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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup and Biscuits


What is it about this time of year and a good hearty chicken soup? This is a relatively easy recipe, requires not to much work, and is delicious!  I make this every time I cook a whole chicken.

First things first, your chicken stock.  This is where the crockpot comes in.  I take my left over carcass, with all the left over meat and put it in the fridge.  This is real easy because I usually cook my whole chicken in the crockpot.  The next morning I add water so it is about 2/3 full (it is going to reduce down) and turn it on low. I let it go ALL day.  This is great to do before you leave for work.  But Crystal....I didn't cook a chicken the day before...grab some chicken legs from the freezer or fridge and throw them in the crockpot all day instead of a carcass...same results.  When you get home, or its that time of night for us stay at home folks, put your strainer in your soup pot and pour the entire contents from the crockpot in, pick the meat out and throw it in a bowl...toss the bones and other parts, add the meat to the stock...boom! Instant soup.  And the meat...oh man...so tender it will literally fall off the bones! Now we don't leave it there of course, you need some flavor!

Okay, here's my secret weapon! Farmhouse Long Grain & Wild Rice, herb and butter flavor.....ouch you got me....no crazy concoctions.....some carrots, some celery, a good dab of butter, salt and pepper.... simmer that all together for an hour or so and bing-bang-boom....delicious homemade chicken soup!  Now I know what you're thinking chicken NOODLE soup right....I boil some egg noodles and throw them in about 15 minutes before dinner.  I love to make this as a meal to take to family and friends in need...its so easy to make more or less according to how many you are feeding.

Okay the offical recipe:
Simmering away...looks yummy already!
  • *Chicken stock + the meat (as described above)
  • 2 boxes Farmhouse Long Grain & Wild Rice; Herb and Butter Flavor (or any other boxed rice with a flavor packet)
  • 2-3 carrots sliced
  • 2 stalks celery sliced
  • a big dab of butter
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of granulated garlic
  • cooked egg noodles
Once stock is ready all the ingredients except the egg noodles (no one likes soggy noodles).  Simmer for at least one hour, so the flavors can meld together.  Just before serving add egg noodles.  Not to much though!  Voila! Serve with your favorite bread for sopping up the juices!  I love this biscuit recipe.  His directions are phenomenal, and they are delicious!  I also like to serve with home made french bread.  

Hope you enjoy


*If you absolutely do not want to make your own stock...you can buy it at the store, and some canned chicken meat.  I have done this before...it was still pretty good.

Reheating:
The noodles and rice soak up the broth, so add some water when you reheat.

Monday, September 24, 2012

A Plethora of Peaches! (plus a yummy pumpkin spice peach strussle recipe)


One of three boxes!
I love the Nothwest.  We have so much to offer; beautiful scenery, bountiful harvests, the weather is never to 'extreme' save the wildfires here and there.  This time of year, especially this year, is a time of transition for us.  You begin preparing for the winter snows, the frosts, and cold.  This time of year we are busy outside, we go to the 'bluff' to pic fresh ....you name it...apples, peaches, pears, cherries, berries, etc.  I have learned a new art....canning! 
I wound up with 60 lbs of peaches this year! 60 lbs! Not even I can get creative enough to bake all those peaches into some sort of delicious treat.  My girlfriend suggested I invest in a water bath pot, and some jars.  I thought, this will be a great learning experience for my kids.  So off I went to purchase the supplies.  Holy Mooly, a word of advise: NEVER wait until canning season to purchase your supplies.  Even Wal Mart was picked clean.  I managed to find the supplies I needed and headed home to get started.  I researched, made phone calls, even my neighbor came over to give pointers.  You see, I like to know what I am doing before I...well....do.

