You remain the most beautiful woman I've ever met.
And to think, I got to MARRY you! Yippeee!!
Happy Birthday, Sweetie!
I Love You!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
My Church History
My first memories of church are more like snapshots in my mind. My parents got saved, married, and pregnant with me all in the same month. So I entered the world into a new Christian home in the middle of the "70's Jesus Movement". There is a picture of me riding a pony with a big button that says "ONE WAY". My mom always laughs about the friend who embroidered "REPENT" on her newborn's outfit. When people leaned over to see the baby and say how cute she was, they got the message!
I have a little tea cup with the 23 Psalm that my pastor's wife gave me when I was very little (preschool I think). I used to call her grandma and her husband "Bunkie." He pastored an Evangelical Free Church in northern California. And their grandson went on to pastor the EV Free Church near where we live. "Bunkie" has gone to be with the Lord, but my parents have fond memories of him and are very thankful for the guidance and love he gave to them when they were young believers.
My parents moved to a different town and to a charismatic church that had no denominational ties. (I don't think it is in existence now.) They shepherded a small group. I remember running around with a dozen other kids on summer evenings picking cattails, eating plumbs till we were sick, playing Mother May I? and having a great time while dad and mom had Bible Study! We had pot lucks and Christmas parties. I saw my parents giving time and money to a single mom and showing hospitality. I have great memories of Care Group!
Doctrinally, I'm not sure what this group believed. They eventually folded having gone very astray. But at the time I remember regular Bible stories in Sunday School, but not very regular church services. People danced in the aisles and spoke in tongues all throughout the service. I remember feeling a lot of guilt over what was being taught. There was a lot of emphasis on works and not much on God's grace. I remember feeling very uncomfortable with all the emotion that was displayed in church. And I remember being pressured to speak in tongues. I was told to "practice" like any other second language. Toward the end, I remember being isolated by girls who spoke in tongues, but were disrespectful to their parents and living in rebellion. Looking back I know God protected me from a lot of worldly influences with that particular group of girls. The girl who was my best friend during those years claims to be an atheist now. A few got pregnant. Some of the boys ended up in jail. There were only 12 of us in my class.
I had been going to that church's school. I got a great academic education, very similar to a classical education with Latin and all! But, the girls had gotten openly hostile toward me since I didn't listen to the kind of music they liked or want to read "How to Loose Your Virginity by the Time You're 16." Seventh grade was a lonely year for me and one where books became my best friend. I got lost in Little Women, Swiss Family Robinson and the Secret Garden.
I was very relieved when we switched schools, and churches. My parents took us to an IFCA Bible Church. Most of the kids were in my new school, no one did interpretive dances during church ( I actually like interpretive dances in the right setting), the theology was more mainstream and things were not as chaotic. I started to learn more foundational truths. I was baptized at this church after having spent a summer hearing the same pastor give the same sermon series three times! (Once as a camper, and twice as a camp counselor!) It was on Daniel and standing up for Christ and not being ashamed to call him Lord. We were in this church until I left home and went to college.
Away from home at college, I started attending a Baptist Church. I got involved with teaching Sunday School, singing in the Choir, participating in a small group (not a college one), and playing in the hand bell choir. I enjoyed the liturgical service and the hymns. When I was stalked by a homeless person, one of my professors who was an elder in that church let me live with him and his wife for a month until the restraining order was put in place. It was also the first church where I heard about "Predestination". At that time all I had were questions, but not really any answers.
During the same time, I became involved in the campus ministry of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. I went to a Bible study in my dorm, and learned a lot about discipleship. IVCF sponsors quite a few retreats during the year to help students grow spiritually. I took advantage of as many as I could, going to Catalina Island to study the gospel of Mark, Michigan to study the book of Exodus and learn about leadership, Urbana, Illinois to learn about missions, and the yearly Camp Sugar Pine retreat. Some of the friends I made during those years are my close friends still today even though they now live far away. I met Sean during my last year in college and we were married a month after I graduated.
When Sean and I got back from our honeymoon, we moved a few towns away from the Baptist church. Right before we got married, the senior pastor left the church and divorced his wife (or the other way around) which for some reason caused a split in the church. We decided since we had moved, it was a good time to start over and look for a new church.
It didn't take us long to settle in the church we have called home for the past 11 years. The day we visited, the pastor preached on the importance of having scripture be our highest authority. (This seemed to be the heart of the problem with the Baptist church. Many were appealing to the church constitution, others were saying that it didn't agree with scripture.) Sean and I liked that the pastor preached expositionally, the teens that we saw were sitting next to their parents and taking notes(!), and there was a kids choir and lots of young families.
They had just started a young married's group and we had just gotten back from our honeymoon! The elder in charge of the group had a real care and concern for all us young folks, opening up their home and their hearts to us.
Over the years the group changed as kids were added, but there was a real sense of community and we were growing though Bible studies together. Sean got involved in the worship team playing conga drums, piano, and bass guitar. The kids loved going to A.W.A.N.A groups, and I started a MOPS group.
Then things started changing. The vision for the church went in a different direction. The pastor started preaching more from "books" rather than expositionally and it appears he intentionally dumbed down his sermons. Some decisions were made by the elders that seemed to come out of left field. Sean made several attempts to talk with the elders and wrote a couple of letters. He was very discouraged with the way things were handled by the leadership. And the way that the church ministered to the kids took a dramatic turn toward entertainment and "virtues" rather than teaching the gospel and discipling in foundational truths of scripture.
So we have been looking for a new church this past year and a half. In the middle we went back to the church we used to be a part of because it seemed some of our concerns had been taken care of and the kids really missed it.
This last November we finally cut the cord. The kids were sick a lot so I didn't go to church for at least two months. But God in his goodness, led me to a church (actually in the same town as the Baptist church), where I could listen on-line. That is the one on my sidebar. The pastor has a passion for the gospel. He is a dynamic preacher and I was so blessed by his series on Jonah. It's nice too because I got to listen to the whole series. Jonah is a short book! But, the church is too far away for our family. Sean actually went to check it out and thought that musically, he would not fit in either. So I trust that God has something better for us.
For the past 2 months we have been attending an EV Free church (the same one "Bunkie's" grandson used to pastor!). The pastor there now, preached a few Sundays ago on the sovereignty of God. He is going through Titus. Verse one talks about God's elect or chosen. So he spent the entire sermon walking us through God's sovereignty as shown in all of Scripture in all areas including salvation. I was so encouraged! Although I've read more on this since college, and come to believe "reformed" theology more, I still learned so much. Evan and Amy are learning too,about who God is, His attributes, in Sunday School.
The pastor used to fly P-3 planes in the Navy. I have no idea what that means, but my husband and son sure do and spent 30 minutes after church the first time we were there talking theology, P-3 planes, homeschool and Washington D.C.
Amy and I went to a ladies' tea there a month ago. I was so blessed! I was encouraged to keep Jesus my "best " friend. I was reminded that God is sovereign in all areas of life, including friendship. That means times when I've had no friends too! And I was urged to develop my friendship with my husband. The theme was friendship, can you tell? And you know what? The ladies there were super friendly!
So here we are now. I don't know if this will be a church that we will be able to call home. But for now, I'm thankful for their faithful teaching of God's word and the blessing that it has been for me and my family.
And if you read all of this, thanks for hanging in there!
I have a little tea cup with the 23 Psalm that my pastor's wife gave me when I was very little (preschool I think). I used to call her grandma and her husband "Bunkie." He pastored an Evangelical Free Church in northern California. And their grandson went on to pastor the EV Free Church near where we live. "Bunkie" has gone to be with the Lord, but my parents have fond memories of him and are very thankful for the guidance and love he gave to them when they were young believers.
My parents moved to a different town and to a charismatic church that had no denominational ties. (I don't think it is in existence now.) They shepherded a small group. I remember running around with a dozen other kids on summer evenings picking cattails, eating plumbs till we were sick, playing Mother May I? and having a great time while dad and mom had Bible Study! We had pot lucks and Christmas parties. I saw my parents giving time and money to a single mom and showing hospitality. I have great memories of Care Group!
Doctrinally, I'm not sure what this group believed. They eventually folded having gone very astray. But at the time I remember regular Bible stories in Sunday School, but not very regular church services. People danced in the aisles and spoke in tongues all throughout the service. I remember feeling a lot of guilt over what was being taught. There was a lot of emphasis on works and not much on God's grace. I remember feeling very uncomfortable with all the emotion that was displayed in church. And I remember being pressured to speak in tongues. I was told to "practice" like any other second language. Toward the end, I remember being isolated by girls who spoke in tongues, but were disrespectful to their parents and living in rebellion. Looking back I know God protected me from a lot of worldly influences with that particular group of girls. The girl who was my best friend during those years claims to be an atheist now. A few got pregnant. Some of the boys ended up in jail. There were only 12 of us in my class.
I had been going to that church's school. I got a great academic education, very similar to a classical education with Latin and all! But, the girls had gotten openly hostile toward me since I didn't listen to the kind of music they liked or want to read "How to Loose Your Virginity by the Time You're 16." Seventh grade was a lonely year for me and one where books became my best friend. I got lost in Little Women, Swiss Family Robinson and the Secret Garden.
