Dizzy Mommy, Chubby Baby, and Homeschool Review

In my life this week…

Lot's to do. . . my baby boy had his 8-week doctor appointment on Tuesday. Has it been 8 weeks already??? He is a whopping 13lbs 7oz now!! But he is healthy and doing well and I am grateful.

I had to go to the doctor also, because of vertigo/dizziness. . . all due to ear wax! EAR WAX!! Unbelievable! Ear wax is pressing against my eardrum and is making me feel like I'm on a merry-go-round! The blessing is that it is only due to ear wax and not something more serious. Thank you, Lord!

In our homeschool this week…

We had our first (state- required) homeschool portfolio review this week. YIKES!! . . . or so I thought--but I had no reason to feel that way. It went wonderfully well. My reviewer is a fellow sister in Christ and a former homeschooling mother. Her words were, "I am not the homeschooling police!" A good portion of our review time was spent sharing our stories as daughters, wives, and mothers--fellowship. I am once again humbled and blessed and grateful to God.

I am inspired by…

Crafty, artsy, people! Especially those that share their talents and explain how others can be crafty and artsy, too!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

We are going to church on Sunday!!!! We haven't been since the baby was born and the whole family is pretty much itching to get back. I'm kind of "old school" when it comes to newborns, meaning I don't take them out much (especially in crowds) until 2 months. It's my "Granny" in me.

My favorite things this week were…

The oil sun catchers we made in art this week. I love simple art projects that require materials I already have on hand. Click HERE for directions and for other art projects.

Oil sun catchers

My children re-enacted a "scene" from the Bible, when Israelites defeated the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-15). In this passage, whenever Moses lifted up his staff, the Israelites had the advantage over the enemy. As he grew tired and lowered his arms, the enemy would advance. So, Aaron and Hur came alongside Moses, gave him a rock to sit on, and held his arms up for him.

Moses with Aaron-ita and Hur-ita! LOL (I had to come up with those names because my girls are girly-girls!

They both looked at me like "we could NEVER be named Aaron or Hur!")

Questions/thoughts I have…

Art curriculum? Piano lessons? Affordability? African-American history for the month? Field trips? I want to learn to sew!

Things I’m working on…

Drinking more water. Exercise. Finding a sewing class, maybe. Getting a sewing machine. . .any suggestions? Getting back into doing my housework regularly, now that schooling is in full swing. Affordable piano lessons. . .stay tuned for more info. . .

I’m reading…

Miriam by Lois T. Henderson

I’m cooking…

Nothing tonight. . .Husband said he'd take us out. The kids have been talking about it all week. This morning, they celebrated. LOL! I told you we haven't been out much!

I’m grateful for…

My mom's help for the month of January--and thanks to my Dad for sharing!! She's leaving on Sunday :o( But she helped us through all the fun, excitement, and rough patches that a new, squeezable baby brings! Thanks, MOM!!!!!!

I’m praying for…

Strength, rest, energy, and no dizziness.

A link to share…

We're using this to supplement our Bible history lessons.

My children LOVE them and. . .

they're FREE!

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Activity

Today we celebrate the life of a great man, a visionary, a gift from God!



To remember Dr. King, my children and I (and my mom, too!) talked about the principles for which Dr. King stood. We listened to one of his most famous speeches, "I Have a Dream," which is below.







While we listened to the speech, I wrote down different words or phrases to help spark discussion after the speech was over.

We talked about many of the words and phrases I wrote down, about the cruelty and injustices African Americans suffered. My mom shared a piece of her experience with us, as she was raised in the deep south, in the state of Arkansas, during the time of the Civil Rights Movement. She spoke about going to visit the doctor as a little girl. She said she and her mother had to enter through the "colored door" and spoke of the differences between the "colored waiting room" and the "white only waiting room." It made me sad; I could hear the emotion in her voice. . .



I told my children that this day reminds us that we are all human, prone to many failures and that we all make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes are horrific. The beauty is that God forgives, even the worst offenses, God forgives. I reminded my children that all people are created in the image of God Himself (Genesis 1:27) and that we are to uphold the command of Jesus to "love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31) This is the message that Dr. King wanted us all to understand.

We made these at the end of our discussion.

The heart says, "peace, hope, and love" over and over.

The idea for this craft (and many others for MLK day)

can be found HERE!

