While reading a lesson in the history book, I came across an article telling about the beginning of Montgomery Wards and Sears. What caught my attention was that teachers of yore (had to use that word, it's been so long) used the catalogs to teach Language Arts and Math. Much of the time it was the only book available. So I pondered that and realized you really *can* teach from catalogs--which are FREE by the DOZENS!
I got kinda excited about it. Think of the possibilities: letters/sounds, numbers, addition, subtraction, percents, ad writing, taxes, lists....on and on I could go. The really cool thing is you can get a catalog of stuff your kid loves the most. So I need a horse catalog (well, she may have to suffice with horse *stuff*), legos, and building supplies.
Really, you could do the whole year's curriculum (especially LA and Math) from catalogs. And the best part is: it's FREE. :oD
10 November 2010
27 September 2010
Can It!
I have decided to share my canning with you. I usually can on Sunday, so I'm hoping to share on Sunday nights.
I just started canning this summer. I always thought it was a hard thing to do--time consuming, lots of work, time consuming... Several of my friends can, and I got curious. One of them is a mom who works full-time AND homeschools her two high school girls. I finally decided if she can do it, surely I can.
My first canning experiment was with another friend who had never canned either. I stopped by her house to drop off a few things and saw pears ON THE GROUND in the front yard. I asked her what in the world they were doing on the ground and if she was going to can them. She said she didn't know how so we decided to take a stab at it together. She also has a peach tree in the back yard. We met on Friday mid-morning and together put up about 14 half pints of "Pear Blueberry Preserves"
and "Ginger Peach Preserves."
We finished up around dinner time. All-in-all it took us about six hours--including two trips back to my house AND three trips to the store for stuff we didn't have--to put up about 30 half pints of jam. Not bad for a day's work.
Later Dimples wanted to know how much it cost per jar. I told him it was probably more expensive than the store, but that I'd figure it up. It turned out to be about $.75 per jar. If you have to buy the fruit, it will be more expensive. (Pears and peaches from her trees, frozen blueberries were given to us by a neighbor) Most of the jam costs between $1.25 and $1.50 per half pint to make. So, really not bad for a day's work.
Just can it!
I just started canning this summer. I always thought it was a hard thing to do--time consuming, lots of work, time consuming... Several of my friends can, and I got curious. One of them is a mom who works full-time AND homeschools her two high school girls. I finally decided if she can do it, surely I can.
My first canning experiment was with another friend who had never canned either. I stopped by her house to drop off a few things and saw pears ON THE GROUND in the front yard. I asked her what in the world they were doing on the ground and if she was going to can them. She said she didn't know how so we decided to take a stab at it together. She also has a peach tree in the back yard. We met on Friday mid-morning and together put up about 14 half pints of "Pear Blueberry Preserves"
Later Dimples wanted to know how much it cost per jar. I told him it was probably more expensive than the store, but that I'd figure it up. It turned out to be about $.75 per jar. If you have to buy the fruit, it will be more expensive. (Pears and peaches from her trees, frozen blueberries were given to us by a neighbor) Most of the jam costs between $1.25 and $1.50 per half pint to make. So, really not bad for a day's work.
Just can it!
When It Hits You Like a Truck
We were listening to a recording of Rabbi Ray Vander Laan while driving. He was explaining Hebrew culture and how knowing about it changes your perspective of the Bible. There are many things that we just do not understand simply because our culture is so different from the Eastern culture.
The Rabbi was talking about Paul and how it is stated in his letter to the Romans that "the just shall live by faith." Faith is what the English translation says, but the Hebrew word here actually means "faithfulness." Faithfulness to what? To His commands. (All of them.) I was listening and thinking and agreeing. Then his next words caught me. He said that faithfulness is what God wants us to pursue. He told the story of the Canaanite woman who wanted Jesus to heal her sick baby. Jesus at first refused, but she persisted. Then Jesus healed her because of her FAITHFULNESS--the SAME word Paul used. Rabbi also told about Abram. When God came to him in a vision and told Abram that he would be getting a great reward, Abram answered Him with a question about where all his children were. (I'm thinking Abram had great, big.... something to question God right after He's promised a great reward!) God took Abram out to look at the stars and give him a picture of his descendants. He was rewarding Abram because of his faithfulness and the pursuit of God--not letting go until he got what God had promised. God desires us to pursue Him that way--to continually petition Him to fulfill His promises.
