Budget Bites

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Hello San Angelo moms, my name is Gigi, I am a stay-at-home, crafty mom to 3 girls. I am also a self-taught “explorer cook” who loves trying new foods and cooking anything from homemade ricotta, to DIY marshmallows to freezer and even crock-pot meals (hey, we all need a break from cooking at some point or another, even me).

I am looking forward to bringing you “Budget Bites”, meals that cost at or around just $12.50 to make, that can serve at least 4-5, that are mostly good for you, are homemade and can even be finished within an hour (most times)! Too good to be true? Not so! Let me show you…



Budget Bites: Cabbage Roll Casserole (Before you turn your nose up at the word “cabbage”, read below)

Serves 10-12, Prep Time 20 min, Cook Time 40 min, Cost $7.45-$8.45 (I do not include the price of staples like salt and pepper or condiments, since most of us do not have to run and buy these)

I love meals that are inexpensive, take a short time to pull together and better yet, taste really good! Believe it or not, this is one of them! I know, I know, you’re thinking, “how can cabbage taste good?” Well, trust me, it can! My family is not really keen about consuming cabbage in any other form but cole slaw, so when I made this for dinner and they asked for seconds, I knew it was a sure sign I had a winner!

My husband described it as “lasagna tasting”, and he is somewhat right. You shred the cabbage thinly enough that it does seem like noodles (the cabbage is not boiled, but is not undercooked either, so it has a wonderful texture). The rice is so tender that it could pass as ricotta, and of course you have the tomato sauce and mozzarella. Not to say I would try to pass it off as so, but if you like lasagna and would like to spend a little less on it, give this dish a try And be sure to let me know how you liked it!

*At about $7-$8 to feed 10-12, you have enough money left over for a sweet, ripe pineapple or cantaloupe and some nice crusty bread to serve on the side!

What you need:
*1 pound ground beef, $3.50 (Want to cut cost more or make it meatless? You can leave this out!)
* 1 med onion, chopped, $.50
*2 cans (8oz each) tomato sauce, $.50
*1 can tomato paste, $.75 (Don’t even think of using another can of tomato sauce here, this is what makes the top so rich!)
*1 teaspoon garlic powder
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1/4 teaspoon pepper
*1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (Don’t skip this, it needs the kick)
*1/2 teaspoon dill weed
*1/2 teaspoon dried basil
*2 cups cooked rice, $.20 (I use a rice cooker while preparing the meat)
*1 medium head of cabbage, shredded, $1-$1.50
*1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, $1-$1.50

What you do:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9x13 glass baking dish, set aside.
In a large saucepan, brown the meat and onion over med-high heat until no longer pink (if you are leaving out the meat, cook onion in 1 teaspoon oil until translucent). Remove from heat, drain.
Add both cans of tomato sauce, spices and rice. Stir until mixed well.
Layer a third of the cabbage in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Top with half of the meat mixture. Repeat layers; top with remaining cabbage.
In a med bowl, whisk the tomato paste with one and half cans of water. Add salt, pepper, basil and garlic powder to taste. Pour the paste over the top layer of cabbage.
Cover and bake at 375° for 35 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

The R-Word

Last night, Connor, my 7-year-old stepson, said the most horrifying, dirtiest word I’ve ever heard come out of his mouth.

 

He called someone a “retard.”

 

To be more specific, he was speaking about my special needs daughter, who is now deceased. Ava, our special angel, was born with Aicardi Syndrome, a name that promised her multiple and quite serious mental and physical disabilities.  Ava was also Connor’s best friend. 

 

I don’t even remember how she came up in conversation or what was being said, but instead of saying, “Ava was kind of like a baby in a big kid’s body,” as he normally would, he flat out said, “Well, you know she acted like that because she was a retard.”  I felt the whole earth drop from beneath my feet.

 

I was stunned.  “CONNOR! What did you just say?”  He repeated it.  I asked him to sit down with me, and then I asked him to tell me what he thought that meant.  He had no idea, but he knew that someone had said it to him once to describe Ava.  When I explained to him that yes, she did have mental and physical retardations, we are never to use the word in a derogatory manner.  I went on to tell him that people use it in name calling against anyone who doesn’t act “right” or make good choices, but those people are in no way the same as Ava was.  I let him know we have a dictionary filled with appropriate words to describe people like that, and “retard” has never made sense when used in that manner. 

