MIDDLE of SOMEWHERE

25 Things About Me

2012-02-17T20:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I had so much fun last Friday with this post that I thought I would do it a gain.

I am craving a fresh baked cookie.
The next time you see me, you might not recognize me, my hair is now beautifully brown (thanks Lindsey).
I enjoyed skiing today despite the whining and asking to go home.
All children are currently in bed---yeeha!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sometimes I just want to be me, not mom but me.
I still have to clean all 3 bathrooms, one of my least favorite chores.
I want to start a new bible study based on Sally's book The Ministry of Motherhood
I figured out how to use Amazon Associates, easily this week.
I really enjoyed Valentine's Dinner at home with Jay.
I can't wait for a ski date with Jay in a week and a half.
I am craving some warmer weather.
We could all use a trip off the mountain and no I don't mean Reno.
I am studying about good deeds/good works this week Did you know raising children is a good deed?
I need to do laundry (tomorrow).
I just want to bake cowgirl cookies and scones and listen to music.
I need some quiet time to think, plan and be.
I heard the birds back this wee, welcome spring!
I'm wishing for more time with my man.
I am so thankful for my children--their smiles, the things they say and they like me.
I have to many homeschool plans swimming around in my head--N. America, math, the human body.
I really need to paint that dresser in the garage so I can give the mudroom a revamp.
I need a Cayman vacation, read I need to sit for days in a warm climate with a good book.
I have lost 6 pounds since January, lots of egg whites.
I am really enjoying P90X2.We start phase 3 on Monday.
I want to take better photos but first I have to read the camera manual.

Storybook Center--The Mitten

2012-02-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

I have always been a fan of learning with good books. In the past I have used Peek with Books, Five in a Row and Homeschool Share to develop study units for our favorite books, areas of interest or new learning. Then I thought why not make a center based on our seasonal reading and I have been blessed that there has been something for everyone. From reading, writing, hands on and reporting all of the children have been able to use our newly created center. Our first storybook center is based on The Mitten by Jan Brett. The resources I used to develop our center materials are below:

The Mitten Printables

The Mitten Printable Pack

Activities to go with the book

We also read The Hat by Jan Brett.

B and K had a lot of fun with this mitten printable:

Painting with a brush

Painting around the dots with a brush.

Dot Painters

It is hard to see but K is using one of her painted mittens for fine motor practice with stickers. She is trying to place the sticker in the circle only without going out of the lines.

I hid The Mitten animals in the rice box for B to find.

K and B going on an animal hunt for The Mitten animals using my very large kitchen mitt.

Our animals are numbered on the back and K is putting them in order

K completing a mitten beginning sound printable in our Crayola Dry Erase Activity Center.

Ayden is sorting one and two syllable words from the story.


E and A went on a "write the room" hunt. Each of the children had clipboards (everything is more fun with a clipboard, right?) and had to search for each of the animals and copy their names. K also did this several times, one time just looking for the animals and checking them off and another time looking for the animals and tracing their names. I thought is was a fun way to incorporate copywork into our storybook center.

And finally E and A are completing an animal notebook page for one The Mitten animals to put in their Exploring God's Creation Notebook.

This has been a fun idea that we have worked on over the last 3 weeks. I hope to change out the center this week to The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. I'll keep you posted.

Me and My Valentines

2012-02-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

Just some random pictures to celebrate the day--Enjoy!!

Brady at the sled hill

Emry, Kensley and Brady at Donner Lake

Brady, Jay, Kensley, Ayden and Emry at Northstar

Kensley at the sled hill.

Emry at the sled hill.

Me, Kensley, Emry and Brady in Yosemite

The ladies sledding.

Kensley and me, taken by Emry.

Ayden at Donner Lake with one of the top 10 toys of all time--a stick.

Jay and Brady on his new bike.

Best friends and partners in goofiness--Ayden and Emry.

1 Corinthians 13 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.....Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is Love.

Celebrating Valentine's Day without Breaking the Bank.

2012-02-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is quickly coming upon us as is the pressure to mark it in some fantabulous way for our dear ones. Yes, I want to build memories of special celebrations but sometimes it is so hard to make a plan due to a lack of energy or finances but this year I think we have a winner. I was able to get all the children something special at a consignment store or on amazon. Bob the Builder for Brady, American Girl books for Emry, Boz for Kensley and The Boys Doodle Book for Ayden. I even bought candy at the dollar store but I put it in a really good spot and cannot find it. I remember my mom doing this when I was young so I guess it is official, I am turning into my mother. I am still trying to think of some fun breakfast ideas, I'm leaning on trying these rolls by one of my favorite authors, Sally Clarkson.

So that is for the children but what about you and Jay? Well, I am glad you asked. We have some friends, who also have 4 children, volunteer to watch our four for the evening and we are going to take them up on the offer.

The Lopez Family from The Happenings of Jason and Jenn

So then we had to decide what to do, well stay home of course. I don't think it is always necessary to feel like we have to eat out or leave the house to be on a date and honestly hubs and I are frequently disappointed when we eat dinner out because of the lack of quality meals. On more than one occasion we have gone out to eat and left the restaurant disappointed because we spent our hard earned money on a bad meal. So we are staying home on this date. Jay and I discussed the menu and threw around filet and scallops, which we decided was not budget friendly for the pauper days we are in at the moment. So chicken it is but we will be splurging on mushrooms and marsala wine to make Grilled Marsala Chicken. For dessert we will be having French Silk Chocolate Pie.


Jay and I hiking Glacier Point @ Yosemite National Park--August 2011. Ignore the hair we were camping, sweating and not bathing.

So there you have it, our fantabulous Valentine's Day celebration on the cheap.

P.S. Pray I find the candy before Valentine's Day.

25 Things About Me

2012-02-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

I saw this, this morning and it sounded like fun so here goes:

25 things linky party!

1.Green is my favorite color

2. A bikini use to be my favorite article of clothing.

3. I sometimes enjoy dessert with a plastic fork.

4. When I was little I wanted to be a teacher, doctor or a nurse.

5. I want to live on a ranch.

6. I am mildly interested in running a marathon.

7. Sometimes I can't believe my name is Tammy.

8. I laugh when people fall down.

9.I sometimes want to run away.

10. I like kahlua mixed with iced hazelnut coffee, sugar & cream.

11. I wish I had a craftroom.

12. I wish I had long hair. Cutting it off in 6th grade was a mistake.

13. I like to bake treats.

14. I like to read fiction in order to escape.

15. I like to take a shower to escape.

16. I wish I had more emotional energy to reach out to others.

17. I like white/cream kitchens.

18. Chippy and rustic is what I love for decor.

19. I love the outdoors.

20. I love tea with honey.

21. I wish we had chickens.

22. I hope to have enough flowers in my yard someday that if I cut them for indoors, plenty remain in the garden to enjoy.

23. I hope to have a well producing veggie/herb garden this summer.

24. I am not as patient as I thought I would be and yes, I yell more than I would like.

25. I love Jesus and wish I was perfect so I could serve Him as he deserves.

Wow, 25 I did it--enjoy the day!

Brady Time

2012-02-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

So many of this months activities are blasts from the past and have stood the test of time through all four children, so that makes them precious in my book. We have been enjoying puzzles, matching and interactive books together as well as lots of winter family fun (I will show sledding and skiing pictures soon). If you find something helpful or encouraging here please let us know in the comments. Have a good week.

Interactive Books

I really enjoy wooden toys. This is called My ABC Book by Melissa and Doug The only unfortunate thing is one of the pieces is missing because I took it on an airplane and lost it but I hear Melissa and Doug are great with replacement parts.

B loves, loves, loves Little People. This book was our first daughter's who is now 9 and purchased at Costco.

This is a great activity book called Motor Match. I purchased it at a consignment store for our older son many years ago. It is a fun book using all types of vehicles to match in many different settings--this was a lot of fun to do with B.

Beginning Puzzle Work

Another favorite of mine. Lauri's Toddler Tote. This tote is easy to carry to the work area or for travel. It is big and chunky for little hands and a sensory delight due to its bumpy texture.

Ladybug Letters. B is not really matching the upper and lower case letters but enjoying the activity of putting puzzles together.

Parent's Magnet School--great for letter and sound recognition and puzzle work.

More puzzle work--Guidecraft's Feel and Find. This is actually a game for older children to reach into the bag and try to find the object that feels the most like their template but we just use it as a matching/puzzle activity.

Fine Motor Work

B asked for the Lite Brite after seeing it in his sisters' closet. I bought this for our older son after hearing this was a great pre-writing activity for fine motor development.

Hot Wheels stickers from $Tree.

locks and keys from daddy's stash

More Fun

Open and Close. I'm going to remove this basket soon because I am all out of ideas. If you have any suggestions let me know in the comments.

Another wooden toy--Pound and Roll Tower by M and D. I think this one is also on its way out. I saw it in the closet and added it to B's shelves to see if it would get used and it did by our 2 youngest but now after a few weeks it is just sitting and collecting dust, it is hard to see it go. Is anyone else like me, when the tot toys go it is sad to believe we are moving on?


Funnel fun and rice pouring

Elementary Skill Building

2012-01-29T07:55:00.000-08:00

It has been my desire to not only academically educate our children but to also educated them in life skills, relationships and creative pursuits. Looking back over these pictures I feel that we are moving in the right direction. When we began our family and decided to raise our children at home I had no idea how I was going to do it but figured that they would all know how to read by the time they left our nest. I now see that yes, they will all know how to read, but I desire for them to have strong relationships with those around them marked by good character and well honed life skills. It is my prayer that our Lord will direct our family's education every step of the way--so I make plans but pray for spiritual sensitivity and discernment each day as we seek to please him and walk as his children.

Practical Life

Peeling potatoes is easily overlooked for its simplicity but is really is relationship building time as they talk and share the experience, life skills as they learn to prep. dinner and contribute to the family and training in patience and kindness for mom.

Emry is learning to properly make a bed, hospital corners and all. She does a great job but is not happy with her results because as she sleeps the bottom of the bed is untucking--practice my dear, practice.

Creating a chocolate raspberry cake and practicing her piping skills. Sharing the kitchen with my children has been a test in patience and has taught me it is not about the outcome but the process of creating and learning as well as the accomplishment of "I made it myself."

Creative Pursuits

The boy is endlessly creative, here he is working on a Lego Technic Off Roading Set. Ayden does these all on his own following the guide book and then he likes to modify them into his own unique creations.

A new love--scrapbooking.

Working in her doodle book. Part of the picture is already drawn for her and then she completes it with her own unique drawing and coloring.

This was a fun day. Both children were in the library listening to Jonathan Park CD's and coloring these huge pages from a Costco Seek and Find Pad.

Another fun day. I was baking in the kitchen and the 2 of them got out all the paints and started color mixing and creating pictures--so fun to watch them talk and share their ideas.

Drawing race cars from the Ed Emberly Draw a World book.

Being creative on one's own face--yes I said "don't do that again."

He drew sideburns to match.

Math

Practicing multiplication with a card game called Count Your Points. The game is from the book Games for Learning by Peggy Kaye.

