Show and Tell Friday

It's Show and Tell Friday at Kelli's blog. It looks like everyone is showing some of their Christmas gifts. Here is one that I am enjoying.....

I saw this Dept. 56 house at a gift shop. It is Orchard House from Little Women along with a book and figurines of Marmee and the girls. It was VERY pricey and I could not imagine spending that much money on it no matter how special it would be to me. Then one of my "second generation thrifters" bought it for me on ebay at a very reasonable price, new, and in the box! It makes a lovely display.

Christmas Snapshots

Gingerbread House Fun

Christmas fun for Abby

What Do Homeschoolers Do On A Snow Day

I've been reading, Scaling Down- Living Large in a Smaller Space, by Judi Culbertson and Marj Decker. Although the book was not what I was expecting, it was a very good read. I was expecting the book to give me helps and hints for living in a small space. Instead, the main topic was about scaling down from a large space into a smaller space. I know, the title says that, but I took it in a different direction. The first chapter was very good, especially for this time of year when materialism is at its zenith. The chapter poses thought provoking questions about why our posessions are so important to us. Although not a Christian book, these principles can be easily applied to the Christian life. Many helps were given for decluttering during the different stages of one's life.

All in all, I profited from this book and it was worth the time spent reading it. I also checked it out from the library so no clutter was added to my house! (However, the book is overdue and I will be paying a library fine :(

Ornament Collection

It's Show and Tell Friday at Kelli's Blog.

This week I would like to share my tradition of giving my daughters a Christmas ornament every year to put in their ornament box. This box is for them to take with them some day when they put up their own trees in their own homes. Here is the Little Women for my own little women: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy.

New Work Shoes

For some reason, JC Penny sends me a $10 coupon every year at this time. Not $10 off a $50 purchase. I mean $10. I get this coupon at Mother's Day and Father's Day too. I cannot explain this generosity since I am not a faithful credit card user nor am I a faithful shopper. But I definately enjoy the gift!

Here is my purchase made today.... new work shoes (for the stay-at-home mom)

A Homeschool Funny

This video was sent to me via email. I've never met these people, but I feel like I've known them all my life!

http://www.doublesharpevideo.com/HomeSchool2/Homeschool2.html

Lydia's Gone Wireless!!!

The braces came off 3 months early! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!

I've Been Bit

...... by the scrapbooking bug!

I know what some of you are saying, "Where have you been? We've been scrappingbooking for years." I have purposely avoided the hobby because of the number of unfinished projects into which I have already invested money.

Then my girls took a scrapbooking class in our homeschool co-op classes. That did it- BIT. The teacher was so good to them and gave them such good ideas and creative helps. I purchased a few items from her and now I'm hooked.

I am enjoying my evenings putting together pages of the yearly Christmas photo. These pictures have been in frames and displayed on the piano every Christmas. I am displaying them now in the scrapbook because the piano is getting far too cluttered (what a blessing!) . I am also working on pages that show our visits to the different lighthouses in Maine.

I am having too much fun during these cold, hibernation evenings. Maybe winter in the north isn't so bad......

A Simpler Time

Abby and I are enjoying spending time with the Moffat family. Every morning we read, The Middle Moffat by Eleanor Estes. It is a refreshing time reading about the typical childhood life of the 1940's. The complications of WWII add to the activity but not robbing the innocence of the Moffat children. We have a particular fondness for the middle child, Jane.

Last year we read The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgrin. This book was also a fun remembrance of neighborhood life that I remember years ago (although not as many years ago). The chapters about Christmas are particularly charming. As a matter of fact, we may read it again in the next few weeks because it was such a pleasure. You know it is a good read when you look up and your teenagers are sitting around listening too!

Show and Tell Friday

It's Show and Tell Friday at Kelli's blog.

My show and tell is a new magnet I got at Niagara Falls.

We started collecting magnets, as small momentos of vacations, a number of years ago. The children enjoy picking out the magnet that best characterizes our time away. This magnet, although slightly "tacky," shows a picture of our hotel that was overlooking the falls.

