Geo-Caching For The Entire Family!

If you're like me, you're probably wondering what in the world is Ge0-Caching! Well, it's a new discovery I made after reading an article in the Nov. '07 issue of Wonder time. Geo-caching (pronounced geo-cashing) is a new phenominon created by GPS lovers. Basically it's a treasure hunt wherein you use your GSP (global positioning system) unit to help you locate the hidden treasures. Treasures typically consist of little trinkets (troll dolls, beads, pencils, marbels, etc.) left by others who have come before you! The rules are simple, once you locate a cache, you take an item and replace it with one you brought. Rather simple, right!

The article recommended http://www.geocaching.com/, a site that lists by zip code the coordinates for caches. It's a free website, however, you have to join in order to get the information. At first I was rather skeptical because we live in a small town and I had never heard of Ge0-Caching. But upon my first visit, I found over 400 different cache sites in my town alone! Of course I joined and now I am eager to take my family out on a new adventure! The nice thing is that the site actually rates each cache (1-5) so you know ahead of time if it will be appropriate for your little ones. And with all of the "toys" we have from fast food restaurants, we are sure to have enough trinkets to leave for others!!

I will report back after our first treasure hunt mission, but in the mean time, please feel free to share your adventures! I think this is a great new discovery. One that won't cost too much and will involve the entire family!!!

Recipe of the week

Here's a quick and easy meal for a cold winter day. This has been a hit every time I've made it!

Chicken, Corn and Lima-Bean Stew

2 Tbsp Canola oil
2 medium onions, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cups water
1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 package (10 ounces) frozen lima beans, thawed

Heat oil in Dutch oven (or stock pot) over med-high heat.
Add onions, bell pepper, thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
Cook until onions begin to brown (4-5 minutes).
Stir in tomato paste; add chicken, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce and 1 1/2 cups water.
Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook until chicken is opaque - about 15 minutes.
Remove chicken from pot; stir in corn and lima beans. Simmer until heated through - about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, shed chicken and return to the pot, stirring to combine.

Enjoy!

Game Night

With the increase of television shows, DVR, and movies on demand, children are spending less time engaged in quality thinking activities. Parents do not always have the time to sit down with their child and pretend, read a book, or have fun.

One way to change this is to schedule a game night each month. Here are some tips:

• Schedule the night, but do not be limited to the schedule. If you find you all have nothing to do, pull out some games.

• There are games for children as young as two and all the way to age 100. Do not worry if they cannot follow the rules in the younger years, the importance is to interact, to think, and to turn off the t.v.
  

• You can often find games at garage sales or thrift stores. If they are missing some parts, contact the company for replacement parts. Most will send you what you need for a small fee.
  

• Always choose a game that is appropriate for the youngest member of the family. Here are some game ideas for all ages.

• Don't make winning the most important aspect of the game. Most parents can beat their children at many games, but you don't want to always be the winner. Plus, your child will know if you are not really trying to play.

• Don't talk on the phone or jump on the computer. Really take the time to interact.
  

Tips for Cutting Costs at Breakfast

Granola Cereal Recipe

I love feeding my kids nutritious food and saving money so when I found this recipe I was ready to give it a try. Cereal is an expensive prepackaged item, so if you make this in bulk, you get better food for less money. Plus, if you have your child help you put it together, cooking and learning go hand in hand.

The total cost of this recipe depends on which and how many extra ingredients you add. I usually buy sliced or slivered almonds, walnuts and pecans inexpensively at a country store and keep them in the freezer. I’ll alternate between adding almonds and sunflower nuts, though sometimes I add none or both. You can add raisins and/or other dried fruit or none at all. Adding some wheat germ (raw or toasted) will increase the nutritional value without affecting the taste. (Store wheat germ in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it fresh.)

If you choose not to add all the extra ingredients, you will need to add extra oats. The granola mixture should be moist before putting in the oven, but you don’t want extra syrup. (I nearly always add either extra oats or oat bran.)½ cup canola oil 1/3 cup honey 1/4 t. salt 3/4 t. cinnamon 1/3 cup skim milk 3/4 cup brown sugar 5 cups whole oats ½ cup each of any of the following: sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, pecans, sunflower nuts, raisins, craisins, dates, dried fruit (Mix and match whatever you like.) Wheat germ, flaxseed (optional, but a great nutritional boost)

Mix first 6 ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar melts and everything is blended. Remove from heat. Add oats and mix well. Spread over 2 cookie sheets sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. (Use sheets with sides.) Bake in a 375 oven until brown (about 10-15 minutes). Watch carefully and stir a few times for even browning and to prevent burning. Let cool on sheets. When cool, add other ingredients (nuts, dried fruit, etc.). Store in a covered container.

Starting Out

I am excited to begin my new journey of blogging. My goal is to find and share great ideas on how to create fun activities for the entire family. Whether it's simply a day outside or creating a craft, I hope to share what I find to be successful with my family and maybe the "not so" successful projects as well!

I also look forward to lots of feedback and ideas from others. I will be looking at magazines, websites and other places to find fun ideas and hopefully we can all learn together!

Thanks for joining me on my journey!