The girls are eagerly awaiting the first batch of peaches!
It was a learning curve, I wont deny that, and sticky...just plain sticky...partially because my girls "slipped" the peaches for me.  Lots of peachy juiciness running down arms and elbows to the floor below.  Husband wasn't to thrilled with the mess (that is until he later had a chance to try the finished product...now he's hooked). 
I went with a light syrup
  • 1 Cup Sugar to 3 cups water
    • I use organic evaporated cane juice (the big bag from Costco)
                                                                   While the girls slipped I sliced, coated in lemon juice and threw them in the awaiting syrup pot, where I simmered them for 10 minutes, then into the awaiting jars.... I washed my jars ahead of time in the dishwasher and left them in so they stayed warm.  From there into the hot bath for another 20 minutes.  In some jars I sprinkled pumpkin spice seasoning for future pies and crisps.  I happened to make a crisp for breakfast this morning...oh my yummy awesomeness! The pumpkin spice had infused into the peaches, add some cinnamon strussel topping...(recipe below)
All in all we did pretty good.  24 quart jars full to the brim, some frozen slices, and a yummy large crisp.  Good Stuff! 



The "fruit" of our labor....bad pun I know.
Pumpkin Spice Peach Strussel

1 quart canned or fresh sliced peaches (my peaches are already "infused" with the pumpkin spice)
1 tbsp pumpkin spice

topping
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
cinnamon to your liking (I use about 1 1/2 tbsp)
stick of butter

mix the pumpkin spice with your sliced peaches and place in your pan juices and all. Its easiest to just sprinkle it across the top then give it a good toss.
Mix topping, melt butter and pour into topping mixing until wet.  Sprinkle on top of peaches and bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until topping is crunchy. 
Let sit for about 10 minutes and serve!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

First Day of School 2012





Yes, I know what you're saying..'wait, don't you homeschool?' Answer yes, but we also participate in a co-op, where the kids go to school for a full day once a week.  I love it!  They take up to five classes, the offerings are amazing.  From gymnastics to piano, computer labs, science classes, dance, horsemanship, etc.
 I digress....
The kids where so excited they couldn't go to sleep the night before.  Therefore, the next morning, we all had a  hard time getting on our way.
I woke the kids, shoveled food down them and tried to get some adorable pictures.  In a perfect world, it would have went smooth.  This is NOT a perfect world folks.
I was doing S's hair with about 20 min to get all five of us loaded and on the road, I still hadn't taken pictures, I was feeling a bit frantic.  I happened to see a streak of grey fly past my window.  Some how our husky got off his run and was streaking towards the chicken coop, or the horse.  He enjoys harassing both.  I ran outside to call for him and place him back on the run.  In that 3 minute window all hell broke lose!
Look at that pout! All kids have the same exact pout!  It's a family signature!
I came back in to find cereal all over the floor, A1's hair a disaster...she decided to try to do it herself while I was outside and the cherry on top....A2 had found my liquid blush.  He managed to paint one whole half himself.
Now normally I would have waited to get home to clean him up...but today...I had to spend the WHOLE day at the co-op to make sure the girls found their classes.
ACK!
Somehow, amid the chaos I managed to get some pictures in.  We made it up to the co-op with even five minutes to spare! Wooh! We wont discuss my driving that day.
My three girls S, A1, and K.  A1 wore that crown ALL day!
We made it through most of the day without much of a hiccup, until we found.....the worm.
I had taken the A team outside to play because they had been cooped up in the "mom room" most of the day.  I saw this massive worm crawling around the grass so I called them over to look.  You'd have thought it was two birds fighting over a worm.  Another toddler took notice; picture this, keep away...with a worm! Yep!  All you worm lovers....look away...there wasn't much left.
Depsite all that the day went well, the girls love their classes, and we all made it home in one piece.

~Crystal

Friday, September 14, 2012

Crochet Chevron Throw / Crib Blanket Pattern


I am absolutely obsessed with the chevron pattern and the colors yellow, silver, and purple!  Why not put them all together.  With Baby 5 on the way, and not knowing the sex I am busily crocheting away for both boy and girl.  This is the girl blanket I made.  I wanted to make it large enough that, should I have a boy, I can use this as a throw on my couch, since it matches my decor`





  It is made with the Caron Simply Soft yarn so it is super soft and comfy.  I crocheted it in half double so the stitch would be a bit bulkier, which in turn makes the blanket heavier. I started to regret this because a double works up faster but it turned out fabulous!  It took me about 3 weeks to make this.  I have four kids to chase too....There where some days I didn't touch it at all.

