Date night In--X marks the spot

This was a quick, silly, sexy date game.  Minimal preparation.  Maximum pleasure!

You'll need:

• chocolate syrup/caramel syrup/honey--your call
• a blindfold
• a romantic and private environment (we made a bed by the fire after the kids went to sleep! comfy pillows, romantic music, candles, etc.)
• easily moveable (or removable) clothing

How to play:

• Blind fold your spouse.  
• When he can't see, take a sticky sweet of your choice and mark an X somewhere on your body (clavicle, cheek, belly button, palm of your hand, etc).
• Now your spouse has to find the sweet X by using his sense of smell ONLY.  
• Repeat with you in the blindfold.
• If you want to make it a competition, you could use a timer to see who find the treasure the fastest; however, I must admit I loved the anticipation of waiting for the treasure to be found and wouldn't have wanted it sped up!
• Repeat as many times as you'd like.  Make it steamy or even funny.

Days of Play--Follow the leader

An oldie but a goodie that needs relatively little explanation.

Walk, run, hop, and crawl through the house or yard and have your child follow and mimic you.  Then switch roles.  

For little kids:

With little kids you can do this in a stationary fashion--raise your hand, fake yawn, etc.

For older kids:

Make your movements multi-stepped or more difficult. Somersaults, headstands, etc. (If you can still do 'em!)

Things I Love--Munchkin Food Mill

So I'm actually crazy about making my own baby food.  With M.E. I spent hours grinding and pouring over organic squashes and sweet potatoes.  I made gourmet fruit mixes like blueberry banana plum.  My baby food processor was my favorite small appliance (well, except for my tea pot).

I started the same process with Mr. Paxton.  The problem is, Pax prefers to eat something with more flavor.  My bland sweet potatoes and chicken baby food dishes don't suit his sophisticated pallet.

Enter my Munchkin Food Mill.  

Whatever we eat, Pax eats.  Seriously.  He's had taco soup, black bean hummus with carrots and rice, chicken stroganoff, southwest beef wraps ...  All I do is throw the food into the Munchkin mill tube, use the base to push it through the grate, and turn the blades.  Presto. Spicy and favorable baby food in minutes.  

If my mill dies before he's need for baby food, I'm totally buying another one (and for $8 I can afford it!).

What I Think About: NCLB

Imagine you play on a baseball team and the baseball gurus come out and make this statement--all teams must win.  Even though it's a competition, everyone must win.  Impossible?  Who cares--it feels good to have everyone win so figure it out.  But if you don't win, they'll take away your mitts, and your bats, and your baseballs and finally your coaches.  And if you still don't win they'll tear down your team but don't worry, you can go to another winning team--if they'll take you.  Sound nuts?

Welcome to No Child Left Behind.

Upon first hearing, No Child Left Behind sounds brilliant.  After all, who could possibly think any child should be left behind?  Behind the clever rhetoric, however, lies some glaring problems. 

NCLB has a cynical view of teachers. The law naturally assumes that most teachers aren’t qualified to teach, which likely stems from the assumption that teacher preparation programs are all fluff, and to solve that problem demands that all teachers be “highly qualified.”  While it is true that a great number of students are being educated from uncertified teachers, it is also true that there is a lack of government support to get highly qualified teachers into the places that need qualified teachers the most (read: inner city and poor-rural).  Without increased pay and strong mentoring programs many teachers leave the field.  Many more have chosen to give up their profession because of NCLB’s reliance on high-stakes testing to determine teacher and student success.  Such reliance reduces teacher creativity and the joy of teaching is certainly stripped when teaching is done from a script.

In addition to alienating teachers, NCLB is harmful to students.  Of course the students who suffer the most come from schools that are already under-funded and lack resources. These schools are the first to be labeled as in need of improvement and thus, the already limited curriculum and resources are further depleted as a penalty for not being successful.   Schools that are in academic failure, again deemed so merely by a series of norm-referenced test scores that do not translate to post-school success (and who's the "norm" anyhow?!?), tend to forgo the “frills” in curriculum in order to teach the test “drill and kill” style.  As a result, schools have limited or stopped teaching social studies, foreign language, art, P.E. and other “specials” classes and have also taken away recess and field trips.  Teaching the test, as opposed to “real” learning, has caused a decline in critical thinking skills, general knowledge, and not surprisingly, the love of learning.  Students report high stress when testing which is further exacerbated when labeled members of a “failing” school community.

NCLB harms local school districts.  NCLB increases bureaucracy and makes the process of receiving funding a matter of expensive tedious and burdensome reporting.  In addition, local schools in academic failure long enough are at risk of being completely taken over and run by either state authorities or privately run for profit education companies. To ensure that doesn’t happen, many districts sharply lower standards and limit curriculum.  

So you're asking--some district lower expectations and teach less in order to prove they are successful?  Sad but true.  

In one act, the federal government determined what subjects were relevant, focusing on reading, writing, math and a bit of science while social studies and liberal arts courses were relegated as “frills.”  In addition, the government forced the use of “scientifically based” curriculum even though many of NCLB’s tenants are not developmentally or pedagogically sound (side-note: much of the "scientifically based-research" is funded by the developers of the curriculum NCLB peddles.  Is that fishy to anyone else?).  

With such sharp criticism leveled at NCLB, one is left wondering if anyone benefits from such federal control. The answer to such a question is yes.  Students who have always mattered in the education system—upper class white students (yes, I just said that)—tend to fare well under NCLB.  Wealthy schools have no problems hiring highly qualified teachers and resources are not an issue; therefore, students—and teachers—who have access to these schools benefit from NCLB as more funds are added to their schools along with plaques and praises about being a successful learning community.

In contrast, low-income and minority students do not benefit from NCLB for several reasons.  First, schools labeled as “failing” have a hard time finding teachers, especially those defined as highly qualified.  "Highly qualified" teachers rarely work for poverty-level pay in dangerous or remote locations.  Without such teachers, students cannot be expected to achieve and thus begins a vicious circle of making students fail and then punishing them for it.  Secondly, schools that are labeled as failing are stripped of funding.  Some funding goes to supplemental resources or for transporting students to more successful schools.  The irony is the school that could not afford to have good teachers and resources prior to a fund reduction is now forced to try and boost test scores with even fewer resources.  And regardless of NCLB’s claim that no students are to be stuck in a failing school, many are due to the fact that there are not enough seats in successful schools or such schools are not interested in admitting low-income students who may need additional services to help with language barriers or disabilities and who might very well bring down their test scores (and really, don't even get me started on how damaging this act is to English Language Learners or students with different abilities!). 

