Rain, rain, glorious rain!
It rained last night, and some more this morning.
That is music to a gardener's ears!
No need to water the plants today. :)
Maybe, just maybe, I'll get around to putting some fertilizer on the plants later this week.
Rain.
Something lovely for my gardens.
Refreshing to the plants, refreshing to my soul.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Thankful Thursdays - 6/6/13 - Homeschooling Moms
Today I am especially thankful for other homeschooling Moms. It is comforting to know I have friends who understand some of the joys and frustrations I experience every day.
I hope you have a good friend or two, maybe three or four you can really share with. Having friends that will allow you to be honest and open is a valuable thing. Because they have been with you through the struggles, they rejoice all the more with you when things go well.
A few of us are getting together to discuss Todd Wilson's book Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe. (By the way- it's a great book!) One of the benefits of getting together to discuss what we've read is the chance to share in each other's lives. We laugh, we cry, we always have a lot of fun. But mostly, we encourage each other that every day is a new day, and God will guide us as we teach our children.
Whether or not you homeschool, it is important to have a few (or at least one) really good friend to share with. Maybe that is your spouse, or maybe it's another Mom or Dad. If you have a good friend, you have a treasure --- be thankful for them!
I hope you have a good friend or two, maybe three or four you can really share with. Having friends that will allow you to be honest and open is a valuable thing. Because they have been with you through the struggles, they rejoice all the more with you when things go well.
A few of us are getting together to discuss Todd Wilson's book Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe. (By the way- it's a great book!) One of the benefits of getting together to discuss what we've read is the chance to share in each other's lives. We laugh, we cry, we always have a lot of fun. But mostly, we encourage each other that every day is a new day, and God will guide us as we teach our children.
Whether or not you homeschool, it is important to have a few (or at least one) really good friend to share with. Maybe that is your spouse, or maybe it's another Mom or Dad. If you have a good friend, you have a treasure --- be thankful for them!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
See The Light - Tiffany Window Art Project Review
Sometimes you would like to include "Art" in your child's day, but you're not ready to commit to a semester long curriculum, or 6 weeks at a local art center. See The Light has nine different options to choose from in their "Art Projects" series. Each project features instructor and Master Artist Pat Knepley teaching you and your child about the style of a famous artist from a 4-part DVD. Arlene and I recently had the opportunity to review the "Tiffany Window" project.
This particular project is designed for students 10 and above. (Arlene was 12.) The DVD has 4 parts and retails for $14.99. The student watches each part, then works on their project. Overall, you should allow about an hour per section (20-30 minutes of DVD, and the rest for the student's project.) I can see how some students could use a little more time with each section, so allow at least an hour and a half so your student doesn't feel rushed. There are other projects designed for students as young as 5.
In the Tiffany Window project, the four lessons are: 1- Planning Your Composition, 2- Rule of Thirds, 3- Color Theory, and 4- Completed Masterpiece. The supply list is short, and for most families, you will already have all of the necessary items at home. At most, I think you can easliy keep the cost of this project under $10, including buying brand new markers. Some of the other projects utilize specialized art supplies that you may need to head to the store to purchase.
Arlene and I watched the first video segment together. Then, she got to work, while I made dinner. By the end of the week, she had watched the other sections and done most of the project herself without any prompting. (That means she enjoyed it!) Pat Knepley is an enthusiastic teacher, and winds the elements, principals, and art history into the lesson with joy. She also includes Biblical principals and how they relate to art in a non-preachy way. God created art, and Pat's love of both God and art shines through the DVD.
Louis Comfort Tiffany has always been a personal favorite of mine, so whenever we have been around one in the past, I've pointed them out to the girls. The Indianpolis museum of Art has a large 5-panel Tiffany window in its collection entitled "Angel of the Resurrection" which Arlene has seen several times. Since this project is designed for children, Mrs. Knepley wisely recommends they use an artificial flower as their subject matter, and limit the size to 11x14".
