New Books!

I just placed an order for books from Barnes and Noble, yay! The last couple of times I've bought books they've all been for the kids. I love books and I don't take nearly enough time to read for myself as I should. I know this would be different if I was taking classes or something, but it's just not an option right now. Right now my focus is my family and teaching and raising them. Later, I would definitely like to go back to school, and I think it will be much better, it will be challenging, but I think I will get much more out of it than when I was younger. 


So, I have decided that until I can go back to school, I will read and learn and do on my own. I have a list of books I would like to read this year, and I'm sure the list will grow as the year goes on, but I've begun to fulfill that list by ordering some books, yay! I am hoping that I can also get some of the books that I am wanting in MP3 format as well, because sometimes I do enjoy listening as well, and it will be much easier to listen to my Ipod (or Iphone when I finally get it!) and tick off some of those books.


Well, I have a picture of dinner from last night.

It is Pork Loin, baby carrots and mashed potatoes with gravy. 

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 5 to 6 hours

To make the rub for the pork I combined equal amounts of: Sea Salt, Peppercorn, Onion Flakes, Garlic Salt, Cajun Seasoning. Rub evenly on pork loin, paying particular attention to the meaty sections. Use two or three dashes of liquid smoke patted on the loin. Sear all sides meat to lock in the rub. Place seared loin into a baking pan or slow cooker with baby carrots and enough water to cover the carrots. If placing in the oven, cover pork with a sheet of foil. Oven temp should be 285 degrees. Slow cooker on high if you are doing the 5 to 6 hour method, low for 8-10 hours. I used mashed potatoes out of the box and gravy from a packet, which took me about 15 minutes just before serving.

I'm all for making dinners fast and easy being as busy as I am with the kids. So, any short cuts I can take, I do. Making mashed potatoes the long way with actual potatoes is wonderful and tasty if you have the time. Luckily, my family is happy either way. Using some of the pork juices and a teaspoon or two of flour to make gravy would not have taken a long time, but putting a couple of packets together with some water worked just as well. 

Anyway, I will share my meals with you this year as well, at least the ones that may interest you. 

That's all I got for today.