I was very relieved when we switched schools, and churches. My parents took us to an IFCA Bible Church. Most of the kids were in my new school, no one did interpretive dances during church ( I actually like interpretive dances in the right setting), the theology was more mainstream and things were not as chaotic. I started to learn more foundational truths. I was baptized at this church after having spent a summer hearing the same pastor give the same sermon series three times! (Once as a camper, and twice as a camp counselor!) It was on Daniel and standing up for Christ and not being ashamed to call him Lord. We were in this church until I left home and went to college.
Away from home at college, I started attending a Baptist Church. I got involved with teaching Sunday School, singing in the Choir, participating in a small group (not a college one), and playing in the hand bell choir. I enjoyed the liturgical service and the hymns. When I was stalked by a homeless person, one of my professors who was an elder in that church let me live with him and his wife for a month until the restraining order was put in place. It was also the first church where I heard about "Predestination". At that time all I had were questions, but not really any answers.
During the same time, I became involved in the campus ministry of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. I went to a Bible study in my dorm, and learned a lot about discipleship. IVCF sponsors quite a few retreats during the year to help students grow spiritually. I took advantage of as many as I could, going to Catalina Island to study the gospel of Mark, Michigan to study the book of Exodus and learn about leadership, Urbana, Illinois to learn about missions, and the yearly Camp Sugar Pine retreat. Some of the friends I made during those years are my close friends still today even though they now live far away. I met Sean during my last year in college and we were married a month after I graduated.
When Sean and I got back from our honeymoon, we moved a few towns away from the Baptist church. Right before we got married, the senior pastor left the church and divorced his wife (or the other way around) which for some reason caused a split in the church. We decided since we had moved, it was a good time to start over and look for a new church.
It didn't take us long to settle in the church we have called home for the past 11 years. The day we visited, the pastor preached on the importance of having scripture be our highest authority. (This seemed to be the heart of the problem with the Baptist church. Many were appealing to the church constitution, others were saying that it didn't agree with scripture.) Sean and I liked that the pastor preached expositionally, the teens that we saw were sitting next to their parents and taking notes(!), and there was a kids choir and lots of young families.
They had just started a young married's group and we had just gotten back from our honeymoon! The elder in charge of the group had a real care and concern for all us young folks, opening up their home and their hearts to us.
Over the years the group changed as kids were added, but there was a real sense of community and we were growing though Bible studies together. Sean got involved in the worship team playing conga drums, piano, and bass guitar. The kids loved going to A.W.A.N.A groups, and I started a MOPS group.
Then things started changing. The vision for the church went in a different direction. The pastor started preaching more from "books" rather than expositionally and it appears he intentionally dumbed down his sermons. Some decisions were made by the elders that seemed to come out of left field. Sean made several attempts to talk with the elders and wrote a couple of letters. He was very discouraged with the way things were handled by the leadership. And the way that the church ministered to the kids took a dramatic turn toward entertainment and "virtues" rather than teaching the gospel and discipling in foundational truths of scripture.
So we have been looking for a new church this past year and a half. In the middle we went back to the church we used to be a part of because it seemed some of our concerns had been taken care of and the kids really missed it.
This last November we finally cut the cord. The kids were sick a lot so I didn't go to church for at least two months. But God in his goodness, led me to a church (actually in the same town as the Baptist church), where I could listen on-line. That is the one on my sidebar. The pastor has a passion for the gospel. He is a dynamic preacher and I was so blessed by his series on Jonah. It's nice too because I got to listen to the whole series. Jonah is a short book! But, the church is too far away for our family. Sean actually went to check it out and thought that musically, he would not fit in either. So I trust that God has something better for us.
For the past 2 months we have been attending an EV Free church (the same one "Bunkie's" grandson used to pastor!). The pastor there now, preached a few Sundays ago on the sovereignty of God. He is going through Titus. Verse one talks about God's elect or chosen. So he spent the entire sermon walking us through God's sovereignty as shown in all of Scripture in all areas including salvation. I was so encouraged! Although I've read more on this since college, and come to believe "reformed" theology more, I still learned so much. Evan and Amy are learning too,about who God is, His attributes, in Sunday School.
The pastor used to fly P-3 planes in the Navy. I have no idea what that means, but my husband and son sure do and spent 30 minutes after church the first time we were there talking theology, P-3 planes, homeschool and Washington D.C.
Amy and I went to a ladies' tea there a month ago. I was so blessed! I was encouraged to keep Jesus my "best " friend. I was reminded that God is sovereign in all areas of life, including friendship. That means times when I've had no friends too! And I was urged to develop my friendship with my husband. The theme was friendship, can you tell? And you know what? The ladies there were super friendly!
So here we are now. I don't know if this will be a church that we will be able to call home. But for now, I'm thankful for their faithful teaching of God's word and the blessing that it has been for me and my family.
And if you read all of this, thanks for hanging in there!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Dairy Free Chocolate Cupcakes
Sean bought me the cookbook Healthy Kids by Marilu Henner a while back because it was on the $1 dollar table at Barnes and Nobles and he knows I like cookbooks. I put it on the shelf after a cursory glance because she cooked with soy milk and and soy margarine.
But after learning that Amy has trouble with dairy, it upsets her stomach, we've switched to... soy milk and Earth Balance ( a non dairy canola based margarine). So I pulled out the cookbook to see what it had. I've been so surprised and elated to find out that the recipes are really good! Every one of the baking recipe's that I've tried has turned out wonderful. I think she's got the knack for baking with funky soy margarine (or Earth Balance). Her recipe's turn out much better than the ones where I've just substituted out soy milk and Earth Balance for milk and butter. So here is her recipe for dairy free chocolate cake. Yum!
3/4 cup Earth Balance
2 1/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons soy milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups unprocessed pure cane sugar
3 eggs
1/4 cup chocolate chips (She recommends grain sweetened. Some dark chocolate brands contain no milk.)
1/8 cup unsweetened chocolate, melted
Heat oven to 350. In a med. bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Put the 3/4 cup soy milk and vanilla in a small bowl. In the bowl of and electric mixer, cream the 3/4 cup margarine and sugar for at least 5 min. until nice and creamy. Lower to med-low speed and add eggs, one at a time. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture alternately with the milk mixture. Beat until smooth. Add melted chocolate and remaining 2 tablespoons of soy milk. (At this point I added a scoop of unsweetened cocoa powder to make it more chocolaty, maybe 2 T.)
Fill cupcake liners and bake for about 20 min. Cool
Frosting
3/4 cup Sucanat
1/4 cup unbleached while four
3 T. unsweetened cocoa
1 cup soy cream (I used milk since I didn't have cream)
1 cup soy margarine (Earth Balance)
1 T. vanilla extract
1/2 cup grain-sweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
In a med. saucepan, stir together the sucanat, flour, and cocoa until well blended. Slowly stir in the soy cream and continue stirring until smooth. Cook over med heat, stirring, until the mixture thickens and boils. Reduce the heat to low, cook 2 min. stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool completely. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the margarine at med. speed until creamy. Slowly add the cooled soy cream mixture. Add the vanilla and melted chocolate and blend well. You may have to refrigerate the frosting a little for a stiffer, more spreadable consistency. ( I did.) This frosting sounds weird, but it is really good!
Enjoy!
But after learning that Amy has trouble with dairy, it upsets her stomach, we've switched to... soy milk and Earth Balance ( a non dairy canola based margarine). So I pulled out the cookbook to see what it had. I've been so surprised and elated to find out that the recipes are really good! Every one of the baking recipe's that I've tried has turned out wonderful. I think she's got the knack for baking with funky soy margarine (or Earth Balance). Her recipe's turn out much better than the ones where I've just substituted out soy milk and Earth Balance for milk and butter. So here is her recipe for dairy free chocolate cake. Yum!
3/4 cup Earth Balance
2 1/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons soy milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups unprocessed pure cane sugar
3 eggs
1/4 cup chocolate chips (She recommends grain sweetened. Some dark chocolate brands contain no milk.)
1/8 cup unsweetened chocolate, melted
Heat oven to 350. In a med. bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Put the 3/4 cup soy milk and vanilla in a small bowl. In the bowl of and electric mixer, cream the 3/4 cup margarine and sugar for at least 5 min. until nice and creamy. Lower to med-low speed and add eggs, one at a time. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture alternately with the milk mixture. Beat until smooth. Add melted chocolate and remaining 2 tablespoons of soy milk. (At this point I added a scoop of unsweetened cocoa powder to make it more chocolaty, maybe 2 T.)
Fill cupcake liners and bake for about 20 min. Cool
Frosting
3/4 cup Sucanat
1/4 cup unbleached while four
3 T. unsweetened cocoa
1 cup soy cream (I used milk since I didn't have cream)
1 cup soy margarine (Earth Balance)
1 T. vanilla extract
1/2 cup grain-sweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
In a med. saucepan, stir together the sucanat, flour, and cocoa until well blended. Slowly stir in the soy cream and continue stirring until smooth. Cook over med heat, stirring, until the mixture thickens and boils. Reduce the heat to low, cook 2 min. stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool completely. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the margarine at med. speed until creamy. Slowly add the cooled soy cream mixture. Add the vanilla and melted chocolate and blend well. You may have to refrigerate the frosting a little for a stiffer, more spreadable consistency. ( I did.) This frosting sounds weird, but it is really good!
