Classically Speaking...
Jan. 4, 2007

A New Home for the New Year

Posted in Newsworthy
Get your bookmarks ready... I am moving my blog for the new year!
After having a number of problems on here recently, and in order to streamline my blogging, I have moved my blog to http://www.jacobiterose.blogspot.com
See you there.
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Dec. 4, 2006

Now Advent is Here:

Posted in Homelife

Getting a little worried about the holidays?  Then why not download that infamous planning celebrity, Martha Stewart’s planner?

 

http://marthastewart.com/images/pdf/2004_holiday_planner_high.pdf

 

Maybe you are stumped for winter nature study activities?  You could try making your garden a wildlife sanctuary!

http://www.nwf.org/backyard/

 

 

And then there are the gifts for the Christmas Holidays… you might try here:

http://www.herbaltreas.com/herbsforholidayfare.html

 

or just take a gander over at my garden blog ( http://wortcunning.blogspot.com ) for some great fun with Christmas Herbs!

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Nov. 28, 2006

The Home Companion: Remade

Posted in Homelife
So I remade my 'Home Companion'.  Oh... well sort of anyway!

I got a new binder... and bought some scrapbooking paper...



Which I slid into the pocket on the front.  (I erased our name from the front page  ).  I LOVE my new cover... I am such a fan of Monet and Renoir, that I KNEW this was the page for me!
Then using the templates from Kim over at Starry Sky Ranch, I made the divider pages.


I still have the same old ziploc baggie of stuff in there...
And I have 'fancy divider pockets' because they were the only dividers I could find that would stick out beyond  the edges of the binder.
But I still used the title pages for each division.



And my old book?  It became my cookbook.  My binder didn't want to make room for that what with the entire year in calendars in there!  So I made a separate binder for my cooking!



Inside I print out my recipes and place them in the page protectors.  Instant shelter from cooking splatters.  I think I will do ALL my recipes this way!




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Nov. 13, 2006

Living Lives of Loveliness


The Loveliness of Handmade Gifts is up over at By Sun and Candlelight… go check it out :)

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Nov. 13, 2006

Some fun and Games

Posted in Just Plain Fun

I promised to keep you up to date with the Christmas Happenings...

So here is a fantastic Advent idea over at O Night Divine!

And check out Jenn’s Christmas Card Ornaments!  How to make them can be found here: Christmas Card Ornaments.

 

In the mood for a little contemplation? Then read this AMAZING post at “Et Tu, Jen?”… Very moving!


Still need some ideas for a good charity for this year's boxing day?  (Age old custom of giving to charity the day after Christmas)?  It looks like Sophia Institute Press could use our help. 

Perhaps you can make it one of your charitable contributions this year…

 

This was a fun quiz from Belief Net:  (HT to College Street Academy )


And here are *MY* results!

 

Your Results:

 

The top score on the list below represents the faith that Belief-O-Matic, in its less than infinite wisdom, thinks most closely matches your beliefs. However, even a score of 100% does not mean that your views are all shared by this faith, or vice versa.

 

Belief-O-Matic then lists another 26 faiths in order of how much they have in common with your professed beliefs. The higher a faith appears on this list, the more closely it aligns with your thinking.

               

1.         Eastern Orthodox (100%)

2.         Roman Catholic (100%)

3.         Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (95%)

4.         Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (90%)

5.         Orthodox Quaker (79%)

6.         Jehovah's Witness (76%)

7.         Seventh Day Adventist (74%)

8.         Orthodox Judaism (74%)

9.         Bahα'ν Faith (71%)

10.       Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (67%)

11.       Islam (66%)

12.       Sikhism (52%)

13.       Liberal Quakers (47%)

14.       Hinduism (40%)

15.       Jainism (40%)

16.       Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (37%)

17.       Reform Judaism (37%)

18.       Unitarian Universalism (33%)

19.       Mahayana Buddhism (30%)

20.       Theravada Buddhism (29%)

21.       Neo-Pagan (25%)

22.       Nontheist (20%)

23.       Secular Humanism (18%)

24.       New Age (17%)

25.       New Thought (17%)

26.       Scientology (16%)

27.       Taoism (16%)



Not bad!  Although I would switch the top two...

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Nov. 9, 2006

The Loveliness of Handmade Gifts

When I saw that Dawn had mentioned a Loveliness of Handmade Gifts faire, I knew I'd have a submission... but not just because I like to make gifts, no.  Because I am fortunate enough to be the recipient of such gifts.

Both of my children were brought home from hospital, cradled in my arms and wearing a special outfit that their Nana (my Mum) had made.  Photos do exist, but are not available on this computer unfortunately!
When I had my daughter, some kind soul had donated hand crocheted hats to the nursery, and my bald headed daughter was the lucky recipient of two of them (one was a little large). 
I treasured these gifts, and the kids wore them as often as the weather and their size would allow!  I was delighted that my Mum and my own Nan, would send me such gifts. And I made sure to use them... because the best thing to be said about a handmade gift, is that they are used!  These treasures are now safely locked away... either 'just in case' or for future generations of the family.

