tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89650614793951367062024-03-07T23:34:41.784-05:00In The Potter's HandTraining them to know HimIn The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-88598588050229501042011-06-20T15:40:00.001-04:002011-06-20T15:41:12.700-04:00Too Long<span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Verdana,sans-serif;">Wow...my blog has been neglected for a long time. Life has taken over this past year and blogging had to be dropped. I hope to pick it back up again. I miss keeping a record of our school and family adventures. I will be updating soon.<br /><br />Kim<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-87151177764223147212010-07-24T10:58:00.001-04:002010-07-24T10:58:58.172-04:00Strawberry Jam<p>Gardening has become a great hobby for us. Each year we expand and try more. Our second year of gardening we also started canning. James’ grandmother canned everything. I don’t remember my grandmothers canning that much, but I’m sure they did. We want our girls to leave our home knowing how to grow and save their own food. I am going to share our experience of canning strawberry jam. </p> <p>We always begin any canning process by sterilizing our jars and lids. The water needs to reach 180 degrees.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_ijWuorI/AAAAAAAAAKE/de__XFMNRnM/s1600-h/SANY0544%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="SANY0544" border="0" alt="SANY0544" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_jDsyFQI/AAAAAAAAAKI/gsLif0OATmk/SANY0544_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a> </p> <p>First, wash the strawberries and cut the stems and any bad spots off. Don’t they look yummy!</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_jv4wAbI/AAAAAAAAAKM/UfstPqMGj3I/s1600-h/SANY0547%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SANY0547" border="0" alt="SANY0547" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_kXrKwbI/AAAAAAAAAKU/SBrrlfMagPQ/SANY0547_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a> </p> <p>Second, smash the strawberries. The was James’ job this time.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_k5-UccI/AAAAAAAAAKY/21DoAHOrt4M/s1600-h/SANY0545%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SANY0545" border="0" alt="SANY0545" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_ldbTFHI/AAAAAAAAAKc/iOC7khpqHWk/SANY0545_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a> </p> <p>Next, add one box of Pectin to 4 cups of strawberries. We also added 1/4 tsp. of butter. Bring to a rolling boil.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_mAvtasI/AAAAAAAAAKg/pyJLkzSej2Y/s1600-h/SANY0548%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SANY0548" border="0" alt="SANY0548" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_mraZa0I/AAAAAAAAAKk/HM-UHHwUkS8/SANY0548_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a> </p> <p>Then add 7 cups of sugar and boil for exactly 1 minute.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_nIoN7oI/AAAAAAAAAKo/n17jB32C8Js/s1600-h/SANY0546%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SANY0546" border="0" alt="SANY0546" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_ngYgNlI/AAAAAAAAAKs/ZzCNMLOhUM0/SANY0546_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a> </p> <p>Finally fill jars and process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. The result is yum, yum, yum!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_oebu-II/AAAAAAAAAKw/ZNiReA64obg/s1600-h/SANY0549%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SANY0549" border="0" alt="SANY0549" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_o44jyHI/AAAAAAAAAK0/REFMpUI0tnA/SANY0549_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>So far this year we have canned 72 quarts of green beans, 24 half pints of strawberry jam, 9 half pints of blackberry jam, 14 quarts of tomato juice, 3 pints of pickles, and 5 pints of banana peppers. They are beautifully placed at the top of my cabinets.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_pSWgpgI/AAAAAAAAAK4/ls6Nxmz6kZY/s1600-h/SANY0554%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SANY0554" border="0" alt="SANY0554" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_p0osIGI/AAAAAAAAAK8/wdwTV20sbxI/SANY0554_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_qqQq-8I/AAAAAAAAALA/ZAeZYYOXpLQ/s1600-h/SANY0555%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SANY0555" border="0" alt="SANY0555" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_rGeMAEI/AAAAAAAAALE/KNzQupujYWw/SANY0555_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_rj4EO0I/AAAAAAAAALI/7C_TemAZHh4/s1600-h/SANY0556%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SANY0556" border="0" alt="SANY0556" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TEr_sD1v0bI/AAAAAAAAALM/Uv4LQV7bFnI/SANY0556_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a></p> In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-85728396450066899202010-07-06T12:14:00.001-04:002010-07-06T12:14:08.368-04:00The Homeplace<p>There is a really cool place at Land Between the Lakes called The Homeplace. I highly recommend visiting there if you are interested in pioneer days. You can tour all the buildings at your own pace. There are people their in costume doing activities from that time period. This is what we were hoping the Laura Ingalls Wilder house would have been like. The girls were able to play lots of games that children would have played in pioneer days. Someone actually stays there and lives off of the food from the garden and livestock. They have pens for pigs, chickens, sheep, cows, oxen and horses. The buildings on site were living quarters, the kitchen, smoke house, and several barns. It was a great day of learning and exploring.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNV-qFSyiI/AAAAAAAAAIk/dVfe8LDs0rw/s1600-h/104_06936.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="104_0693" border="0" alt="104_0693" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNV_UGwMII/AAAAAAAAAIo/yPC2_0UyTac/104_0693_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a>This lady was working on quilt squares. Lulu really wants to make a quilt. She was explaining to her how to make a simple nine square quilt pattern. Another girl was knitting a dishcloth. The girls were telling her that they know how to knit.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWA6cH1oI/AAAAAAAAAIs/NDSRfhPXvk0/s1600-h/104_06996.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="104_0699" border="0" alt="104_0699" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWBeFHLhI/AAAAAAAAAIw/Y1Z4_OZAO3Y/104_0699_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a>Lil really liked this doll. There were cornhusk dolls in on of the rooms as well. They had clothing that kids could dress them up in. All three girls had such a great time here. It was a really nice experience. </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWCCIwDLI/AAAAAAAAAI0/Jn8WtwGVqZo/s1600-h/104_07026.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="104_0702" border="0" alt="104_0702" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWCtt-OgI/AAAAAAAAAI4/87zziacqdjA/104_0702_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a>This is the kitchen area. Lots of cast iron pots. James wanted to sneak some of the home with us :)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWDtwyAbI/AAAAAAAAAI8/M8jckw9inwQ/s1600-h/104_07086.