 

This tiny revelation brought my sweet little Connor to tears.  He felt betrayed by whoever taught him to say that, because they made fun of his sister and dragged him into it unknowingly.  He was afraid of all the feelings he’d hurt since then.  I couldn’t bear to ask him how many other times he’d said it before I found out.

 

What it left me wondering was, why on earth are is anyone at any age still calling special needs people retarded?

 

Think about it.  We live in a country where it is viewed (by most) as completely unacceptable to brand someone with a negative word based on their sexual preference, economic status, ethnicity, religious or even political beliefs.  The general consensus is that we should keep our mouths shut or expect to get mobbed by the townspeople with their pitchforks.  Yet, the most innocent of our citizens are still being persecuted and bullied for the way God made them?

 

Bullying is horrible in any form, but how are we expecting special needs people to be protected from it if we’re not even bothering to teach our children that it’s wrong, or to hold those accountable who practice the bad behavior? 

 

Recently in my home state of Mississippi, a 14-year-old boy with cerebral palsy named Austin Stokes experienced bullying in the worst form.  Without provoking his older, bigger attacker, Austin was struck hard enough to be lifted off the ground.  He was left with a busted eye, contusions, and a chipped tooth.  Cerebral palsy caused Austin to be legally blind and have paralysis in the left side of his body.  He was completely defenseless, and his attacker wasn’t immediately charged or jailed.  How can we let this happen?

 

I can’t help but wonder how many times Austin had to endure verbal bullying before it became physical.  Violence always begins with words.  It blows my mind that we have not yet slammed our fist on the table and said NO MORE.  Special needs people are nothing to be ashamed of or afraid of, and our country has a long way to go to prove we understand that.  In the 1800s and on into the 20^th century, many people with special needs were forced to undergo sterilization in an effort to create a cleaner society.  Does this sound like something that happened in Nazi Germany?  Because it happened right here.   Google “Vermont Eugenics” and I promise your jaw will drop.  President Roosevelt was an incredible advocate for special needs rehabilitation, but he still sympathized with people who were ashamed of those who needed it.  In was not until the passing of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that people with special needs or any disability were even protected by law in the United States, but that law doesn’t protect them from bullies.  As I type this I recall something my daughter’s neurologist shared with me as I struggled with understanding her syndrome.  “Nobody’s perfect.  We all have something wrong with us.”  He spoke the truth! 

 

People with special needs are not imbeciles.  They’re Rain Man, Oscar Pistorius, and Vincent Van Gogh.  They’re Beethoven, Steven Hawking, and Helen Keller. 

 

They are Austin Stokes and my daughter, Ava.

 

I challenge you to spike a change.  Why not make this the biggest civil rights movement of our time?  Check out www.r-word.org for help with getting started, and remember, the one thing worse than a child using the r-word is the adult who lets him.

-Paige

 

The Clues!

Here are the clues to this week's Treasure Hunt!

Just find 'em (The businesses are easy, the addresses are there; but the other you might need to think about just a little), take pictures of you or your little one in front of the object or sign, and post it to SanAngeloMoms!

One point awarded for each picture posted (one per clue, please), and the first one to post it gets *two* points! Keep playing, though, you never know who will get extra points on the next one!


Have fun, and don't forget to plan to join us for the Grand Finale at the the Grape Creek Pumpkin Patch next Sunday, 10/28, at 2:00!

Here they are: 

1.       Tinkers
   maternity and infant boutique

       3512 Knickerbocker Road

2.       Classes, galleries, and activities galore,

Are all that this treasure has in store.

The biggest venue Downtown for the arts,

A huge accomplishment ‘round these parts.

3.       San Angelo is known for its legends of past

History and stories that are built to last.

Seek this treasure and memories you’ll spark

Of our city’s National Landmark.

4.       The Bead hive

     Mention the Treasure Hunt for $5 off $35 purchase
     regular-priced beads and beading supply.