READ MORE - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Activity

Christmas Traditions

One tradition I began in our family is to decorate our home for Christmas on the day following Thanksgiving. (I don't do Black Friday; I don't have the patience for it!! LOL) So, each year, the kids and I get the Christmas music going and we decorate with whatever we have. Usually my Husband goes to work on this day--he likes the peace and quiet at the office because everyone else is still on vacation! So, the kids and I have made it our goal to get finished decorating before Daddy comes home.



This year was no different. We put up our Christmas Tree and hung our ornaments, and set up other decorations around the house. (I'm having trouble getting a good pic of the Christmas tree, but here are some others!)

Wood stove display. . .just trying to spruce it up a bit!

Of course when we light a fire, I'll have to move everything. :o)

My kitchen table centerpiece, kind of, maybe.

I'm not sure how I like it yet!

These are a branch, hollies, and pine cones from my yard.

My daughter and I painted the "berries" on the taller branch.

Little stockings hung on the inside of our front door!

It is always so much fun reflecting on the ornaments, who it was from, what special memory it holds, how old the kids were when we go the ornament. It is also very funny to watch the kids decorate because they don't mind putting 4 red bulbs on the same limb!



Another tradition my husband and I have started is to browse the stores after Christmas to get a deep discount on left over ornaments and decorations. Last year we did this, but forgot all about what we bought. So this year, when I opened up the Christmas storage boxes, I had a few surprises. Here are some of them. . .

Snowman door hanger. . .

Gold garland. . .pretty!

A few of my favorite ornament surprises. . .

We also do a Christmas countdown each year. Last year, we did a countdown to Christmas Scripture Chain, which can be found HERE. It was pretty fun, and my kids enjoyed it. This year, I decided to make something that would last us and that we could use it for years to come. . . .

Our own Christmas countdown blocks.

Click HERE for instructions on this craft!!

And now, to our newest tradition of all. . .we are celebrating this blessed season of Advent with our family's first Jesse Tree. . . .

Our Jesse tree up close. . .

Jesse tree hung on the wall with ornaments.

We are so excited! The kids and I "designed" this tree. If you're interested in what a Jesse Tree is all about, how to make one, and some very nice resources for one, click HERE for more details!



What are some of your Christmas traditions???

Merry Christmas, All!



**(FYI: This post was created days ago. . .I'm not super mom--not yet!! LOL Click HERE to check out our newest family blessing!! :o)**



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Our Jesse Tree

This year, the kids and I made a Jesse Tree for the Advent season. I first heard about a Jesse tree HERE at my friend Anne's blog. Last year we found out about the Jesse Tree too late to start on one, but we did enjoy reading THIS BOOK to gain a better understanding.



Here is how we made our Jesse Tree:

Jesse Tree made from brown and green scrap paper.

Over the course of a few weeks, we ripped and cut brown and green pieces of news paper ads. I drew a tree on a poster board and then my children glued those scrap pieces on for bark and leaves. Since purple is the traditional color of the Advent season, I wrote the word "Advent" in purple, in the white background space.



Along the sides of the tree trunk, I wrote the following verse, the basis of the Jesse tree:

"There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,

And a Branch shall grow out of his roots."

-Isaiah 11:1

So, every morning, my children and I read a Scripture passage, along with a devotional, which explains the significance of the ornament we hang on the tree each day. In essence, the ornaments hung on the Jesse tree tell the story of Jesus, from the beginning (Creation) until His birth. It is a way of showing that the Babe Who takes a way the sins of the world, was always "coming," always on His way. Christmas Day was always approaching because God had an amazing plan for us, through Jesus Christ. The devotional we use can be found HERE.

Jesse Tree with ornaments

I invite you to try using a Jesse Tree for your family as a way to keep the focus of the Christmas season on Christ. Your Jesse Tree can be whatever you decide. Some people hang their Jesse tree ornaments on their Christmas tree. Other people simply get a small branch, stick it in a decorative pot and hang their ornaments from it.

Many ideas, devotionals and printable ornaments can be found online. I found lots and lots of resources HERE at The Blessings Pour Out!

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!



