May you and your family have a blessed Resurrection Day!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Passover Seder
Passover: One of our favorite ways to observe Holy Week.And may I say that our church did an outstanding job of making it as authentic as possible, as well as lovely.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Read Aloud Week!
This is our final read aloud week for the year, but actually we have several things we're doing.
Since I want to finish our math books before the end of the year, we're starting each day with one page of math instead of our usual 2 pages. This hasn't taken very long and then we are on to the main event: reading!
Abby, Thomas and I are reading Winnie-the-Pooh. I think it's actually the first time I've read all the stories and I'm enjoying it as much as they are. We are also reading Laddie by Gene Stratton-Porter. There is so much nature study that I keep thinking I should do a unit study instead of merely reading it, but I've managed to squelch that idea, since the whole idea was simply to read the book and discuss it.
For history, Abby and I finished Bread and Butter Indian and have started Bread and Butter Journey by Anne Colver. These stories are based on pioneer journals from the author's family and are sweet reads for young girls. They are illustrated by my favorite, Garth Williams.
For Christmas I got The Apple and the Arrow by Mary and Conrad Buff for Thomas and we started it today. It's the legend of William Tell and it's pretty exciting so far!
Thomas has been studying the science sections in Beyond FIAR's Neil Armstrong. We're nearing the end and I've spent a good bit of time on the internet, trying to figure out how to pull all the information together and do something hands-on at the same time. I decided to make the space lapbook in The Ultimate Lap Book Handbook by Tammy Duby and Cyndy Regeling. This handbook has instructions for lapbooks and minit books, as well as other kinds of books, such as pizza books, stick books, accordion books, etc. and projects for each school subject. We'll post some pics of it when we finish up. This week, we're working on hamburger-fold minit books about each planet and learning information about each one as we go.
Abby and I are finishing up The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco. We spent a couple of days talking about the orchestra, reading Zin! Zin! Zin! a Violin and The Story of the Incredible Orchestra and playing on a neat website done by the Dallas Symphony for kids. We read about bees, of course. And today we read Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney and made maps of our neighborhood and the inside of our house. I have some beeswax sheets to make candles, but will have to wait until I get to the big city to get some wick.
Next, Abby and I will begin rowing our last FIAR book, Miss Rumphius.
We've had a busy week with lots of other things going on, but we've learned a lot, too!
Since I want to finish our math books before the end of the year, we're starting each day with one page of math instead of our usual 2 pages. This hasn't taken very long and then we are on to the main event: reading!
Abby, Thomas and I are reading Winnie-the-Pooh. I think it's actually the first time I've read all the stories and I'm enjoying it as much as they are. We are also reading Laddie by Gene Stratton-Porter. There is so much nature study that I keep thinking I should do a unit study instead of merely reading it, but I've managed to squelch that idea, since the whole idea was simply to read the book and discuss it.
For history, Abby and I finished Bread and Butter Indian and have started Bread and Butter Journey by Anne Colver. These stories are based on pioneer journals from the author's family and are sweet reads for young girls. They are illustrated by my favorite, Garth Williams.
For Christmas I got The Apple and the Arrow by Mary and Conrad Buff for Thomas and we started it today. It's the legend of William Tell and it's pretty exciting so far!
Thomas has been studying the science sections in Beyond FIAR's Neil Armstrong. We're nearing the end and I've spent a good bit of time on the internet, trying to figure out how to pull all the information together and do something hands-on at the same time. I decided to make the space lapbook in The Ultimate Lap Book Handbook by Tammy Duby and Cyndy Regeling. This handbook has instructions for lapbooks and minit books, as well as other kinds of books, such as pizza books, stick books, accordion books, etc. and projects for each school subject. We'll post some pics of it when we finish up. This week, we're working on hamburger-fold minit books about each planet and learning information about each one as we go.
