Yummy Crockpot Enchiladas

This is one of my family’s favorite meals! I prefer the red enchiladas, but my husband prefers green—either way its tasty. The filling for these enchiladas can be made in the crockpot, but they will need to be baked at the end.

Ingredients:

6 chicken breasts (thaw if frozen)

1 Tbs Garlic Powder

1 Tbs Chili Powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp dried cilantro

1 small can green chilies

1 cube cream cheese

2 cups shredded cheese (I like the Mexican style)

8 Tortillas

2 cans enchilada sauce (green or red)

Cooking Spray

Directions:

Start by spraying your crockpot generously with cooking spray (makes clean up way easier). Add whole chicken breasts to crockpot. Sprinkle with seasoning (if you are in a hurry, I sometimes use pre-packaged taco or fajita seasoning instead) and put green chilies on top. Cook on low 6-8 hours until chicken can be easily shredded with a fork. Once chicken has been shredded, cut up block, of cream cheese and stir in. Make sure cream cheese softens and fully mixes with chicken.

Pre-heat oven to 350. Prepare a baking dish (9x13) with cooking spray. Add enchilada filling to tortillas (more or less than 8 can be made depending on how much filling is in each) and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Tuck in ends of tortilla and roll up. Place enchiladas side by side in prepared baking dish (crowded is fine). Pour enchilada sauce over the enchiladas. Bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes spoon sauce over enchiladas again and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted. Enjoy!

Easy French Toast Muffins

Here is a simple recipe that makes weekday breakfasts a cinch! These taste best warmed in the microwave and are great with a little syrup!

Ingredients:
1 loaf of white bread (about 20 slices)
5 large eggs
1 cup vanilla almond milk (or any milk or milk substitute)
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar (or double up on maple syrup or use other sweetener instead)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3 Tbs butter, melted (or butter substitute)
1 tsp maple flavor
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350. 
2. Grease muffin tin.
3. In large bowl, beat eggs and milk. Add all other ingredients, except bread, and mix thoroughly.
4. Cut or tear bread into bite-size pieces.
5. Add bread to egg mixture and stir to coat evenly--bread should be soaked in egg mixture.
6. Stir in chopped pecans,
7. Using spoon, scoop into greased muffin tin. For larger muffins (about 12) over-fill the muffin cups--they will not rise much.
8. Bake for 20-22 minutes.

Smartphones Are the Devil: Five Reasons Why My Teen Won't Have One

Don’t get me wrong, I love my iPhone. Its magical apps allow me to constantly update my Facebook status, Tweet whenever I feel the urge, and play endless hours of Words With Friends. But it is a little soul sucking at times. I have to consciously remind myself not to bring my phone to the dinner table, put it down to greet my husband, turn the ringer off and engage in life with my family. I know, I’m a terrible person. That is why when my thirteen-year-old asks when she can get a smartphone, I hypocritically, and unabashedly, tell her, “No way, Jose!”

There are many practical reasons why I don’t want my daughter to have a smartphone: she’ll break it, she already has a perfectly good phone that she never answers, she’ll break it, data plans are expensive, she’ll lose it, she’ll break it. But those aren’t the only reasons I don’t want her to have a smartphone.

1. Unlimited Access to the Internet is Dangerous

The rule at my house is my kids can only access the internet in common areas. They do not have computers in their rooms—nor will they ever—and they are not allowed to take the laptop into their rooms. Why? Mind-numbingly stupid YouTube videos, social media (see below), pornographic pictures and videos, explicit music, games that will crash my hard-drive, and sexual predators waiting for any opportunity. Why would I give my kids pocket-sized access to the internet that they can take with them anywhere. Let’s be honest. Teenagers are not the best at using common sense and good judgment. They are curious, clueless, impulsive, and insecure. Yes, I know there are safeguards and restrictions you can put on your kids’ phones but, to me, it just isn’t worth the risk.

2. Social Media Reinforces Poor Boundaries

I enjoy Facebook and Twitter as much as the next person, but I grew up in a different age. I can remember the time before the internet, social media, status updates, and selfies. I have the wisdom and common sense to discern what should and should not be posted. Too many kids, and even young adults, today have ATROCIOUS interpersonal boundaries. They post selfies in compromising or illegal situations, rant about their bosses, air their dirty laundry, and otherwise TMI. There is no sense that some things ought not to be public; some things ought to be sacred. They don’t seem to grasp the concept that what they put out on social media can negatively impact their reputations, their relationships, their careers, and their lives. This tendency towards over-sharing even carries over into the actual world. As a teacher, I was astounded by what teenagers will share in front of the entire class without batting an eyelash.

