 Minutes for Mom, and Shibley Smiles.

Time4Learning - Free Trial & Upcoming Review

I've been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as a homeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment and for summer skill sharpening. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning.


One of my sons and I have hit a wall with math. It is affecting our relationship and his self-esteem so I am looking for help. While researching math curriculums and homeschooling issues, I ran across Time4Learning and thought we should give it a try. He may do better learning from "someone else" for a while and it can't hurt anything. It will also help Isaac, who has suddenly developed a huge appetite for learning.