HOMESPUN LIGHT

Baby Time!

2012-01-16T18:16:00.002-07:00

And his blog nickname will be...Wink. (Apparently I like W-names, because aside from Bubs (8), we now have Welly-Bells (6), Why-Why (almost 3), and Wink.)

Sweet Baby Wink was born on December 28th (Daddy's birthday), weighing 7 lbs 7 oz. He was down into the 6 lb range when we left the hospital, but he's plumping up fast now. His cheeks get a little rounder every day.

What a blessing to have a newborn in our home! Straight from Heaven into our arms. We couldn't be more in love.

Scotty McCreery - Dirty Dishes and some Lauren, too

2011-11-05T06:00:00.002-06:00

I am LOVING this song.

GO Scotty!

Lauren Alaina's CD is also great (Dare I even say better? Shame on me!). Bubs said that his favorite song of the two CDs is Lauren's Dirt Road Prayer.

Art is for Creativity.

2011-11-04T09:08:00.000-06:00

A local mom set up a home school art gallery at the library. The kids were excited to participate. Even better? There weren't any stipulations about what kind of art to bring.

Next thing I knew, Bubs was working hard on this fabulous teepee. Personally, I never would have thought to make a 3-D teepee for an art show. Very creative.

And Welly made this picture with stamps, glitter, glue, tape, different papers, and colored pencils.

I couldn't have been more thrilled with their work.

I'm afraid that when many teachers/parents think of art projects for their kids to do, they come up with pre-arranged craft projects. You know? The Cut Here-Glue Here-Follow my directions exactly-kind of artwork.

Those projects are great for learning to obey and follow directions. There's certainly a place for that. But are they really artwork? They don't do much for creativity.

Maybe it's better to learn the following-directions-skills in math, PE or other activities than in art.

I like to allow their little minds to explore. It's good for their problem-solving and the development of their imagination...And in the end, they often come up with pieces that are much more wonderful and personal.

And, shh! But Y's art may have been the most beautiful of all. Even if it didn't last long enough to be part of the gallery.

Unwanted Halloween Candy

2011-11-02T13:46:00.000-06:00

I'm the first to admit that Halloween isn't my favorite holiday. BUT...our jello worms did turn out amazing. The idea came from Divine Dinner Party, which I found via Pinterest.

Daddy took the kids Trick-or-Treating, while I handed out candy to a fairly small trickle of little neighbors. I opened a huge, Costco-sized bag of chocolate bars just in time for the very last Trick-or-Treater. So, the next day, let's just say, I was less-than-thrilled by the sugar overload around here.

So today, for our morning Mini-Lesson, we did some Candy Experiments. (I'm pleased to announce that we got rid of quite a lot of candy before the kids realized what I was really up to.)

For this first one, you simply put M&Ms or Skittles (the more, the merrier) letter-side up in a bowl of water. Can you see the floating Ms in there? It takes a few minutes for them to separate, but it's very cool.

Then we mixed candy colors.

Yellow candies+Blue candies=

Red + Blue=

And finally, Yellow+Red=

Tastiness, apparently.

Then, we tested tons of candies to see if they sink or float. That was Y's favorite. He must have put 8 packs of M&Ms in there. (Yes!)

Bubs and Welly had a competition. They each chose 6 candies. Whoever had more floaters was the winner. And the winner is...

Bubs did float a few wrappers, though.

It turned out to be a very fun Mini Lesson, made a small dent in our candy (Oh My!), and wrapped up our fun Halloween festivities.

Happy Halloween...

2011-10-31T04:15:00.001-06:00

And welcome to our newest house-guest...who is likely to remain nameless for quite some time.

A Beautiful Heartbreak by Hillary Weeks

2011-10-28T12:32:00.002-06:00

Daddy's Pictures of Our Annual Fall Hike

2011-10-27T22:57:00.000-06:00

Oh! How we love this time of year! Warm colors, soft sweaters, cool breezes, puffy clouds, and the beginning of cozying up together for another year's end.

We must enjoy every season of life...for each is but a fleeting moment.

I've been around...

2011-10-13T19:26:00.000-06:00

Where have I been? Around. Just not around the computer, I guess. Now that the computer isn't in the Family Room, I just...forget about it more.

We took a (relaxing) vacation to AZ, where the kids swam every day, several times per day.

We've gone on some field trips. This is the Place Heritage Park is shown below.

Mostly, though, we're just following our homeschool routine, while my belly continues to expand. I'm quite round, actually. Ask my doc. Baby is poised to about 9 pounds, and apparently I'm at the upper limit of fluids in there, too. So, until Christmastime, I'm doomed to waddle.

I do have some things to say, though. Don't I always? And new books to review. So, I'll still be around. And next time I waddle into the office, I'll drop in to say hi. :)

Count Down to Love by Julie N. Ford

2011-08-30T18:16:00.000-06:00

Book Review: Count Down to Love by Julie N. Ford

Kelly Grace Pickens, an aspiring country singer, has just been abandoned at the alter. With no way to pay for her A-list wedding, she finds herself, not just alone, but homeless and broke.

When her best friend, a producer of a show like The Bachelor, asks her to be on the show, Kelly has nothing to lose.

Still pining after her groom who is missing-in-action, Kelly isn't looking for love. She just needs cash and an escape from the prying eyes of her mother.

While finding herself again, she just might find love, too.

This quick, easy read was just what I needed after reading some heavy books. It's light and fun. The characters are well-rounded, and the story is fresh and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Next time you're in the mood for a chick-flick, pick up this fun, clean romance. It's sure to please.

Book Review: Aspire by Kevin Hall

2011-08-25T05:00:00.001-06:00

Aspire: Discovering Your Purpose Through the Power of Words by Kevin Hall

I didn't know what to expect when I ordered this book. It was recommended reading for a homeschool retreat, so I ordered it only knowing the info you see on the cover.

Surprisingly powerful and engaging, Aspire turned out to be a 5 Star read.

Kevin Hall discusses the power of words. As a book-lover and aspiring writer, you might think I had already grasped that concept, but this book has a different angle than you might expect. Hall talks about the original meanings behind words, helping us to grasp a much fuller understanding of the words and concepts.

I found myself highlighting many parts, but I was particularly interested in the original meanings of the words. The first word Kevin Hall discusses is Ganshai. While this word is not a familiar one to English speakers (It's actually an ancient Hindi word.), the meaning is powerful. "Genshai means that you never treat anyone small--and that includes yourself...If I were to walk by a beggar in the street and casually toss him a coin, I would not be practicing Genshai. But if I knelt down on my knees and looked him in the eye when I placed that coin in his hand, that coin became love. Then and only then, after I had exhibited pure, unconditional brotherly love, would I become a true practitioner of Genshai."

Other words discussed include: Pathfinder (leader), Namaste, Passion, Sapere Vedere, Humility, Inspire, Empathy, Coach, Ollin, and Integrity, among others.

Listen to this: "Originating with the Greeks, 'enthusiasm' means God within or God's gifts within. Enthusiasm, he went on to explain, is the fuel of happiness and bliss. It refers to the divine light that shines within each of us." Do you see how just understanding where the words came from can open our eyes to a deeper understanding and a new commitment to live well?

I was drawn to concepts that I could apply to myself as a mother and teacher of my children. "To inspire to breathe into. The Master of Words explained that when we breathe life into another, we inspire their hopes, goals, and dreams...When you 'encourage', you add to some-one's heart. And when you 'discourage,' you take away from someone's heart."

And I loved this: "Originally crafted for aristocracy, coaches carried important people to their desired destinations in luxury and ease...Over time, other forms of transportation adopted the term "coach"...But however far-reaching and prevalent the word has become since the first coach rolled out of production in Kocs, the meaning has not changed. A "coach" remains something, or someone, who carries a valued person from where they are to where they want to be."

I recommend this book for people who want to increase their understanding of language and aim for self-improvement.

Photo Journal: Bubs' 8th Birthday and Baptism

2011-08-24T12:40:00.001-06:00

Welly and Bubs get ready to go.

Y, lookin' cool.

Grandpa and Pappy

Our family just before the service.

The handsome 8 year old. (Complete with a bonk on the forhead, courtesy of his little bro.)

My three handsomes.

Bubs and his cousin, Taylor, were baptized the same day.

Cousins! Y, Bubs, Noah, Taylor, Welly, and Jakey

Crazy Uncle Matt.

Pretty Aunt Lisa and Tate.

Tired Grandpas. :)

Grandma reading to my kiddos.

A hug for Grammy.

Quite a hug. :)

The big boy and his new bike.

What a wonderful day it was!

Bubs prepared for his baptism by reading the whole Book of Mormon on his own. He set the goal and followed through with very little prompting from his parents. He told me that when he prayed about it to know if it was true, he felt good and warm right away. Simple and so wonderful.

I love this boy! And I'm so glad to have him set the example for his siblings...including baby number 4 (ANOTHER BOY!!!)

Book Review: Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

2011-08-20T22:44:00.000-06:00

Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven by Todd Burpo

Just before Colton turned four, he had a life-changing experience. During an emergency surgery when he almost died, Colton visited Heaven.

Over the next several years, he told his parents bits and pieces of his astounding story, revealing that he met Jesus, his miscarried sister, his deceased grandfather, and many others in Heaven.

This quick read is a bestseller, but I admit that I don't believe it completely.

Pros: It helps readers imagine Heaven, makes Jesus feel personable and shows His love for children, and supports the idea of eternal families.

Cons: I don't believe angels have wings. Four-year-olds can have pretty vivid imaginations, especially when they are exciting the interest of their parents. It was months after the surgery when Colton first mentioned having an out-of-body experience.

Who knows? It was an interesting read, and I don't feel like it was a waste of my time. My guess is that sweet Colton had some type of wonderful near-death experience, but the story became embellished over the years.

Heaven is for Real is written and narrated by Colton's father, who is a pastor. It is engaging, although it felt stretched a bit to be book-length. Also, the father's never-ending surprise with every new revelation about Colton's vision/dream/whatever you want to call it, was rather tiresome.

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

2011-08-18T10:31:00.000-06:00

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

It is rumored that Abraham Lincoln met Harriet Beecher Stowe at the beginning of the Civil War and said, "So this is the little lady who started this great war."

Despite changing the course of America's history, this is a book many people have heard of, but far fewer have read.

Well-drawn characters are interwoven in a web of stories that portray life in the slave states. Through unimaginable trials, most of the slaves in the story buckle under pressure and lose hope. However, some stay strong and true to their Christian faith.

Uncle Tom is a strong character who looks to God for guidance. When all the other slaves buckle under the pressure of a tyrannical slave-owner, he stands strong in his faith and doesn't budge.

What a beautiful example of true Christianity! Tom realizes that no matter what is done to him on Earth, he will be rewarded in Heaven for sticking to his morals and his God.

Well-written, although definitely written with an anti-slavery slant that sometimes comes before the story itself, this book instantly rose to be on my list of most wonderful, life-changing, powerful books.

I highlighted a few parts of this classic as I read. One sentence that struck me was this: "It's pretty generally understood that men don't aspire after the absolute right, but only to do about as well as the rest of the world." This is only too true. How often do we do things just because it is commonly accepted? Whether or not they are right?

Highly recommended for teens and adults.

Joys.

2011-08-10T16:14:00.000-06:00

Hi Friends,

I'm feeling very blessed because...

*We're feeling settled into our beautiful, new home.
*I'm about halfway through this pregnancy, and feeling the baby move is one of the most wonderful feelings in the world.
*We're getting to know some wonderful people in our new hometown.
*Tomorrow, Robby and I celebrate 10 blissfully happy years of marriage.
*Last week, my parents came up to visit (and worked like dogs helping us get settled in).
*Bubs (now 8) was baptized last week, and it was wonderful.