3. Texting is Destroying Communication

Yes, I realize that not only smartphones are capable of texting, but they do seem to exacerbate the problem. Texting, while highly convenient, is a non-committal form of communication. With texting, you can avoid having to actually talk to someone (therein lies the appeal). Teenagers today are losing the ability to have a normal conversation. Texting encourages one way communication (I call it monologuing), superficiality and misunderstanding (no facial expressions or voice intonations to read), poor grammar, poor spelling, and poor vocabulary (everything is said in the shortest words or abbreviations possible). I even hear kids talk to each other in text-speak. They actually say “lol” and “btw.” WTF!

4. Technology Accustoms Teens to Instant Gratification

All technology, from dishwashers to microwaves to smartphones makes our lives easier. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, too much convenience can make us impatient and overly-reliant on technology. Too many people cannot cook without a microwave or navigate without a phone. We come to expect our needs and wants to be met immediately, and with little effort on our parts. Teenagers, who are just learning important life skills, need practice in the art of problem-solving and patience.

5. Games and Apps Rot Your Brain

Constant electronic input leads to brains that are overstimulated and hard-wired for poor attention. It used to be that when someone had to sit in a waiting room, take a long car ride, or otherwise be idle, they found ways to entertain themselves that did not involve electronics. People used to engage in conversation about meaningful topics, face to face. People used to read actual books or magazines. People used to just sit quietly and think. Not anymore, now they’re playing Candy Crush Saga and watching YouTube.

9 Rules for Naming Your Baby (From A Self-Confessed Name Snob)

So, I must confess, I’m a bit of a name snob. I don’t mean to be judgmental; it’s just that I have an opinion. I have always been fascinated by names. I used to pore over an old baby name book of my mom’s and come up with lists of names—much to the annoyance of the family members who were subjected to my litany of monikers. When I found out I was pregnant, the first thing I bought was a huge baby name book. And, I kid you not, I made a spread sheet.

That said, I think I am fairly eclectic when it comes to names. I love traditional names, unusual names, trendy names, literary names, nature names . . . you name it. The only things that really get my dander up are made up names and misspelled names. I do think, however, that certain naming “rules” or “guidelines” can be helpful.

Rule #1:  Choose a Name You Will Cherish

This is by far the most important thing. You will say this name a bajillion times a day for the rest of your life. Pick one you and your significant other really love and will enjoy saying . . . over and over again.

Rule #2: Consider Your Child

Remember, your child is the one who is really going to have to live with the name you choose, so think about how it will affect them. Ask yourself these questions. Are there any unfortunate nicknames that come with this name? Will the odd pronunciation/ spelling of this name negatively affect my child? Are there any negative connotations to this name? Will my child enjoy having this name? Is this name gender-appropriate? Will this name age with my child? It is no fun going through life with a name that is a source of teasing or negative assumptions.

Rule #3: Meditate On Meaning

Please don’t make up a name. Please. Please. Don’t. Names are expressions of culture and language. Don’t labor under the delusion that just because you decide to call your child something awesome like “MyAnna” that makes it a name. The world is literally full of beautiful, wonderful names. There is no need to make one up. Part of the joy of naming another human being is giving them a name of substance, a name that means something. Did you know that the name Calvin means “bald?” How about that the name Ethan means “strong?” Whereas something like “MaShon” or “Jennavecia” mean . . . nothing . . .  I am not saying rule out all names that don’t have a great meaning, however, if you are stuck between two or three, this could be a deciding factor. Oh, and in case you are wondering, in a baby name book, the origin “American” is code for “made-up.”

Rule #4: Say it With Your Surname

Avoid names that sound “rhymey” or comical with your last name. Sally is a wonderful name; paired with O’Malley, not so much. If your last name is Bush, don’t name your daughter Rose.

