tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45885906075400601372024-03-12T18:12:21.115-07:00Homeschooling TnTTeaching & guiding my dynamite boys through life experiences, creative play, fun projects, field trips, a smidge of work, and lots of prayer.Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-4649645994804725942014-11-21T19:42:00.002-08:002014-11-21T19:42:55.841-08:00Flexible Homeschooling Moment<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever had one of those days where your energy is depleted and you just can not seem to get things done to your satisfaction? I'm assuming we have all felt this way a time or two or three, unless you are actually a robot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What about those days where you are in the mommy zone? Yes, everything comes together without a hitch!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought I was experiencing the latter of the two: boys up early, animals and people fed, & out of the door with everyone feeling contented and time to spare.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We pull up to sewing class and I get a prime parking spot, but wait where are all the other cars? Uhm, where are the other people?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was so on top of it all that I got us to class one day early! After a minute of regrouping, we decided to grab some hot beverages and go on a sculpture walk through town.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>We discovered that this little girl is actually reading a story that looks a lot like "Charlotte's Web."</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><i>Hey Diddle Diddle, it's amazing what one can find when not looking from a car window. We have passed by some of these sculptures a million times and did not notice the "details." Ha, we got a kick out of the sneakers on the armadillo's back feet!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><i>"Rock, Paper, Scissors" happened to be their favorite!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZvtITG11ncQXuDJNfdsFrBVV8L-Z4N1613fA2ccaCZXJORtMqJeY-IbvBAmTr_KBJxaRyv7jmvaKeDQG1zlnVXAPnegPnf68y-mIMTv0QiQxP3ChUPHmHAxyOmBQB1NXQ9zq3Qml5xo/s1600/Sculpture5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZvtITG11ncQXuDJNfdsFrBVV8L-Z4N1613fA2ccaCZXJORtMqJeY-IbvBAmTr_KBJxaRyv7jmvaKeDQG1zlnVXAPnegPnf68y-mIMTv0QiQxP3ChUPHmHAxyOmBQB1NXQ9zq3Qml5xo/s1600/Sculpture5.JPG" height="400" width="300" /> <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Baby T loved the butterfly wing and peering through the green panels.</b></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>We couldn't figure out why this guy was deemed the statue of "Knowledge." His fingers were doing a weird thing, but Big T made it work.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Hands down, the best impromptu day!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>My hams and their new friends.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>My favorite...these pieces are so beautiful, notice the face at the top of Little T's instrument.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-56244663416466323002014-09-04T21:50:00.002-07:002014-09-04T21:50:50.292-07:00Freezer Cooking Pointers<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>By: Guest Blogger Anne Jefferson</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Freezer cooking changed the lives of my family members over ten years ago. When I take the time to create the menu, grocery list and devote the time to preparing my meals ahead, we eat better and I have less stress. As you can see, it’s a Win-Win! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I began freezer cooking there were very few resources available but I purchased a book to learn how to do this and get recipes that freeze well. I purchased “Once A Month Cooking” by Mimi Wilson and Mary Beth Lagerborg from Amazon.com. That book is stained and sad looking due to much use. </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">However, today a quick Google or Pinterest search will provide more recipes and ideas than you will know what to do with. My suggestion is to see if any of the recipes I have shared here appeal to you and your family. If not, look at the repertoire of recipes you have and see how you can adapt them to be plan-ahead, make-ahead freezer meals. You have to find what your family likes and tailor your plan to your needs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Along the way, I found many other things that freeze well. The only foods I have found that froze poorly were fresh mushrooms. YUCK! Canned mushrooms freeze fine but I still prefer to add mushrooms while actually preparing my meals for the table or leave them out entirely. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Easiest way to start: Marinades </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When you are starting on this adventure you want the cooking day and the prep day to be balanced between things that take very little work and things that take a lot of work. Marinades are super easy. Place meat in a Ziploc bag, add veggies and other marinade ingredients as per recipe, zip shut and freeze! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Buy your meat in bulk at Sam’s Club, Costco or the grocery store(Unfrozen). Large packages of chicken breasts and thighs can be purchased and then packaged together for families who have members who prefer white or dark meat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Examples of marinated meats: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Teriyaki Chicken (Once A Month Cooking) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><u>Marinade</u>: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">½ Cup Soy Sauce </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">¼ Cup Sugar </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 ½ Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2 Teaspoons Vegetable Oil </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Small Clove Minced Garlic </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">¾ Teaspoon Ground Ginger </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Chicken Breasts </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Uncooked Rice </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Mix soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, oil, garlic and ginger. Freeze chicken in marinade in 1- gallon zip top bag. When preparing to serve, thaw chicken. Pour chicken and marinade into baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Prepare rice according to package directions. Serve with chicken. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Lemon Chicken(Once A Month Cooking) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme Leaves </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Teaspoon Salt </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">½ Teaspoon Pepper </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1/8 Teaspoon Garlic Powder </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1/3 Cup Lemon Juice </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Pound Chicken Pieces </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Cup uncooked rice </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Mix all spices and lemon juice in 1-gallon zip top bag. Add chicken pieces and freeze.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When thawed, preheat oven to 450 degrees. Arrange chicken in 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish treated with non-stick spray. Pour liquid over chicken. Bake 20 minutes. Turn chicken over and baste it. Bake 15-20 minutes longer or until chicken is tender and no longer pink. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Prepare rice according to package directions. Serve chicken over rice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Marinated Flank Steak(Once A Month Cooking</b>) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><u>Marinade</u>: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">½ Cup Vegetable Oil </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">¼ Cup Soy Sauce </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">¼ Cup Sherry </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2 Teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">½ Teaspoon Ginger </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Clove Minced Garlic </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 ½ Pounds Flank Steak </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Mix first six ingredients for marinade. Put flank steak in a freezer bag, pour marinade over it,seal bag and freeze. To prepare for serving,thaw flank steak,remove from marinade. Barbecue 8 to 10 minutes per side; or set oven to broil and/or 550 degrees. Broil steak six inches from heat until brown, turning once,about six minutes on one side and four minutes on the other. Cut steak across grain at slanted angle into thin slices. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Easy Marinated Pork Tenderloin (allrecipes.com)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1/4 cup olive oil </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1/4 cup soy sauce </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 clove garlic, minced </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">3 tablespoons dijon honey mustard </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">salt and pepper to taste </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1(2 pound)boneless pork loin roast </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Place the pork loin in a large sealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour before cooking. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Transfer the pork loin to a baking dish; pour marinade over the pork. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Cook in the preheated oven until the pork is no longer pink in the center, 45 to 60 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>GROUND MEATS: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Purchase ground meat in preparation for the following meals: Meatloaf or meat balls, sloppy Joes, Tacos and Spaghetti. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Use your favorite meatloaf/meat ball recipe or use the one below. Prepare according to recipe and instead of placing meat into the oven, wrap it in foil, place in a Ziploc bag and place it into the freezer. I do not use a loaf pan. I freeze it in the shape of a loaf and then bake in a 9 X 13 baking dish when defrosted. Meatloaf needs to be put in the refrigerator to defrost the day before you plan to eat it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Swedish Meatloaf Supper (Pampered Chef)</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 can (4 oz) mushroom pieces and stems, drained and finely chopped </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1/2 c onion, finely chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1/4 c fresh parsley,snipped </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 c fresh rye or white bread crumbs </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2/3 c milk </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 egg </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 1/4 tsp salt </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1/4 tsp pepper </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1/4 tsp ground all spice or nutmeg </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 pound lean ground beef </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 pound lean ground pork </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><u>Gravy</u></b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 jar (12 oz) mushroom or beef gravy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2 Tbsp milk </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1/4 c sour cream </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 350. Mix mushrooms and onion in large bowl. Add parsley, bread crumbs, milk, egg, and seasonings to bowl; mix well. Crumble ground beef and pork into bowl; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape meat into loaf pan. *At this point, I shape the meat, wrap in foil and then place in a zip top </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">freezer bag. Bake 1 hour and 15-20 minutes or until meat is no longer pink in the center of the loaf and internal temperature of meat loaf reaches 160 degrees. Remove meat loaf to serving plate; let stand 10 minutes Meanwhile, heat gravy with milk in saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally with whisk. Whisk in sour cream; remove from heat. Cut meat loaf crosswise in half. Cut one half into 8 slices and serve with gravy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Serve with egg noodles and gravy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Brown the remaining ground meat with chopped onion to prepare for Sloppy Joes (1.5 lb), Taco meat (1.5 lb) and spaghetti sauce(1 lb). Once browned, divide into three portions and season according to recipes below.