All Homeschoolers are invited to a Spelling Bee

We have done this spelling bee since we first found it. My girls have a lot of fun. What I like, is that it isn't until May, but they are given the words in February to study. So, this week on, our spelling words will change to those on the list.
What do we learn from the spelling bee??
#1. How to spell!
#2. Pronouncations and definitions of words, as many on the lists are new words to us.
#3. We learn to plan. Every year you see 3 types of kids at these events. First you see the one who started studying from the day it was announced and does well. Then you see the ones who "kinda" studied and did "ok". Then, you see the ones who "bombed" and admit that they didn't look at the words until the night before. Usually the kids will be up front and tell their peers at the end of the bee how much studying they did. We learn from that and know that to be successful you need to plan ahead and study!

If you follow the links below, you can see the words for this year. Even if you can't attend, you may want to use some of the words in your spelling units.

Note, you do NOT have to be a member of the CPHE homeschool group to attend. They open it to all homeschoolers!

If you don't homeschool, but are thinking about it, this is one of those events you can come to and meet parents, get ideas and observe--volunteer to be a judge and get a feel for it!!


Announcing the Clay Platte Home Educators Regional Spelling Bee

Friday, May 6 at 10:00 a.m.

Registrations are open

Location:

Platte Woods United Methodist Church

7310 NW Prairie View Road

Platte Woods, MO 64151

Near I-29 and 72nd Street
http://plattewoodschurch.org/418826.ihtml


This relaxed spelling bee is for students who want a friendly bee but with real competition. It is open to any homeschool student* who is in grades one through twelve. A copy of the rules, guidelines and word lists can be found at: http://www.cphecorp.org/spelling/rules.html


To have a successful bee we really need judges, so please consider serving your homeschool community in this way. Parents of participants may serve as judges.



Registrations are due April 22rd. We need to have at least two spellers in a level to hold the bee for that grade. If there are not enough registered spellers in a particular level the speller will be notified by April 25th and will be given the option of competing at the next highest grade level.

To register, volunteer, or ask questions you may contact Kellie Wiersma at:

spellingbee@cphecorp.org


Cost to participate in the bee: **

CPHE member: $5 per speller - ($20 max per family) plus one plate of
refreshments to share with the group
Non-member: $7 per speller - plus one plate of
refreshments to share with the group


Those registering should send the following information:

Student Name
Student Grade
Parent Name
Parent Email
Parent Phone number

CPHE Member? Y/N

Once this information is received you will be given instructions for sending your payment.



Judging volunteers should send the following information:

Name, email and phone number.



* CPHE defines a Missouri homeschool as one that is in full compliance with Missouri homeschool law for ages 7-16. Students outside this age group must receive at least 50% of their education at home, exclusive of enrichment programs and/or college courses. Residents outside Missouri must be in compliance with the homeschool law in their state.



** Accommodations can be made on an individual basis if the registration fees are too much of a burden for your family.

What does your library offer??

Our county doesn't have a library. It has been voted down numerous times. So, we have to travel to the next county to use their library system. Fortunately for us, we are close to the county line. Depending on what branch we use, we have to travel anywhere from 20 to 30 miles one way.

Unfortunately for us, they charge us for the cards, unless we live, work or attend a PUBLIC school in their county. I was told yesterday, that my children are no longer able to have a card, as they don't pay taxes in that county, nor go to PUBLIC school there. I however, do work in that county part time. We also own land in a county that supports this library system, and pay library taxes there as well. However, that "doesn't count" because we don't live there. Why it doesn't count, I don't know, as the real estate and personal property tax amount would be the same regardless of if we lived there or not. Even if my children did go to PUBLIC school there, they would not be paying tax money into it, so I really don't understand their reasoning.

Anyway...........on to my original train of thought here.....

Have you checked into what your library offers?? The branches here have the usual book, music and movie borrowing system, but also offer much more. For instance, Thursday night we are going to see a program on Abe Lincoln. An actor, presenting himself to be Lincoln will be giving the program. (We will be using this as some extra history time.) Also, they offer numerous others programs-some just for homeschoolers and some for everyone, including: teen book club, knitting, genealogy, classes for seniors in preparing your own taxes, yoga, archeology, IEP's, basic internet usage, all about Missouri, how to take a test, and a whole lot more. Many of theses classes are offered at several branches and times--so if you miss it at one, you can catch it at another.

The library also offers a wide range of other services as well. Most have computers you can use to get online. They also offer books you can download as e-books or onto a reader or audio books you can load onto a MP3 player. Some have a "movie night" for teens. The ones here also offer homework help online, and assist with genealogy research.

So, check out your public library!