 I have included a few helpful links on how to's that go along with this pattern:

I found this video when I was first learning to crochet the chevron pattern, and it is the base for this blanket pattern.

You will also need to know how to: 
What you'll need:
For this particular pattern I used four colors and the Caron Simply Soft Brand:
  • Color A) 5 Skeins Plum Perfect 
    • They now have this as one of their "Eco" yarns so it has a different wrapper on it
    • Michael's did not have this color...I got it at Joannes.
  • Color B) 4 Skeins Heather Grey
  • Color C) 2 Skeins Lemon
  • Color D) 1 Skein White
  • Size H/8 5.00mm crochet hook
The "increase" or 4hdc in same stitch

Pattern:
Chain 244 with D
Row 1:
 4 hdc in third ch, *hdc next 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times (six stitches) (this makes the dips of the chevron), hdc 5 st, 3 hdc in same stitch (this makes the peak of the chevron). repeat * to the end of chain, on last stitch after last 5 hdc, hdc 4 in same stitch, ch 2 turn.
Row 2:
 Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color A (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 3-10
The "decrease" or hdc2tog 3 times
 Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color D (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 11
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color B (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 12-17
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat *  to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color D (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 18
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color C (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
 Row:19-22
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color D (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 23
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat* to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color B (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 24-29
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color D (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 30
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color A (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 31-38
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color D (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 39
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color B (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 40-45
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color D (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 46
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color C (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 47- 50
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color D (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
 Row 51
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color B (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 52-57
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color D (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 58
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color A (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 59-66
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color D (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 67
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color B (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 68-73
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color D (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 74
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color C (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 75- 78
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color D (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 79
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color B (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 80-85
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color D (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 86
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color A (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 87-94
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color D (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), Ch 2, turn
Row 95-96
Skip stitch *4hdc same st, hdc 5 st, hdc2tog 3 times, hdc 5 st, repeat * to end, 4 hdc in last stitch change to color D (best to do in the last of the 4 hdc), tie off.

 To edge the blanket slip stitch color D, ch 2 skip one st hdc along edge, ch2 turn hdc along edge to end, slip st to top of first stitch of chevron side to round corner. Do this on both sides.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Liquid Measurments Lesson



Today was an interesting day.  I woke up, soar, grumpy...you know pregnant.  Anyway, after a quick jaunt to my favorite coffee stand, (I was out of creamer this morning) I fueled myself on my daily allotment of caffeine (I am pregnant after all)   in preparation for today's lesson.  Liquid measurements! Oh boy, when the kids saw me bringing buckets of water, measuring cups and glasses out, they where VERY excited!  A quick simple lesson that left an impression on all ages of the family. Is there any better way to learn than hands on?

You will need:
Water

1 gallon sized container (I used glass so they could see the water)
1 quart jar
1 pint jar
measuring cups
An observation sheet (see below)




I made my own observation sheet for the two school age kids to record their findings.  I refuse to pay to convert to PDF so here is what it mainly consisted of (I copied and pasted this from my file):



Fill the containers with water to determine the liquid measurements.
__________cups = _____________ Pint
__________ Pints = _____________ Quart
_________ Quarts = __________ Gallon

Abbreviations:
Cups = C
Pints = Pt.
Quarts = qt.
Gallons = gal 

Write the abbreviations for the following:
·        Two cups equal one pint.

·        Two pints equal one quart.

·        Four quarts equal one gallon.