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sloppy Joes </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1.5 Pounds Ground Beef/Turkey/Pork </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Medium onion </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">¼ C. Brown Sugar </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2 Tablespoons Mustard </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">½ Cup Barbecue Sauce </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">½ Cup Ketchup </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Mix ingredients into the meat, stir. Allow to cool and place in freezer bag. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Taco Meat </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1.5 Pounds of Ground Meat </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Your favorite taco seasoning. I use Wildtree Taco Seasoning as it is organic and has no preservatives. All you do is mix your meat with the seasoning of your choice, place into zip top bag and freeze. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Spaghetti Sauce </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Ground Meat </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Crushed tomatoes, two 26 oz cans </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Italian seasoning (Again, I use Wildtree Hearty Spaghetti Blend) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">4 Cloves Minced Garlic </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Salt </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Place crushed tomatoes in saucepan, add seasonings and simmer for 30 minutes. Season to taste, add meat. Place in two re-sealable plastic containers and freeze. Serve with spaghetti or other pasta. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Casseroles can usually be prepared up to the point of putting into the oven. Below are a couple of my favorites. </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Heavenly Chicken (Once A Month Cooking) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 10-oz package of Frozen Spinach </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">½ C. Sliced Green Onions </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2 Tablespoons Margarine/Butter </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Cup Milk </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Cup Cracker Crumbs </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">8 Boneless Chicken Breast halves, skinned </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Cup Cooked, Cubed Ham </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">In a small saucepan, cook spinach according to package directions; drain well. In a medium saucepan, make white sauce; sauté onions in butter over low heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour and add milk all at once. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until bubbly. Boil and stir one minute more until smooth and thickened. Combine cracker crumbs and cheese. Dip chicken breasts into crumbs/cheese mixture to coat lightly. place in 13 x 9 x 2 baking dish. Stir spinach and ham into white sauce; spoon sauce over chicken. Allow to cool and cover completely with foil. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">To prepare for serving, thaw dish and bake covered in a preheated 350-degree oven for 60-75 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake 10 minutes more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Vegetable Lasagna (Once A Month Cooking with my adaptions)</b></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNn8CfDiE6ZUESUuZz6V2c5sc2M_7HkXyMKc-PSghST67McD2voBYzd9LchNE9-IfHmMzbTs-52LNynOQ9MzlM0W-A33NQz4kyl4zwMC0pAznEafs0Fx3zpyI_3UNVRgyLsue9zwXAkBo/s1600/Funny+Cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNn8CfDiE6ZUESUuZz6V2c5sc2M_7HkXyMKc-PSghST67McD2voBYzd9LchNE9-IfHmMzbTs-52LNynOQ9MzlM0W-A33NQz4kyl4zwMC0pAznEafs0Fx3zpyI_3UNVRgyLsue9zwXAkBo/s1600/Funny+Cat.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 8-ounce package of Lasagna </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Cup Finely Shredded Zucchini </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Cup Finely Chopped Broccoli </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 16-ounce carton Low-Fat Ricotta or Cottage Cheese </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Cup Grated Mozzarella Cheese </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2 Chopped Green Onions </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Cup shredded Carrots </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Large Can Spaghetti Sauce or 28 oz Can Crushed Tomatoes with seasoning </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Dash Freshly Ground Black Pepper </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Prepare lasagna noodles as per package directions until Al Dente. Drain and rinse in cool water. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Cook Broccoli 5 minutes in boiling water. Prepare remaining vegetables. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Combine cheeses, vegetables, pepper in a medium bowl. In a 13 x 9 x 2 baking dish, layer lasagna noodles, half of cheese mixture, half of tomato sauce. Repeat the process topping with noodles and covering with sauce. Wrap dish in foil and freeze. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">To prepare: Thaw the dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">SOUPS:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you have a favorite soup, prepare it as you normally would but do not add noodles or rice until you are preparing to eat. Freeze in large re-sealable containers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Hearty Hamburger Stew (Once A Month Cooking) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Pound Lean Ground Beef or Turkey </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 ¼ Cup Chopped Onion </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2 Cups Peeled and Sliced Carrots </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Cup Chopped Green Bell Pepper </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Cup Sliced Fresh Mushrooms (I reserve these until preparing for table) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 16-oz can Green Beans, drained </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 16-oz can Corn, drained </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">3 Stalks Celery, sliced </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 46-oz Can Tomato Juice (I prefer V-8) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2 Teaspoons Sugar </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 Teaspoon Celery Seed </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Salt and Pepper to Taste </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Cook ground meat in large saucepan until brown. Drain fat. Add in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer 10 minutes. Cool and freeze in re-sealable container. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">To prepare for serving, thaw stew. Bring to a boil; reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span>Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-11962348047164737202014-08-24T15:53:00.000-07:002014-08-24T15:53:40.154-07:00Tips to organize your homeschool life <span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>By: guest blogger Jennifer Jones</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have eight children...yes, eight. I homeschool them all. That's right. It's totally possible with just a little organization and a lot of flexibility. Homeschooling eight kids can definitely be a challenge so organization is key to making it through our day! We are eclectic homeschoolers and have a pretty loose schooling schedule, but being able to be flexible in a family of ten means there has to be some kind of underlying system in place that works for all of our varied personalities. Through much trial and error over the years I found that I keep coming back to four simple ideas that really work for us and hope that they can help your family too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: cyan;">*Set Goals!</span> - Goals may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you're considering how to organize your homeschooling supplies or your child's weekly schedule - but setting goals is truly the basis for how I organize everything we do, goals give me a path. I am constantly touching base with my kids to find out what their personal goals are and meshing those ideas with mom and dads ideas. We have weekly family meetings and we even have individual meetings with each child every six months or so with the primary purpose of discussing their short and long term goals and coming up with concrete plans for those goals. We have daily goals, weekly goals, monthly...and long-term goals. On rough days we even have hourly goals. I may not always call them "goals" but that's what we are doing when we set our schedule for the day or decide what activities to attend each week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: cyan;">*Weekly Schoolwork</span> - Having eight kids means eight individual academic levels and needs to be met and kept track of. This is the area that I have had the most trial and error in, so much error! But after a lot of research and patience I found a system that works well for us and I think it would be useful for a smaller family too. One of my personal goals for homeschooling my children is for them to become independent learners so they are able to teach themselves about anything they become interested in. So I approached organizing our schoolwork in a way that would allow them each the most independence and freedom of choice, from the oldest to the youngest child. The checklist is different for every child and includes their educational and personal goals for the week. Here are a few examples:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you can see, the lists vary based on age and interests. All the lists are posted on a bulletin board at the beginning of the week and the goal is to complete the list. They have freedom of choice over when to accomplish the items on the list - depending on their personalities, some of mine finish it all in one day, some stretch it out and a few procrastinate and do it all at the last moment. Each of them are learning about their own style of learning through this process as well. For the youngest kids (6 & 7) I give them a daily checklist so that it is presented to them in smaller chunks. I am able to be more in control of their choices this way, but they still feel that they have the same freedom as the older kids when they choose which task they want to do first, etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My big job to support this system each week is to fill up their individual folders with everything they need to accomplish their weekly goals on the checklist. Each one has a pocket folder with sections labeled according to what they are working on. If a child has a goal of completing 4 phonics lessons for the week, I make sure those are all in the right place in their folder when the week begins so they can easily do them whenever they are ready. And so on for all the subjects. I also double check at the beginning of the week to make sure that any items that don't fit in their folders (books, etc.) are readily available on the bookshelf. It takes me some time each Sunday to get all of this ready, but once I have it done I don't have to spend time at all the rest of the week looking for items the kids need. This frees up my time to be accessible to the kids as they work on their goals during the week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: cyan;">*Project Books</span> - Two years ago I started looking into <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning?gclid=CIi7mND9rMACFSxk7AodEBEAoA" target="_blank">project based learning </a>and found out that it really fit our family's homeschooling style. If you haven't already heard about project based learning I definitely suggest researching it more yourself! One of the things we added to our schooling is another great organizational tool for the kids - project books. Basically, each child keeps a journal of sorts of all the things they want to do and learn about - their "project" ideas. They jot down notes about how to accomplish those project goals, what they need to purchase, who they need to help them, what to research, etc. For the younger kids they will draw pictures of what they want to do (lately it has been a lot of project ideas for Minecraft builds) and tell me words to write down concerning how they will do it. The project books are kept in the kids' pocket folders so that they can add to them each week, look through them to help remember any goals and take steps as needed to reach those. I love this! It is very personal for each child and extremely empowering for them to know they can follow their passions. And the project book itself is an excellent peek at what is going on in their minds. This can be a great tool for any style of homeschooling!