Life is beautiful.

See you soon.

Emily

Fishing in Bolivia

2011-07-02T11:48:00.000-06:00

Yep. You read that right. Robby went fishing in Bolivia. Here are a few of his (amazing) pictures.

The pictures of natives intrigued the kids and I, so we are working on a report (in magazine form) about them. They are the Tsimane people. The Tsimane still live a hunterer-gatherer life and are relatively secluded from all others. Their language (also called Tsimane) is exclusive to them. They live off fish and monkeys, for the most part, and they live in straw huts. Fascinating. Robby said they seem like happy people.

You know what? Robby would be appalled that I included so few pictures of his fish. He had an amazing time. Many thanks to his friend, Buzz, for taking him on this adventure! I'll add one more fish, so I don't get busted. :) This was caught on one of the THREE HUNDRED flies he tied before he left...

A Butterfly is Patient by Dianne Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long

2011-06-16T18:03:00.000-06:00

Book Review: A Butterfly is Patient by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long

Are you familiar with An Egg is Quiet and A Seed is Sleepy? A Butterfly is Patient is every bit as educational and beautiful as the two books that proceeded it.

When it comes to nonfiction picture books, these take the cake. I LOVE THEM.

When reading to younger listeners, you can simply read the short, poetic sentences on each page. "A butterfly is helpful...A butterfly is a traveler...A butterfly is patient. The egg hatches, the caterpillar emerges, feasting on leaves before it wraps itself into its warm, protective chrysalis, patiently waiting...to soar."

Older listeners/readers will enjoy reading the more in-depth information provided.

The scientifically accurate illustrations are stunning and interesting.

Again, we love these books. What else can I say?

The Woods by Paul Hoppe

2011-06-15T06:04:00.000-06:00

Book Review: The Woods by Paul Hoppe

My kids love to be scared. They beg their dad to hide and pop out screaming.

And it just so happens, that for kids who love to be a bit frightened, The Woods by Paul Hoppe is a big hit.

Especially for little 2 year old Y. I guess it makes him feel brave.

In the story, a boy can't find his bunny anywhere. There's only one place left to look. The Woods.

He's not afraid until he meets a big, brown bear...but then he discovers that the bear is just afraid of the dark, so he shares his night-light.

They come to two giants, then a fire-breathing triple-headed dragon, and finally the big, hairy, monster who stole the boy's bunny.

He is very brave.

The words are sparse and simple, and the illustrations are fabulous.

Hogwash by Karma Wilson, Illustrated by Jim McMullan

2011-06-14T15:38:00.000-06:00

Book Review: Hogwash by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jim McMullan

This is such a fun book! I mean, I went into it with a biased opinion, since I'm a die-hard Karma Wilson fan...but truly...this one is so fun!

Farmer decides to clean his animals until they're all spic-n-span. Everything goes swimmingly until Farmer reaches the hogs.

They are very opinionated about staying dirty.

What will Farmer do? He tries showering them with a hose (that just makes more mud), bribing them with pizza ("Just leave it by the sty."), and flying over in a crop-duster.

You'll have to read the book to see who comes out the winner. You may be surprised.

Everyone (including Dad and Me) are really enjoying this entertaining, rhyming new release. Love it!!!

Thoughts and Quotes on Humility: My Sunday Talk

2011-06-12T22:07:00.000-06:00

On Sunday, I spoke in Sacrament Meeting (our main meeting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) on the topic of humility. I thought I'd share my thoughts here, as well.

President Hinckley said, “There is no place for arrogance in our lives. There is no place for conceit in our lives. There is no place for egotism in our lives. We have work to do. We have things to accomplish.

· (Then he quoted Doctrine and Covenants 112:10) ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers’.

· (Pres. Hinckley goes on…)People ask me what is my favorite scripture, and I say I have many of them. But that is one of them. ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.’

After reading many quotes and scriptures about humility, I concluded that it is essentially this: Humility is giving our will over to the Lord. It is putting our faith, trust, and confidence in the Lord. It is believing that everyone on this earth is a Child of God and knowing that our Heavenly Father’s will is ALWAYS best.

English author John Ruskin said, “The first test of a truly great man is his humility. Really great men have a curious feeling that greatness is not IN them, but THROUGH them. And they see something Divine in every other man.”

This quote reminds me of one of my favorite LDS songs. It is “A Window to His Love”.

A Window To His Love
Words and Music by Julie de Azevedo

I want to be a window to His love,
so when you look at me you will see Him.
I want to be so pure and clear that you won't even know I'm here,
'cause His love will shine brightly through me.

I want to be a doorway to the truth,
so when you walk beyond you will find Him.
I want to stand so straight and tall, that you won't notice me at all.
But through my open door He will be seen.

I want to be a window to His love,
so you can look through me and you'll see Him.
And some day shining through my face, you'll see His loving countenance,
'cause I will have become like He is

A window to His love
A doorway to the truth.
A bearer of the message He'd have me bring to you.
And with each passing year
I want to disappear
'Till He's become ev'rything
and I've become a window to His love.

One of the great stories of humility in the scriptures can be found in 1 Kings 17. This is the story of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath.

· The Lord told Elijah to go to the city of Zarephath where He had commanded a widow woman to provide food and water for him.

· He found the widow there and asked her for a drink.

· Verse 11, “And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.”

· Verse 12, “And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.”

· Verse 13, “And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: But make me thereof a little cake FIRST, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.”

· As a mother, this story speaks to me. Put yourself in the position of this widow. I see her pleading with Heavenly Father. I see her praying fervently for a way to be able to feed herself and her son and live.

· A stranger comes. A prophet. And the Lord commands her to sustain him. This prophet, Elijah, asks that she make him a cake first. I picture her watching the prophet eat in front of her starving son. THIS IS THE DEPTHS OF HUMILITY. She turned her will over to the Lord, trusting that it was best.

· Verse 15, “And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail.”

· Remember the scripture I read earlier. We are told that if we humble ourselves, THE LORD WILL LEAD US BY THE HAND AND ANSWER OUR PRAYERS.

C. S. Lewis: “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man. We say that people are proud of being rich, or clever, or good-looking, but they are not. They are proud of being richer, cleverer, or better-looking than others. If every one else became equally rich, or clever, or good-looking there would be nothing to be proud about. It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone.”

Again, this illustrates that we are prideful when we are placing the focus on ourselves…and humble when we place our focus on others, especially the Lord.

Story of one of my ancestors, Ellen Breakel Neibaur:

Ellen Breakel was a wealthy farmer’s daughter in England. She married Alexander Neibaur, who was also very wealthy. They joined the church in England and decided to join the Saints in America. They left almost everything they had.

· Circumstances became very difficult for them as they crossed the plains. They could not afford shoes for everyone in the family, so Ellen crossed the plains with her feet wrapped in rags.

· After their arrival in the Salt Lake Valley, the family, consisting of 7 children along with father and mother, lived in a tent. They often went hungry.

· When they got settled and began to make a little money, Alexander bought his wife a nice pair of shoes and then she knitted herself some stockings that were blue and white stripped. She was very proud of them and thought they were very pretty.

· A short time later, the Brethren came around collecting clothing to take back with them to meet another company of pioneers, and when they came to the house, Alexander said he had nothing to give them, but Ellen answered, "yes, we must give something,"

· and she took them from her feet, the pair of new shoes and stockings, and gave them to the Brethren, binding her own feet in rags.

· This story reminds me of the quote by President Bensen, “Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble.” Circumstances forced Ellen Breakel Neibaur to be humble at first. They simply could not afford shoes for everyone. But, when she willingly gave up her new shoes and stockings, removing them from her feet, she CHOSE to be humble.

· She chose to be humble, then came the great blessing: The story says that when the next group of pioneers arrived, everyone went out to greet them. Everyone was looking at their faces, except Ellen who was scanning all the feet in the crowd. She spotted her beloved shoes. And looked up to find that the woman who got them was one of her dearest friends from England. The friend converted to the Church after Ellen left. So that must have been a glorious surprise.

Once we have mastered a humble feeling, what does humility look like?

·         In the movie version of Emma by Jane Austen, there is a character named Mrs. Elton. Her comments may appear humble. When a man says to her, “These sandwiches are delicious, Mrs Elton. You really are a gourmet!”, Mrs. Elton responds, “Well, I never compliment myself, but my friends tell me I

certinly know how to make a sandwich.” Several times in the movie, she uses the phrase, “my friends say…” to give herself a compliment.

·         Does this portray true humility? True humility is taking the attention off yourself, thus glorifying God and serving your fellow man.

·         Our prophet, President Monson, is a good example of true humility. He is in a powerful position. I wouldn’t call him weak at all. There is a big difference between weakness and humility. He does great things, mostly in the form of service, but he doesn’t do them to draw attention to himself.

Please think about the answers to these questions from Alma 5: 26-28,

· “Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble?

· Are ye stripped of pride?

· If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing a song of redeeming love, I would ask, CAN YE FEEL SO NOW?”

Finally, I can’t give a proper talk on humility without mentioning our Savior, Jesus Christ. He shows us that humility isn’t weakness. It is acknowledging the Father’s will and putting it before our own.

· We are actually stronger when we are humble because we are acting WITH GOD, NOT ALONE.

· Perhaps the most sacred words ever spoken were the words the Lord spake in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Luke 22:42, “If thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

Book Review: The Boxcar Children: Book 1

2011-06-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

This old classic sat on our shelf for a long time before the kids picked it up and chose it for a read-aloud. We were all pleasantly surprised to find a fun, adventurous little read.

Four orphan children are wandering alone, when they come across an abandoned boxcar in the forest...the perfect hideaway.

They make the boxcar into home, damming up a stream nearby to make a bath, using the under-side of a waterfall for a refrigerator, and working in the nearby town for food.

The story and phrasing is simple. It would make a great early chapter book.

What I love about this story is how the children take care of each other and their 'home'. In some ways, they act like little adults, but they are also childlike, and their adventures are fun and interesting.

We look forward to reading the next installment in this mystery series.

So, here's the deal.

2011-06-09T18:35:00.000-06:00

I've basically been gone for a million years...aka a month.

Just today, I was thinking, Well, maybe I don't miss it that much. Maybe I should be done with this blogging venture. After all, I haven't even received any emails lately from anyone wishing I'd keep it up.

Then, lo and behold, I received this. (It happens every time I almost quit.)

From one mom to another, I cannot thank you enough for your blog!

I have a teenage (16) daughter who is a voracious reader, and there is so much garbage out there to weed through to find good, clean, quality books for her to read. I could never keep up the pace she would need me to in order to pre-read all her books so she would to have something to read. What I have discovered is that most books geared for teenage girls is filled with sex (or innuendo), bad language, vampires and assorted junk.

I don’t even know how I stumbled upon your webpage, but am thankful I did. The information you have compiled here will give us more than a summer full of reading material. You are doing a good thing here – keep it up!

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Connie

There you have it. I'm coming back.

In the meantime...

1. I spent two wonderful weeks in warm, but not too hot yet, Arizona. A very dear friend joined me there for a while, and we had a relaxing time while the kids swam the days away.

2. I'm nearing the end of morning sickness. Yes. That's right! I'M PREGO. Number 4 is on the way. (Here's hoping I don't regret announcing that to the world.)

3. We are in the midst of a move. In a couple weeks, we are moving to a be-you-tiful home that I'm in love with. It's like-new, and the best part is...the huge, fenced backyard. So excited! We will certainly miss our wonderful neighbors and local homeschool friends, but we are also looking forward to new friendships.

