I'm praying that the Senate Health Care bill does not pass. I do realize that something must be done about health care. I don't have a clue what. I just know that both bills are not the answer. How can they be? Mind, I'm no scholar on either bill. But how can a 1200+ page House of Representative bill truly help the uninsured, the underinsured, and the insured? It's not simple enough to help. And how do the compromises on the Senate bill help us? I truly want to know how we, the American people, are going to pay for it?
Once again, I'm not a scholar on this subject. But I can see that it won't help anyone well. Please pray also that this won't pass and that a better solution will be sought.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Traditions
One of my favorite traditions of Christmas is receiving the letters, cards, and pictures from family and friends. I remember when I was young pouring over the letters and pictures my parents received from family and friends. Over the years, I got to know these people - what a treasure!
Now, as we have been a few places we have collected a few friends as well as family that we exchange letters and cards with each Christmas. I do so appreciate finding out how they are - their ups and downs over the year. As I prepared our picture this year, I looked at my children and asked when did they grow to be so tall? (Sounds of Fiddler on the Roof?) It seems only yesterday they were little. I marvel how we all age (and just get better looking, right?!).
I hope all of you send a card or letter to those you have had contact with over the years. And send one to me.:o)
Now, as we have been a few places we have collected a few friends as well as family that we exchange letters and cards with each Christmas. I do so appreciate finding out how they are - their ups and downs over the year. As I prepared our picture this year, I looked at my children and asked when did they grow to be so tall? (Sounds of Fiddler on the Roof?) It seems only yesterday they were little. I marvel how we all age (and just get better looking, right?!).
I hope all of you send a card or letter to those you have had contact with over the years. And send one to me.:o)
Friday, December 4, 2009
Popcorn Popping
I love popcorn! I share that love with one of my children. It's always frustrating to go to the cupboard and not find a bag to throw in the microwave. (Yes, it brings out the "grrrssss".)
A number of years ago, I learned the trick of microwave popcorn in a paper bag. If you don't know it - here it is: 1 brown paper bag, 1/4 c of unpopped popcorn, and microwave. I program the microwave for the "Regular Popcorn" setting and let it pop. Make sure you fold the open end of the bag closed at least twice before starting the microwave.
Lately, I haven't felt quite right about pre packaged microwave popcorn. Perhaps, all the media stories are finally infilitrating my psyche, I don't know. I've been making excuses for not buying microwaveable popcorn, much to the chagrin of my popcorn loving child.
Many of you know, I'm also very attached to Tupperware. Did you know that some of the Tupperware is made from bullet proof material? Well, I've been meaning to test that, not with bullets, but with popcorn. (I figure the popcorn popping is like bullets being shot off, wouldn't you agree?) I DID IT!!! And I'm happy to report that neither the popcorn nor the Tupperware let me down. (You should have seen my happy dance, then again perhaps not...)
I used a larger Vent N Serve, the large round one first, with butter and programmed the "Regular Popcorn" setting. Apparently, the microwave cannot sense the popcorn popping or not popping. So I burned my first batch (which I'm sure the birds are grateful for). Sometime in my past my brain had stored the fact that popcorn takes about 3 minutes to pop. I then programmed the microwave for 3 minutes and listened for the popping (you know 5 seconds between pops...). It worked. (Oh, and make sure you pop the vent or it will do it for you - talk about bullets.) Later in the week, I tried popping in my stack cooker (largest configuration) without any fat. That worked also.
Once again, I know there are those of you that are not partial to microwaves. Please just enjoy my joy in finding another way to enjoy popcorn.
A number of years ago, I learned the trick of microwave popcorn in a paper bag. If you don't know it - here it is: 1 brown paper bag, 1/4 c of unpopped popcorn, and microwave. I program the microwave for the "Regular Popcorn" setting and let it pop. Make sure you fold the open end of the bag closed at least twice before starting the microwave.
Lately, I haven't felt quite right about pre packaged microwave popcorn. Perhaps, all the media stories are finally infilitrating my psyche, I don't know. I've been making excuses for not buying microwaveable popcorn, much to the chagrin of my popcorn loving child.