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: cyan;">*Curriculum Organization</span> - Homeschool families LOVE books, right? And despite all our best efforts, curriculum keeps piling up around the house. With a large family and many levels of study this is even more true. From the beginning of our journey I needed a way to be able to get the most out of all the curriculum I collected so I did something that a lot of people wouldn't do. I tore up the books. Even those expensive Saxon math books. All of my curriculum - free, purchased, downloaded and printed - has been taken out of their original binding and placed into large binder notebooks. Why? So I can reuse it and reuse it and reuse it...and share with friends too. In addition to taking packaged curriculum apart, I use the same system to create my own unit studies. I have binders on many, many topics - from Egypt, to birds and the Grand Canyon to robots. In each binder I include everything that I have gathered to study about that subject. It's all there in one spot so I can reuse it as younger kids get older and also share with friends studying those topics. Saving so much time, energy and money along the way!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are my four favorite tips for organizing your homeschooling family! Of course there are many other things we do at our house to organize on a daily basis - like joint <a href="https://support.google.com/calendar/answer/37095?hl=en" target="_blank">Google calendars</a> and bags/baskets ready to go for various activities out of the house, but these tips I have shared with your are the ones that have the biggest impact on our crazy family. I hope that they are helpful for you too. Have fun setting your goals!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-4277946663462224642014-08-17T20:45:00.003-07:002014-08-17T20:45:46.989-07:00Organized homeschooling with your heart in mind<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #9cc2e5;"><b>Meant to inspire mamas
to get where </b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #9cc2e5;"><b>they </b></span></i></span><i style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #9cc2e5;"><b>need to be and let go of the rest.</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.68000030517578px;">What does being organized mean to you? I ask this because so many homeschooling moms are in a quandary regarding organization. Sub-topics can include, but are not limited to: scheduling, managing a household while teaching, meal planning, coordinating materials and supplies, and so on and so forth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.68000030517578px;">I used to feel very overwhelmed when thinking about everything I had to do in a day, let alone the things I thought I ought to be doing, and let's just throw in there the things I thought I couldn't do. I would wake up in the morning feeling like I was behind and then forced my depleted self to bed feeling like I didn't accomplish nearly enough.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.68000030517578px;">I had set myself up for defeat, but how?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.68000030517578px;">Surely, organizing a home and school can be recognized as a type of physical discipline. Well let's back up a step, although the practical applications are there - consider the attitude of such an undertaking. Have you ever tried new organizational methods or products to find that they only worked for a while, before you ventured right back to your old ways? It reminds me of a diet of sorts, the <i>Organizing Diet</i> would go something like this, for 3 easy installments of $19.95 <i>"Get yourself in order, stay in order, & never fear clutter again!"</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.68000030517578px;">Organizing may not come easy to you for several reasons, like you are needing 36 hours in a day rather than a mere 24, you are wrangling wild animals and kids as a side job, you are stressing and eating Nutella from a jar, you are planning curriculum and cool field trips, or just too busy being social with other homeschoolers. Whatever the case, you want it done, but would rather not, or don't know how. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.68000030517578px;">Perhaps you just need a push in the right direction! Our homeschooling universe is quite unique and savvy. We are not separating learning from our lives, but embracing it as a way of life. Home educators in general are very giving and forthcoming when it comes to sharing information and even valuable time with each other.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.68000030517578px;">If you have tried organizing yourself before and failed, then I encourage you to drop your current attitude. Yup, perspective is everything! Let go of your fears, be positive by not uttering the negative, pray, and breathe in and out. Do whatever is necessary to release any tension that may be lingering in your life. Surround yourself with other homeschool parents outside of your home that are positive and upbeat. Get out of your house and attend a homeschool activity, even if only once a month, but preferably more. You will find that support comes in many forms and can be extremely motivating. You may even discover that your idea of organizing changes or evolves over time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.68000030517578px;">Okay, so what about some practical ways to get your house and school in order? Big or small, there's always someone in our amazing community that has clever ideas to share. I'm excited to join forces with some local HS mamas to see just how they structure their family and school lives.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.68000030517578px;">Join me in welcoming veteran homeschooler, Jennifer Jones, in our next weekly post. She will be guest blogging and sharing some of her favorite organizational tips that she uses with her sizable and charismatic family.</span></span></div>
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Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-54090828656065741732014-08-07T23:29:00.001-07:002014-08-07T23:29:10.135-07:00New Mexico roadschooling notebook deconstructed<span style="font-size: large;">One of the perks of homeschooling is that we get to visit places when everyone else is at school and work. So, in the middle of last March we packed up the kids and drove from Texas to New Mexico to try snow skiing for the first time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our goal was to get to Roswell, approximately 8 hours away with a nursing baby in tow. Although our trip took a little longer, we made it to the little city by dark & then enjoyed all the aliens and UFO's it had to offer the next morning. Our final destination to Sipapu was only 4 hours further.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The boys did not rely on a bunch of movies or video games for entertainment. In fact, we did a little prep before hitting the road & made some roadschooling notebooks to keep occupied. We included items like tape, pencils, map pencils, glue, sketch books, & magnifying glasses. They also brought along books to read and we played car games.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's our notebooks at a glance: </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17r50zRDU5fwfKetj-cH7Vos_TZ3iXjB0jkWZ-KbCuNIh8KjtpF0w2yPSNlzscfBVud7dFrWcd9BHvBdlTaVeiT_i_exUda5aHZHNoOlnYYzele4w7MkJik_FO2mtAuef2UlPYw6p4Bw/s1600/Road+School.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17r50zRDU5fwfKetj-cH7Vos_TZ3iXjB0jkWZ-KbCuNIh8KjtpF0w2yPSNlzscfBVud7dFrWcd9BHvBdlTaVeiT_i_exUda5aHZHNoOlnYYzele4w7MkJik_FO2mtAuef2UlPYw6p4Bw/s1600/Road+School.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little T's notebook</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I put together some facts and pictures regarding New Mexico, so the boys could familiarize themselves with their new surroundings. Even though we have things like Yucca plants in Texas, they still had fun pointing various ones out on the trip. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also mapquest our <a href="http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Sipapu" target="_blank">destination</a> and printed out the map for them, along with the Sipapu <a href="http://www.sipapunm.com/the-mountain/trail-map" target="_blank">trails</a> they would encounter later.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifObRnK98wWvS6hxf71JVsUO-kAE52N4QGaNkPUFOEatgs0vK_7ppzwOvR-6HWCLJdwiQlFb5LfOfx_iOoMOGC8SYLyV9-WFRyNAEOgogdAa1eO-Ufrq4PZsO_-u2vVk6cK7c1aEr1_4c/s1600/NM+Notebook1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifObRnK98wWvS6hxf71JVsUO-kAE52N4QGaNkPUFOEatgs0vK_7ppzwOvR-6HWCLJdwiQlFb5LfOfx_iOoMOGC8SYLyV9-WFRyNAEOgogdAa1eO-Ufrq4PZsO_-u2vVk6cK7c1aEr1_4c/s1600/NM+Notebook1.JPG" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Little T had "The Snowman" and "The Snow Queen" stories in his binder. I read them aloud to him, so he could close his eyes and visualize the stories. This helped him to unwind and relax. You can find these short stories on <a href="http://omazingkidsllc.com/2012/12/14/even-more-snowy-faves-two-guided-relaxation-stories-great-for-kids-yoga/" target="_blank">OMazing Kids</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Large manila envelopes are wonderful to punch holes into and add to 3 ring binders. They not only hold stuff (wonderful stuff), but add a sense of mystery and excitement. I found these neat little puzzles that I added into one pouch, along with a design your own snowflake worksheet. The other envelope housed a design your own alien comic strip with crazy clipart included.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcU-vRCt9Ja_refNSxU_tWUu8vTH5XCIdIpDi-yVXPdRx-D-OSBgLCCWyjHKe_7K9hBWCvYU6Q0Wh2cbsgeJEh8mLICCjrIj2pfPZLknDCumcw7NzE-nzOadASR3qnzWGYSwhxTAM8fo/s1600/Nm+Notebook5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcU-vRCt9Ja_refNSxU_tWUu8vTH5XCIdIpDi-yVXPdRx-D-OSBgLCCWyjHKe_7K9hBWCvYU6Q0Wh2cbsgeJEh8mLICCjrIj2pfPZLknDCumcw7NzE-nzOadASR3qnzWGYSwhxTAM8fo/s1600/Nm+Notebook5.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Building upon the skiing excitement, a short story called "Learning to Ski" from <a href="https://www.havefunteaching.com/worksheets/reading-worksheets/reading-comprehension-worksheets/third-grade-reading-comprehension-worksheets/third-grade-reading-comprehension-worksheet-learning-ski" target="_blank">Have Fun Teaching</a> was an attention grabber for Little T. Big T had <a href="http://www.moofondue.com/samoens/samoens-ski/ski-slang/" target="_blank">ski slang</a> definitions added to his book and we all had a great laugh. Plus they acquainted themselves with various parts of the ski gear they would soon be using from a simple Google search. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP50V6eqgTchB2XDg0gowPkHEv_vYJzq_4y2rmNLGGhbYVCkuASFVQVPGk8RfGLZOvlLKYSXklYk-cX-gC9xyXYW-soFLJC4RYd8qi_XAwB45ruXpWTW0rq5egkOhXO9y4nn_eayjdSgg/s1600/NM+Notebook8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP50V6eqgTchB2XDg0gowPkHEv_vYJzq_4y2rmNLGGhbYVCkuASFVQVPGk8RfGLZOvlLKYSXklYk-cX-gC9xyXYW-soFLJC4RYd8qi_XAwB45ruXpWTW0rq5egkOhXO9y4nn_eayjdSgg/s1600/NM+Notebook8.JPG" height="171" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another resource I liked using and will be using again is called <a href="http://www.printablepaper.net/" target="_blank">Printable Paper</a>. They have every type of paper form imaginable that you get to print for free. I used some of the storyboard templates for the loose comic strip designs. The <a href="http://omazingkidsyoga.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/my-snow-globe.pdf" target="_blank">snow globe worksheet</a> came from OMazing Kids.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvuL-FMK2I_2zHf1UPXw2qJQVcnOURql37iVFeWHr_V9uDg2snJb-wcJ-I1YE9YbS02oDbtF1fATKGA1Rb98_zANira1y49Uj9RXlLaJplZfWvlAR1wrPFRlgTyTbB4PcKB445Yq9aro/s1600/NM+Notebook2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvuL-FMK2I_2zHf1UPXw2qJQVcnOURql37iVFeWHr_V9uDg2snJb-wcJ-I1YE9YbS02oDbtF1fATKGA1Rb98_zANira1y49Uj9RXlLaJplZfWvlAR1wrPFRlgTyTbB4PcKB445Yq9aro/s1600/NM+Notebook2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our last secret manila envelope consisted of the "Pipe-cleaner Masterpiece." My handwritten instructions: Design a buddy, sculpture, or work of art! You can hang them around for fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had tons of "art" that was made and then scrapped and then made again.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My God-daughter and Little T with their pipecleaner art crowns.</span></td></tr>