I was a very lucky child in that I was made many clothes as I was growing up... dresses for summer, dresses for school  Our school uniform was a red and white gingham check, and my sister and I declared our dresses much prettier than the store bought ones.
It was the rare birthday or Christmas that passed without a knitted jumper (sweater) or cardigan... and we were most upset if one of us got one, and the others did not!
There were many handmade gifts that were given to me, that were literally worn into holes.  Sometimes my Mum would have to physically take something from me and throw it in the bin... I was that loath to part with it!
And if I am lucky... I still get one... like the cardigan I am wearing in this picture from last year!



Since I left home, I have tried to continue the tradition of handmade gift giving.  A few friends over here have been the recipients of such delights as baby slings I sewed for them, or knitted cardigans or jumpers (sweaters) I made for a newborn.
Then there are the presents I made for the family.
This is a hat I made for my son when he was small... I was in need of a hat with earflaps... the poor little chap's ears were getting cold!  So I went online and found a nice snowman hat... which I then adapted and changed into a cat hat.  It has since become a family deal... known as 'the cat hat', my daughter has taken to wearing it with delight... since she loves cats!



and a better view of the CAT:

Then there is the saga of the sweater DH is wearing in the photo at the top of this post... it literally took me YEARS to make :)
I promised him this one birthday... and started to make it.  Well, I got bored, the needles were just so small that the yarn was knitting up VERY slowly... and I was starting with the back.
I picked it back up later, unravelled it and started it again with a larger sized needle.
This knitted up fast, but then I learned the yarn was not so good... and this was AFTER DS spilled coffee on it and I washed it... the back was pilling after one go!
So, we got some new, pure wool, yarn.
And I worked on it... this time I managed to finish it OK... but not before I ran short on yarn and had to try and find a dye lot match.  I never did find a complete match, but did get something close!
When it was finally finished, DH was ectstatic... he'd been wanting it forever... the only problem now was waiting for cold enough weather to wear it.  Being pure wool, it is definitely warm!

Last Monday (the 6th November) was my sister's 18th birthday.  I jumped at the chance to make her something... I had long since wanted to knit something using a ribbon yarn... so I chose one in her favourite colour and knitted up a 'capelet'.  Of course there is no such thing, a cape being by it's very nature a short cloak, and at that, this one is more of a wrap or poncho than a cape... but I still made it.  And told her if she didn't want it to send it back!




I kind of liked the fit...
I was inspired by how well it turned out, so I decided that this year, the 'second little' present I like to give my siblings (even though I dont usually manage this) would be a homemade one.

So I started with hats... (I am modelling them all, yes, since hats look funny on a bed rather than a head)


One for a sister...



One for a brother... in his team colours ;)


A small black hat for a sibling...
Then there are other kinds of gifts...



A crocheted bag...



A scarf in a sibling's favourite colours!

These are not the only things I have made... the sweater in the photo at the top that DS is wearing, is one I made him... one of many over the years I have made both of the kids.
All handmade gifts are given with a little piece of the giver in them... because when we make a gift, we put a little bit of ourselves into it.  Sometimes this is more literal than others!  (Some of my handknits end up with hair in them LOL).

This year, I challenge you to make your own gifts... whether it be a knitted hat for your Mum, a square for a charity blanket, or a basket of cookies for the nursing home... make this Christmas mean something... give a little bit of yourself!

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Nov. 9, 2006

Bear with me...

I appear to be having a few issues with the blog :(
Three posts never posted, so I deleted them, and two of my browsers are having issues!

Oh well... here's hoping ;)

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Nov. 1, 2006

What Kind of Death?

Posted in Just Plain Fun
Just for fun!

   
                   
   
        What horrible Edward Gorey Death will you die?   
   

You will be smothered under a rug. You're a little anti-social, and may want to start gaining new social skills by making prank phone calls.
Take this quiz!

Quizilla | Join | Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

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Oct. 31, 2006

Sharing...

Posted in Homeschooling

There are so many talented people out there, who just have wonderful ideas for homeschooling... take Suzanne for instance at Blessed Among Men... her stained glass windows look a treat!
Then there is the lovely Dawn at By Sun and Candlelight, who is full of great ideas.  I loved her Prayer Journal!  Then there are her seasonal notebooks... well worth a look!

Perhaps you prefer baking?  How about Morning Coffee and Afternoon Tea's festive Pumpkin spice dessert?  Or the delicious looking treats at Baking Sheet?