Enjoy!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Sleep Deprived
Today I took a 5 hour nap. I don't know if I've ever done that in my life before! The scary part is Sean had to wake me up! I will be so glad when Sean goes back to working day shift. I like getting up with him at 5am a lot better than staying up with him until midnight.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Be Bugs!
After Evan did such a great job pruning the roses, I hired him on full time as my rose care specialist. He is in charge of fertilizing, deadheading, and bug control. I am anticipating having wonderfully healthy roses all summer long!
April is the time for aphids. They are nasty little green bugs (sometimes brown or black) that suck all the life out of my roses. The good news is they are easy to get rid of. The best method I have found is to just squish them on the plant. My mom says that the live ones don't like the smell or look of the dead ones and stay away. Plus you know you got some. They're squashed! Most little kids LOVE to do this. Little kids will do this for free.
They also like the second best method. Spray the buggies off with a squirt bottle. Put a little dish soap with the water and the aphids won't be able to get back on your plant. Again, kids LOVE to do this. Evan particularly likes to do it with his squirt gun!
The last method is one we used for the first time this year. It was Evan's idea since now he's in charge. Again, he thought it sounded like fun. Ladybugs. They will eat 30+ of the little green bugs a day. So Evan wanted to buy a tub of them to release in our yard. He was going to spend part of his salary to buy them, but instead we bought them for him as his Easter gift. We all had so much fun putting them in the garden. You have to put them out at night, so the pictures are a little dark, sorry. And it was great to see the ladybugs eating away the next day! Emily LOVES them. She calls them Be Bugs!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Spring Planting
Apricot tree in bloom.We've had a lot of fun doing some planting this year. Here are some pictures of the before garden. You'll have to check back in a few months for some after shots. June is usually the peak of everything around here.
Amy in her "gardening dress".
Evan planting white Salvia along the back of the house.
Emily watering with her new Easter present.
A cutting garden of Sunflowers, Cosmos, Zinnia, Bachelor Buttons plus a few tomatoes.
Pots of Ranunculus, Stock, and Delphinium. Irises in full bloom.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
A Favor
Yesterday my good friend Jessica, who never ever asks for these kind of favors sent me an email asking me to post this to my blog. Seeing that I haven't posted anything to my blog for weeks (spring fever, overwhelmed with life, birthdays and planning for D.C.) here's a little something.
Would you help her friend out by voting for him? The video is funny if you want a laugh. He is her friend so I'm trusting he's a good guy. And hey, if he wins he gets $25,000 plus a years worth of pizza.
I got to thinking what I'd do with that much money if I ever won. Professional housecleaning, all the books I want, fancy food and a night out each week. But before I started to plan much more, or feel downright jealous of someone who could win $25,000, God reminded me that if he wanted me to have any of those things, He was more than capable of giving them to me plus much more. So I'll trust in His love for me and rejoice in His goodness to me in the many gifts He does give, and be happy for this guy if he wins. Vote for the second video RESUME FOR VP OF PIZZA. Thank You!
Would you help her friend out by voting for him? The video is funny if you want a laugh. He is her friend so I'm trusting he's a good guy. And hey, if he wins he gets $25,000 plus a years worth of pizza.
I got to thinking what I'd do with that much money if I ever won. Professional housecleaning, all the books I want, fancy food and a night out each week. But before I started to plan much more, or feel downright jealous of someone who could win $25,000, God reminded me that if he wanted me to have any of those things, He was more than capable of giving them to me plus much more. So I'll trust in His love for me and rejoice in His goodness to me in the many gifts He does give, and be happy for this guy if he wins. Vote for the second video RESUME FOR VP OF PIZZA. Thank You!
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Amy's Writing
Amy has been using English For The Thoughtful Child this year for grammar and writing. It covers much of the same material that we did last year in 1st Language Lessons, but with more writing. This is a story she wrote this week.
The Horse
by
Amy Gillham
The horse is pretty. Her name is Emma. Her master is kind. She lives in a nice home and pulls a wagon.
One day she went to Oregon. On her way she bumped into a big rock and damaged the wagon. She couldn't go around it. She tried climbing it but that did not work. So she took a different route and they reached Oregon safely. The End
Sunday, March 25, 2007
A Breakfast Hint
Yesterday I tried something that I've thought of doing several times. To help breakfast go more smoothly, I mixed up a little something the night before. The kids really like muffins, pancakes, and waffles for breakfast, however, they usually take more time than I'm able to give ( and sometimes more mental awareness!). So last night, instead of making the muffins the night before, which would have had me stay up later, I mixed the dry and wet ingredients separately. The wet ingredients went into the fridge, the dry got covered and sat on the counter. This morning all I had to do was mix the two together and pop in the oven.
If you missed FishMamma's helpful breakfast hint. It was a great one too and you can read it here.
Sorry there hasn't been much of any depth here lately. I've actually been working on writing about our church journey. It's been good to contemplate where I've been and where God is taking us now. But it has been a lot harder to write than I expected. Partly the days have been busy with school, gardening, and life, and partly I've been forced to think through some things more than I anticipated. This is good, but doesn't lead to much writing. For now, I hope you enjoy the breakfast hints!
If you missed FishMamma's helpful breakfast hint. It was a great one too and you can read it here.
Sorry there hasn't been much of any depth here lately. I've actually been working on writing about our church journey. It's been good to contemplate where I've been and where God is taking us now. But it has been a lot harder to write than I expected. Partly the days have been busy with school, gardening, and life, and partly I've been forced to think through some things more than I anticipated. This is good, but doesn't lead to much writing. For now, I hope you enjoy the breakfast hints!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Evan's Creative Writing
A few weeks ago Evan attended a student writing intensive put out by the Institute for Excellence in Writing. It was taught by Andrew Pudewa, who although he is a national speaker and teacher for classical education, just happens to live in our neck of the woods. Evan was challenged but had a lot of fun. Mr. Pudewa tells lots of jokes and is a very entertaining and captivating speaker. We have been using his approach a little this year, and will now incorporate more that we learned at the writing intensive.
The writing intensive is geared for 3-5 graders. If you are looking for a way to teach writing or incorporate a more classical model you can buy the same class that Evan went to on a DVD and do at your own pace. For Evan it was very beneficial to be with other kids for a few days and see that what I require him to do at home is really not too much compared to what Mr. Pudewa expected. He was required to do a paper a day. He could either write out a final draft in pen, type it or pay for someone else to type it out for him. It was great, I got both bathrooms cleaned, and several loads of laundry folded and put away!
This has been an area of huge growth for Evan. When he was in 1st grade, he would just cry over having to write (actually just copy) one sentence! Here is Evan's final (and favorite) paper: his own creative story.
Obi Wan Kenobi and Yoda flew into the Jedi Temple and found that a difficult mission was awaiting them. They immediately took off and flew to Tatooine to look for Jango Fett who was a bounty hunter. Jango was “wanted” because he had been killing many Jedi. They spotted him at the Mas Espa Cantina while he was having a drink. They snuck up behind Jango Fett, but he whirled around with his blasters ready. “The Dark Side of the force I sense in you!” declared Yoda.
Jango activated his jet pack and fired his missile at Yoda, but Yoda quickly jumped out of the way just in time. Jango fired a burst of plasmic energy bolts at Obi Wan, who deflected it back at Jango with his light saber. And that was the end of Jango Fett because the bullets went flying back at him which pierced his armor, and killed him. While Boba Fett was watching, he screamed, “I shall have revenge!”
Five years later, Boba Fett, who was the son of Jango Fett, quietly snuck up to the back of the Jedi Temple. He planted and activated a holographic projector which projected an image of a Sith Lord. He did it because he wanted to trick the Jedi. When they noticed it, they ran out of the temple toward the frightening image.
While the Jedi were outside, Boba Fett planted a bomb in the counsel chamber, and quietly snuck back into the courtyard. Then suddenly, the entire Jedi Temple blew up. The hologram ceased and everyone beheld Boba Fett who was trying to quietly get back to his ship. Boba Fett and the Jedi began to fight fiercely. Boba fired his missile into the throng of Jedi killing one council member and three younglings. Because he also threw a thermal detonator, Boba Fett was able to escape aboard his slave I attack ship.
A new temple was built and Boba Fett was eventually killed by Han Solo.
The writing intensive is geared for 3-5 graders. If you are looking for a way to teach writing or incorporate a more classical model you can buy the same class that Evan went to on a DVD and do at your own pace. For Evan it was very beneficial to be with other kids for a few days and see that what I require him to do at home is really not too much compared to what Mr. Pudewa expected. He was required to do a paper a day. He could either write out a final draft in pen, type it or pay for someone else to type it out for him. It was great, I got both bathrooms cleaned, and several loads of laundry folded and put away!
This has been an area of huge growth for Evan. When he was in 1st grade, he would just cry over having to write (actually just copy) one sentence! Here is Evan's final (and favorite) paper: his own creative story.