Thirdly, the “diversity penalty” suggests the greater the diversity in school, including socio-economic status, ethnicity, race, language, and disabilities, the greater the chance that the school will eventually be labeled a failing school.  Therefore, it is obvious that inner-city schools with great diversity but little funding will obviously “fail” while suburban, well-funded schools with little to no diversity will meet NCLB standards with ease.  Finally, many students in failing schools are simply “counseled” to quit school or are held back with the knowledge that retained students have a higher drop-out rate (Thank you Texas Miracle!).  Many schools simply allow the educational sacrifice of a few students (who bring down test scores) in order to continue receiving funding for other students. 

NCLB’s goal is to provide a good education to all students.  Unfortunately, the act seems to compile the complications of inequality rather than ease them.  I can’t help but defer thought to George Orwell’s Animal Farm where the farm animals notice that the farm had gotten richer without many of the animals being richer—only the dogs and pigs seem to have prospered.  And their community commandments were changed to read, "All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others."  In light of NCLB, such a satire seems prophetic.

A Giveaway worth mentioning

Frontier Kitchen is offering a giveaway of a cookbook called Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day.

The chef in Frontier Kitchen requested to share a recipe she made from the cookbook and the owners declined (which is totally their right and kudos to Sarah for asking!) BUT they did offer a copy of their cookbooks as a giveaway!

As always I'm grateful that Sarah receives no compensation for hosting the giveaway (and that she bought her cookbook to begin with).

If you want to register to win, click here.

Tuesdays Too Clean Tip--LCD Screens

Here's the fast and easy on TV and computer LCD screens.

First, you should never use liquids such as Windex directly on these screens.
Second, you shouldn't use paper towels or harsh wipers as they can scratch the sensitive screen. Opt instead for a soft cotton washcloth or a dry Swiffer.
Just try to wipe the dust off but don't press to hard.
If you must, make a light solution of rubbing alcohol and water and apply it to the washcloth.  Gently rub the screen.

Good luck not ruining your electronics :)

Time Management Junkie--Skill #3--Organize

For my bestie’s 40^th birthday party she had a “Clean Sweep” party.  When the invitation came in the mail, my husband said with some disgust, “who would want to clean and organize on their birthday?”  He looked at me (wearing a cheesy smile which he knew meant I was contemplating an outfit to match my yellow dishwashing gloves) and said, “Nevermind.” 

I know you’ve heard the adage, “A place for everything and everything in its place.”  An oldie but a goodie.  If items are where they are expected to be, life flows more smoothly (and you won’t waste anymore time looking for your keys, phone, purse, etc., if these items are stowed in “their” places).

It takes a lot of time to get organized but the result pays dividends.  My kids’ toys didn’t make it into labeled bins on their own.  I had to do the initial work.  But now when M.E. is done playing with her ponies, she finds the bin, puts the toys back in, and puts the bin away where it goes (ok, she still needs a bit of reminding but it takes way less time to say, “remember to put the pony bin away” than it does to clean up a room filled with random toy sets while holding a crying baby and making dinner for guests that are due in about three minutes).

Confession:  I have a borderline obsessive relationship with my label maker and my fascination with bins is not quite unhealthy but getting there. 

I organize with a bin and label system.  For kids the labels are photo-based so the kids can put toys where they belong (and even dad can look at the bin and say, “that bin is for your baby dolls.”).  Adult bins are either color coordinated fabric bins (Matt is tan, I am brown) or labeled with words (“Honey, where are the bandaids?” “In the bin labeled “first aid.”).  I use small baskets for food (baking spices, cooking spices, baking supplies, cake supplies, etc.).  I use mini-drawers to organize cords for IPods, cell phones, and other technology. 

This can all be very overwhelming and I can hear you saying, “but I don’t have time!”  Start small.  Remember you eat an elephant one bite at a time.  Start with a closet or a drawer and then move on.  Eventually everything will have its own place!

In coming weeks I’ll post photos and tips on organizing but there are a lot of resources out there and I suggest you look into them (google keywords like: organize, de-clutter, clean …).

In the meantime, if you have a problem area and you’d like suggestions on how to organize the area, please e-mail me a photo and I’ll offer suggestions.  If you want me to come organize with you, you pay for the travel for both my label maker and me J

P.S.  I didn’t make it to Kim’s Clean Sweep party because family was in town (but I did make it for dinner).  I was so bummed!

Days of Play--Taste and tell

Get little bowls of several types of foods: sweet, salty, bland, spicy, bitter, sour, syrupy, etc.

Blindfold your child and let him/her taste the foods.  Talk about the different flavors? Which does s/he like?  Which ones does s/he dislike?

Bon appetite!

Date night In--Tickle Challenge

Matt and I partook of this deliciously funny date last Friday night.  It's a great, free in-home date.


What to organize:

• Get some time when you can be alone together.
• Set the mood.  We did a fire with a comfy bed on the floor, a great Pandora station playing (deep relaxation), and candle light.
• Dress in something VERY comfy.  I did yoga pants and a tank top (in Wyoming!). 
• Get a big bag for you and your hubby.  (Nothing see-through.  You don't want to know what is in there).
• Get a post-it and a pen for each of you/
• Now it's time for the fun!

Here's how to do the date:

1. You and hubby are both going to "bet" that you'll win the challenge and you're so confident that you'll do an act of service for your spouse if you don't win!  You'll each have a post-it note to write your wager on.  Make your wager something you know your hubby would like and have him do the same.  Whoever wins gets the wagered act of service from his/her spouse.  For example, my DH loves a back/hamstring massage so my wager would be a 20 minute massage.  I hate making the bed so his wager would be to make the bed for a week.
2. Now, each grab a bag and set off in different rooms of the house collecting 5-10 random items (the more you get, the longer the date lasts).
3. Here's where it gets fun.
4. Take turns laying on your tummy with shirt pulled up and back exposed.  Now tickle with your random items.
5. Your spouse gets 3  tries to guess what the item is.
6. Switch roles after every item.  Set aside the correct guesses.
7. Whoever has the correct guesses wins the act of service.
8. If you really want to make this fun lay out all the items you each brought categorized by who brought what.  Is there a theme (like did one of you bring mostly hygiene/cleaning supplies)?  It's kind of entertaining to see how our unintended grabs of random items reveal something about our personality.