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="104_0708" border="0" alt="104_0708" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWEgNOR0I/AAAAAAAAAJA/HKAuCua3wcI/104_0708_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a></p> <p align="left">Lil was pretending to knit while she was sitting by the fire.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWF5OKYSI/AAAAAAAAAJE/eESBBbw_Eto/s1600-h/104_07286.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="104_0728" border="0" alt="104_0728" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWHKsWaZI/AAAAAAAAAJI/Mnw4eSeI2Qc/104_0728_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a>I cannot remember the actual name of this game. The girls want James to make them a set though. Basically you have a hoop, like an embroidery hoop, that is wrapped with ribbons for decoration and two pointed sticks for each person playing. You cross the sticks inside the hoop and pull your arms apart quickly to send the hoop flying off your sticks to the other person. The girls practiced this for a really long time.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWH5ToBnI/AAAAAAAAAJM/vh753HkPFx0/s1600-h/104_07346.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="104_0734" border="0" alt="104_0734" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWJHDXQuI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/W3OBz0WkeXc/104_0734_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a>Lil and James ready to carry water. Our kids have it so easy today. These were very heavy empty.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWKB9Jj4I/AAAAAAAAAJU/l5ixXtB1r3U/s1600-h/104_07376.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="104_0737" border="0" alt="104_0737" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWK6aBE7I/AAAAAAAAAJY/M2cX8_WGc3E/104_0737_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a> Lulu and Monkey gave it a try as well.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWLchsNYI/AAAAAAAAAJc/DO7eOvqwTRE/s1600-h/104_07386.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="104_0738" border="0" alt="104_0738" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWNN_xS9I/AAAAAAAAAJg/krOQawdFO0w/104_0738_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWOFlWDzI/AAAAAAAAAJk/d0NGBnjnk9Y/s1600-h/104_07466.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="104_0746" border="0" alt="104_0746" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWOzU8rqI/AAAAAAAAAJo/3SQbLtDGKsI/104_0746_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a> </p> <p align="left">James would love to live like this. I really enjoy camping and trying to live more simply, but I don’t think I am ready to live this simple. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWPiyHBBI/AAAAAAAAAJs/Xy1b6Dim6p8/s1600-h/104_07496.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="104_0749" border="0" alt="104_0749" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWQeCxpUI/AAAAAAAAAJw/oArXSOH7t0I/104_0749_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a> </p> <p align="center">My prairie girls!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWRI8EcfI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/19Mq7EBMPrw/s1600-h/104_07516.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="104_0751" border="0" alt="104_0751" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWSqhpaSI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/b9K73SXNZmc/104_0751_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="604"></a> </p> <p align="left">Of course Lil had to see what it would be like to be a young lad as well.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWTE319lI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Bg9wR8zZTK8/s1600-h/104_07586.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="104_0758" border="0" alt="104_0758" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TDNWT3HO74I/AAAAAAAAAKA/pIHNs00EtiU/104_0758_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a> </p> <p>I like this picture of James and his dad. We had a great visit with him and his wife. The girls stayed with them for a few days after James and I came home. It was a nice break for all of us but I sure was glad to get them back home.</p> In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-13310774953506116262010-07-03T23:22:00.002-04:002010-07-03T23:25:46.994-04:00Trip to Branson, MissouriOur vacation spot this year was Branson. We wanted to go somewhere different than the beach. We stopped by St. Louis on our way. Our library has a really great section of education DVD’s. James found one on the building of the St. Louis Arch. We watched the video with the girls before our trip. So when we stopped at the arch we all had a greater appreciation of structure. It is still amazing that no one died while building it. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-MHlDeEI/AAAAAAAAAHE/VC7mKZx6aDs/s1600-h/104_0517%5B14%5D.jpg"><img alt="104_0517" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-Myv-PmI/AAAAAAAAAHI/c0h90-70rNs/104_0517_thumb%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="104_0517" width="364" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-NC-VX_I/AAAAAAAAAHM/wBDFE6IZbBs/s1600-h/104_0519%5B11%5D.jpg"><img alt="104_0519" border="0" height="341" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-NgJGYwI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/hNfnL8Q3cJg/104_0519_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="104_0519" width="454" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-OGE8TNI/AAAAAAAAAHU/HAlG3Iu7XLg/s1600-h/104_0523%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="104_0523" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-O59rReI/AAAAAAAAAHY/YbMwTj1nH8g/104_0523_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="104_0523" width="454" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-PaLgG9I/AAAAAAAAAHc/URLrFTehMlM/s1600-h/104_0565%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="104_0565" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-P54lhpI/AAAAAAAAAHg/9QQvpcN3dfA/104_0565_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="104_0565" width="364" /></a> Lil and Monkey enjoyed putting their toes in the Mississippi River. We read Minn of the Mississippi this year by Holling C. Holling so that made it more special.<br />
Our resort in Branson was nice. We did a lot of swimming, a little fishing, a little shopping, and lots of relaxing. It was probably the most restful vacation we have taken. Our big night out was to the Dixie Stampede Dinner Show. James and I went to this in Pigeon Forge on our honeymoon. The girls loved it! <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-QpVzsZI/AAAAAAAAAHk/e08RRtxXL6I/s1600-h/104_0573%5B8%5D.jpg"><img alt="104_0573" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-RDPNL4I/AAAAAAAAAHo/WZeNHB00iWQ/104_0573_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="104_0573" width="364" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-RnjwNgI/AAAAAAAAAHs/MCPHImLjvaI/s1600-h/104_0586%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="104_0586" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-SQmIcMI/AAAAAAAAAHw/iZ7usrcXYIs/104_0586_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="104_0586" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-SzBnMvI/AAAAAAAAAH0/W0YjiioA2eM/s1600-h/104_0590%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="104_0590" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-TjQZNdI/AAAAAAAAAH4/q3qDhc8mUU0/104_0590_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="104_0590" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-UWc2OwI/AAAAAAAAAH8/Ml9xNQ7I4_8/s1600-h/104_0592%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="104_0592" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-UzUO1MI/AAAAAAAAAIA/IW0N9CMtC68/104_0592_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="104_0592" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-VtYoTPI/AAAAAAAAAIE/q9fgY1NRBM4/s1600-h/104_0638%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="104_0638" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-WEVQdII/AAAAAAAAAII/T3iD3dTxzMs/104_0638_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="104_0638" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-Wyl3AqI/AAAAAAAAAIM/sTL-Ioc0qb0/s1600-h/104_0635%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="104_0635" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-XYHQNmI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/8t777mdYfR0/104_0635_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="104_0635" width="454" /></a> <br />