4. I've read a couple books. Obviously. But not as many as usual because of 1, 2, and 3.

PS. Also in the meantime, I have received a handful of fabulous picture books for review.

PSS. And you are right. There is not point to the picture above, other than the fact that it makes me smile. See you soon.

Making Art out of Basic Shapes

2011-05-04T06:00:00.003-06:00

A lot of the work we do is based on things I think Bubs should be learning or wants to learn. Welly is next. Wy-Wy enjoys tagging along for lessons and storytimes, but once in a while a lesson is more geared toward the littlest ones. That doesn't mean we can't all have fun, though. Who doesn't love acting like a toddler now and then?

You've probably already figured out what we did for this simple mini lesson. We just drew basic shapes and identified them. Then we used our shapes to make pictures.

I also had Bubs draw lines on the shapes, making them symmetrical (as seen in the top picture).

Fun, simple, easy...and like usual, the kids kept working on their projects while I read aloud to them for a while.

PS. We love our morning Read-Aloud time. It's something we never miss. Right now, we're working our way through Blue by Joyce Moyer Hostetter (Review here).

For the Little Truck Lovers

2011-05-03T16:32:00.002-06:00

There are two books that I am currently reading to Wy-Wy about 500 times per day. Surprisingly, I'm not too terribly sick of them either, because they are super fun, with great rhythm and rhyme. Both of these are highly recommended for little truck lovers.

And once you've read them a few million times, start leaving words out at the ends of the lines. Let your little one try to fill in the rhymes.

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by new author, Sherri Duskey Rinker, and experienced illustrator, Tom Lichtenheld

Crane, Cement Mixer, and Dump Truck have worked and played all day at the construction site. Now they're tired, and getting ready to sleep in the soft dirt.

As they go to sleep, your little one will want to follow suit because of the contrast between the fun play and the soft sounds of night.

Wy is obsessed with dump trucks, so I'll share with you his favorite pages.

Dump Truck loves to work and haul.
He carries loads both big... and small,
He moves the dirt from place to place,
Then dumps it with a happy face.

One final load spills on the heap (crrrunch!);
Now Dump Truck's tired
And wants to sleep.

He lowers his bed, locks his gate,
Rests his wheels; it's getting late.
He dims his lights, then shuts his doors,
And soon his engine slows to snores.

Shh...goodnight, Dump Truck, goodnight.

Cute, huh? I knew it would be love at first sight for Wy...What I didn't know, is that I would love it, too.

Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry

We've had this book for a few months, and I think any member of the family could quote parts of it.

Little Blue Truck is happy-go-lucky and kind to everyone. The farm animals all say hello when he passes.

But when a big, dump truck comes along, speeding through town, feeling very self-important, the animals don't pay much attention.

Zooming around a corner, the Dump gets stuck in the mud. He calls for help, but the animals ignore him.

Along comes cheery Blue to save the day, but the job is too big for him alone. When Little Blue calls for help, all the animals come running.

There was one part of the rhyme that took me a couple tries to get, but the rest is flawless in its rhythm.

Little Blue Truck has definitely become a favorite around here (and not just with Wy-Wy.)

Bonds that Make Us Free by C. Terry Warner

2011-04-26T16:21:00.001-06:00

Book Review: Bonds that Make Us Free: Healing our Relationships, Coming to Ourselves by C. Terry Warner.

I'm not sure where to start with this book. It's about facing up to things. Being who you really are. Not making excuses, and just doing and being. It's about relationships, but it's less about relationships with others than it is about not deceiving ourselves.

Bonds that Make Us Free is insightful. It's a book that could probably help just about anybody, and for some, will be utterly life-changing.

A friend pointed out that this book is unique. Most psychiatrics, psychologists, sociologists will say that you are how you are because so-and-so did such-and-such to you. C. Terry Warner basically says, "Get over it. Act out of love. Choose now not to let other things effect you, and just be who you are supposed to be." Of course, that's some really lame paraphrasing.

Since I'm at such a loss for a good description, I'm going to step aside and let Amazon do the explaining.

Life can be sweet. Our relationships with friends, spouses, colleagues, and family members can be wonderfully rewarding. They can also bring heartache, frustration, anxiety, and anger. We all know the difference between times when we feel open, generous, and at ease with people versus times when we are guarded, defensive, and on edge.

Why do we get trapped in negative emotions when it's clear that life is so much fuller and richer when we are free of them?

Bonds That Make Us Free is a ground-breaking book that suggests the remedy for our troubling emotions by addressing their root causes. You'll learn how, in ways we scarcely suspect, we are responsible for feelings like anger, envy, and insecurity that we have blamed on others. (How many times have you said, "You're making me mad!")

Even though we fear to admit this, it is good news. If we produce these emotions, it falls within our power to stop them. But we have to understand our part in them far better than we do, and that is what this remarkable book teaches.
Because the key is seeing truthfully, the book itself is therapeutic. As you read and identify with the many true stories of people who have seen a transformation in their lives, you will find yourself reflecting with fresh honesty upon your relationships. This will bond you to others in love and respect and lift you out of the negative thoughts and feelings that have held you captive. You will feel your heart changing even as you read.

"It would not be accurate to describe this book as supplying the truths upon which we must build our lives," writes author C. Terry Warner. "Instead it shows how we can put ourselves in that receptive, honest, and discerning condition that will enable us, any of us, to find these truths on our own."

Finding these truths is the key to healing our relationships and coming to ourselves, and Bonds That Make Us Free starts us on that great journey.

So, I highly recommend this book if you want to improve the way you live, but you have to be willing to read a pretty long, heavy book first. :) Good luck.

BUYcott Chick-Fil-A: April 25-30

2011-04-25T15:30:00.001-06:00

Need an excuse not to cook dinner one night this week?

From The American Family Association's Website:

WHAT IS A BUYCOTT?

It is collectively showing appreciation for a company by purchasing their products or services – the opposite of a boycott.

WHY BUYCOTT CHICK-FIL-A?

You probably didn't hear about this on the evening news or read about it in the newspaper, but after a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Pennsylvania donated some sandwiches and brownies to a marriage seminar hosted by the Pennsylvania Family Institute, pro-homosexual activists went ballistic. According to syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin:

•Several left-wing activist blogs launched an all-out attack on Chick-fil-A.

•Some started calling the company's main product "Jesus Chicken."

•They mocked and belittled the company's "Not Open on Sunday" policy.

•They smeared company employees, calling them "anti-gay."

•One individual – Michael Jones – started an online petition campaign "demanding" that Chick-fil-A renounce "extreme anti-gay groups."

•Users of Facebook organized witch hunts on college campuses.

•In a feature article that ran in the New York Times' Sunday A-section, reporter Kim Severson attacked Chick-fil-A saying it is "anti-gay."

All that because one Chick-fil-A franchise donated a few sandwiches to a seminar aimed at helping couples strengthen their marriages. That reaction certainly seems like making a mountain out of a mole hill. You get the sense that there's more to this attack on Chick-fil-A than meets the eye. And you're right. There is. Chick-fil-A operates on Biblical principles and that irritates secularists.

For Example:

•Chick-fil-A plays Christian music in its restaurants ... exclusively.

•Chick-fil-A closes all its locations on Sunday ... no exceptions.

•Chick-fil-A's stated corporate purpose is: 1) To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us; and 2) To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chickfil-A.

WHEN IS THE BUYCOTT?

Please plan to dine at a Chick-fil-A restaurant the week of April 25-30. When you pay for your meal, take a moment to thank them for standing for Christian values as well as print off and hand them the PDF card at the top of this page so they'll know you are from AFA.

Making Easter More Spiritual

2011-04-22T21:38:00.000-06:00

I'm more excited about Easter than I've ever been.

As a family, we've been studying the New Testament, and it just so happens that we were right in the final chapters of Matthew this week. Some things that have impacted me through this study include...

1. Jesus said that He could call tens of thousands of angels to His aid to stop the events leading up to the crucifixion...but He never did.
2. When the council brought Jesus to Pilate, they didn't enter the chamber for fear of being defiled and unclean from entering the home of a Gentile where there was leaven (yeast). Yet they didn't care that they were putting an innocent Man to death.
3. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, a symbol of love and fellowship for the price of a servant. He retured the money, and then killed Himself.
4. Jesus was convicted by the Jews of blasphemy against Jehovah (himself).
5. Many laws were broken in the process of convicting Jesus.
6. At Passover, the tradition was to release a prisoner. Pilate wanted to release Jesus, but the croud insisted on releasing a murderer instead.
7. One of the thieves who was crucified next to Jesus, asked for Christ to remember him when they were in Christ's Kingdom.
8. After being mocked, scourged, and hung, Jesus still wanted His Father to forgive His killers.

Tomorrow, we'll be having some fun family Easter festivities, including an Easter Egg hunt and a fancy dinner with Robby's family.

Sunday morning is going to be special. We are going to read the story of Jesus washing the Apostles' feet, and then Robby and I will wash the kids' feet. Then we are going to give the kids new scriptures of their own, scripture pencils, and scripture journals.

Sunday is also Fast Sunday. Once a month, we refrain from eating two meals. The money that we would use for those meals is donated to the needy. My favorite thing about Fast Sunday, is that we have an opportunity to bear testimony of our Savior during our Worship Services.

And Sunday evening, we'll have a yummy dinner with Robby's parents.

Happy Easter!

Hehehe. Laundry is so fun. Hehehe.

2011-04-20T16:47:00.000-06:00

I have a dream that one day laundry won't be such a pain in my neck. That it will actually be a time I treasure. Sound completely unrealistic? Maybe. Every day we do one load of laundry together, fold it, and put it away. There have been occasional days when it has been wonderful. As we fold, we discuss. One time, in particular, we had an inspired conversation about life and death and the grand scheme of things.

But usually it's a battleground. Someone isn't working as hard as someone else. Someone got bumped. Someone knocked over someone's pile.

The last couple days, however, have been the happy medium...not great celestial conversation, but certainly no fighting either.

We got a couple (age-appropriate) joke books and turned laundry time into a game. After you fold 5 articles of clothing, you get a joke break. You stop and read two jokes to the group. I've never seen the laundry get done so fast, with so little complaint, and even a few laughs.

Not that it's all about getting it done...but it's a nice step in the right direction.

PS. Sorry for the lack of pictures. Our main computer is learning about death, too.

Zack's Shack: A Little Service Goes a Long Way

2011-04-19T15:15:00.000-06:00

Here is an upcoming article about a little boy doing a lot of good. I'm inspired. My wheels are turning.

Zack’s Back!

By Howard Collett

Zack’s back, and with all the energy a seven-year-old can muster. Last year, his lemonade stand in Provo, Utah raised enough money for one wheelchair (watch video). He donated the money to LDS Charities.

Zack got the idea at his school, Wasatch Elementary, where classes were raising money for wheelchairs following the Haiti earthquake. This year, sales increased tenfold and Zack raised enough money for ten wheelchairs—all in a single weekend.

“He’d been bugging me for weeks, asking when it would be time to set up his lemonade stand,” said his mother, Nancy Bird. “He kept saying, ‘Put everything on Facebook.’ This morning, he got up and said, ‘Is it time? Let’s get the cookies made!’ He could hardly contain himself. He even said, ‘If we get enough, maybe we’ll even buy a [clean water] well.’ I told him that we should just focus on one thing at a time.”

“We put the fundraiser details on Facebook,” said Nancy. “I sent the information to everyone I was friends with, and they sent it to their friends—about 500 people in all. Before we even set up the stand we had received about $150 in the mail from people who couldn’t come.”