What Matt brought:

• toothpick
• toothbrush
• cigar (I didn't even know he had one of these vile things.)
• piece of paper
• and something else we can't remember :)

What I brought:

• an orange belt from Matt's martial art's gi
• a soap/sponge dishwashing gadget
• a ball
• a Kleenex
• a hanger

FYI, I won the date challenge and the award for the most random and eclectic assortment of junk (which kinda matches my thought life).


So how does this sound?  Is this something you and DH would do?  If so, share your thoughts (or let me know who won what!).

Garlic Herb Halibut

This is my favorite way to cook my favorite fish!

My parents and my sister's family fishing in Alaska!

Ingredients:

• halibut filet
• 1/2 c. olive oil
• 5-6 minced cloves of garlic
• 2 T fresh lemon juice 
• 2 T parsley
• 2 t basil
• 1/2 t Kosher salt
• 2 t pepper

Directions:

1. Combine all marinade ingredients in ziploc bag and mix well.
2. Add filet and coat.
3. Marinade at least 1 hour (I do it all day)
4. Bake, grill, or boil until fish goes from opaque to white and flakes (but isn't dry).

**You can OAMC this meal.  Make the marinade, pour over fish, and freeze.**

Some tips:

• Use fresh herbs and lemon.  It really makes a difference!
• Don't overcook the fish.
• To get the most juice out of a lemon/lime do the following:
• Put the fruit on the counter and put your hand over it.  
• Roll the fruit around pressing with your hand.
• Now pop the fruit in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
• Cut and juice!

What cookin' at my house this week? 3/1-3/7

So Matt DOESN'T have to go to Toronto this week. Yay!

Here's what we'll be dining on:
Monday--Steak and spicy fries
Tuesday--Spicy honey chicken and brown rice
Wednesday--Enchiladas in white sauce (yes, we eat this a lot because it's a family fav!)
Thursday--Cheesy Chicken breasts with broccoli
Friday--Pesto Pasta with salad and french bread
Saturday--Roast with veggies
Sunday--Garlic Herb Halibut with salad

Hope you have some great bites this week too!

Frickin'

When I was in high school we had this teacher who wouldn't let us say "suck" and in the early nineties, everything sucked.  This teacher's solution was to say "hoover"--like the vacuum that, well, sucks--literally.  Can you see me saying "My hair hoovers today?"  Not likely.  The gal who wants to make "fetch" a cool word in Mean Girls totally reminds me of this situation.  Anyhow, this always irritated me because the intent of what to say was the same even if the word wasn't (as in, if there wasn't an adult here I'd use a much nastier word to describe this assignment).

Fast forward to my teaching days.  My students always said "crap" and I got into a heap of trouble for allowing it (really, crap was nice compared to what I heard in the halls). Again my thought was this.  1.  It is better than other words they could be saying (like the ones in the halls) and 2.  Even if they say "Oh crumb" instead of "oh crap," the intent is the same.

I'm going somewhere with this.  Trust me.

On Wednesday M.E. and I had one of those days.  She whined.  I lost my temper. There was yelling and much needed alone time for cool offs.  But I definitely remember stomping around saying "I'm so frickin' mad!"  I really don't use the big F word so frickin' is my stand in F word (like suck and crap).  Perfectly harmless ... right?

Last night after I finished my run I found Matt and he was in a fit of giggles.  He and M.E. had been playing pretend in her room and she started stomping about saying, "I'm so frickin' mad!"

Oops.

It didn't sound quite so harmless coming out of her mouth (though we could laugh at her amazing portrayal of mom).  

Of course God chooses this moment to remind me of my Bible study.  I'm in 1 Kings reading a whole list, starting with Solomon, of families that continue to do wrong and sin because the sons are following the lead of their fathers.  Funny how I only think of the "train a child in the way he should go" verse when I'm doing something right!

What a delightful but convicting reminder that my children will learn about faith and trust and obedience by my words and actions.

Things I love--FES's

Javier.

Don't you love saying that name?  It's so chic and foreign.  Oh la, la.

Javier in 1992.  He shaved his head because he was a member of the BHS swim team.

But seriously, Javier was one of our three foreign exchange students.  He came from Uruguay to stay with my family in 1992; I was 13.  We had a lot of fun with Javo, as we called him.  It was sort of like having a big brother which means we giggled and set farts on fire and fought.  Sometimes a lot.

A visit to Mount Rushmore.  So Javo had NO hair but that's okay because my sister and I had enough early 90's hair for the whole family!

I had an easier time adjusting to Javo than my sister did because I didn't go to the same school.  At my old high school, FES's weren't seen as exotic hotties.  Nope--they were more like diversity lepers in a sea of white, rural snobs (sorry if you went to BHS).  Anyhow, my sis was ultra social butterflyish and Javo put a damper on the party scene for her.  Add to that the laundry incident and it's no wonder she and Javo didn't have a great rapport.

FYI, after two weeks of living with us, Javo took his laundry, dropped it on my sister's bedroom threshold, and told her to do it.  Bad idea for three reasons:
A.  We'd been doing our own laundry since we were 7.  You wash it, you wear it.  It's a family thing.
2.   My sister hates doing laundry, even her own.  She probably would give a dog a kidney before she'd do someone else's laundry. And I don't blame her!
D.  All 16ish high school girls are budding feminists.  Do your own darn laundry!

(Anyone catch that Home Alone connection above?)

I digress.

Anyhow, I loved having foreign exchange students!  Even when we argued I cherished the experience.

Javier from Uruguay front left and Keisuke, our other FES on the front right pose with the other 1992 BHS Fes's on graduation day!

My folks were great to FES's too.  We took them all over WY and SD, and MT, and Canada and showed them what a truly dysfunctional American family looked like.  And my family must have made an impact because 2 of the 3 exchange students have come back to visit us.  Coni was with us in 1996, came back in 1998 and then again last November.  Javo was with us in 1992, back in 1999, and back again RIGHT NOW!  He's a cardiologist married to a pediatrician.  He has one son and a daughter set to debut in June.

Our FES's are coming back to say bye to our "mom" who is battling CADASIL.  I find it very moving that they care so deeply about her and my family that they financially sacrifice to spend time with us.

Mom, Dad, Coni, Matt and Reagan on Thanksgiving Day, 2009.

So what do I think about FES's?  It think the experience is life changing.  And probably more for the host family than the student.

Open your hearts and homes to FES's.  You'll be glad you did!