           3369 Knickerbocker Road

5.       This “new” treasure has been all the rage

For doors to reopen for business and stage.

Everything old is new again here,

The hall of our city we can again endear.

  

6.       Scales and tails, snakes, lizards, and fur
Down south near the lake, where the animals stir.

A great place for parties, a fun place to learn,

If studying nature is something you yearn!

7.       The “Y”

     Safe Place for Kids

           353 S Randolph

8.       Follow the tracks, they’ll show you the way

To the place you can find the old Santa Fe.

Models and photos; the history in toys,

Fun for all ages, not just little boys.

9.       Teacher Store

    Parents welcome!

         310 N. Chadbourne

10.   Downtown on the corner, a place all can meet

Upstairs in a room or down on the street.

Lots you can do here, not just sit and read,

Story Time, Movie Nights, and authors to meet!

11.   Young Scholars Academy

     Preschool and Child Care Center

          2006 Pulliam

12.   Here’s your chance to pick your treasure

Just go find the sheep that gives “ewe” pleasure.

All over town, sheep statues designed

Take a picture and tell us about your special find.

13.   Fancy Pants

     Children’s Boutique

          3542 Knickerbocker Road

14.   Swings to push and slides to go down

What is your favorite park in town?

Post a pic of a place your kids think is great-

Maybe we can meet there for a play date!

15.   Little Folks Dude Ranch

   State-licensed child care center

         1200 N. Jefferson

16.   Fishing, canoeing, or feeding the geese,

Running, a picnic or a walk for some peace.

Where is your favorite place on the river?

Show us your picture, and one “point” we’ll deliver.

17.   Whether it’s boat races, camping, or San Angelo’s beach

Lake Nasworthy’s options are always in reach.

What’s your favorite place at the lake?

Post it soon, your point is at stake!

18.   Noah’s Ark

     Upscale children’s resale

           2124 W. Beauregard

Come Play With Us!

Join SanAngeloMoms on our first-ever Treasure Hunt!!

The "treasures" you will be on the hunt for are a combination of San Angelo mom-friendly businesses, and civic locations (museums, parks, etc).

I will post the hints in a separate post. Just go to the treasures, take a picture of you or your child in front of the location, and upload it to SanAngeloMoms' Facebook page.

The rules below explain everything in detail, but basically, you get points for every picture of a treasure you find and upload. (One picture per hint). I'll also be posting bonus questions on SanAngeloMoms' Facebook page each day. The first person to answer will get an extra point!!

The "grand finale" event will be next Sunday afternoon, 10/28, at the Grape Creek Pumpkin Patch. LOTS more info to follow on SanAngeloMoms!!

The Rules

The SanAngeloMoms Fun and Games Department wants everyone to have fun on our Treasure Hunt, but the guys from the legal department wanted to let you know there are a few rules to abide by when you play.

Here are some of those rules:

1.    As always… No purchase is necessary.  

2.    The number of participants will determine odds of winning prizes. 

3.    Contestants will use hints provided to locate various civic objects and businesses (Treasures) in San Angelo, from October 21-27, 2012. As each “treasure” is found, contestants will take a picture  with the object, or in front of the business’ sign, and upload the picture to SanAngeloMoms.com.

4.    Points will be awarded for pictures uploaded of each treasure on the list.

a. One (1) point per picture.

b.The first person to upload each item will get two (2) points for that item.

c. The first person to finish the entire list, with all hints found correctly and pictures uploaded, will receive an additional five (5) points.

5.  Winners will be announced on the final day of the Treasure Hunt, October 28, at the Grape Creek Pumpkin Patch. List of winners will be posted on the SanAngeloMoms Blog. Winners do not have to be present to win, but winners who are present will get first pick of prizes available.

a.    Winners present will have pick of prizes available.

b.    Winners who are not present will receive prizes left after those present select their prize(s).

5.    Prizewinners must be at least 18 years of age. 

6.    SanAngeloMoms and the San Angelo Standard-Times may also choose to award other amounts of cash or prizes at its sole discretion. 

7.    SanAngeloMoms and the San Angelo Standard-Times and its designee(s) may use names and likenesses of promotion winner(s) for promotional purposes without further compensation to sponsor or the promotion winner(s). 