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Other items that lived in the binders were gallon sized bags with holes punched into the bottoms. A hand written index card let the boys know to collect items like pamphlets and post cards along the way. We even found some cotton in a field that made its way into one of the bags.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The favorites out of the notebooks were probably the games. We had two that kept all the kids and adults busy both ways on the trip. We played the </span><a href="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/wp-content/uploads/License-Plate-Game.pdf" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">license plate game</a><span style="font-size: large;">, collecting one from each state and had a pretty decent travel scavenger list going.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The boys also worked on Boy Scout and Cub Scout badges and pins. Little T was able to complete his Snow Ski and Board Sports activities, so earned the pin. Big T worked really hard on his, but still needs to master those moguls. He'll have another opportunity at the beginning of the year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't think that TnT even finished everything in their notebooks, and that's okay with me. They learned a ton and were active participants in family discussions and knew what was going on around them at any given time. The important thing is that they were connected with us and the world around them and not buried in a video game or other electronic device.</span><br />
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Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-32836839269826836912014-07-23T23:56:00.001-07:002014-07-28T19:23:09.371-07:00Made-up pumpkin cakes<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blog entry by: Big T</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My little brother really wanted some pancakes, but we discovered that alas, there were no eggs to be found. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In my brilliance, however, I had the amazing idea of using pumpkin as a substitute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fantabulousness ensued...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQcCI1nJy5MU3xfvyf3Pt8FPFx1cwfmNPs2j9k0XZhlZTy5O9gwNmREWtbTw7r3ugfPMob50z0TwcMI5Gujutlagus8y5wercVseeXyCO2XtWSEmbDWc0gcIwhy46RU3nWWx2EAs22vY/s1600/pee+cake+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQcCI1nJy5MU3xfvyf3Pt8FPFx1cwfmNPs2j9k0XZhlZTy5O9gwNmREWtbTw7r3ugfPMob50z0TwcMI5Gujutlagus8y5wercVseeXyCO2XtWSEmbDWc0gcIwhy46RU3nWWx2EAs22vY/s1600/pee+cake+5.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We added homemade granola.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhko7stjxLwsR5pAfZhg96eUC_TfAgr_2_yB6kaF_6ZUFihr9ZPZhpzpD6etcEu1LmT1M6M6Kk4d46yKNCJ69E1DKCsj97s7EcDb5HZ3fBOmvK_IXQzCBckilKZhVwFIQ-m617yHIUdEIQ/s1600/Pee+cake+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhko7stjxLwsR5pAfZhg96eUC_TfAgr_2_yB6kaF_6ZUFihr9ZPZhpzpD6etcEu1LmT1M6M6Kk4d46yKNCJ69E1DKCsj97s7EcDb5HZ3fBOmvK_IXQzCBckilKZhVwFIQ-m617yHIUdEIQ/s1600/Pee+cake+4.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awkward photo moment. I couldn't stop laughing.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our made up on the spot Pumpkin Cake Recipe:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Cup Pioneer Brand Pancake & Waffle Mix</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3/4 Cup Milk</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1.5 Tablespoons Coconut Oil</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Butterscotch Chips (as many as you desire)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3 Dashes (to taste) Cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 Can Pumpkin Puree </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/4 Cup Homemade Granola</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mix everything together, but don't add the granola or butterscotch chips yet. Preheat your pan & lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle some olive oil onto the surface. Use a tablespoon to form your circular medallion cakes. Sprinkle granola and butterscotch chips onto the top of each little cake. There will be no air bubbles visible, so flip cake when it holds together & lightly brown other side. Be careful and don't burn the scotchy chips. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No syrup needed, although we added a dollop of real cream! Eat up and enjoy!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Cvm9RFBs5R_-h2idUYFxLmy2CvZe2Lu5wYKD5ohrzS3Z0zcDiYVwHD31FuIn6M24jT0-V5OheBvsAMLR158KvT5nT0_Kkjyl0C-dJppDD4JS88idX-oZWE4WL9lsj8lih85s6hQMiJc/s1600/pee+cake+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Cvm9RFBs5R_-h2idUYFxLmy2CvZe2Lu5wYKD5ohrzS3Z0zcDiYVwHD31FuIn6M24jT0-V5OheBvsAMLR158KvT5nT0_Kkjyl0C-dJppDD4JS88idX-oZWE4WL9lsj8lih85s6hQMiJc/s1600/pee+cake+3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy customer!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even Baby T enjoyed it! We left the granola & chips out of his.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW4YKJ1lB3Im_9Ahce5SxuoakoSgqcy66mNx7kQ-gxZ3Vb7E_5oazesuaDAZx6h_RqZ-Tw_mY7wHxKRp7vmy4FyYRy3ftrsZCRv111MdH1CXqBy37paTKTV8B7r8Xyn0ezMMwqQxXygg/s1600/Pee+cake+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW4YKJ1lB3Im_9Ahce5SxuoakoSgqcy66mNx7kQ-gxZ3Vb7E_5oazesuaDAZx6h_RqZ-Tw_mY7wHxKRp7vmy4FyYRy3ftrsZCRv111MdH1CXqBy37paTKTV8B7r8Xyn0ezMMwqQxXygg/s1600/Pee+cake+1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMZh2Pw1Hdw041LC4S5JhJJCBM87OZPd7rBlMGCegVt-1BvhnryW1aT5p3O2ViDtE5LcjJ0Ccc_EGGTsuq9otu_GZy77Ctpi3bMflSNKy3C-Sa9HPWV3PXIWNGq0o6Y7iwY-69RVU_hQ/s1600/Pee+cake+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMZh2Pw1Hdw041LC4S5JhJJCBM87OZPd7rBlMGCegVt-1BvhnryW1aT5p3O2ViDtE5LcjJ0Ccc_EGGTsuq9otu_GZy77Ctpi3bMflSNKy3C-Sa9HPWV3PXIWNGq0o6Y7iwY-69RVU_hQ/s1600/Pee+cake+2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Nom Nom, sticky finger licking good!</span><br />
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Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-22627978556722589242014-07-13T16:25:00.003-07:002014-07-14T13:36:06.916-07:00Homeschoolers are engaging and fun<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes it's hard putting "homeschooling" into words. After all, we do so much! Here's part of our year in a nutshell. Yes, this is only a snippet of what my family is involved in, but it's a pretty good sneak peek into our world.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">If you are on the fence about homeschooling, I hope this motivates your family in the right direction. </span><br />
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<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="420" src="http://www.kizoa.com/embed-11057628-3386583o1" width="560"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.kizoa.com/Video-Maker/d11057628k3386583o2/our-homeschool-world"><b>Our Homeschool World</b></a> - <i><a href="http://www.kizoa.com/">Video Maker</a></i></div>
Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-49618085765598886412014-05-23T22:30:00.000-07:002014-05-23T22:44:55.603-07:00Ear solution for your fur baby<span style="font-size: large;">Our mascot/fur baby has another ear infection! We took him into the vet a while back and it was diagnosed as a yeast infection, not mites. He was treated and it eventually cleared, but now it's back. We really don't know why he's prone to ear infections, perhaps the change of food when we went out of town. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAevzdOqHUk4epiThjhSxBK24ffIuYYPXYItvpnXY3jKDprf-v4d_XxF8FkJdOoXu5jY6cP4gDnPckKt-lJRui74sFlbFTIREt_8lQRzyv5S8YTnUrcCLrkbIWvGfHOgdZ-VRhMgE_ds/s1600/It's+a+fur+boy11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAevzdOqHUk4epiThjhSxBK24ffIuYYPXYItvpnXY3jKDprf-v4d_XxF8FkJdOoXu5jY6cP4gDnPckKt-lJRui74sFlbFTIREt_8lQRzyv5S8YTnUrcCLrkbIWvGfHOgdZ-VRhMgE_ds/s1600/It's+a+fur+boy11.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I looked it up and found out some information regarding the type of yeast, <a href="http://www.vetinfo.com/yeast-infection-in-cats-ears.html" target="_blank">candida</a>. Anyway, a friend of mine said she had a remedy even better than what the vet's office could offer. She uses it on her Irish Setter and can not say enough positive things about the mixture.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I was more on the cautious side and investigated the recipe she gave me even further. Apparently, it's been around for a while and originally made by a veterinarian. Dog owners swear by it and it's safe for felines as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step one is to flood the ear canals with the solution & massage in at base of ear. Your pet will shake his/her head vigorously, so do it in an area where it's okay for a little splatter mess.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Then you administer 1-2 drop in each ear for 2 weeks. You can wipe any excess wax that comes out with a piece of toilet paper or cotton. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">At first I was afraid to clean Nico's ears, but after his doctor showed me how, then I didn't feel like I could hurt him.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.allergyearskincare.com/animal-care/component/content/article/70.html" target="_blank">Their ear canals go down and then back</a> (different from ours), so you can give the outer portion of the ear a good wiping without fear. I simply hold the scruff on the back of his neck, bend his ear flap back and do what I have to do quickly. Amazingly, he doesn't try to scratch or bite, he just runs off after I let go.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When applying the drops, I quickly release the ear and fold over to shut so I can massage for a few seconds before he shakes...sometimes while he shakes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And I had an extra pair of hands to help with the first two applications before I got used to the procedure and felt comfortable doing it on my own. Now I can pretty much do it one handed, while my other hand is holding the scruff and keeping him still. I also find it better to sit on the floor and use my legs to sort of corral him.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have completed 1 full week of the cycle. For the first few days I saw a lot of dark waxy debris, but while cleaning his ears today, I noticed he didn't have as much. Once the two weeks are completed, he'll get another good ear inspection and hopefully it will be okay to administer the formula once a month for maintenance and use as a preventative. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Blue/Purple Power Wash Recipe:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4DlP-kGtC_QYLuGwo-1Z8WW3PnI0EQSUaWrMNbJehx92385dga05eUnsfyel1VH_Nl_SniDvhltBjgYb6C7HZxx0nzkV-cDMTYNeQ5Miy9N2cYQuEe3agz__WNiCkO0lkdYKLeI0wSg/s1600/BlueWash.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4DlP-kGtC_QYLuGwo-1Z8WW3PnI0EQSUaWrMNbJehx92385dga05eUnsfyel1VH_Nl_SniDvhltBjgYb6C7HZxx0nzkV-cDMTYNeQ5Miy9N2cYQuEe3agz__WNiCkO0lkdYKLeI0wSg/s1600/BlueWash.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">16oz Bottle Witch Hazel</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4 Tablespoons Boric Acid Powder (found at local grocery store with medicines)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">16 Drops Genetian Violet 1% Solution (Walgreens will order for you at no additional charge & it's inexpensive - I ordered off of Amazon) **Side Note, this solution is a dark purple & stains like a permanent marker in its concentrated form.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Dropper (I chose to get a glass amber bottle with dropper)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Mix all the ingredients into the Witch Hazel bottle and shake until everything is dissolved. Be sure to shake before each use!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Please be careful and don't get into your or your pet's eyes! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The above notes are what I'm doing with my small pet - upon researching a bit, I chose to amend the recipe to a lower dose and not flood the ears every time. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The original recipe and treatment can be found at <a href="http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/ears.html" target="_blank">Woodhaven Labs</a>. </span><br />