“$178,” corrected Zack, with all the enthusiasm of a budding entrepreneur. “And one was as far away as Alaska!”

Part of Zack’s enthusiasm was fueled by a letter he received last year. “This is my special thanks for people in America in general and as a special one for you, my friend Zack,” said Abdulla Monsour Oudah, recipient of a wheelchair from LDS Charities. “I kiss your forehead [a supreme Arabic act of respect]. I am proud of you and what you did for me and for other people who need help. Since we are handicapped, we do not have what ordinary boys have, but we have a smart brain and willingness from our God to help us handle our problem to face life bravely.”

Abdulla is nine years old and lives in Quesan, Jordan. He has been paralyzed since birth. His letter was forwarded to Zack by Elder and Sister Colson, humanitarian missionaries serving in Jordan. The Colsons shared how Abdulla’s brothers help him get to school in his wheelchair—a distance of three kilometers over a rocky road.

“We asked him how the wheelchair has changed his life,” said the Colsons. “He said, ‘Now I can play games! He also enjoys riding around outside and being with his family.”

To assist more people like Abdulla, Zack hoped to increase the number of wheelchairs he could help buy this year. He recruited eight-year-old family friend Aubrey Ellis to help. The two kept busy packaging cookies in plastic bags and pouring lemonade for drive-by customers. Zack’s Shack was so busy on Friday that they decided to work Saturday as well. Nancy estimates they had more than 300 customers in two days.

And all because a little boy wanted to help those in faraway lands be able to get around.

“I am sorry that you are not able to walk,” Zack wrote back to Abdulla. “But at least you can now get around and have fun in your new wheelchair. I am glad I could help earn money to help you and other people. I know that Heavenly Father loves all of us and is happy when we help others.”

LDS Philanthropies is a department within the Office of the Presiding Bishopric charged with facilitating the philanthropic desires of members around the world and helping the Church to accomplish its work.

Book Review: The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

2011-04-11T14:18:00.001-06:00

The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

Tiffany Aching, age 9, is a responsible and sensible girl. She makes cheese and watches after her sticky little brother. Generation after generation of Achings have been sheep herders.

But Tiffany wants to be something more. She wants to be a witch.

When creatures from Fairyland start invading her farm, she does what anyone would do...arms herself with a frying pan.

Luckily she has a better weapon. The Nac Mac Feegle, also known as the Wee Free Men, are on her side. They're tiny blue men with lots of tattoos. They love to fight and drink strong drink. Their battle cries are hilarious. We laughed out loud when they said, "They can tak' oour lives, but they cannae tak' oour troousers!" They're also always chanting, ""Nae king! Nae quin! Nae laird! Nae master! We willnae be fooled again!" ***

Tiffany has mixed feelings about taking care of her brother all the time, but when he is whisked away by the evil Queen of Fairyland, she knows she doesn't have a choice but to save him...and of course, the Wee Free Men are more than anxious to help.

Once they are in Fairyland, the story gets a bit more complicated, with different levels of dreaming and reality.

This story is not only entertaining, but it has a multitude of life lessons. I read it after a friend said that it was a great analogy for becoming a leader. Because of this, I saw many great insights I may have missed. After a series of dreams, Tiffany realizes, "The secret is not to dream. The secret is to wake up. Waking up is harder."

Tiffany is a great character. She wonders about her lack of emotions. She knows she has a seed of greatness inside of her, so she seeks a mentor to help her become what she wants to be. After all, everyone starts small, "like oak trees". She believes in herself and does what she has to do.

In terms of age-appropriateness, I recommend this book for tweens and teens. Like I said, the Nac Mac Feegle love their strong drink. Also, Granny Aching, Tiffany's grandma, smoked cigars. The cigar packaging plays a large part in the story and is once said to look like a naked woman's sillouette if you hold the package just so.

I read it aloud to my kids, skipping the things aforementioned. Use your judgment.

***Funny story. One evening in AZ, the kids, in desperate need of a bath, were marching through the house chanting, "No baths, no showers, no soap. We won't be fooled again!"

Wedding Photos Galore.

2011-04-06T15:37:00.000-06:00

After a whole lot of hanging false ceilings...

And tying bows on chairs...

And sewing clothes (that was my mom, not me)...

And a whole lot of kissing...

My amazing and beautiful little sister, Sarah, got married to the love of her forever, Matt. Yay!

It was a perfect day. Couldn't have been better. Now the happy newlyweds are home from Hawaii, and I wish them immense joy. I've been praying for years that she could be as happy in love as I have been. And I think she will be. I really do.

PS. 10 years ago today, my handsome Robby proposed to me. He promised to love me forever and make me laugh every day. He has kept his promises every step of the way. I love you, Bebe!!!

Hot off the Press!!!

2011-04-06T14:59:00.000-06:00

I received some new picture books for review, and I'm excited to tell you about three that are super fun. There's a picture book, a board book, and a book that falls somewhere in between. :)

Press Here by Herve Tullet

I love when a picture book interacts with young readers in a unique, creative way. This book definitely does that.

Young readers follow simple instructions on each page. Their actions result in changes in the dots. For example, it says to tap five times on the yellow dot, and then when you turn the page, five dots are there. When you shake the book to one side, all the dots fall that direction. When you blow the book, the dark background creeps away.

Press Here would be great for preschoolers and new readers who can manage words like 'finally' and 'straight'.

The pages of the book are sturdy, somewhere in between a board book and a normal picture book.

Along with a whole lot of fun, this book is great for young children learning to follow directions.

Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell

Jane Goodall is well-known for her work with animals, particularly chimpanzees...but what was she like as a child? In Me...Jane, you'll find simple text, enchanting artwork, and a small girl who loves her stuffed chimp, Jubilee.

Jane always loved nature. As she explored and studied books about nature, she had Jubilee to keep her company. He even came along when Jane hid in Grandma Nutt's chicken coop to find out where eggs came from.

This book is full of the wonder of childhood. The story doesn't give much information about Jane herself, but it shows her ever-growing love for the world around her and shows how she lived her dreams.

The end of the book has a biography about Jane Goodall and a note from her to the readers.

This book was a pleasant surprise for me. I enjoyed it much more than I expected I would.

Rocket Town by Bob Logan

What Rocket Town may lack in story, it makes up in uniquely eye-catching artwork. After all, most board-book chewers...I mean readers...can't sit through a whole lot of words anyway.

Little lovers of rockets and things that go will enjoy this fun little book about rockets, big and small, especially the countdown to blast off at the end!

Happy Reading.

xoxo,
Emily

Book Review: The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester

2011-04-04T20:50:00.000-06:00

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester

Piper McCloud is learning to fly. She has been able to float since she was a baby, but "flying doesn't come easy, even if you're a natural-born floater. Raw talent only gets you so far in this old world and the rest is a whole lot of practice, persistence, and perspiration."

The townspeople of Lowland County aren't too fond of Piper's new skill. Like Piper's mother, Betty, they believe that "If the good Lord wanted things to keep changing all the time, the the sun wouldn't rise up the same way every blessed morning."

Despite her parents wishes, Piper can't stay on the ground. She loves to fly. She was born to fly.

Government officials, Agent A. Agent and Letitia Hellion, come to take her away. They pretend there is a school for special people like Piper, called I.N.S.A.N.E. Unfortunately, the 'school' isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's all about making people (and other organisms) normal.

During her adventures, Piper learns a thing or two. She makes friends for the first time, learns to appreciate her parents, and chooses to fly no matter who is trying to hold her down. Most importantly, she discovers where she belongs. After all, "A person likes to feel like they belong somewhere."

This was an entertaining read, full of interesting insights and metaphors. I recommend it for teens and pre-teens. Toward the end, the 'dang' word is used twice. Other than that, I believe the book was completely clean.

On the cover, Stephenie Meyer is quoted saying, "It's the oddest/sweetest mix of Little House on the Prairie and X-Men. I was smiling the whole time (except for the part where I cried)....Prepare to have your heart warmed." This quote gave Robby endless amounts of amusement...asking if I was enjoying X-Men on the Prairie...and yes, as a matter of fact, I was.

Homemade Pillow Pets and Pocket Friends

2011-03-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

The kids found some leftover muslin in the cupboard and decided to make some stuffed animals.

Bubs made an alligator pillow pet by doing the following...

1. He drew an alligator with fabric markers and cut it out.

2. Placing right sides together, (with my help) he sewed the outside edges of the alligator together, leaving a few inches open for stuffing.

3. He turned it right-side-out and stuffed it with batting.

4. We sewed the opening closed.

5. We cut four pieces of ribbon to equal lengths and sewed one near each alligator leg.

Voila!

Welly wanted to make a little Pocket Friend.

1. She drew and cut out her little cat.

2. We sewed the edges leaving an opening.

3. She stuffed it with batting.

4. I helped her close up the gap.

So fun. And much cheaper than the store-bought versions...not to mention, more personal.

Intro to Fractions

2011-03-30T06:00:00.002-06:00

Even the youngest of students can learn some basics about fractions with this mini lesson.

Orange Fractions

1. Peel an orange and separate it into two halves. Discuss how there are two parts of one whole orange, thus two halves make one whole.

2. Split the orange into four parts and discuss.

3. Separate all the orange pieces. Ours had twelve parts. Hold three pieces in your hand and ask, "How many parts do I have?" 3. "Out of how many?" 12. "3 parts out of twelve parts is 3/12." If kids are grasping the concept well, explain that 3/12 is the same as 1/4 of the orange.

Liquid Fractions
1. Fill a 1 C measuring cup with water or beans. If using water, you may want to put a cookie sheet underneath.
2. Allow kids to experiment with various measuring cups. Help them reach the discovery that 4 1/4 cups make 1 C and 3 1/3 cups make 1 C.
3. Explain why it works that way. Because 3 parts out of 3 make a whole, etc.

The Perfect Housewife Bridal Shower

2011-03-29T08:06:00.001-06:00

So, where has Mrs. Homespun Emily been?

I've been celebrating my beautiful sister, Sarah's, wedding in sunny, AZ.

My sister-in-law, Marissa, and I threw her a 1950's Perfect Housewife Bridal Shower that turned out to be a great success.

Here are some details:

Food: Various Salads, including a jello pretzel salad (because it's very retro...) and a decorate-your-own cupcake bar. Marissa made this delicious punch, as well as lemon water. We ordered coordinating cupcake liners and straws on Etsy.

Decorations: Red and teal everything. Tissue paper balls, a canopy (which reminded me of a giant veil), Tulle ribbon tied on each chair, and retro-style tips from a 50's Good Housekeeping Article on each table.

Advice Journal: As guests walked in, we had a table with nametags, flowers, a couple frames with a picture and 50's tip, and a small journal guests to write advice in.

Games:

1. I made a video of Matt (the groom) answering some questions about their courtship and marriage plans. At the shower, I asked Sarah the same questions. After she answered one, we watched Matt's answer. Every time they answered the same, I put one of Sarah's favorite candy bars in a jar for her to keep. This is such a fun way for guests to get to know the groom a little bit.

2. Present BINGO: We made different BINGO cards for everyone with wedding and housewife-related stickers. We also wrote coordinating labels for each group of stickers (flowers, mixing spoons, apron, etc.). As the guests arrived, we placed a label on their gift before putting it on the gift table. As Sarah opened each present, she called out what the label said, and guests marked their spaces with red hots. We played to Black-out because there were over 70 people invited! Winners received (what else?) red toilet brushes tied in red polka-dot ribbon.

Party Favors: Wooden spoons, forks, and spatulas. Each were tied with a bow and tag.

Spoons-Sarah and Matt: Spoon to be Wed.

