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

Where the Moms Are: Six Ways for New Moms to Get Connected and Stay Sane

So, you’re a new mom. The first blissful moments of wonder have melted into weeks of sleepless nights and days that can be lonely and confusing. What do you do when the baby won’t nap? Is that cradle cap normal? Why do you feel like you are losing your sanity? In the first few weeks after my baby was born I became very lonely. My husband was at work all day and, for the first time, I was not. I missed adult conversations and camaraderie. I had thousands of questions and worries about my new little baby. I found myself unreasonably excited about things like a visit to the doctor (Nurses to talk to!) and running out of normal conversation fodder (Baby poop is NOT interesting to everyone). Here are some ways I found to get out of the house, connect to other moms, and just plain old hang on to my sanity.

1. MOPS International

MOPS (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers) is an organization for mothers and young children that meets regularly (usually twice a month) for mentoring, sharing, learning, and fellowship. The MOPS organization is church affiliated, but is welcoming to all denominations and backgrounds. My local MOPS chapter had presentations on finding your worth as a woman (not just a mom), making freezer meals, CPR, and other relevant topics. They sponsored monthly “Mom’s Night Out” activities, as well as group play dates at local parks and kid-friendly hang outs. They also provide childcare. There is a membership fee and cost for childcare, but it is minimal and scholarships are available. Visit the MOPS website to see if there is a chapter near you!

http://www.mops.org/

2. Your Local Library

The library is another great way to meet new people and get out of the house. My local library offered a wonderful program called “Book Babies.” This group, for children birth through 24 months, met each week to read baby appropriate books, sing songs, and play together. It was a fun time for my little one, even as young as 3 months old. Studies show that early reading with your baby helps them to become life-long readers. My library also offered story times for older children, as well as activities and clubs for kids up through the teen years. Check your local libraries website or call and speak with the children’s librarian for information on what your library has to offer.

3. Local YMCA or Other Fitness Center

The YMCA or similar type of facility can be helpful to new moms in a number of ways. First of all, most provide childcare to children 6 months and older. This can provide mom with much needed “me time” as well as helping to feel good post-pregnancy. Additionally, many facilities have “mommy and me” style classes available as well, such as swimming or yoga.

4. Local Health and Wellness Centers

Many communities have a health and wellness center that is dedicated to women’s health and pregnancy. Often these centers specialize in prenatal and postpartum health, breastfeeding empowerment, and mom-to-mom fellowship. My town has one such health center and offers infant massage classes, family nutrition classes, a “breastfeeding café,” and other events.

5. The Park

Check out parks in your area. Even if your child isn’t old enough to play on the playground, parks can still provide a way to meet other moms. If the weather is nice, take a walk to the park. Sit on a park bench and read a book while your baby naps. If nothing else, you will feel better just getting out of the house. Bonus: Babies often sleep better after a bit of fresh air.

6. Groups in Your Area

Finally, every community has their own unique opportunities. The small town I live in has farmers’ markets throughout the summer and fall, family movie nights, downtown “safe” trick-or-treating, free outdoor summer concerts, a mom and baby hiking group, and many other great activities for moms and families. Facebook and other social media sites can be a great way to find these events.

Vampire Free 80s Movies to Watch with Your Kid or Teen

If your family is anything like mine, Friday or Saturday evening rolls around and all we want to do is relax with a nice movie. This can be easier said than done. My husband prefers action, sci-fi, or (often raunchy) comedies, I enjoy inspirational dramas and rom-coms, our 7th grader likes a mix of all of the above (minus the raunchy comedies), and the baby, well the baby doesn’t have an opinion  . . . yet. However, there is something satisfying for my husband and I in sharing our childhood favorites with our daughters. After all, we want them to have an appreciation for the classics. 

The following is a list of great 80s movies that our daughter appreciated as an elementary-aged kid, and now as a young teenager—and not a vampire or werewolf among them!

For Kids:

1. The Karate Kid (1984), Rated PG

The REAL Karate Kid. Not the one with Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, the one with Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. This trilogy (the second one is my personal favorite), while mildly cheesy, is chock-full of inner strength, triumph of the spirit, and  80s goodness. 

2. Goonies (1985), Rated PG

Perhaps one of the greatest 80s movies ever! Follow a bunch of ragtag kids from the “boondocks” in Astoria, OR as they thwart vicious criminals, hunt for pirate treasure, and save their homes from a pretentious land-grabber. Remember, “Goonies never say die!”

3. The NeverEnding Story (1984), Rated PG

This movie is for your bookworm kid and your fantasy-loving kid. Join Bastian as his book comes alive and he must save the wonderful world of Fantasia from the fearsome “Nothing.” Best part of the movie: a fluffy pink “luck dragon.”

