Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

Over  past few years I have mixed a few recipes together to come up with what is the BEST coconut cream pie. I promise there is no exaggeration here. Everyone I have served this pie to has loved it.  It was the number one pie requested for at our Thanksgiving and it was the first one gobbled up.  I love this homemade pie crust recipe from Martha Stewart, but I have also found the frozen Marie Callender's pie crust in the freezer section to be a great alternative and a time saver when needed.  I also prefer to use the Jell-O coconut cream pie instant mix because the flavor is so great and I love the consistency of the pie. I substitute half and half for the milk because it makes for a thicker creamier pie. YUM!

The secret to this recipe is the salted caramel sauce.  It has a rich flavor and a nice balance between salty and sweet.  I add the caramel sauce to the bottom of the baked pie crust before I fill with the pie filling.  It adds a hidden flavor and is really so delicious.  If you want you can even drizzle a little on the top of each slice or save it as an ice cream topping.  Either way, this has become a family favorite and I'm sure yours will love it too.

Just note that when making the caramel sauce, make sure you use a deep pot with a heavy duty bottom.  I like to use my deep cast iron pot because it heats quickly, evenly and dissolves the sugar the best.  Also, DO NOT stir the sugar once you begin to heat the sugar on low. Let the low heat dissolve the sugar, then once it is dissolved turn up the heat to quicken the caramelization process.  The recipes and instructions are listed below.  Let me know how you like it.

Coconut Cream Pie 

Pie Crust

Read-a-thon

Do you remember having a read-a-thon in school?  They were my favorite because I was able to go to school in my pj's, take a blanket, pillow and read all day.  These days were very rare and usually had to be earned, which is why I think I loved them so much.  

We have been working hard in school for the past 7 weeks.  I can't believe we are already into our eighth week.  Our days are very scheduled and sometimes the last thing that we fit in before bed is reading, which in all honesty should come first.  Over the past several weeks we have been working on making more time to read together as well as individually.  

"No matter how busy you may think you are, you must first find time for READING,  or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance."  -

Confucius 

Today I started out by reading to my kids.  We are reading a really exciting book called Circus Mirandus.  This clever story has kept my kids interested and at the end of each chapter they moan, begging for more. That's when you know you've got a great book.  Read it!

The girls are also reading some great books on their own right now.  Avery is reading Honey, for a book club and Taylor is reading  I'll meet you at the cucumbers.  I'm currently reading Warleggens, the 4th book in the Poldark series. We spent the afternoon cozy on the couch wrapped in blankets and deep into our books. It was the best day ever. After our read-a-thon we went and got a cupcake and played at the park.  A day like today helps to balance out all the days of hard work behind the desk, working on writing, grammar and math.  It's just nice to be rewarded every once in a while to appreciate the hard work you've given.  We are all looking forward to our next read-a-thon! 

Artistic Pursuits

During the week, if we work hard on all of our subjects we are able to have a lighter Friday which means we work on our art skills.  Last Friday we talked about how artist communicate with pictures instead of words.  I LOVE our art curriculum.  We use Artistic Pursuits which is simple, easy and the kids enjoy it, which is important. 

  

The girls have always loved different elements of art and the ability to express themselves artistically whether it be through movement, music or on paper.  This is a different avenue for them to explore and I love watching their artistic abilities grow.  They are all so very different yet, each of my girls have their own natural abilities.  This is one of the elements of homeschool that I just LOVE! I enjoy watching my kids learn something new, and grow as they work at it.  

  Taylor's picture is a scene from her trip to Disneyland this past summer.  

Avery is a picture of her playing outside with her friends.  

I love how these pictures show their personalities but also show the element of movement through their drawings! 

Get Prepared!

The key to success in anything is being prepared.  I have noticed the days I struggle teaching my kids it is usually because I failed to adequately prepare.  Last year I learned my lesson and I purchased a great lesson planner from Erin Condren.  These planners are a little pricey but they are worth it.  I am able to plan out each subject, each day and make a schedule to follow.  I am not a real stickler that we begin or finish at a certain time, rather I use this as a guide to follow so that we are consistent in our lessons.  Sometimes we deviate from the plan and that is okay.  Sometimes those are the best lessons.  The key for me is that if I'm prepared the lessons flow better and my girls pay better attention.