At first, Arlene made a pencil drawing as the DVD sections were playing. Then, once she was confident in the techniques she had been taught, she switched to the final project and got out the markers and posterboard.Her finished project is currently hanging in our front window. When it is sunny out, it definitely looks like a stained-glass window!
If you try one or more of the projects and decide you enjoy Pat Knepley's teaching style as much as we did, you can purchase a 1-year art class set for $99.99 from See The Light.
Click the banner below to read reviews on the other 8 projects!
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thankful Thursdays- 5/30/13 - Strawberries!!!
We are thankful for STRAWBERRIES!
This week we are especially thankful for local, untreated strawberries that are ripe and ready for picking! Our friends the Conrad's have a farm just a few miles from our house. Out front, across from the farmhouse is a huge strawberry patch. They sent out an e-mail last week alerting everyone that the strawberries were ready for picking. They have U-pick or prepicked, both at really good prices.
So Wednesday afternoon, the girls and I went picking. In less than half an hour, we had 3 pails full. It worked out to about 17 pounds.What do you do with that many strawberries? You eat them!!!
After a nice visit with our friends ( a perk of knowing the farmer) we came home and got to work cleaning and topping the strawberries. All three of us girls worked on the strawberries, and in about an hour, they were all washed, topped, and either in the fridge or freezer.
If you have an opportunity to U-pick some strawberries - go for it! If you live near us, give me a ring & I'll give you directions to the Conrad's!
We are thankful for strawberries: the ripe ones we've been eating, the ones I chopped up for cereal and pancake toppings because they got squished in the washing process, and the 3 large containers of strawberries in the freezer for smoothies later this summer. At first it seems like a lot of berries, but at our house, they'll go quickly!
Next week we plan to go again. To pick more strawberries to eat...maybe we'll stick to just one bucket next time...but probably not!
 |
| About 2 of the 17# of berries |
This week we are especially thankful for local, untreated strawberries that are ripe and ready for picking! Our friends the Conrad's have a farm just a few miles from our house. Out front, across from the farmhouse is a huge strawberry patch. They sent out an e-mail last week alerting everyone that the strawberries were ready for picking. They have U-pick or prepicked, both at really good prices.
So Wednesday afternoon, the girls and I went picking. In less than half an hour, we had 3 pails full. It worked out to about 17 pounds.What do you do with that many strawberries? You eat them!!!
 |
| Topped and ready for the freezer! |
After a nice visit with our friends ( a perk of knowing the farmer) we came home and got to work cleaning and topping the strawberries. All three of us girls worked on the strawberries, and in about an hour, they were all washed, topped, and either in the fridge or freezer.
 |
| We ended up with about 44 cups of strawberries...after we ate some while cleaning them. |
If you have an opportunity to U-pick some strawberries - go for it! If you live near us, give me a ring & I'll give you directions to the Conrad's!
We are thankful for strawberries: the ripe ones we've been eating, the ones I chopped up for cereal and pancake toppings because they got squished in the washing process, and the 3 large containers of strawberries in the freezer for smoothies later this summer. At first it seems like a lot of berries, but at our house, they'll go quickly!
 |
| Chopping the slightly mushed ones |
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Thankful Thursdays- 5/23/13 - Birthdays
Both of our daughters have birthdays this week, so I'd like to take just a minute to tell you a little bit about why I am thankful for Birthdays. Birthdays remind us of a particular person, they allow us an opportunity to celebrate and remember all that person has meant in our lives.
Even babies who did not live until full term have birthdays. I know this is a sensitive topic for many people, but I want to encourage those of you who have lost a child, either before or after their due date, God knows your precious child's birthday. He know you remember it too. Sometimes your remembrances will bring tears. Let God use those tears to heal your heart.
If you had/have a family where nothing special is done for your birthday, fret not. Know that God remembers your Birthday. He sees you living each day, your joys and your struggles. He wants a personal relationship with you! God rejoices not only on your birthday, but on every day that you turn to Him for help, on every day that your praise HIm.
