For over a year now, Evan has been looking forward to a special trip that he is taking with his dad and Papa (my dad). They are going to Washington D.C.!
We decided that taking the whole family when Emily was so small and Amy's attention span was not really up for museums and all day excursions, was not really the best idea. I have also been to D.C. once before as part of a Senior class trip in High School. So we figured it would be cheaper to have Sean and Evan go by themselves. Amy, my mom and I are planning to go on our own trip in a few years. Of course when we told my dad about the trip he was just as excited about going as Sean and Evan.
They will be able to really focus on the things that interest them: Air & Space/Historical Sites/Williamsburg/Revolutionary War/Civil War/FBI. Of course since it's a school trip they'll tour the White House, Capitol, the Mint, and monuments. They are even going to be in Jamestown on a special day celebrating Jamestown's 400 year anniversary. I'm sure they will have a fabulous time of bonding, sightseeing, learning, and fun.
Evan is making up the itinerary with help from his dad. I was wondering if those of you who who live near D.C. or have been before could give Evan any advice or helpful hints? Places to eat, insider tips on visiting popular landmarks, something or someplace that is a favorite for your family, or out of the way gems? Thanks!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
A Year of Bread-Part 2
For February, the kids made whole wheat bread. This is a post about the machine we use as much as the bread they made. My mom bought a BOSCH mixer when I was in High School. She bought a mill and we made our own bread with flour we'd milled. For a short time I even made bread to sell to people at church.
In college, I worked for a few summers at our church's camp as the food service director. I planned meals and with the help of 5 Jr. High girls, we cooked meals for the 100+ campers that came each week. At the end of my last summer there I asked the directors if I could buy the BOSH mixer that they had tucked away in the back of the closet. (We never needed to use it at camp because we had a professional Hobart mixer that was much bigger.) They gave it to me as a bonus!
So this is the machine that we use to this day to make our bread. I have no idea how old it is. It's got to be at least 25 years old. (This is my exact model!)It's older than my mom's model! But the thing churns out 4 loaves worth of bread at a time in 15 minutes flat. If you are considering making your family's bread I would highly recommend the BOSCH mixer. Even though it costs quite a lot new, I've seen several newer than mine on ebay for a fraction of the cost. And I can testify that they last for ever! My friend Cara is the only one I know that has actually worn hers out. You can read a funny story about it here. But she used it more frequently, and for lots of other things other than bread. Plus hers was even older than mine!
I have been using ours off and on since we were married. So the kids have helped numerous times with the baking. But this time they got to do it all by themselves and I just watched. They loved it!
For you BOSCH owners here's the recipe we used.
Whole Wheat Bread
Preheat oven to 200 degrees
In the BOSCH bowl combine:
7-8 cups whole wheat flour, (I use King Arthur's White Whole Wheat)
5 1/2 cups hot tap water
2 Tablespoons salt
1/3 cup oil
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup gluten
then add and mix until incorporated:
2 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon yeast
Turn the machine to 1 and add a cup of flour at a time. When your machine starts making a different noise, switch to 2. Keep adding flour until the dough clings together like a ball and scrapes the sides of the bowl.
Turn your machine back to 1 and mix for 10 minutes to knead the dough.
Meanwhile grease your pans. Sometimes we make 4 loaves of regular bread. But many times we'll make one of them a cinnamon swirl bread by rolling out the dough and sprinkling with cinnamon sugar, then rolling it back up to put in the pan. Other times we'll make dinner rolls, or pizza, or cinnamon rolls.
Put your loaves (or whatever) in the oven and turn it off. Leave in for 45 minutes. Turn on your oven to 350 degrees and bake for 35-40 minutes. Enjoy!
In college, I worked for a few summers at our church's camp as the food service director. I planned meals and with the help of 5 Jr. High girls, we cooked meals for the 100+ campers that came each week. At the end of my last summer there I asked the directors if I could buy the BOSH mixer that they had tucked away in the back of the closet. (We never needed to use it at camp because we had a professional Hobart mixer that was much bigger.) They gave it to me as a bonus!
So this is the machine that we use to this day to make our bread. I have no idea how old it is. It's got to be at least 25 years old. (This is my exact model!)It's older than my mom's model! But the thing churns out 4 loaves worth of bread at a time in 15 minutes flat. If you are considering making your family's bread I would highly recommend the BOSCH mixer. Even though it costs quite a lot new, I've seen several newer than mine on ebay for a fraction of the cost. And I can testify that they last for ever! My friend Cara is the only one I know that has actually worn hers out. You can read a funny story about it here. But she used it more frequently, and for lots of other things other than bread. Plus hers was even older than mine!