Forks-Sarah and Matt: Together Fork-ever.

Spatulas-Sarah and Matt: So Flippin' Cute.

These were placed in Mason jars as part of the centerpieces.

Bubbles!!!

2011-03-14T08:36:00.000-06:00

What kid doesn't love bubbles on a warm, spring day? Try using some different solutions and unusual bubble wands. We made bubbles out of water, liquid dish soap, and karo syrup.

Try not to be irritated when the bubbles are overturned. It's inevitable, isn't it?

After bubble-making, cool off with a cup of cold chocolate milk...Bubble-blowing permitted. Chocolate mustaches encouraged.

My Name is Not Alexander by Jennifer Fosberry, illustrated by Mike Litwin

2011-03-09T06:00:00.001-07:00

Book Review: My Name is Not Alexander by Jennifer Fosberry, illustrated by Mike Litwin

When Alexander's father says that it's time for breakfast, the boy answers, "My name is not Alexander!"

Throughout the day, he pretends to be various famous men...Teddy Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, Chief Joseph, Fred Astaire, and Jackie Robinson.

Within the book, you don't learn very much about these greats, but on the endpages, there is more info about each of them.

In the end, Alexander pretends to be his father, who is equally as wonderful to him as the other greats.

Finally, Alexander is himself. He falls asleep, dreaming of who he'll be....tomorrow.

Sub Zero Ice Cream Field Trip

2011-03-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

Our Sub Zero Ice Cream field trip was AWESOME. Honestly, it was up there with my favorites. Playing with liquid nitrogen was exciting and educational...and something I never would have attempted with the kids at home...even if it didn't cost hundreds of dollars.

The manager, Royal, gave each group a small bowl of liquid nitrogen, which was placed inside a bigger stainless steel bowl. Everyone took turns touching it. You have to be quick. If you touch it too long, it will hurt, and then freeze your finger off...literally.

We froze some little candies and marshmallows and then threw them to make them shatter.

This picture was right after Bubs spilled liquid nitrogen on himself. Um, yeah.

Did you know that liquid nitrogen boils below room temperature? It's crazy! While it sat there in the bowls, it slowly rose to a boil...although it was still cold, of course.

When we were finished, we just poured the bowls of liquid nitrogen out onto the floor. They didn't even leave a wet spot, the liquid just vanished.

Then, we got to the kids' favorite part of the field trip...Eating! They ordered mint with gummy bears and strawberry with gummy bears. Mmmm. :)

At the end, I gave Royal a donation jar to keep there for their baby that needs heart surgery. My heart was warmed by all the generosity I saw. Thanks, everyone!

It was a great success! If you missed it, and you live near a Sub Zero in AZ, ID, or UT, definitely go check it out. Better yet, if you're in the Provo area, go support Royal and Jenn.

Freezer Paper Stencils

2011-03-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

When I first got the book, The Creative Family by Amanda Soule, I was drawn to the Freezer Paper Stencil project. Well, that was about two years ago, and while we have used and enjoyed many of the other ideas in the book, we never got around to this one.

Until now.

And it was every bit as fun as I thought it would be.

1. With the shiny side of the Freezer Paper facing down, draw and cut out your shape.

2. Place it on your T-Shirt (or other fabric) where you want it and iron lightly to hold the stencil.

3. Paint with fabric paint. Follow directions on the bottle for drying times. We left ours alone for several hours before removing the stencils.

So fun! Bubs is wearing his again today, and Y is jealous that his isn't clean. I'm sure we'll revisit this fun (and simple) project!

PS. I triple heart The Creative Family. It's so much more than a book about craft projects. In fact, it made my 'Books With Impact' list.

Welcome Spring with Picture Books!

2011-03-03T06:00:00.001-07:00

I can't wait for Spring! You know how Target has that section where everything costs a buck or two? Well, this week, we found some mini tomatoes and bell peppers in little pots. I'm so excited to see bits of green pop through the soil in my kitchen.

In honor of the approaching season, here are one-word reviews of our favorite spring-ish picture books...

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming: Gardenlicious!

An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Aston: Anticipatory!

A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Aston: Alive!

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin: Farmlarious!

Duck and Goose by Tad Hills: Rivalrous!

Bear's New Friend by Karma Wilson: Friendtastic!

And, of course...
The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Delish!

(And yes...if you've been here a while...part of this post is recycled. I'm really tired...Good night.)

Book Review: 15 Minutes Outside by Rebecca P. Cohen

2011-03-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

15 Minutes Outside: 365 ways to get out of the house and connect with your kids by Rebecca P. Cohen

There is probably a guide for just about everything with 365 ideas. Usually they don't interest me very much.

This title caught my eye, though, because who doesn't want to spend more time with their kids outside?

Unlike most 365 idea guides I've seen, I pretty much read this one straight through. It is packed with motivation for getting the family out into the sunshine (or rain or snow).

Rebecca Cohen decided to take her children outdoors every day for a year. The results were better than she expected. They created hundreds of positive family memories and the kids learned to get along better.

Her ideas are simple and easy and done with things most people have around the house. They are organized by month and day. The book is geared toward parents with young children.

A few of the ideas that stood out include...

January 21st: "Stage a Flashlight Drama Outside. If you have flashlights and glow sticks at home, your kids can stage a fantastic outdoor display after the sun goes down."

September 18th: "Make Time for Reflection. On occasion, I will suddenly notice a beautiful reflection of puffy clouds in a window I pass by on the street, or my kids will notice their reflection in my sunglasses. Raindrops, puddles, or a nearby pond or a creek offer beautiful reflections too. Play a game where you count how many reflections you can see...The kids can draw pictures of their favorite reflections."

October 7th: "Create then Hide Pumpkin Faces...Each child pains a face on her pumpkin. Then, take and print photos of each face or draw quick renditions on paper. While the kids are busy with snacks, hide the pumpkins. Give each child the picture of their pumpkin that they need to find."

Teaching Maps: North, South, East, West

2011-02-28T06:00:00.003-07:00

Here are two fun activities to help kids grasp the directions on a map.

1. When the days are warmer, we love to take walks through the neighborhood (and beyond). We take turns calling out North, South, East, and West. We go one direction until we come to an intersection or run into something. Then, the next person calls out a direction for us to go. This is a fun way for children to grasp directions around your home and the orientation of things. It also brings you to new places and adventures, where there's never been a reason to go before. We've also done this in the car.

2. Make a simple treasure map with white crayon on white paper. Don't forget to include an Orientation Key with the directions! Next to the lines, write 'Take 2 steps west, 5 steps north...' Include movement in all four directions. Have the kids color over the map with a colored highlighter to discover the map. (We tried water colors. That didn't really work. I found an article online that says to use highlighter.) Be sure to hide something at the end where X marks the spot. :)

Book Review: Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by Marilyn Singer

2011-02-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Book Review: Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by Marilyn Singer

Guest Review by Joy Henshaw

This book grabbed my attention with a gorgeous illustration on the front. As we took it home from the library and began to explore, we knew we had found a treasure. Ms. Singer gives us a fun collection of ‘reverso’ poetry. A reverse poem is one that can be read from top to bottom AND bottom to top (line by line). With a few changes of punctuation, the poet tells the fairy tale from two different sides. Here is an example of the first reverso poem she wrote:

A cat

without

a chair:

Incomplete.

Incomplete:

A chair

without

a cat.

Such a fun form of poetry and great for early readers to pick up on the pattern. My girls also loved the illustrations by Josée Masse; so detailed, vibrant and imaginative. If you can find it on your library shelf, be sure to pick it up!

***PS. Mirror Mirror was the CYBILS award winner in the Poetry Category this year!***

Mini Lesson Ideas: Math, Geography, Art, and More...

2011-02-24T06:00:00.001-07:00

Each morning after breakfast, we do a Mini Lesson, which is a short lesson about whatever random thing I think of. Sometimes the ideas are inspired by the kids and sometimes not.

Mini Lessons are a great way to introduce ideas and concepts that don't already fit into our daily work...and they're pretty much the kids' favorite part of the day. I never tell them ahead of time what it will be. The surprise helps keep them fun.

Here are some of the lessons we've done...

1. Tell a short story that includes basic shapes. Trace the shapes in the air while you tell it, and then have everyone draw an interpretation of the story. After you've set the example, have the kids tell a brief story and have everyone draw theirs, too.

2. Compare a flat world map with a globe. Find where you live on both. Identify the 7 continents. Color and label the continents on a blank world map.

3. Measure things around the house with a measuring tape/ruler. Record findings. (When we did this, we discovered that Y's neck is bigger around than his big sister's and brother's necks! No wonder we can't button the top button of his church shirt!)

4. Make coin critters! We absolutely love this idea from Family Fun.

5. Make paper airplanes. Talk about lift and gravity. Color and label a diagram of a wing.

6. Build card houses. (This one turned into a zoo for little stuffed animals.)

7. ABC Gratitudes. Write out the letters A-Z, one letter on each line. The first person fills in something that they're grateful for that starts with an A, then passes it to the next person, until you have a whole alphabet of thanksgiving.

8. Work on memorizing the 50 States Song.

Right after Mini Lesson, I read aloud to the kids, so I like to finish with something they can do with their hands while I read...usually it's some kind of coloring. They also like to embroider, finger knit, draw, and write notes while I read.

I keep a running list of ideas that is easily accessible because some days I have lots of ideas and other days I don't.

Book Review: The Quest of the Warrior Sheep by Christine and Christopher Russell

2011-02-23T06:00:00.001-07:00

The Quest of the Warrior Sheep by Christine and Christopher Russell

When 5 Rare Breed sheep find a cell phone that fell from the sky, they think it is a call to fulfill an ancient prophecy. They embark on a great adventure, which takes them on a subway, a train, a helicopter, a tractor, and finally up into a vicious mountain storm.

The boy who lives next door to the sheep believes they've been abducted by aliens.

The cell phone they found is actually important evidence in a bank heist, which resulted in the sheep's owners losing all of their life savings.

It's quite an adventure. We finished reading it this morning, and both Bubs and Welly have separately already asked me to start reading it again.

The five sheep are great, unique characters. There's Sal. She's kind of the leader, although not necessarily the smartest. There's Oxo, who really only cares about eating. There's Links, who is always breaking out into a rap. There's Jaycey, who is dainty and cares about her hoof paint. And lastly, there's Wills. He's the real brains of the group.

On the Con side, this book has some not-so-nice for little kids language. Since I was reading it aloud, it wasn't a problem, but there are quite a few stupids, shut-ups, and some name-calling (geek and Woolbags mostly) that I skipped over. There is also one scene where the neighbor boy takes a reporter out for dinner and Beer. I just said drink instead of Beer. Anyway. Fair warning.

For the reasons mentioned above, I recommend reading it aloud to your kids. My 7 and 5 year old seemed about the perfect ages for it. Amazon recommends it for 9-12, so that too, I guess. :)

Field Trips, Part 2.

2011-02-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

Scheduling

1. Call the venue where you want to go in advance. Some places require a lot of notice, and some aren't ready far in advance. Your best bet is to call a month or more before, and then if they don't plan that far out, you call again as the desired date approaches. Be open to their schedule if possible. Be prepared with an estimate of the number of participants. Ask about group rates/field trip rates.

2. Give everyone a calendar of scheduled events, and then remind them as the field trip approaches. On the schedule, be sure to include the name of the venue, the address, the date and time, the price, and any other important info. Also include your contact info in case they get lost or need to cancel.

3. When my kids were little, I led a playgroup. Every other week was a field trip, while the alternating weeks were park days/play dates in homes. It was a great experience, but the field trip costs added up. I tried to incorporate as many free activities as possible, such as nature walks.