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<br />Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-23590911602832758442014-05-22T22:59:00.002-07:002014-05-22T23:22:06.775-07:00Making liquid laundry soap for our family<span style="font-size: large;">Our original laundry soap recipe was taken from the</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"> <a href="http://www.duggarfamily.com/content/duggar_recipes/30455/Homemade%20Liquid%20Laundry%20Soap-%20Front%20or%20top%20load%20machine-%20best%20value" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Duggar's favorite recipes page</span></a></span>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I use a Fels-Naptha soap bar to treat our stains (especially baby stains) on a regular basis. Also, it's important to use cold water when pre-treating stains so they don't set in. Place soiled clothing in sink & rinse with cold water while working soap bar into stain(s). Leave a little bit of the soap on the stain when rinsing and then wring and hang until you are ready to wash.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Amended Cleaned to a "T" Recipe: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1.5 bars of Fels-Naptha</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (must use sodium carbonate, so just adding baking soda won't work)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3/4 Cup Borax</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4 Cups hot tap water</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5 Gallon Bucket to store detergent</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Container to hold detergent you are using (an empty liquid laundry soap container works or a large plastic Arizona tea container does the job)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Funnel </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Essential Oils (Optional)</span><br />
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*All of these ingredients with the exception of a really nice essential oil, are cheap. I paid 99 cents for my Fels-Naptha bar (found in laundry detergent aisle) & $1.99 for the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grate your soap bar into a pot with the 4 cups of hot water. Stir it until melted and soap is dissolved over medium heat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMF61FJVJ_gskzVpcV3PSr2KlQ_hgTqAAKw6qGf2Yg8AiEuIWOqJzDbHtvu3rhyb4A89Gx9h2cRHMu6Ll-SQ70s-i37V2XJrzX84-v-vWort7YPAs2A-LnhH5N0Wgk5cDcLKPn1oJMog/s1600/Clean2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMF61FJVJ_gskzVpcV3PSr2KlQ_hgTqAAKw6qGf2Yg8AiEuIWOqJzDbHtvu3rhyb4A89Gx9h2cRHMu6Ll-SQ70s-i37V2XJrzX84-v-vWort7YPAs2A-LnhH5N0Wgk5cDcLKPn1oJMog/s1600/Clean2.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Get your 5 gallon bucket ready by filling it up halfway with hot water & then adding the cooked soap mixture. Add the other ingredients with the exception of the essential oils and stir until everything is dissolved. Fill the bucket up with some more hot water. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvyMNQgXNeWr5TTMqHt3aIkiRHSK5EUdQPIxo9fCtosqQEAPsl02ZWZ1hX7fEzNVD4kao-gzbvAnCb3cdo-UWj_bTilnuaRIANiuKKxlo3GdOdSANKMFzSw6wwge4_Mu-5NhrRMF-Ckw/s1600/Clean4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvyMNQgXNeWr5TTMqHt3aIkiRHSK5EUdQPIxo9fCtosqQEAPsl02ZWZ1hX7fEzNVD4kao-gzbvAnCb3cdo-UWj_bTilnuaRIANiuKKxlo3GdOdSANKMFzSw6wwge4_Mu-5NhrRMF-Ckw/s1600/Clean4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is supposed to set over night. It will thicken and become like a gel with some clumps in it. The first time I made this, I was unfamiliar with the Fels-Naptha bar & used Ivory (big mistake). My mixture didn't quite thicken as anticipated.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJP7UNpjlkKtyABzJTNKY4vWelj9CCyokr68-LsuB3kDCru6XThBL2uCyPcoyQUyF1g6sm8OyQCLyyHwH0kAa46v3eCAEYy4VWI_-90BTRE-ZB18hxuQyaqRdsQF0sdkTUd_w1UvMNJk/s1600/Clean9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJP7UNpjlkKtyABzJTNKY4vWelj9CCyokr68-LsuB3kDCru6XThBL2uCyPcoyQUyF1g6sm8OyQCLyyHwH0kAa46v3eCAEYy4VWI_-90BTRE-ZB18hxuQyaqRdsQF0sdkTUd_w1UvMNJk/s1600/Clean9.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Take your funnel & container that will house your detergent & pour gelled soap in it until it reaches the halfway mark. Fill the rest with hot water and use your essential oil at this point. I used <a href="http://www.mydoterra.com/marajohnson/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">doTerra's Lavendar and Lemon oils </span></a>(about 10 drops each) & then ended up adding Sandalwood oil later, because I thought it was a perfect "natural clean" scent.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The detergent will continue to gel and clump, so it's important to shake before each use. I use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup per load based on the types of material & how much I'm washing - for instance, I would add more in a jeans load as opposed to a baby clothes load.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Good for cleaning up your family one load at a time, enjoy!</span>Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-8382088002498704582014-05-06T23:17:00.000-07:002014-05-06T23:32:27.601-07:00Mother's Day Gift<span style="font-size: large;">Here is a simple Mama's Day gift that can be made at home! I used Microsoft Word and just imported some of my favorite pictures. I'll have the boys and my God-daughter fill them out as a little side activity from our normal Friday history reading.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And yep, I made this sheet up and have no qualms about giving it to my children to fill out. I'll close my eyes of course and place them in an envelope until Sunday. Oh and my God-daughter's will of course go to her sweet mom. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 16pt;">History has
proven that you are <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 16pt;">the very
best mother for me </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 16pt;">because you
know my heart!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600"
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt;">You
are special to me because _________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt;">______________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt;">My
favorite thing to do with you is _____________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt;">______________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt;">I
think you are the most _______________ in the whole world!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you were famous, it would be for ____________________________.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt;">I
find comfort in your _____________________________________.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt;">I
thank you for _________________________________________.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt;">Your
smiles, hugs, and kisses make me feel ________________________.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt;">One
day, I’d like to __________________ just like you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">God put us together because
__________________________________.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Love Always,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is another one set in a slightly different format for grandma: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 20pt;">An Oma is special, but you are extra <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">special
because you belong to me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJQDsvHSKTXjzfcZQ-vw61wFbJMYk9P_h49JrlclTiLO7Ige01IQqDg3ZHnaJ59zfIeArIMOcfY0MgN4c2VfJS6dkCJJQTiliGlYqY4MzuPnqtAJe4cuG0_mgiSIWPN8aex67UUO6ZNc/s1600/Lalo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJQDsvHSKTXjzfcZQ-vw61wFbJMYk9P_h49JrlclTiLO7Ige01IQqDg3ZHnaJ59zfIeArIMOcfY0MgN4c2VfJS6dkCJJQTiliGlYqY4MzuPnqtAJe4cuG0_mgiSIWPN8aex67UUO6ZNc/s1600/Lalo.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB';">2014</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I like seeing you because
_____________________________________________.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I love the way you
_________________________________________________.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Your ___________________ is great!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have fun with you by
_____________________________________________.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I like when you
__________________________________________________.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You are the best at
_______________________________________________.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Your secret talent is ______________________________________________.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you were famous, you’d be famous for
__________________________________.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’d like to _________________ with you one day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Love Always,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I printed these out using card stock for extra durability. The beauty of this easy, but heartwarming project is you can customize your own with different wording, adding borders, or whatever tugs at those mom heartstrings. BTW, I think this format is great to use on small kids all the way up through teens. My husband is graciously filling out the one from our baby to me, can't wait!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Mother's Day, may we count our blessings!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "CatholicSchoolGirls Intl BB"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-35292693310672943942014-04-07T22:44:00.001-07:002014-04-10T07:46:54.263-07:00Some pig!<span style="font-size: large;">The boys and I went on a Valentine's date to the <a href="http://www.austinzoo.org/" target="_blank">Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary</a>. We saw all sorts of beautiful animals, like big cats and monkeys to name a few. We didn't expect to find a common farm pig among the exotics, but there he was, "Babe."</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the zoo keepers told us that a girl had raised him for show and when it came time to sell the giant pig for slaughter, she could not do it. The zoo took this guy in and the girl still visits and brings toys and treats for him.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We learned some interesting facts about pigs that day! Did you know that pigs are really smart, like as smart as a young child? Babe had actually been tested and he learned how to use a joystick within a day; treats were his motivation. The same test had been performed on a dog and it took the canine close to one full year to get it down.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Babe also has to wear sunscreen so he won't burn his delicate pink skin. And one last interesting fact is that the inside of pigs are very close to our own make-up, strange huh?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meet sleepy Mr. Babe!