I have been using ours off and on since we were married. So the kids have helped numerous times with the baking. But this time they got to do it all by themselves and I just watched. They loved it!
For you BOSCH owners here's the recipe we used.
Whole Wheat Bread
Preheat oven to 200 degrees
In the BOSCH bowl combine:
7-8 cups whole wheat flour, (I use King Arthur's White Whole Wheat)
5 1/2 cups hot tap water
2 Tablespoons salt
1/3 cup oil
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup gluten
then add and mix until incorporated:
2 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon yeast
Turn the machine to 1 and add a cup of flour at a time. When your machine starts making a different noise, switch to 2. Keep adding flour until the dough clings together like a ball and scrapes the sides of the bowl.
Turn your machine back to 1 and mix for 10 minutes to knead the dough.
Meanwhile grease your pans. Sometimes we make 4 loaves of regular bread. But many times we'll make one of them a cinnamon swirl bread by rolling out the dough and sprinkling with cinnamon sugar, then rolling it back up to put in the pan. Other times we'll make dinner rolls, or pizza, or cinnamon rolls.
Put your loaves (or whatever) in the oven and turn it off. Leave in for 45 minutes. Turn on your oven to 350 degrees and bake for 35-40 minutes. Enjoy!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Thanks, Honey!
Sean tinkered around with my blog yesterday and totally redesigned it for me! He did such a great job! I never really liked the "boat" background. Sean keeps reminding me that it was a "lighthouse". You know, symbolic of being a light to the world etc. All I could think of was boats, and I get incredibly sea sick.
So now I have this great picture of my lavender, which fits in nicely with the cheesy title. A walk in a garden on a nice day with a friend is so pleasant, with conversation ranging from the everyday and trivial, to more deep and personal. Thanks for "walking" with me. And thank you Sean for making it happen.
So now I have this great picture of my lavender, which fits in nicely with the cheesy title. A walk in a garden on a nice day with a friend is so pleasant, with conversation ranging from the everyday and trivial, to more deep and personal. Thanks for "walking" with me. And thank you Sean for making it happen.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Some Funny Things About Me
Zoanna tagged me with a few questions to answer about yourself. She said I could change it if I wanted too. So I did. Here are a few things about me based on the categories she made up. "Tidbits" of information as she calls them.
1) Dramatic Role:
I have never acted in my life, but have been in several ballet productions including The Nutcracker, Copellia, A Christmas Carol, and several smaller recitals.
2) Athletics:
The only time I was on an athletic team was for J.V. basketball in the 9th grade. I went to a small Christian school and a couple of my friends really wanted to have a J.V. team. They convinced me that it would be fun to join. And that way they could have enough people to have a team. The only problem is I'm terrible at sports, and I'm not competitive. So it didn't go well. We lost our one and only game. The next year I became a cheerleader.
3) Lessons:
I took classical ballet (Royal Academy of Dance) for 6-7 years, with several years of a more relaxed dance in college. I'd still be taking lessons if I could. I love to dance.
I also took violin when I was younger. Right now, I'm taking Art lessons with my kids and have been enjoying it immensely.
4) Driving:
I didn't get my licence until I was 19 and even then I was reluctant. I was too scared. Plus I lived within walking distance to my school and church. I finally got a job across town and had to learn how to drive to get myself to work!
5) Literature:
I love to read. I usually have 3-4 books going at the same time. I like having more serious books that take awhile to get through, mixed in with novels and practical helps books. Right now I'm reading Heaven at Home by Ginger Plowman, Humility - True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney, Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee by Sharon James, Is there Life After Housework? by Don Aslett, and (with the kids) Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney .
Kim, you have been cracking me up lately with your posts. I'd love to hear some "tidbits" about you. You can use Zoanna's quiz format, or my essay format.
1) Dramatic Role:
I have never acted in my life, but have been in several ballet productions including The Nutcracker, Copellia, A Christmas Carol, and several smaller recitals.
2) Athletics:
The only time I was on an athletic team was for J.V. basketball in the 9th grade. I went to a small Christian school and a couple of my friends really wanted to have a J.V. team. They convinced me that it would be fun to join. And that way they could have enough people to have a team. The only problem is I'm terrible at sports, and I'm not competitive. So it didn't go well. We lost our one and only game. The next year I became a cheerleader.