Saturday night is my night to write out our schedule and plan for the week.  I am trying to be better about planning meals in advance so I'm not so stressed when it comes to dinner time and we are eating healthier foods.   This planner, when used effectively helps me keep my ducks in a row so I'm not an unorganized mess.  Erin Condron planners have become an essential homeschool tool for me...check them out!

Back to school

We are back! This week we started school again and it is so great to get back to a routine and the new school year.  Summer flew by and I'm sad about that but there is excitement in our home now that The Breakfast Club is back in session.  

We follow a traditional school year more or less for two reasons:

1.  So my girls can play with their friends when they are out of school.

2. So I can get a good restful break and prepare for the next school year.

During the summer we worked on math and spelling from the Summer Bridge books.  I think next year I will save myself the money and just continue with the curriculum that we use throughout the year and not work as rigorously on the material as we do during the regular school year.  My kids didn't really enjoy the workbooks so next summer I've learned my lesson.

I had the goal to blog about our adventures during this past summer but after we completed our school work in May I became really sick and struggled to find medical help that could resolve my situation.  I am a relatively healthy person but it wasn't until this year that I really began to feel my body change and the need to take extra care of myself. Since March I began dealing with some issues with my right kidney which eventually led to some neurological problems like numbness in my legs and right arm...even my tongue which was scary.  I spent countless hours in prayer and hundreds of dollars for medical care, trying to pinpoint a problem.  I have empathy for people who have health problems and can't find a diagnosis.  It is frustrating to say the least and very lonely.  I worried about being able to handle the task of homeschooling this fall while still dealing with my health issues.  It was on July 1, when my family prayed and fasted, and I received a priesthood blessing from my father who is a Patriarch, that doors opened and I began to find answers and the people that could help me.  I saw miracles and little by little I was healed.  I am so blessed and I begin this new school year with gratitude for the renewed health and strength I've received.  I have learned that it is important to ALWAYS rely on my Heavenly Father for direction and help because He is so merciful and loving and willing to give his children blessings, if we are willing to ask.  I know he is aware of me and I'm grateful to be made whole again. 

This is going to be the best school year yet.  I can feel it.  This week I have already seen great  improvements in my children's abilities and I'm excited for the possibilities that are before them.  I will blog more about what curriculum we are using and the summer adventures that we were able to finally have in another post, but for now...it's just great to be back!✏️📚

Year 2 In the Books!

Last week we finally finished our second year of homeschooling and I find myself breathing a big sigh of relief.  I never envisioned being a parent that home schools but here we are.  I almost get emotional when I think about what we accomplished this year and the growth that has taken place in each one of us. 

The task of homeschooling is a lot like looking up a steep mountain without a trail, and figuring out our path to the top.  Quite an overwhelming task.  I have experienced all sorts of emotions as we've paved our path.  I have felt fear, inadequate, frustration, excitement, joy, gratitude, and peace.  I will be honest, there were days when I seriously questioned our decision but when I stepped away from everything and took an honest look at my children and recognize the growth they have experienced over the past two years, I tearfully realize that by "small and simple things, great things are brought to pass." 

Each of my daughters have had their own struggles and triumphs this year and I know that our consistent effort each day is making a difference.   They are growing.  They are learning.  They are becoming who they are meant to be.  I am confident of this. 

Summer is here!  Over the next few weeks I am going to relax, sleep in and enjoy this summer with my kids.  We are doing some "summer work" so we don't lose what we've gained, but they will also learn a few fun things as well, like golf, piano and swim lessons.  This is something I love about our little school.  We can enjoy a summer break but still learn other skills and talents.  That is what a love of learning will do to you.  You never stop learning... and I love it!

 

Itty's last day of preschool.  She went to a neighborhood preschool three days a week and then worked with me twice a week.  She knows her alphabet, and sounds, numbers and is now learning to read.  She is ready for kindergarten!

 

Tay's last day of school.  She worked hard this year and has become a fluent reader and excellent math student.  A few nights ago I caught her reading way past her bedtime because she couldn't put her book down.  Read on sister!