</span></div>
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Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-57286588085878751762014-04-07T22:25:00.001-07:002014-04-07T22:25:06.609-07:00Oxidation with atoms and molecules<span style="font-size: large;">Big T is still enjoying the science experiments presented in Apologia's <em><a href="http://shop.apologia.com/4-physical-science" target="_blank">Exploring Creation with Physical Science</a></em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In this experiment, he needed:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">9 volt battery</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Wire crimpers or scissors </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cdliGYIWJAng0objcuOJ40h-a-JeL-gbDHtvCldcQensM1OuN0gOupvnBnVlBxeroUJPHqY-pDaTsvLthl1nYrl55I-L6fim05y8FDyAFBpQ1Zb9k5FP5RIFRS-8Bj8d86_4Iw4CNts/s1600/Apologia+Oxidation+Exp0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cdliGYIWJAng0objcuOJ40h-a-JeL-gbDHtvCldcQensM1OuN0gOupvnBnVlBxeroUJPHqY-pDaTsvLthl1nYrl55I-L6fim05y8FDyAFBpQ1Zb9k5FP5RIFRS-8Bj8d86_4Iw4CNts/s1600/Apologia+Oxidation+Exp0.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Water</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Small glass</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Measuring spoon (1 tsp)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Plastic spoon to stir</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 coated copper wires</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tape</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Safety glasses</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Notebook to record data</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pen or pencil</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What he did:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He filled his glass about 3/4 full of water & stirred in 1 teaspoon of baking soda. The 1 teaspoon of baking soda ended up not being enough, so he added 2 more later. Next, he took the wire crimpers and stripped off 1/4 inch of the insulation or coating on both ends of the wires. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the tricky part - He attached one of the stripped ends (can use tape) on one of the battery terminals, then repeated with the second wire & was careful not to let the loose ends touch each other. Then, he placed the loose wires into the water (without touching one another). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bubbles started forming in the water once the additional baking soda was added. The book said to leave the wires in the water for 10 minutes and when he did that, the wires turned different colors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He let the experiment run for a much longer duration, probably about 20 minutes. He noticed that the water started to turn green as well.</span><br />
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Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-11420917335292410502014-04-05T15:28:00.000-07:002014-04-05T15:28:43.650-07:00It's a boy<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome home Baby T! Delivery and recovery were a bit rough, but I will not bore anyone with the details. Instead, we have this perfect little miracle to focus upon. I am honored and most delighted to care for this precious baby boy. Thank you Jesus for such a beautiful gift!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgVC6lbESl_PU2iW299h8mbmrbrE7ZuGaY3cJveJHV5MH5XNO1CkHfMToWW-DcBXFxGp8mQw0ASMbnWzZa-YU-vC_YuGa0IN6cRnQK4rMaIuebJ3HRidoEHNqFdLPHRhSCr232LiRGLM/s1600/It's+a+boy18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgVC6lbESl_PU2iW299h8mbmrbrE7ZuGaY3cJveJHV5MH5XNO1CkHfMToWW-DcBXFxGp8mQw0ASMbnWzZa-YU-vC_YuGa0IN6cRnQK4rMaIuebJ3HRidoEHNqFdLPHRhSCr232LiRGLM/s1600/It's+a+boy18.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZOkHwXd8rZSlizLrvU0fL3AoN8XG92FAoWZw3FbPrakqnQc5n8SoKDRzwTf0kSXodfr3FgPt64ruwe3LRVy3Y7qYD71EmRF70B_1aKXIrvnM8qthf0OkdgVJsX8CR7849xGO-kjscoQ/s1600/WelcomeTurner36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZOkHwXd8rZSlizLrvU0fL3AoN8XG92FAoWZw3FbPrakqnQc5n8SoKDRzwTf0kSXodfr3FgPt64ruwe3LRVy3Y7qYD71EmRF70B_1aKXIrvnM8qthf0OkdgVJsX8CR7849xGO-kjscoQ/s1600/WelcomeTurner36.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU54YflFRyhAaHAa2YWMZ4rcsA6wMgyuzIq9XuLdGEffqYVmLqP6sh2h6dcP9LLT8wl8C_6oJ_XQbrYdlQr0guYqzP3J63_KcraZNcU-tywucH3NJLb5RmfH7HTbJIPucSmdb67CXUZmQ/s1600/WelcomeTurner13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU54YflFRyhAaHAa2YWMZ4rcsA6wMgyuzIq9XuLdGEffqYVmLqP6sh2h6dcP9LLT8wl8C_6oJ_XQbrYdlQr0guYqzP3J63_KcraZNcU-tywucH3NJLb5RmfH7HTbJIPucSmdb67CXUZmQ/s1600/WelcomeTurner13.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlAOGKBs-AerMXmZ4cAeokcbtTZwQWdiLOyLFiH8lZUWZ7rKeG73HAHX6kRdXcc2Y6-P5gHl2lMOwdVDndfbpStp2n9fURZba9FNnURxPxnBFEKYduyvJ-nOFFPE0NFOgbfbvjz-Ey58/s1600/WelcomeTurner44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlAOGKBs-AerMXmZ4cAeokcbtTZwQWdiLOyLFiH8lZUWZ7rKeG73HAHX6kRdXcc2Y6-P5gHl2lMOwdVDndfbpStp2n9fURZba9FNnURxPxnBFEKYduyvJ-nOFFPE0NFOgbfbvjz-Ey58/s1600/WelcomeTurner44.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The boys are quite enamored!</span><br />
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Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-75805854667703187112013-10-31T10:07:00.001-07:002013-10-31T10:07:53.293-07:00Family Night<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is how we spent our family Night.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUTkYbOIVPThM8Gh7NpSlQZfYGdqc29YZLP0CtVSE6SXlpg7Xe14Czt-hY6enWfv-Pl0fX6w-Kl10TluYW71owCDg0KD2Q4Es3IOCBS-IcyEB198jjhHKqkgnLbefivceMMN_o4bfqHQ/s1600/Chicken+Foot1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUTkYbOIVPThM8Gh7NpSlQZfYGdqc29YZLP0CtVSE6SXlpg7Xe14Czt-hY6enWfv-Pl0fX6w-Kl10TluYW71owCDg0KD2Q4Es3IOCBS-IcyEB198jjhHKqkgnLbefivceMMN_o4bfqHQ/s400/Chicken+Foot1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Learning how to play Chicken Foot.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGAbFW6HQiR4AiYUxDuHinktgD5GcfJr_logZXagKzMnjRVCm35Dx86xcvv9vqMT-j4c5_PcCxQE9MpC4HWWoTT2VnV4LDmqDtBfWJsyVj7FBjoTe0V1CSrolJQbkouziWqLuFw5CWJU/s1600/Chicken+Foot2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGAbFW6HQiR4AiYUxDuHinktgD5GcfJr_logZXagKzMnjRVCm35Dx86xcvv9vqMT-j4c5_PcCxQE9MpC4HWWoTT2VnV4LDmqDtBfWJsyVj7FBjoTe0V1CSrolJQbkouziWqLuFw5CWJU/s320/Chicken+Foot2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We loved it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Although, the double-blank domino is scary!</span></div>
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Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-64382333126934023742013-09-15T11:06:00.000-07:002013-09-15T11:06:49.611-07:00Enjoying Story of the World - second time around!<span style="font-size: large;">Big T has already read through all the volumes of SOTW and enjoyed them immensely. We never possessed the accompanying activity book before now though. As a family, we used to act out scenes from the texts that the boys chose themselves. It was dubbed as "family acting" or more like "family comedy" night. They still talk about those "fun" nights, so I plan to implement this again in the near not so far off future.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, we have started the series once more with Little T and my God-daughter K. Big T is assisting and taking part in some of the latest activities that have been inspired by our newly acquired SOTW </span><span style="font-size: large;">activity book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This time around, my students are reading from the text & following along with the audio disc, which was checked out from our local library, along with additional books to enhance our </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">first chapter.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My pupils loved making their own cave paintings! This particular scene was motivated by hunting, but I was impressed to see a farmer's shaduf in the upper right hand corner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Big T also made a fantastic hunting scene!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Big K was moved by aliens!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Big T in teacher assistant mode.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-79630786170897499542013-09-12T17:04:00.000-07:002013-09-12T17:04:17.607-07:00Bring Them Up Gardening<span style="font-size: large;">We are very fortunate to have connections with some wonderful homeschooling families in the area. Yup, we struck it rich with this bunch! My boys are not only socialized too death, but they have opportunities to learn, experiment, & do amazing things with homeschoolers like themselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A huge learning, experimental, & amazing thing they get to take part in is community gardening. There are 8 families, including us, working side by side growing our own food. It has been highly successful in both production and learning how to set up a large garden.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have tilled the land, planted seeds, collected seeds, harvested, controlled bug invasions, and so much more. Right now we are in the process of readying its second growing season. I am not quite sure that Texas has more than two seasons, but when our pumpkins start getting big and orange, it will certainly feel like Fall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Little T & his buddy M planting seeds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our youngest working in the garden for the first time. She watched the others & quickly caught on. See, she's patting the dirt.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH0LwlSEZCas84Jh0u45dFJH6___ZjTSmZQCZ0jVG-ywBOEFVmCbwFxIifdnovz3EeCTvdVP6Vo7sAxQY367B7oaMNQYw6v5O5pw4TOKhqUoBVd_CO1BXBRoJmkki8MQI3epSsc6BFac/s1600/Garden8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH0LwlSEZCas84Jh0u45dFJH6___ZjTSmZQCZ0jVG-ywBOEFVmCbwFxIifdnovz3EeCTvdVP6Vo7sAxQY367B7oaMNQYw6v5O5pw4TOKhqUoBVd_CO1BXBRoJmkki8MQI3epSsc6BFac/s400/Garden8.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Big T getting the rows ready for planting. His dad did a great job tilling beforehand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm helping K with the harvesting...shhh, it's one of the best jobs. And another K is behind us watering.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Big T & K prepare the veggies to be weighed and washed. Math is everywhere!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorite parts of our last garden group day was when the littlers </span><span style="font-size: large;">wandered off & created their own garden.</span></div>
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Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-2289026923411194012013-09-06T23:19:00.000-07:002013-09-06T23:19:17.958-07:00Apologia - Excellent Experiments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Big T is really liking his new Science course this year. I decided to try out Apologia and thus we journey into the world of Physical Science four times per week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I like to preview before I purchase curriculum, so I examined the course at a homeschool convention and ended up acquiring the text and student notebook/workbook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What do I like about using Apologia so far? The first thing that I find helpful is the course layout itself in the student notebook.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are 34 weeks already planned out & ready to go! One could jump right in or do what I did and amend it to suit your own schedule. It is definitely handy to have as a quick reference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also like the fact that the experiments do not have me running to the store a zillion times in search of various materials. So far, I have found everything we need right in our own home...big plus!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another note regarding the experiments is that the student does them as he/she reads along. There is no need to wait until the end of a chapter and they do not seem to be a hindrance to include in a lesson.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, what does Big T like about Apologia? He is all about the experiments of course and enjoys playing "Mad Scientist" with his brother.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of his favorite experiments that he performed recently was titled, "Oxygen and Fire." The boys were so excited to strike matches. And I was more than happy to once again talk about fire safety and chaperone the monumental event.</span></div>