4. E.T. the Extraterrestrial (1982), Rated PG

Steven Spielberg’s heartwarming story about a young boy, Elliott, and his alien friend will capture your kids’ hearts and imaginations. Plus, a young Drew Barrymore is adorable as little Gertie. A must-see for young sci-fi fans.

5. Flight of the Navigator (1986), Rated PG

Another great sci-fi flick, David is kidnapped by aliens and transported to the future. When he returns to earth, everything has changed. David, with the help of alien robot, Max, must attempt to set things right.

6. Honey I Shrunk the Kids (1989), Rated PG

Very funny and highly entertaining, your kids will love the story of a crackpot inventor who accidentally shrinks his kids and the neighbor kids and dumps them in the trash. Their adventure home is epic—the backyard can be a vast wilderness when you’re less than a centimeter tall.

For Teens:
1. Back to the Future (1985), PG

Another trilogy, the Back to the Future movies are, of course, about time travel. Your teens will laugh, in spite of themselves, at the adventures of Marty McFly and the hairbrained Doc Brown.

2. Adventures in Babysitting (1987), Rated PG-13

It’s supposed to be a simple night of babysitting for Chris, but when she must drive into the city to pick up her hapless friend, Brenda, the night goes hilariously wrong.

3. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), Rated PG-13

Ferris Bueller decides he deserves a day off, so he pretends to be sick and then enlists his friends on a hilarious day of hijinks and near misses with parents and the high school principal.

4. Dead Poet’s Society (1989), Rated PG

Arguably one of Robin Williams’ greatest films, Dead Poets Society tells the story of the impact of one innovative teacher’s tremendous impact at a boy’s prep school. 

5. The Princess Bride (1987), Rated PG

Last, but certainly not least, The Princess Bride is everything all rolled into one. A comedy, an adventure, a love story—perhaps your teen will join this films well-deserved cult following. 

Three Reasons to Support School Dress Codes

With all the recent controversy surrounding school dress codes and the rights of students—particularly teenage girls—to dress how they want, I felt the need to sound-off on the subject myself. My opinion is based on good old fashioned common sense and a little wisdom gleaned from my experiences as a woman, a teacher, and a mother, as well as evidence from recent psychological and sociological studies. 

Let me first start by defining dress code. A dress code is an expectation of dress applied to all students in all situations. Violations of this dress code have a known and consistent set of consequences. For example, at my daughters’ junior high school, students are expected to wear shorts and skirts no shorter than six inches above the knee. Pants of both boys and girls are to be worn at the waist/ hips (rather than sagging). Shirts must not have any inappropriate, obscene or offensive images or language (this can be a gray area, but generally is understood by most students). Shirts and dresses must have straps a minimum of two finger-widths. Clothing may not be see-through. Students may not wear pajamas to school, and may not have visible undergarments. Hats and sunglasses may not be worn in the building. I believe this is a very reasonable, and fairly standard, dress code.

1. School dress codes teach students that there is a time and a place for different types of dress.

This is perhaps the number one argument for a school dress code. I recently saw a young woman wearing a bikini in the grocery store. Customers stopped to stare at her, and a few snapped pictures on their cell phones. Store management asked the young lady to leave the store and come back when she had put on some more clothing. This was not discriminatory, as the store has a “no shirt, no shoes, no service” policy and a man dressed in similar beachwear would have been asked to put on a shirt or leave as well. The young lady, while perfectly attired for the beach or the pool, where she would not have created any sensation at all, was shockingly underdressed for most other public places. 

Similarly, a man or woman working in an office is expected to dress professionally. I have worked in several office settings and have seen my co-workers addressed for failing to meet standards of professional dress. Some were dressed too casually, in a t-shirt and jeans, some were dressed too provocatively, in skin tight pants with a visible thong and low-cut blouse. Both of these examples may have been perfectly appropriate at home or for a night out on the town, but were grossly inappropriate in a professional environment.
Why should our schools be any different? Students need to learn that there are societal expectations for appropriate dress, language, and behavior in different situations. What one wears to sleep in, one does not wear to a job interview. What one might wear to the beach is inappropriate in a classroom. The job of schools is to prepare students to live and work in the real world. Schools ought not to be simply a social club, but rather a setting for intense academics, and intellectual and social development. Teenagers ought to see themselves, and be treated as, professional students. School is their job. They are investing in their futures, so that one day they will be prepared for college and/ or the work place—learning appropriate dress is a vital part of that preparation.