What I think About--Blogs

There is a unique little event that happens every Friday in blogville called "The Friday Follow."  So how it works is blogs add their sites to a list and people stop by and check out your blog.  If they like it, they follow you and as a courtesy, you check out their blogs (and I'm pretty sure the unwritten rule is you follow them back). The purpose of FF is to find great new blogs; unfortunately, it feels like many people use FF as a business venture--build up the number of followers because in blog land, followers very often equal money.

I've participated in FF a few times and have, for the most part, enjoyed it.  I've run across some really great blogs--ones that make me laugh or think.

On the other hand,  I've run into a few blogs that just aren't my cup of tea.  Without divulging specific names, let me explain why I don't love some blogs.

• I love to win giveaways as much as the next person but I really DON'T love blogs that do so much PR that the only reason they blog is to give stuff away (read: get free stuff in exchange for a good review).  Constantly signing up to win one thing or another is a huge time suck.  Ick.  On a side note, most of the giveaways are based on the blog author writing a review of a product.  I've yet to read a negative review (most likely because if the author is giving bad PR then PR will stop).  This is fancy advertising--like commercials for blogs.
• Many bloggers want to be like Dooce and make so much money that they can blog for a living.  To reach their dream, bloggers have ad after ad after ad on their sites.  I'm not opposed to an ad here or there and I even love a site that does it well but when I get onto a blog that is more ads than substance I leave immediately!  
• 2,368 followers.  A blog-reader novice automatically assumes that the more followers you have, the better your blog must be.  I've come to realize this is NOT true.  I follow a few blogs with a small following and have a blog with very few followers. What I've come to find is that these blogs are by people who blog for their enjoyment and to connect in a community of readers.  It isn't about money.  It isn't about getting free stuff.  It isn't about giveaways.  It's about enjoyment and purity of the written word.    P.S.  There are some GREAT blogs with lots of followers because they are great blogs--not because they constantly review or give stuff away.  Check out this one.

Now that I've ranted, let me share some blogs that I think have quality content, minimal to zero nonsense (and they won't fill up google reader or your inbox with reviews and giveaways either).

Blogs I love:

Frontier Kitchen--I feel like I plug this blog a lot but for good reason.  It's simple, straightforward, and sassy.  It's 100% true that Sarah is a friend (who brought her amazing hummus to mom's movie night last night and I ate way too much--again!) but it's also 100% true that she's one heck of a cook!  This blog is about real food for real families who really don't like casseroles.  Can I get an amen?

The Good Life For Less--I'm a woman who cares about how I look but I'm not willing (or able) to spend a fortune on clothes. On top of that, I might have fashion but I have no style.  Enter TGL4L.  This gal's got mad style.  If you need an "outfit formula" she's got it.  She'll even do a fashion consult!

Peace and Craziness--I just love the name of this blog.  As the title suggests, you can expect random, fun, and emotional posts about everything from house hunting to Lindsey Lohan.

Where does that leave me?  

My intent with Friday Follow was to find blogs to follow and find readers who might be interested in me.  I've found some great ones, like Chapters of Me, so my mission is accomplished.  I'll probably participate off and on to see who and what I find.  But I won't go following every blog I find in hopes of building up a false "follower" base.  

To followers who read what I write and comment or connect to what I have to say (and to my sister and husband for whom reading this is compulsory), please know how much I value our web-based relationship.  And know I'm not going to throw you under the bus for a food processor and a new book (but if someone offers me a new BMW you can consider my site officially sold out!).

I will probably never make money from this blog.  I'll probably never have Vera Bradley send me a tote in the old Java Blue pattern to review (but Vera if you're reading this, I'd take one!).  Eventually I'll probably get blog-burn out and stop posting.  Eventually you'll probably be tired of reading the rants of a Type-A with no boundaries.  

But until then--challenge me to be like the quality blogs I love.  That's all I've got to say about that!

Too Clean Tuesday--Cat Litter

I've had the Notorious C.A.T. (aka Nattie) for 15 years, which explains her name (okay, for you *really* young ones, she is named after the Notorious B.I.G. who was in the prime of his career in 1995).  She's a great little calico.  Unfortunately, she doesn't like my husband and the feeling is mutual.  On the bright side, I'm pretty sure my husbands intense dislike for her and her intense desire to absolutely irritate him will equal a long, healthy life for her.  I'm betting she'll live to be 22.  

I'd insert a photo of her right now but she's camera shy.  (That's code for "I still can't find the USB cord and apparently Nikon doesn't make extra ones).

I digress.

After 15 years of cat litter changing, minus 18 months of pregnancy when Matt took over, I consider myself an expert.  So how can you keep a box of tinkle and pooh smelling like it isn't a box of tinkle and pooh?

Easy.  Mix baby powder in with the litter.  Works every time.

On the downside, I've read that baby powder really isn't good for babies so maybe it isn't good for cats.  I'm willing to risk it.

Time Management Junkie--Skill #2--Declutter!

Look around you right now.  Can you see your flat surfaces?  Are your counters there (somewhere, under the mail and the dirty dishes and the remnants of lunch)?  Does your coffee table need dusted (or can you not see under the remote controls, the magazines, the kid toys, and the kleenx)?  If you can’t see your flat surfaces, and I mean walls and floors, too, then it is time to de-clutter!

Here’s a quick challenge.  Get up right now, grab a plastic grocery sack and go shop for 10 items you can get give or throw away.  Go.  Now.  I’ll wait.

Think in these terms:

Really, do I want to dust that ugly vase again?  Do I really want to devote time to reorganize those DVDs I haven’t watched since I had the kids?  Are those used margarine containers and lids really worth re-using again and again as Tupperware?

Did you find 10 items (or more)?  Great.  Take a picture of what you just found and e-mail it to me.  Really, I want to see what you found.  

Now if you can throw it away/recycle it (meaning it is garbage or junk) do it now.  If you can give it away, rush out and put it in your trunk.  Yes, I mean now.  Out of sight, out of mind.  If you can’t see what you are giving away then you won’t think about all the ways you could use that item in the future (despite the fact you haven’t used it in 10 years and don’t like it).

Congratulations.  Now repeat this with a different room every day of the week.

WARNING:  Do Not get trapped into poverty thinking. 

What’s that?  

Poverty thinking is holding onto something you don’t like and haven’t used IN YEARS because you think you might use it someday.  

Why is this poverty thinking?  

Because you are neglecting to think that someone who lives in poverty RIGHT NOW might be able to use that item RIGHT NOW.  You are also assuming that if you need that third blender in nine years you won’t be able to afford it.

Be generous with your junk.

Take it to Goodwill or give it away on your local freecycle.org group.