We do not put them on the refrigerator but on a magnetic board that hangs in the kitchen. For us, this has been a frugal and uncluttering way to remember our special times as a family.

Here is a picture of our collection thus far:

Where Have You Been?

That is the blogging question. Here is the week in review:

~We helped friends move into their new home.

~The Christmas tree and inside decorations are up.

~We went to a craft fair.

~We had a Mary Kay party to help out a friend who is a new consultant (more like she helped us out)

~Our family spent the evening with another family who are our dear friends and we stayed waaay too long...... I mean embarrassingly long...... I mean "my mother taught me better than that" too long...... I mean we don't stay up that late even on New Year's Eve..... you get the picture.

~We shoveled inches of heavy ice off the driveway.

~We worked on Christmas gifts.

~We actually accomplished homeschooling.

~My Hero took me off to the "big city" to spend some time away.

I am back.

Show and Tell Friday

It's Show and Tell Friday at Kelli's Blog. I haven't posted in a few weeks (I haven't been home on Fridays) and I miss my blogger friends!

I made an addition to our vacation collection- a magnet from Niagara Falls.

Why do we have a magnet collection. For one thing, is an inexpensive memory of a wonderful family adventure. We also enjoy picking out a magnet that best shows the personality of our family. This magnet is a little on the tacky side for me, but it has a picture of the fantastic hotel we stayed in. Here is our entire collection.....

This poem is such an encouragement to me that I have been reading it every day for the past week. It was published on the Ladies Against Feminism site. (I hope I am allowed to post it with plenty of references telling from where it came.)

Words of a Housewife

by Chelsea Peterson

God, I want to do great things for you,
And speak to all the nations!
God replies:
That’s well and good,
But for now
Fix your children’s complications.

Lord, I want to straighten up the world,
Feed the hungry and fulfill someone’s wishes!
God says:
Fine, but for the present,
You need to wash the dishes.

Lord, I want to preach, proclaim your name
And bring salvation to the earth!
God says:
Good! Then teach your children
And preach my name to those you’ve given birth.

At the end of the day,
I think of all I’ve done.
But as I look it seems,
I’ve accomplished nothing for the Son!
God I had no time to witness one on one,
I couldn’t join my church group,
They said I missed out on lots of fun.

My household is the only thing
That managed to be cleaned,
My neighbor is the only one,
Besides my family I could feed.

The only ones I’ve read Your Word
Are those within my home.
God I’ve done so very little
And I feel so all alone!

God says:
I’ve seen the way you cleaned and cooked
And taught your kids My name.
Tomorrow morning at eight o’ clock,
I’ll watch you do the same.

The work you do at home,
Though no one really sees,
Is helping to raise little ones
To grow and worship me.

My ways are not your ways,
I don’t expect you yet to see,
But the precepts that you’ve taught your children,
Will help others bow the knee.
Your children will reach out to others,
Your example in their mind.
They’ll do great work for Me
And their children will respond in kind.

The hand that rules the world,
Also rocks the cradle.
Because of you, your children love Me,
All their hearts are stable.

Though your house is your domain,
Your tasks seem rather plain,
Your efforts will reach the multitudes,
Though from humble work they came.

Plans Change- Black Friday Update

After mapping out our Black Friday strategy, we realized we didn't need to go too far from home in the morning. We could do the shopping that was further away at a more reasonable time in the evening or even the next day. Then the plans had to change. I (the efficient, organized, planning mother) left my purse at my in laws house the night of Thanksgiving. I had no drivers licence, no money, no checkbook and no ATM card. This was OK except for the one doorbuster item I wanted to get my hero for Christmas. So how did we work it out? Hero drove Caroline and me to Walmart around 6:30am (not too bad), he ended up loading his present into the van and then he carried it to the cellar to hide it from himself!

It's Beginning to Sound a Lot Like.......

I think it's official now! Christmas music was playing from the stereo this morning while we were getting ready for church. I might as well embace it. I do LOVE Christmas music!