If you know us, you know that the girls and I love Little House on the Prairie. On our way to James’ dad’s house from Branson we passed Mansfield, Missouri. This is where Laura and Almanzo lived in their later years of life. We stopped to tour their house, the rock house Rose had built for them and the museum. I have to say we were disappointed in the experience. They were very hands off and I couldn’t take any pictures inside the houses or the museum. I am pretty sure Laura would not approve. The girls did not enjoy the house, but did like the museum. They have many things that Laura and Mary made, i.e. clothing, knitting projects, toys, etc. Pa’s fiddle is on display and they even take it out once a year to play it. I am glad we took the time to stop, but do wish the mood would have been more inviting. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-YPuEnsI/AAAAAAAAAIU/6TZ9OgB_XFo/s1600-h/104_0657%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="104_0657" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-ZhJOPLI/AAAAAAAAAIY/OvDJDmKOOv4/104_0657_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="104_0657" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-aDBctBI/AAAAAAAAAIc/d_iIXSAaLAE/s1600-h/104_0670%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="104_0670" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/TC_-bdX4oII/AAAAAAAAAIg/kKbii4eTvEc/104_0670_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="104_0670" width="454" /></a> Overall we had another great vacation. On our way home we stopped at James’ dad’s house in Western Kentucky. We had a nice weekend visit with them. While we were there we went to The Homeplace. I will share about that in another post.In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-90501566188548500982010-06-07T07:38:00.000-04:002010-06-07T07:38:32.545-04:00The Roller Coaster is Almost Over<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Summer is supposed to be a time of relaxing, right? This year it has begun with constant scheduling for us. We went on vacation two weeks ago to Branson, MO. The weather was great. The girls had a great time swimming every day. I have lots of pictures I want to share. We took them to the Dixie Stampede Dinner Show. James and I had seen it before on our honeymoon twelve years ago. (Happy Anniversary Babe!) They loved it! The preshow was much better this year - a juggling comedian. He was very talented. One morning James took the girls fishing. We stayed right on Table Rock Lake. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On our way back from Branson, we stopped to visit James' dad and stepmom. They moved five hours away over two months ago. All three girls stayed with them from Monday to Thursday. I cried when we left and missed them the whole time. It was the first time we had been away from them for that long. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now Lulu and I are getting ready to leave again. We will be heading to Dallas, Texas in a few days for the National Junior Bible Quiz tournament. James will be staying home with Monkey and Lil. I am looking forward to some time away with just Lulu, but an really dreading that drive. I am sure I will have pictures to share when I get back.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Soon after we return we will all be gone again for some camping. And shortly after that Lulu and Monkey will be going to church camp for a week. I will have lots of time with Lil, just me and her. She knows it is coming but I'm sure she doesn't realize that her sisters will be gone all week. She will really miss them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Once camp is over I think we get to stay home for awhile. I'm sure we will have more camping trips, but nothing major. I have started reorganizing the school room for next year. I am probably half way finished. I won't be able to finish it until I get back from Texas. Once again I will have pictures when it is complete.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So what are your plans for this summer?</span></span>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-72978699911506404002010-05-20T08:35:00.000-04:002010-05-20T08:35:17.341-04:00Nearing the End<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our school year officially ends tomorrow. It has gone by so quickly. Looking back I see many things I am glad we did and many things I wish I would have done differently. Next year we are switching to My Father's World. I am very excited about getting started on it. We will be taking a few weeks off and then returning to a very light schedule for the summer. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As for summer it is starting up with a bang. We have a trip to Missouri planned, a trip to Texas for the National Junior Bible Quiz tournament, a three day stay for the girls at their Papaw and Nana's house, a camping trip, and a week at church camp for Lulu and Monkey. I am tired already. This is how the past two months has been as well. I am looking forward to the excitement that each one brings though, especially church camp. The older girls cannot wait.</span></span>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-69871085221476706592010-05-06T08:37:00.000-04:002010-05-06T08:37:42.104-04:00It's a Social Parade<center><a href="http://www.smartandtrendymoms.com/search/label/socialparade" target="_blank"><img alt="Smart and Trendy Moms" border="0" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/smartandtrendymoms/socialparade2.gif" /></a></center><a href="http://www.smartandtrendymoms.com/search/label/socialparade" target="_blank"><br />