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Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-67445339997510839382013-08-15T14:01:00.001-07:002014-04-08T18:37:02.349-07:00My story of 4 + 1 = 5<span style="font-size: large;">I guess I am "one of those bloggers." It has been quite a while since I last posted... not very consistent, I know. So, what has happened? Besides my computer being zapped by lightening (truthfully), we are expecting a precious baby. It is exciting, wonderful, and such a blessing, but this pregnancy has been a little different from my previous two.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After my first trimester, I was experiencing some pain where my left leg connects with my pelvis. Initially, I thought nothing of it because I taught fitness classes and aches and pains, plus some injuries were normal in my case. This particular pain felt like I had pulled a muscle, but one night as I studder stepped in the hallway, narrowly avoiding a collision with my husband, I felt the pain shoot through my entire leg. It felt unquestionably strange and within minutes, my leg was bright red like a sunburn and swelling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am not sure why "blood clot" skated into my brain immediately. It is not like I had any experience with this sort of thing before, but I calmly called for my hubby to come into our bedroom & told him that I was pretty sure I had a blood clot. I remember feeling faint and just not well in general. My poor husband was at a loss for a moment before he started scooping the children out of bed, but what stood out the most was an unrecognizable fear I saw in his eyes. I became fearful too, because the nearest hospital was about an hour and a half away. Lots of praying ensued that night and continues most readily. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We called my OBGYN before heading out and once on the road, Dr. K was on the phone talking us through things. It was decided (because of proximity) to head to our small town ER. Our doctor was concerned that we would need a larger hospital to accommodate my needs and he was right. We checked in, got into an exam room and then the on-call doctor indicated that they could not scan my leg because that particular machinery is only available during the day. We wasted a good hour, but headed towards downtown Austin, Texas (which took another hour and fifteen minutes) to meet my doctor at the hospital.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was my first trip to the ER ever and that was interesting in itself. By the time I got myself situated in an exam bay, I could no longer stand on my leg & the pain had intensified immensely. The last thing I did was to stand on a scale, so they could get my weight for upcoming medication dosage purposes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My husband and boys were allowed to stay with me until my monitor started beeping and five nurses rushed in to witness my blood pressure going way down. I started having a </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasovagal_response" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Vasovagal Response</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> (kind of like a fainting spell) and managed to relay this information to the nurses before the room started spinning and I felt like I was in a tunnel. The staff seemed relieved and after 10 minutes, it was over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dr. K came in and we discussed safe treatments for myself and the baby. I was moved into ICU for a day and then into my own room on the maternity floor for several more days. It was determined that I had a full DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and the course of treatment would include two abdominal injections daily for the rest of my pregnancy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, the blood clot has been kept at bay and I am currently 32 weeks pregnant. Our baby boy is doing great and I have learned to adjust to a little pain every now and again, plus the injections. I still remember that scary night like it was yesterday and have flashes of my oldest son's tearful and scared face as we left the little town ER to make our way to the larger hospital. It is not a night I would ever like to repeat! However, I am grateful for that experience and not another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Someone had asked if I regretted this pregnancy and the answer is NO! I can not wait to hold our new Baby T in my arms. We are readying our home and hearts for this new little miracle to enter our lives. My boys and husband are ecstatic and talk to my belly every chance they get and Baby T responds in kind with thumps, turns, and kicks. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Baby Reveal Day for the boys!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos credit and courtesy of Jessica Reynolds of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Portraitique" target="_blank">Portraitique Photography</a></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Portraitique" target="_blank"></a></div>
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<br />Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-48180049683962714712013-02-12T12:27:00.000-08:002013-02-12T12:27:19.059-08:00Painted boomerangs<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The boys are still playing around with their tri-bladers! They look great all painted up too!</span></div>
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Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-8520230654687203102013-01-15T17:06:00.000-08:002013-01-15T17:09:22.960-08:00Tri-blade boomerang design<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our dot painting led us to boomerang design! We never even fathomed that boomerangs were not invented in Australia. In all our research, it was founded that they most likely originated in Poland of all places. Nevertheless, the Aborigines seemed to perfect the art of throwing sticks and the ever popular boomerang in style and art adopted its way into Australian culture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided to have the boys make a tri-blader (three blades) because it seemed more conducive to a beginner. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These are the items needed for the project: scissors, pencil, ruler, cardboard, & construction paper</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Project rating ='s easy to medium, only because it is a bit difficult cutting through cardboard</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Start off by making a template for your tri-blader. The bottom straight edge of the design should be 1.5 inches across.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now trace your blades on your cardboard; each blade must face the same direction.</span></div>
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Making sure each blade has 1.5 inch edge</div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After all three blades ar</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">e traced, you should see an equilateral triangle in the center. Yes, there is geometry in boomerang making. I made sure to point this out to the boys and we talked about it for a couple of minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The last step & most challenging aspect is to cut out the boomerang design.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To our fingers' delight, we made it through the cutting process. And to our heart's delight, the boomerangs actually worked. It is best to throw them at a 45 degree angle. I told the boys to imagine making a half circle when they got ready to throw. Ha, hubby got a little excited and one ended up on the roof. No worries though, the wind kindly returned it to us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next project will be painting our tri-bladers!</span></div>
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Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-49266894887162023312013-01-12T21:38:00.001-08:002013-01-12T21:38:54.039-08:00Customized letters for school room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaQAYAFNwlpCfPuYfdgqgvapF0v_zMYyIAQ2eGZTa1TPFov4xk54GGyOTKSek0_1h2fPQT8e9jVLiqBf7cJTX9r2R6h-uFcCM5DIgQmF0EK8I8xqVEeXEXzF6L_sZk2tv4-gjQf0uji8/s1600/Three+Amigos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaQAYAFNwlpCfPuYfdgqgvapF0v_zMYyIAQ2eGZTa1TPFov4xk54GGyOTKSek0_1h2fPQT8e9jVLiqBf7cJTX9r2R6h-uFcCM5DIgQmF0EK8I8xqVEeXEXzF6L_sZk2tv4-gjQf0uji8/s200/Three+Amigos.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have started the daunting task of organizing our school room, and got side
tracked on the pretties. I am not sure what it is, but anytime I tackle
something big or create something, I have to walk away a plethora (Three Amigos
talk for a lot) of times and then come back to it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This may seem like a strange process, but I often find myself doing
"in-between" projects, so that I can come back with a fresh
perspective on the larger task at hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nope, I cannot sit and formulate a plan (like a normal person) and then
execute it in a systematic fashion, especially when it comes to creative
things. Re-engineering our school room is much more than a functional
undertaking to me and is more like an artistic endeavor that will help shape,
inspire, and influence the minds of my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I spotted these wonderful blue metal “T” letters while out for supplies and decided
to make my own letter “N” wrapped in alpaca yarn, which turned out great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will make a nice decorative addition to
represent the boys in our learning space.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Ha, I really wanted to add a burlap flower on
the “N,” but thought better of it for the guys.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">I may add some jute pieces or nuts/bolts or even perhaps a bottle cap to
“man” it up.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">What do you think? What
else can I use to add a little more </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">pizzazz</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">?</span></span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2qKmIT1PbU8DGZrUT5UYVA6NuBNR8mm2aucecYP59gkuETKspqSzCY__f5rXYZdBQ0gne5IM_BhIaxUb2eIJd-nZg1nttDUgoAr9cpX1P8pxHdBVXrhbAw2rwg1x0dcpYuH1CYvhx2A/s1600/TnT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2qKmIT1PbU8DGZrUT5UYVA6NuBNR8mm2aucecYP59gkuETKspqSzCY__f5rXYZdBQ0gne5IM_BhIaxUb2eIJd-nZg1nttDUgoAr9cpX1P8pxHdBVXrhbAw2rwg1x0dcpYuH1CYvhx2A/s400/TnT1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-M7D3JkWhGMYnl8DrgJWtgVFmsaXtVXPOpYayhkRK1OKdcCOsDHt288vZnyPL_al-3dXXCPh_jMmGyMDFLRAngqA553EXoCo78VGvf_zBi6C9RS9OrWvWQqbQ9PooF99vXv4Y0Dt8mw/s1600/TnT2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-M7D3JkWhGMYnl8DrgJWtgVFmsaXtVXPOpYayhkRK1OKdcCOsDHt288vZnyPL_al-3dXXCPh_jMmGyMDFLRAngqA553EXoCo78VGvf_zBi6C9RS9OrWvWQqbQ9PooF99vXv4Y0Dt8mw/s400/TnT2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span>Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-66307217708765785032013-01-03T20:22:00.002-08:002013-01-03T20:25:23.757-08:00Aboriginal dot painting<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Items Needed</u>: brown construction paper, 3 different colors of paint (light colors work best with dark paper), and cotton swab</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZFyqzyRercEe2WE-wgP0lahsVahs2aBbBSSVGLB2oow2VSgocPF5oGQ70sOEgNa1zgWA0T6WjqVv8KBgeQG5bMlU41qg6PZJTLCOr3ZIu13WSDhLwjQnBHODssKKS5ZR3eM_D1TZLGo/s1600/Aboriginal+Art1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZFyqzyRercEe2WE-wgP0lahsVahs2aBbBSSVGLB2oow2VSgocPF5oGQ70sOEgNa1zgWA0T6WjqVv8KBgeQG5bMlU41qg6PZJTLCOr3ZIu13WSDhLwjQnBHODssKKS5ZR3eM_D1TZLGo/s320/Aboriginal+Art1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I started by explaining to Little T that Aborigines are the indigenous people of Australia. We did a google search on "Aboriginal children and art." Our focus became the dot art and pattern work. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsYbxbzjwJ0R4evl2WKERfWb7ZQ6MyGrLGAd_HwuVmXBWfTfcDSpu5zCLZwLG1tHOLp64_Ds4B3oGheP9ILk-WM33BEAGQQiR3ra_ddGDBadMIf80Km3xGbHnBnHa5t7CIOiIFcN73bo/s1600/Aboriginal+Art2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsYbxbzjwJ0R4evl2WKERfWb7ZQ6MyGrLGAd_HwuVmXBWfTfcDSpu5zCLZwLG1tHOLp64_Ds4B3oGheP9ILk-WM33BEAGQQiR3ra_ddGDBadMIf80Km3xGbHnBnHa5t7CIOiIFcN73bo/s320/Aboriginal+Art2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We talked about the art piece first and decided upon circles and one huge squiggly line. Little T thoughtfully planned his pattern and spacing, starting with small dots that would graduate into larger ones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It really did take a bit of time and concentration to get everything down on paper. He had to remember that he was working within a set pattern and keep a steady hand.