A discussion of grocery budgets [...]]]> Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons Fastest-Growing ‘Churches’ in U.S. — Wow, never realized US was actually PREDOMINANTLY CATHOLIC! I had always thought the US as “predominantly Protestant”. Very encouraging, but as a PinoyDefensorFidei listmember pointed out, very sobering as well — if you look at the numbers of separated brethren.

A discussion of grocery budgets and such at 4real yielded this link to the USDA’s food cost averages — including those on a thrifty plan, low budget plan, medium, and liberal. Makes me feel better about how much we spend at food here at home with 4 kids, but I’m sure there’s always room for more frugality and prudence.

Maureen Wittmann, author of For the Love of Literature, The Catholic Homeschool Companion and A Catholic Homeschool Treasury, has anew project! The Virtues Reading List. Not only that, she is also beginning a new book: Books for Kids Who Love to Read. Get over there and tell her all about the books your kids love!

Are you (or your child/children) participating in World Maths Day? It’s next week!

Latin Podcast

Story of the Church at Sonitus Sanctus — the handouts are here.

A fellow hs mom was kind enough to send me the link to Franciscan University’s Transient Programs — one or the other may appeal to Aisa…. depending on where we end up in the next year or so…

Vegetarian Chili Recipe:

2 tablespoons canola oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced (I used a 7-inch one)
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
6 tomatoes, chopped
approx. 1 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
salt and pepper to taste
pinch of sugar
hard boiled egg, chopped (optional)

Saute garlic and onion in heated oil in medium saucepan. Add spices and saute a couple minutes more. Add sweet potato, green bell pepper, carrot, and tomatoes. Add water, cocoa powder and salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 30 minutes or until veggies are tender. Add sugar, adjust seasonings to taste, and cook 2 minutes more. Serve topped with hard boiled egg.

This is the shortcut version of this recipe from Epicurious.com, but trust me, I think it really tastes better if you don’t put your SELF into it .