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<div style="color: #93c47d;"><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.smartandtrendymoms.com/search/label/socialparade" target="_blank"><b>This week is Google Friend Connect Round Up!!</b></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you would like to participate in the Social Parade go to </span><a href="http://www.smartandtrendymoms.com/2010/05/link-up-and-get-new-blog-readers-its.html" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Smart & Trendy Moms</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">. Be sure to follow my blog. It's in the tab box in my sidebar.</span></span></b></span></div>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-58747388699503978812010-04-24T02:44:00.000-04:002010-04-24T02:44:55.803-04:002010-2011 Curriculum<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I went to the <a href="http://www.cincinnatihomeschoolconvention.com/">Midwest Homeschool Convention</a> (awesome by the way) in April with three wonderful friends. I purchased all of my curriculum for next year. It feels really good to know that everything is sitting in the school room just waiting to be explored.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lulu and Monkey will be doing <a href="http://mfwbooks.com/ecc_2nd.htm">Exploring Countries and Cultures</a> from <a href="http://mfwbooks.com/">My Father's World</a>. I am very excited to be making this switch. I love Charlotte Mason's philosophies and unit studies to teach every level together. I just struggle with finding the time to put it all together myself. MFW will do this for me. Bible, Geography, Science, Art, and Music are all taken care of with Exploring Countries and Cultures. For English we are moving to Rod and Staff. Lulu will be doing <a href="http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/item/1-125--/?list=Building_Christian_English_Series">Following the Plan</a>. Monkey will be doing <a href="http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/item/1-123--/?list=Building_Christian_English_Series">Beginning Wisely</a>. Lulu will do <a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/Math+6-5+Homeschool+KIT+%283rd+Edition+%29/024426/1272090854-999384">Saxon 6/5</a> for math. Monkey will switch to Saxon and do <a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/Math+5-4+Homeschool+KIT+%283rd+Edition+%29/024422/1272090854-999384">Saxon 5/4</a>. Another new choice for us next year will be <a href="http://all-about-spelling.com/">All About Spelling</a>. I've heard so many great things about this program over the past several months. I started reading up on it. I looked over everything at the convention and bought the first two levels. We are going to start this program in a few weeks. I hope to get my struggling speller on track over the summer.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lil will be in Kindergarten next year. She will be doing <a href="http://mfwbooks.com/k.htm">My Father's World from A to Z</a>. This is a complete package for kindergarten. I may add <a href="http://www.alabacus.com/">RightStart Mathematics</a> and All About Spelling to her schedule after we get into the year. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I also am excited to introduce <a href="http://www.workboxsystem.com/">Workboxes</a> next year. The organization of our day is a constant struggle. I really hope this system gives our day a boost as it seems to have done for so many other families. I know that I will not implement the system exactly the way Sue Patrick suggests. I just don't have the space. Once I have all the details fixed I will blog about how we plan to implement the boxes in our day.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-79840040765473975952010-04-24T01:08:00.002-04:002010-05-11T19:52:08.435-04:00EXPO 2010<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tonight was our annual EXPO at co-op. There are several categories in which the students can enter to compete in their age group. Lulu entered photography, spelling bee, crochet, and Legos. Monkey entered photography, casseroles, sewing, and painting. Lil entered photography, printing, and Legos. The girls did a great job working on their projects. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J48o_qtLI/AAAAAAAAAF8/2odAMVcLMz8/s1600/104_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J48o_qtLI/AAAAAAAAAF8/2odAMVcLMz8/s400/104_0338.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lulu built a farmhouse with Legos. She had a trundle bed under the big bed. Her horses had their own barn.</span></span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J47VESfMI/AAAAAAAAAF0/OBCH4hakHZ0/s1600/104_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J47VESfMI/AAAAAAAAAF0/OBCH4hakHZ0/s400/104_0305.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lulu took this picture at the zoo. I would love to have it blown up. It's beautiful.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J4-gw9mWI/AAAAAAAAAGI/mvKCPn0erqs/s1600/104_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J4-gw9mWI/AAAAAAAAAGI/mvKCPn0erqs/s400/104_0342.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Monkey did a great job on her painting. She found a picture from a book of scenes at Red River Gorge. </span></span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J461N4IWI/AAAAAAAAAFw/XTJp3h8lgos/s1600/104_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J461N4IWI/AAAAAAAAAFw/XTJp3h8lgos/s400/104_0301.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Monkey also took her picture at the zoo. We happened to be in the reptile house during feeding time. We were able to watch this snake begin to eat the rat. Rather gross, but rather intriguing. Her picture was a hit tonight...especially with the boys.</span></span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J49q7-WXI/AAAAAAAAAGE/PN9kWl9wN64/s1600/104_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J49q7-WXI/AAAAAAAAAGE/PN9kWl9wN64/s400/104_0340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lil used potatoes to do her printing. I cut the shapes out for her and she went to town. I have to admit she gets her systematic side from me. I probably would have done everything in rows when I was 5 too.</span></span> <br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J49BQ2lpI/AAAAAAAAAGA/5bgJLyFUuFA/s1600/104_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J49BQ2lpI/AAAAAAAAAGA/5bgJLyFUuFA/s400/104_0339.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One of Lil's most favorite things is Monster Jam. She has gotten to go on two dates with her Daddy to see them live. She was building a garden with her Legos for EXPO. The older girls and I were in the school room doing our work. She came into the room to ask for help finding a special Lego piece. When I went into the living room her garden was gone and she was building trucks. Too funny! </span></span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J48GgmTHI/AAAAAAAAAF4/LAKFHKtjxiM/s1600/104_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J48GgmTHI/AAAAAAAAAF4/LAKFHKtjxiM/s400/104_0319.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lil took a picture of Daddy's bass guitar for her photography entry. Last year her picture was of a monster truck.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am very proud of the hard work the girls put into their projects. They had a blast.</span></span>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-60282053711025474632010-04-21T02:30:00.002-04:002010-04-24T01:09:55.626-04:00Homemaker in Training<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">James had a jacket that needed some mending. He asked Monkey if she thought she could take care of that for him. Her face beamed as she went and got my sewing basket. She was proud to be able to help her Daddy. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J7KpzlnDI/AAAAAAAAAGg/qzHuV8Z3XrM/s1600/104_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bcb7aGOBVuE/S9J7KpzlnDI/AAAAAAAAAGg/qzHuV8Z3XrM/s400/104_0146.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-1800061388372877402010-04-20T01:32:00.000-04:002010-04-20T01:32:41.596-04:00My New Home<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I finally decided to make the switch. I am in the process of moving my blog material over from Homeschool Blogger. The past several months I have neglected my blog all together. I hope to start updating on a regular basis again. Here is the link to my old blog until I can get all my posts moved: <a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/pottershand/">In The Potter's Hand</a>. </span></span>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-44028188088456605532009-10-15T02:00:00.000-04:002010-04-21T02:01:31.018-04:00Excitement Around Here<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The past two months we have been working on remodeling our kitchen. It is looking so great. I can't wait for it to be completely finished. Here is a before shot of the cabinets, counter top and appliances.</span><br />