**I know this post is kind of late in the Advent Season. . .I have a GREAT reason! Click HERE, to see why!! :o) :o) :o)**



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Is My Home a Haven? (Week #4)

I can't believe we are in the last full week of October already! My, time is FLYING!! This challenge always seems to come right on time in my life--right in the midst of a lot going on. Why is October always busy??? Things that make you go: "Mmmm?" At any rate, it has been a blessing to intentionally take the time to slow down, pray, sing a song of praise on purpose and usher the God of Peace into my home.



It's a blessing because my family notices, too. My daughter has said to me, "Mommy, I just love being part of a family!" Aww, insert mommy tears here! What a lovely thing to say. Thank you, Jesus, because she feels secure, happy and loved in our home. I also told my husband that I was doing this challenge and he teasingly said, "Yes, and another way to make your home a haven is to put pumpkins around the house. . ." LOL!!! He was referring to the fall decorations I put up . . . I love the fall season! Although he was kidding, he has noticed my efforts to create a cozy atmosphere. . . pumpkins and all! :o)

Here's one of my little "pumpkin" displays on our wood stove.

Click HERE to find out how to make your own pumpkins!

So, moving on to this week's tasks, which are all about adding tender moments:

1) Think of ways to create some family time: pillow fights, game nights, movie time; whatever special moments you want to create.

2) Add some tender touches: hugs, kisses, back rubs, holding hands; whatever communicates gentleness and love for your family.

3) Continue last week's tasks.



Well this hasn't been too much of a challenge, because we generally are a lovey-dovey family. But it has been fun to lay on an extra dose of lovin' around here! My younger daughter has probably enjoyed this the most. She is my most tactile child, her sense of touch is keen. She loves fabrics and textures and is very affectionate. But with all of my children, my extra hugs have been returned with random hugs and kisses of their own. Out of nowhere, I am blessed with an "I love you, Mommy" or "Hugs, please!"



I've also been able to share some tender moments with Husband as well. On Monday, he came home from work early, and my normal start to dinner is about an hour later. So, he ate a snack while I finished sweeping, and then we sat down on the couch to just flat-out cuddle, hold hands and talk. The kids were up, running around and playing. And in the midst of it, there we sat, enjoying each other's company. So sweet! Then last night, we watched a TV show that we both enjoyed, no computers, no phone calls, just him and me, and 2 bowls of ice cream! All impromptu moments, but seizing those moments is what was important.



As for some fun family time, today my kids and I had a pajama day! Last night my son requested one and I told him, yes! We finished up all of our schooling early and ate lunch on blankets spread on the living room floor. We do something like this every now and then and my children always get a kick out of it. We also watched the Prince of Egypt (great movie for children about Moses!).

Doing school work in their PJs . . . the joys of homeschooling!

Yes, Mommy participated in pajama day, too!

SJ cheesin' at lunch time!

JR and TM mesmerized by the movie!

So that's been the happenings around here. I encourage you all to seize the little moments to be tender with your family. It doesn't have to be big, outlandish, or planned way in advance. I think anytime is a good time for a hug, a compliment, or a gentle pat on the back.

READ MORE - Is My Home a Haven? (Week #4)

Making Clay Tablets

Need clay?

We did! So I wanted to share with you the recipe I used. I looked at several different ones online. Some ingredients I had, some I didn't, so I decided to improvise. Here is what I used to make our clay.

2C Flour

2C Water

1/2C Salt

2TBS Oil

(we used baby oil for the scent,

but cooking oil works, too)

1TBS Baking soda

1TBS Baking powder

A few drops of food coloring

Add food coloring to the water and boil. Remove from heat and mix in the oil. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl and slowly add in the water/oil liquid. Mix well and let cool. Once cool, knead until it feels like clay. If you want to keep your clay creations, bake them at 300-350 degrees for an hour or so to harden. You can also use the clay as Play-Doh if you like--my kids got a kick out of it!



So why did we need clay, you ask . . .



Well, in our study of Ancient History, we learned that the Sumerians wrote on clay tablets in a script called cuneiform. So, as a history project, we decided to make our own tablets. Once the kids wrote their word or message, I put the tablets in the oven to harden; the Sumerians would've let their tables dry in the sun, of course. :) Here are some pics!

Young scribes at work. . .

Girls using the end of paint brushes

to "write" on their tablets.

His didn't remain a tablet; it went back to a ball of clay!

Clay Tablets

"Dog"

"I love Dad and Mom"

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Countdown to Christmas Scripture Chain--Craft

I saw this idea today at Garden of Learning and I thought it would be a great idea for my kids! (See pics below.)