2. School dress codes help to reduce distractions in the classroom.

As a junior high and high school teacher, I can tell you that teachers and students are fighting a never ending battle against distractions both in and out of the classroom. Students are distracted by their peers and their peers’ clothing. Adolescents are worried about their own appearance and are constantly comparing themselves to others. Teachers have to compete with cell phones, iPods, raging hormones, personal drama, and sleepy and hungry kids, among other things. When students are allowed to wear clothing that is offensive or distracting, the problem is amplified.
Distracting and inappropriate clothing may even contribute to discipline issues. In her blog post, “Dress Code Or Not, What You Wear Matters,” Eva Rykrsmith cites a study from the Evolution and Human Behavior Journal. In this study, behavior at a roller rink was observed on both nights with a strict dress code and nights without. The study noted that on nights with a strict dress code there were less accidents and less noise. The scientists concluded that individuals change their behavior in accordance with their clothing. http://quickbase.intuit.com/blog/2012/05/23/dress-code-or-not-what-you-wear-matters/
Like it or not, boys are distracted by the dress of their female classmates. This has nothing to do with males not respecting females, as has been the popular accusation. The biological reality is that teenage boys are attracted to the opposite sex and are preoccupied with sexuality. It is also a well-known biological fact that men are visual creatures.
Girls can also be distracted by their provocatively dressed peers. I have been one of those girls, and my 7th grade daughter is one of those girls. Women and girls dress as much for each other as they do for themselves and boys/ men. Even as a teacher, it can be difficult to not be distracted by how some of my students are dressed. The same holds true for young men who choose to sag their pants, or anyone who wears an obscene or offensive t-shirt. All of these things are distracting from the true purpose of school—learning—not self-expression, not popularity, not anything else.

3. School dress codes help both boys and girls to respect themselves and each other.

One of the most prominent arguments against school dress codes is that it unfairly targets girls and denies them self-expression, or teaches them to be ashamed of their bodies. I disagree 100%!
First, while some dress codes may be unevenly applied, that is not a reason to discount the dress code itself. Dress codes ought to be re-written to apply to both genders and ought to be applied objectively and consistently. The dress code at my daughter’s school does just that. It does not discriminate based on gender and it is evenly and consistently applied.
Second, while self-expression is important, there is a time and a place. Teenagers need to learn that. So much of their world, from celebrities to social media has become about the glorification of the self. They are inundated with images of Miley Cyrus twerking and flouting conventions left and right, celebrity nude photo leaks and the open book that is social media. Teenagers often are confused about what is in fact appropriate. They struggle with setting, maintaining, and respecting boundaries. They need to learn that the real world is not like Hollywood or Facebook or Instagram. In the real world, few people care how wonderful you think you are or even, sadly, about your opinion on real issues. In the real world, there are consequences to baring it all metaphorically or in actuality.
Third, dress codes do not teach girls to be ashamed of their bodies. They teach girls that their bodies are their property and ought to be respected and revered. I believe that allowing young women to dress provocatively exacerbates existing gender inequality and creates self-esteem issues. Many girls do not dress provocatively for a variety of reasons. Perhaps their parents do not allow them to dress provocatively, maybe they lack the body confidence to flaunt themselves, or possibly they simply do not want to. Young women often feel a tremendous amount of pressure to fit in with their peers and to gain attention from boys. They may feel pressured to dress a certain way to fit the norms of dress established by their peers. This pressure may cause girls to disobey their parents, compromise their own standards, or to feel ashamed of their body because how they look in a skimpy skirt is very different from how some of their peers look in skimpy skirts.
Particularly during adolescence, the type of clothing an individual wears has a definite effect on self-esteem and perceptions of self. According to another study cited by Rykrsmith, how an individual dresses may also affect their performance. The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology measured student performance while wearing the same white coat. Half of the students were told it was a doctor’s coat, and half were told it was a painter’s coat. The half that believed they were wearing a doctor’s coat showed higher levels of attention than those who believed they were wearing a painter’s coat. http://quickbase.intuit.com/blog/2012/05/23/dress-code-or-not-what-you-wear-matters/
As far as gender equality and respect, allowing young women to display themselves like merchandise in the hallowed halls of a school building only reinforces the misconceptions that many may already have—that young women are not in school to learn, but to find a boyfriend or get attention. How are we to teach young men to respect young women when they are being bombarded with these types of mixed messages? While I certainly do not condone the objectification of their female classmates nor do I think clothing alone is the reason for this, it is an aspect of this ugly reality. 

Reasonable and fair dress codes are an essential aspect of a productive school environment. A study published by Jimmy Creel and Angela Stallings of Sam Houston State University’s Center for Research and Doctoral Studies in Educational Leadership attempted to measure the effects of a school dress code on student achievement. While Creel and Stallings concluded that the dress code did not have an immediate significant impact on student achievement, Stallings did note that, "It is possible, based on our findings, that the benefits of a standardized dress code implemented and maintained over time may very well have a positive effect on student achievement.” Furthermore, Creel stated that there were other benefits, such as, "improved campus morale and reduced discipline violations, increased school pride, improved collaboration and teamwork among students . . . [and] enhanced image of students and the school in the community, minimization of the effects of economic variations among students, and reduction in the overall cost of student wardrobes." http://www.shsu.edu/~pin_www/T@S/2001/DressCode.html

Me? Blog?