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</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/October09/SANY0016.jpg" alt="" height="299" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/October09/SANY0016.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /><br />
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</span> <div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">Now here is a pic of my new counter top and cabinets.<br />
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</span> <div align="center"> </div></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/October09/102_9639.jpg" alt="" height="400" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/October09/102_9639.jpg" style="display: block;" width="300" /><br />
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</span> <div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">It is so much prettier. I love it! We still have to replace the floor and get a new table set. <br />
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James and I like to include the girls in what we do when that is possible. They obviously could not help put in the cabinets and appliances, even though they wanted too. So to let them be involved we purchased three canvases and paint. Here is my artwork for the kitchen.<br />
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</span> <div align="center"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/October09/102_9656.jpg" alt="" height="299" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/October09/102_9656.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">Lulu's is first, then Monkey's, and then James/Lil's. They did a great job.<br />
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</span> <div align="center"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/October09/102_9659.jpg" alt="" height="299" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/October09/102_9659.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /><br />
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<img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/October09/102_9653.jpg" alt="" height="299" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/October09/102_9653.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">And here are my girls for their first day of co-op. We are having a great year so far!<br />
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</span> <div align="center"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/October09/102_9563.jpg" alt="" height="299" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/October09/102_9563.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-35748750313289364162009-10-02T01:59:00.000-04:002010-04-21T02:00:12.656-04:00Need More Hours in a Day<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Life has been moving full speed ahead for us the past few months. I am wondering when it will slow down a little. I have all these great intentions of posting about our school days, special events we are participating in, and all the funnies that occur each day. Then I look up and it is time to go to bed.<br />
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Our plate is overflowing as a family right now. Back in August our church launched a new Saturday night service. James and I both joined the ministry team. He is on the worship team and I am directing the children's ministry for Saturday night. We both also teach class on Wednesday night at church. James started a Bible study for the men back in the summer. They meet twice a month. The ladies started meeting twice a month also. The girls and I have really enjoyed this. We all, minus Lil, know how to knit and crochet now. Co-op started back in September. I am on the board this year and coordinating the Teacher's Lounge each week. Add school each day, chores, work... the plate is overflowing!<br />
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So that is why the blog is suffering. I do intend to get back at it though. Lulu wants to get her blog going again too. We changed the background and some other things a few weeks ago. She posted a story she wrote for her writing curriculum. She has another story ready to post when we get a chance. You can read her story <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/lulu8" href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/lulu8">here</a>.<br />
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Lulu and Monkey have their first JBQ match of the season tomorrow morning. They are excited about quizzing. Lulu is in A league this year. That means her age group will quiz on 10 point, 20 point, and 30 point questions. Monkey is still in B league. They quiz on 10 point and 20 point questions. Lil spectates :) I was asked if Lil would want to quiz on C league, even though she is four. I just don't think she is ready to sit quietly at the table and only buzz when she knows the answer. Too much energy still bottled up inside her.<br />
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Our plate is full, but we would not have it any other way. We stay busy, but it is all things we do together as a family (for the most part). James is not off doing his own thing, me off doing mine, and the girls in different directions. We are together. And what God has called us to do, He will give us the grace we need to accomplish it.</span></div>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-77925070185912442092009-09-15T01:58:00.000-04:002010-04-21T01:59:24.250-04:00My Future Worship Leader<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lil's most favorite thing to do is sing and play church. I hope you enjoy this "Lil Original".<br />
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</span> </div><center style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><embed height="361" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/September09/SANY0032.flv" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="448" wmode="transparent"></embed></center>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-15199942737059175472009-08-27T01:57:00.002-04:002010-04-21T02:23:34.403-04:00Water Balloon Fight<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To celebrate the girls' first day of school, four weeks ago, James filled up water balloons. They had a blast getting each other soaked. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center; width: 640px;"><embed height="480" src="http://w172.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/5d3ed6c2.pbw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" wmode="transparent"></embed><a _fcksavedurl="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img _fcksavedurl="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" alt="" height="42" src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="border-width: 0pt; float: left;" width="320" /></a><a _fcksavedurl="http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/?action=view&current=5d3ed6c2.pbw" href="http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/?action=view&current=5d3ed6c2.pbw" target="_blank"><img _fcksavedurl="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" alt="" src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="border-width: 0pt; float: left;" /></a><br />