Playing the Allowance game. The game teaches great money skills and was purchased from Lakeshore Learning, it is a little bit like Monopoly.

Language Arts

Testing out our new Spelling Blaster game. We need to use this more.

Working on suffix cards.


Reading blue level sentence strips and marking them with the grammar symbols. I believe our set was purchased from The Montessori Outlet.

Enjoy the day!

I'm linking up with Montessori Monday
.http://livingmontessorinow.com/

Kensley's Kindergarten

2012-01-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

Kensley makes kindergarten so much fun due to her hands on orientation. K is learning to read and do beginning addition and subtraction but where she really enjoys spending her time is with hands on practical life experiences. Every time I make dinner she is right with me peeling carrots, pulling out other ingredients, stirring or setting the table. K also loves to clean around the house, if she catches me scrubbing toilets or washing mirrors without her she is disappointed over her lost work opportunity. Which reminds me---I want to look at all situations; fun, easy, hard or challenging as a learning opportunity for myself and the children. I think if I look at things in this way then what may be frustrating can turn into a gift.

Practical Life

washing windows

cleaning toilets--I think this is her favorite job, we'll see if that sticks later in life.

buttering toast

She's so lucky she's the third child, I was not this free with our oldest daughter. K was so proud of her work.

She did her fingers too.

Math

using the teen board and dimes and pennies for the ones and tens, this was a good intro. to money

teen boards again but with our version of "the golden beads"--rods. blue is 10, green is units

Language Arts

matching objects and word cards

matching picture cards and word cards

This was a fun day--all on her own K wrote all of her siblings names. She knows how to spell her name but then for the others she went to their rooms and copied the spelling from their name wall hangings. I was so excited for her.

using our Melissa & Doug Spelling Boards

Our version of the moveable alphabet. K is spelling out the words she reads on the cards.

Just Having Fun

Playdough Ice Cream Maker

One of K's ice cream creations--she uses this set almost daily after she helps with dinner preparations.

learning tic-tac-toe with this fun little set from the Target $1 spot


card making

Happy Learning!

Hands on Preschool

2012-01-15T11:51:00.000-08:00

I never know how to start these posts because everything seems just so ordinary, yet I love to look back and see all that the children are enjoying and accomplishing. Seeing the children engaged in activity and knowing they are enjoying themselves encourages me to press on in our education together.

I have been feeling frequently discouraged and frustrated with our older children's resistance but was reminded the other morning that I am called to continue on in faith, love and holiness ( 1 Tim 2:15). I walk in faith that I am doing the right things for the academic and spiritual training of the children. I am also reminded that I am to do it with a pure heart of love. Love is a funny thing, it encompasses so much that I am not good at. Look at 1 Corinthians 13--Love is patient, woops. Love is kind, not so much when things don't go my way. Love is not self-seeking, woops, not me again. Oh, now this one is great--love is not easily angered--FAILURE on that one. But even in the midst of my unloving behaviors I find that love always hopes and always perseveres. So, thank you Lord for reminding me of where I need work but also encouraging me that I always have a hope for a different day. He also reminds me that just because something is hard or frustrating, I don't throw in the towel but I love, I persevere. So that is what I do, I learn, I press on with a pure heart filled with His hope and love flowing out of me to these dear sweet children.

So let's have a look at B's happenings:

Window clings from the Target $1 spot are always a fun treat.

drawing roads between his stickers

stickers--B was so attached to this page, I 'd throw it away and he would say "hey who put this in hear!"

first crack at a board game--good old fashioned Candyland.

helping with dinner prep--putting potatoes in the pot

Feel and Find game

This is a great tool from Lauri, it is called a Shape & Color Sorter. So many wonderful learning opportunities---using the pegs to improve fine motor skills, sorting by shape and sorting by color.

B tried this one--pattern block matts-- but was quickly discouraged because the blocks moved easily on the matt.

Matching letter tiles to sandpaper letters

stringing large beads


still loves the open and close basket even though I am feeling rather uninspired.

Thanks for stopping by and may you be encouraged in your educational training and growth to press on to see all our Lord has for you and your children.

Loving Elementary Learning

2012-01-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

Here is a look at what our big kids have been working on.

Bible-- E and A have been busy memorizing the 10 commandments and the books of the old testament. We use games, cards, music and daily recitation to learn these biblical elements. We are also reading Little Visits with God. E has been keeping a personal journal and reading Light for Your Path for her daily devotions.


A file folder game to help learn the 10 Commandments

Learning the books of the Old Testament

Math--For math E has just begun basic division and Ayden is not far behind her, he asked several times how to use the division board but has only just begun multiplication. A is also continuing to learn different tools for addition.

Multiplication slips and bead bars

Using the stamp game to learn division

Learning multiply with the multiplication board

using the division board to practice simple division

working with the addition board


using the addition table as he works with Quick Pick Operations

Geography and History--We have been studying both U.S. history and Ancient Egypt. The children really enjoyed our Lift the Lid on Mummies kit. The kit was recommended by Veritas Press and did not disappoint. I only wish we had had the funds to visit the Egyptian museum in San Jose.

working on Africa and the U.S. puzzles

drawing and writing about the pilgrims using Draw Write Now and our watercolor pencils

Watercolor pencils are so much fun--color like regular colored pencils and then gently wet them with a brush and presto their work looks like beautiful watercolored art

timeline work--we use timeline figures from Homeschool in the Woods

wrapping a mummy and captonic jars from our Lift the Lid on Mummies kit

making captonic jars--These are the jars that the Egyptians would place the deceased persons organs in during the mummification process. The jars have the heads of the various organ gods on them.

More Fun

"Look I'm a butterfly"

"Meow"

The boy built this all by himself. It is a Lego Technic set that says ages 9-15, he is 7. Ayden will be working on Lego Master Builder set 1 this winter and start a scrapbook of his creation.

Happy Learning!

Reversing The Trend -- You Are Not A Number, You Are Strong!

2011-12-20T18:55:00.000-08:00

The joy of Christmas is upon our home and treats and feasting abound. I wish I could say that my little fit self is no worse for the wear this Holiday season but I cannot. Each time I wake up and done my workout clothes my shorts let me know that the season of eating has settled in, literally. It was my hope that INSANITY/ASYLUM was going to stave off the seasonal weight gain but I was wrong, but oh what a mess I would be in if I wasn't training myself each morning to just show up and do my best. I read this article this morning and I think it really could speak to so many during this season and each day.

6 Reasons Why Weighing Yourself is a Bad Idea

We really ought not to allow the scale to dictate our health, our self-esteem or our happiness. Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit and we should make it a nice place for Him to dwell, both physically and spiritually. We should have good health not twiggy little bodies or unreasonable goals. We should worship the Lord with our inner thoughts and feelings in regard to ourselves because yes, He is listening and out of the heart the mouth speaks. We are God's workmanship, His very creation and he created us to glorify him and to do good works. So, don't put yourself down because of what the scale says but rather glorify the Lord and prepare yourself to be God's best through taking care of yourself, spiritually and physically. Now, yes, I know our spiritual life is number one in the whole realm and scheme of things but our physical life can impact how we carry that out, so we need to take care of our bodies. So, please don't think I am preaching body and fitness is number one, because I am not. I know from first hand experience, that when we are right in our heads and hearts about our bodies then we are more effective ministers of the truth to those around us. When we feel good about ourselves we are more able to let the Lord's love shine through and do the good works He has purposed for us to do.

So how do I do it? Well it is simple, I didn't say easy, just simple---Decide, Commit, Succeed. That is the motto of Team Beachbody. Deciding dosen't do it, but committing does. If you commit you will succeed. I get up at 5:30 every morning and workout. I mean really workout, not just glisten. I sweat, I grunt and I work hard for however long the day's workout is going to be. I might take an non-prescribed break but I don't stop and I don't give up and I have succeeded at becoming healthier and stronger. Notice I said "healthier and stronger," not thinner. The number on the scale is not where I want it to be, in fact the number is currently nowhere near pre-baby four's number and I struggle. However, I decided and committed and I am stronger. I wish I fit into pre-baby four pants but I don't. I am stronger and challenged to do things that I never would have thought of or attempted. I am so thankful for the challenges BeachBody provides and here is a little look at what I or should I say Jay and I have done this year and what we hope to accomplish in the next:

P90X

INSANITY/THE ASYLUM

P90X2

PUMP
Jay's Blog Post on Les Mills PUMP

Tuff Mudder

So as we look to 2012 remember you are not your number and you are only one decision and one commitment away from success. If you are up for the challenge, let's talk because together we can Reverse the Trend and be healthier, fitter and stronger!

Kindergarten #2

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Kindergarten is so much fun and I just love me precious girl, come along and explore the wonders of learning. I have been amazed at how absolutely quick K picks up on things, before I know it she is accomplishing tasks on her own and saying "let me finish it."

Matching beginning sounds

reading word booklets--K loves this and does it very often

2 letter word puzzle cards

block puzzle--this is one activity I am always asked to start and then asked "can I finish it?" It's hard for me not to finish a puzzle when I start but I do show self restraint and grant the princessie's request.

stamping hand prints and coloring with rock crayons. These rock crayons are just another way to make the oldest of activities, coloring fun. Plus, the colors are fun to see. The rock crayons came in a red velvet bag, also a fun and interesting presentation.

Making bean and grain mosaics with her little brother

Tis the season for puzzles. K is currently working toward being able to complete 50 piece puzzles independently. Puzzles are out almost daily around here.

We started working on large number cards.

Playing Sum Swamp--early addition and subtraction game that includes odds & evens as well.

Coloring--K is working toward completing one whole coloring book neatly.


Isn't that an amazing face paint? K went to a friend's Birthday celebration and got to be a butterfly.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoying the journey with our family--God bless you all!

Hands on Preschool

2011-12-12T08:13:00.000-08:00

Take a look at our Preschool happenings. I truly enjoy the days when B brings out one tray after another or I find him working in the loft on his own. My favorite moment of the week was when I found K and B snuggled in his bed and K was "reading" a book for them. Nope, there is no picture--Sometimes I can't grab the camera fast enough but sometimes I just want to savor the moment and not interrupt it with a photoshoot.

vehicle matching mats

file folder fun--color sorting

enjoying a tea party for one and practicing pouring with a creamer

magnet pompoms

color matching

shape matching

B loved this--finger print stamping, using an Ed Emberley book. This was a fun activity to do together , B picked the picture and inked his fingers but I had to help with finger placement and drawing the details.

sticker time

color matching with hair clips and hair ties, also good fine motor practice

opening and closing locks

fine motor practice--placing clothes pins on a rim

ABC train puzzle, we need to do this a lot more

cutting practice

our rice box--Hats off to all the ladies who make monthly themed sensory boxes but I cannot keep up. So we just have a rice box that they love to play with every so often and they always love it.


color matching and sorting with Dollar Tree gems

We hope you enjoy the week, thanks for stopping by. I'm linking up for Montessori Monday at http://onehookwonder.blogspot.com/2011/12/montessori-monday_12.html

Loving Elementary Learning

2011-12-01T15:10:00.000-08:00

Here is a look at what we have been working on. I always try to make our lessons as hand on as possible while incorporating both Montessori and Charlotte Mason teaching styles. Emry is currently 9 and Ayden is currently 7.