Many of you know, I'm also very attached to Tupperware. Did you know that some of the Tupperware is made from bullet proof material? Well, I've been meaning to test that, not with bullets, but with popcorn. (I figure the popcorn popping is like bullets being shot off, wouldn't you agree?) I DID IT!!! And I'm happy to report that neither the popcorn nor the Tupperware let me down. (You should have seen my happy dance, then again perhaps not...)
I used a larger Vent N Serve, the large round one first, with butter and programmed the "Regular Popcorn" setting. Apparently, the microwave cannot sense the popcorn popping or not popping. So I burned my first batch (which I'm sure the birds are grateful for). Sometime in my past my brain had stored the fact that popcorn takes about 3 minutes to pop. I then programmed the microwave for 3 minutes and listened for the popping (you know 5 seconds between pops...). It worked. (Oh, and make sure you pop the vent or it will do it for you - talk about bullets.) Later in the week, I tried popping in my stack cooker (largest configuration) without any fat. That worked also.
Once again, I know there are those of you that are not partial to microwaves. Please just enjoy my joy in finding another way to enjoy popcorn.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Yes, it's been awhile...
Yes, it's been awhile since I've blogged. I knew I wouldn't be very consistent in this endeavor.
Since my last entry, our community and surrounding areas (especially) have experienced a devastating flood. But with that tragedy came a blessing. It rained 15 inches in 24 hours the end of September. It was suppose to rain everyday of that week and we had beautiful skies until the following Saturday when it rained again in torrents, but not 15 inches. My oldest was able to help people clean out their homes in the worst areas two weekends in a row and was accompanied by Gordon the last weekend. In our ward, no one lost their home though some did experience flooding.
In early October, we traveled up to Washington, D.C. area to witness the baptism of my brother's oldest son. It's so nice to visit with family. My parents were there. We toured Washington, D.C. spending time at the National Zoo and the National Museum of Natural History. From there, we traveled down to Williamsburg. I fell in love with this city. I learned so much about and felt so much about our founding history. We were fortunate enough to have Jeremy as our tour guide at the Capitol Building. He knows a lot about the history of English law. I could have listened to him for hours. After listening to him, I appreciated more those grievances listed against King George in the Declaration of Independence. We only spent one full day there. I could have spent a week (or two or three...). Another moving event was the performance of Revolutionary City. It's a re-enactment of some of the events that impacted Williamsburg during the Revolutionary War. The last portion is General Washington riding in to Williamsburg on his way to Yorktown and asking for volunteers. My oldest answered the call. I had to ask myself if I REALLY would be willing to sacrifice my oldest for this cause of independence. At the end of the week, we pressed on to Charleston, SC. Picked up the bus trolley and rode around downtown Charleston. We rode out to Fort Sumter. It was the pits that it was raining A LOT and we could only stay an hour. We decided to hit Market Street. Small world...we ran into our neighbors, Anthony and Kim. We also had to try She Crab soup. I don't remember the name of the restaurant we ate at, but we had the nicest waitress. I'm not much of a "mall" shopper, but I could spend a couple of days walking the shops of Charleston and then another couple of days soaking up the history.
Of course, we had to celebrate Hallowe'en. We had a medieval fairy princess, Lucy from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in her coronation gown, a witch, and a BYU alumni. Gordon was going to go as Spock from Star Trek, but ended up as Bones (because he couldn't find the ears and wig). I was going to dress up as an Indian princess - but was in the kitchen all night for our ward party.
Currently, I am working on patterns for many of the multi use/convertible clothing I've discovered. I'm also hoping to post some projects to etsy soon. There will be cupcake wrappers, metal Christmas ornaments, and beads for now.
Since my last entry, our community and surrounding areas (especially) have experienced a devastating flood. But with that tragedy came a blessing. It rained 15 inches in 24 hours the end of September. It was suppose to rain everyday of that week and we had beautiful skies until the following Saturday when it rained again in torrents, but not 15 inches. My oldest was able to help people clean out their homes in the worst areas two weekends in a row and was accompanied by Gordon the last weekend. In our ward, no one lost their home though some did experience flooding.
