Jul. 23, 2008 - Wow! and Chocolate Syrup (like Hersheys)
Wow, has the Hillbilly Housewife website changed, I like it!
It looks great.
I have had some requests for my Chocolate Syrup recipe and I get it from the Hillbilly Housewife so I am posting it here for you but you can visit her website and find a ton of other goodies.
Chocolate Syrup
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 cup tap water
2 cups sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Find a 2 quart saucepan. In it, mix the cocoa and water with a wire whisk or fork. Heat the chocolate water over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add the sugar and continue to stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and boil for a full 3 minutes. Remove the syrup from the heat.
Add the salt and vanilla, stirring to blend. Pour the syrup into a clean pint sized canning jar, or a clean catsup container. Put a good lid on the jar and store it in the fridge.
Use this chocolate syrup to make chocolate milk, or serve it over ice-cream. This is remarkably similar to Hershey's Chocolate Syrup in the can. (but probably cheaper, my input)
We went on a field trip today to a local ice cream shop, Butterfields. They make their own ice cream and he explained it all to us. It was pretty interesting. We got to sample the ice cream fresh from the maker and then we all got small ice creams that we bought. While we were waiting for the tour to be set we were talking to some of the students from Guilford Christian Academy. He said his favorite ice cream was twist soft serve double dipped in chocolate, so I told the mom that I would post the recipe that I have for Magic Shell.
We have had this and it works well. Enjoy!
1 pkg. chocolate chips
1/2 stick butter or margarine.
1/4 vegetable oil
In a double boiler melt chips and butter together. When melted add oil. Pour over ice cream and it will harden.
www.budget101.com/recipes/id496.htm is where I got this recipe from.
Jul. 17, 2008 - Our curriculum choice for the upcoming school year.
We have used ACE for the past two years. It went very well. The kids gained some structure and discipline for next year.
We have decided to change our curriculum for the 2008-2009 year. After much prayer we believe that we should focus on more writing and grammar and math. So we will continue to use ALEKS math, we had much success with it this past year so we will continue with that.
We are going to use Total Language Plus as our core for the year. We have chosen some that we will do together and some we will do seperately.
The choices for completing together will be:
The Cricket in Times Square
by George Seldon
A displaced cricket befriends a mouse, a cat and a little boy whose family runs a newsstand in a subway station. The cricket brings fame and fortune to the struggling family business before returning to his country home in Connecticut.
Book Summary
Study Highlights
Reading Level:
4th - 6th
Spelling/Vocabulary:
Medium to difficult
Category:
Fantasy
Comprehension:
Light
Setting:
New York subway station
Critical Thinking:
Light
Theme:
Friendship
Biblical Focus:
Trust in God
Paperback Novel:
151 pages
Study Guide:
6 units
Related Studies: Music, Chinese culture, family-run business, relocating
Barbara's Note: A great story for those new to this curriculum, it moves right along and is wonderfully believable. The study guide is not as intensive or heavy as the more advanced books, providing a non-threatening introduction to the TLP system. One of the favorites among both boys and girls.
My Side of the Mountain
by Jean Craighead George
This is an account of Sam's adventures as he lives alone on his grandfather's mountain for a year. Sam lives in the trunk of a tree, catches and trains a falcon and makes his own clothing.
Book Summary
Study Highlights
Reading Level:
4th - 8th
Spelling/Vocabulary:
Medium to difficult
Category:
Adventure/Fiction
Comprehension:
Light
Setting:
Catskill Mountains
Critical Thinking:
Light
Theme:
Companionship
Biblical Focus:
God's creation
Paperback Novel:
177 pages
Study Guide:
7 units
Related Studies: Nature, survival
Barbara's Note: This has been our best seller for 5 years. Boys and girls alike enjoy the story and it is a good "starter" study for those unfamiliar with Total Language Plus.
And to complete individually: Haleigh
Caddie Woodlawn
by Carol Ryrie Brink
Caddie is an adventurer, a tomboy, imaginative and brave. She'd rather plow a field than help in the kitchen and is the proud owner of an Indian scalp belt! What will she do when the settlement is threatened with a massacre?