Christian HomeKeeper Network

Christian HomeKeeper Network is linking up other blogs, and I am joining! That means more ideas and links for you to follow! So, below is their format that I will be following at least once a week!

Spring Time Plans

In my kitchen, I plan to ….. reorganize some cabinets!

Plans with the children ….. We have some upcoming field trips-some are with other homeschoolers, and a couple on our own

Plans with the husband ….. Today we are celebrating Valentines Day, as he had to work. So, a movie and dinner out!

Plans for my house ….. Spring Cleaning! We need to finish painting the kitchen! We started it a week before Thanksgiving, but one 6 foot section didn't get the second coat. A 20 minute job and I will be done!

Garden Plans ….. I already have our seeds started, on top of the refrigerator. So far, cantaloupe, watermelon, yellow squash, zucchini. I have ordered my celery seeds, and also started my garlic which is now about 4 inches tall.

Other Plans ….. I am looking for a valance, or the perfect fabric to make a valance for our dining room windows. The bank of windows is around 17 foot long, so it provides a challenge. I did find at Lowe's, a curtain rod that extends, and I am also thinking of using pvc pipe as a curtain rod.

CSN product review

Today, I was asked to do a product review for CSN Stores. CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from kids' swing sets to furniture and cookware. So, in a few weeks, I will post a review of their product on here for you to read!

In the meantime, go ahead and check out their website. They even have pools, and summer is on its way!

Our "new history thing"

Today, for the first time, we participated in an online webcast history lesson. The girls loved it. We (along with others) were invited to another homeschooling families home to participate in it. There were 5 families there today.

The host family has subscribed on an online history class in Colonial America. The topic this week was on slavery (fitting, since February is black history month). Their family actually does "double" on this, as the kids are also building their own web page sharing what they have learned. So, not only are they learning about Colonial America, they are also learning computer and web building, and how to research their material. They will meet again in March. One week they will work on the web page, and the next week they will have a new web lesson.

After the lesson was over, the kids split up into groups. Some played a board game, some had computer time and the rest gathered in the kitchen and did science experiments with various chemicals.

This was a great opportunity for us, as we only have dial up (about all we can get where we live), and programs such as this don't work with our computers. Our county has no library, and the one we do frequent frowns on 4 being on the same computer to watch, plus it limits your online time to 1 hour a day, which is shorter than the web cast was. So, if it wasn't for them inviting us in, we would not be able to do this one. The girls can't wait to go back.

After we finished at their house, we went on a shopping spree to Target. My husband surprised us this morning with $125 worth of gift cards he had received through his employer as a sort of bonus. I had a $10 to add to it, so off we went. I bought some new wisks, a tea pot, a new alarm clock, a Mavis Beacon computer typing program, and a garlic press to replace one I broke a few weeks ago. (the garlic press as I have high hopes for all the garlic I planted!) I wanted to check out their lawn and garden area, but they were just starting to set it up. I did notice however, the swim suits were already out.

Rebecca takes after me, as she went straight to the clearance rack and with $20 managed to get a new purse, 2 pairs of pants, socks and a sweater. Elizabeth got a book, socks and CD's, and Emily jeans, socks and a new billfold.

We love Target clearance sales. We found knee socks for 50 cents a pair! OK, they were Christmas socks, but hey, Christmas is only 10 1/2 months away.... And, we still have some left on the last card for our next trip!

The girls started on the Mavis Beacon typing program tonight. So far, they have learned the home row keys with the left hand. They have been using the computer, but this will help them get the correct finger placement and improve their speed. So, lesson one down, 249 more to go! Each lesson takes approximately 40 minutes, with option games as well. The CD is for all ages, up through adult, so as they progress they can learn by typing things on their level, such as poetry, Mark Twain, history, literature and more. It was a well spent $9.99

People say homeschoolers don't get enough socialization, but this week, we have had church activities, 4H, fire department training, history at another homeschooling families home, and homeschool coop. (Not to mention trips to the store and an upcoming one to the library next town over) And, I might point out, each of these activities involves different people, and of various ages, unlike traditional schooling in which kids are normally exposed to the same people daily. Needless to say, the lack of socialization argument doesn't carry any water with me.

I had someone tell me today that homeschoolers don't have to pay school taxes. I want to point out that YES we do indeed pay school taxes. (at least in Missouri, other states may be different). Not only do we pay school taxes, at the same rate as everyone else, but we also have to pay for most of our learning materials, unless we use free ones obtained from friends, bartering, online or the library. In fact, since my county has no library, and we use the library the next county over, we even pay for our library cards at $60 per card, per year.

Garlic is sprouting!