The lesson itself is simple enough.  How many cups did it take to fill the pint, how many pints for the quart, how many quarts for the gallon.  I let each kid take turns filling them up, and the littles had a blast dumping water....everywhere.  We then went on to learn the abbreviations for the measurements, and rewrote our first observations with the  abbreviations.  I plan to expand this lesson in the following week.  How many pint in a gallon, cups, etc. But this is a great start

Enjoy,
Crystal 

BONUS: afterwards I let them "continue their experiment," and they kept at it for well over an hour!  
~C


 

















Thursday, August 30, 2012

Cranberry and Cherry Zucchini Bread Recipe



 
One of my all time fall favorites: Zucchini Bread!  This time of year, this is no shortage on zucchini.  Our church puts out a produce table for folks to bring their excess garden produce...it is always full of yellow squash and, you guessed, zucchini! Lately I have had quite  a sweet tooth...I blame the baby... So I wanted to add some more sweetness to it with out going to crazy.  First thought..chocolate chips.  I've added them before and it tastes amazing.  But it definitely takes the health value down a few notches sooooo....Cranberries and Cherries instead!  This started out as a Paula Dean recipe that I modified. Husband says I can never leave a recipe as it is.  Often this results in awesome discoveries...and others...we wont go there.  The combo of half whole wheat, half all purpose flour gives it a bit of a nutty taste...with out the nuts.  If you don't like nuts go with just all-purpose.


Recipe:
I know, that's one BIG zucchini, right!
  • 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour 
  • 2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (or maybe a bit more...depends on my mood)
  • 1 cup white sugar plus some to sprinkle on top
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries or dried cherries (I went half and half)
  • I cup oil (I use Saffola)
  • 4 eggs beaten
  • 2 cups grated zucchini
  • 1/3 cup of water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla
Pre-heat your oven to 350 F.
Assemble those dry ingredients (Not the cherries or cranberries) together and sift, or in my case I run a butter knife through it a few times.
Combine, in your mixer, your wet ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
Ready for the oven.
Add your dry and blend well, fold in cherries/ cranberries.

 Pour into two standard, well greased and floured (or spray on will do) bread pans.
Sprinkle some sugar on top for a nice crunchy topping. (my favorite part)
Bake for 1 hour and let that sweet aroma fill your house.  My mouth is usually watering towards the end.  Test it before you take it out, should come out clean.

Let stand about 10-15 minutes then pop out of pan onto a cooling rack.


I have found the best way to store it is to wrap it up tight with plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge.  It keeps its moisture this way.  But my favorite way to enjoy it is when it's still warm from the oven...oh sweet heavenly deliciousness! Honestly it never lasts the night in our house anyway.



Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Getting ready for the (Home)School Year 2012-2013!

Why am I homeschooling?
First let me preface this post by saying...this is only my second year.  I am NOT an expert at this.  This is just what I am doing...or better yet...attempting this year. The way I do things may or may not work for you!

  So this year I have TWO school age children! Sounds daunting doesn't it, along with two little's and a another on the way! Ack...first thought..."What the hay am I thinking?" Then I reminded myself why I am doing this....why am I schooling my own children? Do I think public school is EVIL? Um, no.  Do I want to "shelter my children from the 'cruel, cruel world?'" Again, No.  Do I think every single parent/ family should homeschool...absolutely not! So why am I?  Every year Husband and I have to reassess this, and this is my thought process:
  • What are our motives?
  • What values/morals and life lessons are we wishing to instill in the kids?
  • What do we wish to accomplish this year?
  • What curriculum do I want to teach? (I allow each kid to pick a "unit study" on top of our normal curriculum)
  •  Do we want to do a co-op?
You see its not an irrational quick decision.  A lot of thought and prayer goes into our decision each and every year.
Curriculum/Co-op?