Rule #5: Specify a Spelling

This is one of my BIGGEST pet peeves about naming. Please don’t give your child’s name a youneek spelling. Caitlin, Marcus, and Samantha are lovely names; Kaytlynne, Marquis, and Symanthe are ridiculous. I am all for uncommon but LEGITIMATE spellings of names—Madeleine, Sofia, Jakob—particularly if they have cultural or family significance to you. However, made up spellings make things difficult for the child and make the parents look unsophisticated and attention-seeking.

Rule #6: Contemplate Connotations

Names come with certain connotations, right or wrong, be they racial, gender, age or personality stereotypes. Tiffany and Whitney sound like blonde cheerleaders (or 80s singers). Winston and Sheldon are quintessential nerd-names. Betty, Jennifer, and Madison all convey specific generations. Atticus, Clementine, Sukey? Hello, hipster. You get the idea. Most connotations are not negative—stay away from Adolph or Osama—but you should think about how others may perceive a certain name, and whether or not that perception bothers you. If you are not sure about the positive or negative associations of a name, google it or ask your friends.

Rule #7: Middle Names Matter

This is strictly a matter of taste—ok, I guess all my rules are a matter of taste . . . I, personally, am of the opinion that middle names should mean something, more so than a first name. My kid’s middle names are after honored family members. Some of the names I don’t particularly care for (thus, why they are not first names) but I wanted to honor that particular person. I have seen others choose a middle name that is significant for some other reason: the name of the town where mom and dad met, a character from a favorite book, a virtue they wish their child to develop. The middle name is a place you can afford to break a few rules and be creative.

Rule #8: Don’t Ignore the Initials

Once you think you have decided on a first name and middle name, write out the initials. Most will be fine, but you don’t want initials that spell words or make acronyms: Andrew Samuel Smith, Erin Anne Richards, Katherine Kay King, Luke Oliver Lawrence. . . lol.

Rule #9: Track the Trends

This is another one that won’t bother the majority of people—obviously, or there wouldn’t be naming trends to begin with. I, for one, dislike overly trendy names but I wouldn’t necessarily let it dissuade me if I really loved the name. We all know that certain names really take off in a particular generation. How many little old ladies and men do you know that are named Betty or John? How many people born in the 80s were named Jennifer or Ryan? Currently, there are glut of Madisons, Olivias, Isabellas, Jacobs, and Liams. If it will bother you that your child will have three other kids with the same name in their class, think about a different name.

For some great name websites, see:

http://nameberry.com/
http://www.behindthename.com/
http://www.nymbler.com/
http://www.babynamewizard.com/
http://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/

Good Character: Seven Traits to Teach Your Kids

As the parent, I have often wondered how to instill good character in my children. I must confess, I still am not sure I have any idea what I am doing. There are days when I think that nothing is sinking in, but then, there are those brief shining moments. . . Here are a few ideas for how to develop positive character in your kids.

1. Generosity & Service
Kids need to learn that not everyone has what they have. They also need to learn to have generous and giving spirits. Every year, my family makes up a box or two for Operation Christmas Child. My family enjoys choosing to shop for a boy or a girl in a given age-range and filling the box with small toys, toiletries, school supplies, candy and other fun things. There are many different opportunities for giving (particularly around the holidays) from Toys For Tots, to “Adopt A Family” programs, to sponsoring a child in a foreign country. Charitable programs involving needy children are more engaging for kids because they can relate to the child. Whatever type of charity you choose, talk about it with your kids. Explain how not everyone has toys and new clothes and enough to eat. Involve them in buying the gift or collecting and sending the money.

Kids also need to learn to DO things for the benefit of others. Even something as simple as sweeping the kitchen floor or vacuuming is an act of service, because the whole family benefits from a clean house. As children get older, you can involve them in other types of service: raking leaves for an elderly neighbor, serving a meal at the local soup kitchen, or a random act of kindness. These types of activities teach kids empathy and help them to see that the world does not revolve around them. They also learn to appreciate the time and effort it takes when someone does something for them.

2. Gratitude
Teaching kids to be generous and service-oriented will help them learn to be grateful. Additionally, it is ok to tell your kids “no” when they want something. Those frequent treats can be taken for granted, and children who always get what they want when they want it do not learn to appreciate and be grateful for what they have. When my daughter asks for something that she doesn’t need, I often tell her to put it on her Christmas/ Birthday wish list (or to save her own money). This doesn’t mean that I don’t ever buy her treats “just because,” but when I do, she appreciates it much more. Also, I try to always have my daughter write “thank you” notes for gifts she receives (we are far from perfect in this area.)