We started out Math this season with a unit on geometry focusing on learning the names of the geometric solids. We still need to spend time on area and perimeter. For area and perimeter we will be using Take It To Your Seat Math Centers.

E and A are matching geometric solids with cards in order to learn the names of the shapes.

This is a Build and Learn Geometry kit from Lakeshore Learning. The kit walked us through how to build each solid shape as well as how to identify faces, vertices and edges. One of the shapes was enough of a challenge that I called in the "big guns" --Dad.

E and A are sorting object cards into geometric solid groups.

In language arts we have been working on punctuation and reviewing synonyms, antonyms and parts of speech.


E and A working on matching punctuation marks and their definitions. I made these cards using the Perfect Punctuation book as my guide.

A is using the Montessori grammar shapes to label the parts of speech on his sentence strips.


A is working on some antonym review cards.

In science we studied the moon using The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons as our spine.

We made the phases of the moon using Oreo cookies and then drew them on a notebook page.

And yes, I did let them eat all of the moons when they were done drawing them. Even the littles loved this project because of the treats--you can see K in the background with her cookies.

Creative Pursuits

A was experimenting with different colors and brush strokes which led to a great painting of a monster truck.


E using some fall leaf stamps to make notecards which we all used later as thank-you notes.

Kindergarten

2011-11-22T16:56:00.000-08:00

I'm enjoying Kindergarten with my girl, I just wish I had more time to dedicate to it. Here's a look at what we have been enjoying.

Even though her cutting skills have progressed beyond simple snipping, Kensley always loves this activity.

Working with our homemade Montessori Teen Boards and our version of Montessori Golden Bead Materials to learn numbers 11-19

Melissa and Doug Spelling Boards.

A living & non-living sort from a Take is to Your Seat Science book.

Water color resist painting.

Working on prewriting skills by coloring and drawing lines.

Tracing window clings to work on pencil control.

Tracing Letters

Puzzle Art. The first time Kensley tried this activity she got tired and wanted to stop but with encouragement she continued and then couldn't stop.

Working on table setting skills with a matching mat.

More prewriting and pencil control practice using this fun stencil. The stencil is part of a book called Shape Builders. The book comes with a stencil and patterns for making bugs, houses, ect. This has been a favorite of all the children.


Ya know potato stamping, well we did fruit and veggie stamping after reading the book From Tops to Bottoms. It was a fun and creative extension to painting.

Blessings!!!!

Hands on Preschool

2011-11-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

Brady has really taken an interest in hands on activities and will do one right after the other. Several times a week I try to designate a time to sit with him and encourage exploration of the prepared activities. I also try to make time for daily reading, he really enjoys non-fiction car and truck books (go figure.)


Using watercolors over crayons.


Playing with window clings from the Target $ Spot.


Exploring the Open & Close Basket. Brady really enjoyed this activity and did it all the time. I hid letters in each item, right now we have numbers in each.


Brady also really liked this activity--fall punches. I had to help him but it was fun to see him try so earnestly.


I found this great 2 piece puzzle set at Ring Around the Rosie and it has been used often.


farm animal matching


tonging golf balls


tweezing and transfer leaves


Pouring corn or beads--he absolutely loved this activity.


This is a wonderful fine motor activity--balancing marbles on golf tees.

Sorting forks by color--white, clear & silver.

Fantastic Fall!!

2011-11-09T19:09:00.000-08:00

A glimpse into our fall fun.

Happy Birthday!


Brady turned 3 and all he wanted was a "green cake." *Soccer*


Emry played soccer for the first time. She played both goalie and sweeper.

Jay (in the background) was the assistant coach for Emry's team, Blue Crush.

Camping


We went on a family camping trip to Yosemite. You can't tell by the picture but it rained every day and Jay and Brady had the intestinal flu. Despite all that went wrong we hope to go back next year for even more days. Fall Break Our homeschooling has moved to a year round routine so as most children headed back to school we took a break and headed to the beach. We spent one day at Donner Lake playing in the water, feeding chipmunks and eating popcorn.

Paige Meadows

Apple Picking

(Note to self: apple picking is fun but most of the apples that get picked by children also get bruised by children.)

Another Birthday!


Kensley turned 5. We celebrated with a trip to Sacramento for the zoo, Fairytale Town and the Cheesecake Factory.

As you can see fall has been a flourish of activity topped off by 2 snowfalls. The children are eager to sled and have already been enjoying hot coco and Christmas music. The short days lend themselves to warm fires, cozy blankets and good books. Bless you all!

Pumpkin Oatmeal

2011-11-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, how it really been since April, I could not believe my eyes when I saw my last post date. I knew it was time to resurrect the blog but I didn't know it was that bad. So, here is my first post in along time.

Pumpkin Oatmeal

This is a great recipe by Aarti Sequeira, winner of the Next Food Network Star. I am not a oatmeal fan in the least but this recipe is wonderful and eaten at our house once a week. We use steel cut oats instead of quick oats because they are the healthier, roast pecans instead of pepitas, maple syrup instead of honey and no cream, we have even used almond milk in place of regular milk. This is a delicious and healthy breakfast--Enjoy!

1 (14-ounce) can pumpkin puree (the unseasoned kind)
2 cups water
2 cups unsweetened almond milk, or water
2 tablespoons raisins (golden or regular)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice OR 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon plus 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom plus 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups quick cooking oatmeal (not the instant kind)
1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Honey or maple sugar, for serving
Heavy cream, for serving

In large saucepan over high heat, combine the pumpkin puree, water, milk, raisins, salt, and pumpkin pie spice (alternative spices). Bring to a boil.

Add the oatmeal. Turn the heat down and cook according to your oatmeal instructions; mine usually takes about 15 minutes. Stir often.

Meanwhile, in a small cast iron skillet over medium heat, toast the pepitas until they're fragrant and a gentle golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Once the oatmeal is cooked (each grain should be tender), serve with honey or maple sugar on the side, pepitas to sprinkle on top, and cream if people like it more like porridge

Greek Pizza

2011-04-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

I have read over and over on money saving blogs that one way of cutting grocery costs is to make favorite meals at home instead of eating them out. Pizza is one of our favorite meals and it is always a treat when it is on the menu. This pizza is loaded with chicken, feta and olives. I have not heard of any other children eating and asking for chunks of feta over and over, so this pizza is a winner in our house. Now, just to keep the children from stealing all the olives to put on their fingers before I can cut them for the pizza.

Greek Pizza with Chicken, Feta and Olives

Recipe courtesy Robin Miller, 2007

Ingredients

1 pound fresh or frozen pizza or bread dough, thawed according to package directions
1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
2 teaspoons garlic flakes
2 cooked chicken breast halves, diced (about 2 cups)
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced pitted kalamata olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 recipe Cherry Tomato Salad, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Roll dough out into a large rectangle and transfer to a large baking sheet. Top dough with mozzarella cheese, to within 1/2-inch of the edges and then sprinkle garlic flakes all over cheese. Top with chicken, mushrooms and olives. Sprinkle feta cheese over top and then sprinkle oregano over everything. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until crust is golden brown and cheese melts.

I usually use regular olives and no mushrooms but I'm sure it would be yummie if you included those two ingredients.

When we make pizza at our house we make homemade dough, it does require a bit of planning ahead but it is easier than you think, healthy and yummie. I tried a lot of recipes before settling on this one by Tyler Florence.

Pizza Dough

Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence

Ingredients

1 package active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon kosher salt
Extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups 00 flour, plus more for dusting

Directions

In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water; stir gently to dissolve. Let the mixture stand until the yeast comes alive and starts to foam, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Turn the mixer on low and add the salt and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the flour, a little at a time, mixing at the lowest speed until all the flour has been incorporated. When the dough starts to come together, increase the speed to medium; stop the machine periodically to scrape the dough off the hook. Get a feel for the dough by squeezing a small amount together: if it's crumbly, add more water; if it's sticky, add more flour - 1 tablespoon at a time. Mix until the dough gathers into a ball, this should take about 5 minutes.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and fold it over itself a few times; kneading until it's smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a round and place in a lightly oiled bowl, turn it over to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot (i.e. over a gas pilot light) until doubled in size, about 1 hour. This is a good time to stick a pizza stone in the oven and preheat them to 500 degrees F.
Once the dough is domed and spongy, turn it out onto a lightly floured counter. Roll and stretch the dough into a cylinder and divide into 3 equal pieces. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes so it will be easier to roll out.
Roll or pat out a piece of dough into a 12 inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Dust a pizza paddle with flour and slide it under the pizza dough. Brush the crust with a thin layer of olive oil, and top with your favorite flavors. Slide the pizza onto the hot stone in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the crust is golden and crisp. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Enjoying The Sunshine!!

2011-04-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

I am tempted to say it has been a long winter but in reality it has gone by at a bareable pace. I find myself saying "oh we didn't watch that movie or do that project" and feel the sunny days pushing out the winter coziness; yet I know several snow days will still be in our springy forecast.

So enjoy with us our sunny Sierra spring.

E 8 1/2 yrs. and A 7 yrs.

B 2 1/2 yrs. & K 4 1/2 yrs.

Princessie

BooBa

Peanut

Happy


BooBa

Don't forget the sunscreen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lessons @ Our House

2011-03-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

I post a lot about Tot School and Preschool but seldom mention what E and A are working on. E is in 3rd grade and A is in first. So let's take a look.

E is working on her times tables and this great game idea came from a book called Games For Learning by Peggy Kaye and is called count your points. E picks 2 cards and has to multiply them to find the product. She takes the first card and draws the corresponding amount of vertical lines and then takes the 2nd card and draws the corresponding number of horizontal lines and what she is left with is a grid as shown above, then to find the answer she counts the # of intersecting points on the grid and whala, the answer. The explanation may sound confusing but it isn't and it is a great tool for figuring out times tables. i have seen E use it many times during math lessons. In case you wanted to kno, our library has many of Peggy Kaye's books, so check it out if you need a pick me up for lessons.

This was a game A and I played many times this past fall. A is working on addition and subtraction, so a pair of dice, a number line and a coloring page make great practice. A rolled the 2 dice and I decided if he needed to add or subtract the 2 numbers, he found the answer on his number line and then colored in the correct number of apples. A and I played this together and we each colored in the apples.

Another great addition game from Peggy Kaye's book. This game is also played with a pair of dice and a self-drawn rainbow. I remember playing this one with E and we always had fun. Draw a rainbow and label it with 12 segments, then take turns rolling and coloring in the corresponding number, the first one with a completed rainbow wins.

Yep, my baby is ironing. E is in a Keeper's of home club and she was introduced to the skill of ironing and she truly enjoys it. She always asks to iron her dress for church and is willing to iron Jay's shirts. Next to work on laundry skills.

Another Keeper's skill E is working on at home is cake baking and decorating. E made a maple cake and decorated it using a leaf tip and pastry bag (don't ask why a quarter of the cake is cut off, all I will say is my pretty cake plate is gone). This was also a cooking project as a follow up to our study of Snowflake Bentley and Vermont.