I am thankful for the birthdays of each of our children. I am thankful that birthdays allow us to think back over all we have been through in the past year, both good and challenging times. I am thankful for the healthy births of each of our daughters, and that they continue to grow, change, and mature each year.
(It IS a little unnerving to realize our baby will be 13!)
The next time a birthday rolls around in your family, celebrate! It's not about the amount of presents, or cake, it's about having an opportunity to celebrate the life of that one special person. Tell them how much they mean to you, and how very thankful you are that they are in your life!
Even babies who did not live until full term have birthdays. I know this is a sensitive topic for many people, but I want to encourage those of you who have lost a child, either before or after their due date, God knows your precious child's birthday. He know you remember it too. Sometimes your remembrances will bring tears. Let God use those tears to heal your heart.
If you had/have a family where nothing special is done for your birthday, fret not. Know that God remembers your Birthday. He sees you living each day, your joys and your struggles. He wants a personal relationship with you! God rejoices not only on your birthday, but on every day that you turn to Him for help, on every day that your praise HIm.
I am thankful for the birthdays of each of our children. I am thankful that birthdays allow us to think back over all we have been through in the past year, both good and challenging times. I am thankful for the healthy births of each of our daughters, and that they continue to grow, change, and mature each year.
(It IS a little unnerving to realize our baby will be 13!)
The next time a birthday rolls around in your family, celebrate! It's not about the amount of presents, or cake, it's about having an opportunity to celebrate the life of that one special person. Tell them how much they mean to you, and how very thankful you are that they are in your life!
Monday, May 20, 2013
One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science (Book Review)
Have you ever wondered how much your child actually retains from their science lessons? I have. Just a few weeks ago, we received One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science to review. I was pleasantly surprised by how many of them Arlene could solve using what she has learned from our various science lessons over the years. This 160+ page softcover book from Science Naturally retails for $9.95. It actually contains 70 mysteries, the 5 bonus ones in the back are solved with math.
This fun book is designed for ages 8-12. If your kids are younger (6-7), you might want to try solving the mysteries together. Many 8-12 year olds will be able to solve many of them on their own. When the book first arrived, we read the mysteries out loud, then Arlene stated what she thought the answer was. Then we would turn the page to see if she was correct. She got 3 of the first 4 correct right off the bat. Then, I went to go make dinner. Arlene took the book and went to read some more. By the time dinner was over, she had solved over 20 of the mysteries. Arlene is almost 13, so she probably was a little faster than some kids, not just because of her age, but because she has always loved science and the outdoors!
We were intrigued to find out this was the third book written by the Father-Daughter team of Eric and Natalie Yoder. Their first 2 books, One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science and One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math were written when Natalie was a Middle Schooler, and then a High Schooler. These books have won several awards, one of the most notable is a recommendation from NSTA (National Science Taechers Association.)
For a limited time, you can order all three of the books online for $19.95 plus $2.95 shiping with the code: 3SPEC. That is a savings of $12.90.(They have other science books as well that can be included in the 3 book special, check out their website www.ScienceNaturally.com for details!)
These books would make a great dinner or lunch time read-aloud for the summer. They would be perfect to keep in the car, so you would always have something to work on together while waiting, whether for someone to get done with baseball practice, or, in our town, while waiting for a train!
Arlene has already asked for us to purchase the other two books, because this one was a lot of fun! Adults will also find themselves intrigued, as some of the solutions are ones we could be using as well! If you or your child struggles with solving the mysteries, maybe it's time for some review.
We recommend you get this book, or others from Science Naturally, for your whole family to enjoy, you'll be glad you did!
To find out what other Crew families thought about the book, click the banner below!
This fun book is designed for ages 8-12. If your kids are younger (6-7), you might want to try solving the mysteries together. Many 8-12 year olds will be able to solve many of them on their own. When the book first arrived, we read the mysteries out loud, then Arlene stated what she thought the answer was. Then we would turn the page to see if she was correct. She got 3 of the first 4 correct right off the bat. Then, I went to go make dinner. Arlene took the book and went to read some more. By the time dinner was over, she had solved over 20 of the mysteries. Arlene is almost 13, so she probably was a little faster than some kids, not just because of her age, but because she has always loved science and the outdoors!