Now I organize a monthly field trip for our homeschool co-op. Once a month feels like a better amount for my family at this time.

Collecting Money

Some venues require that everyone pay as a group. This can be the hardest part of planning an event. If you have to pay together, have everyone mail you or hand you their money in advance. Keep a list of everyone you are expecting, and check off their names as you receive their money. I also like to keep a tally of the total number of people for ease of paying. If the price is different for adults and children, keep separate tallies for them. You may want to require that everyone pay you in cash so you can include it when you pay for the group.

Discuss Respect

Sometimes it is necessary to briefly talk to the kids about how they should behave while on the field trip. On a recent visit to the police station, it was necessary to be very quiet, so we wouldn't disturb the dispatchers. Talk about showing respect for your guides and following their rules.

Have Fun

Stay together. Have plenty of adults. It helps if the adults are engaged in the field trip, as well. Their interest will rub off on the kids.

Does anyone else have tips for planning field trips for large groups?

Book Review: Astro: The Steller Sea Lion by Jeanne Walker Harvey

2011-02-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Astro: The Steller Sea Lion by Jeanne Walker Harvey, illustrated by Shennan Bersani

Astro was only 39 pounds when he was found by animal rescue workers. They couldn't find his mom, so they brought him to The Marine Mammal Center, where they bottle fed and cared for him.

By 10 months old, the workers tried to return Astro to the wild, but kept coming back. They tried to take him farther and farther, but he always found his way home.

Astro couldn't live at the Marine Mammal Center anymore, so he was moved by airplane to an aquarium in Connecticut.

Astro is both stellar and Steller. He is of the breed Steller Sea Lions, and he is stellar because he loves to perform for humans.

In the back of the book, you can find out more about sea lions and seals.

Field Trips, Part 1.

2011-02-21T06:00:00.002-07:00

Robby likes to joke that we can't buy a house that isn't near any museums. That's not actually far from the truth. We love our field trips. Here is a list of some we have enjoyed...

1. Visit a fire station. Call ahead for a tour.
2. Police station. Watch out...they might lock you up.
3. California Pizza Kitchen. Ask about tours and making personal pizzas.
4. Museums. Obviously. We are near several Universities, all of which have museums.
5. Local Grocery store. We have one nearby that does tours through the store, into the storerooms, and through the refrigerators. Then, they give everyone soft serve! It's a big hit.
6. Sub Zero Ice Cream. This one is coming up. They freeze your ice cream in front of you with liquid nitrogen. Makes a great science lesson! And the fresh ice cream, Oh My. So Yummy.
7. Beautiful places in nature. Ours usually include Daddy and water with fish in it.
8. Plays.
9. Library events.
10. Pumpkin Patches/Corn Mazes in fall
11. Farms.
12. Factories.
13. Churches.
14. Historical Sites.
15. Pick-Your-Own produce places. This is an all-time favorite for us!
16. Tumbling gyms.
17. Model Train show.
18. The zoo.
19. The aquarium.
20. Train rides.
21. Skiiing
22. Roller Skating.
23. Ice Skating.
24. Nickel Arcade.
25. Space center.
26. Small airports.
27. Aviaries.
28. Mines.
29. Printing Presses.
30. Newspapers.
31. TV stations.
32. Planetariums.
33. State capital.
34. Bakeries.
35. Fish hatcheries.
36. Candy factory.
37. Gardens.
38. Hospitals.
39. Water parks.
40. Ice castles.
41. Christmas light displays.
42. Water treatment facility.
43. Caves.
44. Nature trails.
45. State parks.
46. Deseret Industries or other thrift stores/donation centers.
47. Soup kitchens.
48. Local fairs and carnivals.
49. Post Office.
50. IMAX movies.
51. Dollar movies.
52. The Symphony.
53. Choir shows.
54. Disneyland.
55. Farmers Market.
56. Nursing homes.
57. Colleges.
58. Animal festivals. We have a llama fest, sheep shearing festival, dairy festival...
59. Waterfalls.
60. Trails.
61. Banks.
62. Ethnic restaurants.
63. Nursery.
64. Dams.

All, right. There are a couple here we haven't done yet.

Here's a picture of our latest...

Disneyland. Looks exciting, huh?

Tomorrow, I'll share tips for planning field trips for large groups...which I've done a LOT. See you then.

Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal

2011-02-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal

A Guest Review by LaChelle, the Sugar Duchess

Jane Ellsworth lives in an alternate Regency England, where accomplished young ladies not only sing and play and paint, but also manipulate folds of magic called "glamour." Jane and her sister Melody are polar opposites - Jane is particularly talented with glamour, but rather plain, and nearly a confirmed spinster; Melody is younger and more beautiful, but has little skill with glamour. Sparks fly as both sisters fall in love with the same man, and romantic mayhem ensues as new gentlemen arrive, past scandals are uncovered, attractions form, and secret engagements come to light.

The whole premise of Shades of Milk and Honey is "Jane Austen with magic." This book is a faster read and less convoluted than most of Jane Austen's works, but it has everything we love in a good Austen story: Great social action, sparkling prose, intelligent characters (and ridiculous characters), and most of all, that wonderful romantic tension! Mary Robinette Kowal also throws in a sprinkling of twists and surprises, which were pulled off really well. The magic system is intelligent and fascinating on its own, and is able to color the characters and events of the story without breaking Regency England. And the whole thing is completely clean!

Recommended for any age, and for anyone who loves intelligent light fantasy and Jane Austen.

Read any good, clean books lately? Send a review my way!

New Schedule

2011-02-09T21:58:00.000-07:00

So, I'd love to say that I haven't been blogging because I've just spent way less time on-line, but that would be a BIG lie. I've been on-line obsessively looking at houses.

We're looking to shorten Robby's commute and expand a bit. We made an offer on a Be-U-tiful house with a heavenly yard, but so did 13 other families...and we didn't win. :(

I have read a few novels lately, but none of them fit the Deliciously Clean Reads bill, unfortunately.

So, I'm rambling.

We also made a new homeschool schedule that we are loving...so I thought I'd share...

This schedule doesn't have times. It's more of a routine than a schedule.

1. Wake up. (It's harder than it sounds.)
2. Personal Chores: get dressed, pick up room, brush teeth, comb hair
3. Breakfast and dishes.
4. Mini Lesson and Read-Aloud (We're done some fun stuff I'll be sharing. The Mini-lesson can be about anything I feel like teaching.)
5. Scripture Goals: Bubs and Welly both made goals to read the scriptures on their own every day this year. Yay for that!!!
6. Math. We're using the A Beka books. So far, so great!
7. Family Work: One load of laundry and Daily Work)
8. Free Time.
9. Lunch and Clean Up.
10. ROW to Know. (Read or Write to Know.)
11. Service.
12. Errands/Whatever else needs to be done.
13. Free time.
14. Dinner and Clean up.
15. Family Time. (Often wrestle-with-Daddy time.)
16. Family Scripture Study: Currently studying the New Testament.
17. Bedtime. (Almost always with bedtime stories and lullabies.)

Help My Friend's Baby=Go Out for Ice Cream!

2011-02-05T21:38:00.001-07:00

Eat Ice Cream, Save a Baby

Baby Ezekiel Petersen was life-flighted to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City on Monday, January 31, 2011. He has RSV and a serious heart condition which requires surgery as soon as possible. His parents, Royal and Jenn Petersen, need help. The cost of their son’s medical care is astronomical.

Here is Baby Zeke’s story as told by his father, Royal:
“Our youngest child, Ezekiel (or “Zeke”, seven weeks old) got sick recently and began showing symptoms late Sunday night. Sunday afternoon he was fine, smiley and all, but Sunday night he was pretty ill. Monday morning Jenn was worried and decided to take him to the doctor. Zeke’s condition had deteriorated all morning long but became exponentially worse in the doctor’s office. Dr. Johnson advised Jenn to take an Ambulance to Primary Children’s hospital in SLCabout an hour away. Dr. Johnson then got on the phone and began preparing Primary Children’s to receive Zeke. During this time Zeke’s breathing became very shallow and sporadic. Zeke turned white and his lips purple. This is when Dr. Johnson became panicked, he immediately took Zeke and put him on oxygen. He told Jenn Zeke wasn’t going to make it to Primary Children’s and that if they took the Ambulance that was just arriving to Utah Valley Hospital instead he would have a chance.(about 5 blocks up the road) They went to Utah Valley. Utah Valley is a good hospital but not equipped (with equipment or staff) to handle heart issues in children especially small infants. By an act of God the doctor/heart specialist at Utah Valley happened to be a Primary’s children’s infant heart specialist. (Through a series of events that is a story in itself the right doctor was there) Arriving at Utah Valley, Doctor Johnson updated the ER doctors of the situation and stayed while they tried to stabilize Zeke. They had to put him on a ventilator along with a number of other medications to get him stable. Once the immediate danger had passed they prepared Zeke to be life flighted from Utah Valley to Primary Children’s and also gave him an x-ray. Zeke’s heart was substantially enlarged and his lungs were full of fluid. Looking at the x-ray the heart specialist guessed a number of things (correctly) and put him on some meds to try and open his Ductus Arteriosus Zeke was then life flighted away. This was very difficult. We knew that Zeke was currently stable from the RSV butdidn’t have an accurate assessment of his heart condition. We had a best case and a worst case scenario."
{You can read the rest of their story and as well as make a donation here.}

If anything, PLEASE copy and paste this post on your blog! Every little bit helps! (I copied it from Our Dayley Happenings)

Jenn is a childhood friend of mine, and one of the sweetest people I know. Jenn and her husband, Royal, own Sub Zero Ice Cream at the Provo Towne Center. If you live in the Provo area, please consider going out for ice cream on Monday evening between 7 and 10 to help them with Zeke's bills. You can see more about this event on Facebook. I just had Sub Zero Ice Cream for the first time last week...and YUM!

See you there!

One Talented Family

2011-01-17T21:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight for Family Night, we had a family talent show. So fun! It was (of course) Robby's idea. He's the fun parent (as shown in the picture above.) :) Here's how it all went down...

Opening Song-Y's current favorite, Once There was a Snowman
Family Business
Bubs handed out programs for The Family Talent Extraordinaire, and it went like this...

1. Welly-Read a Bob Book.

2. Y-Y-Sang an Abady (which means song in Y-Y)

3. Daddy-Professed himself to be the best fly-fisherman in the world, and then performed a rap number.

4. Me-Wiggled my ears to the tune of Jingle Bells. Yes. I really did.

5. Bubs-Drew a picture of a farm on an easel he made from Tinkertoys.

Treats!

The best part? It's all on video...but don't expect to ever see it. As Robby said, we can't show anyone because they'd feel bad that they weren't as talented as us.

Have You Heard? It's all Very Exciting...

2011-01-11T21:24:00.001-07:00

The ALA Youth Media Awards were announced this week.

Caldecott Award Winner for 2011:

A Sick Day for Amos McGee, illustrated by Erin E. Stead, written by Philip C. Stead (You may remember this book from my CYBILS shortlist.)

Caldecott Honor Books:

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave, illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Laban Carrick Hill

Interrupting Chicken, written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein (Woohoo! Also on the CYBILS shortlist!!)

Newbery Medal Winner 2011:

Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Newbery Honor Books:

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus

Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman (Also on the CYBILS shortlist for poetry...)

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

2011-01-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

I recently finished reading Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (on my new Kindle :) What a wonderful classic! I thoroughly enjoyed it...but I wonder if most teens today would struggle with it. It is long, and it isn't particularly exciting. It's just a picture of life in the 1800's. An idealistic picture full of morals...which might be unwelcome to some...but turned out to be just what I was in the mood for.