I have started (indoors) our spring garden. I sure hope that groundhog was right on the early spring. If he wasn't, my kitchen, and tub in my master bath will be overrun with plants! Seems odd to have plants started while it is snowing outside, but I am wanting an early start this year and a nice full hardy garden.

First off, I have garlic going. My garlic is from some extra bulbs. The grocery store had them in bags marked 5 bulbs for $1. To buy a single bulb was 79 Cents. So, I bought the bag. I have 6 cloves that are sprouted, and will add more as time goes on.

Planting and growing garlic is simple. Simply separate the cloves out of the bulb, and plant them blunt end (root end) down. Each clove will grow into a plant with a bulb, and each bulb may have up to 60 cloves. I plant my cloves about one inch under the soil and about 4 inches apart. When the leaves turn brown, it is time to harvest your bulbs. Garlic likes lots of sun (sunny kitchen windows are great for pots that have a couple bulbs in it for year around, but it grows tall, so make sure your pot is sturdy so it won't tip over), and doesn't like to be too wet, so don't over water it. You can plant garlic in the spring, or in the fall--it will winter well.

You can actually harvest garlic 3 ways. First, the tops or greens, can be cut and eaten like scallions. Great for salads.

Later you can harvest the "scapes", or stalk part. It is also good for eating, and will store refrigerated for up to 3 months. You harvest it after it starts to curl up. The scapes are used in recipes as if they were a garlic bulb. When you cut off the scape, that puts all the garlic plants energy into bulb formation to grow bigger and better bulbs.

Lastly, you harvest the bulbs.

Then, you cure it for storage if you have an abundance. It needs to sure a couple of weeks before you use it. Keep it out of the sun after harvesting, and out of heat.

When I move my garlic outside, I will keep it and my horseradish in containers. Both will take over the garden and yard if I don't. I will partially bury my containers-barrels cut in half work well, as do mineral buckets.

The past two years I have spent over $140 on plants. This year my goal is to spend under $25 on plants, plus my seeds. I have some seeds left over from last year. I am planting those next. If they don't grow, I will have time to get more. However, seeds are good for several years, so I see no reason why they should not grow.

Dog Show

Today our counties 4H clubs worked in St Joseph cleaning at the dog show. For their efforts, they earned $500. It was also a good opportunity for the 4H kids who had dog projects to observe a dog show and learn more about their care, grooming, and breeds.

That was the first time I had been to a professional dog show. Wow. I saw dogs that I didn't even know existed. Dogs that had monkey heads, dogs with a collie looking under carriage and a dalmatian looking top. Big dogs and little dogs. Loud dogs and quiet dogs. Dogs that looked like mops, bears and well, sorry, but some that looked like rats.....Dr. Seuss would have had a blast writing about the dogs at this show!

I did wonder though, how many of these "dog show people" had kids, and how their kids were treated. I've been to plenty horse shows and have seen all the fancy trailers, but had no idea that people had huge trailers for tiny dogs... Some of these people had very expensive trailers, dog strollers, kennels, and more. Not that I think that is wrong, I just hope their dogs don't come before their children. I don't know, maybe for most of them their dogs were their children, but it gave me something to think about.

It was fun, and if asked to do it again next year, we would.

Right now we have a rain mixed with sleet/snow coming down. Hopefully it won't cause too many hazards.

Sites to Share and Gardening Prep

This year, my goal is to make my garden at least 75% square foot and raised bed. Last year it was about 25% that way and 75% traditional garden. The traditional garden didn't fair nearly as well as the raised bed and square foot portions did.

This site has some great tips and photos. http://www.squarefootgardening.com/
They are in the process of moving the site to a different web address, so be patient with them. I cheat--I don't buy their products, but I do copy them..... I also like http://www.raisedbedgardeningtips.com/ and http://organicgardening.about.com/od/startinganorganicgarden/a/raisedbed.htm and http://www.sunset.com/garden/perfect-raised-bed-00400000039550/.

I'd like to get out today and get some potting soil to start some seeds in (top of the fridge is a great place to start them-lots of light and heat from the fridge motor). But, since the propane truck got stuck coming in our drive this morning (leaving without giving us propane), I am not sure that I can get out to get any.
A great frugal way to start them is in cardboard egg cartons-one seed per egg holder. Then, you place that in a plastic cake container (the kind with the clear plastic lid). All recycled containers that don't cost anything!

When you plant your garden, if you have it running north and south, you will get more sunlight to your plants.