How Does a Homeschooling Mom Change a Lightbulb?

First, mom checks three books on electricity out of the library, then the kids make models of light bulbs, read a biography of Thomas Edison and do a skit based on his life.

Next, everyone studies the history of lighting methods, wrapping up with dipping their own candles.

Next, everyone takes a trip to the store where they compare types of light bulbs as well as prices and figure out how much change they'll get if they buy two bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five dollar bill.

On the way home, a discussion develops over the history of money and also Abraham Lincoln, as his picture is on the five dollar bill.

Finally, after building a homemade ladder out of branches dragged from the woods, the light bulb is installed.

And there is light.

A Little Get-Away This Week

We spent a two days in Niagara Falls this week. Was it chilly? Yes, on Monday. But Tuesday was a beautiful, sunny day. We spent the night on the Canadian side of the falls, and we even found a hotel that would allow 6 people in a room (Embassy Suites). Our family does not usually enjoy tourist areas full of glitz, people, and money-sucking attractions, but the majestic glory of Niagara Falls is undeniable. We are thankful for our time away.

Our Thanksgiving

Abigail and I have enjoyed studying the Pilgrims this past month. We have been reading Stories of the Pilgrims by Margaret Pumphrey, among other things. It has renewed our appreciation, once again, for the sacrifice and dedication of these godly people.

We have also enjoyed reading about Sarah Hale. We discovered her through a book called, The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving. Further investigation into the life of Sarah has given us new appreciation for the "power of the pen."

Thanksgiving remains a pure holiday for me. The only expectations are in sharing a meal with friends and family and recalling those things for which we are thankful. Who can oppose that kind of a holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving

Note:

We will also "celebrate" Black Friday! My husband is on his way out the door right now to get me a newspaper with all of the store adds and coupons. My teenage daughters and I will be mapping out our Friday morning. We will be out very early armed with our 60% off coupons from Michaels, AC Moore, and JoAnne Fabrics. We will not be at the mall, but we be at smaller stores like Bed Bath and Beyond and Linen and Things. My second generation thrifters enjoy this traditional morning out with mom. I am not sure if I would be out at the early hours of the morning if I did not have teenage daughters getting me out of bed! We will be home by 9:00am, ready to spend the rest of the day with little sister and hubby.

1. 
   


2. A blogger friend suggested I participate in 30 days of thanksgiving. It began on November 1st and since I am behind on everything and it is the 16th, I will have to catch up in one day. No problem. It will be a very easy assignment for me to list what I am thankful for........

1. My laptop

2. My teenage daughters participating in believers baptism this week

3.

Teaching Math

We spend a good chunk of time teaching math in homeschool. My Hero teaches geometry and algebra in the mornings before he goes to work. I know- I'm spoiled. I teach the third grader. Some days it is a less than pleasant experience. (That is sugar-coating it.) Even though our students do not think they are "math people", we have been pleased with their progress over the years.

Then I receive this email: The Evolution of Math. It makes me take up my task with new vigor.

Teaching Math In 1950:A logger sells a truck load of lumber for $100. His cost of production is4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

Teaching Math In 1960:A logger sells a truck load of lumber for $100. His cost of production is4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

Teaching Math In 1970:A logger sells a truck load of lumber for $100. His cost of production is$80. Did he make a profit?

Teaching Math In 1980:A logger sells a truck load of lumber for $100. His cost of production is$80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

Teaching Math In 1990:A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our wood lands. He does this so he can make a profitof $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers.)

Teaching Math In 2007:Un hachero vende una carretad a de madera por $100. El costo de laproducciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

Why I Love Homeschooling- Reason #5

Revisiting the books I have not read in years (or have never read)

It has been our homeschooling practice to get books on tape or CD at the library and listen to them after lunch. This has allowed us to enjoy several books together each year- without putting out much of an effort. Everyone gets a copy of the book. Some of us read from our laptops.

We are enjoying Great Expectations this month. I had forgotten how really great this book is. That's why they call it a classic!