Page after page, I found myself drawing welcome advice from Alcott's wisdom. I almost saw it as a manual for motherhood hidden within a fun, romantic story.

Four daughters are being raised by their mother while their father is away fighting in the Civil War. The family struggles with poverty but tries to make the most of what they have. The sisters and their mother are close and loving as can be as they face trials together.

Here are some quotes that stood out to me...

Marmee (mother) was a "tall, motherly lady with a 'can I help you' look about her which was truly delightful. She was not elegantly dressed, but a noble-looking woman, and the girls thought the gray cloak and unfashionable bonnet covered the most splendid mother in the world." The maid said of her, "Some poor creeter came a-beggin', and your ma went straight off to see what was needed. There never was such a woman for givin' away vittles and drink, clothes and firin'."
-Wouldn't you like to have such things said about you? I would.

The girls often put on plays. What could be better, honestly? "It was excellent drill for their memories, a harmless amusement, and employed many hours which otherwise would have been idle, lonely, or spent in less profitable society." Yes! The value in spending time with our families and amusing ourselves together.

When the girls left the house, "they always looked back before turning the corner, for the mother was always at the window to nod and smile, and wave her hand to them. Somehow it seemed as if they couldn't have got through the day without that, for whatever their mood might be, the last glimpse of that motherly face was sure to affect them like sunshine."
-I want to be sunshine to my kids...not the tall person that growls when they don't make their beds.

"For love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride."

When the youngest sister, Amy, is punished for something at school with a strike to the hand, it says, "She had been governed by love alone (at home), and a blow of that sort had never touched her before. The smart of her hand and the ache of her heart were forgotten in the sting of the thought, "I shall have to tell at home, and they will be so disappointed in me!"
-This is ideal, I think...getting our kids to want to do what is right. Not because it will free them of a spanking, but because Mom (and their Father in Heaven) will be disappointed...though always loving.

Marmee tells her daughter, Jo, how their father helped her by saying, "He never loses patience, never doubts of complains, but always hopes, and works and waits so cheerfully that one is ashamed to do otherwise before him...he showed me that I must try to practice all the virtues I would have my little girls possess, for I was their example. It was easier to try for your sakes than for my own." Later, in another teaching moment, she says, "If I don't seem to need help, it is because I have a better friend, even than Father, to comfort and sustain me. My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning and may be many, but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother."

"I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace."

I like that Marmee allows the girls to make some mistakes. When they desperately want a week off from their responsibilities, she allows them to make an experiment of it. She says, "I think by Saturday night you will find that all play and no work is as bad as all work and no play." To solidify her point, she and the maid take time off, too. As you can imagine, things don't run very smoothly when no one is cooking, cleaning, and making fires.

"The clocks were striking midnight and the rooms were very still as a figure glided quietly from bed to bed, smoothing a coverlet here, settling a pillow there, and pausing to look long and tenderly at each unconscious face, to kiss each with lips that mutely blessed, and to pray the fervent prayers which only mothers utter." Sound familiar? It's a special time at night, isn't it? Before mother snuggles into her own rest, she checks on her babies, makes sure their warm, uttering silent prayers for them?

Anyway, this post is super-long...but I wanted to share the inspiration this book brought to me.

Best Wordless Picture Books

2011-01-06T09:46:00.002-07:00

Personally, I'm not that into wordless books. I find myself fumbling for what to say when I 'read' them to my kids...and I write for children for fun.

However, I see great value in them for children who are not intimidated by such things. They can create their own stories and read them to us.

Our favorite wordless picture books are:

1. Chalk by Bill Thomson: This is our hands-down favorite. Some multicultural children find a bag of chalk. Everything they draw becomes real...butterflies, the sun...and then, one of the kids draws a dinosaur. The tyrannosaurus comes after the kids. They run for shelter in the playground. The dinosaur can't beat the kids' creativity, though. They draw something to destroy the dinosaur.

2. Tuesday by David Wiesner: Evening comes, and the frogs come out. They fly through the quiet sky until morning, when they wait for their next excursion.

3. The Chicken Thief by Beatrice Rodriguez: A wolf steals a chicken, and the chicken's friends try to come to his rescue...but the wolf is just looking for a friend.

4. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney: Aesop's fable is brought to life in gorgeous artwork. An unlikely friendship forms between the lion and the mouse when lion allows mouse to live. Mouse finds a way to return the favor.

5. Shadow by Suzy Lee: Shadow is an imaginative look at what shadows can look like to a little girl. It's really interesting, though less of a story than the previous recommendations.

6. A Long Piece of String by William Wondriska: This is a wordless alphabet book. Simple line drawings. It's really unique. We followed the string from one orange drawing to the next, not even realizing that we were making our way through the ABC's until the last page. What a fun surprise!

Heirloom Rag Quilt

2011-01-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

Let's be honest. This quilt only took me a year and a half to finish. I'm pretty proud of it now, but I'm glad you can't see it well enough to examine the flaws. Believe me, they abound.

I'm calling it an heirloom quilt because many of the squares are made of Welly's old, beloved clothes, as well as mine. I can even pick out a few shirts I wore when she was still growing inside my belly. We also added some super-soft chenille squares for extra snuggliness.

Hope you're keeping warm and cozy!

Best Picture Books of the Year 2010

2011-01-02T21:46:00.001-07:00

The results are in. It was a blast talking picture books with all these great bloggers! I highly recommend any and all of these finalists. A single winner will be chosen in each category and announced on Valentine's Day. Remember, we had hundreds of books. These are the ones that rose to the top...

Beach Tail, A
by Karen Lynn Williams
Boyds Mills Press

While following his father's direction to stay close to the lion he drew in the sand, a young boy makes the tail longer and longer as he explores the shore. Finding himself far away from the beach umbrella, the boy figures out how to get back along the trail he created. This gentle story for young readers touches on independence and problem-solving in a realistic setting, as the soft illustrations capture the subtle tones of the seashore and the wonder of exploration. --Pam Coughlan

Chalk
by Bill Thomson
Marshall Cavendish Childrens Books

When a group of children venture out to the playground on a rainy day, they discover a bag of chalk with unusual qualities: whatever they draw magically comes true. Thing get a tad scary, however, when a little boy draws a large green T-Rex that immediately charges for the kids in hungry pursuit. Using acrylics and colored pencils to create remarkably photo-realistic images, while creating suspense with a dizzying array of perspectives and angles, Thomson’s vibrant illustrations make this wordless picture book a masterful work of visual storytelling. --Kiera Parrot

Cow Loves Cookies, The
by Karma Wilson
Margaret K. McElderry

All the animals on the farm love their own special food the farmer feeds them every day. The horse loves hay, of course. The chickens love their feed, the geese their corn, and the pigs their slop. But the cow, well, the cow loves cookies. Clear bold lines, watercolor illustrations, simple rhyming text, repeating theme, and surprise ending makes this story the perfect read-aloud for the youngest of readers who are anxious to get in on the action. --Natasha Maw

Flora's Very Windy Day
by Jeanne Birdsall
Clarion Books

As the wind sweeps them into the sky, Flora is tempted to get rid of her little brother as a dragonfly, a rainbow, and even the man in the moon offer to take him away. But with each interaction, Flora becomes more determined to keep him and bring him home. This humorous and touching story, coupled with beautiful illustrations full of whimsy, encourages positive sibling relationships in a fun and fresh way. --Emily Beeson

Interrupting Chicken
by David Ezra Stein
Candlewick Press

Bedtime has come for the Little Red Chicken, which means story time! As Papa gets ready to read his daughter a classic tale, he offers a little reminder about curtailing her interrupting habit...but, of course, it's no use, and Chicken brings hilarity to each story Papa begins. Bright and lively illustrations keep the energy high with each suspenseful page turn. Ideal for reading aloud and perfect for creative voicing, this book is a hit for fun loving (and book loving!) kids of all ages. --Dawn Mooney

Shark vs. Train
by Chris Barton
Little, Brown

The premise of the story is simple: You have a shark. You have a train. You have a series of increasingly insane situations. Who wins? Well, it all depends...Crisp, vibrant illustrations create a hilarious celebration of imagination and zany competition. Open-ended text makes this perfect for interactive read-alouds or quiet one-on-one giggle sessions. --Jennifer Wharton 

Sick Day for Amos McGee, A
by Philip Christian Stead
Roaring Brook

Amos McGee is a doting zookeeper who finds the tables turned when he catches cold and his animals come over for a visit. With simple text and gloriously hand-made block print and pencil illustrations, A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a timeless tale of compassion and friendship that will endear itself to readers for many years to come. --Travis Jonker

And, don't forget to check out the winners in the other categories here!

Have a great day!
-Emily

Happy Happy Birthday, Robby Dear...

2010-12-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

So, Robby doesn't really read my blog, but I'm posting about his birthday anyway, so I can show off the pretty cake I made. That's the truth.

We usually have brownies for birthdays, because we like the taste better, but this year, he asked for a "Narlical Chocolate Cake". I have to say, it was pretty narlical, whatever that means...

The Top Ten Reasons I'm loving Robby at this very moment are:

10. He bought me an amazing new wedding ring for Christmas. (I lost mine about 2 years ago.)

9. Not only did he give me a beautiful ring, but he made the most romantic morning out of it, which included a blindfold, lots of twinkle lights, telling the kids the story of our love, and a re-proposal.

8. Sorry. I'm still on the ring...He was so excited to give it to me, he looked at it hundreds of times.

7. He's dang hot.

6. He makes adorable babies.

5. He's the best dad. Firm when he needs to be...and playful the rest of the time.

4. He makes me laugh every day, just like he promised he would when he proposed (the first time).

3. He makes me feel beautiful.

2. He gets as excited as a little boy.

1. He is my perfect match in every way.

I love you, Robby. I still think we're the happiest couple in the world. Thanks for 9 wonderful years. Happy Birthday, Old Man.

My Gratitudes this CHRISTmas

2010-12-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

It's Christmas Eve Eve. I have mixed feelings about that. I LOVE Christmas, but the days leading up to it are almost as wonderful. If they go too fast, it'll be over. I'm wondering if this will be the first year my kids will wake up before me. Probably not. I mean, Welly's middle name is Noelle...and she was a June baby. :)

My Top 5 Gratitudes this Christmas...

1. My Savior, Jesus Christ. He came to the most humble beginnings. He was a man acquainted with grief. He knew what He was getting Himself into, and He did it anyway. He lived and died for me.

2. My completely blissful marriage to my Robby. My heart is full to bursting.

3. My babies. I adore being a mother. I wish my memory was perfect so I could memorize every moment of their growing up and treasure it in my heart...Bubs and his funny jokes and cheerful giggles. Welly-Bell and her snuggles and whispers of "I just love you." Y and his sweet prayers and soft, kissable cheeks.

4. Extended family. Robby and I have the best parents in the world, and our siblings are our dearest friends. They are why we are who we are.

5. The Christmas Spirit of giving. The joy we feel when we give thoughtful gifts to one another, modeling after the greatest gift ever given.

Have a merry, merry CHRISTMAS!

Warmly,

Emily

Gingerbread Houses and Delicious Cookies

2010-12-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

My very favorite Christmas tradition is to make Gingerbread Houses. As a young girl, there were a couple years when I went to Grandma and Grandpa's house and helped decorate them. They are truly a work of art. We usually made 2 or 3, and when they were done, we'd take them to a few families who could use a little cheering up that year.

We have continued the tradition, and it is so wonderful to see the faces on the recipients as they admire the details and wonder why we chose to single them out.