Book Summary
Study Highlights
Reading Level:
4th - 6th
Spelling/Vocabulary:
Light to medium
Category:
Adventure
Comprehension:
Light
Setting:
Wisconsin, 1860
Critical Thinking:
Medium
Theme:
Growing up
Biblical Focus:
Obedience
Paperback Novel:
275 pages
Study Guide:
7 units
Related Studies: American history, American Indians
Barbara's Note: Caddie Woodlawn is based on a real character and real events. The family focus and humorous adventures give it broad appeal for both boys and girls. It is an excellent choice for those just beginning TLP.
King of the Wind
by Marguerite Henry
Will Sham’s great speed ever earn him the honor he deserves? If the stable boy Agba has his way, Sham will be known as the greatest horse ever.
Book Summary
Study Highlights
Reading Level:
4th - 7th
Spelling/Vocabulary:
Med. to Difficult
Category:
Historical Fiction
Comprehension:
Light
Setting:
Morocco, France, England
Critical Thinking:
Difficult
Theme:
Perseverance, Loyalty
Biblical Focus:
Service
Paperback Novel:
174 pages
Study Guide:
6 units
Related Studies: Horses, the Muslim religion, King Louis XV, horse racing, geography of Morocco, France and England
Barbara's Note: Even readers who are not "horse-crazy" will get caught up in this high adventure tale, with strong appeal for both girl and boy readers. Warning: Animal cruelty.
Jacob
Adam of the Road
by Elizabeth Janet Gray
Adam loves the life of the minstrel, wandering the open roads of the thirteenth-century England with his talented dog and highly respected father. But when Adam's beloved dog is stolen and he becomes separated from his father, his life takes a desperate turn and he must rely on his wits to survive.
Book Summary
Study Highlights
Reading Level:
5th - 8th
Spelling/Vocabulary:
Medium
Category:
Historical fiction
Comprehension:
Medium
Setting:
England, 1292
Critical Thinking:
Medium
Theme:
Confidence in self, overcoming
Biblical Focus:
God's watchful care; integrity
Paperback Novel:
317 pages
Study Guide:
7 units
Related Studies: Medieval England, music, fairs, castles, roads, story-telling, law enforcement
Barbara's Note: Adam matures as he proceeds on his journey and we are entertained and inspired as we accompany him on his adventures. A great addition to your studies of thirteenth century England, or included in your literature program as an easy to follow adventure tale.
Rifles for Watie
by Harold Keith
Sixteen year old Jeff can't wait to join the Kansas volunteers and teach those Missouri bushwhackers a lesson. Loyal to the Union cause, he thinks the rebels deserve what they get--until he is trapped behind enemy lines. Now Jeff must choose between a woman he loves and his political values. Will he turn traitor to the North?
Book Summary
Study Highlights
Reading Level:
5th - 11th
Spelling/Vocabulary:
Medium
Category:
Historical Fiction
Comprehension:
Medium
Setting:
Kansas, 1860's
Critical Thinking:
Medium to difficult
Theme:
Seeing two sides to an issue
Biblical Focus:
Christian perseverance
Paperback Novel:
332 pages
Study Guide:
8 units
Related Studies: Civil War, Cherokee Indians
Barbara's Note: Many customers have asked for a study based on the Civil War. I like this one best because it depicts several viewpoints, exposing us to varied issues surrounding the war. The author interviewed Civil War participants from both sides and compiled their stories into the fictional main character, however, most of the events described really happened
Jul. 16, 2008 - Hands of a Child Contest- giveaway
Click on the link to the right to see what they have for Lapbooking, we have just started doing these and Haleigh really loves doing them. They offer a free lapbook every quarter as well, this quarter is Zebras.
Check it out.
I have not tried this but thought I would share it. If you try it please leave a comment or a picture.
Thanks.
The Earth Bowl
Grade Level: K - 3
Scientists know that the earth is made of four layers: the inner
core, outer core, mantle, and crust. See "Ideas for Discussion," #1.
The Earth Bowl is a three dimensional, edible representation of the
earth in cross section. (If time allows, have children participate
in measuring the ingredients and constructing the Bowl.)