The Demise of the Fetts
By
Evan Gillham
Obi Wan Kenobi and Yoda flew into the Jedi Temple and found that a difficult mission was awaiting them. They immediately took off and flew to Tatooine to look for Jango Fett who was a bounty hunter. Jango was “wanted” because he had been killing many Jedi. They spotted him at the Mas Espa Cantina while he was having a drink. They snuck up behind Jango Fett, but he whirled around with his blasters ready. “The Dark Side of the force I sense in you!” declared Yoda.
Jango activated his jet pack and fired his missile at Yoda, but Yoda quickly jumped out of the way just in time. Jango fired a burst of plasmic energy bolts at Obi Wan, who deflected it back at Jango with his light saber. And that was the end of Jango Fett because the bullets went flying back at him which pierced his armor, and killed him. While Boba Fett was watching, he screamed, “I shall have revenge!”
Five years later, Boba Fett, who was the son of Jango Fett, quietly snuck up to the back of the Jedi Temple. He planted and activated a holographic projector which projected an image of a Sith Lord. He did it because he wanted to trick the Jedi. When they noticed it, they ran out of the temple toward the frightening image.
While the Jedi were outside, Boba Fett planted a bomb in the counsel chamber, and quietly snuck back into the courtyard. Then suddenly, the entire Jedi Temple blew up. The hologram ceased and everyone beheld Boba Fett who was trying to quietly get back to his ship. Boba Fett and the Jedi began to fight fiercely. Boba fired his missile into the throng of Jedi killing one council member and three younglings. Because he also threw a thermal detonator, Boba Fett was able to escape aboard his slave I attack ship.
A new temple was built and Boba Fett was eventually killed by Han Solo.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
A Great Deal!
If you love to garden I just found a great deal for you. Taunton Press puts out a wonderful gardening magazine called Fine Gardening. Right now if you subscribe for $30 you'll get a gift certificate to White Flower Farm for $25. It's like getting the magazine for free if you normally buy plants!
Friday, March 16, 2007
C.J.'s Birthday Party
"I'm 2! Aren't I cute!"
"Not as cute as me!"
"I don't care who's birthday it is, I'm the star of this show!"
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Chocolate Stout Cake
I made this cake last year for St. Patrick's Day and my husband liked it so much that he asked for it on his birthday! It is so delicious! I might make just half the recipe this year since we won't have as many guests as we did last year. However, if you really want to impress someone, making the whole recipe as a three layer cake will do the job. I put my suggestions on making the cake at the end. The recipe is from Epicurious.com.
CHOCOLATE STOUT CAKE
"I am a lifelong chocoholic and have eaten many a piece of chocolate cake," writes Elizabeth Means of Williamsburg, Massachusetts. "Never before, though, have I enjoyed anything as much as the chocolate stout cake at the Barrington Brewery in nearby Great Barrington. If I could get a copy of this recipe, I would be eternally grateful."
The dark beer known as stout gives this cake an intense, not-too-sweet flavor.
Cake
2 cups stout (such as Guinness)
2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)
4 cups all purpose flour
4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 large eggs
1 1/3 cups sour cream
Icing
2 cups whipping cream
1 pound bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
For cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter three 8-inch round cake pans with 2-inch-high sides. Line with parchment paper. Butter paper. Bring 2 cups stout and 2 cups butter to simmer in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add cocoa powder and whisk until mixture is smooth. Cool slightly.
Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in large bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat eggs and sour cream in another large bowl to blend. Add stout-chocolate mixture to egg mixture and beat just to combine. Add flour mixture and beat briefly on slow speed. Using rubber spatula, fold batter until completely combined. Divide batter equally among prepared pans. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center of cakes comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Transfer cakes to rack; cool 10 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack and cool completely.
For icing: Bring cream to simmer in heavy medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chopped chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth. Refrigerate until icing is spreadable, stirring frequently, about 2 hours.
Place 1 cake layer on plate. Spread 2/3 cup icing over. Top with second cake layer. Spread 2/3 cup icing over. Top with third cake layer. Spread remaining icing over top and sides of cake.
Makes 12 servings.
Bon AppétitR.S.V.P.September 2002Barrington Brewery, Great Barrington, MA
* I used 9 inch pans. The recipe overflowed when I used 8 inch. I also used dark chocolate chips (60% coco or more) instead of chopped bittersweet chocolate. Both tasted great, but the chips are easier! I needed to cook the layers 40 minutes instead of 35.
CHOCOLATE STOUT CAKE
"I am a lifelong chocoholic and have eaten many a piece of chocolate cake," writes Elizabeth Means of Williamsburg, Massachusetts. "Never before, though, have I enjoyed anything as much as the chocolate stout cake at the Barrington Brewery in nearby Great Barrington. If I could get a copy of this recipe, I would be eternally grateful."
The dark beer known as stout gives this cake an intense, not-too-sweet flavor.
Cake
2 cups stout (such as Guinness)
2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)
4 cups all purpose flour
4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 large eggs
1 1/3 cups sour cream
Icing
2 cups whipping cream
1 pound bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
For cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter three 8-inch round cake pans with 2-inch-high sides. Line with parchment paper. Butter paper. Bring 2 cups stout and 2 cups butter to simmer in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add cocoa powder and whisk until mixture is smooth. Cool slightly.
Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in large bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat eggs and sour cream in another large bowl to blend. Add stout-chocolate mixture to egg mixture and beat just to combine. Add flour mixture and beat briefly on slow speed. Using rubber spatula, fold batter until completely combined. Divide batter equally among prepared pans. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center of cakes comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Transfer cakes to rack; cool 10 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack and cool completely.
For icing: Bring cream to simmer in heavy medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chopped chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth. Refrigerate until icing is spreadable, stirring frequently, about 2 hours.
Place 1 cake layer on plate. Spread 2/3 cup icing over. Top with second cake layer. Spread 2/3 cup icing over. Top with third cake layer. Spread remaining icing over top and sides of cake.
Makes 12 servings.
Bon AppétitR.S.V.P.September 2002Barrington Brewery, Great Barrington, MA
* I used 9 inch pans. The recipe overflowed when I used 8 inch. I also used dark chocolate chips (60% coco or more) instead of chopped bittersweet chocolate. Both tasted great, but the chips are easier! I needed to cook the layers 40 minutes instead of 35.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Meal Plan Monday
This is my first entry for "Meal Plan Monday". I have used meal plans in the past at various times, and really need to get into the habit again. This is a fun way to do it also! You can check out more meal plans over at I'm An Organizing Junkie.
Last night I spent several hours purging our house of clutter. It had gotten out of hand and I had given the kids a good week to get stuff picked up. But I had reached my limit! So now there are three, yes three laundry baskets in our garage that no longer contain laundry! The kids will have to redeem items to get them back. I accept Visa, MasterCard, Cash, Dish Duty, Dusting, Laundry Folding and Sweeping/Mopping the Floor. So I'm on a roll. Clean house, meal plan, and a beautiful sunny California Day. I am thankful to the Lord for the burst of energy to get this done, which really blessed my husband. I certainly couldn't have done it on my own strength.
Monday: Bean Burritos, cut veggies, and rice.
Last night I spent several hours purging our house of clutter. It had gotten out of hand and I had given the kids a good week to get stuff picked up. But I had reached my limit! So now there are three, yes three laundry baskets in our garage that no longer contain laundry! The kids will have to redeem items to get them back. I accept Visa, MasterCard, Cash, Dish Duty, Dusting, Laundry Folding and Sweeping/Mopping the Floor. So I'm on a roll. Clean house, meal plan, and a beautiful sunny California Day. I am thankful to the Lord for the burst of energy to get this done, which really blessed my husband. I certainly couldn't have done it on my own strength.
Monday: Bean Burritos, cut veggies, and rice.
Tuesday: Stir fry chicken and veggies and rice.
Wednesday: Taco Soup, cornbread and cut veggies.
Thursday: Oatmeal, nuts, dried fruit.
Friday: Hamburgers, veggies, spicy potatoes.
Saturday: Corned Beef and Cabbage with boiled new potatoes of course! My husband is Irish so we celebrate in style with Guinness and and chocolate cake made with Guinness too.
Sunday: Stuffed pork chops, cranberry sauce, veggies, bread.
Wednesday: Taco Soup, cornbread and cut veggies.
Thursday: Oatmeal, nuts, dried fruit.
Friday: Hamburgers, veggies, spicy potatoes.
Saturday: Corned Beef and Cabbage with boiled new potatoes of course! My husband is Irish so we celebrate in style with Guinness and and chocolate cake made with Guinness too.
Sunday: Stuffed pork chops, cranberry sauce, veggies, bread.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Have You Seen The Muffin Man?
We have! Sean woke up at 2:30 this morning. Shift work does weird things to your body. Anyways, while I took a shower, he made us muffins. And he heroically substituted out several ingredients to make these! We've been cutting out sugar for awhile now, substituting Sucanat or honey for baking. I was out of bran, so he had to use oatmeal. And, to top it all off, we discovered recently that Amy is allergic to dairy! So he had to find something to use instead of buttermilk. Then he had to remember to make half without blueberries and half with since our family is a spit personality when it comes to fruit in muffins. Whew! I'm sure it was a lot more than he bargained for when he lovingly offered to make the muffins for me so I could get ready on time! Thanks honey! They turned out great.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Conflict
A while ago I ordered several little booklets from CCEF. Among them was one entitled "Conflict". Based on James chapter 4, this little booklet has so much to say about redeeming conflict as an opportunity to mature in Christ and grow in grace. Since I am giving my copy to a friend today, I wanted to highlight the main points so I could have them handy until I order another copy. You can order one too (for only $2.99) at Christian Counseling Education Foundation.