 

Ave's finally done.  Saxon Math 3 has 10 extra math lessons so she had an extra week longer than her sister. I'm proud of her hard work and desire to finish strong.  This year she completed the Percy Jackson series and loves to read.  We studied the human body in our science class and she has decided she wants to become a doctor.  She better keep working hard, but more importantly... she is becoming a wonderful young lady.

This is the first summer we have had all of girls in golf lessons together.  They are in the same class and are the
Three Musketeers!

Happy Summer!

Reciting prepositions

This year in our grammar lessons we have memorized the list of prepositions.  I am so impressed with First Language Lessons.  We are finishing up level two for this school year and this curriculum is thorough. I love how my children are developing a sound understanding of the parts of speach.  I wish I had memorized the full preposition list when I was their age!

http://youtu.be/215XS9hILCA

Unexpected Surprise

This morning I woke up to an unexpected surprise.  I walked into Avery's room after I rolled out of bed to find that she was up and ready for the day! Her bed was made, math homework finished, and all dressed. Sometimes I feel like a broken record..."have you made your bed yet?"  "Are your teeth brushed?"  It was refreshing and encouraging to see some  initiative.  The nice part about homeschooling is that most of the time we can pick the schedule for our day.  I am however a stickler about making sure the kids are up and ready, do their chores and dressed.  I never allow school time in pj's, unless we are under the weather.  I notice a real lack of effort in learning when my girls are in their pj's.  It's just a rule I have and it works for us.  

I know that from personal experience I feel better and more motivated when I am dressed and take the time to prepare for my day.  I'm a firm believer that we get what we give and it's nice to see Avery start to recognize that as well.  I was amused when she said, with her calendar in hand..."I have a very busy day today mom! I have school this morning, I walk the dog at 1:00, math this afternoon and then dance class at 4:15. I thought I better get going since it's going to be a busy day."  Oh...the day in the life of a 9 year old.  This girl is going places and I adore her!

Baking with math

Today is Martin Luther King day and while we decided to take the day off from our regular routine to remember a great man, I did have the girls work on their math lesson...(I know I'm a mean mom but it's good for them).  Avery's lesson focused on fractions and learning how to follow a recipe.  I never knew that math could be so much fun.  Avery had a solid understanding of fractions by the time we were finished, and she enjoyed the process getting there.  I am amazed at how much my girls are learning and how well they are understanding the concepts presented to them.  Personally, I have always enjoyed math.  When I was her age I enjoyed following a process to find out an answer.  Math however can sometimes be boring and difficult to understand if it isn't presented well. I never had a lesson like this when I was in school. I can't imagine trying to pull this off with 25 plus students in a class. It just isn't possible.  This is one of the benefits of learning one on one.   I have been so impressed with Saxon math.  It has done wonders for my children.  Their understanding of math concepts, logic, reasoning and problem saving skills have improved by leaps and bounds.

 Here are a few pictures of Avery and her finished product.  She chose to make a heart cake by using a square and round cake pan.  I thought the finished product  turned out great!

3rd grade Math is fun!

If I lived in a snow globe...

We worked on our winter art project last week for our bulletin board.  I found this on Teachers Pay Teachers and my girls loved it.  The writing promt had the girls imagine what they would do if the lived in a snow globe.  Avery collects snow globes so this was right up her alley.  Their creative responses we entertaining.  

Here is the link to find this art project:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/If-I-lived-in-a-Snow-Globe-FUN-EASY-WINTER-CRAFT-1575840

Happy winter!

Art curriculum

You know you are getting old... AND a homeschooling mom when you get excited about receiving an old school Kodak slide projector for Christmas. 

 I have decided to use Learning to Look art history program once a week with my girls for out art curriculum.  It was written in 1992 and the manual came with a bunch of artwork on old slides and I need a projector to show the slides.

 I know I could go and have the slides printed, but there is something about keeping things authentic.  I can see how people gravitate to antiques and things that were made with quality long ago.  It seems in this day we want everything now, so we are willing to sacrifice the quality of waiting for something that is made right and lasting.

 I am not much of an artist, I can't draw a stick figure to save my life, but I am looking forward to diving in and learning along with my girls...oh and using my "new" old slide projector.  