If it’s worth money, sell it on craigslist or ebay

But for heaven’s sake, if you don’t love it, get rid of it.  Clutter is a time and energy drain!

The de-clutter rule: Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful, or joyful.

If you really want to get after it, get three large bins and label them: give away, sell, and throw away.  Now go through each room of your house (1-2 a day) and put 10 things in each bin. Your kids will love helping as long as it’s YOUR stuff.

Did you do it?  Prove it!

What cookin' at my house this week? 2/22-2/28

Awwww, Pax is 9 months old today!  Where does the time go?

Anyhow, DH is on a business trip Monday-Wednesday this week so the menu reflects 1 mom who'll eat anything with 1 kid who'd rather eat chicken nuggets 24/7 with one kid who'll eat anything as long as it's accompanied by warm milk.

I gotta tell ya', the menu around here is a little scarce when the human garbage disposal isn't home.  Hurry back babe; I miss you already!

Monday--White Lasagna with Caesar salad (my MIL will be watching the kids while I'm at school so I have to provide a great meal for her!)
Tuesday--Breakfast for dinner (which means fluffy omelets since I'm not wild about pancakes and waffles)
Wednesday--Matt's home!  WooHoo! Chicken Oreganato (we didn't eat this last week but there is a link to the recipe on last week's post if you are interested) with salad.
Thursday--Chili and cornbread (we got 10 inches of snow this weekend.  I'm all about comfort food!)
Friday--Balsamic Chicken thighs with wilted greens
Saturday--Taco Salad.  Click here to make excellent taco meat (but I use 1 T of spices instead of 1 tsp because we like it spicy!)
Sunday--Cranberry Chicken and wild rice with green beans.

Happy eating this week!

Days of Play--Kid

The Divine Miss M absolutely loves to play this game called "Kid."  Basically what we do is she is "mom" and I am her kid.  Try as I may, she won't give me another name.  I'm just kid.

I really suggest letting your kid be in charge when you play Kid but if you want some ideas, have your "mom":

• tuck you in for a little nap
• read you a story
• feed you (messy but fun)
• change your diaper

The best part of this game is getting to see what motherhood looks like from the eyes of your little people.

Warning: If your little person says things to you like "not right now" or "I'm too busy" or "KID A. KAUFMAN!!" you might want to re-evaluate how you talk to him/her!  Ha ha!

ABC Date Challenge

Man, I love my husband.  Look how pulled together he looks and how dorky I look! Muse lyrics are running through my head:

I thought I was a fool for no one, ohhh baby I'm a fool for you ...

P.S. This photo was from my 10 year reunion.  My friend Jina planned the event and found these glasses. They were a big hit, obviously.

Anyway, Matt and I did this date as a part of our Valentine's Celebration.

Here's what you do:

1. Write each letter of the alphabet on a separate post-it note.
2. Each couple draws 13 letters.
3. For each letter, come up with a silly or romantic date event you can do RIGHT NOW.
4. There are bonus points for doubling or tripling the letters--Scattergories style
5. Put the letters in a hat and draw them out one at a time, doing what the slips of paper say.
6. No one wins, no one loses.  What am I saying, it's so much fun you'll both win!

Some of our letters:
C--cuddle on the couch
D--double dog dare you to ______________
E--eat dessert
H--hold hands
K--karaoke
P--play poker
Q--Quietly whispers a compliment 

Things I Love--Cloth Diapers

There is a pretty big debate about cloth diapers.

Side #1--Cloth diapers take a lot of water to make; they take a lot of water to wash; they take a lot of time to care clean and fold; they make your kids smelly ...

Side #2--Cloth diapers require less water to wash than it takes disposable diapers to be made; cloth diapers have no harsh chemicals; cloth diapers don't fill up landfills; cloth diapers help kids potty train faster ...

In true Reagan fashion, I'm gonna tell you what I think.

I had a friend tell me she was going to use cloth diapers and I told her she was nuts (sorry, Ami).  Then I met Rene and Beth who used them and they looked comfy and sweet. Both of these gals shared a lot of information with me so by the time I found out I was preggers with Pax, I decided to look into using them.  But then I teetered--would it be too much work?  At that time, Molly lovingly reminded me that I have a washing machine and dryer so unless I feared getting carpel tunnel from turning on the machines' buttons, I should drop the purse and get the diapers.  And I did.

The result?

Is Pax's 6 month old tushy bum not the cutest thing ever!  I could eat it up!

I LOVE cloth diapers.
                                          I think they are amazing.

• They rarely leak (because I treat them very well).  
• They are super affordable (though it's a lot of up front cost).  
• The laundry is not overwhelming. 
•  Pax's bum is always cushy and he has only had one diaper rash.  (And anyone who knows M.E. knows that she was super allergic to the chemicals in diapers and had such bad rashes that her bum lost chunks of skin and bled). 

I use BumGenius 3-n-1 cloth diapers.  I got them from Kelly's Closet I literally got the package below in "boy" colors and got the Twilight baby legs.  Super cute!

If you are interested in cloth diapers but scared about the prospect of trying them, contact me at whereisthemeinmommy@gmail.com  I'd love to chat with you about cloth diapers.

Oh ya, remember the gray area.  You can cloth diaper halfway--use cloth by day and disposable by night!

What about you?  Have tried cloth?  Why or why not?  What did you think?  Love 'em or leave 'em?

What I Think About--Reading the Bible in 90 Days

Element Church , our home church, issued a 90 Day Breaking Free Challenge.  As a part of this challenge, the pastoral staff challenged members to do or change something for 90 days.  Maybe it's breaking free of those blogs you keep reading Facebook games, kicking a bad habit, or praying more diligently.  In terms of change, Pastor Jeff encouraged folks to think about getting into the Word.  The church offered several reading plans: read the New Testament in 90 Days, Read every day for 90 days, and read the entire Bible in 90 days.

I've read the Bible cover to cover before but I'm generally on the one year path of doing so.  Lately my Bible reading has been more sporadic so I decided to read the Bible in 90 Days.  Yikes.

To do this I have to get up much earlier (between 5:30-6:00 am).  I read about 16 chapters a morning and it takes me roughly an hour.  I'm not gonna lie, it's intense.

I've not mentioned this to too many people but the folks who do know keep asking: Are you getting anything out of it?

So here's what I think.

I am spending time in the Word.  Yes, I'm getting something out of it.