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<div align="left"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">After the balloons were gone, the hose came out. Building memories is so important. I don't remember all the toys and gadgets I had as a kid, but I do remember the people that poured love into my life. <br />
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My prayer is that my girls will remember that we got dirty, we got wet, we dropped things in order to spend time with them, we made sacrifices, we loved them.</span></div></div></div>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-36631026786442157682009-08-21T01:56:00.000-04:002010-04-21T01:57:42.065-04:00Embroidery in Colonial Times<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The past two weeks we have been finishing up our study of Colonial Times. Lulu, Monkey, and I have been going to church twice a month all summer to tack knitting and crocheting classes. We have all three really enjoyed this time together. It's one of the things I regret not having my grandmother teach me when I was younger. Anyway, when I gave the girls a list of activities to do for Colonial times I knew the choice would be an easy one. They both wanted to knit a pouch and do embroidery. We have not gotten to the pouches yet, but they have finished their embroidery. (Lulu even done an extra one on her own)<br />
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</span> </div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9423.jpg" alt="" height="400" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9423.jpg" style="display: block;" width="299" /><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Don't you just love the way Monkey 'sits' in her chair.</span><br />
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<img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9422.jpg" alt="" height="300" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9422.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Lulu finished hers very quickly. She is serious at embroidery.</span><br />
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<img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9424.jpg" alt="" height="400" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9424.jpg" style="display: block;" width="299" /><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Lulu loves horses. She also chose to add buttons to her work.</span><br />
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<img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9425.jpg" alt="" height="300" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9425.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /><br />
<img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9426.jpg" alt="" height="400" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9426.jpg" style="display: block;" width="299" /><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Monkey was proud of her finished product as well.</span><br />
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<img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9427.jpg" alt="" height="300" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9427.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The girls did a great job. I am really proud of them.</span>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-40186586459032699122009-08-21T01:55:00.000-04:002010-04-21T01:56:23.057-04:00Physics<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We follow a four year cycle for science. This year our studies will focus on physics.<br />
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Several years ago James and I purchased six Scienceology kits: electricity, magnetism, flight, land vehicles, lights/colors/optics, and radios/phones/telecommunications. I am finally going to make good use of them. There are around 20 different experiments within each kit, as well as an instruction manual. I think they will make a nice intro into physics.<br />
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</span> </div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9430.jpg" alt="" height="400" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9430.jpg" style="display: block;" width="299" /><br />
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<img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9434.jpg" alt="" height="400" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9434.jpg" style="display: block;" width="299" /><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <br />
Today we started our study using the Magnetism kit. The girls wrote definitions and complete two experiments. They made a 'metal detector' and tested various materials to determine whether or not they were magnetic. Then we learned about induced magnetism. Lulu and Monkey had a lot of fun making their magnetic sculptures.<br />
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</span> <div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9432.jpg" alt="" height="300" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9432.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /><br />
<img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9433.jpg" alt="" height="400" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9433.jpg" style="display: block;" width="299" /><br />
<img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9429.jpg" alt="" height="400" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/August09/102_9429.jpg" style="display: block;" width="299" /><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-52610613737175362642009-08-15T01:53:00.000-04:002010-04-21T01:55:03.506-04:00Student Photos - Not Back-to-School Blog Hop<center style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.my3boybarians.com/" href="http://www.my3boybarians.com/"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.my3boybarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/NBTSbloghop.png" alt="NBTSbloghop" class="aligncenter size-full
wp-image-715" height="125" src="http://www.my3boybarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/NBTSbloghop.png" title="NBTSbloghop" width="125" /></a><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">My students were very excited for their first day a couple weeks ago. I missed the curriculum sharing week so I am going to combine it with this week.<br />
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First up is my fourth grader. How is that even possible?<br />
</span> <div align="center"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9389.jpg" alt="" height="300" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9389.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">Lulu is becoming quite a young lady. She has a big heart and wears it on her sleeve. Her personality is very giving and compassionate. She rejoices with others and also cries for them. She has often wanted to pray about something for a friend. I am so excited to see what God has in store for her.<br />
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Her individual work is listed below:<br />
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Bible</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"> - An emphasis on personal devotion<br />
<b>Math</b> - RightStart Mathematics Level E<br />