My potatoes were all raised last year, with success, so I think I will possibly double that this year. My potato bed was 4 plastic pallets, up on end, and wired together to make a square. I had dirt, and straw layered, with potato eyes planted in between. (You can do the same with stacked up old tires) I rarely buy my potato eyes--usually I have a few in the potato bin that are trying to sprout, and that is what I throw into my potato patch. It has worked well for me for several years doing it that way. To harvest, I simply un-

wire one corner and swing one pallet open and reach out to take out what I need, then wire it shut again. The picture doesn't due it justice, as the snow covers a good portion of it.



Don't spend a lot of money making your beds--usually you can find non treated wood or other materials that are scrapped by someone else to use.

Even old bamboo or wooden window blinds can be used as containers.

Also, check with a farmer to see what he has in his scrap pile that you can salvage--items such as big tires, leaking stock tanks, old mineral buckets and more can be used either above surface, or partially buried as containers. Some garden plants, such as horse radish and garlic do best in containers or else after a few seasons they can take over your entire garden and lawn.


Also check out http://www.periodicvideos.com/. It is all about the periodic table of elements. A good freebie!

Dog Biscuits

This afternoon Rebecca made a batch of dog biscuits.

The recipe for them is in the recipe section (click on recipes on right side). Cats seem to like them too!

My Mid Winter Rant

:
Sometimes I just get so tired of peoples (mainly "city people") comments over what I call "myths'......

Yes, we chose this life and we like it. This is how it is when you farm and live in the county. We aren't complaining and we live here...So, why are others complaining about it??


"You can't be snowed in-we are out"......
Yep, and you live in town where you don't have drifts because you have buildings to stop or slow down the wind. We live in row crop country--that means few buildings, and few trees to slow down the drifts....... Roads in town (especially this small town) are limited-they are cleared much sooner than the county roads, which go for miles and miles.

"But, you have tractors"
Yes, and tractors get stuck too. Only one has a cab. Its -7 out, you want to be out in a tractor in that weather? Well, neither do we, but we do it anyway. Only one can handle feeding big bales, and that is the same tractor that takes the snow blade. So, do we clear our driveway or do we feed our stock to keep them alive?? Its not a garden tractor, it is a very involved job to remove a bale spike and replace it with the blade, not to mention changing hydrolic hoses around as well.

If we get the tractor stuck and can't feed, our animals die. That is our livelihood people. You gonna come pull out our big tractor with your little car?? Nope, didn't think so.

"Just come stay in town till the storm is gone"
OK, and make trips twice a day back to the farm to feed cows, horses, poultry, check calves and fencing?? If we can't get out once, how are we going to get out multiple times?

"I don't know why you can't leave.....if the propane or electric is out, just leave"
All the more reason to stay--that means we heat the house with wood. You just don't go off and leave a wood fire going unattended (can we say structure fire here??). If we don't keep heat going, water pipes break. And, that also means hauling water and chopping ice for stock to drink--several times a day.




Then you add in the stay at home mom/homeschooling issues....

"I don't know why you can't do it, after all, you don't work, you should have plenty of time"...
Sorry Charlie, farming IS work.
I homeschool my kids-that takes time.
I cook and clean (although some days you may not tell it!!)
And, I DO work. I do childcare. Some days I do it at my home, other times I go to their home. You think that isn't an important job?? Lets let you miss work a few times because your childcare provider tells you she would rather do something else that day instead of watching your children. See how that goes over with your supervisor.....
I teach on Fridays.
I write for several websites and publications. This means I sometimes have deadlines. Because I don't go into a "traditional office" doesn't mean I don't work.
I also do volunteer work as well on a regular base.

"You can afford it, since you don't work, you must have money"
See the above. Then read all my previous posts about how I shop at Aldi, I do the CVS and Walgreen's bonus bucks, and a coupon queen, we raise our own pork, fish, eggs and beef, we have an orchard, vineyard, and a garden and we can, freeze and dehydrate our food. I play the sales/coupon games and can feed my family of 5 on $250-$300 a month by cooking from scratch. I bake our bread. I do the Neilson scanning and MyPoints for points that convert into cash, gift cards or prizes . I sew, mend, recycle, recreate, free cycle, ebay, and craigslist so that I can be a stay at home mom.

By doing this, I am saving the same amount I used to spend when I did work full time. I don't pay for child care now (instead I earn by providing it), I cook from scratch because I have the time and we aren't going out to eat 5 nights a week because it is faster, no dry cleaning, no having to buy work clothes, no having to hire someone to mow the lawn, till the garden, or paint because I have the time to do it now.

I chose to stay home to serve my family. I believe I had my children for me to raise, not someone else. I am fortunate enough to have a husband who supports me, and has a good job. I realize that doesn't work for everyone. I have many friends who stay home, and just as many or more who work. That's fine, but this is what our family has chosen for us at this stage of our lives. We sacrifice for it by choice.