In the past, I have had quiet moments in the Word where one passage could rock my world for hours.  Literally, one passage (FYI--right now that passage is Genesis 3:16 "your desire will be for your husband and he will rule over you"--WOW--what does this say about the fight over who wears the pants in the family?  A woman's control issues?  Can I get a YIKES! to that?).  While one passage or even verse can really speak to me, I'm not convinced that it means whole sections cannot.

Before I enter the Word I go before God asking for His will as I read.  I ask for guidance, for my mind to be opened, to hear and see His voice.  And He is meeting me where I am.

Maybe I am not getting as much as if I was reading very slowly (but how could I show it one way or the other?).  But on the other hand, maybe I'm getting more because I'm powering through on the grace of His Holy Spirit.  I'm coming to Him longing to know and understand.  He is graciously filling me.

I can't even begin to tell what I've learned in only 17 days.  My eyes have been opened to issues within my heart that need dealt with; I've come to understand areas where deception is destroying relationships that I'm apart of; I've been inspired that our God can and will overcome.  He is a big, big God.

90 Days will not be enough to soak it all in but it's a dang good start.

Are you interested?  Check here for the 3 reading plans.

Has anyone else done this?  What say you?

Too Clean Tuesday--Crayon removal

After M.E.'s quiet time a few weeks ago I went into her room and found that she decorated the base of her window seat with blue crayon.  It was a beautiful, creative masterpiece and I regretted having to tell her that coloring on walls is specifically prohibited and that we'd have to clean the crayon off the wall (before dad saw it).

My sister loves the Magic Eraser for such tasks but I've yet to buy my first Magic Eraser (yes, I'm that cheap.  If you are shocked I'll send you my address and you can mail me one--ha ha).

Anyhow, if you are in this position and you don't have a Magic Eraser either, try to scrub the crayon off with EITHER (meaning, don't mix) ammonia on a clean, white cloth or a cloth and toothpaste.  Which ever you try, make sure you rinse the wall off when you're finished.

Worked for me.  Good luck getting it done!

Days of Play--What fits?

This activity helps children develop a sense of sizing.

There are two ways to play.

1.  Get several jars/vases and trace them on paper.  Talk with your child about what could fit in the jar.  Have him or her get the items and see if they will fit within the boundaries of what you traced.

2.  Get different sized jars, tupperware, etc., and let your child actually try to put stuff in there.  Beware--if you child is attached to something that goes in but not out, you might end up breaking a jar :)  My suggestion, do this only with wide-mouthed containers (like old Peanut butter jars) or plastic items you don't mind cutting (like a milk jug).

Time Management Junkie--Skill #1--The Priority List

A couple of years ago I took on too much at once.  Ever do that?  Anyhow, I ended up doing  a lot of stuff halfway.  I didn’t do a terrible job but I didn’t do any of it with excellence.   That is so not me.  One day when I was crying venting to Matt, he suggested I pull out of some of my obligations.  My initial thought--what?!?!  His stance: Better to give the work to someone who would do a great job than to rely on someone who didn’t have the energy to do her best.  This was my, “Aha, I need a priority list” moment.  Ever have one of those?

If you are feeling overwhelmed, busy, or stressed for time, might I suggest that you step inside yourself and inventory your priority list?  Here’s some truth. 

If everything is important, than nothing is.

What matters to you and what doesn’t?  I literally won’t sleep if the dishes aren’t done; that’s a hill I’ll die on.  Does is matter if I don’t know what I’m wearing tomorrow?  Not so much.  My day will be a disaster if I don’t know by 10 am what we are having for dinner.  Do I care if we have hot dogs for lunch?  Nope.  I will play with my children.  Period.  Do I care if the laundry is done?  It is preferable, but not mandatory.

Here’s my top 10 (in no specific order):

• Good night’s rest
• Quiet time for prayer, devotions, etc.
• Solid, healthy breakfast (really, if I don't get some good protein in the a.m. I am NOT a pretty sight)
• Dinner planned
• Time to play with my children
• Alone time with Matt
• A hot shower
• Dinner as a family around the table
• A clean (looking) house (this is where the dishes come in).
• A chance to visit with an adult

I’m not overly precise and picky about how these are done (meaning my quiet time could be at 6 am one morning and 9 pm the next day. Sometimes alone time and prayer time are done in the hot shower). The point is I have priorities but, though more solid than some of my negotiables, they are still kind-of negotiable.

Are you wondering why a list helps?  Well, if you are running out of time,  you do your priorities, not the negotiable but you can't do that until you know which are which.

So make a list right now of 10 things that HAVE to get done every day for your day to run smoothly.  Think on this; mull it over with your husband.  Maybe each write a list and compare them. Create a couples list--what needs do you both have and how can you help one another.

Make your list and then come back here and share it.

Days of Play--Cookie Decorating

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today is very special at our house because Mr. Gooey Guster is being dedicated this morning.
We are SOOO excited.  Afterwards our friends and family are dropping by for a soup bar, homemade rolls, and fellowship!

If your day is more low key, I suggest making some sugar cookies and decorating them.  This is a great recipe .  They won't be cut outs but you can still frost and sprinkle them!  Mmmmmm....

Days of Play--Hide and Seek

We all know how this one goes so get silly and play.  Work on counting, being quiet, object permanence (for wee ones), and belly laughing.

For Younger Kids
Instead of hiding people, hide a toy, count, and look for it together.

For Older Kids
Even if your kids can play this alone, they'll have more fun if you play.  Hide in really hard spots so they'll have good places to go next time their friends are over.

**This is an excellent time to remind children that they should NEVER hide in the fridge, freezer, storage tubs, cooler chests, or any other place that could lead to suffocation**

What cookin' at my house this week?

So here is the Kaufman menu for this week:

• Monday--Telluride Black Bean Bake (similar)
• Tuesday--Honey Glazed Chicken  and rice
• Wednesday--Chocolate Chipotle Fajitas (from my cooking guru Sarah--beg her to post the recipe on her blog )
• Thursday--Chicken Oreganato
• Friday--French Dips with homemade hoagies
• Saturday--Spanish Rubbed Chicken (we didn't eat this last week because of our Valentine's Day dinner)

Enjoy!

Cupidity

Stupidity + Love = Cupidity

I just saw that word and loved it.  It's no secret I love to make up words and this one is brilliant!

Cupidity--I've so been there.  Of course, so has Matt and since this is my blog I'm at liberty to rat him out with few repercussions.

He is so mansome (handsome+man=mansome)

As a part of my Spy School he made me take a quiz about him.  However, he didn't put one right answer, he made it a trick quiz where I had to pick the "most" right answer (very lawyerish of him).