Abby and I are finishing up The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco. We spent a couple of days talking about the orchestra, reading Zin! Zin! Zin! a Violin and The Story of the Incredible Orchestra and playing on a neat website done by the Dallas Symphony for kids. We read about bees, of course. And today we read Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney and made maps of our neighborhood and the inside of our house. I have some beeswax sheets to make candles, but will have to wait until I get to the big city to get some wick.
Next, Abby and I will begin rowing our last FIAR book, Miss Rumphius.
We've had a busy week with lots of other things going on, but we've learned a lot, too!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Girdle Buster Pie
I saw this on another blog back in the fall and just loved the name of it! I had planned to have a mom's night out for the moms at church and serve this, but with one thing and another, I never got around to it. When we decided to make it for this weekend, I thought I would post the recipe since warm weather is approaching (we hope!).
Girdle Buster Pie
1 box of graham crackers
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or 4 oz. dark chocolate pieces
Process in food processor until blended thoroughly. Press into 2 pie plates (recipe said one, but it made so much, I was able to easily get two pies) and freeze for an hour.
Meanwhile, let 2 pints of coffee ice cream soften (I couldn't find coffee, so I got chocolate chip. I think any chocolate flavor would work well, too). Spoon into crust(s) and refreeze.
Make the topping and let it cool.
3/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
pinch of salt
3 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons bourbon (Optional. You might try a teaspoon or two of vanilla. I used rum flavoring, but I didn't use enough and couldn't taste it.)
1/2 cup heavy cream
Put syrup, sugar, salt and butter into saucepan. Let melt over low heat, then turn up and let boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add the bourbon, and let it hiss in the pan. Add the cream, stir to mix, and let cool.
Pour the cooled sauce over the pie and return to freezer. After it's set, cover with plastic wrap until ready to serve.
Girdle Buster Pie
1 box of graham crackers
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or 4 oz. dark chocolate pieces
Process in food processor until blended thoroughly. Press into 2 pie plates (recipe said one, but it made so much, I was able to easily get two pies) and freeze for an hour.
Meanwhile, let 2 pints of coffee ice cream soften (I couldn't find coffee, so I got chocolate chip. I think any chocolate flavor would work well, too). Spoon into crust(s) and refreeze.
Make the topping and let it cool.
3/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
pinch of salt
3 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons bourbon (Optional. You might try a teaspoon or two of vanilla. I used rum flavoring, but I didn't use enough and couldn't taste it.)
1/2 cup heavy cream
Put syrup, sugar, salt and butter into saucepan. Let melt over low heat, then turn up and let boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add the bourbon, and let it hiss in the pan. Add the cream, stir to mix, and let cool.
Pour the cooled sauce over the pie and return to freezer. After it's set, cover with plastic wrap until ready to serve.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Menu
Thursday: Sloppy joes, whole roasted potatoes with olive oil and kosher salt rubbed on the skins, baked beans.
Friday: Chili.
Saturday: The girls and I are going shopping, Katie will be out of town, David and Rach are going to a concert, Joshua will come over at lunchtime, so we'll all be eating at different times, probably. Beef stew in the crockpot.
Sunday: Heavenly Chicken Lasagna, French bread, Girdle-Buster Pie (this is a new recipe for us and I'll post the recipe if it turns out well). Since Katie is going to be gone, everyone wants milk, milk, milk for lunch.
Monday: Hamburgers, black beans with garlic, peppers, and onion. I'm trying to get away from baked beans because of all the sugar.
Tuesday: Roast, baked sweet potatoes.
Wednesday: Chicken noodle soup with carrots and peas.
Thursday: Pinto beans, rice, tortillas.
Friday: Chili.
Saturday: The girls and I are going shopping, Katie will be out of town, David and Rach are going to a concert, Joshua will come over at lunchtime, so we'll all be eating at different times, probably. Beef stew in the crockpot.