E and A have both been working on compound words. Here A is copying them into his notebook.

A is using our moveable alphabet and 3 letter objects to spell and read.


A is working on identifying beginning sounds of 3 letter words.

In addition to these things we have been studying Abraham Lincoln and U.S. History, biblical character traits, fractions, poetry, cursive, grammar and piano. I hope to finish up our school year with a unit study on oceans and Harriet Tubman.

What our your children working on these days?

Preschool

2011-03-10T20:27:00.000-08:00

Here are some things K has been working on during our lesson time. It amazes me that last year at this time she didn't know her alphabet and had just begun to count and now she knows all the letters and sounds and can count to 30. Enjoy!

Family name cards--K is using bottle cap letters to match and learn her name,our last name and the other members of our family.

Playing a listening bingo game called Soundtracks

K has accomplished 24 piece puzzles and has moved onto giant floor puzzles and 50 piece puzzles. Puzzles come out multiple times a week around our house.

These are stones with the ABC's on them and she is putting them in order.

Putting numbers one to ten in order.

K is using the same snowmen cards but this time she is practicing one to one correspondence using colored paper clips as counters.

K playing with a balance scale to find the heaviest animal.

Practicing counting with bottle caps and numbers from 10 to 20.

Sorting letter beads.

Sorting letters.

Books I Like

2011-03-03T20:09:00.000-08:00

Well my friends we are already well into 2011 and I meant to do this book post at the beginning of the New Year but life takes me by storm many times.

So first for the books I hope to enjoy this year. For Christmas dear Jay bought me 2 books by Francine Rivers. The first is Her Mother's Hope and the second is an anthology called A Lineage of Grace. The first book I am currently reading at it is very thought provoking and enjoyable. It is a multi-generational story based on the author's own family. The second book is a compilation of novelas written by Rivers on the 5 women in the lineage of Jesus. I know they will not disapoint. In case you were wondering who the five ladies are--Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary.


In this photo you can see A Lineage of Grace plus several others on my "hope to read list." Character Sketches--This is put our by The Institute for Basic Life Principles. It is a great book incorporating both character, nature study and bible. We will be using this in our morning breakfast time. Amon's Adventure--This is an Easter book. The children and I are very much looking forward to reading this later in the month. We read one of the Christmas books in this series, Jotham's Journey, and were amazed at the twists and turns in the story, it was beyond excellent (can I say that?) for a children's book. Elizabeth George books--I am currently rereading A Woman After God's Own Heart. I read this for the first time when Emry was a baby and it is still as wonderful. It covers the topics of homemaking, marriage, children, spiritual growth and ministry. A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus, is the new George book for the year. It is a study of 30 character qualities Jesus exhibited throughout his life that we are to display in ours. Sally Clarkson--Sally is another one of my favorite "mom" authors. Her ministry is all about being a mom. Her blog is called I Take Joy and is always full of encouragement. In the photo is the book called Season's of a Mother's Heart. I have been awaiting this one for several years. It is about the changing seasons in the life of a wife and mother. Photoed below are some of my favorite reads of 2010


Real Learning--When I read this book last summer, I could not put is down. Jay and I were in Napa and I kept reading him passages and he said "it's as if you wrote this book." So many of Elizabeth Foss's words I have said, thought or felt. If you are on a homeschooling journey I cannot recommend this book enough. I was just so stunned to read my heart flowing from someone else's words. Elizabeth also has 2 great blogs Serendipity and In the Heart of My Home.

The Privilege--Kay Smith is the wife of Pastor Chuck Smith, founder of Calvary Chapel. I have been attending Calvary Chapel since 1995 and December was the first time I ever read a Kay book and wow was I blessed and encouraged. This book fed my heart time and time again. Many of the chapters I have read 2 if not 3 times. Kay wrote this book for pastor's wives but the ministry of a PW stretches all the way to us homemaking mama's and wives. Get this book, read it, underline it and reread it over and over again, you will be blessed to be in the presence of Kay in your very own home. One of my "life manuals."

Raising Godly Tomatoes--I did not by the book but read it online. I have printed it out and bound it, yes it was that good. Strange title but read it and you will understand. This is a child training book that will challenge you in raising your dear ones. It will encourage you to think about heart issues rather than just behavior. I also like this book because a bush is never beaten around, just frank talk on child raising and discipline. Another "life manual" that hasn't left my bedside.

Snowmen at Night--a cute story of what snowmen do at night and why they can look all slumped over in the morning. We first borrowed it from the library but now we own it.

Enough for now, I hope you enjoy a little bit of what makes me tick.

Tot School

2011-01-18T05:11:00.000-08:00

Yes, we are still doing Tot School, unfortunately, less than I would like. B does request to do activities from his shelf area and we have an enjoyable time when we get the opportunity to play together. So here are a few things that keep us busy.

putting paper clips into a slotted lid

wooden puzzles

Can we say addict? This little boys love Little People books, videos and his Little People Garage. We have been doing a lot of reading, especially when sitting on the potty, a book or shall I say books, are a must. We have also been enjoying books by Byron Barton, Richard Scarry and the Brown, Bear, Brown Bear series.

Connect Four is a great fine motor activity.

Our fall sensory bin filled with corn, raffia, leaves, pine cones and various containers and scoopers.

magnets on the white board

stacking pegs

playing with branch blocks, made by daddy from last year's Christmas tree


Our Christmas sensory box filled with pompoms, paper clips, napkin rings, clothes pins, bottles, spoons and ice cream scoop and rice. B loves to collect all of his dump trucks and play with them in the rice. I place the bin on a blanket for easier clean up.

I hope this gives everyone some ideas of things to do with your tot for both fun and learning.

Garbarino Going Ons

2010-12-23T20:53:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all of you. Here is a peek at how we have spent our fall. Yes, I know winter is upon us but life gets so busy that I have had very little time to blog many of the fun things we have been enjoying, I praise the Lord for his abundant blessing of an active and happy family.

Christmas started in October at our house, with music and decorations abounding. E and K were so excited when they finally got to wear their beloved Christmas dresses. It is so fun to have little ladies that love to wear pretty thing, have their hair curled and pose for pictures.

Squaw Creek Resort offered free ice skating on the first 3 Wednesdays in December, we made it for 2 of the 3 nights and the children had a wonderful time on the ice, climbing in the snow, eating Christmas cookies and drinking cup after cup of cocoa.

Our little town was hit early with heavy snow, making it a white Thanksgiving. Our home is very close to the neighborhood pond which has a great dam for winter sledding. After one trip we realized each child needed their own sled for there to be a little more fun a little less complaining.

K age 4

B age 2

Our "littles"

E age 8

A age 6

K turned four in October. We celebrated with a wind chilling trip to Reno's Animal Ark, lunch out, presents galore and a pink birthday cake.

Bishop's Pumpkin Farm is a yearly fall tradition. Our homeschool group gathered to pick pumpkins, pet animals and play the day away. So much fun and it is often our last opportunity to enjoy warm sunshine until spring.

Hayride to the pumpkin patch.


The "littles"

E got a wonderful opportunity to ride in a airplane. Our local Chapter of Young Eagles offered a free pancake breakfast and airplane rides to children over the age of 8 to introduce them to the world of flight. I was so impressed by E's excitement and courage to go flying all by her lonesome.

We also made a fall trip to Apple Hill . Apple Hill is a low mountain area dotted with apple and pear orchards. Our homeschool group participated in a morning visit and tour to the orchard at Grandpa's Cellar. The orchard owner gave an educational talk on how apples grow and what it takes to care for an orchard. It was another fun fall activity that also include apple picking. It took less than 5 minutes for the children to pick 10 pounds of apples, not the wonderfully romantic apple picking scene I had envisioned, but they loved it.

Our thumb sucker (K) has stopped sucking---her thumb anyway. We recently discovered that the thumb guards worked but she took to sucking her index finger as an alternative; so now we are wrapping her index and middle fingers together to lick that habit. Never the less, her attitude is great and she reminds us if we forget to wrap her before nap or bed. Yes, this may be a strange thing to include but I know many friends who have suckers at their houses and may enjoy seeing what the thumb guards look like. K wore them 24/7 for a month.

And finally, B turned 2 in September. We celebrated with cake, of course, and a beautiful family day at the beach.


B on his birthday at Speedboat Beach

We pray you are all doing well and enjoying this wonderful life given to us by our creator. God Bless you all!

Homeschooling Boys!

2010-11-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

"Look Mom, it's my spacesuit!"

Bye-Bye Summer

2010-09-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

As summer comes to a close I wanted to share some of our highlights, I hope you enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed the experiences.

Me and my girl at the Truckee Fourth of July Parade.

Emry turned 8 this summer. She had 2 friends spend the night, Mac-n-Cheese for dinner and Jay's Tiramisu for dessert. Hard to believe our adventures in parenting started 8 short years ago.

Ayden took swim lessons this year and did wonderful. We all had such a wonderful time walking by the pond to the pool each day, it was the epitome of warm summer days.

You have probably seen this Brady picture in a previous post but I had to share it again because I think it is my favorite photo of the summer. It was taken after B had been playing with shaving cream in the backyard. You have let your children do this right? And yes, I have allowed shaving cream inside on the table top and the big tub.

In July we went to visit the Tutus (Tammy's parents) and Uncle Mike at Lake Nacimiento. So much fun and fond memories of summers on the water. I actually skied for the first time in I don't know how many years. It was choppie but the urge struck and had to be acted on. We found a perfect cove of warm shallow water for the children to swim and play in all afternoon--perfect.

The little fellas hanging out with Uncle Mike at the lake house.

While visiting the lake house we went to the Paso Robles Mid-State Fair. The children had a great time on the rides and seeing the animals but Jay and I most enjoyed the giant pretzels we ate (thanks Tutus for introducing them to us) and the Franchesca Botichelli concert.

No summer is complete without a really giant ice cream cone. On the way home from Lake Nacimiento we stopped in Stockton at the Ghirardeli Outlet for old fashioned soda fountain treats.

The Littles love going outside and our water table received a lot of use--from water, to mud, to bubbles, I filled it up every day.

Ayden spent many days building tracks out of Hot Wheels in the sand box while the little ladies make concoction after concoction from the sand box and the surrounding weeds and plants (think soups, salads and cakes).

Goodness, my house is being taken over by paper airplanes. Ayden spent one afternoon making plane after plane for his friends. So neat to see his skills and patience advancing. We will be trying our hand at other paper folding activities this school year (think beginning Oragami).

What is this you ask? A bowl of dirt, Dirt Cake that is. One evening at dinner we were talking about dirt cake so we decided to invite a bunch of friends over for a dirt cake and water balloon day and hence I think a new summertime tradition has begun.

Donner Lake--August 2010


Hiking in Shirley Canyon--August 2010


Down By The River --August 2010


Good old fashioned hopscotch on a warm August evening.

So as summer comes to a close, we will enjoy all that fall has to offer with its mild temperatures, apple picking, pumpkin picking, hiking and park playing. Our mountains are beautiful with fall color and quiet with winter preperations.