In early October, we traveled up to Washington, D.C. area to witness the baptism of my brother's oldest son. It's so nice to visit with family. My parents were there. We toured Washington, D.C. spending time at the National Zoo and the National Museum of Natural History. From there, we traveled down to Williamsburg. I fell in love with this city. I learned so much about and felt so much about our founding history. We were fortunate enough to have Jeremy as our tour guide at the Capitol Building. He knows a lot about the history of English law. I could have listened to him for hours. After listening to him, I appreciated more those grievances listed against King George in the Declaration of Independence. We only spent one full day there. I could have spent a week (or two or three...). Another moving event was the performance of Revolutionary City. It's a re-enactment of some of the events that impacted Williamsburg during the Revolutionary War. The last portion is General Washington riding in to Williamsburg on his way to Yorktown and asking for volunteers. My oldest answered the call. I had to ask myself if I REALLY would be willing to sacrifice my oldest for this cause of independence. At the end of the week, we pressed on to Charleston, SC. Picked up the bus trolley and rode around downtown Charleston. We rode out to Fort Sumter. It was the pits that it was raining A LOT and we could only stay an hour. We decided to hit Market Street. Small world...we ran into our neighbors, Anthony and Kim. We also had to try She Crab soup. I don't remember the name of the restaurant we ate at, but we had the nicest waitress. I'm not much of a "mall" shopper, but I could spend a couple of days walking the shops of Charleston and then another couple of days soaking up the history.
Of course, we had to celebrate Hallowe'en. We had a medieval fairy princess, Lucy from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in her coronation gown, a witch, and a BYU alumni. Gordon was going to go as Spock from Star Trek, but ended up as Bones (because he couldn't find the ears and wig). I was going to dress up as an Indian princess - but was in the kitchen all night for our ward party.
Currently, I am working on patterns for many of the multi use/convertible clothing I've discovered. I'm also hoping to post some projects to etsy soon. There will be cupcake wrappers, metal Christmas ornaments, and beads for now.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Race Horse Children and Latin
RACE HORSES
If you know my children, you know they are quite different (though so similar in other ways - that BTW is very close to a contradiction - logic). I came up with an analogy that helps me and them relate (at least we've had a great time with it this past week).
So this is how it goes:
I have two children who are focused. One child stays the inside course and makes it around at a pretty good speed. This child won't finish first, but will always be a contender. The other will stay the course also, but has to go rather slow to make it around. This child will finish but usually at the end of the pack. This child will be a leader of that pack though, always leading in the stragglers.
Another child takes off at lightning speed. One is almost sure this child will finish the race first with laurels and wreaths. Frequently this child does. On other occasions though this child loses focus and all of sudden is running another race. Oops!
And yet another child seems to be more of a kangaroo than a race horse. This child usually stays on the course, but bounces side to side and sometimes finishes the race. Interestingly enough, this child also brings in the stragglers to the races actually finished. We're trying to find the right blinders for this child to keep focused. (Can you put blinders on a kangaroo?:o))
If you know my children, can you guess who is whom? My children are excited that I'm highlighting them, but as you know I'm super paranoid about giving out personal info on them. So you'll just have to guess.:o)
LATIN
In our home school co op, I get to teach Latin. I think it's because I volunteered and second, I have had some foreign language training. We are working on the conjugation "to be". I don't think any of them are getting it. Well, the conjugation is now a cheer. So do it with me!:o) (Hey, most of them did.)
I am SUM! (point to yourself with both hands)
You are ES! (point to some else with one hand)
He is EST! (point to a male with the other hand - or if no male is present say "She is EST!")
We are SUMUS! (make a gathering gesture finish with pointing at self)
Y'all are ESTIS! (remember we're Southerners now - point with both hands at the group)
They are SUNT! (move your two hands, point at a particular group)
If you know my children, you know they are quite different (though so similar in other ways - that BTW is very close to a contradiction - logic). I came up with an analogy that helps me and them relate (at least we've had a great time with it this past week).
So this is how it goes:
I have two children who are focused. One child stays the inside course and makes it around at a pretty good speed. This child won't finish first, but will always be a contender. The other will stay the course also, but has to go rather slow to make it around. This child will finish but usually at the end of the pack. This child will be a leader of that pack though, always leading in the stragglers.