3. Kindness & Respect
This has been a tricky one for us as my daughter has entered middle school. It seems that every day brings fresh drama and new nastiness from kids at school. I always tell my daughter that she does not have to like everyone or be friends with everyone, but she ought to be respectful and kind to everyone. Little children need to be reminded to use “kind words” when speaking to others. Kids of all ages should be taught the importance of good manners, whether it is “please and thank you,” opening the door for someone, giving up a seat, or a random act of kindness.

4. Responsibility
Kids need to learn to be responsible for themselves and their choices. Responsibility means having daily/ weekly expectations and chores. Of course, being responsible at age three and being responsible at age sixteen look very different, but all children need to have some expectation of responsibility. Another important piece is teaching your child to be responsible for their actions. Children need to learn that their choices have consequences—both positive and negative. My husband and I don’t allow our children to make excuses for poor decisions or bad behavior. We talk about the choice they made, the resulting consequences, and what they could have done differently (if need be).

5. Hard Work & Diligence
Make your kids earn and spend their own money. My daughter’s allowance is based upon the successful completion of her daily/ weekly chores. She has the opportunity to earn money (or not) and then may spend it how she pleases (within reason). In this way she is learning the importance of work and the value of money. We buy all her necessities, but if she wants extra things, she must save her money and buy it herself. Similarly, don’t automatically rescue your child from failure and struggle. It is good for kids to struggle with age and ability-appropriate tasks, from homework to sports to household tasks to finding a misplaced toy.

6. Patience 
In our modern culture of high speed and instant gratification, it is difficult to teach children to be patient. All too often kids want to give up if something does not come easily or quickly. As apparent, you do not need to respond to your child’s every request the moment they ask. Children can, and should, learn to wait until mom and dad are off the phone, out of the bathroom, done talking, finished eating, etc. before having their need met. The next time your child requests something while you are busy with something else, calmly explain that you are in the middle of something and they need to wait until you are finished (use discretion).  Another way to teach patience is to simply slow down. Our schedules are full, our minds are racing. Moving at this frenetic pace is not always healthy. Try eliminating some busyness from yours and your child’s schedule and replace it with a family game night or daily quiet time. Have your kids “unplug” and turn off the TV, video games, or other electronics in favor of playing outside, reading a book, or doing a craft. Encourage your children to have hobbies that develop patience and delayed gratification like baking, sewing, building models, collecting items, or making crafts. These types of hobbies will also teach life skills and develop attention span.

7. Honesty
This virtue is difficult to teach but, I think, extremely important. It is important to differentiate between making a poor choice (disobeying, not completing a chore, late homework) and lying to cover up that poor choice. Children certainly need consequences for misbehavior, but they should have additional consequences of greater severity for being dishonest. If you discover your child has been dishonest, give them an opportunity to come clean and receive a lesser penalty. Likewise, if your child is honest about something praise them or reward them if appropriate. For older children and teenagers, explain to them that trust and freedom go hand in hand. If my daughter is dishonest, she always receives a harsher consequence, usually in the form of lost privileges. If she is consistently honest and trustworthy I thank her for being honest and extend her privileges. I always explain that she has earned additional freedom by being trustworthy.

For each of these character traits, and any others you wish to help your children develop, the most important part is to model them yourself. Your children will not learn to be generous or compassionate unless they see you giving to others and demonstrating compassion and kindness. They will not learn to be patient if you do not show them how by being patient yourself. They certainly will not learn to be honest if they witness you telling “little white lies.” You can’t tell your children, “Do as I say, not as I do,” and expect positive results.

7 Things Parents Do That Drive Teachers Crazy

As a junior high teacher, I have had the opportunity to interact with hundreds of parents. Most parents are wonderful, intelligent, and a pleasure to work with. Some, on the other hand, do things that are counterproductive and even harmful. Here are seven things parents do that drive teachers crazy.

1. Not returning our phone calls or emails.

I have 150 students. I promise, I will not call you or email you unless I need to. If I am attempting to communicate with you it is either because I am concerned with your child’s academic performance, or I am concerned with their behavior. Not only do I want to make you aware of the situation, I also want your input. Students perform and behave better in school when they know that teachers and parents are on the same page and are supporting each other.