<b>Spelling</b> - Spelling Wisdom (copywork and dictation approach)<br />
<b>Grammar</b> - Daily Grams 4<br />
<b>Writing</b> - Writing Strands Level 3<br />
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Next up is my third grader.<br />
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</span> <div align="center"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9387.jpg" alt="" height="300" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9387.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;">Monkey always has a smile on her face. She loves to laugh. She has been determined from day one to do her own thing. Monkey loves the Lord and she will not be swayed. I know that God will use her in a great way. During prayer time I can always hear her saying her prayers right along with me. She is a hard worker and is not afraid to get dirty.<br />
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Her individual work is listed below:<br />
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</span> <div align="left"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Bible</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"> - Reading through the New Testament<br />
<b>Math</b> - RightStart Mathematics Level D<br />
<b>Spelling</b> - Spelling Wisdom (copywork and dictation approach)<br />
<b>Grammar</b> - Daily Grams 3<br />
<b>Writing</b> - Writing Strands Level 2<br />
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Lulu and Monkey do a lot of work together as well. Here is their combined work:<br />
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<b>History</b> - We are going to use a unit study approach this year. I started out with the four year Classical cycle. Last year I switched to Ambleside Online and our cycle got a little off. I am going to try to get back on the four year cycle this year with unit studies. We are starting out with a small unit to finish up the Colonial period. The girls are preparing individual reports and one together. I'm looking forward to seeing what they come up with.<br />
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<b>Geography</b> - Minn of the Mississippi and Paddle to the Sea (Both books are by Holling C. Holling. We read three of his books last year and the girls loved all of them. They were excited to start Minn this week.)<br />
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<b>Literature Readings</b> - Robinson Crusoe, Kidnapped, The Incredible Journey, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Paul Revere's Ride, and Rip Van Winkle (Selections taken from Ambleside Online)<br />
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<b>Biographies</b> - Poor Richard and Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution<br />
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<b>Science</b> - It Couldn't Just Happen (Give facts that support creation and disprove evolution) and a focus on physics this year<br />
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<b>Spanish</b> - Let's Speak Spanish workbooks<br />
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<b>Poetry</b> - Alfred Lord Tennyson, Emily Dickinson, and William Wordsworth<br />
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The girls will also have gym, art, Keepers of the Home, creative literature, science units, and choir at our co-op.<br />
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Last, but not least, is our preschooler.<br />
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</span> <div align="center"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9384.jpg" alt="" height="300" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9384.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">Lil adds a lot of spice to our family. She is Lulu and Monkey all mixed into one. She has qualities that link her to both her sisters. Lil wants to learn so bad. She complains that I don't have enough planned for her to do and her sisters complain that she gets more free time than they do. <br />
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I am planning to do a mixture of things with her this year. We did not finish our ABC notebook last year. That's first up. And then we will see. I had wanted to have more planned out for her by now, but it just did not happen.<br />
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</span> <div align="center"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9392.jpg" alt="" height="300" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9392.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a great year.</span></div></div></div><span style="font-size: small;"> <br />
</span></div></div></div></div></center>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-17599980525406695252009-08-09T01:52:00.000-04:002010-04-21T01:53:46.010-04:00Our School Room - Not Back-to-School Blog Hop<center style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.my3boybarians.com/" href="http://www.my3boybarians.com/"><img _fcksavedurl="http://www.my3boybarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/NBTSbloghop.png" alt="NBTSbloghop" class="aligncenter
size-full wp-image-715" height="125" src="http://www.my3boybarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/NBTSbloghop.png" title="NBTSbloghop" width="125" /></a><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">Our school room has changed some from last year. James made us a new table and computer desk! The girls and I are very excited about this table.<br />
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</span> <div align="center"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9350.jpg" alt="" height="400" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9350.jpg" style="display: block;" width="299" /><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">It's a marker board table. We all four have our own spot at the table with two shelves to store our books. The girls have their pencil box, abacus, ruler, etc. on the top shelf. The bottom shelf houses their basket that holds their workbooks, notebooks, and binder. And we get to write on it :)<br />
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</span> <div align="center"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9396.jpg" alt="" height="400" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9396.jpg" style="display: block;" width="299" /><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">I have not had a chance to redo our bulletin board for this year. That is on my list, my very long list. The white cabinet houses all our art supplies.<br />
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</span> <div align="center"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9395.jpg" alt="" height="300" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9395.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">The brown bookshelves, which bugs both James and I now that everything else is white, house all our curriculum, resource books, storybooks, and manipulatives. The white shelves house my office supplies and help support the new computer area. Della, our cat, is a regular at the school table.<br />
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</span> <div align="center"><img _fcksavedurl="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9394.jpg" alt="" height="400" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w17/evans1330/summer09/102_9394.jpg" style="display: block;" width="299" /><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">This is such a space saver. I am so thankful that my husband is talented in building. He blesses us with so many wonderful things. <br />
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Thanks for visiting our school room.<br />
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</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></center>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-63857118978315053782009-06-12T01:51:00.000-04:002010-04-21T01:51:50.389-04:00"Bacontoad's" Wig<div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img _fcksavedurl="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BW0SX2PPL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BW0SX2PPL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" style="display: block;" /><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">I purchased 'Beethoven's Wig' for my girls as a fun intro to classical music. I always start the year with good intentions of incorporating classical music and, as to date, fall short. Upon request from a good friend, thanks Amie, I purchased the first CD. My girls love it! We will definitely be getting the other CD's in this series. <br />
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The funny part to this story, and the title of this post, is that Lil cannot say Beethoven. She says "Bacontoad". It is hilarious! I laugh every time she says it.</span></div></div>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-16385394642256292462009-05-08T01:50:00.000-04:002010-04-21T01:51:03.562-04:00The Garden is Growing<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last year was our first attempt at planting a garden. We did pretty well. This year the garden has more than doubled itself. I think James would till up the entire backyard if it were not for the girls. We have already enjoyed lettuce and a copy strawberries. <br />
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This year we are going to try our hand at canning. I'm very excited about that. I never did it as a child. No one around me canned, either that or I never paid attention if they were. Some friends at church gave us three boxes full of jars. That was a blessing! I'm not sure how many more we will need. I guess we will have to wait and see once we start the whole process. I am going to try to keep my eyes open at yard sales.</span>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-76422303904567711922009-04-25T01:49:00.000-04:002010-04-21T01:50:17.819-04:00Annual EXPO at Co-Op<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tonight was our annual EXPO at our co-op. The girls have been working on their entries all week. Lulu and Monkey entered the science competition together. They built two greenhouses out of a crate. They planted herbs. One greenhouse received light 24/7. The other greenhouse was lit for 12 hours and then off for 12 hours. Their questions was, "Do plants need time without light?". The result of their experiment was no. The herbs that received constant light sprouted faster and grew much larger than the herbs that received less light. It ended up being a really great project.<br />
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Lulu also entered the spelling bee, a drawing, and a Lego creation. <br />
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Monkey entered a painting and baked a hot fudge cake. This cake is very neat. She added the mixture for the cake to the pan first. Then she topped it with the hot fudge mixture. I poured the boiling water over the cake. When it bakes, the two layers switch places. The hot fudge is under the cake. Very cool!<br />
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Lil entered a painting, a Lego creation, and photography. Her photography entry was from Monster Jam, of course.<br />
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I am very proud of the hard work the girls put into their projects. They were extra excited tonight since Ms. Lana came to see all their items on display. Thanks Ms. Lana!!!</span>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-2456416900809482432009-04-21T01:48:00.000-04:002010-04-21T01:48:47.229-04:00Mom's Getaway<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last Thursday I left town with three other homeschool Moms. We headed to Cincinnati for the Midwest Homeschool Convention. It was a great trip. I really enjoyed my girl time with three awesome ladies. They love the Lord and their families. It is so great to have like-minded women in my life. We laughed until we could laugh no more. We got very little sleep the first night...to the tune of about an hour <img _fcksavedurl="/include/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/whatchutalkingabout_smile.gif" alt="" src="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/include/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/whatchutalkingabout_smile.gif" />. The sessions were very informative and some were even convicting. The vendor hall was stocked full of curriculum.<br />
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We have already made plans to go back next year. I can't wait...</span></div>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-62641197587632578382009-04-21T01:47:00.000-04:002010-04-21T01:48:07.686-04:00Poem Memorization<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The girls are really enjoying our poet for this term, Christina Rossetti. They each picked three of her poems to memorize. Here are the recitations.<br />
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</center></center>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8965061479395136706.post-46375763224145630392009-04-11T01:46:00.000-04:002010-04-21T01:47:13.073-04:00Our Nature Bag<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am slowly incorporating more of Charlotte Mason's teachings. Nature study is one area I have struggled with. I want to do it...I'm just a little intimidated because I don't know much about this area. I cannot tell the difference between trees and plants. We are outside all the time and the girls have nature journals, but we still do not do nature study. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well as spring is approaching and we are anticipating the many weekends camping, James and I decided to put together a nature bag. Our bag is actually a soft sided cooler. We chose the cooler over a backpack so that it could get wet and clean up easier. Inside our nature bag are the following:</span></div><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">3 drawing pads</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">3 fishing nets</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">3 observation bowls (reusable Ziplocs with lids)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">colored pencils</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">pencils</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">homemade crayons for rubbings</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">tube containers of various sizes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">2 magnifying glasses</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">2 pairs of binoculars</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">hand sanitizer</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is so nice having everything in one place. We are looking forward to the many advenures we plan to have with our nature bag. When we are sitting around camp and the girls need something to do....just grab the bag and go explore!</span></div>In The Potter's Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01895406391316195919noreply@blogger.com0