We have also read and listened to a number of Shakespeare plays, Silas Marner, Robinson Crusoe and last December, A Christmas Carol.

Our family highly recommends this way of experiencing classic literature together.

One of Our Family's Favorite Places in the World- Portland Headlight, ME

(It's a dangerous thing to have some time to sort through pictures and find your precious vacation memories..... Oh No! Is it really 5:00 and I haven't thought about dinner?)

Sea-Fever
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;

And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,

And a gray mist on the sea's face, and a gray dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull's way and the whale's way, where the wind's likea whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.
John Masefield

The Annual Fall Picture

We have been taking this picture of the girls, in this same spot, every fall since 2000. They are not little girls any more.

4-H to the Rescue

Our 4-H group helped us make favors for the reception held for Leah and Vito the week after their wedding. Many hands made light work.Thank you Debra, our wonderfully creative friend, who gave us the idea of making these containers, filled with sugared nuts.

A thank you to Linda's sister for giving us this great sugared nut recipe. As a matter of fact, the recipe is too good for us to keep to ourselves, so here it is. We'll be making these nuts for Christmas gifts. (If you are reading this and you receive these nuts as a Christmas gift from us, act surprised :) )

Sugared Nuts

1lb. pecans or walnuts

1 egg white, whipped with 1 tblsp. water until frothy, but not stiff

Mix above together

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

Combine in large ziploc bag. Shake. Put nut mixture into bag. Shake to coat.

Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Spread nuts into single layer. Bake 1 hour at 250 degrees. Turn every 15 minutes.

It's Coming......

The snow is only the wet, slushy stuff today, but we all know what is coming. I have got to choose some winter projects so that I have something to look forward to. Let's see...... renovate the bedroom, write that homeschool article I'm supposed to be doing, actually do some science projects and experiments, get my family pictures printed and put into books, continue scrapbooking (now that we've caught the bug)....... I think I can find some ways to enjoy winter from indoors.

Leah + Vito

It was wedding weekend!

The baby sister got married.


Everything was beautiful.

Some things never change.

Why I Love Homeschooling- Reason #4

Inspiring Graduation AnnouncementsRead previous post.

This morning, as I was straightening my closet, I came across a graduation announcement from my daughters' friend, Becca. A quote on the back of her announcement was an inspiration to me for today.

~Rev. Peter Marshall

"The modern challenge to motherhood is the eternal challenge that of being a godly woman. The very phrase sounds strange in our ears. We never hear of it now. We hear about every other type of women: beautiful women, smart women, sophisticated women, career women, talented women, divorced women. But so seldom do we hear of a godly woman- or of a godly man either, for that matter. I believe women come nearer to fulfilling their God-given function in the home than anywhere else. It is a much nobler thing to be a good wife, than to be Miss America. It is a greater achievement to establish a Christian home than it is to produce a second-rate novel filled with filth. It is a far, far better thing in the realms of morals to be old fashioned, than to be ultra-modern. The world has enough women who know how to be smart. It needs women who are willing to be simple. The world has enough women who know how to be brilliant. It needs some who will be brave. The world has enough women who are popular. It needs more who are pure. We need women, and men, too, who would rather be morally right than socially correct."

Show and Tell Friday

It's Show and Tell Friday at Kelli's blog

Today I am showing my honey dispenser. I bought it at our community co-op and I also got one at a gift shop. The reason we like this dispenser so much is because it is always sitting out on our tea table, ready for use. Since it is so readily available, we are more inclined to find more uses for honey. This particular dispenser is less likely to make a mess- although there are never any guarantees in that area!

The Fun Begins

The first born got her drivers permit today. Enough said.

You understand.

Pottery Barn Look Alikes

Frugal Hacks is discussing one of my favorite topics:

How to use the Pottery Barn catalog to spruce up your

house for a fraction of the price.

We also received the new Boden catalog and the girls will see how they can duplicate the lovely fashions using what is in their closets and what they can find at half price day at the Salvation Army. I am thankful they enjoy the challenge of creative frugality.