8.    Employees, agents, successors, assignees of the San Angelo Standard-Times, and other contest sponsors, their advertising agencies and promotional companies involved in these promotions and other media companies, as well as family and household members of same, shall be ineligible to participate and shall be ineligible for any prize covered herein. The parties acknowledge that neither the Standard-Times/SanAngeloMoms, nor its sponsoring entities are liable for reimbursement of any prizes otherwise payable to the promotion contestants who are in violation of the provisions set forth in this announcement.

9.    SanAngeloMoms and the San Angelo Standard-Times reserves the right to make changes in the contest format procedures, or rules, or terminate any contest at any time.   The Standard-Times assumes no responsibility for printing errors.  SanAngeloMoms and the San Angelo Standard-Times make no warranties or guarantees associated with prizes supplied by participating sponsors.

Questions may be emailed to amimizell@suddenlink.net

A Mother's take on the Presidential Debate

Like millions of others, I watched the Presidential Debate last  night. And like many others, I was not impressed. By either side. Sure the person I plan to vote for made valid points, but that is not what this post is about.

The thing I am most unimpressed with was the behavior of both men.  I remember watching debates while growing up, and while some got argumentative, they always followed "the rules." It is clearly stated that each side has two minutes to respond to the question. I remember "the bell" which some years was a tone, that marked the end of each participant's time. There was even a warning (15-seconds? I can't remember exactly) before their time was up. But the point is, when their time was up, they STOPPED TALKING! They may have rushed to squeeze in the last few words to finish their thought, but there was a definite end to one person's thoughts, before the next one started.

What I witnessed last night (and last week's Vice Presidential Debate as well) was nothing short of two men bullying each other.

Parents and teachers go to great lengths to teach their children not to interrupt, and not to be rude when others are talking. The past two debates have undone years of teaching, with children watching the way wealthy, high-powered men were behaving in what should have been a formal setting.

Speech and Debate teachers are probably up in arms after witnessing what the leaders of our country, and those who hope to be leaders of our country, are calling a debate.

I have judged high school debate tournaments for several years, and I can say, without a doubt, that high school students from schools all over Texas are 1000 times more professional than the two men hoping to win the election for our country's highest office. In addition, if any of the participants acted like the four men did in the past two debates, I would have disqualified them.

I know that high school and college students across the country were watching, some for "extra credit," and some to learn debate style. Is this "the new" style of debate in the US?

I hope not. Hopefully the debates/arguing sessions we've witnessed over the past two weeks are merely an anomaly, and when we do this again in four more years, the participants then will have more decorum.

In the meantime, we all have some explaining to do to our children.

Sometimes, even wealthy people with power need to be taught the right way to behave. Just because you respect somebody, don't act like them unless their behavior is the way you want others to see you.

And most importantly, whether you're in private or performing in a public forum, act like you're trying to impress your mother, and you'll never be disappointed in yourself.

The Constitution of Expectations

Somehow or another, I became that mom that couldn't wait for daddy to handle the disciplining. I quickly took it upon myself to do it all on my on. Please note the "I took it upon myself" part. Trust me, my husband had nothing to do with my becoming the family dictator...aka the Momtator.

Much like many of the Momtators before me, I was born with a need to control my household. Nevermind the fact that it's against God's will. Nevermind that I know that the kids know my husband really doesn't always have the best of hearing which allows them a few extra slip-of-the-tongues in his presence than in mine (which implied in my mind that I am stealthier and know more than my husband does...WRONG). Nevermind that I received a GREAT parenting education from my actual parents but chose to follow guidelines set by Dr. Phil and Parenting Magazing instead. I just kept on Momtating and before I knew it, my empire was collapsing.

In just a matter of months, I watched as my sweet little babies became way too much for me to handle on my own. My kingdom was in trouble! They weren't running loose on the streets screaming profanities and pillaging villages, but when you're a Momtator on the verge of losing control, every little offense commited on your watch can feel as bad as the worst of offenses. I reached my breaking point and finally, after much prayer and many come-to-Jesus moments, I decided to relinquish my title and give my husband's back to him.