Timothy Lane writes about 5 preliminary perspectives.
"1. The Bible is a story with conflict as a central theme. Conflict is not necessarily bad. In fact there is a way to do conflict that is pleasing to God.
2. Conflict is an opportunity to grow. James says that without trials, we will remain immature, incomplete, and lacking many godly character qualities.
3. The person with whom we are in conflict is there for a divine purpose. God, who is sovereign, loving and wise, sends people into our lives so that he might work in us in ways that can only happen in conflict.
4. There will be times when we will reach an impasse in conflict. We should not let this be an excuse to stop trying to resolve our differences. But it does remind us that we are limited in our ability to change others."
He goes on to look at James 4. "It answers the questions that beg for answers in the midst of conflict. Its answers are not always the ones we want to hear, but they are exactly what we need to hear."
The cause of conflict is found in James 4:1-3
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."
The problem is inside us. Our desires turn into a sinful demand. When we try to win at all costs, please to get approval, or avoid conflict (or a person!) in response to conflict, we can probably bet that we are not handling conflict in a biblical way.
Timothy Lane asks some pointed questions to help us look at conflict in a more godly way.
"1.What do I want right now more than Christ and how am I acting to get it?
2.What specifically do I need to repent of? Where do I need to ask for grace? What has hijacked my heart and what do I need to see and believe about Christ?
3.What is your experience as you enter into conflict with me right now? Is it a good experience or a bad one?
4.What would it look like to wisely love the person in conflict with me? Will I warn, encourage, or help?
When you are most conscious of God's love for you in Christ, you are most willing to look at the false love that has replaced your love for him. You are ready to ask specific questions about why you are in conflict with another person. Looking inward moves you outward to see Christ and his grace. The more dazzling his grace becomes, the less attractive your god replacements seem.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up. James 4:7-10"
I hope that this encourages you when you face conflict as much as it has encouraged me.
Timothy Lane writes about 5 preliminary perspectives.
"1. The Bible is a story with conflict as a central theme. Conflict is not necessarily bad. In fact there is a way to do conflict that is pleasing to God.
2. Conflict is an opportunity to grow. James says that without trials, we will remain immature, incomplete, and lacking many godly character qualities.
3. The person with whom we are in conflict is there for a divine purpose. God, who is sovereign, loving and wise, sends people into our lives so that he might work in us in ways that can only happen in conflict.
4. There will be times when we will reach an impasse in conflict. We should not let this be an excuse to stop trying to resolve our differences. But it does remind us that we are limited in our ability to change others."
He goes on to look at James 4. "It answers the questions that beg for answers in the midst of conflict. Its answers are not always the ones we want to hear, but they are exactly what we need to hear."
The cause of conflict is found in James 4:1-3
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."
The problem is inside us. Our desires turn into a sinful demand. When we try to win at all costs, please to get approval, or avoid conflict (or a person!) in response to conflict, we can probably bet that we are not handling conflict in a biblical way.
Timothy Lane asks some pointed questions to help us look at conflict in a more godly way.
"1.What do I want right now more than Christ and how am I acting to get it?
2.What specifically do I need to repent of? Where do I need to ask for grace? What has hijacked my heart and what do I need to see and believe about Christ?
3.What is your experience as you enter into conflict with me right now? Is it a good experience or a bad one?
4.What would it look like to wisely love the person in conflict with me? Will I warn, encourage, or help?
When you are most conscious of God's love for you in Christ, you are most willing to look at the false love that has replaced your love for him. You are ready to ask specific questions about why you are in conflict with another person. Looking inward moves you outward to see Christ and his grace. The more dazzling his grace becomes, the less attractive your god replacements seem.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up. James 4:7-10"
I hope that this encourages you when you face conflict as much as it has encouraged me.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Planning a Trip to Washington D.C.
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!
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!
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.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
The Psycho Cat
To put this story in perspective, you have to understand that I have been sleep deprived since Saturday night, when Emily came down with the stomach flu AND an ear infection. After a couple rounds of antibiotics I was hopeful last night that I might get a whole nights sleep. Emily was doing much better, but....
At 2am I heard the most awful howling, screeching, hissing, moaning sound I've ever heard in my life! I looked out my bedroom door into our little courtyard and saw a stray cat huddled under our bistro table. We have a cat, and every once-in-a-while she'll get into a cat fight. Nothing that a swift opening of the door and a loud noise won't break up. This time, the cat didn't move!
Our cat was crouching about 2 feet away observing this scene, but otherwise doing nothing. After several attempts at making enough noise to scare the loud cat away, I started to think that this cat must be injured or have rabies or something. I couldn't see very well though, because I didn't have my contacts in, and with out them everything 8"away from me is blurry. So I telephoned my husband, who was working the night shift. "Sorry, honey. I'm dealing with drunks. Try using pepper spray" was his reply. The last time I tried using pepper spray on an animal, I ended up spraying my husband instead of the dog that was attacking him! Plus, I had no idea where the pepper spray was and I still couldn't see. So, I called the the local police instead.
Meanwhile the cat was going on and on and on like it was going to die! The dispatcher could hear the cat over the phone. She laughed (with me, I 'm hoping, not at me!) and suggested that maybe the cat was "In Season." Our cat is neutered. "Are you SURE?" she asked. I think so. She told me to try spraying it with water. But the faucet was only a foot away from the evil-doer cat, and I would have had to go outside to use it.
Realizing no one was going to help me with this cat, I did the best I could. After blocking the door with the ever present laundry basket (so the cat would have to jump over it to "get" me), I tried throwing several mugs of water at it, to no avail. I looked around for something to chuck at it and found a jar of pennies. 25 cents later the cat was still there!
I went around to the school room which also opens to the courtyard. On the way, I saw my son's BB gun. I stood and stared at that gun for at least 2 minutes debating, (1) whether or not I could actually figure out how to use it, (2) would it kill the cat? (I really didn't want to do that), and (3) should I wake up my son to come and help his poor mom out!
Deciding the BB gun was a bad idea, I headed toward the toxic wasteland under my sink. Febreeze only had a spray mist. No good. Hardwood Floor Cleaner had a jet stream. Now we're talking!
I was scared the cat would attack me. The courtyard is only 7 feet across so the cat was too close for my comfort. But I braved it and opened the door and sprayed! Finally, the cat moved, obviously not injured. But now our cat was blocking the way through the narrow opening around our hot tub! I had to yell at our cat to get out of the way. Finally, things settled down, but I was too amped up to go back to sleep!
When I told my kids this morning, Evan kindly offered to give me a lesson with his BB gun. He also wished I had woken him up!
At 2am I heard the most awful howling, screeching, hissing, moaning sound I've ever heard in my life! I looked out my bedroom door into our little courtyard and saw a stray cat huddled under our bistro table. We have a cat, and every once-in-a-while she'll get into a cat fight. Nothing that a swift opening of the door and a loud noise won't break up. This time, the cat didn't move!
Our cat was crouching about 2 feet away observing this scene, but otherwise doing nothing. After several attempts at making enough noise to scare the loud cat away, I started to think that this cat must be injured or have rabies or something. I couldn't see very well though, because I didn't have my contacts in, and with out them everything 8"away from me is blurry. So I telephoned my husband, who was working the night shift. "Sorry, honey. I'm dealing with drunks. Try using pepper spray" was his reply. The last time I tried using pepper spray on an animal, I ended up spraying my husband instead of the dog that was attacking him! Plus, I had no idea where the pepper spray was and I still couldn't see. So, I called the the local police instead.
Meanwhile the cat was going on and on and on like it was going to die! The dispatcher could hear the cat over the phone. She laughed (with me, I 'm hoping, not at me!) and suggested that maybe the cat was "In Season." Our cat is neutered. "Are you SURE?" she asked. I think so. She told me to try spraying it with water. But the faucet was only a foot away from the evil-doer cat, and I would have had to go outside to use it.
Realizing no one was going to help me with this cat, I did the best I could. After blocking the door with the ever present laundry basket (so the cat would have to jump over it to "get" me), I tried throwing several mugs of water at it, to no avail. I looked around for something to chuck at it and found a jar of pennies. 25 cents later the cat was still there!
I went around to the school room which also opens to the courtyard. On the way, I saw my son's BB gun. I stood and stared at that gun for at least 2 minutes debating, (1) whether or not I could actually figure out how to use it, (2) would it kill the cat? (I really didn't want to do that), and (3) should I wake up my son to come and help his poor mom out!
Deciding the BB gun was a bad idea, I headed toward the toxic wasteland under my sink. Febreeze only had a spray mist. No good. Hardwood Floor Cleaner had a jet stream. Now we're talking!
I was scared the cat would attack me. The courtyard is only 7 feet across so the cat was too close for my comfort. But I braved it and opened the door and sprayed! Finally, the cat moved, obviously not injured. But now our cat was blocking the way through the narrow opening around our hot tub! I had to yell at our cat to get out of the way. Finally, things settled down, but I was too amped up to go back to sleep!