Fare thee well!

Summer Days--Shaving Cream

2010-08-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

Go to the Dollar Tree and get yourself a can of shaving cream, squirt it out on a hand, table or chair and let the little ones have some fun.

B is 22 months and as adorable as they come.


K is 3 1/2 and full of cuteness. Happy Summer Days!

Workboxes

2010-07-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

I am doing a short presentation for our homeschool group on workboxes and how our family uses them and thought it would be fun to put my thoughts together and post it here.

I first heard of workboxes about a year and half ago and it seemed like a fun way to present lessons to the children as well as a great way to organize our materials and learning time. The creator of the Workbox System is Sue Patrick and she created the system when her son was diagnosed with Autism as a way to structure his day and promote independence. Sue began workboxes with her own children when they were 18 months old and has since taught her system to many homeschool families with children of all ages and learning needs. Her book is called Sue Patrick's Workbox System A User's Guide. Google her website by typing in workbox system (I could not properly link to it--sorry).

Here are a few reasons Sue cites in her book for using workboxes:

to provide structure
to provide a clear and visual presentation of the child's work
to present your expectations
to provide fun and interesting materials
to promote independence

Sue says that the workboxes promote natural breaks, simplify lessons and give opportunities for review and I could not agree more. Sue is very adamant that her system by followed step by step because it is tested and it works. That being said I think all families have to find what works for mom and children.

Our system with our morning folders in box one.

We have been using our boxes for a year and I have adapted the system to meet our needs and wants. But just so you know, because I forgot to say what the system is, it is a put together shoe rack from target with 12 clear shoeboxes on its shelves. This is the system that we use but I have seen many other ways of using the idea with magazine boxes, file folders or even large envelopes. Now, onward. I like the system because it organizes our materials, uses our many resources, shows the children what to expect for lessons that day and provides a clear ending point. I use the boxes for calendar activities, morning folders, life skills, lessons, puzzles and file folder games. Sue suggests that fun activities be intermingled with more academic activities to provide motivation to complete the more difficult lessons. I started our mornings with a morning folder in box number one. The morning folder usually contained the days' calendar to be traced and filled in and any "funsheets" as we call worksheets, that could be completed independently. Then subsequent boxes included books that needed to be read, hands on activities, projects or games. Many people include a snack time as a box activity but I rarely did that and no I did not fill up 12 boxes per child. E usually had 6 or 7 boxes and A had 5 or 6 boxes. So currently I have one shoe rack for 2 children. For my other 2 children I have a different system of trays or baskets on designated shelves, but that is another post.

Preparing for this post, I re-read Sue's book (get it, it is worth it) and it refreshed me for some new planning ideas to further implement her system. I would like to add in more review using posters and try removing the boxes from the rack as they are completed. Last year we did not remove the boxes and I wonder if removing them would promote a since of accomplishment and mastery in the children.

On the topic of using the boxes as review, I created a lot of file folder games using Evan Moore Take It To Your Seat Centers and file folders games. I used the following sites to make the games :

Evan-Moore books and folders I made from the books.

Also Homeschool Share has a workbox section with many materials to print or glean ideas.

Some of the file folder games we enjoy.

Now, when I first heard about file folder games, I thought "whatever" but now I cannot say enough about there fun and practicality of use for teaching things from counting to math operations to contractions. I usually spent one or two days a month making up the folders to correlate with the months topics. Oh, and when gluing use spray adhesive applied to the object to be glued, I learned the hard way. Spray adhesive seems expensive ($10) at first but I am still on the same can I bought last fall.

Here a few helpful blogs that started it all for me:

And here is a Comprehensive Review Of The Workbox System.

Happy planning and enjoy the journey!

A Nature Scavenger Hunt

2010-07-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a fun way to get outside and enjoy some of God's creation and let the children explore. Go on a nature scavenger hunt.

Give each child a bag or bucket and ask them to look for some of the following things:

A leaf that is dry
A green leaf
A red leaf
A brown leaf
A pine needle
A pine cone
A weed
An acorn
A twig
A twig with moss on it
A smooth twig or a bumpy one
A feather
A round rock
A rough rock
Bark
Berries
A bud
A seed
A flower

Practice counting while your at it and ask them to find certain numbers of things or their age of thngs. Then go home and create a nature display, we currently have 2, one in our mudroom for the children's things and one in our great room for my things. Or try drawing your findings, making a collage or even a sculpture like we did. I wielded the hot glue gun and the children picked their pieces and told me where to place the glue.

A's creation

Fun simple and it can even be done in your own yard, down your street or at the park.

E's scarecrow creation

Favorite Foods

2010-07-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

Today is the Completing Him Challenge #6 and it is about making one's husband a priority by making him his favorite foods. I remember giving a client the advice to fix her husbands favorite dessert and share it with him after the children had gone to bed, hoping to show him that she really does care about him and desire to engage with him. I remember our next session she came in grinning from ear to ear because her husband had loved the German Chocolate Cake, she was so proud that she had made him feel happy.

Jay's favorite dinner meal is Chicken and Dumplings. I won't get to this, this week because it is so warm and the chicken is not thawed but we do eat it frequently when the weather is cold and he is always very appreciative.. I have tried from scratch dumplings and we CANNOT STAND THEM, so it is the one of 2 times that I turn to the trusty box of Bisquick. Bisquick makes very yummy dumplings, you won't be disappointed.

Jay's favorite desserts are many, so I will share his first response. Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake! Well, this is a hard order to fill since the nearest Cheesecake Factory is 2 hours away but we will be stopping there next month on our trip to Napa. He also likes anything custard, like Creme Brulee.

Now his favorite drink, I can serve him any old time and it is a big glass of milk. EASY--one milk coming right up!

Join in--make your hubby;s favorite dinner, I'd love to hear about it.

Happy Birthday Nana!

2010-07-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Our Nana is turning 70 years old today and we are so proud of her. Nana, we hope you enjoy this milestone of a day filled with friends and family. Even though we are far away our hearts are quietly with you wishing you all of our love and kisses.

We just want to say:

And we even made you a cake:

We love you!

Priorities

2010-07-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

Today is post number 5 in the Completing Him Summer Challenge and it is about priorities. Courtney suggests lising 5 priorities that I currently do and asking Jay to prioritize them according to what is important to him. So I showed Jay my list this morning and he thought all of the things on my list were good but he had something else for me. He was not able to prioritize my list but rather stated that his priority for me was to mentor and be mentored. He feels that I should make a weekly date to get together with a friend for fellowship (and yes he acknowledged that he would have to watch the children). Now this is not the answer I expected. Here is my priority list: working out, morning quiet time, Me time for reading and projects, the house and all that its running and maintenance entails, homeschool prep, children and of course Jay. Now, this is being completely honest, the way I listed my priorities is also the way I tend to accomplish them--not good in some situations. So the answer I was expecting from dear husband was something along the lines of "look I'm at the bottom" and here is how you can move me up a few bars. In further discussion with Jay he said that he could not think of one thing I was currently doing that I should not be doing, so kudos for me.

So what do I do with his priority but pray because meeting one on one with a friend each week feels like a heavy burden, so I will be praying on how to accomplish this. I know Jay's main motivation in this priority is that I would be refreshed by sweet fellowship and time away from home. So what can I say, not many husbands say "ya, ya" to all the usual priorities and say "you need friend time."

I did ask Jay what he thought the priorities should be between he and I, so we looked at what we currently do together and what we use to do together and decided that we are tired and don't want to have to think once the children are in bed, so I don't know but we are having a getaway in August, just us. Clearly, more discussion is needed in this area.

This was a great activity because it spurred us both to thinking about our lives and relationships. I am definitly able to state my priorities and live them out, where as Jay, true to his personality can't clearly state his priorites but is very good at taking care of issues at hand.

It was also a great exercise because I think I need to re-prioritize a few items and define a few priorities more clearly. For example, I think children should be higher on the list, even above homeschooling and I would like to spend more time enjoying them, playing with them and discipling/trainning them in all aspects of life.

What are your priorities?

Sunday Afternoon--Victorian Square Fountain

2010-07-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from a few Sundays ago at the fountain infront of the movie theater at Victorian Square. We packed a picnic dinner and enjoyed an evening of warm weather and cool fountain spray.

How I Admire Thee, Let Me Count The Ways!

2010-07-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

Today is Challenge #5 in the Completing Him Series at Women Living Well. Today I hope to make Jay smile by listing the things I admire most about him, thereby showing, that after almost 11 years I really still do like him. Liking him has always been our joke because when we talk about what initially drew us to one another he always says "you liked me." In the throws of raising young children we forget to show that "like" for one another, so honey let me count the ways:

You can fix anything, and I mean anything. If something breaks I know you will and can fix it, like our deck umbrella, thanks for not giving up.

You have stuck with consistently working out for the last 3 and1/2 years since finding P90x.

You frequently stop what you are doing to attend to my need for something to be fixed, like the vacuum or computer.

You are loyal.

You are reading books to the children and have taught them to pay attention to details.

Your the primary "bathman."

I've never clipped a child's toenail or cleaned a child's ear.

You like to cook.

You will walk, hike, bike or play with your family.

You bring home the "bacon." You do it faithfully and have never let us down.

You are a believer and walker in Jesus Christ.

You are responsible and make things happen.

You watch the children when I need to be alone.

You admire and find value in the Love and Respect Series.

You are married to me and all my moods, sighing and unpleasantness--thanks.

I am sure when I walk away I will think of many more things, so this is just a start--Are you smiling?

Praying For Your Husband

2010-06-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

Today's Making Him Challenge is to ask your husband how you can pray for him on a daily basis--this is a daunting task if I do say so myself--everyday? I think we would both be worn out after one week of me asking that question. However, I do think it is important to ask and it lets your man know that you care about him and will be supporting him in prayer. Plus, prayer changes hearts. As we pray for someone our heart, thoughts and actions change toward them in a positive direction. I always ask the Lord to endear my heart toward the little and big people in this home because in the day to day life sometimes our sweet ones are not so dear. Come on, you know what I'm talking about. You know they are not so dear to your heart when they are stressed and don't know it, they make a water mess all over the kitchen floor for the little one to slip on and knock his head, when they are covered in Nutella or when they ask you the same thing for the who knows what number time. I pray that my heart would be softened and moved to serve with a heart guided by the Lord's spirit.

So I haven't yet asked Jay how I can pray for him today but I will. Back in January I came across this very useful tool in praying for Jay. It is a 31 day challenge to pray for your guy. I have prayed the verses several times in the past 6 months and it has helped me cover many overlooked areas in his life and mine. Give it a try. Don't be legalistic about it but use it as a jumping off point for prayers. I printed the list out and it is in my basket but I have carried it on walks and packed it for trips.

Now I am off to investigate a few more treasures on that same sight.

Happy Day!

Our wedding story

2010-06-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

I am taking part in the Completing Him Summer Challenge. Today's challenge is to tell about our wedding day as I remember the importance of the vows we took.