Another child takes off at lightning speed. One is almost sure this child will finish the race first with laurels and wreaths. Frequently this child does. On other occasions though this child loses focus and all of sudden is running another race. Oops!
And yet another child seems to be more of a kangaroo than a race horse. This child usually stays on the course, but bounces side to side and sometimes finishes the race. Interestingly enough, this child also brings in the stragglers to the races actually finished. We're trying to find the right blinders for this child to keep focused. (Can you put blinders on a kangaroo?:o))
If you know my children, can you guess who is whom? My children are excited that I'm highlighting them, but as you know I'm super paranoid about giving out personal info on them. So you'll just have to guess.:o)
LATIN
In our home school co op, I get to teach Latin. I think it's because I volunteered and second, I have had some foreign language training. We are working on the conjugation "to be". I don't think any of them are getting it. Well, the conjugation is now a cheer. So do it with me!:o) (Hey, most of them did.)
I am SUM! (point to yourself with both hands)
You are ES! (point to some else with one hand)
He is EST! (point to a male with the other hand - or if no male is present say "She is EST!")
We are SUMUS! (make a gathering gesture finish with pointing at self)
Y'all are ESTIS! (remember we're Southerners now - point with both hands at the group)
They are SUNT! (move your two hands, point at a particular group)
Friday, September 11, 2009
Addendum to the container clean up
Just a quick addendum to the kitchen container cleanup. This is a testimony to the fact that God cares about the small details as well as the big ones.
Saturday night I had offered to help serve at a wedding. So I put on some nice comfortable clothes (a loose white blouse and black crepe pants, plus my version of Tevas) and headed off to the wedding. Well, one of the perks we gained by moving to Georgia was being closer to the church building here than we were in Tooele (if you're LDS, you'll understand why that is an amazing gain). As the wedding was winding down, we realized we didn't have anything in which to pack all the extra food. I thought about all my nicely organized AND lidded food containers that my child and I had just put together sitting neatly in a cupboard at home. So, I hopped into my car, drove home, and was back before I was missed with a good size box of containers. (Of course, my knight in shining armor - Gordon - had to follow with grocery bags and boxes because I wasn't cognizant to remember to grab those while I was home.) Voila! We got all that food packed up and sent home in those containers. Yippee!!
You don't know how grateful I am that God wanted those containers for the wedding. I was really worried that it was some late "nesting" instinct and I'm not as adventurous as Mrs. Duggars.
Saturday night I had offered to help serve at a wedding. So I put on some nice comfortable clothes (a loose white blouse and black crepe pants, plus my version of Tevas) and headed off to the wedding. Well, one of the perks we gained by moving to Georgia was being closer to the church building here than we were in Tooele (if you're LDS, you'll understand why that is an amazing gain). As the wedding was winding down, we realized we didn't have anything in which to pack all the extra food. I thought about all my nicely organized AND lidded food containers that my child and I had just put together sitting neatly in a cupboard at home. So, I hopped into my car, drove home, and was back before I was missed with a good size box of containers. (Of course, my knight in shining armor - Gordon - had to follow with grocery bags and boxes because I wasn't cognizant to remember to grab those while I was home.) Voila! We got all that food packed up and sent home in those containers. Yippee!!
You don't know how grateful I am that God wanted those containers for the wedding. I was really worried that it was some late "nesting" instinct and I'm not as adventurous as Mrs. Duggars.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Cleaning and Tupperware
This is one of those blah, blah, blah blogs. So you can skip it. I just need to get it out.
I spent almost the entire day cleaning while helping and cajoling my children to finish up their school assignments for the day/week. What started this fall cleaning frenzy was a purchase and my cupboard(s) with all the containers and lids, etc. I should have taken a picture. It was disaster on steroids! I have just purchased a whole new set of Tupperware Vent n Serves (which are my favorite microwave cooking dishes and I never seem to have enough of them), plus Tupperware has just brought back the Stack n Serve which is my ALL TIME FAVORITE microwave cooking dish. (This is for hostesses only and boy was I glad I was a hostess during this campaign.)
