Here are a few suggestions that are quick and easy Crockpot Steelcut Oatmeal http://annkroeker.com/2008/03/25/overnight-crockpot-steel-cut-oatmeal/ Leftover PB bars (made with leftover oatmeal at weeks' end) http://shelookethwell.blogspot.com/2009/09/breakfast-challenge-leftover-pb-bars.html Whole grain cereal w/ sliced banana Peanut butter toast on whole grain toast Parfait - layer yogurt, granola, whole grain cereal and fruit Cheese tortilla - sprinkle cheese on tortilla and heat in microwave Hard boiled egg and toast Hope this helps! :)

Thanks all!!

Can anyone tell me why my status is always "just visiting" as opposed to some of other things I see- "empress bee", "builder bee" etc.? I'm logged in as I post this as well. Thanks!!

Let's face it... chores stink. I had to do very few of them as a child, always viewed them as punishment and grumbled and complained when I first became a wife and a mother that I had so much work to do. However, I will never forget an experience I had with a family early in my mommyhood days and it entirely changed my view on the whole idea of "chores". The family that blessed me explained that it all boiled down to relationships and the key to every relationship is humility. Of course our sinful nature would have us serve no one other than ourselves, but when we humble ourselves before one another we will serve one another. There are so many great and practical Scripture references on this but one of my favorites is, "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." -Romans 12:10 When we teach our children to serve one another (and model it as well ourselves) "chores" do not become relegated to some separate job that has to be done "or else". Hope this makes sense. Of course, there is always the "no work, no eat" principle as well.... :)

I wish I loved my front loader, but I just don't. I have had a Kenmore HE2 Plus for 4 years. There are no problems with it cleaning the clothes, but the mildew problem (you can google "front loader and mildew" for more info) has led me to never want one again. In our current house the washing machine door opens to the garage door - which we always use to go in and out of the house, so it is impractical to always leave it open to completely dry and this has led to mildew around the rubber seal. I wipe the rubber seal after using it but there is always a moldy smell that never goes away. We've used recommended cleaners (takes the smell away for about 1-2 loads) and looked into replacing the seal, but it is over $100 and we fear that in its current location it will get moldy again. Sorry to complain, but I am just not a fan! If anyone has advice for me, I'd love to accept it.

Very exciting! I hope you have the chance to make it to a parent practicum. I just returned from ours last week and it was fantastic. It was my third practicum and I ALWAYS learn something new!!

Welcome abundantly blessed! I too have 4 children - 6, 5, 3 and 6 months! We've been classically educating for 1 1/2 years and I learn something new all the time! It is such a different mindset than modern education and I have to remind myself of that constantly. It has been a blessing in so many ways and even my own poor public school education is being redeemed as I am learning so much for the very first time in my life. We have just finished our second year with Classical Conversations and I would especially recommend that you attend a summer parent practicum (they're free for parents). They are wonderful encouragement and I always come away from them with a better understanding of where I am headed. Even if you are not interested in joining a Classical Conversations community the wealth of information is staggering and I know you will not regret it! :) I will be the first to admit that I ran from a classical model of education until a friend challenged me. I thought a classical education would be too rigid & boring and I thought I was too dumb and unintelligent to pull it off. Thank the Lord I was wrong on BOTH accounts and we are having a ball. Understand the classical model and it will all fall into place! I encourage you to dig deep and enjoy the ride! Kelli www.justhisbest.com