How Does Your Garden Grow?

I've had a black thumb for my entire life. I think I even killed bamboo at one point....that is pretty remarkable. I did manage to grow a few limes a couple of years ago but I didn't maintain it over winter so it died a slow death as well.

But they did grow, so I decided to give a veggie garden a try. Several friends have suggested the book "Square Foot Gardening" and I gave it a read. It was a really good book and very helpful. Between the book and the advice of friends with much greener thumbs, I gave it a go. And it's been rather fun, educational and a great experience, showing the kids where real food comes from!

 Look it that little tiny bell pepper!

 Grow tomatoes grow!

It's a meager little garden, but it's a start!!! :) I can't wait until the tomatoes are big enough for the kids the just pluck off the vine and eat!

Are you growing anything this spring?

~~amy

Meal Planning

I am TRYING to get a handle on meal planning. I've done dinner planning for some time now, but as we started homeschooling, it became very apparent I needed to stay on top of breakfast, lunch and especially snacks! With two growing boys they want to eat a LOT but they don't want my options. However, they are pretty good at sticking to things that are planned out, so I'm attempting the BLS Meal Plan, so they know exactly what is for each meal and snack. Right now I've only done one week that repeats, because they are very picky and have a very limited palette! I'm attempting to change that as we do, I will expand the menu.

They are always welcome to have more fruits and veggies not listed on the menu if they are not satisfied with what's available.
Here is the menu if you wish to use it for inspiration. I used Open Office to create it as I could not find one I was satisfied with to edit online!
If you cannot see the PDF, click the link here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/142582682/Monthly-BLS-Meal-Plan

Monthly BLS Meal Plan

Just a Little Science...and Mess....

We've all done this experiment I think, a little food dye, water and white carnations, right?

We decided to give it a try and it worked beautifully!

And it also ended up a little messy...thanks to two little boys who decided to "mix up" the water while Mommy slept in and Daddy was "resting" on the sofa.

So hopefully I can find ways to get food dye out of tile, paint and a windowsill.

We had a discussion about not interfering with a science experiment or it can alter the result!

For the next messy experiment, Mom will put things out of reach.....

~~Amy