Anyway, back to the cleaning, I was looking for all the Tupperware lids and the lids that go with all the other accumulated containers. One of my children and I managed to make several Leaning Towers of Pisa out of containers. They toppled and had to be picked up. I couldn't find some of my Vent n Serves, so I went looking for them. Of course, they were hiding in the refrigerators. That meant cleaning the refrigerators. As I was cleaning out the refrigerators, there were dishes that needed to be washed, so I did dishes several times today also. (My oldest can thank be later :o).)
The good things are my clean refrigerator, several organized cupboards, (exercise - but don't tell), and found Tupperware companions. Oh, and I almost cleared an entire counter. With containers better organized there is now - miraculously - more cupboard space (which will be better organized once I get more information on the Tupperware Modular Mates).
As it came on 5pm and I was finishing up, the most horrible thought (for me) came to my mind - "Ah! What if this is a nesting instinct and I'm pregnant!" So, what is the equivalent to the pre delivery nesting instinct in pre menopausal women called?
I spent almost the entire day cleaning while helping and cajoling my children to finish up their school assignments for the day/week. What started this fall cleaning frenzy was a purchase and my cupboard(s) with all the containers and lids, etc. I should have taken a picture. It was disaster on steroids! I have just purchased a whole new set of Tupperware Vent n Serves (which are my favorite microwave cooking dishes and I never seem to have enough of them), plus Tupperware has just brought back the Stack n Serve which is my ALL TIME FAVORITE microwave cooking dish. (This is for hostesses only and boy was I glad I was a hostess during this campaign.)
Anyway, back to the cleaning, I was looking for all the Tupperware lids and the lids that go with all the other accumulated containers. One of my children and I managed to make several Leaning Towers of Pisa out of containers. They toppled and had to be picked up. I couldn't find some of my Vent n Serves, so I went looking for them. Of course, they were hiding in the refrigerators. That meant cleaning the refrigerators. As I was cleaning out the refrigerators, there were dishes that needed to be washed, so I did dishes several times today also. (My oldest can thank be later :o).)
The good things are my clean refrigerator, several organized cupboards, (exercise - but don't tell), and found Tupperware companions. Oh, and I almost cleared an entire counter. With containers better organized there is now - miraculously - more cupboard space (which will be better organized once I get more information on the Tupperware Modular Mates).
As it came on 5pm and I was finishing up, the most horrible thought (for me) came to my mind - "Ah! What if this is a nesting instinct and I'm pregnant!" So, what is the equivalent to the pre delivery nesting instinct in pre menopausal women called?
Monday, August 24, 2009
We began school today
We officially began school today. Neither my children or I were excited about starting again. We had done quite a bit of school throughout the summer and I was tired. But we began anyway. We're actually beginning a week later than their public school counterparts because of a family situation.
My children cruise through Math-U-See. I think I forgot to mention them in my previous blog. This is our second year of MUS and I'm grateful for Steve Demme. He has made math understandable and accessible to myself and my children. One child even enjoys fractions whereas before the fractions brought tears of frustration. www.mathusee.com
Romans, Reformers and Revolutionaries began with discussing the key points and beginning to listen to Ms. Waring's insightful scholarship. My children really did discuss the questions. Even my youngest piped up with insights that brought sunshine warmth to a mother's heart. The child stated that the early Christian Church grew despite persecution because of faith. Two of my older children "debated" the merits of dividing the Roman Empire under Diocletian. We also enjoyed learning a bit about Georgia's history.
Even though grammar was buried and put in the dark closet for three weeks, we were able to pull it out and get in the swing of Shurley English again. I don't think they're fond of subject-verb agreement and I must say I don't think it was explained very well. The rules though make sense and I'm hoping that through use, it will become easier to understand. What I love most about this program are the introductory practice sentences done three times a unit.
Writing Strands 4 didn't start out well, but I think it will get better. The "flow" lesson didn't make much sense to me, but we all struggled through it and came out victorious on the other side. The next lessons make a lot more sense and hopefully we'll all be better composers by the end of this program.