3) Lessons:
I took classical ballet (Royal Academy of Dance) for 6-7 years, with several years of a more relaxed dance in college. I'd still be taking lessons if I could. I love to dance.
I also took violin when I was younger. Right now, I'm taking Art lessons with my kids and have been enjoying it immensely.
4) Driving:
I didn't get my licence until I was 19 and even then I was reluctant. I was too scared. Plus I lived within walking distance to my school and church. I finally got a job across town and had to learn how to drive to get myself to work!
5) Literature:
I love to read. I usually have 3-4 books going at the same time. I like having more serious books that take awhile to get through, mixed in with novels and practical helps books. Right now I'm reading Heaven at Home by Ginger Plowman, Humility - True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney, Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee by Sharon James, Is there Life After Housework? by Don Aslett, and (with the kids) Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney .
Kim, you have been cracking me up lately with your posts. I'd love to hear some "tidbits" about you. You can use Zoanna's quiz format, or my essay format.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Want to Win a Book?
*Clarification added!
Leslie over at Lux Venit is hosting an interview with Ginger Plowman, author of Heaven at Home, Don't Make Me Count to Three, and Wise Words For Moms. If you've read any of these books, now is your chance to ask Ginger a question. Leslie is asking for your input. If you have a question you'd like her to ask Ginger, e-mail it to Leslie. (Her e-mail is on her profile page.) To sweeten the deal, if you submit a question you will have the chance to win one of Ginger's books! If you've never read her books, but would like to win one anyway, just leave your name in Leslie's comment box for a chance to win too.
I'm in the middle of Heaven at Home. It's a great book with many practical applications. The chapter "Letting Your Husband Lead" is worth the price of the book.
Leslie over at Lux Venit is hosting an interview with Ginger Plowman, author of Heaven at Home, Don't Make Me Count to Three, and Wise Words For Moms. If you've read any of these books, now is your chance to ask Ginger a question. Leslie is asking for your input. If you have a question you'd like her to ask Ginger, e-mail it to Leslie. (Her e-mail is on her profile page.) To sweeten the deal, if you submit a question you will have the chance to win one of Ginger's books! If you've never read her books, but would like to win one anyway, just leave your name in Leslie's comment box for a chance to win too.
I'm in the middle of Heaven at Home. It's a great book with many practical applications. The chapter "Letting Your Husband Lead" is worth the price of the book.
"Trust God by letting your husband lead and resting in the fact that your security is based on the hope of Christ, not on your husband's choices. Comfort him when he blows it and don't respond with an arrogant attitude of superiority. The beauty of the whole thing is that your love will be demonstrated even more
powerfully when you support your husband in his failures as fervently as in his successes." Heaven at Home pg. 67
* It just dawned on me that quoting this section might lead you to believe that I think that my husband makes bad choices. Not only is this NOT true, but I would hate to imply that as well. Rather this chapter convicted me that I could do so much better at letting Sean lead in lots of little areas. And my attitude really needs to improve to help build him up. Many times I struggle with wanting to control situations and this quote encouraged me to trust Christ, not what might happen if I "lose" control.
Leslie will take questions up until next Friday and pick the winner on Monday. I hope you win! (I already own all three books!)
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
I Have the Bestest Wife!
Another unauthorized blog by Sean......
Thank you, Christina, for being an awesome wife. You are everything I dreamed of. And you are an incredible mother to our children. You make daily sacrifices to homeschool them and instruct them in a way that glorifies God. But most of all, you are a beautiful woman created in the likeness of our Lord. And you desire to grow closer to Him. I absolutely love you for that.....Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetie. I love you.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Taking Time Out for Marriage
Last night Sean and I had the privilege to attend a talk on marriage. The couple that gave the talk run a camp that I went to in college. They had some great insights and were fun to listen to also.
The church that sponsored the event has a passion for building strong families. I appreciated that in addition to just saying that, they made it very accessible for people to hear this couple's presentation. The talk was FREE, childcare was provided, and now you can listed to it online. Just click here and look for the message entitled "Marriage Seminar".
We were very encouraged by this talk. Many of the ideas presented were not new, but shown in a new way. Some of the stories that were shared not only where really funny, but helped to underscore a point like respect, that is sometimes difficult to really get a grasp on. His last example of how his friend introduces him will, I hope, help me to be more respectful of my husband. It was a powerful story.