Drew was so good for letting me get that out of my system, too. Now don't get me wrong. He is a Christian husband and father, so he was persistant on reminding me that my system would probably fail and why, but he allowed me to learn on my own. And sometimes that's just what we need. Ladies, there's a reason the man is supposed to be the head of the househould. Sure, we may spend the most time with the children, and we may know what they're about to do before they can even dream it up, but we were not created to dictate! And let's be honest, that position can be quite a burden at times.  We were created to assist, while the fathers were created to lead.

Discussing the Constitution

After I reached my breaking point and fessed up to Drew that I didn't want to be that kind of mom anymore, he presented to me a brilliant parenting plan. I'm still wondering how long he had sat on it, waiting for me to ask for help!

Drew demonstrating how NOT to behave in accordance to
the no-drama-when-frustrated-clause. Cute, isn't he? ;)

In that moment, we threw out the Momtatorship, and created a democracy. Our boys, Dylan and Connor, were going to be consulted about and then presented with rules and regulations, and a clear idea of what punishment they'd recieve should they fail to oblige. The same goes for me and Drew...er, President Dad and First Lady Mom. It's good we're held accountable, too, because 1) It's only fair and 2) It will hopefully supress another emergence of the evil Momtator. Our Constituition is as perfect as a constitution can be...it's so obvious my husband is in the military and majored in military history. We made a big to-do out of the signing of the constitution, too. Everyone gathered at the kitchen table and we discussed it in depth, then the kids were asked to sign (Connor, a little more reluctantly than Dylan), and then it was a done deal! We still pray on it every day, but so far it seems to be working. It's especially funny to hear the boys calling us out on our on defaults! And hey, my new gig as First Lady isn't so bad either. I get to help my husband and find reward in being his support and being needed....and if I've learned anything about American First Ladies, I get to buy a kick-butt wardrobe now, too, correct? :)

Connor acting very American and expressing his opinion about the no-smacking-at-the-table clause.

So here it is, The Constitution of Expectations:

It's official.. We're all hereby protected AND acountable.

In case that's too difficult to read, this is what our constitution says...

Constitution of Expectations

We the people of the Household Walters, in order to providea more perfect home life, free from domestic troubles, sibling disputes, andlessening the need for excessive parental supervision do ordain and establishthis Constitution of Expectations.

ArticleI

Section 1. Allassignments of the written and academic nature, hereafter referred to as“homework”, bestowed upon the citizen by a higher authority, hereafter referredto as “teacher”, will be done in a timely manner and free of complaints ordramatic actions to include, but not limited to: rolling of the eyes,mock-executions or flailings, and/or drawing upon the workspace images ofdestruction or blatant and gratuitous violence.

Failure to comply will result in the loss ofprivileges pertaining to electronic devices such as television, computer, videogame consoles, iPod touch, or any other highly addictive electronic medium notyet invented from now until the end of time. For each infraction of the DramaClause, the guilty party will suffer a fifteen-minute loss of electronic media.Resumption of aforementioned privileges will be granted upon successfulcompletion of homework and the additional time penalties.

Section 2. Assignmentswill be correctly recorded while at school in the allotted time granted by theclass teacher. If assignments are not written down and the deceptive action isdiscovered, a penalty shall be applied in which the assignment will beeffectively doubled.

Section 3. Uponcompletion of homework, rewards shall be granted in the form of usage of adesired electronic device or the standard version of playtime as utilized inthe days of old prior to the invention of electricity.

Thephrase “completion of homework” includes any assigned readings, periods of timestudying in preparation for examinations, or any additional exercises assignedby a teacher or parent. Any exercises assigned by a parent will be done so atthe discretion of the parent and only implemented if the collective examinationscores, hereafter referred to as “grades” or “average”, falls to an undesirableand/or unacceptable level.

Section 4. Onceestablished, there will be no negotiating or bartering toward the goal ofreducing or avoiding aforementioned assignments. A break in this clause willresult in an additional fifteen-minute time penalty for electronic media.