So here we are, we are definitely homeschooling.  I have decided to stick with the curriculum that has been working great for me, Abeka.  Goals have been set, and yep, we are definitely doing the co-op.  As a matter of fact, I love our co-op.  It is through a public school district, and the opportunities they offer are amazing! Piano, gymnastics, ballet, computer labs, reading enrichment, critical thinking...and for me....accountability.  That's not to say that all homeschoolers need that, but I enjoy having a "consultant" that I meet with once a month, that checks on my kiddos progress, and encourages me.  Not to mention an amazing resource library and a bunch of other homeschool parents to get encouragement and ideas from.  The kids go for a full day, to five classes.  They change classes each semester.  Also, because it is through a public school district, you receive so much funding per child to buy curriculum.  Unfortunately, Abeka is a Christian curriculum so it is not covered, but I do buy a lot of supplemental material to go along with what I am teaching. I went with Abeka originally because it lays everything out for you, and K went to a private school, for kindergarten, that used Abeka.  It made the transition easier for her and I into homeschool.  There is minimal planning, its all done for  you.  When you have a bunch of toddlers running around while you are trying to school, it really helps.  It's not for everyone, but it fits my style...for the most part.  I am always "tweaking" something. I buy the Parent and child kit.  I figure I'll only have to buy the parent kit once (per grade level), considering I will use it FIVE times. When the next child moves to that grade, I just buy the consumable materials the other kids already used up.  So the initial purchase...ouch,  but after not so bad. You can find great deals on Ebay...but the bidding can be cut throat!  They'll (Abeka) tell you that you should buy a whole new kit for each child....I say no friggin' way!  They say its because they are always "updating" their materials etc etc.  But the changes are soooooo minor that you can work around them.  Also, most of the extra stuff, like flash cards, that you have to order separately from the kit....I make them myself, and save them for the next kid. 

I would like to note that I put K in public school for the beginning of her first grade year.  I had a major meltdown that summer,: hormones, stress from A2's medical stuff, etc.  I didn't feel I was fit to teach my children at the time.  I think that it is very important for the schooling parent to be sound and stable enough to do it.  When we moved into our new home, and I was in a much better place,  I then began to homeschool.  I have to say, because Abeka is typically a year or two ahead of public school, I started at the beginning of the Abeka first grade material and it was still ahead of where K left public school.


Organizing 



Another task...organizing the curriculum and materials.  My good friend, who we'll call CK,  had a crate that she kept her sons materials organized in.  I loved it so I set out to create a similar system.  I see a lot of people on the online communities using it as well.  Each schooling child has their own crate.  I hung hanging files in them labeled with the name of the book or subject that belongs in that particular file. K has a seatwork file which I make a print out every night.  I also made each of them a "busy work" folder.  I added printouts related to what they're currently learning, along with work books from the dollar store that reinforce what they are learning.  If I am busy with another kiddo and can not get to them right away, they grab something from this file and work on it until I can give them my full attention. I just wanted to keep it simple.  Everything is in one place.  The kids know where all of their stuff is.  I can say "S, go grab so and so from such and such." No problem.  I also made up a crate for the A team. (my name for the two little's...A1 and A2) It consists of coloring books, manipulative critical thinking items, etc.  They can grab something out of there and feel like they are "schooling" along with us.  Which in many ways they are.  We already started school about a week ago and I was amazing at how much S absorbed just watching K and I last year.  I did no formal pre-school with S and she is leaps and bounds ahead of where I thought I'd have to start with her. 

Then there's the matter of organizing when I would teach what.  To be honest I am still working on that.  Abeka comes with History and Science in each kit. I will be working out of these during our "group" lessons.  So I read ahead and I have basically taken each subject and searched out printables as well as ordered some supplemental material through our co-op that supports the time line and science being taught through Abeka.  I really like Abeka's history, but I don't think it goes into enough depth.  I understand that it is first grade level but I want to really explore it.  Also keep in mind Abeka is written for a classroom setting, you have to manipulate it a bit for individual learning.







Then there is my binders.  These are my "brain books" as Husband calls them.  It is what I use to keep track of what I have taught, what I plan to teach, and store papers the kids have done to take in to my monthly meeting to show our consultant.  I have a monthly calendar for each month to write down important dates, meetings, etc.  Behind each month is a weekly break down of the month.  This is where I write down what we did that day.  This is very helpful when I have to go online and submit my monthly progress reports.  I also make notes what needs to be redone, what the kids need more work on ect. I have tabs for each subject, this is where I put printables I plan to do or have done.