The talk is a bit long, but broken up into two different sections (while we had a dessert break!) so you could easily listen to one half at a time. I encourage you to take some time for your marriage and listen to Paul and Virginia. You're in for a real treat!
To read other people's reviews and the pastor's introduction on his blog go here.
The church that sponsored the event has a passion for building strong families. I appreciated that in addition to just saying that, they made it very accessible for people to hear this couple's presentation. The talk was FREE, childcare was provided, and now you can listed to it online. Just click here and look for the message entitled "Marriage Seminar".
We were very encouraged by this talk. Many of the ideas presented were not new, but shown in a new way. Some of the stories that were shared not only where really funny, but helped to underscore a point like respect, that is sometimes difficult to really get a grasp on. His last example of how his friend introduces him will, I hope, help me to be more respectful of my husband. It was a powerful story.
The talk is a bit long, but broken up into two different sections (while we had a dessert break!) so you could easily listen to one half at a time. I encourage you to take some time for your marriage and listen to Paul and Virginia. You're in for a real treat!
To read other people's reviews and the pastor's introduction on his blog go here.
Homeschool Meme
Leslie tagged me for this awhile back before we all got the flu. So here it is better late than never.
1) ONE HOMESCHOOLING BOOK YOU HAVE ENJOYED - When You Rise Up by R.C. Sproul Jr.
2) ONE RESOURCE YOU WOULDN’T BE WITHOUT - My husband!
3) ONE RESOURCE YOU WISH YOU HAD NEVER BOUGHT - I can honestly say I've used or plan to use everything that I've bought. I like it all!
4) ONE RESOURCE YOU ENJOYED LAST YEAR - Developing Linguistic Patterns Through Poetry Memorization
5) ONE RESOURCE YOU WILL BE USING NEXT YEAR - The ESV Bible - Evan is reading through a daily reading plan online. Amy and I are reading through the Psalms in her Children's Bible.
6) ONE RESOURCE YOU WOULD LIKE TO BUY - a maid
7) ONE RESOURCE YOU WISH EXISTED - a Classical Christian support group for homeschoolers in our area
8) ONE HOMESCHOOLING CATALOGUE YOU ENJOY READING - Timberdoodle and Veritas Press
9) ONE HOMESCHOOLING WEBSITE YOU USE REGULARLY - The library!
10) TAG OTHER HOMESCHOOLERS - Jessica, Jenn, and Wendy
If you want to see a longer post on what kind of curriculum we've used and enjoyed go here.
1) ONE HOMESCHOOLING BOOK YOU HAVE ENJOYED - When You Rise Up by R.C. Sproul Jr.
2) ONE RESOURCE YOU WOULDN’T BE WITHOUT - My husband!
3) ONE RESOURCE YOU WISH YOU HAD NEVER BOUGHT - I can honestly say I've used or plan to use everything that I've bought. I like it all!
4) ONE RESOURCE YOU ENJOYED LAST YEAR - Developing Linguistic Patterns Through Poetry Memorization
5) ONE RESOURCE YOU WILL BE USING NEXT YEAR - The ESV Bible - Evan is reading through a daily reading plan online. Amy and I are reading through the Psalms in her Children's Bible.
6) ONE RESOURCE YOU WOULD LIKE TO BUY - a maid
7) ONE RESOURCE YOU WISH EXISTED - a Classical Christian support group for homeschoolers in our area
8) ONE HOMESCHOOLING CATALOGUE YOU ENJOY READING - Timberdoodle and Veritas Press
9) ONE HOMESCHOOLING WEBSITE YOU USE REGULARLY - The library!
10) TAG OTHER HOMESCHOOLERS - Jessica, Jenn, and Wendy
If you want to see a longer post on what kind of curriculum we've used and enjoyed go here.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
We've Been Hit!
Earlier this week Sean hurt his back, and then I got whatever stomach virus that Emily had. The next day, Sean got it, then the older kids got it too. So we are all down at once. The house is a wreak, the laundry is piled up and no one feels well at all. At least there aren't many dishes to do since no one wants to eat!
So, I am taking a week or two off blogging to recover and get our family back on their feet. When I come back I'll post the Homeschool "Meme" that Leslie tagged me with.
So, I am taking a week or two off blogging to recover and get our family back on their feet. When I come back I'll post the Homeschool "Meme" that Leslie tagged me with.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