Materials:
4 oz. pkg. raspberry gelatine dessert
4 oz. pkg. instant vanilla pudding
8 oz. pkg. black cherry gelatine dessert
4 cups boiling water (can be boiled and kept hot in thermos)
4 cups cold water
3 mixing bowls
12 graham crackers
1/2 cup melted margarine
1/4 cup granulated sugar
10" diameter clear glass bowl
(Small paper cups and spoons for after discussion)
Procedure:
Make the gelatine desserts in separate bowls and according to the
directions on the side of the box. Put in refrigerator to set.
Have the children crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. This
can be done by putting the crackers in a zip-lock bag and having the
children pound the bag until the crackers are in very fine crumbs.
Mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted margarine and
granulated sugar. Press the mixture on the bottom and along the
sides of the glass bowl to form a crust. Set aside.
After two hours the gelatine will set. Spoon the black cherry into
the graham cracker crust. Form it so that there is about a five inch
pocket in the middle.
Next, spoon in the lemon gelatine, leaving a two inch hole. Into
this centre, spoon the raspberry gelatine.
Allow time for each child to take a look at the Earth Bowl and
discuss its layers. Then dig in!
Important Concepts:
(1) In the Earth Bowl the graham cracker crust represents the
earth's crust which is about 20 miles deep; the black cherry is the
mantle (4,000 miles deep); the lemon gelatine is the outer core
(2,200 miles deep); and the raspberry gelatine is the inner core
(800 miles deep).
(2) Although the Earth Bowl is made of cool gelatine, the centre of
the earth is actually extremely hot.
This sounds like a great tea, I have everything that is needed although I will use Chocolate mint or Apple mint with the lemon balm. I will let you know how it is. If you try it before I get to, please post your comments. Thank you, Enjoy.
Peppermint Tea
Ingredients: 8 oz peppermint leaves 8 oz lemon balm leaves 8 oz fennel seeds
Preparation: Mix the herbs thoroughly, and store in an air tight container. For a cup of tea, use 1 tsp in a cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes and strain out the herbs.
Peppermint Herb Information
The peppermint herb is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint and was first discovered in 1750 in London, England. Peppermint is now grown throughout the U.S. and Europe. The leaves and stems of peppermint have relatively high oil content and are the part of the plant used medicinally.
Commonly used for digestive assistance, peppermint (Mentha piperita) as an oil can be used topically or ingested to relieve many ailments like gastritis, irritable bowl syndrome, motion sickness, cramps, and many other conditions.
Peppermint is commonly used to sooth gastrointestinal tract by relaxing the muscles in the intestinal wall. It increases the saliva, which increases swallowing making it possible to improve appetite, relieve cramps, and reduce pain associated with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, or motion sickness. Peppermint has also been used to reduce muscle spasms associated with endoscopy, colonoscopy and barium enemas.
When taken orally as tea or tablets, peppermint is also used for relieving respiratory conditions such as colds, coughing, acute respiratory difficulties, and for bacteria, fungal, and viral infections. It may be inhaled as oil for soothing irritated nasal passages from allergies and can be rubbed on the chest for comfort and relief of other respiratory discomfort.
Dosage and Administration
As a tea soak 1T of dried leaf in 5 or 6 ounces of boiling water for 10-15 min. Remove solid particles. Drink one cup up to 4 times a day.
As an oil it can be rubbed on the chest or inhaled for respiratory assistance.
In capsule form it is recommended to use one or two .2ml 3 times a day, 2 hours before eating or as a suppository for muscle cramping.
For lozenges, follow the directions on the package.
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Other Names: Balm, Balm mint, Blue balm, Dropsy plant, Garden balm, Sweet balm, Lemon balm, Melissa
Lemon Balm Picture Copyright Karen Bergeron 2001
Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis Labiatae
AKA: Melissa, balm, sweet balm Parts Used: aerial parts Active Compounds: flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, volatile oil, triterpenes
Background:Lemon balm has been used as a healing balm for centuries. It has been used to help relax the body and spirit. Lemon blam has aslo been used to help reduce fever by stimulating sweat.