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZt-AezPCuWmmXvqJD2bAGReYuAW70QcHrXdej_XjV5gQ-St2PI8tRuaYGI_EbvOS6Zfdd-cQBR3iE9komgVdYhUGzUb54hw-y5DbGThCA4Rey8JZ1k3KtCQnd3qPF6_v_jkhRNeCWVNc/s1600/Aboriginal+Art3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZt-AezPCuWmmXvqJD2bAGReYuAW70QcHrXdej_XjV5gQ-St2PI8tRuaYGI_EbvOS6Zfdd-cQBR3iE9komgVdYhUGzUb54hw-y5DbGThCA4Rey8JZ1k3KtCQnd3qPF6_v_jkhRNeCWVNc/s320/Aboriginal+Art3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I promised a great reward for patience and completing his work with a good attitude. Once the dotting sequence was over, he decided that he did not care for the dead space left in-between the patterns. As a budding artist, some creative license was used and he filled any remaining space with off-white dots. Markedly, he declared that his work was "delectable." Hmm, what? He meant to say "Aboriginal," but I am a fan of "delectable" too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh and what was his great reward for maintaining a happy heart through pattern work? Well, see for yourself...he was painted as well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhyphenhyphenCXwRy63_MT8PWDWn6hHBw9p5hKE4WvMkHGTZsiVKfbEUtdkmaiSxn_y4eZRVUGZrhdN5F78WBCWNOVRTm9f6I6mSQ7uU_zhUc57Mz0pf_AHNohRTKv0z6PyYSqiry8bV7-hU7MgXI/s1600/Aboriginal+Art6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhyphenhyphenCXwRy63_MT8PWDWn6hHBw9p5hKE4WvMkHGTZsiVKfbEUtdkmaiSxn_y4eZRVUGZrhdN5F78WBCWNOVRTm9f6I6mSQ7uU_zhUc57Mz0pf_AHNohRTKv0z6PyYSqiry8bV7-hU7MgXI/s320/Aboriginal+Art6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLP4tUyO4bXgTJIFt521ryPMJ2s-o43powcxdLaebCWzfAE_zpM5lJGXHlRQFz5hqzZ8Cz613Jo4gPlJe28ST3TTIaSNSRMsQP0nBClxRnBV41ocnmfcCUQT2UVoLB2vI0A4lu1bIDDM/s1600/Aboriginal+Art5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLP4tUyO4bXgTJIFt521ryPMJ2s-o43powcxdLaebCWzfAE_zpM5lJGXHlRQFz5hqzZ8Cz613Jo4gPlJe28ST3TTIaSNSRMsQP0nBClxRnBV41ocnmfcCUQT2UVoLB2vI0A4lu1bIDDM/s320/Aboriginal+Art5.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-52345690147556840552013-01-02T20:48:00.000-08:002013-01-09T21:12:50.207-08:00New Year's crafting and fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, so we are still celebrating New Year's 2013, woo! A round of fireworks and sparklers just could not be contained on one chilly night. Our second night of the new year had to be just as boisterous and a little more out of the box than the previous party.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">TnT got to work on making their own drop balls! At first, Little T did not fully understand the concept of a drop ball until further investigation satisfied his ideas on the zany custom. It is an odd sort of tradition and we found it quite peculiar that not only balls are dropped, but things like pickles, giant acorns, & even pigs are used to mark the new year in some places. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For our drop ball, I found plastic Warhead's candy Christmas ornaments for half off at our local drugstore. The task was then for the boys to fill each ball with sentiments, prayers, and items representing themselves and what they would be striving for in the upcoming year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">They both wanted flags and crosses to represent themselves right away, so we took out the </span><a href="http://perler.eksuccessbrands.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Perler Beads</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and got to work creating.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoX1xwHnIq4ldYijZrfSvoBAcLyu3XJsYeGdxdpqN0dZ8qYEKTAMPLX5_1NT9H4uhFT-8pBK2qQFskTpk0UvrAkqLqe8FJrjIlZIy2GB7Lz3kXa84S300opoxRoaFUVIAdmMeiR7TirQA/s1600/Boys+Drop+ball8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoX1xwHnIq4ldYijZrfSvoBAcLyu3XJsYeGdxdpqN0dZ8qYEKTAMPLX5_1NT9H4uhFT-8pBK2qQFskTpk0UvrAkqLqe8FJrjIlZIy2GB7Lz3kXa84S300opoxRoaFUVIAdmMeiR7TirQA/s400/Boys+Drop+ball8a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once TnT got all their items together, they laid them on the kitchen table and explained what each one meant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now for the outlandishly fun part! We managed to locate the largest popper we could find on Earth and had the novel idea to pop it in our quiet and clean home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The confetti rained down on us like a prize show!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And just like any good game show, we had them grab their pillows for the ultimate game of "catch your drop ball."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy New Year! May 2013 be filled with abundant blessings and prayers for all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-7292386123854200382013-01-02T19:53:00.001-08:002013-01-02T19:53:43.534-08:00Time to pick apples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Visiting an apple orchard was a wonderful way to tie into our <em><a href="http://www.homeschoolingtnt.blogspot.com/2012/09/tree-construction.html" target="_blank">Giving Tree</a></em> lesson. We still have our great tree standing floor to ceiling in our school room and it is proving to be fruitful in more ways than estimated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our day excursion took us to the sleepy town of <a href="http://www.masontxcoc.com/" target="_blank">Mason</a>, the home of <a href="http://sonlightappleorchard.com/Apple_Orchard.htm" target="_blank">Sonlight Apple Orchard</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDpNo9gRvjIDOjbzXBhEAPEruPtnJSFGFMaBwhVy63W15hAEHw_uWpchd00xjMESurrGZF-O7Xlvw1sHB6085TnKrv2LI8XxBdr_1ja86uBDQp2GuS9w6ipqYHF9fiPrIjHJ3mgji9AQ/s1600/Apple+Orchard1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDpNo9gRvjIDOjbzXBhEAPEruPtnJSFGFMaBwhVy63W15hAEHw_uWpchd00xjMESurrGZF-O7Xlvw1sHB6085TnKrv2LI8XxBdr_1ja86uBDQp2GuS9w6ipqYHF9fiPrIjHJ3mgji9AQ/s320/Apple+Orchard1a.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVydbUBT27sJPk4MSaw6ongZYgaCqIS6TJMGV3G6ctUhxKGG97_szQAISvtHUUBhevCVV1kzh-3uXt6or8DjlifAL29WIVQiLZ9pjY1D4QiGpd0NXcesuiTShcYuO5v9N8A-ebKElJIFI/s1600/Apple+Orchard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVydbUBT27sJPk4MSaw6ongZYgaCqIS6TJMGV3G6ctUhxKGG97_szQAISvtHUUBhevCVV1kzh-3uXt6or8DjlifAL29WIVQiLZ9pjY1D4QiGpd0NXcesuiTShcYuO5v9N8A-ebKElJIFI/s320/Apple+Orchard1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The</span> <span style="font-size: large;">folks there are (you guessed it) down home Texas farmers. We started off with a mini lesson on how to pick the apples properly...it is twist and twist until the apple comes off real natural like (inserting Southern twang for realism).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDVWynjOsJDPS3n3OcOVdsNJd0-Tx4zzC1eWFWYkyNPxNR8PtY_cC2ZY3kWzAkvJWkNJcFh83Gr8GdyLEn7nDqW8VuHAWNoLDAIl_Pay6yHRtKKJgFunZ2Se130V1o-Qcp-cxPCIiyfQ/s1600/Apple+Orchard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDVWynjOsJDPS3n3OcOVdsNJd0-Tx4zzC1eWFWYkyNPxNR8PtY_cC2ZY3kWzAkvJWkNJcFh83Gr8GdyLEn7nDqW8VuHAWNoLDAIl_Pay6yHRtKKJgFunZ2Se130V1o-Qcp-cxPCIiyfQ/s320/Apple+Orchard2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now do not get squeamish if you happen upon a worm hole or whole worm, it is half of a worm you need to worry about. Then again, a little protein never hurt a soul. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once your picking frenzy has subsided, then enjoy the sweetness of your freshly picked gourmet apples.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AGqsYraaejJH3VfeTv9_0zgajsF8Gk2RY94FDEnp_Vs1W7i2InfyfFmvgfOTiu5RMzV0T9WlB4He2q3QlojtLaPVdvFNqdOZG8Ve5Gja9vBZsd28fE_vMcO6r-28M9xOloPZ_2WuHaE/s1600/Apple1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AGqsYraaejJH3VfeTv9_0zgajsF8Gk2RY94FDEnp_Vs1W7i2InfyfFmvgfOTiu5RMzV0T9WlB4He2q3QlojtLaPVdvFNqdOZG8Ve5Gja9vBZsd28fE_vMcO6r-28M9xOloPZ_2WuHaE/s400/Apple1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uF76EhM8r1cbMHIOYkYAZBvEmsSpUKIuHBcbb6_yRCOmjMHILTOMFO3i5YJbYup6SRb_A-FJN2ytarpHzVVfFBP9oYsGmED6yUlAgy8lhvCr2vV3mCg90zooOjlGVxoFGr4MenCYzPg/s1600/Apple+Orchard8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uF76EhM8r1cbMHIOYkYAZBvEmsSpUKIuHBcbb6_yRCOmjMHILTOMFO3i5YJbYup6SRb_A-FJN2ytarpHzVVfFBP9oYsGmED6yUlAgy8lhvCr2vV3mCg90zooOjlGVxoFGr4MenCYzPg/s320/Apple+Orchard8.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoclO6pHcvPu-j1bepcjbNvtKToCcApLGBNrQ3x4h3vZwr_oTPvC_wuAdE2_hnNrPuygKI4bDbjV3LoeQpjvuQLFOBYbriXWg96mJ2bn5atIFcPq4sx9auhDNqMLC2aVEkVerHaHqMyQ/s1600/Apple+Orchard7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoclO6pHcvPu-j1bepcjbNvtKToCcApLGBNrQ3x4h3vZwr_oTPvC_wuAdE2_hnNrPuygKI4bDbjV3LoeQpjvuQLFOBYbriXWg96mJ2bn5atIFcPq4sx9auhDNqMLC2aVEkVerHaHqMyQ/s320/Apple+Orchard7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Picking </span><span style="font-size: large;">from our family to yours!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvBGJHnpf8M4BFbTwWFqF5-D_WlAABdvKmWhoI4ciud9b2L8VNYTrp1-vp_l0JNxcNZU13Oq4-2NnUl3ar_VBWGsAiM2XPwc-tVPxeCJNiZ5UBGSWUUZyv-HDZmsAXBwTkXWX8EIfaxU/s1600/Apple+Orchard14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvBGJHnpf8M4BFbTwWFqF5-D_WlAABdvKmWhoI4ciud9b2L8VNYTrp1-vp_l0JNxcNZU13Oq4-2NnUl3ar_VBWGsAiM2XPwc-tVPxeCJNiZ5UBGSWUUZyv-HDZmsAXBwTkXWX8EIfaxU/s640/Apple+Orchard14.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hear no evil - See no evil - Speak no evil</td></tr>
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Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4588590607540060137.post-12067666837728706412013-01-01T15:10:00.002-08:002013-01-01T15:16:03.387-08:00Family reading time<span style="font-size: large;">I love that there are 12 days of Christmas! So, I am not in any hurry to pack up the holiday decorations or put away our cherished reading material. We may not celebrate in a timely order, but it is certainly during the holy season. What do I mean by that? Well, maybe the Advent calendar decorations did not get pinned on the correct dates or our children fell asleep before the lighting of the candles, but nevertheless, we carried on in our own off beat semi-traditional way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trust me, it is so much better to carry on as if everything was meant to happen. Less stress on me equals a very happy household.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This brings me to two of our literary treasures: <em><strong>Jesus with Us (The Gift of the Eucharist)</strong></em> and <em><strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Francis Celebrates Christmas</strong>.</em></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAZQvb4T0pTAD6hU0rwCm5zdd5v557ntDLX-nWJFC1Bt_ZydWTCkwWiI0X7uK5BsXjSEqEJdWZOfgpKHUX6YNK2bOsZqssFUwz6g7rH5XNbYmxC9sycWP6jZ7cnopkc0olbJzbVjY0J0/s1600/Christmas+books1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAZQvb4T0pTAD6hU0rwCm5zdd5v557ntDLX-nWJFC1Bt_ZydWTCkwWiI0X7uK5BsXjSEqEJdWZOfgpKHUX6YNK2bOsZqssFUwz6g7rH5XNbYmxC9sycWP6jZ7cnopkc0olbJzbVjY0J0/s400/Christmas+books1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our first read is from <a href="http://store.pauline.org/English/Books/tabid/126/List/0/ProductID/2562/Default.aspx?txtSearch=the+gift+of+the+eucharist&SortField=ProductName%2cProductName" target="_blank"><em>Faith and Values</em>, Pauline Books & Media</a>. The illustrations are fantastic and very reminiscent of Pueblo art . The colors are earthy and genuine, while the lines are visually soft with a wealth of curves pleasing to a reader's surveying eyes. The content is simplistic, yet weaves important knowledge regarding Jesus and the creation of our universal church.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlmeKMoSBAf884-FoSqvTtfyd7INcujSWB4wYoIFQD3HdqDK8lwXG3fVe1EMOr20VeqfkElt-mtsCIr5OE8Srls1M3dq0ZtoKM0JvPpqWh-kcwZqTEBNQBXuQT-03oO1MyuVZsZVwoiY/s1600/Christmas+book3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlmeKMoSBAf884-FoSqvTtfyd7INcujSWB4wYoIFQD3HdqDK8lwXG3fVe1EMOr20VeqfkElt-mtsCIr5OE8Srls1M3dq0ZtoKM0JvPpqWh-kcwZqTEBNQBXuQT-03oO1MyuVZsZVwoiY/s400/Christmas+book3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Uniquely, the jewel of Saint Frances' depiction of Christmas takes one back to a time of warmth and compassion, especially savoring the spirit of children through a colorful folktale. He created the first nativity and that tradition is still alive and well today.</span><br />
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<br />Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14950837268452987365noreply@blogger.com0