Scheduling
It is very tempting to stick the Waldorf style most of us grew up with.  You know, everyone at a desk, teacher at the front of the room teaching the lesson. I admit this definitely appeals to me but I have had to learn to LET GO of this!  I do have a schedule for the kids but its flexible.  It has to be for a large family.  Each child learns differently.  My oldest, K, is very much like me; give me a book with directions and I am good to go.  My second, S, is the opposite.  She needs stimulation.  She needs to be able to move.  If I stuck her in a desk and told her to sit there for to long she might go nuts.  That will come with maturity but for now, nope. They can find a place that is comfortable for them. Instruction, typically, takes place at the dinning table.  K usually does her seatwork in the kitchen at the island.  There's less chaos out there.

 This is what a typical homeschool day will look like for us this year...or what I hope for it to look like:
  • Wake up:
    • Make beds and get dressed pick up bedroom floor. (Somehow, while my children are sleeping, they manage to make a mess on their floor.)
  • Chores:
    • K feeds Josie the horse
    • S feeds Stihl (our neurotic husky)
    • A1 feeds Lucky the cat
  • Breakfast/ Quiet time with Mom
    • Quiet time is a Bible Devotional, we're currently reading out of "Jesus Calling" for kids.
    • During our breakfast we discuss what we have to do for the day
    • Clean up from breakfast
  • This is where schooling starts: K and S split up
    • K grabs her seatwork folder with her daily seatwork printout and begins to work that.
    • S and I begin her "instruction" time.
    • The A team sits at the table, with S and I, and color or play in the living room nearby. 



  • K and S rotate:
    • K and I review her seatwork
    • S works out of her busy work folder or finishes any sheets from her "instruction" time.
    • I give any lessons or review that K may need to reinforce her seatwork.  This is also where I introduce new concepts,  like right now K is working on suffixes.  So I may review what she has already learned before moving on to the next item.
  • Group time
    • This is where I teach our group lessons.  I teach history and science usually during this time.
      •   We are learning about our state, so both girls are making a large map with major cities, rivers, the state seal, flower, bird, so on and so forth.  We add to it each day.
    • Remember that each kid is two years apart I don't expect them to have the same understanding of what I am teaching.  
    • I print extra papers so the A team (my younger two) feel like they are involved.
    • We don't have group time EVERY DAY.  
  • Unit Study
    • If K or S finish their work before one or the other, they get to grab their unit study folder and work the next project.  This is like their rewards for finishing their other school work. Sometimes it's before group time, sometimes after. Sometimes, its during nap time...sometimes when Daddy gets home to help! You get the idea. Flexibility folks!
Now this is a typical day.  While they work assignments I am floating around; folding laundry, chasing A2, cooking lunch, etc. We usually finish up by lunch, sometimes we have to go after lunch.  It just depends on the day.  But I am not a slave to this schedule!  Sometimes someone may be getting flustered and need a break. That's the beauty of HOMEschool.  We don't have a certain set time frame to cram all this in!  Some days someone gets sick, some days MOMMY gets sick (I believe Mom's ought to receive super immunity with each child...).  Oh, and remember...Baby #5 is on the way.  We will have to be flexible!
      We have been working this schedule for two and half weeks now, so far so good.  We did much the same last year and it worked great as well.  I just had to add S into the equation.  The other beautiful thing is,  once they're done with school...they're done.  They have the day to themselves...with in reason.  When I say that, I have images of wild banchee children terrorizing the land....They still have other chores to do etc, but for the most part they get to be kids.  Right now They're out in the back playing Captain America with my pot lids.  They got their work done so they are free to enjoy some of the last days of summer.

Unit Studies
As I said above, I let each kid pick a unit study.  Something they are interested in at the time.  We will be doing unit studies at the end of the homeschool day.  Somewhat like a reward.