Overall, lemon balm was thought by ancient people to lead to a longer life. Reserach has shown that lemon balm works well as an antispasmodic and treatment for viral cold sores. Lemon balm can also slow down the thyroid.
Relaxation: Lemon blam may be used to help aid in relaxation. It can help to reduce anxiety and irritability.
Thyroid: Lemon balm may help to make the thyroid slow in people with hyperthyroidism.
Cold Sores: Lemon balm can help to speed up the healing time of viral cold sores from the herpes simplex virus. It can also prevent future outrbreaks.
Fever: Lemon balm can help to reduce fever because of its ability to increase sweat production in the body.
Skin: Lemon balm can be used to treat minor skin irriations and insect bites.
Description: Lemon balm is a flowering herb that is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It's now grown all over the world. The aerial parts of the herb are used for medicinal purposes and are collected before the flowers bloom.
Dosage:
As a tincture, take 1/2 tsp 3 times daily.
As an infusion, take 1 cup 3 times daily for tension headaches. May also be applied to cold sores.
Essential oil can be added to olive oil and massaged onto skin to relieve shingles.
As an ointment, lemon balm can be applied directly to insect bites.
As a lotion, apply lemon balm to cold sores.
As a juice, apply directly to minor skin irritations.
Safety: Do not take lemon balm essential oil internally. Consult your health care provider before beginning use of any herb.
Fennel Seed Information and Benefits
Native to Europe, Fennel is now cultivated in many regions in North America, Western Asia, China and Iraq. The Fennel seed is used in herbal medicine as remedy for colic (in combination with chamomile, vervain, licorice and lemon balm), gastrointestinal pains, bronchitis, and heart burn.
The major chemical compound found in fennel, terpenoid anethole, is believed responsible for fennel's ability to inhibit spasms in smooth muscles such as those in the intestinal tract. This is thought to contribute to fennel's use as a carminative, a gas-relieving and gastrointestinal tract cramp-relieving agent.
When combined, peppermint, fennel, caraway, and wormwood appear to have a soothing effect on the intestines. This combination of herbs may also be useful when used in connection with: indigestion, heartburn, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Dosage and Administration
Fennel oil: 0.1 to 0.6 milliliters (about 2 to 12 drops)
Fennel seed: 5 to 7 grams (about 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoonfuls)
Precautions
This herb is not suggested for small children and should not be used for a prolonged period of time. Preparations using Fennel are also not recommended pregnant women.
Supporting Literature
Forster HB and Niklas H. Antispasmodic effects of some medicinal plants. Plant Med 1980;40:303-319. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, and Goldberg A. The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 128-129.
For a limited time only, Scrapandlearn.com is offering a free pirate resource list. You will find a pirate book list, pirate websites, and several pirate unit studies. If your kids would like to learn more about pirates, this free resource has done all the work for you!
I am copying and pasting the website list (http://www.scrapandlearn.com/resources.html) here but click on the link above for the book list.
Have fun Mateys!
PIRATES !
WEBSITES
*We have checked these sites for age appropriateness, but parents should always be vigilant, as websites can easily be changed or added to.
ANNIE SILVERJINK’S PIRATE KINGDOM http://pirateannie.fateback.com/
Good site for kids. Biographies on famous pirates, interactive “pirate adventure”, suggested books, etc. Ages 4-12 .
Educational Value: A
Entertainment Value: B
GENTLEMEN OF FORTUNE http://www.gentlemenoffortune.com/
12 A goodsite forages and up to get detailed information on pirate clothing, equipment, weaponry and ships.
The text is straightforward, but very informative and has some good pictures of pirate items.
Educational Value: B
Entertainment Value: C
THE GOLDEN HIND http://www.goldenhind.co.uk/education/index.html
The Golden Hind was the ship sailed by Sir Francis Drake. This site has some very good information on Drake and this ship in particular. There is also some general interest information on food (a list of typical daily rations), health, navigation and more.
Educational Value: A
Entertainment Value: C
HISTORY CHANNEL http://www.history.com/
A general search of “pirates” will bring up lots of options, which are ever-changing. When we went to the site, there was not a whole lot of anything really worthwhile but it might be worth checking back.
