May 29, 2010

In the Garden

We have lived on our 10 acres for 7 years now, and I am embarrassed to say that in all that time, I have never had a successful garden.  Oh, I could grow weeds better than anyone, but nothing else ever seemed to do well. 

I was determined that this year would be different.  I needed a new plan.  Enter my sweet husband :O)  with the solution to all my problems....RAISED BEDS!  I have the best garden I have ever had!

This morning it was just beautiful, so I went out early to get the weeding done.  It feels so productive to grow our own food.  I can't wait to enjoy the bounty.

May 27, 2010

The Glider Project

Today I got to sew for my son, but this was not your ordinary sewing project.  No clothing or quilts were made.  No, we made a replica of Orville and Wilbur Wright's 1900 Glider. 

The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the AirplaneCaleb has been fascinated with planes ever since he read Russell Freedman's book about the Wright Brothers, so today he asked if we could try making a model.  We brain stormed about ways to make it work and we finally settled on muslin and toothpicks.  I sewed small channels for the toothpicks to give the top and bottom wings body, then we used hot glue to hold it all together.  It may be too heavy to fly, but it was so fun making something with my son.

May 26, 2010

Happy Birthday Dear Caleb

It is hard to believe that my little boy is 9 today. Time has gone so quickly. He is such a sweet spirit, loves the Lord, and is always looking out for his sisters.

For his birthday breakfast.....doughnuts. What better way to celebrate life than with food that will kill ya! LOL :O)

Later today we will have pizza, chocolate cake, and more pizza. Good thing birthdays only come once a year!

May 21, 2010

Playing with the School Supplies

I'll fess up right away. When I ordered a set of Prismacolor watercolor pencils with our Rainbow Resource homeschool order, I was only halfway thinking of the children. I have always wanted to buy a set, but could never seem to justify it for myself. Well, I worked my way around that one, and today had a chance to try them out. I had never used watercolor pencils before, but they were so fun and easy to use. I am NOT an artist in the "drawing" sort of way, so I think what I like most about watercolor is the forgiving nature of it. Anyway, I scanned in my picture hoping any moms out there who don't *do* art will feel like giving it a go. And really, "Buy the good pencils!" :O)

May 18, 2010

Caleb's Mushroom Hunt

Days of rain and little sun have left the ground squishy soft and the air humid.  What better time for a boy to go on a mushroom hunt!  Caleb had fantastic luck in the woods this afternoon.  He is still looking through his field guide to try identify them (which is harder than it sounds) but I'm satisfied that he had a great time exploring God's creation.

May 17, 2010

Gettin' Green

Once upon a time there was a mom who wanted to do the right thing and recycle. But alas, she got lazy and always forgot to take her recycling to the sorting center because it was 15 miles away and her bins were in the basement (bad-bad-location).

Well, now she has no more excuses because her small town has recycling bins for all major categories: glass, cardboard, metals, and plastics. (YIPPEE!)  And our bins have been spiffed up and moved to the mudroom, which happens to be right on the way out the door. (Much Smarter)

So, that is the story of how one mom with good intentions got herself back on the green track.

May 13, 2010

Homemade Baking Mix

I thought it was high time I shared my favorite homemade baking mix.  It will work anywhere you would use Bisquick and it even works for Mary Jane Butters' famous bakeover recipes.  One of my favorite things about this mix is that it doesn't have any shortening in it, so it keeps very well.  I keep a small container of it in my cabinet and store the remainder in a Ziploc bag in the freezer.

In a Large Bowl mix the following:
10 cups of flour  (I use a whole grain white flour, but you could use all white or 1/2 white and 1/2 wheat)
1 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
4 Tbsp. Baking Powder  (I like aluninum free)
3 tsp. salt

It bakes up nice and fluffy.  Here is a picture of the cheeseburger pie I made last night.  YUM!

May 12, 2010

Books and Things Seminar

For Mother's Day, my sweet husband blessed me with The Books and Things Seminar from Simply Charlotte Mason.   Today I had time to watch the first session and I can tell you that one can never stop learning about the amazing methods of Charlotte Mason.  Something new jumps out at me every time.  Sonya Shafer does a terrific job of making CM so very doable.  I cannot wait to watch the other three sessions.  I love teacher training  :O)

A New Dress for Ashlyn

I made this dress in 40 minutes flat from one of Ashlyn's t-shirts from last year and a scrap of fabric from our stash.  I got the idea from another mom (thanks Anna) and definitely see more of these in our future.  It was super easy!   I simply stitched a seam down the back of the skirt fabric and gathered the top edge.  Then I eased the gathered edge around the hem of the t-shirt, pinned, stitched, and finally hemmed the skirt.  VIOLA! A new dress :O)  Just the kind of project that makes everyone happy.

May 10, 2010

So touching

Today I read Ashlyn a book called, The Rag Coat, by Lauren Mills, and I almost didn't make it through! This little story is both heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time. If you have never read it, I recommend moving it to the top of your list (even if you don't have kids under 6). Then let me know if I'm the only overly sentimental mom, because I choked up three times, and needed a tissue by the end!

May 09, 2010

Mom's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of you amazing Godly moms that visit here and that I know only via the internet.  The inspiration, encouragement , and wisdom that I find on various sites and blogs is priceless to me.  The Lord has truly blessed the connections we have. 

Have a wonderful day filled with love, rest, and the peace that you are doing His precious will.

May 05, 2010

Sharing

It has been too beautiful to blog for the past several days.  We have spent many hours in the out-of-doors playing and gardening. 

However, I do have a goodie to share with you.  I made this Book of Centuries template for my oldest daughter and thought some of you might like it as well.  I had mine printed and spiral bound at the local office supply store.  It cost around $30, but it is for all 4 high school years (and I used really high quality paper and color ink).  You could always print it at home and put it in a three-ring binder.  I found this layout to be more easily organized than a general year A to year B page.  Enjoy!

Book of Centuries Generic