We're still waiting on the art, music and Spanish. Latin was fun though at co op. We may actually figure the language out. I'm finally understanding the difference between declensions and conjugations. I can barely wait to figure out how to USE the declensions. I remember when I learn conjugations during Spanish class (many years ago), WHAT A REVELATION!!! I keep hoping for that light to go on in my children.
My children have been using Spelling Power for so long that they correct me when I mess up. It's just has to be the easiest, most delightful spelling program on the market. My favorite part are the generalizations. They reinforce phonics though none of my children are phonetic. The 10 step worksheet is a great reinforcer also.
We had a great discussion while introducing folktales. We talked about how the origin of many folktales can be found in the Bible. We'll be tackling Aesop's Fables and Canterbury Tales (various translation and editions) for this unit. One child still thinks Shakespeare is the foundation of all literature. I can't wait until the child finishes Canterbury Tales and realizes Shakespeare read Chaucer and not the other way around.
My children cruise through Math-U-See. I think I forgot to mention them in my previous blog. This is our second year of MUS and I'm grateful for Steve Demme. He has made math understandable and accessible to myself and my children. One child even enjoys fractions whereas before the fractions brought tears of frustration. www.mathusee.com
Romans, Reformers and Revolutionaries began with discussing the key points and beginning to listen to Ms. Waring's insightful scholarship. My children really did discuss the questions. Even my youngest piped up with insights that brought sunshine warmth to a mother's heart. The child stated that the early Christian Church grew despite persecution because of faith. Two of my older children "debated" the merits of dividing the Roman Empire under Diocletian. We also enjoyed learning a bit about Georgia's history.
Even though grammar was buried and put in the dark closet for three weeks, we were able to pull it out and get in the swing of Shurley English again. I don't think they're fond of subject-verb agreement and I must say I don't think it was explained very well. The rules though make sense and I'm hoping that through use, it will become easier to understand. What I love most about this program are the introductory practice sentences done three times a unit.
Writing Strands 4 didn't start out well, but I think it will get better. The "flow" lesson didn't make much sense to me, but we all struggled through it and came out victorious on the other side. The next lessons make a lot more sense and hopefully we'll all be better composers by the end of this program.
We're still waiting on the art, music and Spanish. Latin was fun though at co op. We may actually figure the language out. I'm finally understanding the difference between declensions and conjugations. I can barely wait to figure out how to USE the declensions. I remember when I learn conjugations during Spanish class (many years ago), WHAT A REVELATION!!! I keep hoping for that light to go on in my children.
My children have been using Spelling Power for so long that they correct me when I mess up. It's just has to be the easiest, most delightful spelling program on the market. My favorite part are the generalizations. They reinforce phonics though none of my children are phonetic. The 10 step worksheet is a great reinforcer also.
We had a great discussion while introducing folktales. We talked about how the origin of many folktales can be found in the Bible. We'll be tackling Aesop's Fables and Canterbury Tales (various translation and editions) for this unit. One child still thinks Shakespeare is the foundation of all literature. I can't wait until the child finishes Canterbury Tales and realizes Shakespeare read Chaucer and not the other way around.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Getting Ready for School
School began this week in our school district of Georgia. Wow! Because one of the children is not here we have decided to put off starting until next week. We don't take as many breaks as the other schools, so we make up our days further in the year.
After home schooling for 13 years now, I finally feel like I'm getting how to put together our schedule and our curriculum. We belong to a co op and the children are involved with music one day a week. So I've learned how to work around those activities. Plus this year, one of the children is trying to do two years in one so that adds another dimension to the schedule.
And this year, I finally feel confident in the ALL the curriculum we're using. So for any of you that are interested, this is what we are using this year:
History - Diana Waring's Romans, Reformers, Revolutionaries, www.dianawaring.com,
Story of the World Vol. 2, www.peacehillpress.com,
Georgia Dailies www.gallopade.com
Science - Apologia's Physical Science and Chemistry www.apologia.com
Language Arts - Shurley English www.shurley.com,
Writing Strands www.writing-strands.com ,
Spelling Power www.spellingpower.com, and
Drawn into the Heart of Reading www.heartofdakota.com
Foreign Language - Learnables' Spanish www.learnables.com and
Latina Christiana www.memoriapress.com
Music - Harmony Fine Arts www.harmonyfinearts.com
Art - Artistic Pursuits www.artisticpursuits.com
I have a few more "extras" that I'll probably be using throughout as I love the Eleanor Hoomes' creative writing series www.amazon.com and Wordly Wise vocabulary www.wordlywise3000.com. We are also picking up Shakespeare again with our co op this year and I have a slew (or is that slough) of books for teaching Shakespeare.