Educational Value: C (When we looked)
Entertainment Value: C
Immodesty Alert: .Be very careful here – we tried to watch a short video on weaponry and were forced to watch a Viagra commercial first and then hear the narrator use the word “fricken”. Strongly suggest a parent preview anything first.
HISTORY OF PIRACY http://www.kipar.org/piratical-resources/index.html
A good all-around site for information on topics like pirate biographies, currency, flags, ships, weapons and even the facts behind the fiction of the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. This is also a very good place to print out maps, a cross-section of a ship, and pictures of weapons and currency if you’re keeping a ScrapandLearn.com pirate scrapbook.
Educational Value: A
Entertainment Value: B (only because there’s not much interactive)
PIRATES OF THE WHYDUH http://www.shipwreckcenter.org/pages_chsp/museum.html
In 1984, underwater explorer Barry Clifford and his Project Team discovered the site of the 1717 shipwreck of the Whydah off Cape Cod; the only verified pirate shipwreck ever discovered. This site chronicles the findings by the person who actually used them on board. For instance, press the “Captain” button and you will find information on ship captain Samuel Bellamy as well as photos of recovered treasure. Under the “Surgeon” button you will find recovered syringes and information on who the ship surgeon was and what he did. A nice little online museum trip.
Educational Value: A
Entertainment Value: A
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S REAL PIRATES: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE WHYDAH http://www.nationalgeographic.com/mission/real-pirates/
Another site about the Whyduh. Artifacts were recovered and are, at this writing, on tour and this site can tell you where. This site is a good one for reading about the Whydah and includes some other features including some excellent lesson plans for educators.
Educational Value: A
Entertainment Value: A
A UNIT STUDY ON TREASURE ISLAND http://www.easyfunschool.com/article2275.html
This unit study is not as comprehensive as the one on Pirate Diary: The Journal of Jake Carpenter, but it does offer some fun activities and thoughtful questions.
Educational Value: B
Entertainment Value: A
A UNIT STUDY ON PIRATE DIARY: THE JOURNAL OF JAKE CARPENTER http://www.homeschoolshare.com/pirate_diary.php
A comprehensive unit study using this book. Very well-laid out and thorough and includes ideas for everything from art to math.
Educational Value: A
Entertainment Value: A
Jul. 10, 2008 - Building Blocks of Homeschooling Workshop
Please pass this on to anyone that you know of that is interested in homeschooling.
Jim White, Vice President of Homeschoolers of Maine will be presenting a workshop on
Getting Started Homeschooling at two locations and times.
The first location and date is:
Sebec Corner Baptist Church
Sebec
July 26, 2008
10:00 am
The second location and date is:
United Baptist Church
Dover-Foxcroft
Aug 9, 2008
10:00 am
Jim White will present the law, information on support, curriculum and facing challenges.
If you are interested or need more information please contact Jim White at 564-7308.
Please pass this on to anyone that you know of that is interested in homeschooling.
EVERY SANDWICH TELLS A STORY – SUMMER SPECIAL CONTEST OFFICIAL RULES
1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase will not improve your chance of winning. To enter, visit www.subwaykids.com and submit your child's story and your name, address, daytime phone number, e-mail address, your child's name and grade level. Your child must be in Grade Pre-K – 6. You can also send your child's story along with the information above to: Every Sandwich Tells a Story Contest Summer Special, c/o Scholastic Inc., P.O. Box 711, New York 10012. Contest begins July 1,2008, 12:00 a.m. EST and all entries must be received by August 31, 2008, 11:59 p.m. EST. Parents can enter only one entry for each child in the household.
2. ELIGIBILITY. Contest is open only to legal residents of the United States who are currently over the age of 18 and the story submitted must be by such entrant’s child in Pre-K – 6. Employees and members of their families of Scholastic and Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust, Doctor’s Associates Inc., their parent organization, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and their advertising, promotion and production agencies are not eligible to enter. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
3. WINNERS. One Grand Prize Winner and Six Runners-Up will be selected by Scholastic from among all eligible entries on or about September 17, 2008 and notified by phone on or about September 22, 2008. One Grand Prize Winner and Six Runners-Up will be chosen based on the creativity and quality of their essay, adherence to the proposed theme, and use of story starters. One Grand Prize Winner will receive a Scholastic gift basket (Approximate retail value: $500), $100 Subway® Card and athletic equipment (Approximate retail value: $5000). Six Runners-Up Winners will receive a Scholastic gift basket (Approximate retail value: $100) and a $100 Subway® Card Prizes are non-transferable, non-assignable and no cash alternative will be offered except by Scholastic in the event of unavailability, in which case a prize of equal or greater value will be awarded. Athletic equipment awarded to the Grand Prize Winner will be selected by Contest Sponsors. Taxes on prizes, if any, are the responsibility of the winners.
4. GENERAL. All entries will become the property of Scholastic and Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust and will not be returned. By entering, entrants agree to abide by these rules, warrant and represent that their entry is accurate and their child's original work and grant to Scholastic and Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust the right to use the winners names, information provided and likeness for purposes of advertising and/or promotion. Winners may be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release within ten (10) business days of notification attempt or an alternative winner may be selected. By accepting a prize, winners and family members also agree to release Scholastic, Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust, Doctor’s Associates Inc., their parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and their advertising, promotion or production agencies from any and all liability, claims or actions of any kind whatsoever for injuries, damages or losses to persons and property which may be sustained in connection with the receipt, ownership or use of the prize and/or participation in the Contest. Taxes, if any, on prizes are the sole responsibility of the winners. Subject to all applicable laws.
5. WINNERS' LIST. The names of the Grand Prize Winner and Six Runners-Up will be available after October 8, 2008. You may request these names by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope by November 17, 2008 to: Every Sandwich Tells a Story Contest Summer Special Winners List, Scholastic Inc., 557 Broadway, 5th Floor, NY, NY 10012.
Contest Sponsors:
Scholastic Inc., 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
SFAFT, 488 Wheelers Farms Rd., Milford, CT 06461
Layer all the ingredients in order.
Bake at 350° until cake looks done.
Cool, over night is best but we usually can't do this.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Well, Jim turned 40 today and Haleigh baked him a cake. It was the best homemade cake we have had in a long time. Usually if you make a from scratch cake it tends to be a little dry or crumbly. This recipe is a keeper and will be going in my binder of favorite recipes. I have to tell you though it was very funny, I came into the kitchen and Haleigh was putting the old baking soda right into a measuring cup. I said wait a minute how much baking soda does it call for? She said 2/3 or a cup. I said I don't think that is right, so we checked the recipe. Sure enough she looked at the measurement for the cocoa. Boy, am I glad I caught it.
I started this a few months ago, if I find a favorite, tried and true recipe I copy it and put it in my binder that I keep on the counter, they are all in page protectors. This way if I want the kiddos to make something I can tell them it is in the red binder.
Well I will give you the recipe for this cake, it is from Betty Crocker's cookbook.
Jim picked a coconut pecan frosting that was very good.
We will be going down to Pittsfield on the 4th for a family cookout and birthday celebration for all the June and July birthdays.
My grampa's birthday is on the fourth, Jim's is the second, Haleigh's is the eleventh and Josh's was June 24th.
Thank you for reading and here is the recipe for the cake.
My picture is not the best but my disk that I took the first picture from has been corrupted and I lost everything on it. So this one will have to do. ;-)
Cocoa Fudge Cake
1 2/3 cups all- purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Heat oven to 350°. Grease and flour oblong pan, 13x9x2 inches, 2 round layer pans, 8 or 9x1 1/2 inches, or 12 cup bundt cake pan. Beat all ingredients in large mixer bowl on low speed, scraping bowl constantly, 30 seconds. Beat on high speed, scraping bowl occasionally, 3 minutes. Pour into pans.
Bake until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, oblong 35-40 minutes, layers 30-35 minutes, bundt cake 40-45 minutes; cool.
I have found a recipe that everyone likes. It is an amish recipe called Baked Oatmeal.
The recipe is as follows:
2 Eggs
1 Cup Sugar
½ Cup butter or margarine, I use butter.
3 Cups oatmeal
1 Cup milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 350°. Combine eggs, sugar, and butter in a 2 Quart baking dish. Add oatmeal, milk, baking powder, and salt; stir until well blended. Bake for 30 minutes. Add milk or scoop of ice cream.
I have set it all up in the crock pot and it was done in the morning.
Enjoy.
I will insert a picture next time I make it.
It is Bible Time starting tonight and it runs until Thursday night. I am the missionary story teacher again this year. I have been working on a power point to go with the story of Ti-Fam: the witch doctors daughter.
I have not quite completed it yet but I think I will have it done this afternoon.
It is always a blessing to be part of this. It is a soul saving program and it is like no other VBS that I have seen.
You can check it out at www.nbtime.org.
We have the pleasure of having the founder of NBT with us this year. He is 83 years old and has been doing this for 50 years.
It will be a great time.
I will post pictures and updates detailing how it has gone.
Blessings to you all.
Jun. 16, 2008 - The Simple Womans Daybook entry June 15, 2008
FOR TODAY......................... June 16, 2008
Outside My Window... I see a cloudy sky just waiting to open up and rain.
I am thinking...that we are almost done with school for the summer and it will be a nice break.
I am thankful for...the memories of my grandparents, just thinking of my grandmother who passed away Dec. 1st.
From the kitchen...I have kidney beans in the crock pot. Not sure what else will be for dinner.
I am wearing...a blue dress with white flowers and my short jacket to keep the chill away.
I am creating... a pair of bloomers as I am getting low, I am trying a pattern this time.
I am going...to clean my freezer, clean my bathroom and possibly start a new wool braided rug today.
I am reading...Exodus
I am hoping...that Neighborhood Bible Time goes well next week.
I am hearing...our chicks peeping, we have 48 of them.
Around the house...I see alot of work that I need to get done. I see that some of it is coming and I hope that I get it all done by the time school starts in the fall.
One of my favorite things...is playing with my blog and my husbands website.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I need to prepare for Neighborhood Bible Time and get it all done before I go on a retreat this weekend.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
It is a picture of the kids and leaders from Neighborhood Bible Time from last year. It is really not the best one but you get the idea.
Well, it has been 15 years since the day we got married. We needed to go to Newport to pick up chicks, now doesn't that sound like fun on your anniversary. How many woman do you know that would like to go pick up chicks with her husband?? LOL
No really we picked up 12 Rhode Island Reds, 12 Barred Rock and 24 Broilers at Paris Farms in Newport. They are so cute. Here is a picture of them.
I told you they were cute!
When we got home we had another surprise! I got a moose hunt trip coming. I hit the moose lottery here in Maine. I am going the last week of September to hopefully shoot me bullwinkle! I have a feeling I will be shaking so hard I won't be able to hold my custom built rifle (built by my husband at J. White Gunsmithing) still enough to shoot it. Fortunately if that happens either Jim or our son can shoot it. I don't remember who I put down for a sub permitee. Anyway we will be going up to the upper right corner of the state WMD 3 to find the critter. I took one chance with no license and hit! I told Jim it only takes one.
So now I have to buy a license and I may as well put in for a Doe permit.
Last year I got my doe on my land without a license and I have to say it was pretty cool. This year due to the harsh winter for the deer there will be not doe permits issued in our WMD so I will have to put in for one in another WMD. WMD for those of you that don't know what it is = Wildlife Management District.
So watch for picture and probably video of our moose hunt later in the year.
Thanks for reading.
This poem was posted on a homeschooling loop and I found it to quite cute.
Enjoy,
Trisha
Curriculum Blues
By Mardy Freeman
I had found the curriculum that we should be using.
It was fun. It was bright. And it wasn't confusing.
But just as I started to write out the check
I discovered a new one was much better yet.
I had written that check when I suddenly read
That another new program was better instead.
So I dutifully researched and found it was true.
This one was better – yes, all the way through!
"This one looks perfect!" I said to myself.
"Not a piece of this resource will sit on the shelf."
It was simple, yet timeless. Its methods were flawless.
With only one glitch – it cost nine thousand dollars.
I had thirty-nine dollars and fifty-three cents,
So off for curriculum fliers I sent.
And they came on one day – all four hundred five.
I answered the door and was buried alive!
My children revived me and gave me a kiss
And it suddenly dawned on me what I had missed!
It matters less what they know than it does who they are!
With strong moral character, my kids will go far!
Determination and courage are worth much more than talents.
So teaching them character will keep them in balance.
Then encouraging them to reason, to ask and to think,
To wade through the waters of knowledge and drink.
Education's not just what I pull from the shelf;
It is in giving my children a part of myself!
I see now they'll learn it – one way or the other.
But, lately my kids are in need of their mother!
The fliers I saved for a few weeks from now
When I know I'll be desperately wondering how
To implement all of my newfound ideals
And scrambling again for incredible deals.
In the meantime...should you find the one that beats all
And stumble across it some time before fall,
If it teaches me how to do all these things –
Please pick up the phone and give me a ring!
You've had arguments over the comparative quality of Fried Dough.
You call four inches of snow "a dusting."
You don't understand why there aren't fried clam shacks elsewhere in the county.
You know what an Irving is and the location of 15 of them.
You knew all the flavors at Perry's Nut House.
Your car is covered in yellow-green dust in May.
You can drive the Augusta traffic circle without slowing down.
You've hung out at a gravel pit.
You think a mosquito could be a species of bird.
You once skipped school and went to Bar Harbor, Old Orchard Beach or Reid State Park.
Even your school cafeteria made good chowder.
You've almost fallen asleep driving between Houlton and Presque Isle.
You know how to pronounce Calais.
You've made a meal out of a Jordan's red dye hot-dog, a bag of Humpty Dumpty potato chips and a can of soda.
You've gone to a Grange bean supper.
In high school, you (or a friend) packed Deering Ice Cream cones.
At least once in your life, a seagull pooped on your head.
At least once in your life you've said, "It smells like the mill in here."
There's a fruit and vegetable stand within 10 minutes of your house.
You crave Italian sandwiches at least weekly.
Your house converts to a B&B every July and August for people from away that you happen to know.
All year long you're tracking sand in the house-from the beach in the summer and the roads and sidewalks in the winter.
You have to have the sand cleaned out of your brake system every spring.
You do the majority of your shopping out of Uncle Henry's.
You've ditched the car on the side of the road somewhere because you thought you saw some good fiddleheads!
You know a lobster pot is a trap, not a kettle.
You know not to plant tender crops until the last full moon in May.
You go to the dump and bring back more than you brought.
You've watched "Murder she Wrote" and snickered at the stupid fake accents.
You know how to find the rope swing at the quarry.
You take the New Hampshire toll personally.
You always wave when you see a Maine license plate in another state.
When you're supposed to dress up, you wear flannel with a tie.
There's too much "stuff" in your 2 "cah" garage to get either of your cars into it.
You know what a frappe is.
L.L. Bean's not just a store, it's a way of life.
"The City" means exclusively Portland.
"Salt damage" is a viable insurance claim.
All of the traffic lights blink yellow at 10 o'clock at night.
It's not a storm - it's a Nor'eastah.
"Open 24/7" might as well be Greek.
More stores have "Bienvenue" flags than "Welcome" flags.
You eat ice cream with flavors like 'Moose Tracks" and "Maine Black Bear".
You know that a chocolate doughnut is not a white doughnut with chocolate frosting.
You wouldn't eat beans in tomato sauce or Manhattan clam chowder if you were starving!
As a child, you played outside in a snow storm without hat, mittens, scarf and with your jacket open because it was just a little cool.
The area around your back door is referred to as "the dooryard".
You eat potato chips with flavors such as "clam dip", "ketchup" and "dill pickle".
You call the basement "downcellah."
There is only one shopping plaza in town.
You use "wicked" as a multipurpose part of speech
Your pickup has more mud on it then the ground around it for a 15 foot radius.
More than 1/2 the meat in your freezer is moose.
You enjoy a hot chocolate more than a margarita.
If your "luxury vehicle" is a twelve-year-old rustbucket on wheels.
If your dog eats better than you do, and more often too.
If you never say what you paid for an item but how much you "give" for it.
You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Maine.