Jay and I were married on August 6th, 1999, it was a Friday afternoon. On the morning of our wedding I was awakened by booming thunder and pouring rain--unbelievable. We typically get thunder showers in the afternoons but not early in the morning, it was 6A.M. We had planned an outdoor wedding at a private residence surrounded by towering pines and a peekaboo view of Lake Tahoe but it was not to be. We had to turn on the beautiful fireplace and move the ceremony indoors--it was more cozy and intimate than I could have imagined, a true blessing from the Lord. And oh goodness, the smell from all the flowers was amazing. Had we of had the wedding outdoors, amongst the pines and lake views, we would have missed the beautiful fragrance of the flowers. Jay still buys me Stargazer Lillies because the fragrance reminds us of the day we committed our lives to one another and I always think of him during summer thunder storms.

Our Wedding had 90 guests and we personally knew everyone in attendance. Jay sang, or shall I say attempted to sing, " I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman but he could hardly choke it out through his tearful emotion. I forgot my self and as I hugged him,I kissed him through my vail which got quite a laugh from our friends and family. As I stood at the front I was sure to look around and savor the flowers and moments of this special day, as they were so quickly passing by. It was a beautiful ceremony and we could not have been happier.

At our reception we had an open mic for everyone to share bits or advice or memories of us and we treasure that in our hearts. My dad made the favors, chocolate chip cookies, with his "secret ingredient," my mom made the ivy topiary center pieces and we cut our cake with the same knife my parents used to cut their wedding cake. After a time of worship we were off to our honey moon in Grand Cayman.

It has been almost 11 years since we said I Do--4 children later, 1 lost baby, family discord, a year of fighting and not understanding, dishes in the sink, struggles to communicate, financial hardship, an unknown future I'd still pick you. I'd still pick you until death do us part because I love you, God purposed it in my heart, I said I would, 4 children later, trips to Grand Cayman, tea with honey, games, Food Network, the Amazing Race, The Biggest Loser, working out, hiking, walks, bike rides, thunderstorms, your protection and your loyal heart. Thanks sweetie, it will always be worth it "until death do us part."

Sunday Afternoon--Crystal Falls

2010-06-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Sunday Afternoon hiking at crystal Falls. The Crystal Falls trailhead is located in the back of the Bay View campground just past Emerald Bay. I am not sure of the hike mileage but it is short enough for our 3 year old Kensley to hike both directions with very little complaining of "I'm tired." Beware that the trail is not a smooth meandering path but rather rockie with lots of up and down stepping.

E on top of the world.

K in a mini crawl threw/cave.

It is hard to see them but E and A did a little rock climbing, they are at the top of the photo.

E and A thinking of testing the waters so more--they both had fallen in already.

B cozy in the backpack.

B loves grapes.

J and B with Crystal Lake in the background.

The children in front of views of Crystal Lake and Tahoe in the back. Don't they look like hikers, backpacks, dirt and all.

E and A do a bit more rock climbing.

And to top it all off, Papa and Nana were along for the ride.

Completing Him Summer Challenge #1

2010-06-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

I am going to participate in the Completing Him Summer Challenge hosted by the blog Women Living Well. It is a challenge anyone can participate in whether you have a blog or not. I would love to see all of your thoughts, photos or stories on Facebook as well. So join in and invest in your marriage this summer.

This is my first post and it is our "how it all began" story.

Jay and I met in the Summer of 1998 at Calvary Chapel of Truckee. One June evening a friend and I went to the movies and on the way home I asked her about Jay. I had seen him at church many times and he seemed to be the only eligible bachelor around. He seemed stable, good job, he had a house, was handsome and loved the Lord. The following Sunday I was introduced to him 2 times by 2 different people. After that Jay started coming to the young adult bible study I was having at my house. We could talk about anything and he often brought a cake or blonde brownies to share with the group. The summer went by and we did group activities and went mountain biking a few times. On one of the rides no one else came so it was just he and I. We got lost and got stuck in a horrible rain storm. When we got back to my apartment we were soak and full of mud. I lent him some dry clothes and we had dinner. The next week I am was sitting in church and in walks Jay wearing my clothes again--STRANGE. He still says he wore them because they weren't dirty yet. A few week later over Chi tea He asked so "what do you say when people ask what is going on with us?" I said I don't know what do you say?" I think " I like you a lot" was the response.

One of our first dates was to Safeway to buy boneless skinless chicken breasts. He saw they were on sale and picked me up to go buy me some in exchange for the full bottle of ketchup in my cupboard. I know such romance.

Another date was to Dairy Queen 2 minutes before they closed.

After 2 weeks I knew we were going to get married so 3 months later, in December we got engaged--now that is a story, but maybe next week.

It is strange to look at old pictures--Jay had what I friendly call "helmet" hair and I just had a lot more of it than I do after babies

From My Reader--projects for dads and children to enjoy

2010-06-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting a set of tree blocks for the children since last fall and today I found this fun blog that tells you how to do it yourself plus more. Check it out.

Tree Blocks

Tree Tea Set

Tree Snake

Sunday Afternoon

2010-06-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

We went bike riding on the Legacy Trail yesterday afternoon. As we rode along the path and played in the park it was amazing to see the amount of people who have been itching to get out into the great outdoors, ourselves included.

The Truckee River

Garbarino Gang--B is in the picture, he is in the pink bike helmet right behind E. Yes, we know B is a boy and in a pink helmet, the good news is he has grown out of the pink protector and a friend has offered me a new helmet that is not pink. (Thanks Miss. Peggy)

B is 20 months old.

K is 3 1/2 years old.

A is 6 years old.

J and K--so good looking.

E is 7 1/2 years old.

J taking this picture while riding a bike with a tot strapped to the back.

Bike riding is one of A's favorite things to do and this trip was his request.

B in his tot seat.

E happy to be on the bike path and always riding as fast as she can.

Charlotte Mason & What To Eat

2010-05-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

I have recently started using our blog as a place to archive not just our homeschooling and family activities but also crafts, decorating ideas and now, things I want to go back and read. Charlotte Mason was an English lady living in the late 1800's who changed the face of home education for many families and her writings continue to impact and form our home education. So, when I found a blog summarizing her infamously difficult to read writings I was excited. I hope to return to Dewey's Treehouse throughout the summer for a good read in preparation for next year's lessons.

Another summer read for me will be this wonderful compilation of nutrition posts by Steve Edwards from The Straight Dope. Steve Edwards has done a lot of consulting with Beach Body on their nutrition products and is very informed on good eating and great exercising.

Enjoy!

From My Notebook--Early May

2010-05-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

We just recently re-titled our blog but I thought of another new name this morning--What Do You Do All Day? So here is a look at some thoughts and activities that have been engaging me.

AROUND THE HOUSE: I had heard of the Fly Lady many years ago and had briefly perused her website but it didn't really all come together for me until I checked out her book--Kitchen Sink Reflections at the Library. The book really explained it all; in a nutshell the Fly Lady has created a home cleaning system to keep your home in order on a regular basis so the dreaded Spring cleaning is never needed again. Our house is typically clean and tidy but it was the deeper cleaning and regularly needed things that were getting under my skin. I did not ever want to allow 2 or more years to go by before I dusted the nooks and crannies or wiped down the cabinet fronts. Nor did I want to keep feeling that large hurdle I had to jump every time I decided the bathrooms needed to be cleaned or the sheets needed to be changed. So I have now decluttered our house (even after that process I still fill that "to much stuff" feeling) and have completed 1 and 1/2 rotations of cleaning in zones. It is a bit of work to get going but so worth knowing every area of the home is being tended to. If you desire a cleaner, tidier home then read the book but take her system and make it your own.

ON MY NIGHTSTAND: I think reading it what helps me stay relaxed and balanced, it can be a momentary step from reality, a way to process feelings or even educate myself. I currently am reading Cold Climate Gardening by Lewis Hill. This book was recommended by our local nursery several years ago and I have finally gotten to reading it, thanks to our library. Mr. Hill offers some great suggestions for soil preparation and extending our growing season. I am interested to test some of his ideas in our garden, I only wish I had read his book last fall. Did you know it is better to manure/fertilize the garden in the fall so through the winter the goodness can soak in and be at hand when the plants need it in the spring?

IN THE LEARNING LOFT: We are finishing up our school year with a look at South America. This morning I read the story of Jim Elliot to the children. We will also be looking at Brazil and Peru. I am pleased with how the year has gone--E has finished her spelling lessons, "A" is almost done with his copy book and can do simple addition with ease. "A" is learning to read, at his own request, and E has started her first real chapter book-- Encyclopedia Brown Takes The Cake. I am starting to ponder next years lessons and units.

THOUGHTS I AM PONDERING: I have been thinking a lot about our family and its education, focusing on homeschooling versus home discipling. I have been thinking about what I really want our children to remember about being home--reading good books, baking & cooking, nature walks, games, good conversation and our Lord Jesus. I have been thinking about how to adjust our routine so that hearts and relationships are number one, not my lesson plans. I am not sure what to do with all these thoughts but I know the Lord is giving birth to them and will bring his thoughts into completion.

IN THE YARD: The daffodils are in full bloom and I am expectantly waiting to see tulips. I have gotten to a little bit of yard clean up and it is all waiting for a decent burn day. The little ladies and I have started seeds and have purchased more to put in the ground. I long to start a new flower bed that I can look upon from our kitchen sink window, so some seeds and plant splitting will be in order.

QUIET TIME PONDERINGS: I have been reading through the bible since July of 2008 stopping here or there when needed and I am currently focusing on the 23rd Psalm. So many times we think of this Psalm as the "death" or "funeral" Psalm but don't overlook it, it offers so much encouragement to us, the living. The Lord is our shepherd and he provides us rest. God provides not just time away for rest but he provides rest in the midst of our day to day tasks of lessons, meals, diapers, cleaning and trials. There is so much I could share about this psalm but the verses that speak to me the most are 1 & 2 because it speaks of the rest that the Lord wants to give us if only we will let him lead. Remember, HIS burden is easy and HIS yoke is light, not the one we chose to strap on or carry but HIS. I also like verse 6 " Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life," Did you know this verse is actually saying goodness and mercy will PURSUE/CHASE us all the days of our lives? God is chasing us with his goodness and mercy. Why don't we just let him catch us? His life not mine.

IN THE KITCHEN: I just roasted up a bunch of nuts and seeds to make trail mix for snacks. I have been trying a lot of new recipes but this week will be a use what needs to be used meal plan--chicken fajitas, chicken breast with cilantro lime vinegarette and orzo with red beans.

I WISH: I wish we had a new camera, it is really hard to blog and capture memories without one, maybe this week.

PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK: co-op, South America, zone work in the children's rooms, Cold Climate Gardening, making up some K/pre-K activities, a visit from grandma so possibly a date with the daddy.

Sorry, this is all words and no photos but ya know, no camera.

Happy Spring!

From My Reader--Mommy craft

2010-05-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

It amazes me how creative some people can be, I wish I had the same time, energy & supplies. I hope to experiment with some of these ideas this summer and possibly endeavor to use our unreliable sewing machine. At any rate it is fun to know these cute projects are out there waiting and the next time I need to embellish something or create a gift I have ideas. Enjoy!