For example:
1.  What is my favorite food?
       A.  Filet Mignon (P.S. One of our early dates he actually pronounced the G in mignon)
       B.  Grandma's fluffy salad (oh, remind me to post this later.  Yummy!)

       C.  Keebler Elf Cookies (Mmmmm)
       D.  Pancakes with peanut butter (ick but whatever)

The correct answer is TACOS--not listed at all.

Needless to say, by the end of the quiz I was convinced I'd been married to a stranger for 7 years and was seconds away from a tantrum furious.  He meant this to be a fun, silly date idea.  I felt like he'd made of fool of me.  I can laugh at it now because that was a moment where Matt demonstrated cupidity perfectly (he does so well most of the time!).

Ah to be fair, my biggest mistake in cupidity is forgetting that I need to woo Matt just like he woos me.  He's a sucker for romance, too (but he'd likely not admit it!).

Ready to confess a moment in cupidity?  Please do.  It'll make us all feel better ...

Happy Valentines to the man who makes me feel cupidity all over!  

P.S.  This photo was taken in Vedauwoo, WY.  It's so beautiful it looks fake but I assure you, it is real!

Date night In--43 Kisses

My husband and I just did this (his idea) and we had SO much fun.

Go here and print off the coupons for 43 kisses and gather some candies (m&ms, Skittles, mints, licorice, Hershey's Kisses), and something to drink (we had ice water and the ice came in handy).

Set the mood! Turn on some music (may I suggest the Rob Pattinson station or Iron and Wine station on Pandora ?), make a comfy spot on the floor, turn off the lights, and light the fire (or some candles).

Take turns drawing different kisses out of a hat.  Kiss your spouse as indicated and then discuss what you liked/didn't like (although kissing is like pizza, even when it's bad, it's still pretty dang good!).

We laughed, we made up our own kisses, we spent some quality time together.  Ahhhhhh.

Things I Love--My Singing Voice

Matt is pretty sweet and always comments on how "cute" my singing voice is. Of course anyone married knows that "cute" can mean "Wow--how amazing!" or it can mean "Aww, it's nice of you to try."  In the case of my singing, cute means the latter.

I really don't care that I can't find rhythm or carry a tune.  I sound better than a rock and I make a joyful noise.  I sing in the car, in the shower, in the kitchen, while I run, while I bike, and while I shop.  I make up lyrics and use singing to promote fun clean up.  I play some wicked awesome air guitar.

I sound terrible and I know it but I don't care.

Here's to singing without regard for the ears next to you!

What I Think About--My Baby Can Read

My Baby Can Read!  But should s/he?

Let me first say that I do not have these “reading” tools but I know some gals who do and I’ve seen them advertised.

As a parent and educator I am against the "Baby Can Read” tools and here is why:

First I think we should question WHY it matters if baby can read.  So you can brag, “MY baby can read”?  So you don’t have to read to baby?   Because the advertising is so effective that you think you are actually harming your baby if he or she can’t read before s/he is two?  There are times when I think we want to know if something can be done so much that we forget if it should be done.  This is one of those cases.

Before I explain why I do not like this program, let me note some positives.

A child who is already reading when s/he enters school will likely be successful at reading in school. The prior ability gives them more confidence in reading and promotes success. (Think back on your education years.  If you were in the advanced reading group, you felt pretty good.  If you were in the slow readers group, you felt pretty bad). 

This being the case, many parents want to help their children read but don’t know how to so they rely on programs like this to teach their kids and the programs are great at getting parents involved in their children’s education.  This is a positive step and most successful children in school have parents who tutor them at home.

While the product does have some positive qualities, let me explain why I do not favor the program.

First, this educational “tool” is marketed in hopes of scaring parents.  If we don’t use the tools, if our babies can’t read then they won’t have the best advantages in life and will be behind.  But is this true or is it marketing? 

Secondly, studies have shown that true reading (and educational) success develops out of a love of reading, not from memorization and words.  Memorization does NOT equal education.  Further research indicates that by ten years of age, early readers are at the same level as the late readers, IF they both love to read. It equals out.

Thirdly, pushing children (especially boys) to read too early can make children hate to read.  Who wants to raise a child who hates to read?

Other data indicates that children who read too early can have eye-tracking problems and can lead to visual issues. Our eyes are meant to go across the page to read a sentence around seven years of age, which is why books for young readers keep sentences short so that young readers are not reading across the page but just one or two words at a time.

Fourthly, I have no doubt that children using the My Baby Can Read  program will learn the words/pictures/actions and they might be able to call out words on a page.  But reading is more than saying words.  Need proof?  Read and do the following:

Por favor, abra la ventana, sacar la cabeza, y gritar me encanta el pastel de queso de chocolate.

Chances are if you took Spanish in high school you could remember some of the words or at least pronounce them.  But do you understand what you just read?  Did you open the window, stick your head out, and scream, “I love chocolate cheesecake?”  If not then you understand what I am talking about.  Just because your baby can “call out” sight words does NOT mean he or she understands what he or she is reading.

Many educators are worried about the effects of teaching children to read quickly without developing comprehension.  This program will exacerbate this problem.

Finally, our children will learn all of these things (reading, phonics, math, astro-physics) in their time. Its called Developmentally Appropriate Practice. Let your children develop at the pace that is right for them.

M.E. "reading" her book.  She's learning about people, shapes, and colors without watching TV, decoding or memorizing (because who wants to do more work than necessary on the potty?).

My bottom line

Research consistently shows that reading, talking and singing to children helps them develop language and reading skills.  Our little kids need to be little. They learn more through play, exploration, and interaction than through any other tool—including watching “educational videos” (and remember the AAP suggests NO screen time for kids under two).

As a mom, I’ve made it my mission to encourage my children to love books and reading by reading to them and letting them see me read. 

My baby can’t read! 

My 4 year old can’t read!

But I can read and I love it!  So let’s cuddle up and rock some Peter Rabbit!

M.E. and Daddy cuddle and read.

Too Clean Tuesday--Shine Your Sink

You are going to think I'm type A, unbalanced, nuts a little over the top but for some reason, having a shiny kitchen sink seems to make my day/week/month better.  I found the original directions for sink shining here but I modified them (mainly because I don't want to wait an hour for the bleach to work and like to do both sides of my sink at once!).

So here's how to get a shiny sink Reagan style.