This year was my first time making the dough myself, and I didn't have quite enough to make all the pieces of the houses. I had to make a second batch, but I ran out of ginger. Robby assured me that it wouldn't matter, since it was just a spice anyway. I substituted pumpkin spice and made cookies from the remaining dough. Let me tell you. These cookies were amazing! Don't be fooled by the pumpkin spice. They don't taste like pumpkin cookies at all. They taste like gingerbread bursting with flavor.

Ginger Spice Cookies

2 C Butter
2 C Brown Sugar
1 C Light molasses (not blackstrap)
7 C Flour
1 Tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (which is cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice)
2 Tbsp Cinnamon
2 tsp Baking Soda

Cream butter and sugar together. Blend in the molasses. Add flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and baking soda.

When ingredients are mixed, the dough is kind of crumbly. If it's very crumbly, use your hand to put a little water into it.

Place the dough on the back (yes, the back) of a foil-lined cookie sheet. Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thick.

Bake dough at 350 for 9-11 minutes.

While the dough is still hot, cut out desired shapes with cookies cutters or a knife. (If using for houses, you bake for 12 minutes. Then you can put crushed jolly ranchers in the windows for stained glass, and bake an additional 4 minutes.)

When the dough cools, frost and decorate. Yum! (You can probably make them the traditional way, too, and cut them before the dough cooks, but I just did them like the houses.)

The Monstrous Monstrosity of a Tree

2010-12-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

We're all about the real Christmas trees around here. With the smell of pine and the orange pomander balls, I'm in heaven.

We went to a Christmas tree farm where we picked a fresh tree and cut it down. All the trees were $50, so Robby, being really into getting a good value, chose the largest, fullest tree he could find.

It was the perfect place to go...tons of trees to choose from, and there were even deer!

Robby had quite the adventure trying to get it into the family room. I kept telling him to get some help, but oh no. He's much too manly for that.

The picture doesn't do it justice. It has truly overrun our home. :) I love it.

Merry, merry Christmas!!!

Free Edited Movie today!

2010-12-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

Clean Play DVDs has a deal today where you can buy one edited DVD and get one free. I've ordered some movies from them, but I haven't received any yet, so I can't really vouch for them.

Anyway, just passing on the deals, because I love watching my favorite movies without any of the garbage. :)

Family Pictures

2010-12-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

My cute little (Engaged!!!) sister took these pictures for us...and since I'm really bad at sending Christmas cards, I'm posting them here instead...

See how Robby and I are making the same exact crazy face? We're even tilted to the same side. That's just how we are, ya know? One. Connected. :)

Oh, how I love these people!

Orange you glad it's Christmas? Hehe.

2010-12-13T22:00:00.001-07:00

Are you still looking for the perfect neighbor gift? We decided to do something special. I mean everyone loves treats this time of year, but we wanted to give something a little more....lasting.

So we are giving a tradition.

Each year, we like to read The Christmas Orange story. So, we are making copies of it for some of our neighbors, and delivering it with a Christmas Orange, also known as a pomander ball.

These balls are truly as easy as they look, and they smell amazing. Just buy a bag of oranges and some whole cloves (They don't take as many cloves as you might think...), and decorate them as desired.

And here's a copy of the story...

The Christmas Orange
Author Unknown

Sometime around 1850 or so, in one of the larger cities of Massachusetts or New York there lived a boy named Jack. He didn't have a last name, or a middle name. Just the one single name, "Jack" scrawled on a wrinkled scrap of newspaper pinned to his clean but worn baby dress. No one knew whom his parents

were, where they came from or where they went. Jack just showed up one day, a tiny baby wrapped in an old torn blanket and lying in a cheap wicker laundry basket on the steps of the orphanage.

Jack was a quiet baby, not given to much crying. He tried hard to listen to the grown ups who told him what to do, and he always followed the rules as much as he could. When he was nine he had chocolate brown wavy hair and eyes to match. He didn't grow very big because there wasn't much food to be had in the orphanage. All the bills were paid and food bought with donations from kind and generous townspeople, who weren't as kind and generous as they could have been. It didn't help much that the orphanage was surrounded by six-foot gray stone walls and none of the townspeople's consciences could be pricked by the sight of the boys' ragged clothes and shoes tied together with twine.

So the boys in the orphanage went without more often than not, and grew resigned to the constant gnawing in their empty bellies. In the winter, when the snow was thick upon the ground, the stone walls of the orphanage felt like ice to the touch. The boys shivered throughout the day as they did their chores, sat in their classes, played in the dirt in the walled-in yard, or waited in line for their meager portions of porridge at breakfast and thin soup and black bread at dinner, and each one shivered through the night under his single scratchy wool blanket in the unheated dorm room. There just wasn't enough money to pay for extra fuel.

When December rolled around their stomach growls and shivering grew less as the townspeople began to feel the Christmas spirit and remember the poor, parentless boys behind those tall gray walls. And on every Christmas morning, a very special, very exciting treat appeared at breakfast. An orange! Jack and the other boys waited eagerly all year for this day, for this most rare of all gifts. In fact, it was the only gift any of them had ever received. It was prized above all things, cherished, caressed and gazed upon with wide and sparkling eyes. Each boy saved his single orange as long as possible, lovingly running a hand over the smooth outer skin, feasting on its beautiful glowing color, the one sun-bright spot in their gray lives. They each anticipated its sweet, tangy, juicy taste for days, until the skin began to wrinkle and dry out. Then, and only then, was the orange peeled and each delicious bite savored to its fullest.

Jack's quiet and gentle personality had won him many friends in the orphanage by the time he was nine years old. They played their own form of baseball every chance they could using a fallen tree limb and a rock with a rag tied around it. They drew bases in the dirt with a stick, and Jack and his buddies played even after the snow fell. They just pushed as much of it as they could against the walls and played anyway.

The teams, the Pirates and the Cowboys, each had ten boys, and Jack was captain of the Cowboys. He had picked the name because he planned when he got old enough to travel out west and become a cowboy, with his own horse and saddle, and no one else had any better ideas for a team name. It was Christmas Eve on this fateful day, and the championship game was at the bottom of its last inning. Jack and his Cowboys were down one run. The Pirates had already made two outs on them. It was Jack's turn up at bat.

He grabbed the tree limb where it was leaning against the wall and sauntered up to the plate. He tested the swing of the "bat" a few times as he let his eyes scan the bases, trying his best to ignore the Pirate's catcalls and derisive comments. Every boy in the orphanage was standing on the sidelines, their eyes riveted to Jack. The orphanage windows winked in the sunlight above their heads. He swallowed one last time and stepped into the batter's box, and nodded to the pitcher. The boy on the pitcher's mound looked to one side, then the other, and started his wind up.

Jack kept his eye on the pitcher's right hand as it came around, and felt a shiver rush through his body that had nothing whatsoever to do with the icy wind slipping through the holes of his sweater. His eye followed the rock-ball as it came hurtling toward him, and he swung that bat as hard and as evenly as he could, his face grimacing with effort. Crack! The ball soared high above the third baseman's head, up and up until it flew past the left fielder. Jack pumped his legs as fast as he could. He rounded first and headed for second at top speed, his eye trying to follow the course of the ball.

His steps slowed as he projected the ball's trajectory, and his heart stopped beating as he realized what was about to happen. The ball sailed right through a second story window. The precious, expensive glass shattered, and shards cascaded to the snow on the ground, like drops of fire from the sun overhead. Not a sound was heard except the tiny tinkle of glass. Every boy stood like a statue, immobile and incredulous.

Jack stood stock still between second and third, and beads of sweat and fear popped out on his forehead. One by one the boys turned and looked at him, their mouths hanging open. Jack looked from one to the other, hardly believing what had just happened. He was afraid to think. Every head turned as the orphanage's front door opened and the austere headmaster charged through and came barreling toward them. It didn't take him long to figure out who was responsible for the broken window, and he hauled Jack off by the ear, dragging him up the steps and inside. Just then the bell was rung and all the boys silently filed into the gray stone building.

The next day was Christmas morning. All the boys woke even before the bell summoned them, thrilled to their toes to find the coveted orange at the foot of their beds. All the boys, except Jack. There was no bright shiny orange on Jack's bed. Just an empty gray hollow. He looked around the cavernous room and saw the sunny round fruit cradled in each boy's hands. The other boys, even his best friends, his fellow Cowboys, avoided his gaze, and talked only amongst themselves. Jack tried to ignore their silence, tried to keep his eyes off their oranges, but it was very hard. It seemed so unfair that this was to be his punishment for yesterday's broken window. It had been an accident after all. But nothing he could say yesterday had softened the headmaster's heart.

And so, orange-less, he dragged through the day. He did his chores in silence, for no one would speak to him. He walked to chapel alone, for no one would walk by his side. He stood by himself in the yard, for no one would play with him. Jack had never felt so miserable in his entire life. He could endure the scant food, the thin clothing, and the snow that got in through the holes in his shoes. But he could not bear to be without his friends. It was the greatest punishment of all. And oh! How he wanted his orange! He could just imagine the sweet, cold nectar slipping down his throat. But it was not to be. Not this year.

Finally the endless, empty Christmas was over, and Jack went alone to his bed. He hoped in his heart that he could die before morning, so he would never have to endure such a day as this had been. He just couldn't face seeing all the other boys with their precious oranges, laughing among themselves and ignoring him even one more day. With his head buried beneath his pillow, Jacks' little body shook with sobs. A soft hand on his shoulder startled Jack and he sat up.

A strange, moist object was shoved into his hands, the giver quickly running down the aisle between the beds into the dark. Jack felt the odd roundness of the object. It took him a moment to figure out what it was. Not a regular, run-of-the-mill orange was now cradled in his palms. Rather, a very special one, pieced together from segments of nine other oranges, highly prized by his Cowboys teammates that would now, of necessity, be eaten this night instead of several days hence.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-10T20:48:00.003-07:00

Matched by Ally Condie

2010-12-09T13:55:00.001-07:00

I'm still trying to get my head above water after being gone for a while, but I just have to tell you about the book I read while I was in sunny, AZ...

Matched by Ally Condie

Society is in control of everything. And Cassia has always been okay with that. The officials choose what she'll eat, what she'll do in society, and who she'll marry.

When her best friend comes up as her match at her matching ceremony, she couldn't be happier. After all, the officials know who you are most likely to be happy and successful with.

Later, during some time alone, Cassia puts a chip into her computer that will tell her more about her match.

And her whole world turns upside down.

A different boy's face appears on the screen. Is it possible that the officials make mistakes? Is her society less than perfect?

As she gets to know the other boy, she starts to wonder if he should be her match.

This is a dystopian novel about learning to make choices and falling in love.

Cassia is a great character, and her internal dialogue brings the reader into her story and into her head.

I can't wait to watch this series build!

Readers who have enjoyed other dystopian trilogies, such as Uglies, The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner, will likely enjoy this book also...as long as they're open to a little more romance and introspection...which I always am. :)

When the Blog went Stale...

2010-12-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

We went on a wonderful vacation for HALF A MONTH (one of the benefits of home school...), where I thought I'd blog here and there, but, you can all see how well the blogging part went.

Anyway, we had a lovely time, and now we're back. Doesn't it feel good to be home after being away?

I came home to roughly a million new books to review (Exciting!!), and a house in desperate need of Christmas Cheer.

Talk to you soon.

PS. I have something very exciting brewing for the blog (Hint: Free books.)

PSS. If you're local, you can see Bubs' embroidered artwork at the Springville Art Museum this month!!! It was chosen along with 69 others out of over 400 entries. I'm so proud of him. :)