Horses

K chose to do a horse unit.  So I am gathering information, scouring the internet for ideas, talking to other parents that have done horse units, etc. It helps that we have a horse, so she has already taken over feeding and watering...under supervision of course. I have decided to do a lap book first, with the ins and outs of horses; anatomy, feed, care, tack, hooves, breeds, etc.  Then we will dive into the history of horses, styles of riding, etc.  There is a treasure trove of information!  As a matter of fact the farrier is coming today to trim her hooves.  K will be there right beside watching and learning.  Then we will come in and do a diagram of a horses hooves.  You get the idea.  I provided links for the printables I am planning on using for the lapbook and links to the resources I found online.    

Resources: (thus far)
  • If you are fortunate enough to own a horse or know someone close that does, the absolute best resource is working with the horse itself. 
    • Maintenance: what better way to learn than to feed, water, and groom the horse.  What tack is for what.  What brushes do what.
    • Farrier coming: great lesson on the anatomy of the hoof, and why do we take care of their hooves, etc.
    • Vet: Josie just had to have some pretty extensive teeth work done.  It was a great lesson for the kids and our vet very patiently explained what he was doing, why he was doing it, and what the importance was.
    • 4H or clubs like it.  We haven't got involved yet but we're looking into it for the older two.
  • Library
    • True stories
    • Readers
    • Drawing books: We picked one up yesterday and K has hardly done anything else!  Feed that artistic thirst!
    •  History of the horse
I will make a separate post when we are all done, I had a hard time finding a post or page that provided a complete unit study on horses without having to pay for it.  I am piecing this one together myself and I am still in the process of putting it together.

Jonah and the Whale

 S, of all things, chose Jonah and the Whale.  How do I do a whole unit on Jonah and the Whale?  Well, I break it down.  First the story itself, then there's:
  • The story itself and the moral behind it.
  • Can a whale really swallow someone whole? 
  • What kind of whale was it? (Some believe it was a great white shark!)
  • Whales themselves.
  • The geography of the area.
  • The people of the area.
  • And of course, the whole point of the story, obedience.
I haven't gotten to far on putting this one together.  When I get more I will create a post for those of you interested in doing a unit study like it.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Is it TEAL much? A bold color to brighten up the dinning room

My father works for a rental company in a college town.  If you ever want to score a ton of free furniture, go to one of these companies at the end of the school year and find out if they need someone to clean out rentals for them.....trust me....OH the treasures you find! It's amazing what these college students leave behind!   That is where I got my dinning table, among many other things....but I warn you....not only do they leave furniture behind....they leave a mess....a horrid, filthy, mess.....Just don't tell me I didn't warn you....

I digress.....

Here is my dinning room...notice anything out of place?
Look closer......



Figure it out yet?  The chair...every time I walk past them they scream at me....reminding me: "Hey Crystal....Finish us! Finish us!"  My table and benches also used to be this color.
Then one night, in a fit of pent up frustration (and a little rage....we where in the throws of closing on our home and had been given another hoop to jump through)....I busted out my sander and went to town on the table and benches.....Husband, unable to stand idly by, soon jumped right in (I think it was quality control).  We sanded and stained all night.  But these two chairs, I just simply did not get to them....

So here we are eight months later and a new home.  The time has come!  Have I told you that my favorite color is teal!  It happens to be the accent color for the house....

So I decided to make a bold move and paint our chairs TEAL! Husband wasn't to thrilled with my color choice but he allowed me to move forward.  (I love this man)

I went to our local Ace Hardware and bought a sample size can of paint, they mixed it up for me.  As you know I am all about being frugal and the paint and brush cost me a whole $5.00.  Considering I got this table for free some 6 years ago, I can't complain.

I plopped down in the grass with my two chairs, fresh can of paint, and gaggle of kids gathered around to watch and painted away.  At first I thought, "hmmmmm, just the seat..." which turned into the back and finally, to heck with it the whole darn thing.  So here it is folks? To bold?  I don't think so but that's the thing about opinions......everyone's got one!


Moral of the story?

Be Bold....and live close to a college town for awesome freebies you can re-do!

Note: I know the walls are pretty bland.....I'm getting there...sooner or later