We were intrigued to find out this was the third book written by the Father-Daughter team of Eric and Natalie Yoder. Their first 2 books, One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science and One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math were written when Natalie was a Middle Schooler, and then a High Schooler. These books have won several awards, one of the most notable is a recommendation from NSTA (National Science Taechers Association.)
For a limited time, you can order all three of the books online for $19.95 plus $2.95 shiping with the code: 3SPEC. That is a savings of $12.90.(They have other science books as well that can be included in the 3 book special, check out their website www.ScienceNaturally.com for details!)
These books would make a great dinner or lunch time read-aloud for the summer. They would be perfect to keep in the car, so you would always have something to work on together while waiting, whether for someone to get done with baseball practice, or, in our town, while waiting for a train!
Arlene has already asked for us to purchase the other two books, because this one was a lot of fun! Adults will also find themselves intrigued, as some of the solutions are ones we could be using as well! If you or your child struggles with solving the mysteries, maybe it's time for some review.
We recommend you get this book, or others from Science Naturally, for your whole family to enjoy, you'll be glad you did!
To find out what other Crew families thought about the book, click the banner below!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Thankful Thursdays- 5/16/13- Grandparents
Do you have some great Grandparents? I did. Although my Grandparents have all passed away, I am still thankful for them daily! Grandparents can have such a great influence on their grandchildren, especially if the Grandparents have a vibrant relationship with Christ.
If your Grandparents, or your children's Grandparents don't know Jesus, they can still be great role models for their grandchildren of values like perseverance and self control. Often, because the Grandparent isn't around the children 24/7 their words of wisdom about life choices, work ethic, responsibility or self-control have a great impact upon the child.
If you still have your Grandparents, call them, or better yet, go see them and give them a hug! Tell them how thankful you are for their presence in your life! If your relationship with them has not been the best, NOW is the time to try and make amends. Regardless of whose 'fault' it was for the argument, you can choose to make the situation right again. Treasure the time you have with your Grandparents, for one day, it will be gone.
I am so thankful that My Grandma got to meet and hold her Grandaughters. We still tell stories about Great Grandma Lucile, and the girls remember times spent with their Great-Grandparents on Kurt's side of the family.
Not every 'Grandpparent' figure in our lives needs to actually be directly related to us! Sometimes a Great-Aunt or family friend takes the role of Grandparent in a child's life. I had many Great-Aunts and Great-Uncles who influenced me for good just as much as my own Grandparents did.
Today, I am thankful for Grandparents, both mine, Kurt's, and the ones our girls have! Grandparents have a special place in our lives. Don't wait for a special occasion to tell them how thankful you are for them!
If your Grandparents, or your children's Grandparents don't know Jesus, they can still be great role models for their grandchildren of values like perseverance and self control. Often, because the Grandparent isn't around the children 24/7 their words of wisdom about life choices, work ethic, responsibility or self-control have a great impact upon the child.
If you still have your Grandparents, call them, or better yet, go see them and give them a hug! Tell them how thankful you are for their presence in your life! If your relationship with them has not been the best, NOW is the time to try and make amends. Regardless of whose 'fault' it was for the argument, you can choose to make the situation right again. Treasure the time you have with your Grandparents, for one day, it will be gone.
I am so thankful that My Grandma got to meet and hold her Grandaughters. We still tell stories about Great Grandma Lucile, and the girls remember times spent with their Great-Grandparents on Kurt's side of the family.
Not every 'Grandpparent' figure in our lives needs to actually be directly related to us! Sometimes a Great-Aunt or family friend takes the role of Grandparent in a child's life. I had many Great-Aunts and Great-Uncles who influenced me for good just as much as my own Grandparents did.
Today, I am thankful for Grandparents, both mine, Kurt's, and the ones our girls have! Grandparents have a special place in our lives. Don't wait for a special occasion to tell them how thankful you are for them!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)