At that very moment, it felt as though a truck had hit my chest. I felt physically pushed back, but not hurt. And He whispered in my ear. "My daughter," He said, "your faithfulness has not gone unnoticed."
And I burst into tears. (Did you know that tears really can spring OUT of your eyes?? Literally!!) Dimples nearly swerved off the road. The kids questioned me. "What's wrong??" I couldn't even answer. I was crying too hard.
We are (once again) dealing with a major crisis right now. Over two and a half years ago, God spoke to our family through several different people and told us that our family would be together AND completely healed. We are back together (that took 2 years,) but we are not any where near healed. And I am continually crying out to God to keep His promise. I have been feeling particularly doubtful that we will see the fruition of the second part of His promise because something very terrible happened about three weeks ago that tore our family more. I have been pleading with Him, "God! Please, heal my children! Make them whole again! You promised!" But I felt as though my prayers were falling on deaf ears. Suddenly, I was shook to my very core with His answer. He WAS hearing me! He was NOT ignoring me! He WILL answer me! In HIS time! And I very surely heard Him call me His daughter. Just as I have been pleading for MY children, so is He taking care of HIS children.
So, I will continue to petition Him. I will not let go of the promise He has made us. Faithfulness is what He desires. Faithfulness is what I desire.
The Rabbi was talking about Paul and how it is stated in his letter to the Romans that "the just shall live by faith." Faith is what the English translation says, but the Hebrew word here actually means "faithfulness." Faithfulness to what? To His commands. (All of them.) I was listening and thinking and agreeing. Then his next words caught me. He said that faithfulness is what God wants us to pursue. He told the story of the Canaanite woman who wanted Jesus to heal her sick baby. Jesus at first refused, but she persisted. Then Jesus healed her because of her FAITHFULNESS--the SAME word Paul used. Rabbi also told about Abram. When God came to him in a vision and told Abram that he would be getting a great reward, Abram answered Him with a question about where all his children were. (I'm thinking Abram had great, big.... something to question God right after He's promised a great reward!) God took Abram out to look at the stars and give him a picture of his descendants. He was rewarding Abram because of his faithfulness and the pursuit of God--not letting go until he got what God had promised. God desires us to pursue Him that way--to continually petition Him to fulfill His promises.
At that very moment, it felt as though a truck had hit my chest. I felt physically pushed back, but not hurt. And He whispered in my ear. "My daughter," He said, "your faithfulness has not gone unnoticed."
And I burst into tears. (Did you know that tears really can spring OUT of your eyes?? Literally!!) Dimples nearly swerved off the road. The kids questioned me. "What's wrong??" I couldn't even answer. I was crying too hard.
We are (once again) dealing with a major crisis right now. Over two and a half years ago, God spoke to our family through several different people and told us that our family would be together AND completely healed. We are back together (that took 2 years,) but we are not any where near healed. And I am continually crying out to God to keep His promise. I have been feeling particularly doubtful that we will see the fruition of the second part of His promise because something very terrible happened about three weeks ago that tore our family more. I have been pleading with Him, "God! Please, heal my children! Make them whole again! You promised!" But I felt as though my prayers were falling on deaf ears. Suddenly, I was shook to my very core with His answer. He WAS hearing me! He was NOT ignoring me! He WILL answer me! In HIS time! And I very surely heard Him call me His daughter. Just as I have been pleading for MY children, so is He taking care of HIS children.
So, I will continue to petition Him. I will not let go of the promise He has made us. Faithfulness is what He desires. Faithfulness is what I desire.
15 July 2010
Teaching Writing
So I looked and the last post was June 20. Now I know you're thinking that there's no excuse now. But honestly, the truth is, I spend every moment I can with Dimples. I also know that sounds extremely cheesy, but it's true. He's home all day and night now, and I can't get enough of him. I love having him here all day. I never thought I could spend all day, every day with my partner, but after two years of seperation....
But that's not what this blog is about.