Recently, conversations with my husband have gone something like this:

Me: Hi, honey! (smooch) How was your day?

Gilbert: Pretty good! (smooch)Today we, blah blah blah software design blah blah blah. And then we blah blah blah. It was really challenging to blah blah blah . . . (Several minutes of computer jargon later) How was yours?

Me: Um, well, the baby had two blow outs today! The first one was all up her back and even in her hair! Hahaha! The second one was really green! That was all before breakfast. The rest of the afternoon was kinda boring . . .

Gilbert: Um, well, that’s nice . . .

(cricket, cricket . . .)

Let me take this moment to clarify two things. One, I am not in any way denigrating my husband’s job or conversation skills. He has a wonderful job as a software engineer. He is extremely intelligent and knowledgeable and works in a fascinating field. I just don’t happen to understand what he is talking about. Ever. Two, I am not nearly as entertained by baby poop as the above excerpt would imply. I recently took a leave of absence from my career as a junior high social studies teacher to stay at home with our new baby. While I am thrilled beyond thrilled to have this amazing opportunity, I have to admit, I am a bit lost. This is the first time since I was thirteen years old that I do not have some type of a paying job. It is the first time since I was five years old that I am not in school every day as either a student or a teacher. Suddenly, the only thing I have to talk about is the baby and mundane household chores, and the only person I have to talk too for eight hours out of the day is a four month old. (Although, she is a pretty good listener)

It was after a few weeks of me going stir crazy and driving my husband all kinds of crazy the moment he walked in the door, that he suggested I start a “mommy blog.” The idea didn’t come to him totally out of the blue, we were watching Mom’s Night Out (excellent movie, if you haven’t seen it) and the main character is struggling with her own role as a stay at home mom, which she chronicles on her blog. At first I laughed at the idea, but as the long days alone passed by, I began to think, “Well, why not?”

I have always loved to write. I kept journals all throughout junior high, high school, and college. I have written poetry, short stories, essays, research papers—you name it. Recently, I have become a connoisseur of blogs, and I really enjoy them. The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea.

So, this blog will be my valiant attempt to retain my adult vocabulary skills. I will write about babies (that which consumes my days and nights), teenagers (I have one of those too), cooking (the only “hobby” I seem to have time for anymore), marriage/ husbands (mostly about what I don’t understand), and anything else that comes to mind.

Simple Sausage Skillet Meals

Simple Sausage Skillet Meals

One of my family’s favorite meals are sausage skillets. There are many variations on this tried and true favorite, which keep my family interested in eating it, and me interested in cooking it.

The basic recipe is as follows:

Ingredients
 package of pre-cooked sausage, sliced
Various veggies, sliced
Starch, prepared accordingly
Seasoning and/ or sauce

Directions:
Brown sausage in large skillet with olive oil
Add vegetables to skillet and cook until tender
Add starch, cooked accordingly
Season and/ or add sauce

The order in which you complete the steps may change slightly depending on what exactly you are making. For example, when cooking raw vegetables that take a long time to become tender, like potatoes, celery, carrots, or cabbage, I usually add the sausage after. If the dish includes pre-packaged pasta or rice, I prepare it according to the package directions and add it last.

Here are some fun variations on the basic.

Classic Kielbasa:

Kielbasa sausage

Red potatoes

Onion

Red and Yellow Peppers

Mushrooms

Seasoned to taste with garlic, salt, and pepper

Kielbasa Veggie Delight:

Same as Classic Kielbasa, but add additional vegetables and substitute prepared rice for potatoes (I like a wild rice/ long grain blend)

Stir in rice at the end of the cooking process

Polish Skillet:

Kielbasa sausage

Red potatoes

Onion

Cabbage

Seasoned to taste with paprika, garlic, ground mustard, salt and pepper

Breakfast Skillet:

Any type of sausage

Diced potatoes

Onion

Peppers

Mushrooms

Eggs (scrambled or over-easy)

Shredded Cheese

Seasoned to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic.

Classic Italian Skillet:

Italian sausage or similar, sliced (my favorite is vidalia onion)

Red Onion

Mushrooms

1 Can diced tomatoes

Tomato Pasta Sauce (I like tomato basil)

Seasoned with basil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper

Serve over any prepared pasta, or stir in (I like bow tie pasta)

You can also add shredded mozzarella or shredded Italian cheese

Vegetable Alfredo Sausage Skillet:

Italian sausage, sliced

Red Onion

Peas

Asparagus

Mushrooms

Other veggies, as desired

Alfredo sauce

Serve over any prepared pasta

Southwest Sausage Skillet:

Jalapeno or Red Pepper Sausage, sliced

Onion

1 can green ghiles

1 cup frozen corn

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Serve over rice or tortillas

Garnish with shredded Mexican cheese, sliced avocado and sour cream