2. Not attending conferences.

I realize that not everyone is able to make it to conferences. If you are working or out of town or have a bunch of little kids and no babysitter, you get a pass. Everyone else, take an hour out of your day once or twice a year and go to your kids’ conferences. This lets your kid know that you value their education and how they are doing in school. It helps me feel comfortable communicating with you, and gives me an opportunity to discuss things that may not have warranted an individual phone call, but are still worth discussing. It gives you a chance to see where your kid spends the majority of their time and put a face with the name you may be hearing a lot.

3. Not checking your kid’s grades online.

C’mon, it’s not that hard. I’m not saying you have to check every day, but once a week or a couple times a month, log in to your school’s online grade system and see you how your kid is doing. Most systems can even be set up to send you weekly emails. Again, I have 150 students. I have to prioritize which parents get called. It’s triage, really. I can’t call every parent about every missing assignment and every low test score. I call the parents of the kids who are failing or who have a “D,” or who have a significant amount of missing work. That means that I may not get around to calling you until your kid has fallen substantially behind. If you are checking their grades regularly, you can intervene before a little concern becomes a big problem.

4. Belittling school, education, or us.

I know not everyone values education in the exact same way. For some families it is a number one priority, for others it is barely on the radar. I know you may or may not be thrilled with me as a teacher. However, when you speak poorly about school, education, or my teaching qualifications, you invite your kid to do the same. Most junior high and high school students can’t wait for an opportunity to gripe about stupid school and their mean teachers. When you allow this and, worse, encourage it by doing it yourself, you are setting your kid up for trouble. Undermining the teacher gives kids permission to disregard what the teacher says or requires. Demeaning education does not encourage your child to do their best.  I think we can all agree that having a good education will benefit your child in the long run. Why give them a reason not to achieve?

5. Being a “Helicopter” Parent.

I know that you love your child and that their academic success is important to you. I know that you like being involved in your child’s life. Relax. You don’t need to email or call me every single time your kid forgets to turn something in or gets a “B” on a test. Let them take a little responsibility and learn to advocate for themselves. They will never learn to do it on their own if you are always getting involved. Save the phone calls and emails for the really important stuff.

6. Going to the principal without talking to us first.

You may not appreciate my teaching style. You may not understand why your kid got a “C” instead of a “B.” You may not think it was fair that I gave your child detention. Please. Talk. To. Me. First. There is nothing more embarrassing than having my principal approach me to talk about a parental concern and I have no idea what he is talking about. Most of the time, we will be able to work out our differences on our own. Most of the time it will have been a simple misunderstanding (or misrepresentation) that is causing you concern. If, after talking to me, you still feel unresolved, by all means talk to my principal. But please do me the courtesy of coming to me first.

7. Making excuses for your kid.

This is my number one frustration with teaching—parents who make excuses for their kids. Yes, I realize that there may be very legitimate explanations for kids’ struggles in the classroom. However, if you are always providing an excuse for why your child cannot turn in their assignments on time, study for tests, stay in their seat, be respectful, or tell the truth, then we have a problem. Your kid needs to learn to be responsible for himself. If you are always relieving them of responsibility, they will never learn to be accountable for their actions; they will always think that the rules don’t apply to them. In the real world, the police don’t care why you were speeding, your landlord doesn’t care why you can’t pay rent, and your boss doesn’t care why you were late.

Easy Crockpot Venison Stew

Ingredients:

1-2 lbs. Venison (beef or other red meat may be substituted)

1 packet McCormack Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning

1 packet French Onion Soup Mix

2 cups water

4-5 large carrots

3-4 stalks of celery

1/3 red onion

3 cups cubed potatoes (I like red potatoes)

Spray cooking oil

1 Tbsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

·         Make sure venison, or other meat, is cut into bite-size pieces

·         Chop carrots and celery into bite size pieces

·         Dice onion

·         Spray crockpot with cooking oil

·         Add meat and vegetables

·         Add packet of stew seasoning, packet of onion soup mix, and Tbsp of Garlic

·         Poor two cups of water over all

·         Cover and cook on low for 8 hours

·         After ingredients are fully cooked (about six hours in) add salt and pepper to taste