I decided (was that a good idea??) to take a workshop on teaching writing. I have known that writing, or rather teaching it, is my weak spot. That and history. *bleh* Ok, see the deal is, I'm a reading teacher. And I LOVE math. (Yes, I'm weird.) And science is so FUN!!! Writing is natural to me (maybe genetic??) but I really didn't know how to tackle beginning writing. We've kept journals, answered prompts, written reports, but nothing really WOW. And I want my kids to write WOW. It IS genetic since they come from a line of newpaper writers/editors. They *should* be able to just write (and the youngest is looking like a potential song-writer.) But the boys.....well, boys will be boys. And I think it might be genetic to dislike, hate loathe school. So anyway, I went to this workshop and have to tell you about the 6+1 Traits of Writing.
http://educationnorthwest.org/traits
Very excited with my newfound knowledge and much more sure of my ability to teach, I mentioned it to a friend. She jumped on it. Or rather me. Now I have a student for the summer. He and Justice Seeker are learning the Traits. Of course, teaching writing requires some good literature (I could have told you that) so I *needed* to buy some new books. One in particular I have to mention is Chris Van Allsburg's "The Mystery of Harris Burdick." ("Jumunji", "The Z Got Zapped") It's a wordless book, but I don't want to spoil it so look it up. There's also a portfolio (which is what I got) of the pictures.
http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/features/harrisburdick/
Armed with my new (to me) books and the portfolio, we've been writing our hearts out. Nothing WOW yet, but it's sure to get there. And still reading, reading, reading. Justice Seeker went to the library twice today. Because he finished the book he'd gotten. At 7 pm. Then went back just before they closed at 9. I do so love being a block from the library.
But that's not what this blog is about.
I decided (was that a good idea??) to take a workshop on teaching writing. I have known that writing, or rather teaching it, is my weak spot. That and history. *bleh* Ok, see the deal is, I'm a reading teacher. And I LOVE math. (Yes, I'm weird.) And science is so FUN!!! Writing is natural to me (maybe genetic??) but I really didn't know how to tackle beginning writing. We've kept journals, answered prompts, written reports, but nothing really WOW. And I want my kids to write WOW. It IS genetic since they come from a line of newpaper writers/editors. They *should* be able to just write (and the youngest is looking like a potential song-writer.) But the boys.....well, boys will be boys. And I think it might be genetic to
http://educationnorthwest.org/traits
Very excited with my newfound knowledge and much more sure of my ability to teach, I mentioned it to a friend. She jumped on it. Or rather me. Now I have a student for the summer. He and Justice Seeker are learning the Traits. Of course, teaching writing requires some good literature (I could have told you that) so I *needed* to buy some new books. One in particular I have to mention is Chris Van Allsburg's "The Mystery of Harris Burdick." ("Jumunji", "The Z Got Zapped") It's a wordless book, but I don't want to spoil it so look it up. There's also a portfolio (which is what I got) of the pictures.
http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/features/harrisburdick/
Armed with my new (to me) books and the portfolio, we've been writing our hearts out. Nothing WOW yet, but it's sure to get there. And still reading, reading, reading. Justice Seeker went to the library twice today. Because he finished the book he'd gotten. At 7 pm. Then went back just before they closed at 9. I do so love being a block from the library.
20 June 2010
The New Journey
Yes, I'm very aware that it's been a little LOONNNGGG time since I blogged and for that I do apologize. But (!) I think when I explain why, you will understand. Last I blogged was before I went to see my sweet husband where he was stationed (for two incredibly heart-wrenching years) in Germany. I'm sure you can immediately understand why I didn't have much time to blog while there. (Really, it was all the sight-seeing we did! Yep!!) We did get to visit Rothenberg and Berlin and a few other out-of-the-way places. Then incredibly HE GOT TO COME HOME WITH US!!! He even was able to fly home on the same flight. I still get teary eyed when I think about it....excuse me a moment...
Ok, where was I...oh, yes...let me back up a minute and give a briefing on what happened. Basically, he was told he had 17 days to pack, outprocess, and retire from his military career. So as of 4 March 2010, we are no longer military. (*whew* it still feels like a dream)
Now about our "new" journey together. We quickly married in Oct 2007 when Dimples found out he was going to be stationed in Germany. Since we were *supposed* to leave in January, I didn't see any point in moving from my three bedroom apartment to his two bedroom house. It wasn't that big of a deal at that time. He stayed the night at the apartment, went to work before I got up, worked on packing up his house until late then came back to the apartment. He ended up extending until May but then finally had to go on without us. The whole point of telling this is to show that we never have exactly *lived* together. Until March that is.
