I promised that I would include this recipe on the blog.  I like to include gelatin salads in our meals, because they are generally light, fruity and yummy.  I also like that they help to tame a sweet tooth and yet they are a great way to sneak some fruit into the meal without my son being too suspicious.  So here it is, and I hope you enjoy it!

3 oz. package orange gelatin

1 Cup boiling water

1 Cup crushed pineapple

4 oz. cream cheese

7 ice cubes

1 can mandarin oranges

2 Cups whipped topping

In blender, add boiling water and gelatin.  Stir until dissolved.  Cut cream cheese into pieces and add to blender, mixing until well blended.  Add 7 ice cubes and blend until smooth. Pour into bowl and fold in whipped topping.  Stir in drained pineapple and mandarin oranges.  Chill until firm.

Since I decided to make menu planning part of my goals for 2010, I thought it would be appropriate for me to join a meme that is all about menu planning.  So I joined Menu Plan Monday, where over 300 women post their menus every week.

I think this will help to keep my accountable to my goal and perhaps my menus will provide a bit of inspiration to you as well.  I know that there is nothing worse than trying to figure out what to have for dinner at the last minute.  Too often it results in convenience foods and more of that hard earned money leaving our pockets.

So here is what I am planning for our dinners this week:

Monday– Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup, Corn Muffins and Honey Butter

Tuesday–Lasagna, Cheesy French Bread, Tossed Salad, Mixed Veggies and Oatmeal Jam Bars

Wednesday–Sweet & Sour Pork, Rice, Wontons

Thursday–Meatloaf, Baked Potatoes, Baked Butternut Squash, Jello

Friday–Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Soup

Saturday–French Bread Pizzas, Brownies

Sunday--Pot Roast and Veggies, Creamy Lime Salad, Rolls

We have been very busy in our homeschool this week. We have been testing out several products for the TOS Homeschool Crew and we have also been participating in NanoWriMo. We have been kept very busy to say the least!

My son just finished reading a book that is one of the review items. I am going to read it now and then I will share both of our thoughts on it with you. I received notification of several more items that are coming to our home. I have been busy putting everything into a spreadsheet so that I can keep track of what I have reviewed and what still needs to be done. I can honestly say that we are delighted with some of the items we will be reviewing. We are just putting them through a few more paces before I spill the beans on them.

I am currently behind in my NanoWriMo novel. But I am not too worried, as I should still be able to catch it up. My son has been writing like a maniac and we have now upped his wordcount goal to 12,000 words for this year. He has completed just a little over 4,000 words this first week. I am sure that he will surpass his new goal. We should have a pretty good idea of what to expect next time. Since he was a reluctant writer before this, I can definitely say that I am thrilled. He has even asked if we can do this again next month. Such enthusiasm! I hope it doesn’t wane as the challenge goes on.

I will be posting another review for you tomorrow, and then two more next week. Until then…Happy Homeschooling!