• Remove dishes from your sink and rinse food gunk down drain. Run disposal.
• Put in sink plugs.
• Fill BOTH sides of the sink with hot water (as hot as possible).
• Add 1 cup of bleach OR ammonia to each side and continue filling with water until water is at the brim.  (Side note: I perfer the ammonia to the bleach because if you drip the bleach water on you or a sink towel you'll get a bleach stain.)
• Let your sinks soak for 15+ minutes.  (Let's be honest, if you sink is pretty nasty soaking might take an hour).
• Using tongs OR dishwashing gloves, pull the plugs.  Remember the water is HOT. *If you used bleach DON'T touch your clothing!*
• Rinse Why rinse? Because you'll be adding other cleaners and you can't mix bleach/ammonia cleaning products.  It produces deadly gasses--much more serious than those produced from too much refried beans and greens.
• Get a rag and some Comet (or Ajax or a non-abrasive cleaner) and scrub the inside of your sink.  A sludgy grey goo will come off.  You never knew that was on there, did you? Don't use steel wool or harsh abrasives--they will scratch your sink).
• Rinse.  Yes, again.  I use Comet with bleach and I don't want to mix that with the ammonia-based Windex that I use.
• Dry with a towel.
• Now spray your sink with a glass cleaner and wipe it out with a paper towel.

Your sink should be super shiny now.

To maintain the look, simply wash all your dishes in the bathtub.  Just kidding.

Every time you use your sink, DRY it (leave a towel right by the--even your kids will catch on but I make no promises about husbands.  I'm not sure my DH has ever noticed that the sink is shiny).

If you don't want to maintain it, do this once every month or so.  You'll be glad you did (especially after you see the grey goo.  Part of you will always think--ick, the sink is filthy unless I can see my face in it!).

How to Become a Time Management Junkie--Part I

My shortfalls are many.

I'm either neurotic or I'm crazy.  But then, I repeat myself.

• I talk too loud, too much, and too often—mostly about myself and my family (which might explain this blog).
•  I am very sarcastic. This can be funny when properly used.  When used in battle, it can be downright destructive.
•  I have a porcupine personality.  Great to see—hard to get close.  I’m not sure why but I’ve always kept people at an arms length and am very slow to warm up.  On the other hand, once we’re close, I stick by you and am hard to get away from (sort of like pulling quills out of a dog’s nose).
•  I really like things done the right way (read: my way).
•  I am overly quirky.  I can’t sleep if all the light switches aren’t going the same direction, spoons/forks/knives can never touch in the dishwasher, and wars have been fought over bed making, which direction the open end of the pillows should face and how curtains should be drawn. 
•  I can be critical and judgmental.  See above. 

One area, however, where I consider myself mostly successful is in time management.

My personal philosophy: When God created time, He created enough of it. 

Insert warning.  I’m going to be a bit raw and honest in my forthcoming statements.  If you are thin skinned, stop here.  If you want to read it and it makes you mad, sorry.  Please send hate mail to my PR person.

Probably my #1 pet peeve are the people who say, “I don’t have time to ____exercise, read to my children, make a healthy meal, mail a birthday card, pray …_____.”  This extends to the “I’m too busy” people, too.

What I’d really like to explain to those folks is:

• You are not lacking any more time than the rest of us; you are misusing your time more than the rest of us.
•  We are all busy.  I know retired people who are busy.  Until you walk eight miles to get water and then carry it back eight miles to the home you hand built where you’ll boil the water over a fire made of sticks you hunted for so you can hand wash your only other set of clothing which you will line dry as you go work in your small garden and care for your animals, the product of which you will use to make your meal from scratch, I don’t want to hear it. 
• What doesn’t make your “To Do” list says more about you than what does.
• We are not too busy.  We are too self-important.

Phew.

So I can manage time but I’m not perfect at it.  In fact, I am VERY much a work in progress but I’d like to share some skills and routines that help me decide how to divide my time, talents, and treasures (and still have time to talk to my sister on the phone a couple times a day). 

Okay, after posting the mullet photo twice, I decided I better put in a photo of 

my sister when she looks hot!

Check back for more information on skills and routines I find invaluable.

Days of Play--Spaghetti Monsters

Tactile play is an amazing way to help your children explore and learn.  In this day of play, take 1/4 box of spaghetti noodles and cook them according to directions.  Drain and **cool** them.

Put the cooled noodles in a big bowl and let your kids squish around in them.

For Younger Children:
This is perfectly acceptable for little ones but you will need to watch for noodle pieces heading toward the mouth.

For Older Kids:
Give each child their own bowl.  Have them wash their hands.  Add pasta sauce and an art smock.  Presto! Lunch you can play with!

Souper Bowl Sunday

Today is the Super Bowl and I must admit that I'm not exactly a fan of pro football.  That being said, I am rooting for the Saints since this is their first Super Bowl bid and the Colts won a few years ago.

Geaux Saints! (only Matt will understand the irony of why I chose to spell Go that way).

Anyhow, what really matters to me on this momentous day in American football (that we have momentous days in sports I'll leave for another day), is the FOOD.

Not too many years back I made Rilda's Kickin' Chicken Corn Chowder for a Souper Bowl party and it won first place. I got a big (and I mean BIG) trophy and everything.

But today's soup is Taco Soup courtesy of Matt's Aunt Amy.  We'll be having chips and queso and so dipping veggies as well.  Mmmmmm.

Amy Brock's Taco Soup


Ingredients
2 lb. ground beef (or turkey)
1 chopped onion
2 pkgs dry Ranch Dressing
2 pkgs taco seasoning mix
3 cans chicken broth
2 cans black beans (drained and rinsed)
2 cans northern beans (drained and rinsed)
2 cans pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
2 cans Rotel tomatoes (mild if you need it!)
2 c. frozen corn

Directions

1. Brown ground beef and drain off the grease.  
2. Add onion, Ranch and taco seasonings to the beef and mix well.
3. Add broth, beans, tomatoes, and corn.
4. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat.  Stir and simmer for 30 minutes.

Serve it up!
Serve with freshly shredded cheese, Frito Scoops, and green onions.  Sour cream makes this divine.

Freeze it!
This is a large batch so if you'd like, set half aside to cool.  Once cooled, put into a gallon freezer bag, lay flat, and freeze.  To reheat, thaw and warm.

**Why cool it first?  If you put this into the oven hot it will produce steam which will freeze as crystals**

Don't like meat?
This is a great vegetarian meal if you replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and remove the beef.  If you desire, Portabella mushrooms make a mean beef substitute!

Enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday!