Nov. 6, 2009 - School updates

Well we've been having lots of fun with school - I love doing school during the holidays as it really gives us more to study and do.  With my husband having gone to the ER by squad on October 29th and staying until late Saturday the 31st, we've been very, very busy.  Thankfully we haven't been sick, sick.  Two of the children do have stuffy noses and I'm thinking it's more allergies than an actual cold so we're continuing life as normal.  The girls and I continue to be busy with our Nutcracker rehearsals and this weekend marks every weekend rehearsals from now until the show!!  My surgery is rescheduled for the day after Thanksgiving - and yes I'm still mulling over how to get in some after Thanksgiving sales LOL  Anyway on to some pictures of school from about two weeks ago.

Bethanne studied Madeline and she started her first lapnote for this and she really enjoyed feeling like her big sister.

One of the projects she did was a Madeline 'doll' using a toiler paper roll.

Both girls with Bethanne's finished Madeline 'doll'

I don't have pictures of Hannah's lapnote so I'll take pictures later to show about J is for Japan unit.  We did study the solar system and we made her own solar system which lost air very fast with a little boy who thought the planets were fun to squash so now all we have is pictures.  Pluto is there, we had to draw it in - it's to the right of the blue balloon. 

Here is some bread and cookies I've baked and frozen.  The bread is pumpkin bread and the cookies are pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

And just because I can't leave my little guy out, here is a picture of Christian.

There will be more pictures coming from our field trip to Carriage Hill Farm - a historic working farm and other pictures of our school year so far.  I'm working on updating as our days get back to normal.

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Oct. 30, 2009 - The Call of Zulina by Kay Marshall Strom BLOG TOUR

About the Book:

(Eugene, Oregon) – An arranged marriage, a runaway bride, and an ugly family heritage of brutal and inhumane slavery operations leave no room for a fairytale story. Grace Winslow, daughter of an English sea captain and African princess, finds herself in a horrific position of betrothal. Doomed to marry an obnoxious white man, whom she does not love, Grace runs away to escape the slavery she’s been surrounded by all her life. Instead, her journey from home brings her face-to-face with issues of extreme slavery, abuse and human trafficking. In the end she discovers slavery is more than just chains and finds grace that exceeds a name given to her by her parents.

Written by Kay Marshall Strom, The Call of Zulina links historical slavery issues with the modern-day crisis tainting many countries. On the heels of important legislature regarding human trafficking, Strom tackles the subject boldly as she sheds light on the practices and techniques used by angry slave traders. Seen as an advocate for those who have no voice, Strom finds words to communicate the message of history to today’s readers. While this book shines the light on an uncomfortable subject, the message of hope, freedom, and justice prevail and eternal truths discovered.

About the Author:

Author Kay Marshall Strom has two great loves: writing and helping others achieve their own writing potential. Kay has written thirty-six published books, numerous magazine articles, and two screenplays. While mostly a nonfiction writer, the first book of her historical novel trilogy Grace in Africa has met with acclaim. Kay speaks at seminars, retreats, writers’ conferences, and special events throughout the country and around the world. She is in wide demand as an instructor and keynote speaker at major writing conferences. She also enjoys speaking aboard cruise ships in exchange for exotic cruise destinations.

Blog Tour Interview:

1. How did you come up with the storyline of The Call of Zulina?
While in West Africa working on another project, I toured an old slave fortress and was struck dumb by a set of baby manacles bolted to the wall. The characters of Lingongo and Joseph Winslow, Grace's parents, are modeled after real people who ran a slave business in Africa in the 1700s.  I "met" them when I was researching Once Blind: The Life of John Newton, a biography of the slaver turned preacher and abolitionists, author of Amazing Grace. The more I thought about them, the more I wondered, "If they'd had a daughter, who would she be? Where would her loyalties lie?"
2. What inspired you to write a book so entrenched with uncomfortable issues?
I used to think that non-fiction was the meat and potatoes of writing and fiction was the chocolate mousse dessert... fun, but not of much value. But I've come to understand that truths can be revealed through fiction just as powerfully as through non-fiction. Sometimes, more so! The fact is, for so long we have tried to look away and pretend that this horrible chapter in history never happened. But it did, and we still feel the effects today. Moreover, the roots of slavery--hunger for power and money, fear and diminishment of people unlike ourselves, and humanity's endless ability to rationalize evil actions--abound today. The time seemed right.
3. How haveyour travels around the world equipped you for writing such a historical novel?
People ask me where my passion for issues such as modern day slavery come from. To a large degree it is from the things I have seen and heard on my numerous trips to India, African countries, Cambodia, Nepal, Indonesia, and other places around the world.
4. Tell us a personal story regarding modern day slavery.
A most pervasive type of slavery is what is known as bonded servitude, where entire poor families are bound into virtual slavery--sometimes for generations--because of a small debt. This is especially common in India. I visited a village in central India where the women had been freed from bondage and set up with a micro loan that allowed them to raise a small herd of dairy cows. They worked so hard and saved every rupee. When they had enough saved, they persuaded a young teacher to come and start a school for their children. Then they used further profits to make low interest loans to others in the area so they could start their own businesses, too--a little bank. I sat in a circle with the five women who made up the "board of directors." Only one could read and write.  I asked, "How will the next generation be different because of what you have done?" They said, "No more will be like us. When people look us, they see nothing. But when they look at our children, they see real human beings with value."
From invisible slaves to human beings... all in one generation!
5. Grace, the lead character in The Call of Zulina, forsakes all to escape the slavery of her parents and an arranged marriage.How common is this scenerio today in other countries?
Horrifyingly common. Slavery today takes many forms. According to UNICEF's more conservative count, there are about 12 million people living as slaves today--three times as many as in the days of the African slave trade. As for child arranged marriages, I have talked to girls "enslaved" to husbands in many countries. Examples include a girl in Nepal married at 9 to a middle-aged man, one in India married at 11, a 13-year-old in Egypt married to a man older than her father.  I've seen it in Africa, Eastern Europe... so many places!
 6. What about in America, are there slavery and trafficking issues here?
Unfortunately, there are. The U.S. State Department estimates between 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the Untied States each year, although it concedes that the real number is actually far higher. And it's not just states like New York and California that are affected, either. According to the U.S. Justice Department's head of the new human trafficking unit, there is now at least one case of trafficking in every state.
 7. You've had 36 books published, and more written and contracted for future release. How has this one impacted your own life?
Some books report, some tell stories. This book has torn my heart.
 8. Briefly tell us about the next two books in this Grace in Africa trilogy.
In Book 2, Grace watches her reconstructed life smashed by slavers and revenge, and she is forcibly taken to London. There she faces a new kind of tyranny and another fight for freedom... and for her husband, who is enslaved in America.
Book 3 is set in the new United States of America, in the heart of the slavery. It is a story of slavery at it's worst and redemption at its best
 

What Can Concerned Citizens Do to Raise Awareness?
Find out all you can about Modern Day Slavery: then watch for chances to pass on what you have learned.
Write to your elected officials: Petition them to place a high priority on enforcing anti-slavery laws and to put pressure on countries that tolerate forced labor or human trafficking.
Buy Fair Trade products: Fair trade provides a sustainable model of international trade based on economic justice. To find out more, see http://www.fairtrade.net/ .
Support organizations that are in a position to make a difference. When you find an one that is doing a good job on the front lines, contribute to their cause so they can continue on.
Be willing to step into the gap. If you suspect someone is being held against his or her will, call the Department of Justice hotline: 1-888-428-7581. Or you can call 911.
 

Giveaway!!!

Kay Marshall Strom is giving the following books to one fortunate commenter from The Call of Zulina blog tour. The prize package includes several of Kay's books:
 
Seeking Christ:  A Christian Woman's Guide to Personal Wholeness & Spiritual Maturity
John Newton:The Angry Sailor
Making Friends with Your Mother
Making Friends with Your Father

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Oct. 27, 2009 - Fire Station Field Trip - October 2nd

I'm behind - with my job as mom, wife and reviewer (LOL).  We've been very busy and actually updating my blog with our family and school stuff has taken a back seat these past couple of weeks.  We took a field trip with our homeschool group to the Fire Station where one of the dads in our group works.  We had a long but very fun and learning-full day!

The children were able to get hold a hose and turn the water on and off.  Surprisingly Christian did not want to participate but the girls sure did!

We also had the chance to see the firemen work together while using the hose.  I was telling the girls that this is how we did it in the Navy.  There was no specified firefighters onboard my ship so everyone onboard was a firefighter and the left hand would hold the hose and the right hand would be on the person's shoulder in front you.  This way you'd know if you lost a person,  there were signals for getting out, running out of oxygen, etc.  The firemen didn't really explain this to our group so it was nice to know what they were doing and be able to tell my children.  Some departments may do it differently or for different reasons but that was how it was done in the Navy.

Then they were allowed to get on the rescue truck, you know the one, with the jaws of life and all the equipment medics and firemen need to get you out of your home or car quickly.  Christian began crying when he got left on there by himself as the other children exited - it was quite a site seeing me climbing up the truck in my dress with the wind blowing heartily!  I tried to snap Christian's picture before he started crying but I didn't have success. 

We also listened to a talk about fire and CO2 detectors and how important they are.  Also the fire fighter had the children answer questions about fire safety and talk about the need for an escape and meeting plan for each family.  He showed us his gear as well.

The children were also allowed in the medic unit (what we commonly call the ambulance) but due to all the children it was hard to get good pictures and I don't want to inadvertently post pictures of another's child without them knowing first.  This was a great way to begin Fire Safety month as well as meet our safety requirements for our school year.

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Oct. 23, 2009 - Cooper Bookmarks from Five Star Publications

I'm a sucker for anything book related and my oldest daughter is becoming the same way, much to my happiness.  When I had the chance to review Five Star Publications' cooper bookmarks, I had to jump at it.  There are three different designs to choose from, paw print, angel and star - my daughter choose the paw print style.  I was very impressed with the desgin of these bookmarks - usually I can't stand to use these kind and prefer sticky notes or the flat, paper kind of bookmarks but these were wonderfully useful.

Usually with these types of bookmarks I find that the book's binding becomes warped with the usage but with these bookmarks I found that the spine of my and my daughter's books did not become broken or any in way warped.  This is a definite plus for any book worm who enjoys keeping their books binding intact for future reading.    Five Star Publications' bookmarks are made with high quality cooper and Swarovski crystals and pearls to finish off the beautiful, elegant look that will please any book worm! 

These bookmarks are wonderful and perfect for gift giving and with Christmas and Hanukkah right around the corner these are priced just right for a loved one or friend without breaking the bank.  Even if you don't know of anyone who enjoys reading these would also make a ideal way to add a special touch to a Christmas tree or decorate anything that the bookmarks could hang from.  So I do recommend these bookmarks for anyone who is wanting an economical way (i.e. these wouldn't have to be thrown away since they got torn) to do gift giving this year or at any time, birthdays, baptisms and more.  At $11.95 it's a great way to give someone (or yourself) a high quality, beautiful gift.

This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Five Star Publications for this review.

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Oct. 22, 2009 - Download N Go Autumn Treasures (FREE for now)

Are you looking for a simple way to do a unit study and lapbook together?  Do you have children close in age but working on different grade levels?  Would you like to streamline your school day and bring all the children together and do the same thing?  Not sure how to start a lapbook to go with a unit?  If you answered yes to any of these questions then The Old Schoolhouse's new series is what you need.  The series is called Download and Go and this one in particular is the Autumn Teasures title.

Amanda Bennett is well known for her excellent unit studies and teaming up with The Old Schoolhouse makes it a all time excellent resource.  Autumn Treasures is a one week, as will all Download N Go studies, unit study with accompanying lapbook.  Everything you need is included except for a few library books, the titles are given in the study and you don't have to use all of them - pick and choose whatever catches your scholar's interest!  You'll have to provide the paper, file folder, glue, scissors, brads, markers or crayons and a pencil - these are minimal and most of us have these things laying around or they can be bought fairly inexpensively.  There is no reasearch that the parent needs to do, none, it's all been done for you including links to watch each day on that particular part of the study.  With clickable links in the ebook it means no typing in the web address making it simple enough that it's not something else that needs to be bookmarked ahead of time.

The study is a way to open dialogue between parent and student while at the same time providing an excellent way to make school fun.  With the included lapbook, the ideas learned in the study are reinforced and provides a tangible way for the child to review what they learned as well as a school keepsake.  There are vocabulary words for each day that relate back to the topic, Autumn, this is nice so that the child can see how such educational topics are inter-related.  Also included are other activities that can be completed as the parent deems necessary to reiterate what they've learned over the week.  Also included are Bible verses that can be used for memorization and/or copywork that talk about seasons, autumn and treasures.  There are poems, again these can be used as a memorization assignment or for copywork.

The lapbook is designed as such that a beginner lapbooker could easily complete but the seasoned lapbooker will enjoy this too.  There are several activities each day to complete that ties into what was learned during the lesson.  With 25 pages this is a good sized lapbook that a child will enjoy putting together especially if they can cut and paste everything - or color.  This is made so that the child can feel involved in the process of lapbooking.  Complete directions are given and any needed items are listed so that the parent can be prepared ahead of time.

Overall, this unit study provides everything a parent needs to have an exciting week of learning for their school.  Without having to worry about researching and lesson plans it can allow a parent to have a relaxed week wether a break is needed due to illness, want a way to bring all the children into a study, or just need a slow week without taking actual time off - this study will allow it.  The mininal prepartion really is excellent for families with several children - I say minimal because you do need to pick up the library books and make sure you have items on hand for the lapbook - but that is nothing compared to what some preparations are needed each week for other curriculums.

If you'd like to download your copy of Autumn Treaures visit TOS Schoolhouse Store. 

I've recieved this ebook to review through The Old Schoolhouse. 

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Oct. 20, 2009 - Kiss Me Again by Barbara Wilson blog tour **not for young, unmarried women**

Summary:

Many married women genuinely want to feel more desire toward their husbands.  But while sex before marriage was hard to resist, now resisting seems like all they do. In her new book, Barbara Wilson shows how couples can suffer for years from the “invisible bonds” of previous relationships without even knowing it. Hidden emotions of distrust, shame, and resentment can sabotage even the most loving marriage.
 
In Kiss Me Again, Wilson:
 
·        Shares her own story of healing and renewed desire
·        Helps women forgive themselves and their husbands for past choices 
·        Shows readers how to break free from “invisible bonds”
·        Explains God’s plan for helping a husband and wife to re-bond
·        Includes conversation helps for both wives and their husbands
·        Helps couples reignite the passion that they thought was lost
 
With assessment tools, write-in exercises, and gentle guidance, Kiss Me Again offers a biblical plan for rekindling the closeness and passion women long for in marriage. Because no past is beyond the reach of God’s healing touch. 

Author Bio:

Barbara Wilson is the author of The Invisible Bond and former director of sexual health education for the Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center in Sacramento. She speaks nationwide to youth and adults with her message of sexual healing, and she teaches frequently in the women’s ministry at the multi-campus Bayside Church in Northern California. Barbara and her husband, Eric, have been married for twenty-eight years.
 

If you are interested in purchasing this book please visit Random House's website.

My opinion:

Kiss Me Again by Barbara Wilson is an excellent resource for married women or those about to become married who want God to heal from their sexual past.  Wether it was abuse, rape or consensual Barbara takes women through steps to healing their relationships with their husbands to make their relationship more enjoyable and pleasing to God. 

Using Biblical applications and Scripture references she offers a no holds bar approach in her writing about past relationships.  Sex before marriage goes against God and His establishment of what marriage is for - and bonding happens with each encounter that occurs before marriage - bonds that need broken so that a wife can fully enter into a physical relationship with her husband.  Wether you're a newlywed, a couple who has been married for 10 years or 50 if you want to fully bond with your husband and be released from Satan's guilt of your past then Barbara Wilson's book is for you.

I loved the fact that she gives many Scriptures for backing up her healing points, which only adds to the comfort feeling of God's love despite the sin.  She also uses quotes from other authors who are known in the marriage field - which helped to reiterate her points.  I could have done without quotes from one particular author but the quotes she used flowed with her writing even though i don't agree with him or his teachings.  overall this book is a wonderful read and one that can bring healing to the wife and even be used by the husband for combined healing.

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Oct. 20, 2009 - Guest commenter

I wanted to say a big Hi - to my guest commenter - 'Santa' .  I trust you

are having a wonderful time in Ohio with your dearest Mrs. Claus!  May

God bless you as you deliver toys to the children who believe in you!

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Oct. 20, 2009 - A post on comments

As a blogger, I enjoy getting comments.  Also I understand that with me putting my thoughts, beliefs and such out into the blog-o-sphere I do open myself up to comments from those who may not agree with me or who want to take a less than upright approach.  I don't ask everyone agree with me, however I do expect respect in comments left here - just as anyone would want respect on their blog or in their homes.  When you step onto my blog you are in a way stepping into my life and family - so please don't leave comments that could offend me or my other readers. 

I do track IP addresses so I will know where the comments are coming from even if they leave a comment Anon or a fake name.  I will know if you are in Ohio or out of state or working at an area hospital.  This blog is about my life in having a relationship with Jesus and our experiences in home schooling, home making, reviews from a Christian viewpoint, and others.  Please think before leaving a comment if you wouldn't say it to my face then don't leave it here.  If you would say it to my face then you should rethink before you open your mouth.  The old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt" is not true so please keep that in mind.  Words have the power to anger, sadden, and many other feelings.

This is all to say, please think before leaving a comment - I and my other readers will appreciate it.  I also reserve the right to delete any comments that I deem inappropriate.

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Oct. 20, 2009 - Winner!!

My husband by way of very scientific and mathematical methods picked a number last night, the number was 7!!  So Kathleen is the winner, I am waiting for her to contact me :)

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Oct. 12, 2009 - Giveaway! The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall CLOSED

**This is a sticky post, scroll down for recent posts**

Would you like your own hardcover copy of The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall?  Then enter my contest!  The contest will run until October 19th, 2009.  Open to U.S. residents only.

Simply leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite Christmas tradition or favorite thing to do during Christmas is.  Make sure to leave me a way to contact you, either an email or blog.  I will randomly draw a winner sometime on October 19th!

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Oct. 12, 2009 - Draw and Write Through History: Creation through Jonah by Carylee Gressman

Draw and Write Through History is a  innovative way to teach history using Biblical history as the basis for teaching and learning history and cursive handwriting.  This book is geared for ages 8 and up but can also be successfully adaptable for younger ages, which is a great way to involve all ages into the curriculum.  Regardless of curriculum choice, Charlotte Mason, classical, eclectic, this book can be a wonderful supplement to your already established history curriculum.  Creation Through Jonah also goes well as a supplement with Story of the World Volume I by Susan Wise Bauer and The Mystery of History Volume I by Linda Lacour Hobar.

Draw and Write Through History Creation through Jonah is available through Draw and Write and published by C.P.R. Publishing.  There are 4 books available, with number four having just been released and they sell for $12.00 per book.  The books in the series are Creation through Jonah, 600 B.C. to A.D. 395, Vikings to Middle Ages (with some touching on the Renaissance) and American History to the Revolution.  More information about each book can be found at the  Draw and Write Through History Store.  Each book breaks down each drawing into steps and is in full color and following each section is copywork in cursive about that particular time period. 

My oldest daughter was excited when I recieved this to review through Mama Buzz and was provided by Draw and Write Through History and began drawing from it immediately.  The first drawing she did was of the Sphinx and the other was the silkworm moth.  Unfortunately, she was so excited her original drawings she gave away to her friends - so I had her draw me some more.  In her words "I really like!", a girl of few words.  She enjoys going through the book to think of new pictures to draw.  Creation Through Jonah includes plants, dinosaur, people, Noah's ark, Tower of Babel, frogs and many more historical people or items to be drawn. The illustrations are done by Peggy Dick and well done and are easy to follow in her step by step lessons.  I would definitely suggest this for anyone who would like a fun way to supplement their favorite history curriculum.  A sample lesson can be viewed on the Draw and Write Through History site.

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Oct. 12, 2009 - The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall

About the book:

Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

Author Bio:

Cindy Woodsmallis the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.

My thoughts:

Once again, Cindy Woodsmall has done it again - a suberb story!  I was drawn into Beth's and Jonah's life and could feel the excitement as their friendship grows and becomes love.  Set in both Pennslyvania and Ohio Amish country - the book pulls both of the communities together in a way that feels so real.  I could picture the beautiful scenery in the carvings and in the natural beauty of winter time

I enjoy reading Cindy Woodsmall's books as I feel truly transported into the lives of the characters.  The characters were well developed, which is quite a feat in such a short and easy book as The Sound of Sleigh Bells is.  A well done, Christian fiction book that is enjoyable to read especially as we head into the holiday season - so grab a cup of hot chocolate and a blanket and curl up with a fantastic book!

The book is available at Random House.

**I've recieved this book as part of Waterbrook's Blogging for Books program in exchange for a review.

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Oct. 6, 2009 - TEACH magazine Fall 2009

It's that time again for the new TEACH magazine to arrive in mailboxes across the country!  I enjoy getting my TEACH copy and this one for Fall 2009 is no different.  The cover has two little boys in the woods appearing as if they are going fishing, it's beautiful and peaceful.  This issues's theme is "The Power of Prayer", and don't we all need encouragement in that area?

The main articles in this issue are about teaching your children to pray, doing the best you can, raising children with character and  the rifle approach to prayer.  Of course there is also the 'laundry room'  where Lorrie 'talks' to us like we were sitting right in front of her, it's like being welcomed home. As well is the Lady in Waiting article by Phyllis Sather which always inspires me in godly ways to raise my daughters, not in accordance with the world's standards but by God's standards.  The letter from a fellow mom which Lorrie answered was wonderful and heartfelt and it's so nice to know there is someone to turn to when we need motherly encouragement, especially when mothering doesn't come naturally to some of us.

I really enjoy the decorating on a budget tips and how to make old things new again - I'm sure we all have things that are collecting dust in the attic but could regain new life with something simple done to it.  Directions for making a blessing blanket by Vicki Beatley is wonderful especially with Christmas coming up or for a new birth or even a death to remember the loved one what a wonderful way to bless a family for years to come.  Numerous reviews are included and many more helpful and encouraging articles including letters from fellow readers who appreciate TEACH.

There is too much to keep going, if I did keep writing about TEACH it would easily take more room that I have or time that you have to read!  Suffice it to say, TEACH is a wonderful magazine to encourage Christian women in their duties as wife, homemaker, mom, homeschooling parent and best of all daughter to the King of Kings!  Stop by TEACH's website and check out the details for ordering your own subscription! 

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Oct. 5, 2009 - Word Wall Words for Second Grade - MRM Classroom Connections

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Oct. 4, 2009 - Extraordinary by John Bevere Blog Tour

There’s a question that troubles many believers: “Why am I not experiencing more joy, more hope, more satisfaction, more intimacy, more power, more everything in my Christian life--didn’t Jesus promise that?”

He did promise an abundant life, but too many people are trapped by the curse of “the ordinary.” They have accepted the wrong idea that following God means losing individuality, creativity, and a passion for achieving lofty goals.

Nothing could be further from the truth!  John Bevere builds a convincing case, straight from Scripture, for a way of living marked by extraordinary experiences and accomplishments—the life God always intended for his children.

Here is a guide to understanding God’s incredible plans, and how to enjoy a life where he adds the “extra” to “ordinary.”

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Sep. 27, 2009 - Settler's Festival - September 27, 2009 (lots of pictures) #1

Today after church, which I will say was a great sermon - and one to which the seeker friendly churches would deem terrible.  After church my daughters, a friend and her son went to lunch in a little mom and pop diner in the small city of Cedarville and then we went to the Settler's Festival.  This is sort of like the Fair at New Boston but there weren't the stringent rules on costumes and tents so some volunteers would be wearing tennis shoes or were without their modesty pieces (the item that resembles a shawl worn about the shoulders to cover any skin exposed by the blouse)  I am so happy about the learning trips we've been able to do this year and fairly close to home as well.  The Settler's Festival was completely free including all the crafts that the children and I got to do - this isn't offered at the other fair - and the girls liked it much better.  That is the one thing I would change is that the Fair at New Boston would offer more for the children like free hands on crafts and such - especially for the price for admission.  Take for instance the wagon ride ($3.00 for children $5.00 for adults) and free at the Settler's Festival.  Anyway, on to the Settler's Festival today.....

The girls rolling a hoop and or walking on block stilts.

Making music

Goofing off.

Wagon ride and sitting on the horses.

Grinding corn

Continue to the next post for more pictures!

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Sep. 27, 2009 - Settler's Festival #2

Woodworking

Making apple cider.  I NEED one of these, the cider is excellent - no added sugar, straight from the apple and it was yummy!

Making butter.  I also need one of these LOL  Nothing like homemade butter to go with your homemade cider LOL

A cabin built in 1814 that was moved to this site log by log.  The parks district is wanting to renovate so it's safe for people to enter again as well as making it authentic, taking off the 'modern' porch and windows, new roof, new stair well, etc total cost $150,000. The view of the inside is all I could achieve from what was open to view from the doorway.

The girls also made rag dolls, Hannah dyed some cloth using flowers and plants and a rock, they also dipped candles (an extremly long process) and made some old fashioned games.  The pictures aren't the best but gives some idea of what they made.

Last but not least is to watch God's Creation in the form of a beautiful waterfall!  I can't wait to go back, maybe in the winter and get some pictures with it frozen in parts and snowed covered.

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Sep. 27, 2009 - More baking - Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

I got a great recipe from a friend, Isabelle, her blogs are Canadianladybug Reviews and  Life at Oak Grove. 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

 Ingredients:
4 eggs
2 cups of sugar
1 (16 oz) can pumpkin purée
1 1/2 cup vegetable oil  (I used applesauce instead to cut down on fat)
3 cups all purpose flour
2 tea spoons baking soda
2 tea spoons baking powder
1 tea spoon cinnamon
1 tea spoon salt
1 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin and oil until smooth.

Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.

Mix well.

Add to pumpkin mixture and mix well.
Fold in chocolate chips.

Pour into muffin cups.

Bake at 400 for 16 to 20 minutes.

Makes 24 muffins

I made a double batch and froze the extras and I ended up with way more than 48 muffins :D

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Sep. 27, 2009 - A Wool Gathering - September 19, 2009

The girls and I took a trip to Young's Dairy, for the annual  A Wool Gathering which I've never been to and I was happy we went.  It was neat to see all the different fibers, including yarn made from buffalo fur!  While I tried to do crochet I've never mastered it and so I've never attempted knitting - but I enjoy the fibers and yarn, so many colors and things to do with the yarns.  They had some hands on things - Bethanne made a cow puppet (sorry no pictures of that) and Hannah practiced the art of drop spindles.  We also saw a variety of animals like alpacas, llamas, French and English Angoras and also different varities of sheep.  It was a fun learning experience.

A dog rounding up ducks.  The ducks were a beautiful black/blue color.

Llamas and a women spinning the fur.

English Angora rabbit.  English Angoras does not have the fuzzy face whereas the French Angoras do.

Hannah using a drop spindle to make yarn.

Alpacas.

So that was our trip to the A Wool Gathering.  The girls each got a scoop of ice cream and I allowed Hannah to pick up some wool as she was allowed to keep her drop spindle and we'll make some yarn with it eventually and maybe I'll decide to actually learn to crochet!

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Sep. 24, 2009 - The passing of my cat

If you read my meme from the 22nd you will see I talked about my cat, Faline.  On the 23rd I had to have her put asleep.  On the night of the 22nd I noticed something wasn't quite right, she didn't want to move around and her breathing was shallow - just not acting like Faline.  DH tried to assure me that she was just tired.  She had taken to sleeping in her litter box as well - which isn't normal for any cat.  So on the morning of the 23rd she was not using her back legs, this had happened off and on for a month or two but she'd always go back to using them but that wasn't the case this time.  I took her to the vet who said we could try a medication but on a cat her age it was only a 50/50 chance of it working I told him I wanted to bring her home and talk to my husband - I guess deep down I was hoping that her legs would start working again.  As the day progressed, she got worse, not even able to stand up she'd fall over on her side.  The vet said she was paralyzed and more than likely wouldn't regain the use of her legs because of the crippling arthritis.  I decided it was best to let her go - she was in pain and I could tell.  Even one of my brother's could tell he said her eyes were different and she just looked bad.  Through it all she remained calm - almost like she knew.  Usually she gets car sick but she didn't this time, she sat on my lap and just looked up at me.  I was allowed to hold while the vet prepared her arm and gave her the injection, it was very fast - almost too fast for me - I gave her a kiss and she was gone.  The vet gave us a nice bag to put her in and DH dug a hole that we buried her in - I'll be adding a decorative stone and come next spring I'll try to get some flowers planted.  My brother took me while DH stayed home with our littles, we didn't think they could handle seeing it.  The children are doing okay, they miss her and ask about kitty heaven.  They got to say goodbye before I took her to the vet the second time.  I thought I was prepared for this but I don't think anyone can prepare themselves for loosing an animal that had been their best friend for 20 years.  She was with me through some VERY hard years and she was a confidant and a shoulder to cry on and as she got older I became her warming bed so she could stay warm.  She will be missed.

Faline

9-23-09

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