My reasoning for using these particular curriculums and my Shakespeare picks will have to wait until another posting. I may post our schedule. And because I think I'm finally wise enough, I'll post my recommended scope and sequence. (We have to tootle off to take a child to work.)
After home schooling for 13 years now, I finally feel like I'm getting how to put together our schedule and our curriculum. We belong to a co op and the children are involved with music one day a week. So I've learned how to work around those activities. Plus this year, one of the children is trying to do two years in one so that adds another dimension to the schedule.
And this year, I finally feel confident in the ALL the curriculum we're using. So for any of you that are interested, this is what we are using this year:
History - Diana Waring's Romans, Reformers, Revolutionaries, www.dianawaring.com,
Story of the World Vol. 2, www.peacehillpress.com,
Georgia Dailies www.gallopade.com
Science - Apologia's Physical Science and Chemistry www.apologia.com
Language Arts - Shurley English www.shurley.com,
Writing Strands www.writing-strands.com ,
Spelling Power www.spellingpower.com, and
Drawn into the Heart of Reading www.heartofdakota.com
Foreign Language - Learnables' Spanish www.learnables.com and
Latina Christiana www.memoriapress.com
Music - Harmony Fine Arts www.harmonyfinearts.com
Art - Artistic Pursuits www.artisticpursuits.com
I have a few more "extras" that I'll probably be using throughout as I love the Eleanor Hoomes' creative writing series www.amazon.com and Wordly Wise vocabulary www.wordlywise3000.com. We are also picking up Shakespeare again with our co op this year and I have a slew (or is that slough) of books for teaching Shakespeare.
My reasoning for using these particular curriculums and my Shakespeare picks will have to wait until another posting. I may post our schedule. And because I think I'm finally wise enough, I'll post my recommended scope and sequence. (We have to tootle off to take a child to work.)
Monday, August 10, 2009
My new convertible clothing discovery
Ha! My children think I need to join Youtube Anonymous because I'm addicted. Well, I managed to stay off for about two weeks. But Saturday, I found this new convertible piece of clothing. You can view it here: YouTube - Magical Scarf Instructions 26 ways (obviously, I'm still learning how to embed, so pardon this one.)
I love convertible clothing - clothing that can be used more than one way. My current favorite piece is the origami shirt, which I'll write more about at a later date. This magical scarf though is quite clever. It is a simple rectangle, probably 54" x 22", hemmed along the edges, made of knit. It has five buttons - four along one edge and one on the opposite corner. I haven't quite figured out how far apart the buttons are yet, but I will. Look at all the different ways you can wear this simple piece of fabric.
The other nice feature of convertible clothing is that they are usually simple shapes, thus easy to sew or construct. Some don't even have zippers or other closures.
This is definitely something I'll be writing about a lot in the future.
I love convertible clothing - clothing that can be used more than one way. My current favorite piece is the origami shirt, which I'll write more about at a later date. This magical scarf though is quite clever. It is a simple rectangle, probably 54" x 22", hemmed along the edges, made of knit. It has five buttons - four along one edge and one on the opposite corner. I haven't quite figured out how far apart the buttons are yet, but I will. Look at all the different ways you can wear this simple piece of fabric.
The other nice feature of convertible clothing is that they are usually simple shapes, thus easy to sew or construct. Some don't even have zippers or other closures.