Sunday: Heavenly Chicken Lasagna, French bread, Girdle-Buster Pie (this is a new recipe for us and I'll post the recipe if it turns out well). Since Katie is going to be gone, everyone wants milk, milk, milk for lunch.
Monday: Hamburgers, black beans with garlic, peppers, and onion. I'm trying to get away from baked beans because of all the sugar.
Tuesday: Roast, baked sweet potatoes.
Wednesday: Chicken noodle soup with carrots and peas.
Thursday: Pinto beans, rice, tortillas.
Friday, March 5, 2010
On My Nightstand
There are lots of books on my nightstand and I'm excited to have the opportunity to read a couple of new ones!
My Bible, with the Lenten devotions written by my oldest son, which are thoughtful and convicting.
Jewish Family Celebrations by Arlene Rossen Cardozo because I'm working on the Passover Seder for our church and I always need to refresh my memory about what all needs to be done for this joyful celebration.
A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver Van DeMille, which I'm studying slowly.
A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola. I like teaching with living books and gentle learning and enjoy re-reading this book often to make sure I'm still on track.
John Adams by David McCullough. I'm so excited about the HBO documentary/drama that I checked out the book and started it early this morning.
What the Bible Says About Healthy Living by Rex Russell. Anna, Emily, and I are reading this for health class. I'm trying to catch-up this week while Anna's gone to TeenPact because I've gotten woefully behind.
Abigail Adams by Natalie Bober. I bought this book a couple of years ago and we haven't read it yet, but it looks interesting.
The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer. I have to say that Mrs. Schaeffer is one of my all-time favorite authors. I'm not exactly reading this book word for word, because I've read it many, many times, but I like to look through it again and get some fresh ideas, especially this time of year when I'm hopeful that spring is coming soon.
The Fruit of Her Hands by Nancy Wilson. I went to my bookshelf a few weeks ago and pulled out a couple of Christian books to encourage myself. This book is always convicting and encouraging. And reminds me how I should behave as a Christian woman and example to younger women.
Just for fun: Friends at Thrush Green by Miss Read. Love English books and this one is like eating a nice cream bun - good all the way through! And Jane Austen's Little Advice Book by Cathryn Michon and Pamela Norris. Katie picked this up on the bookstore sale table, knowing how much I like Jane Austen.
My Bible, with the Lenten devotions written by my oldest son, which are thoughtful and convicting.
Jewish Family Celebrations by Arlene Rossen Cardozo because I'm working on the Passover Seder for our church and I always need to refresh my memory about what all needs to be done for this joyful celebration.
A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver Van DeMille, which I'm studying slowly.
A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola. I like teaching with living books and gentle learning and enjoy re-reading this book often to make sure I'm still on track.
John Adams by David McCullough. I'm so excited about the HBO documentary/drama that I checked out the book and started it early this morning.
What the Bible Says About Healthy Living by Rex Russell. Anna, Emily, and I are reading this for health class. I'm trying to catch-up this week while Anna's gone to TeenPact because I've gotten woefully behind.
Abigail Adams by Natalie Bober. I bought this book a couple of years ago and we haven't read it yet, but it looks interesting.
The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer. I have to say that Mrs. Schaeffer is one of my all-time favorite authors. I'm not exactly reading this book word for word, because I've read it many, many times, but I like to look through it again and get some fresh ideas, especially this time of year when I'm hopeful that spring is coming soon.
The Fruit of Her Hands by Nancy Wilson. I went to my bookshelf a few weeks ago and pulled out a couple of Christian books to encourage myself. This book is always convicting and encouraging. And reminds me how I should behave as a Christian woman and example to younger women.
Just for fun: Friends at Thrush Green by Miss Read. Love English books and this one is like eating a nice cream bun - good all the way through! And Jane Austen's Little Advice Book by Cathryn Michon and Pamela Norris. Katie picked this up on the bookstore sale table, knowing how much I like Jane Austen.
Here's a great quote: "I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book!" from Pride and Prejudice.
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