When I told my kids this morning, Evan kindly offered to give me a lesson with his BB gun. He also wished I had woken him up!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Homemaking ABC's
A little while ago, while reading different blogs, I came across this fun and original questionnaire at Making Home. The woman who made it up has links set up if you like being a part of those and want to do it too. You have to scroll all the way to the bottom.
Homemaking from A-Z
Aprons - Y/N? If Yes, what does your favorite look like?
No, usually. But Amy was given a really cute apron for
Christmas and she has been helping a lot more in the kitchen, so I may start wearing one with her. I have a lot of pretty ones.
Baking - Favorite thing to bake
I really like baking just about anything
Clothesline - Y/N?
No
Donuts - Have you ever made them?
Yes, once. My grandma gave me a deepfryer for the express purpose of making donuts. But it took a lot of time and donuts are cheap to buy, plus I like eating a lot of other things better than donuts. So we use the deep fryer for making chips and buy our donuts (for the kids).
Homemaking from A-Z
Aprons - Y/N? If Yes, what does your favorite look like?
No, usually. But Amy was given a really cute apron for
Christmas and she has been helping a lot more in the kitchen, so I may start wearing one with her. I have a lot of pretty ones.
Baking - Favorite thing to bake
I really like baking just about anything
Clothesline - Y/N?
No
Donuts - Have you ever made them?
Yes, once. My grandma gave me a deepfryer for the express purpose of making donuts. But it took a lot of time and donuts are cheap to buy, plus I like eating a lot of other things better than donuts. So we use the deep fryer for making chips and buy our donuts (for the kids).
Everyday - One homemaking thing you do every day - Dishes
Freezer - Do you have a separate deep freeze? - Yes, but it is turned off right now
Garbage Disposal - Y/N? - yes and my husband says I work it too hard!
Handbook - What is your favorite homemaking resource? - Magazines, books and friends- I guess I can't name a favorite. I'm always learning!
Ironing - Love it or hate it? Or hate it but love the results? - Hate is too strong a word, but dislike, yes.
Junk drawer - Y/N? Where is it? - Yes, right by our phone.
Kitchen - Color and decorating
You can see a picture of our kitchen here. (I can't seem to upload it to this post for some reason.) The cupboards are painted a periwinkle blue. As we've had to replace appliances we've replaced them with black. The clock above the shelves I bartered for with lavendar that I grow in my yard. And I really like my roosters and Pig. They're just fun!
Love - What is your favorite part of homemaking?
I love anything that is creative: decorating, planning and preparing new and interesting meals, and organizing. I love cleaning out closets!
Mop - Y/N? - Yes, but my son likes to mop so I'm trying to train him to take over more of this job.
Nylons - Wash by hand or in the washing machine? - Um, I don't wear nylons. It's California!
Oven - Do you use the window or open the oven to check? - both
Pizza - What do you put on yours?
Fetta Cheese, olives, mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and sausage
Quiet - What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment?
In the morning I read my Bible and other devotional books. Right now I'm reading Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon and the corresponding chapter that the verse was taken from, as well as the Valley of Vison. During the day, there's not too much quiet around here, but when there is I clean or check e-mail and blogs. In the evening, after cleaning (or sometimes before!) I like to read and blog.
Recipe card box - Y/N? - yes, and several notebooks
Style of house - What style is your house?
I have no idea what to call it. You can check it out here and here.
Tablecloths and napkins - Y/N? - Yes
Under the kitchen sink - Organized or toxic wasteland? - It's a disorganized mess!
Vacuum - How many times per week? -
We have hardwood floors so I sweep different parts of the house every day. The two bedrooms that have carpet get vacuumed once a week if I'm lucky.
Wash - How many loads of laundry do you do per week
I'm not sure. Laundry is not my strong area.
X's - Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off?- No
Yard - Y/N? Who does what?
Yes we have a yard. My husband does most of it. I help out when I can. We're trying to teach our kids how to do some of the work too.
Zzz's - What is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed? - Dishes or laundry
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Recipes From Friends
I received a cute card in the mail from Cara with pictures of her kids, and a recipe for "Riganilla" which is I think her kids way of saying "granola". It's in the oven right now and smelling wonderful so I wanted to share it.
"Riganilla"
5 cups rolled oats
2 cups chopped nuts (I used sliced almonds)
1/2 cup each chopped pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds (I used a cup of craisins instead of the seeds)
1 cup unsweetened coconut
1 Tbsp. grated orange peel (I used 1/2 tsp.orange oil)
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup safflower oil
1 1/2 cup honey
Mix together and bake on a cookie sheet (I greased it just in case) at 350 for 25 minutes. Break apart before it cools!
Yesterday I tried the recipes for Barley pancakes from Cara and the breakfast cookies from Jessica. Both turned out great! It helps that they are both good cooks. I'd pretty much trust any recipe from either one of them.
Jessica asked my advice about the cookies. Here's what we did different.
I find that any recipe that has oatmeal or a lot of spices (like gingerbread) can have white flour switched to wheat with out anyone noticing. I substituted King Arthur White Whole Wheat flour. It is a different, more mild wheat, but it still has all the whole grain benefits. I reduced the sugar to 1 cup and used Sucanat instead. Next time I'll use just 3/4 cup I think. I also added 1 tsp. cinnamon, a dash of cloves, and a dash of ground ginger. My kids really liked these as cookies. I didn't give it to them for breakfast, but I'm sure they would love it if I did!
"Riganilla"
5 cups rolled oats
2 cups chopped nuts (I used sliced almonds)
1/2 cup each chopped pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds (I used a cup of craisins instead of the seeds)
1 cup unsweetened coconut
1 Tbsp. grated orange peel (I used 1/2 tsp.orange oil)
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup safflower oil
1 1/2 cup honey
Mix together and bake on a cookie sheet (I greased it just in case) at 350 for 25 minutes. Break apart before it cools!
Yesterday I tried the recipes for Barley pancakes from Cara and the breakfast cookies from Jessica. Both turned out great! It helps that they are both good cooks. I'd pretty much trust any recipe from either one of them.
Jessica asked my advice about the cookies. Here's what we did different.
I find that any recipe that has oatmeal or a lot of spices (like gingerbread) can have white flour switched to wheat with out anyone noticing. I substituted King Arthur White Whole Wheat flour. It is a different, more mild wheat, but it still has all the whole grain benefits. I reduced the sugar to 1 cup and used Sucanat instead. Next time I'll use just 3/4 cup I think. I also added 1 tsp. cinnamon, a dash of cloves, and a dash of ground ginger. My kids really liked these as cookies. I didn't give it to them for breakfast, but I'm sure they would love it if I did!
Friday, January 26, 2007
An Unusual Week
This week was full of surprises! Some were wonderful, some painful, but overall a very different week for us. I meant to blog about the little series over at Girltalk, and even took pictures, but that didn't happen. So here's our week in a nutshell.
Monday: I took pictures of our dinner table to show what I sometimes do to make a meal of leftovers special. My kids love using stem glasses. So it seems fancy to them if I use them. Thanks Leslie for your reminder about candles. My kids love those too. I'll have to pull those out sometime soon. Sean is easily pleased when it comes to meals. The leftovers were lasagna!
Evan tested for his next belt level in Karate. He passed and is now an "orange" belt! Way to go, Evan!
That same night my niece Abigail was born.
Tuesday: Drop everything to travel 6 hours round trip to visit Abigail, CJ, my sister Shauna and her husband, Aaron. I'm having trouble reading the pictures that my dad took so I'll have to post those later. My hands were too full holding Abby, and directing Emily to take any pictures. It was so fun to get to see her just 1 day old. It was well worth the drive.
But....I got my first speeding ticket on the way there. Yikes! I had 5 hours to contemplate my driving, God's discipline, and His previous grace to me in this area. (I've been pulled over several times, but never gotten a ticket before.) The ticket was, unfortunately, well deserved and the officer showed no mercy. How glad I am that God does show mercy. Even this ticket which will be a big one, ultimately shows God's grace to me. I drive like a race car driver and I'm not sure that anything short of the "spank" I got would have gotten my attention. Let's just say that until I can get the lead out of my right foot, I am setting the cruise control on my car EVERY time I get on the freeway.
Wednesday: I had my first meeting with the woman who runs our new homeschool group. I was really nervous for some reason and had a stomach ache all morning! The meeting went really well. The lady was very helpful, kind and sweet. The mom that had her meeting right before me is a friend of mine and it was so encouraging to see her. Then the woman after me told me all about some stuff that her 10 year old boy is participating in. I left feeling encouraged, strengthened, and hopeful that this group is going to be a good fit for our family.
Thursday: We actually stayed home! This is the usual for us, but this week it was out of the ordinary, and very welcome. Here's a cute picture of Amy reading to Emily. Those two are becoming inseparable!
Friday: All week long Amy has been looking forward to a very special Tea Party she was invited to by our neighbor and friend Tawni. They dressed up in their finest and had tea and cakes. Evan dressed up too and escorted Amy next door. Amy came home feeling like a princess!