Okay, here's the deal. Every December my children ask me "How many more days 'til Christmas, Mommy?"As a matter of fact, my 5 year old told me on Monday that she thought Christmas was on Tuesday! LOL 

In order to keep questions at a minimum, I usually make up a countdown to Christmas by drawing a well-intended Christmas tree on a piece of paper. I tack it onto the front door and each day, I attach the number of days left. . .

There it is--our make-shift countdown to  Christmas.

I know, pretty pitiful, right?

Well this year, we're doing something different!



I made a paper chain of 25 "links" in red, green and white. Each chain has a Scripture on it relating to the birth of Jesus. As we count down to Christmas, each day we will remove a link 

and read the Scripture aloud. This will help me reinforce to the kiddos Who this day is really all about. I told my kids about it and they were pretty excited!!

You can visit Garden of Learning for a list of Scriptures to use for your chain.



You'll need construction paper,

scissors, glue, ruler, a pen.

 









 

Cut the paper into 2 inch strips.

I numbered mine for my kids' sake,

but this isn't necessary.

 





Write a Scripture on the other side.

Alternatively, you could just

write where the verse is found and

read it from the Bible each day.

  



Glue the "links" together to form the chain.

Happy crafting and Merry Christmas!!!   

{This post is linked HERE at RaisingHomakers.com}

READ MORE - Countdown to Christmas Scripture Chain--Craft

Making Pumpkins--Craft

Here's a cute craft idea that I found here from the "Happy Little Homemaker" blog. It is so easy and is fun to make. The materials the girls and I used are just slightly different from the original craft, but worked just fine.

Materials:

• roll of toilet paper (pumpkin)


• twig from the yard (pumpkin stem)


• orange fabric pieces (18 in x 22 in)


• grocery store ads/flyers


• scotch tape


• scissors


• fake leaves (optional)



• green ribbon

Instructions:

1. Roll up a piece of the store ad and tape (vertically) to the roll of toilet paper--gives it a pumpkin shape (see pic above). You'll need about 7 pieces, depends on the size of the toilet paper roll.


2. Set the toilet paper in the middle of the wrong side of the fabric; bring fabric up around the toilet paper and stuff excess fabric in the middle of the roll.


3. Insert the stem in the middle, add leaf and ribbon, and you're finished!

Tips:

• We painted our twigs green (just one coat) to add a hint of green color (optional)


• The original craft calls for raffia, which we didn't have, so we used green ribbon instead.


• I found fabric pieces at Wal-Mart for $1 each in different color patterns 


• This craft can double as Autumn decor for your home

I hope you give it a try. I thought it was clever and inexpensive. Enjoy!

{{Pictures Below}}



SJ Likes Her Pumpkin



TM Showing Mommy a Little Love!



The Girls' Pumpkins



Entry Table

 

Wood Stove

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"Bug" the Turtle

My son and I went to our local Nature Center for a class on Tortoises and Turtles. We both had a good time and I must say I learned way more than I ever thought I would about turtles.

Did you know that a turtle's shell is covered in scales? The pretty pattern we see is actually made up of individual scales that can be peeled off to reveal the bone underneath! (Not that I recommend doing that, though!) Who knew?! Anyway, no need to bore you with all of my new found turtle facts!



However, I did want to share a very simple craft--making a paper turtle. J.R. had fun making this craft and he named his turtle "Bug." :o)  You probably already have everything you need to get started.

J.R. and "Bug"

 Materials:

• paper plate


• green construction paper


• tissue paper (green, brown, cream)


• glue stick


• crayons


• "googly" eyes (optional)

Instructions:

1. using the construction paper, cut out a head (large oval), 4 legs (small ovals), and a tail (triangle)


2. glue them to the under side of the paper plate (the turtle shell)


3. cut the tissue paper into medium-sized squares (the shell scales) and glue them to the top side of the paper plate


4. glue "googly" eyes on the turtle head (or draw eyes)


5. draw on a nose and mouth

Tips:

• glue tissue paper on in a random order or create a pretty pattern


• use different color combinations for the turtle scales just for fun (i.e. girls might like a pink and purple turtle) 


• instead of cutting tissue paper in squares, let the children rip into pieces (keeps them involved, good task for younger children)

HAPPY TURTLE MAKING!









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