Then there are Jenn's liturgical year ideas at Family in Feast and feria...
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Oct. 26, 2006

Autumn, cold and inspiration

Posted in Homelife

I guess we were not the only ones to get the first frost last night... so many people are speaking about autumn on the web right now, that I took the time to mention a few favourites over at my nature blog!

And then there is this very inspirational story which I got at this blog.
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Oct. 26, 2006

More on the binders...

Posted in Homelife

Well actually two links to the most beautiful binders... *THIS* is what I wanted to do but couldn't... I dont know HOW to scrapbook!!!

Elizabeth Foss' and Kim's Binders.
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Oct. 19, 2006

The Household Notebook Part 2

Posted in Homelife

So Donna has put up her household notebook... giving me some great ideas and a new desire to re-organize mine.
MamaJen has her Kitchen and school binder (one and two) up and the invitation has gone out over the internet to suggest that all homeschoolers participate in showing us what you've got!!
Like MamaJen, I like to use the printables made by Donna Young... you should certainly have seen them around by now, if not you NEED to check them out.
Of course, you can always make your own!

I'm a bit annoyed... I just realised that I had forgotten to keep a reading log for DS this year!  Oh well... no time like the present.

Feel like sharing notebooks?
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Oct. 16, 2006

Nerdy? Logical? Try it and see!

Posted in Just Plain Fun

Checking in around the blogosphere, I am amused to find a few of the quizzes out there that deserve some of my time... hat tips to Alice (fondly known as Alice-stotle) and the not so nerdy Marian Vitamin...
 
Surprisingly, I am logical.  Yeah... but it took me a while ;)
 
You Are Incredibly Logical
Move over Spock - you're the new master of logic
You think rationally, clearly, and quickly.
A seasoned problem solver, your mind is like a computer!
 

And this I always knew...

  I am nerdier than 43% of all people. Are you nerdier? Click here to find 
out! 
 

 
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Oct. 13, 2006

This is Fun!

Posted in Just Plain Fun

Courtesy of many, many bloggers... but firstly Melissa at Too Many Hooks... from My Heritage.com you can do this for yourself.  I made mine all female... partly because I do not think I look much like David Letterman, who was my top match! Apparently, I look like many smiling people!

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Oct. 12, 2006

Fascinating...

Posted in Homelife

You can imagine me doing the Mr. Spock eyebrow if you like... but this website really IS fascinating!  It came from the blog Coffee and Diapers which in turn came from Danielle Bean.


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Oct. 11, 2006

Another Holday Fun thing or two...

Posted in Just Plain Fun

Well... I told you I was going to share :)

A blog all about the Celebration of Christmas, a great job by Mary Ellen, who also has a great post about Organizing for Christmas and the holidays... something inspired by this post from Dawn at by Sun and Candlelight, also about getting ready.
And you have to check out the Halloween Pets!!  Aren't they hilarious??

And two non holiday links for you:
A great blog by Danielle Bean about Preschool Memorization and rosary cards.
Plus an interesting article in the Times Online about the re-instating of the Latin Mass... don't know if and when it will happen though!!

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Oct. 10, 2006

This Brought me to Tears...

Posted in Newsworthy

because it, of course, hit home.  I picked it up over at Mary Our Mother Blog.

F A M I L Y

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.
He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."
We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said goodbye.
But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.
He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.
While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,
"While dealing with a stranger,
common courtesy you use,
but the family you love, you seem to abuse.
Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."
By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.
"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.
I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."
I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay.
I love you anyway."
I said, "Son, I love you too,
and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

FAMILY
Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days.
But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.
And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family,
an unwise investment indeed, don't you think?
So what is behind the story?
Do you know what the word FAMILY means?
FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU
Pass this message to 7 people except you and me ..
You will receive a miracle tomorrow.
Don't ignore and God will bless you
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Oct. 10, 2006

Something Fun for the Holidays

Posted in Just Plain Fun

Oh there are so many things we can do in the holiday season... so I am starting to share the things I find... and if you too find something cool or useful or just plain fun, please, share a link here!!

Make your own gift boxes.

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Oct. 4, 2006

Articles of Note...

Posted in Newsworthy

Browsing the blogs on my bloglines I came across two articles of note...

An amusing article of 'what ifs' at American Conservative, thoughtfully provided by Daniel Nichols... definitely worth browsing just for a giggle.

And an article provided by Rod Dreher at Crunchy Con about the Amish response to the murders of their children.  I am humbled and awed by their graciousness.
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Oct. 4, 2006

In Memory

Posted in Family

My Husband's mother's birthday was yesterday.  She died almost 4 years ago, but he still misses her terribly...
You can read his tribute to her here:

Birthday Tribute to Mom
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About Me

I'm a 29 year old mother of two, who loves to read, bake, knit and homeschool... You can also read my husband's 'rantings' at the link below ;)


I am currently having problems blogging here. Please check
my nature blog for more information.
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