A cute headband that I cannot wait to make for the little ladies and am I to old for one?

An oh so cute fabric flower topiary. I think I might try this on a lampshade.

I have seen so many different types of garlands and banners in blogland but this one seemed very unique using the ever popular burlap. I don't know that I will ever accomplish this one but it is a neat idea.

Spring Pennant

Roast Chicken

2010-04-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

I can finally do it, all because of this recipe. I can successfully roast a chicken. Make it with or without the sauce and I even altered the recipe and stuffed the bird with all citrus and rosemary. I am so happy because it comes out moist and yummy for dinner and leftovers. Stock up on whole chickens when they are on sale for $.99-$69 a pound. Save the carcass and make stock a day or 2 after to store in the freezer ( I store mine in 2 cup quantities) or use right away in a soup recipe. What makes this recipe work is the cooking temperature and time along with the tying up of the legs. Go on give it a try, even if you have never roasted a bird successfully before, I bet you can do it now.

Engagement Roast Chicken
Ina Garten

* 1 (4 to 5 pound) roasting chicken
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 2 lemons
* 1 whole head garlic, cut in 1/2 crosswise
* Good olive oil
* 2 Spanish onions, peeled and thickly sliced
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 1/2 cup chicken stock, preferably homemade
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Remove and discard the chicken giblets. Pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Cut the lemons in quarters, place 2 quarters in the chicken along with the garlic and reserve the rest of the lemons. Brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle the chicken liberally with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. Place the chicken in a small (11 by 14-inch) roasting pan. (If the pan is too large, the onions will burn.) Place the reserved lemons and the sliced onions in a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Pour the mixture around the chicken in the pan.

Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and a thigh. Remove the chicken to a platter, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce, leaving the lemons and onions in the pan.

Place the pan on top of the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the wine and stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits. Add the stock and sprinkle on the flour, stirring constantly for a minute, until the sauce thickens. Add any juices that collect under the chicken. Carve the chicken onto a platter and serve with the lemons, onions, and warm sauce.

From My Reader--Mommy craft

2010-04-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

Such a cute wreath made out of paper towels and household embellishments. I shall add it to my handicrafts list.

More detailed directions on how to make this cutie. Just note that food coloring is also a good way to dye the paper towels.

Learning with Easter eggs

2010-04-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some great educational activities using leftover Easter eggs. I think these are great activities to do year-round with a fun way of serving them up, little ones can't resist the brightly colored eggs, so what a wonderful way to make learning hands on and fun.

From My Reader-

2010-04-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

A fun idea for making simple mosaics with the children, they could make it a collaborative effort or individual.

What do you do with extra soda bottles? Make soda bottle flowers of course.

My children love bubbles, so I can't wait to try this simple recipe from things around the house.

A paper plate spring bird.

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Have a sun filled weekend!

Tot School--it has been awhile

2010-04-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

We have been consistently doing Tot School activities about 2 or 3 times a week, despite my lack of posting. We have actually started doing a lot more pre-school activities that are letter and number focused. I would love to share those things to, but we are currently out of a camera so I will have to wait for now but here is a look at some of what K was busy with this winter term.

Stringing lids on string, skewers or pipe cleaners--great fine motor practice. Just collect different sized, types and colors of lids, poke or drill a hole in the middle and put them in a basket and watch the concentration begin.

Another use for baby links. More fine motor practice and concentration for both linking them up and pulling them apart. We keep ours in a little purse to make it more interesting and enticing.

Clothespins--this one is tough. K could do it but it caused mild frustration, we need to do this more often. I found clothespins at the $ store and cut a circle shape out of craft foam.

Cuisenaire Rods--I put out tongs for transferring from one container to another but K used the tongs to put "blueberries" on her "waffle."

Pouring--K had her own personal tea party and practiced pouring from both her teapot and creamer.

Connect Four--great fine motor skills and practicing turn taking, we could also use this for making patterns.

Cutting--cutting is always an enjoyable activity for K. the other day she made her own cutting activity by drawing multi-colored lines on a paper and then cutting them. We usually use scrapbooking scraps in interesting patterns or seasonal colors. A lot of times we save the cut pieces for K to later make a collage .

Old fashioned block building-- building as high as she could reach.

Pete's a Pizza has been a favorite story of K's. Here she is playing with the Melissa and Doug pizza set she got for her birthday.

More stringing with cheerios. I told K she had to string them first and them she could eat them, she obeyed. In the picture she is using a pipe cleaner to string them on and she also enjoys our cheerio activity book. It is a fun book with circle to place the cereal in for glasses, wheels ect.

I hope you have enjoyed a peek at what one of our Littles does during lesson time.

Lasanga Soup

2010-04-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

I found a new money saving grocery blog called $5 dinners and gave one of the recipes a try. The family loved it: Ayden said "this is the best soup I have ever had" and Jay ate 3 helpings, yes, you read that right, 3 helpings. This soup was quick and easy on a night when I did not want to cook.

I used ground turkey and macaroni noodles with a little parmesan and the next time I make it I will add finely chopped carrots to get the veg. in the pot.

Lasagna Soup

1 onion finely diced $.80
1 teaspoon olive oil $.05
2 cloves garlic finely minced $.06
choice of meat (ground beef, Italian sausage, meatballs…) $2.00
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups jarred spaghetti sauce $.37
4 cups chicken (or vegetable or beef) stock $1.00
2 bay leaves $.03
8 oz pasta (Rotini, Fusilli, Campanelle,Corkscrew) $.50
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
shredded Mozzarella cheese $.50

In a large Dutch oven, heat oil to medium heat and saute onion until golden. Add garlic and warm through about 1 minute before adding your choice of meat. Brown the meat, remove any extra fat. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, spaghetti sauce, chicken stock and bay leaves. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Add pasta and increase heat to bring to a boil and cook for recommended time on pasta box for “al dente”. Discard bay leaves and adjust seasonings by adding salt & pepper. Stir in fresh parsley and serve with a sprinkling of shredded Mozzarella cheese.

Easter Traditions

2010-04-16T12:59:00.001-07:00

Easter is long over but I thought I would share some of our traditions, both old and new. When I was growing up we always had Cinnamon Rolls for breakfast and brunch after church and without even realizing it,I have established those same Easter traditions for our children. I had been reading in blogland how many families have food traditions for every holiday and thought that was both interesting and yet so simple. So as I prepared for brunch the night before I became aware that getting home from church, cooking Cinnamon Rolls and the egg dish I wanted was not going to be accomplished in a timely fashion. I racked my brain and searched our fridge for what I could prepare to make our brunch special. I found carrots, so of course why not make soup. Carrot soup is a perfect Easter Tradition for us in the mountains because you never know if it will be mildly warm or bitterly cold, so why not. It was perfect. I put the carrots in the oven to roast on delay start before church and when we arrived home, they were ready to be made into soup while the rolls cooked. It was a lovely meal based on old traditions with a little new thrown in--thank you Lord for the inspiration.

Jay's rolls have long been a tradition in his family as well. The recipe has been handed down from his Great Grandma and we look forward to them on every holiday.

Our Menu: Carrot Soup, Cinnamon rolls, strawberries, deli plate w/ meats, cheeses & pickles ( E & A have been on a pickle kick) hand-dyed Easter eggs and a spinach salad w/ gorgonzola, roasted almonds and cranberries in a garlic vinegarette.

The Easter Eggs were also a new tradition for us. We had dyed the hard-boiled eggs on Friday with blueberries, cranberries, turmeric and spinach. No better way to get your eggs for brunch without having to tie up the oven. I also decided that this spinach salad will be an every holiday tradition, the flavor combination is an absolute favorite of mine, so why not?

After brunch it was nap-time and games. We joined another family for dinner and an egg hunt in the evening all while being cozy and warm with the snow falling outside. It was a lovely celebration even thought it felt like we should be saying Merry Christmas not Happy Resurrection Day.

Our Trip To Southern California

2010-04-15T16:14:00.001-07:00

We have made it through another winter and excitedly long for the warmer, sunnier days of spring. We are looking forward to seeing the trees bloom, the happy tulips, the smiling daffodils and the fuzzy goslings at our pond but while we wait, here is a look at our trip to Southern California.

Jay has been working on a few engineering jobs in Newport Beach so we tagged along. We got a chance to visit with my brother and parents, my wonderful friend Vanessa and her family and Jay's dad and Sharon. When Grandma heard we were going to be in Southern California she said "go to Disneyland" so go we did (thank-you). And would you believe it, at Disneyland both our digital camera and video camera broke--amazing. So we have very few pictures of the trip and what we have was taken with Jay's camera phone, so they are not the best quality, never the less enjoy our travels.

K loves Minnie Mouse and happily wears her ears. The sad part of this story is that on our trip she lost her one and only Minnie Mouse in one of the Hotels.

K with Minnie.

The infamous tea cups--A, E & K

K trying to spin the tea cup.

The Wonderful World of Disney!

I love getting a picture with all of my jewels.

Sisters expectantly waiting for their exciting day at Disney.

My Fellas--they are a handsome bunch.

We also went to the Palm Springs Air Museum and had a wonderful visit. If you get a chance to go, it is well worth the time. I think the bi-planes and B-52s are my favorites. The museum also had replicas/models of old warships and fighter planes from around the world. Again, these pictures are from Jay's phone so the quality is poor but I still wanted to share our smiling faces.

My jewels and me in front of a favorite Bi-plane.

Ayden and Emry

Ayden

Succulent Braised Pork

2010-04-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

Yummy, goodness. The house smelled so wonderful when this was cooking and we were not disappointed. The pork just fell apart and the carrots were perfectly cooked. I love this recipe because, although initially time consuming, it uses such normal ingredients that we typically have on hand. I am thinking about trying this sometime with a chuck roast, as I have never successfully cooked a pot roast and think it would be a great meal as well. Try it and let me know what you think.

Succulent Braised Pork

Recipe courtesy Melissa d'Arabian

Show: Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Episode: Beyond Pork and Beans

Ingredients

2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 6 large chunks
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup red wine
1 1/2 cups beef stock or broth
1 bunch parsley stems, tied with string
2 bay leaves
1 cup water

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Pat the pork dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, and working in batches brown the meat on all sides until a golden crust forms. Transfer the pork to a plate. To the pan add the onion, celery, and carrot and sweat until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and sweat another 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes to cook off the raw flavor and caramelize it. Sprinkle with the flour and cook another 2 minutes to cook off its raw flavor. Whisk in the wine and reduce it by half. Return the pork to the Dutch oven, then stir in the beef stock, parsley stems, and bay leaves. Add the water if liquid does not come up to the top of the pork. Do not cover the pork with liquid. Cover the pan and place it in the oven to braise until the meat is fork tender, about 3 hours. Taste and season with more salt and pepper, if needed. Transfer to a serving platter and serve.

From My Reader

2010-04-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

Here's what interested me this week--a few nature, craft and educational ideas. Happy reading.

Nature observations through collecting and drawing. I can think of a few children who will enjoy this all summer.

Phonics eggs--fun matching for word families and sight words.