We have company coming into town tonight. Evan's best friend Ryan moved last weekend. He and his dad are coming back for their cub scout's "Pinewood Derby" and one last goodbye. We're going to miss their family.
This week has highlighted quite a few changes that are instore for our family: new cousins, new homeschool group, new responsibilities for Evan, and an opportunity for new friends. I've been extremely emotional this week, feeling up then down, but with the odd realization that it's just emotions. Changes are hard to make. But God is good and I can trust Him that what He has for us in the future will be for our good and His glory.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Abigail Julia Has Arrived!
Guest post by Sean ....... (And Thanks to Uncle Aaron's QUICK announcement!)
Abigail Julia arrived last night (January 22) at 9:37PM.
She weighed in at a petite 6 lbs. 11 oz.; 20.25" long
She is baby #2 for Christina's sister, Shauna. Daddy Aaron and big brother CJ are tidying up the house for their new Princess.
Christina and the kids have embarked on an all day adventure to see Abigail and family.
Abigail Julia arrived last night (January 22) at 9:37PM.
She weighed in at a petite 6 lbs. 11 oz.; 20.25" long
She is baby #2 for Christina's sister, Shauna. Daddy Aaron and big brother CJ are tidying up the house for their new Princess.
Christina and the kids have embarked on an all day adventure to see Abigail and family.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Beautiful Meals
Sean has switched to working nights for a while. This actually is better for the kids since they see him more. It also means that he gets to eat dinner with us every night. When he works days he doesn't get home until the kid's bed time. So, I have been trying to make more regular meals. And I have been struggling to keep the dining room table cleared off and clean!
Over at GirlTalk they are starting to talk about food. I'm not sure what they are going to be sharing in the next few days, but the quote from "The Hidden Art of Homemaking" got me thinking. What are some practical ways to make everyday meals more interesting and appealing? How can I incorporate a measure of beauty and pleasure in our meals? What are some ways to create an atmosphere that is relaxing and invites conversation? Does anyone have any answers or advice? I would really like some new ideas!!!
Tomorrow I'll try to post some ideas that I do have, and some things that have worked for us in the past.
By the way, if you've never read "The Hidden Art of Homemaking" by Edith Schaeffer I highly recommend it. Thanks, Mom, for giving it to me.
Over at GirlTalk they are starting to talk about food. I'm not sure what they are going to be sharing in the next few days, but the quote from "The Hidden Art of Homemaking" got me thinking. What are some practical ways to make everyday meals more interesting and appealing? How can I incorporate a measure of beauty and pleasure in our meals? What are some ways to create an atmosphere that is relaxing and invites conversation? Does anyone have any answers or advice? I would really like some new ideas!!!
Tomorrow I'll try to post some ideas that I do have, and some things that have worked for us in the past.
By the way, if you've never read "The Hidden Art of Homemaking" by Edith Schaeffer I highly recommend it. Thanks, Mom, for giving it to me.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Pruning Roses
This past weekend we spent quite a bit of time pruning. We live on an oversized lot (but not acreage) and have 4 fruit trees and 18 roses that all need pruning this time of year. But I am so excited because this year Evan learned how to prune roses! He is very detail oriented and careful and has a good eye for the shape of the rose. He is also motivated to earn some extra money! We'll have to finish up this weekend since we didn't get it all done, and our green waste bucket was all filled up anyways.
Here are some pictures to show how I taught Evan. This way he can read them next year for a refresher course!
The first step is to remove all the leaves that didn't fall off on their own. (Picture on the left.) Then you need to cut away dead wood. The picture on the right shows a dead cane coming out of the center of the rose. You can tell it's dead by the color (black) and the sharp contrast of healthy wood to dead.
The next step is to cut back the plant. This is where the art and science of pruning come together. The pink growth bud pictured right below the clippers is where the next shoot will grow. The plant will send up the growth hormone strongest to the top. (That's the science.) The direction of the buds tells you the direction of the next branch. You want to have a bush that opens up like a vase with branches generally facing out. This gives space for air to circulate which cuts down on disease. This is where the art comes into play...where to make the cut. The good news is roses are very forgiving. You really can't kill it by bad pruning. My mom has always joked that you could take a chain saw to it and it would live; it just wouldn't be pretty.
Pruning (Continued)
A "hard" prune would take a rose down to 3-5 canes. Many Hybrid Tea roses can handle this. However if you have an old fashioned rose or a David Austin rose they require a more gentle touch. I generally take it down a third, cutting out dead wood and wood that crosses itself. (The picture on the left shows before, the picture on the right shows after.) Sometimes I will take out a cane that is in the middle of the plant, or one that goes in a funny direction. Again, this helps prevent disease.
A few other tips for pruning. It's best to make your cuts about 1/4" above the growth bud and at an angle. To cut back on disease it's important to clean up all the dead leaves and clippings underneath the rose bush.
Sometimes a rose will send up a sucker. This looks like another little rose bush that is right next to yours. Or it can come from the bottom of the rose bush, underneath where the rose is joined to the root. If you let it grow, it will produce a rose that is a different color. It will also suck the strength of the rose into the "new" plant. So it is best to cut it off at the root. You may have to dig a bit to get there. You can see the sucker to the right in this picture.
Here's a picture of what it looks like when it's all done.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Where We Have "School"
Leslie asked about how we decided to use desks instead of a table. I remember someone else asking that question awhile ago too. Since there is a story behind the desks, I thought I'd share in a post rather than a comment.
Evan's desk was my old desk when I was little. My dad used the rent money to buy 20+ such desks when I was about 5. He painted them and fixed them up and sold all but a few. He made a tidy profit and I got my desk.
FishMama had the pink one that Amy uses. Having all boys at the time, she offered it to us knowing that Evan had a similar one. I spotted Emily's little one at an Antique shop. I traded a basket full of dried lavender from my yard for it, and a few other things.
The first year we started homeschooling, we used the kitchen table. The desks were in the kid's rooms. Our house was only 1400 square feet at the time and we didn't have room for a separate school area. I made mats out of posterboard and got them each a little pencil box for their stuff. I copied the alphabet on a strip of posterboard to go at the top. This kind of gave them a defined work space and a harder surface to write on since our table had a protective cover on it.
The next year we used the table for a few months until I got put on bed rest. Then we used clipboards. They could come and sit by me on the couch or lay on the floor and do their math etc. While I was on bed rest, my husband built our addition. We added 900 square feet, a homeschool room, two bedrooms and a bathroom.
Last year was the first that we used the desks. We use them for math and writing assignments. (Science is done primarily in the kitchen, History on the couch, reading cuddled up wherever!) We actually have a really big table in our room right behind the couch. Sometimes Evan will want to work there, but mostly we use it for projects. You can see a picture of the whole room including the table here.
Sometimes Amy will grab a clip board and want to sit next to me on the couch to work out her math, especially when she's needing extra help. Evan has also adopted the stairs as a favorite place to work. He can set his paper or book on the landing, and have his legs dangle down the stairs. If he had a choice he would rather build a fort and crawl in there to do his work. But I don't let him do that too often since it really distracts him!
We have a quiet reading time in the afternoon and Amy loves to curl up on the couch. Evan likes to lay on his bed but sometimes he'll just sit at his desk! It cracks me up to see them on a Saturday both sitting at their desks coloring or sculpting with clay. I guess they really like them!
Evan's desk was my old desk when I was little. My dad used the rent money to buy 20+ such desks when I was about 5. He painted them and fixed them up and sold all but a few. He made a tidy profit and I got my desk.
FishMama had the pink one that Amy uses. Having all boys at the time, she offered it to us knowing that Evan had a similar one. I spotted Emily's little one at an Antique shop. I traded a basket full of dried lavender from my yard for it, and a few other things.
The first year we started homeschooling, we used the kitchen table. The desks were in the kid's rooms. Our house was only 1400 square feet at the time and we didn't have room for a separate school area. I made mats out of posterboard and got them each a little pencil box for their stuff. I copied the alphabet on a strip of posterboard to go at the top. This kind of gave them a defined work space and a harder surface to write on since our table had a protective cover on it.
The next year we used the table for a few months until I got put on bed rest. Then we used clipboards. They could come and sit by me on the couch or lay on the floor and do their math etc. While I was on bed rest, my husband built our addition. We added 900 square feet, a homeschool room, two bedrooms and a bathroom.
Last year was the first that we used the desks. We use them for math and writing assignments. (Science is done primarily in the kitchen, History on the couch, reading cuddled up wherever!) We actually have a really big table in our room right behind the couch. Sometimes Evan will want to work there, but mostly we use it for projects. You can see a picture of the whole room including the table here.
Sometimes Amy will grab a clip board and want to sit next to me on the couch to work out her math, especially when she's needing extra help. Evan has also adopted the stairs as a favorite place to work. He can set his paper or book on the landing, and have his legs dangle down the stairs. If he had a choice he would rather build a fort and crawl in there to do his work. But I don't let him do that too often since it really distracts him!
We have a quiet reading time in the afternoon and Amy loves to curl up on the couch. Evan likes to lay on his bed but sometimes he'll just sit at his desk! It cracks me up to see them on a Saturday both sitting at their desks coloring or sculpting with clay. I guess they really like them!
