L - L - L - L - L - L

Learning - We started our new school year on Monday. Doing year round school works well for us and we were all eager to get started. Devon started Core P 4/5 and Silas started Core 1. In case you've missed this detail along the way, we use Sonlight Curriculum and they don't use traditional grade levels. Basically we're doing pre-k and first grade. I would never have sent my kids to pre-k, even if we were sending our kids off to school, but we enjoy the Sonlight program. Basically, we're doing what we'd be doing at that age anyway - reading lots of books - but Sonlight tells us some of the books to read. Anyway, we've read some good stories, done some school in the sunny backyard and the shady front yard, and done lots of snuggling during school time. Love it! These pics make our school time look a bit traditional, but we actually don't spend much time at the table. Only when we need to write something.

Lentils - I know lentils are good for you. They have tons of protein, fiber, iron, etc. But they're kinda boring. Well, I tried a new lentil recipe from the Hillbilly Housewife last night that I liked. It includes bouillon, which is obviously one of the least healthy foods on the planet, so I'm going to try the recipe without bouillon next time. We used the lentils as a taco filler for Taco Tuesday instead of meat and beans. We also had some leftover refried beans without the refry (crockpot recipe alert!!) and rice out as a filler. Here's the lentil recipe.

Lentils and Rice

http://fortheloveofgrub.blogspot.com/2008/09/lentils-rice.html

3/4 cup dried lentils

3/4 cup brown rice

4 c. tap water

4 beef bouillon cubes (or 4 t.)

2 t. chili powder

1/2 t. cumin

1 t. onion powder

1/4 t. garlic powder

In 2 quart saucepan bring water to boil. As it's heating add all other ingredients. Bring to rapid boil, then reduce heat to low. Put on the lid and simmer 45-50 minutes. The water should be mostly absorbed.

Laundry on the Line - One of my favorite things about summer is that I can hang my freshly washed laundry out on the clothesline. It's obviously an electricity saver, but that's not why I love it. I love getting fresh air and hearing birds chirp while I do my housework. I love the fact that if there are clothes on my line, then I know summer has arrived. I love organizing the way I hang everything up according to who the laundry belongs to. I know, I'm weird about stuff like that. I love seeing sheets and towels blowing in the breeze. I love the time to let my mind wander. I love looking at my garden, which surrounds my clothesline, as I take care of laundry.