Random Homeschool Trivia

This statue of William Penn is 37 feet (11- meter) tall and overlooks downtown Philadelphia. It is the tallest statue on any building in the world. Interested in more trivia?

• Weighs 27 tons
• Was set on the tower November 28, 1894
• One hair strand is 4 ft long
• foot length - 5 ft (now that's big)

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Popcorn Chicken

3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 t. sea salt
1/2 t. garlic powder
butter

In a medium sized bowl, stir together flour, salt and garlic powder. Using kitchen shears, cut chicken breasts into tiny bite sized pieces. Toss chicken in flour mixture to coat well.

Smear a thick layer of butter on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour coated chicken into dish, spreading so that they are in a single layer.Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Stir chicken and bake another 10 minutes.

This is a "High 5" recipe from Laura at Heavenly Homemaker. I like these recipes because they are simple, healthy and winners for her family of young boys. Our verdict on this one....we like the coating from Shake and Bake chicken best. I cooked a pan of chicken strips with that coating and the popcorn chicken tonight. HOWEVER, this one is GOOD and SIMPLE.....it is very easy to throw things together and make this....it takes a bit more time to make up the Shake and Bake mix if I'm out of it....so I'm glad to have both recipes in my "tool box".

ALSO that slathering butter on the bottom of the pan is a GREAT trick...yum and no sticking....I've been too stingy with the butter.

We ate it before I took a photo - oops - go visit Heavenly Homemaker for a photo. ::snort::

This one is going right into the Recipe Index so that it is sure to make the trip to Japan. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Another Chance to Win Clutter Free Christianity

My real life (and Internet) friend, Cindy, is also giving away a copy of Clutter Free Christianity this week. Cindy is drawing a winner on 5 April. BTW, when you see a blog tour like this, google and you'll find other bloggers hosting giveaways on the same book during the same week.

I want to be clear that this book is about clearing away the clutter in our spiritual lives so that we enjoy clarity in our relationship with Christ. I'd hate for you to think that you are winning a Suzie Homemaker book. ::snort::

We'll be drawing a winner tomorrow at noon. Enter here if you haven't. Remember, International readers are welcome to participate in this drawing.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

"Sumimasen, Toire wa doko desu ka?"

Finally, thanks to Jon G, I now know a truly useful phrase in Japanese. ::snort::

The above says, "Excuse me, where is the bathroom?" I had learned all but the Toire word....so anyone in the know care to pronounce Toire....is it TOY- reee or Too reh or.....

And Kim - would this be a polite way of asking? Or is it considered ill-mannered in Japan to ASK or mention a bathroom? I was overwhelmed with the options....toilet, powder room, rest room...

Honestly, I'm frustrated with the pace of the process...I want to be able to introduce new friends to Jesus....to the Love He offers...and at this rate....but then maybe THAT is what the lady was about last night. She could see "something" without me even speaking to her...A reminder from God that our lives speak even without correct words and grammar....I'll relax....lifestyle evangelism - it's what I'm about anyway.....I don't usually present the 4 spiritual laws on the streets in America come to think of it.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

CAMPING....

Isn't this clever? Zander and Nolan made a "tent" and then a campfire out of dinosaurs. Stacia's job was to warm herself at the fire they provided. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Wednesday Recap

School - yes! We are on track to finish school next week.

The new dentist does NOT think I need a crown or root canal. He wasn't sure WHY the now retired dentist was "watching it" or thought I'd need either of the above. I have an appointment to have the chipped filling removed and a new one placed.

I picked up my ob/gyn records...memories. ::snort:: BTW this will be our FIRST military move where I am NOT pregnant.

I picked up Stacia's records at the pediatrician....she had the suspected kidney problems and tests at birth. I'm praying that seeing the docs' view that it's not significant will be enough and that she will not need another dye test to prove she is fine. You could pray about that. Honestly, having dye shot inside for a 3 yo would be traumatic. At least for this one.

I picked up all my mammogram films.

I continued to learn helpful Japanese phrases as I drove around town.

We worked on lapbooks, cleaned house...and oops....I forgot about dinner until Mike called to say he'd be a bit later than he already was. LOL

This little girl suggested I use "girl duct tape" in the lapbook...

Dinner? We went to Arbys - Arielle's choice. A lady there took me aside and told me that I had a "Sweet Spirit". She said that she could tell I "really loved the Lord". COOL. I told her I did and that she had made my day. I was surprised as I'd forgotten to have everyone pray...for the life of me I don't know what caught her eye...but it blessed me that something did.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Random Misawa Trivia

I believe this is a 100 Yen store.....Which would be roughly $1.13 store....according to the numbers the base is giving out. Note the vehicle (I CHOSE this photo because of that VAN....I do think we will find a car big enough for all of us).

What's significant about Japan having 100 Yen stores? Besides the fact that my children love Dollar Stores.....I had asked on the Misawa Home Educators list about an office supply store. Several wrote to tell me that there isn't an Office Supply store. The BX carries a few things but is often out of stock. The 100 Yen store carries a few things. In fact two told me of a time in the recent past when there was NO NOTEBOOK paper to be had in the area. I have been advised to bring what I have with me.....

BUT several have also told me that you can order from Office Depot online. Free shipping if your order is over $50. I thought that was a LOT, but I could save up and place a big order.

Today I ran to buy laminating "stuff", spring folders etc.....and THIS totaled $103.00.

I guess it won't be too hard to total $50....the problem, of course, is that I won't be able to run out to buy what I need "spur of the moment". I'm also wondering how they ship it.

I'm hearing priority will take 7 - 10 days, standard 2 - 4 weeks, and media months and months....

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.