Nature Words--I always forget to do this very simple activity when we go outside--so much fun and creativity.

Make a Spring Stick. I can't wait to see the children running around with these creations, they love sticks.

A very cute mantel garland and so easy. I made a Christmas tree garland like this once but never thought of decorating a mantel with it. A rag garland could also decorate a shelf or cabinet top.

Dot Painters meet Ed Emberly--I love this idea. I have an Ed Emberly book that I always forget to use and we always enjoy a good dot painting session--perfect, combine them both for a fun creative project.

Fun high frequency word cards with the beautiful and captivating illustrations of Jan Brett.

A wonderful post about the perils of being speedy and hasty in our use of time and choices, wonderful food for thought.

Ayden's 6th Birthday

2010-04-06T09:46:00.001-07:00

I am a bit late getting these pictures up but it is always fun to go back and reminisce, even if the pictures are only a few months old. His Birthday was February 23rd.

Dad's crepes to start off A's Day.

He likes to eat them with either syrup or Agave nectar.

It was a Transformer birthday, he received several to add to his collection.

We went to Jump Man Jump for a little family fun.

Emry Anne

My lovely gang.

Birthday boy on his way up the big slide.

B had so much fun crawling, sliding and jumping in all of the inflatables.

B climbing a ladder to a slide.

K on her way up to the top of the big slide.

I surprised "A" with a racetrack cake. I found the idea at FamilyFun. "A" had also requested that his cake be mint flavored, yes mint, I know strange but it was actually very tasty with cream cheese frosting.

Hard to believe that the Boo-Ba is 6 and missing teeth. He has had several milestones this year, such as--learning to ride a bike, completely on his own, no help at all--amazing and recently asked me to teach him to read. He can actually read 3 letter words well and has started on 4-5 letter words with help, it is time to pull out the beginning readers and hop to it.

From My Reader

2010-04-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

I saw this, this week and thought it was so easy and so pretty. I am amazed at what an inspiration blogs can be, I will share some of my own inspired creations very soon.

Handmade Dogwood Blossoms

From My Reader

2010-03-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here are a few fun craft projects for the season, I am excited to try them all--enjoy!

Spring Baskets

Coloring Eggs Naturally

Bottle Cap Bunnies

From My Reader

2010-03-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

Here are a few fun posts that I have stumbled upon in blogland this past month, I hope you enjoy.

A do it yourself magazine holder.

A Treasure Basket for the little ones, I am thinking of doing this on a regular rotation for B.

A great, great game idea and I just found some blocks this afternoon that I can use, I know the bigs will really enjoy this activity.

A great nest craft that made me happy when I thought of it hanging on our hutch. Now I just need a trip to the thrift store for some spoons and JoAnn's for a few eggs.

We have had the book Benjamin's Box for several years, so I was so excited to see this post. We will be making our own Benjamin Box this season.

Banana Mini Muffins

2010-03-11T13:52:00.000-08:00

The other morning E and I wanted to bake some muffins. E decided she wanted banana muffins and a recipe by Giada(her favorite food network chef), so this is what we baked. We did not make the frosting and I added a bit of wheat germ for good measure and they were so tasty. When the muffins came out of the oven I just wanted to try one and before I knew it I had eaten four. I had to laugh because as I looked at the pans I noticed someone else had gotten to them first (J) and couldn't hold himself back either--so yes the muffins were that delicious--enjoy!

Banana Muffins with Mascarpone Cream Frosting

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

Muffins:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 ripe bananas, peeled and coarsely mashed

Frosting:

3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Directions

Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl to blend. Beat the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl to blend. Stir in the banana. Add the dry ingredients and stir just until blended.

Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. Bake the muffins on the middle rack until the tops are golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out with no crumbs attached, about 25 minutes. Transfer the muffins to a rack and cool slightly. The muffins may be eaten warm or cooled completely and frosted.

To frost the cupcakes: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the mascarpone cheese and then beat in the honey. Spread the frosting over the muffins. Sprinkle with the walnuts.

Daybook

2010-02-23T15:21:00.001-08:00

Today We Are Celebrating: A's 6th Birthday--wow I am amazed that our BooBa is 6, it does go fast. I think it has been a fun day for him filled with special treats and a lot of Transformers. (Posting a day late, I didn't feel good last night and had to stop and get in bed.)

Around The House:I think I am longing for Spring and when it isn't threatening snow the sun is shinning brightly and the birds are singing. I made this arrangement using 3 Dollar Tree flower stems, branches from the yard and a vase with greenery I already had. I am getting excited to transition the house to a fresh season.

I wanted to share my china hutch before the change over. My red dished are still up in addition to a splash of red flowers and a Love day decoration made with scrapbooking supplies and a vintage print from here (so many cute prints). Also on the middle hutch of the shelf you can see 2 creamers and a mini teapot, all thrifty finds that I am so glad to have. Thrifting has been a great way to start building up my tea collection.

Also as spring approaches I am longing to clean out and reorganize cupboards and closets but that will probably have to wait until summer.

Real Life: This is what our great room looked like on my last tile cleaning day. Yes, a mess and they cleaned it all up.

What I'm Reading: Dwellings: Living Fully from the Space You Call Home. It is by Mary Beth Lagerborg and inspiring in all areas of home life. I had wanted it for a long time and got it this past Christmas. Reading it is like comfort food for my heart. I am also reading Oolong Dead from the Tea Shop Mysteried by Laura Childs. I try to retreat for 2 chapters and a cup of tea every afternoon.

Quiet Time Ponderings: Oh there are so many things right now. I am currently in Galatians and I already got stopped at verse one "Paul, an apostle---sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the father,". Okay, so if Paul was sent to the Galatians by no man but God himself am I any different. I (we) are sent by God to minister to our families and to any other person or people that cross our threshold or path. This verse gives me confidence that no matter where I am, home or away I am sent by the Lord to do his ministry. So, no worries of "What am I going to say?" or "I can't handle this" when the 3 year old is screaming for the umpteenth time or the 7 year old is doing the same in the form of arguing and crying; because God has sent me to minister to these needs. So I read on and got stopped again in verse three "Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." So as I go about ministering to my family and any others God sends my way; am I greeting them with the same grace and peace God desires me to impart to them? Am I giving grace to my children in their behavior and mistakes, even if I am horribly tired and impatient? Is my own attitude fostering peace in our home? or is my attitude grouchy, cross and short? When I am driving, visiting the library or grocery store am I greeting others with grace and peace when they are slow, crabby, impatient or confused? I should because that is how our heavenly father greets us. So many more gems but I will stop.

In The Learning Loft: We have finished up our study of Australia and will be starting Antarctica. For Australia instead of making notebook pages we made mini books and put them all in a lapbook when we were done. This was a great change that we will stick with for Antarctica. We also have a few more weeks left in our Dinosaur Study. We are using a Dino book and study guide from Queen Homeschool and it has been wonderful. E is working on 2-digit addition and subtraction with carring and borrowing as well as graphs and graphing. A is working on skip counting by 2's and 5's. K is doing lots of counting and ABC activities associated with The Mitten by Jan Brett.

In The Kitchen: I made macaroni and cheese for A's birthday and we have also enjoyed Rosemary Chicken, Chicken and White Bean Soup and Lentil Soup. The freezer is stocked with the left overs. J and I really like soup but the children do not but I will persist.

On My To Do List: Lessons, laundry, clean bathrooms, pack for So. Cal trip, prep some lessons, clean up the kitchen and change B's diaper.

Have a great day!

Valentine's @ the Park

2010-02-19T15:39:00.001-08:00

J asked what I wanted to do for Valentine's day and I said "go to the park." Yes, I know it is the middle of winter but the need to experience some sun on my body is huge, so we went to the park in Reno and had a picnic. I think the smiles on their faces tell you it was an afternoon enjoyed by all.

Boo-Ba

Peanut

He seems a little young to be doing this but he climbed several times with our help and had a lot of fun. I think it was only his second visit to a park.

My favorite picture of the day--K all smiles.

Visit a park it's good for the winter heart!

Valentine Card

2010-02-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

Here is our final card project. The children and I made this for J and we were very happy with the result. I used 2 lunch bags folded in half and then stapled the binding. I had 2 pockets at that point so I snipped off the ends of 2 of the bags to get 2 more pockets. Then the 3 older children wrote or dictated their messages for Daddy and decorated their cards. I attached a little pretty scrap paper for tabs and we filled the pockets. (I think scrap paper is so handy and I keep a file of my scraps for various uses).

Our cover

An inside page with one of the children's handprints.

Another handprint and a vintage print printed from here. I discoverd this wonderful blog 2 weeks ago and have printed out many things to frame for added touched here and there.

The back cover with B's handprint.

Such a cute keepsake that can be made in so many ways--give it a try!

Scroll down to see the original post and link to the idea for this card with a lot more detailed pictures.

Cute Card--you want to take the time to look at this.

2010-02-11T19:56:00.000-08:00

I just had to share this because I think it is so neat and could be used for so many occasions. It is a fun interactive card or book that you can make with so many of your own supplies or your children's. We are going to make one soon and I will post pictures when it is finished.

Here is the link--enjoy.

A Quick Heart Game

2010-02-08T16:10:00.000-08:00

I made this game for K's Tot School with a Valentine's theme but you could make it with any theme you need.

Supplies:
dollar store stickers
blank business cards

Take 2 cards and adhere the same sticker on each card and presto you have cards to play matching games --try Go Fish or Memory. I made 10 pairs but make as few or as many as you would like. You could also turn this into a File Folder Game by attaching one set of cards to the inside of a folder and have your tot match them up.

Enjoy!

Snowflake Craft

2010-02-02T04:54:00.001-08:00

This was a fun multi-aged craft. First I gathered all things, white, clear or natural from around the house. We used white beans, white pom poms (not seen in the picture), white and clear buttons, and white and clear beads.

I"m not sure where this muffin tin presentation came form but somewhere in blogland (sorry) but sometimes a craft is all about the presentation and organization to make it interesting to the reluctant crafter.

Then E took some popsicle sticks and glued them into a snowflake pattern for everyone to paint white and then we decorated with our stash of items and glue.

Here are E and K's creations.

I hung them with fishing line from our dinning light and it makes a cute display of the children's handiwork.

Go ahead give it a try and enjoy the time with you precious children.

Wintery Days

2010-02-02T04:28:00.000-08:00

What do we do all day (besides lessons)? How do we spend Winter days? Here's a look.

We let the 3 years old have the camera--not bad if I do say so myself, yes K really took this pictures.

We loose our first tooth. A noticed it was loose on Friday afternoon and by bedtime he was in the bathroom with a mouthful of blood doing the extraction himself. It was uncanny because the previous day as part of our Dino study we studied and made a booklet on the 4 types of teeth.

We learn to self-feed with a spoon. B is now 16 months.

We pull out the ball pit.

We make transformers out of math rods and tape.

E gave K a manicure and a pedicure.

Build a snowman, of course--E did this all on her own and then helped A build one too.

And we play in the snow in our boots, jacket and swimsuit--K wanted to also go in the sprinklers but I had to tell he no, much to her disappointment.

Happy Winter!