Emily Officially Joins "School"
She actually only sat in the desk for about 5 minutes and then was off to play with playdough. But she likes to be in on the action. And Evan and Amy think it's pretty cute that she wants to be with them.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Book Meme
I was tagged by Jenn for this book meme. (It's kind of like an online game of tag. Someone posts questions and answers them, then "tags" the next person who is "it".) Here's what you're supposed to do.
1) Grab the book closest to you
2) Open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence
3) Post the text of the following 3 sentences
4) Name the author and book title
5) Tag three people to do the same
When I first read this on someone else's blog, I happened to have a book in my lap. I had just gotten a box from Timberdoodle and was looking through it while checking up on blogs.
The Valley of Vision is a collection of poems and page 123 only has three sentences. So I copied them for you as they are written. It is the second half of a poem on Self-Knowledge. I got this book because I have enjoyed the CD by the same title. I am looking forward to reading this book.
I tag Cara, Bethany, and since it's National Delurking week, if you read this blog but have not yet commented, I tag YOU! If you have a blog please leave a note in the comment box to direct us to your blog. If you don't have a blog, you can just leave your quote and book title in the comments. If you click "other" you'll have a chance to add your name.
1) Grab the book closest to you
2) Open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence
3) Post the text of the following 3 sentences
4) Name the author and book title
5) Tag three people to do the same
When I first read this on someone else's blog, I happened to have a book in my lap. I had just gotten a box from Timberdoodle and was looking through it while checking up on blogs.
"Show me how to know when a thing is evil
which I think is right and good,
how to know when what is lawful
comes from an evil principle,
such as desire for reputation or wealth by usury.
Give me grace to recall my needs,
my lack of knowing thy will in Scripture,
of wisdom to guide others,
of daily repentance, want of which keeps thee at bay,
of the spirit of prayer, having words
without love,
of zeal for thy glory, seeking my own ends,
of joy in thee and thy will,
of love to others.
And let me not lay my pipe
too short of the fountain,
never touching the eternal spring,
never drawing down water from above."
The Valley of Vision is a collection of poems and page 123 only has three sentences. So I copied them for you as they are written. It is the second half of a poem on Self-Knowledge. I got this book because I have enjoyed the CD by the same title. I am looking forward to reading this book.
I tag Cara, Bethany, and since it's National Delurking week, if you read this blog but have not yet commented, I tag YOU! If you have a blog please leave a note in the comment box to direct us to your blog. If you don't have a blog, you can just leave your quote and book title in the comments. If you click "other" you'll have a chance to add your name.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Cheerful Service
"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" Psalm 100:2
This has been the first year of homeschooling where I have struggled with wanting to give up. It hasn't been a "fun" year like the first, or a "relaxing" year like the second, or a "rewarding" year like the third. We've had fun, relaxing and rewarding days this year, but there have been many days that I just have not looked forward to teaching. So this verse really hit home with me. I know that God has called me to homeschool my kids. This year I have not done it with much gladness. Charles Spurgeon writes,
"Delight in divine service is a token of acceptance. Those who serve God with a sad countenance, because they do what is unpleasant to them, are not serving Him at all; they bring the form of homage, but the life is absent." (Morning and Evening, evening of Jan 9th)
Ouch! That has been me on too many mornings. Serving my family's breakfast or math lesson up with a sad countenance. Yesterday Amy drew a picture of us at Trader Joe's. In the picture I was handing Emily a balloon, but I had "angry eyes". At first, I was offended, but afterward when I thought about it, she was probably right. I was probably scolding about something. Our kids see right through us.
So my prayer for today, and the rest of this year is for God to help me to be cheerful, to serve Him with gladness. Again Spurgeon writes,
"Cheerfulness is the support of our strength; in the joy of the Lord are we strong. It acts as the remover of difficulties...The man who is cheerful in his service of God, proves that obedience is his element....Let our gladness proclaim that we serve a good Master."
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Some Thoughts
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1Peter 5:6-7
My mom tells me that when I was little, one of my favorite songs was "Humble Thyself" based off of 1 Peter 5:6. I would say "Humble, MaMa, Humble."
These past couple of years have been ones of humbling for me.
My devotion this afternoon, (I was in a fog this morning having had ample extra time to pray last night due to Emily's double ear infection) was based off the same chapter, but the next verse, "Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7. I had never realized before that the two were right next to each other. Humbling ourselves under God's hand then casting our anxiety on Him.
Charles Spurgeon writes "O child of suffering, be thou patient; God has not passed thee over in His providence. He who is the feeder of sparrows, will also furnish you with what you need. Sit not down in despair; hope on, hope ever. ...Doubt not His grace because of thy tribulation, but believe that He loveth thee as much in seasons of trouble as in times of happiness....With a little oil in the cruse, and a handful of meal in the barrel, Elijah outlived the famine, and you will do the same. " (Morning and Evening, morning of Jan. 6th)
Two years ago, when I was placed on bed rest, I basically was taken "out" of life as I had known it. The funny thing is when I got off bed rest, I never really went back. It wasn't something I wanted, but it happened all the same. For a while I struggled trying to make certain areas of my life the way I wanted, the way they were before. All I got were lots of closed doors. Then I resigned to the life I had but felt pretty depressed about it.
Then God started showing me more about His sovereignty. He started showing me how gracious He is being with me, how He is providing for me, and gently pruning areas of my life that needed to be cut out. Mainly it deals with friends and the value I have placed on what other people think of me. The Bible calls this the fear of man. I think that I have been learning to fear God more, and hopefully man less. Maybe this has been God's way of gently leading me to something else that he knows is better.
Mixed in with all this is a struggle we have been having with our home church (of 11 years). About the same time I was placed on bedrest, the church started making major changes. There are many people there that we care about. But it seems that as the church is moving one direction, God is moving us in the opposite. So we find ourselves wondering what to do. We still don't know. Being church "homeless" has been very humbling. The CD The Valley of Vision has been very encouraging and uplifting to me. The first song, In the Valley is my favorite. It puts my situation in perspective and reminds me to put my hope in God. On the hard days it's good to remember that the pruning or humbling is to make me more like Christ, and that's ultimately what I want.
"And though my humbling wouldn't be my decision
It's here Your glory shines so bright
So let me learn that the cross precedes the crown
To be low is to be high
That the valley's where You make me more like Christ"
Thursday, January 04, 2007
A Year of Bread
No, I'm not trying to "bust" your diet after just a few days! Rather the kids and I are embarking on a year long study of how to make bread.
A few months ago, I read an interesting idea about how to teach cooking as part of a homeschool curriculum. Basically, you pick one category, (ie. meat, veggies, salads, bread, etc.) and cook one thing from that catagory each month for a year. This appealed to me because it didn't involve fitting in another subject during the week, yet is an intentional way of teaching a valuable skill. It is a very long rang way of teaching, but hey, I plan on having my kids around at home for a while, so by the time they leave, we may have gone through each section of the cookbook together.
Our Art teacher last week had a persimmon tree that was just loaded. So we picked persimmons and made persimmon bread the other day. We talked about the difference between quick and yeast breads, what "creaming" means and an odd fact associated with baking with persimmons. In every recipe I've read you always dissolve the baking soda in the persimmon pulp before adding. Does anyone know why?
Here's the recipe we used. It turned out great!
Persimmon Nut Bread
6 Tablespoons Butter
1 cup Sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup persimmon pulp (Scoop out the flesh of the persimmon, then run through a food processor or blender.)
2 cups flour (I used 1/2 whole wheat)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves
2 teaspoons grated orange rind
1 cup chopped nuts (we used pecans)
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Dissolve soda in persimmon pulp and add to creamed ingredients. Combine dry ingredients and stir into creamed mixture. Add orange rind and nuts and mix well. Bake in loaf pan at 350 degrees for about 75 minutes (I always needed less, so check after 50-60 min.) or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool and slice.
A few months ago, I read an interesting idea about how to teach cooking as part of a homeschool curriculum. Basically, you pick one category, (ie. meat, veggies, salads, bread, etc.) and cook one thing from that catagory each month for a year. This appealed to me because it didn't involve fitting in another subject during the week, yet is an intentional way of teaching a valuable skill. It is a very long rang way of teaching, but hey, I plan on having my kids around at home for a while, so by the time they leave, we may have gone through each section of the cookbook together.
Our Art teacher last week had a persimmon tree that was just loaded. So we picked persimmons and made persimmon bread the other day. We talked about the difference between quick and yeast breads, what "creaming" means and an odd fact associated with baking with persimmons. In every recipe I've read you always dissolve the baking soda in the persimmon pulp before adding. Does anyone know why?
Here's the recipe we used. It turned out great!
Persimmon Nut Bread
6 Tablespoons Butter
1 cup Sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup persimmon pulp (Scoop out the flesh of the persimmon, then run through a food processor or blender.)
2 cups flour (I used 1/2 whole wheat)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves
2 teaspoons grated orange rind
1 cup chopped nuts (we used pecans)
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Dissolve soda in persimmon pulp and add to creamed ingredients. Combine dry ingredients and stir into creamed mixture. Add orange rind and nuts and mix well. Bake in loaf pan at 350 degrees for about 75 minutes (I always needed less, so check after 50-60 min.) or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool and slice.
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