This is definitely something I'll be writing about a lot in the future.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Easiest Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
I have the easiest bread recipe in the world. It's so easy, my children can make it. I've tried this on 8 year old girls just hand kneading it and it works. So here's the recipe:
1 3/4 c warm water
1 heaping T yeast
1 T sugar
1/3 c oil (I prefer olive oil)
1/3 c vital gluten (optional)
4 c + whole wheat flour (sometimes I combine with other flours, such as quinoa or kamut - then the vital gluten might be essential rather than optional)
1 t salt
Preheat oven to 350 degress. Mix the warm water, yeast and sugar together first. Add the oil and vital gluten. Add 3 cups of the flour. Then add salt. Change your mixing blade to kneading hook or begin hand kneading at this point and add approximately 1 more cup of flour to your dough. If you're using a mixer like a Kitchen Aid, your bowl should be "clean" on the sides. Knead for 3 minutes, whether hand or machine kneading. Take your dough and SLAM it 12 times on your counter. Place dough in greased bread pan. TURN OFF oven and place bread in the warm oven for about 30 minutes (the dough will have risen over the top of the pan). TURN ON the oven again (without removing the bread) to 350 degrees and bake 30-45 minutes. (I usually bake for 40 minutes.) Take the bread out of the oven and put on cooling rack. I like to let my bread cool for awhile before cutting it, but if you like it hot, just make sure you cut a really thick slice or it will fall apart until cooled.
1 3/4 c warm water
1 heaping T yeast
1 T sugar
1/3 c oil (I prefer olive oil)
1/3 c vital gluten (optional)
4 c + whole wheat flour (sometimes I combine with other flours, such as quinoa or kamut - then the vital gluten might be essential rather than optional)
1 t salt
Preheat oven to 350 degress. Mix the warm water, yeast and sugar together first. Add the oil and vital gluten. Add 3 cups of the flour. Then add salt. Change your mixing blade to kneading hook or begin hand kneading at this point and add approximately 1 more cup of flour to your dough. If you're using a mixer like a Kitchen Aid, your bowl should be "clean" on the sides. Knead for 3 minutes, whether hand or machine kneading. Take your dough and SLAM it 12 times on your counter. Place dough in greased bread pan. TURN OFF oven and place bread in the warm oven for about 30 minutes (the dough will have risen over the top of the pan). TURN ON the oven again (without removing the bread) to 350 degrees and bake 30-45 minutes. (I usually bake for 40 minutes.) Take the bread out of the oven and put on cooling rack. I like to let my bread cool for awhile before cutting it, but if you like it hot, just make sure you cut a really thick slice or it will fall apart until cooled.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Cooking Preparation Tip - chicken
Okay, I cannot believe I'm back all ready. Tonight for dinner, we had a chicken enchilada casserole. The recipe can be found at www.7daymenuplanner.com week of 7/19/09. (Aside: I love this site, though I get the menu in the Sunday AJC - but just in case I miss a week...)
Anyway, the recipe calls for cut up chicken. I don't know about you, but I'm not fond of this chore. I had microwaved (please don't hate me for microwaving, just don't microwave if you don't want to) the chicken breasts then cut the chicken with my kitchen scissors in the bowl without even touching it. (Actually it only calls for cooked chicken and I assumed it was to be cut up - go figure.)
I hope this little tip makes sense.
P.S. My children also liked the Chinese chicken burgers (we used turkey) without the hoisin sauce from the 7/19/09 menu.
Anyway, the recipe calls for cut up chicken. I don't know about you, but I'm not fond of this chore. I had microwaved (please don't hate me for microwaving, just don't microwave if you don't want to) the chicken breasts then cut the chicken with my kitchen scissors in the bowl without even touching it. (Actually it only calls for cooked chicken and I assumed it was to be cut up - go figure.)
I hope this little tip makes sense.
P.S. My children also liked the Chinese chicken burgers (we used turkey) without the hoisin sauce from the 7/19/09 menu.
In the Beginning....
Hi All! Wow! When my sister and sisters-in-law said this would be easy they weren't kidding! We'll see if I can keep this up. I have so much I want to share in regards to my many interests that I thought this would be the best avenue for doing such. So this blog will be about home schooling, stamping anything and everything, sewing and some fashion, and handicrafts - mainly tatting, crocheting, and jewelry making. I might even throw in some LDS seminary and book reviews. I haven't decided whether this will include much about my children as I'm VERY paranoid about having them on the internet.
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