ArticleII

Section 1. Allcitizens of the realm are expected to conduct themselves in a civil and moralmanner along the Judeo-Christian ideals of acceptable behavior. Sons will grantproper respect parents, as is written in Ephesians. Parents will not provokechildren to wrath, as is recorded in Colossians. Violations of the non-respectclause will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Examples of punishment will be alongthe lines of restriction from electronic devices as outlined in Article I.

Section 2. Dataomnia venia ~ Proper levels of Respect will be granted to all teachers,principals, and any other authoritative figures placed above the citizen.

Section 3. Whena teacher begins instruction, full attention will be granted. When assignmentsare bestowed upon the citizen, both those designated to be completed duringclass time and those labeled “homework” as outlined in Article I, Section 1,the citizen shall record the assignment in a book of notes, or “notebook”,specially designated for the recording of guided coursework. Violations of thiswill be unleashed in the manner outlined in Article I, Section 2.

Section 4. Anyindication of untruthfulness in speech, dishonesty, or any blatant deception,hereafter referred to collectively as “lying”, shall be considered to beunlawful behavior and will not be tolerated under any circumstance. A firstoffense will be met with a loss of electronic privileges for the day. A secondoffense within the same one-week period will result in a two-day restrictionfrom electronic devices. Further infractions shall be thus handledcumulatively.

Section 5. Thesmacking of the lips whilst in the process of dining shall be considered anunlawful act. Likewise, any attempt of verbal communication when the mouth isotherwise engaged to its fullest capacity with consumable products is strictlyprohibited. A verbal warning may be directed to the offending party upon aninitial offense. Non-compliance shall result in a reduced portion of thepost-evening delicacy. The consequence of repeated violations shall be acomplete forfeiture.

Section 6. Provocationof a physical altercation amongst peers is unacceptable behavior. Unless underthe direst of circumstances, such as the threat of a physical attack by anaggressor or in the defense of one’s self, sibling, or another family member,combat or any form of exploitation of another will be dealt with severely byPresident Dad, whom shall be the purveyor of corporal punishment in the form ofa plethora of violence upon the backside of the offending party.

ArticleIII

Section 1. Additionalduties shall be performed around the living space. A chart for the varioushomely duties will be posted in the form of a “chore chart”. Upon completion ofeach duty, a mark, hereafter referred to as a “sticker”, will be placed uponthe chart to signify a completed task. With the conclusion of the week, thecitizen’s marks shall be tallied and the appropriate reward will be bestowed.The monetary value of such a reward will be prominently displayed on the chorechart.

Section 2. Thepersonal space of a citizen, hereafter referred to as a “room”, will be kepttidy or, upon the condition that it becomes untidy, be returned to a tidy stateprior to the evening slumber period. It shall be noted that “room” refers tothe area surrounding the nocturnal lounging apparatus, hereafter referred to asa “bed”, as well as the adjoining area designed for the removal of human waste.“Tidy” refers to the area being in a condition free of clutter, which wouldallow for the ease of scrub-cleaning, including vacuuming, or dusting to beperformed by the female parental unit.

Section 3. Immediatelyfollowing meals, the dining area utilized by the citizen shall be thoroughlycleaned to include the removal of dirty dishes to the kitchen sink. Uneatenportions of the consumable still remaining upon the plate will be disposed ofin an appropriate trash receptacle. Any uneaten consumable fragments, or“crumbs”, that litter the dining table need to be wiped away from the dinnertable and into the trash receptacle.

Section 4. Thebed shall be returned to its pre-used condition, or “made”, prior to themorning departure for school.

ArticleIV

Corporal Punishment shall be conferred upon anoffending citizen by President Dad in the severest of circumstances such aswhen it becomes apparent that previous punishments have become ineffective. Acitizen who becomes unruly and unresponsive to restriction of electronic mediaor social outlets shall be dealt with in the form as laid out in Article II,Section 5.

ArticleV

Whenin the course of human events it is deemed necessary, all parties bound withinthis document shall propose and pass Amendments to this Constitution. SuchAmendments will be made into and upheld as an equal part within the whole ofWalters Law.

Coraut mors

And so you have it! Long live freedom and a happy, succesful family!

 

By: Paige Walters

http://aicardimama.blogspot.com/

http://paigezwalters.blogspot.com/