I kinda feel bad for Dimples. I really can't imagine how hard it is. His entire life has made such a dramatic change in the last few months. The military is all he's known--16 years of service. He's never been married before, nor had children. But I have to say, he's been a trooper. I'm so proud of him for jumping in and making the best of things.
Marriage is a great, big compromise.We've learned We're learning to give. It's really easy in the beginning when you're so in love. But after a while, it really takes some work. I've come up with some "rules" for myself that I *try* to folllow. (in no particular order)
1) Boost his ego every day. I really try hard to remember to tell him things that make him feel good about himself as a man, husband, and father. "I'm proud of you." "I appreciate you." "You're the best _______ I know." (of course, I try to fill in the blank with something good.) and my fav "You're my perfect man." Because he really is. He's perfect for me!
2) Fight fair. I don't bring up the past.
3) Tell him my expectations. I don't expect him to read my mind. I tell him, in plain English, what I want him to do. (Which doesn't mean he always listens, but...)
4) Give him space. This sometimes is very difficult for me. My love language is affection. If you're not sure what love languages are check out these sites.
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/
http://www.afo.net/hftw-lovetest.asp
My hubby's been gone for 2 years. It's really hard to get affection over the phone. So I want him next to me all the time. (And I have to say, he frequently is.) But he does get to working on stuff outside and won't come in for days. (Well, ok actually he tends to come in very late--or early depending on your perspective. After a few days of not really seeing him, I can be a little grouchy.) I have to remind myself that he still needs some space.
5) Let him be the boss. This is so tough for me. I could blame it on being a simgle mom, or the seperation, or, or, or...but the truth is I do like to be in control. I like making most of the decisions, sometimes out of habit, but sometimes out of rebellion. I am getting better about it. I think...
I might have some other rules for myself, but these are the ones that I've come up with so far. Funny, when I started this blog, this wasn't the direction I thought I was taking it. Hummm, maybe this is just what someone needed though. So, go love your spouse well.
Ok, where was I...oh, yes...let me back up a minute and give a briefing on what happened. Basically, he was told he had 17 days to pack, outprocess, and retire from his military career. So as of 4 March 2010, we are no longer military. (*whew* it still feels like a dream)
Now about our "new" journey together. We quickly married in Oct 2007 when Dimples found out he was going to be stationed in Germany. Since we were *supposed* to leave in January, I didn't see any point in moving from my three bedroom apartment to his two bedroom house. It wasn't that big of a deal at that time. He stayed the night at the apartment, went to work before I got up, worked on packing up his house until late then came back to the apartment. He ended up extending until May but then finally had to go on without us. The whole point of telling this is to show that we never have exactly *lived* together. Until March that is.
I kinda feel bad for Dimples. I really can't imagine how hard it is. His entire life has made such a dramatic change in the last few months. The military is all he's known--16 years of service. He's never been married before, nor had children. But I have to say, he's been a trooper. I'm so proud of him for jumping in and making the best of things.
Marriage is a great, big compromise.
1) Boost his ego every day. I really try hard to remember to tell him things that make him feel good about himself as a man, husband, and father. "I'm proud of you." "I appreciate you." "You're the best _______ I know." (of course, I try to fill in the blank with something good.) and my fav "You're my perfect man." Because he really is. He's perfect for me!
2) Fight fair. I don't bring up the past.
3) Tell him my expectations. I don't expect him to read my mind. I tell him, in plain English, what I want him to do. (Which doesn't mean he always listens, but...)
4) Give him space. This sometimes is very difficult for me. My love language is affection. If you're not sure what love languages are check out these sites.
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/
http://www.afo.net/hftw-lovetest.asp
My hubby's been gone for 2 years. It's really hard to get affection over the phone. So I want him next to me all the time. (And I have to say, he frequently is.) But he does get to working on stuff outside and won't come in for days. (Well, ok actually he tends to come in very late--or early depending on your perspective. After a few days of not really seeing him, I can be a little grouchy.) I have to remind myself that he still needs some space.
5) Let him be the boss. This is so tough for me. I could blame it on being a simgle mom, or the seperation, or, or, or...but the truth is I do like to be in control. I like making most of the decisions, sometimes out of habit, but sometimes out of rebellion. I am getting better about it. I think...
I might have some other rules for myself, but these are the ones that I've come up with so far. Funny, when I started this blog, this wasn't the direction I thought I was taking it. Hummm, maybe this is just what someone needed though. So, go love your spouse well.
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