Wonderful Wednesday: A Million Thanks

A nice way to support the troops, past and present, is to send encouraging cards and letters. The organization, A Million Thanks, sends letters to those serving in the military and partners with other entities to provide financial support to the endeavour. You can send letters, cards, pictures,and then find a drop-off location near you or send them to the main location listed on the website.

http://www.amillionthanks.org/

Teaching Tuesday: Starfall

Since I am a homeschooling mom, I am always on the lookout for engaging learning tools for the kids. There are so many great ideas and websites these days it is hard to know where to start. I wanted to use the blog to share some of the ones I have come across and hopefully whether you homeschool or not, they can be useful to your family as well.

Starfall is a beginning reading website for young children, mainly aged 3-7. Great graphics and fun games make learning letter sounds easy and enjoyable. There is a paid portion, but the free part has more than enough to keep children busy.
Website address: http://www.starfall.com/

Yummy Monday: White Chicken Chili

As a mom who loves to cook, but doesn't always have a lot of time, I am always on the hunt for some yummy, creative recipes that my kids will enjoy. I wanted to share recipes that are not too time-consuming, yet taste great and are kid-approved.

The following recipe always receives great reviews from adults and kids. I have had friends tell me that their children often ask for this soup. Great for fall days and relatively simple. Just add some muffins or garlic toast and you've got a meal.

7 servings
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsps. garlic powder
1 tblsp. vegetable oil
2 cans (14 1/2 ozs. each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 ozs.) chicken broth
2 cans (4 ozs. each) green chilies
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 cup (8 ozs.) sour cream
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:
1. In a large saucepan, saute chicken, onion and garlic powder in oil until chicken is no longer pink.
2. Add beans, broth, chilies and seasonings; bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 30 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream and whipping cream; serve immediately.