Happy 2015

 

 
There is something wonderful about starting a new year.  Yesterday was new years eve and I was busy running errands, along with everyone else in the city.  I was out and about when I decided to stop by and see my sister Crystal.  She had just closed the day before on buying her first home.  I wanted to see where she would be calling home so I spent the afternoon helping her move a few things over to her house.  It is an adorable house with incredible character and history behind it.  It's the kind of house that you walk into and you just have a good feeling there.  It is a special place and my sister is the right person for this house.  As we were there and she told me about her miraculous experience purchasing her house, I was reminded that miracles happen and that consistent prayer is powerful.  I have see miracles in my life and listening to my sister's story about the miracles that have transpired for her was the PERFECT way to start my new year.  This year 2015 I have some goals:

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Be consistent in doing the little things that matter-

 

-Feel my prayers more deeply-

 

-Dream big and have faith to act-

 

-Look for the miracles daily-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas 2014

Christmas 2014 has flown by...but some fun memories remain.  Here are a few of the highlights of our Christmas:

  We have homemade soup in bread bowls, followed by Christmas Eve PJ's

 

We enjoyed having Shon's parents visit during Christmas.  Our girls look forward to the horsey rides given by Grandpa Fish.

 

 

 

 

 

Santa delivered!  Avery received a sewing machine, Taylor an American Girl doll and Addison "a baby doll that poos a pees."

 

 

 

We have a tradition where we open our stockings first. The girls can go down and look at the tree but can't touch what is underneath.  We woke up at 4:15 am folks!  It was a long day and I was reminded that I'm not 18 anymore! 

 

 

 

We went to visit my parents and Avery took her sewing machine. She and my mom made a heart pillow before we came home. It was so fun for her.  I need to get my sewing machine out so that we can do some projects together.

 

 

We have had a very mild winter so far this year so we were very surprised to wake up and find a white Christmas.  It made it feel even more special.

 

 

 

 

 



New Family Tradition:  This year I had a very close friend pass away.  She was my sweet neighbor that I had become close friends with and she lost her battle to heart disease early in 2014.  A few months following her passing, her husband gave me her Christmas china and said that she wanted me to have it. This meant so much to me and I decided instead of making nachos and hot wings for Christmas, (which is Shon's favorite meal) we would have a nice Turkey dinner and celebrate with the china.  It was a great way to remember a great friend.  It brought me back to the true meaning of Christmas.  I am so grateful for the Savior and his life and death, which make it possible for me to see my friend Denise again.  I know that death is not the end.  Merry Christmas 2014!

Children's Hospital Service Project

 A few months ago I began to think about a service we could give during the holiday. The idea came to me to tie blankets for the children's hospital. I never thought about the deep meaning this would have for me.

-Tying the blankets-

 

 

 While we were tying blankets I was reminded that 27 years ago, I was in a hospital bed during Christmas with a broken femur. I was 9 years old, afraid and homesick for my family. I still remember the sweet candy striper that came to my hospital bed and gave me a candy cane and coloring book on Christmas Eve. The candy and book are long gone but the impact of a simple, kind gesture lives in me. We never know the impact we will have on another person, but if we are prayerful and listen, The Lord will guide us to do good.  We went to the children's hospital on Christmas eve to deliver the blankets.  It was a great reminder to me about the true meaning for Christmas.  I was grateful that my children had this opportunity to serve and I look forward to doing more again next year.  Looks like we have a new family tradition.


 

-Delivering the blankets-

Scenes from the Nutcracker

These are a few pictures of some of our extracurricular activities.  I am blessed to be able to share my love of dance with my children and some of our friends.  We just recently had a recital "Scenes from the Nutcracker."  We had such a wonderful time and my students all did a great job.  I couldn't be prouder.  Here are a few pictures of our classes and some from the recital!

 

Spanish Dancer Addy

Sugar Plum Fairy Avery

Reed Pipes Taylor

Chinese Dancer Addy

Clown Avery

Clown Taylor

 

Spanish Dancers

 Sugar Plum Fairies

 



Dance of the Reed Pipes

 Chinese Dancers

 

Clown Dancers

 

Nutcracker March