"What do you mean, your husband is the head of the house"
I love this one. Yes, I believe my husband is the head of our house. (That doesn't mean I don't at times disagree with him...). But if my husband says we are or aren't going somewhere or doing something, that's it.

I had someone argue with me to come into town for an event last week. My husbands last words before he went to sleep that morning (he was on night shift) were "don't get out unless its an emergency". We were down to one running 4 wheel drive at the time, and we had snow and ice-our cars couldn't even get out of the garage. Had I taken it out and gotten it stuck, he would have had no way to get to work. Yet I had a woman argue with me, "he would never know, if he was sleeping".....

But I would know...(and he'd know if i got stuck!!). She told me he had no business telling me what to do.....

Whatever.

"But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God." 1 Corth 11:3. The Bible has many more references as well, on the same subject.

picture source: rlrouse.com

Forget Waldo, where's my road??

As I was working on my last post, I heard the plow coming down the road. 43 minutes after I heard it, I drove out to get the mail. I took the camera with me. This drifted back shut in only 43 minutes. Oh, as for the mail, there was none. No way the little mail pick up truck can get through.



This is our at the end of our driveway looking to the west. At the top of the picture you can see where the road is still open. From that spot, I walked west a little bit to discover the snow is up to the grill on my 4 wheel drive suburban.




This was taken with me standing in the same spot looking from the end of our driveway to the east. This direction it is up to my knees. We have 2 other neighbors that are also stuck inside.

I was supposed to work tonight. My options are I go to work, or work comes to me (child care). I can't get there, but, they can't get here either. Luckily, the mom just sent me a text that she has been told not to come into work tonight as she is considered "nonessential personnel".

Trouble is, if we can't get out, the propane man still can't get in.....

Winter wonderland...(I wonder when it will leave??)

We got our blizzard. I have always told the girls it snowed much deeper when I was a kid. Maybe its from global warming, or maybe, as one of the girls pointed out to me, my knees are higher now since I am an adult! Now they finally got their deep snow. It is hard to tell how much we actually got, as it was very windy, but I'd say 10 inches at least. In some areas of the yard we have 2 inches. In other parts of the yard, we have 4 feet. It still is blowing some and drifting. Our driveway was blocked completely, then the wind pretty much cleared it. Hopefully I can get out later today in 4 wheel drive. The last time I checked, we still had not had a snowplow down our road.

Over by the barn we park the trailers. You can walk right into the flatbed trailer. On our camper, the snow comes up about a foot below the windows.

Today I had to empty the snow out of the house windows. It was such a fine snow, that it blew in through the screen and blocked out the sunlight. We did loose our phone and power for a short time as well. We are low on propane, but on "the list". I called it in on Monday, but I doubt they delivered much Tues or this morning due to the roads. We may be heating with wood again before this is over.

The weatherman was calling for 6-12 inches, then it changed to 6-18 inches, then 12-18 inches. Last one I heard said we could get up to 22 inches. On the satellite view of the weather map, our state is a solid white. For a good part of Tuesday, visibility was zero,at least here at the farm. In town it was probably better, as they have buildings to block it and slow it down some.

Kansas City got hit hard as well. My husband and his crew barely made it into work. His company is putting their employees up in a hotel by his workplace, as most of them commute. Seems odd for him not to be home.

Parts of I 70 and 50 Highway were also closed. A friend of ours who is with the National Guard was called in.

The dogs aren't too crazy about the snow this time. They had fun playing in it the first few times it snowed, but don't want anything to do with it this time. The chickens and peeking ducks are staying in the coop, but the Muscovy ducks don't seem to mind it.

Needless to say, I am wanting spring to come early. They say the groundhog didn't see his shadow, so it should be early. But, really, how could he see his shadow? The poor guy couldn't even dig his way out of his burrow!

Happy 85th Birthday Mildred

Today we spent most of the day in St Joseph with family celebrating JD's aunt Mildred's 85th birthday. We all met at Cracker Barrel for lunch, then headed to her apartment after. There were 16 of us total. It was good to see family and visit. I did learn something very interesting during our visit, it seems JD's uncle (by marriage) is related to some of my ancestors, a couple of generations back. So, that has given me the genealogy bug again, to do some more research on my Shinabarger line.

On the way home, we stopped at CVS where I scored pretty good. For $5, I got 3 laundry detergents, 1 Finish for the dishwasher, and 2 Degrees antiperspirants. And, I earned another $1 bonus buck for the next trip. To get my savings, I used a combination of cashing in CVS Bucks, store sales and manufacture coupons.

We tried to go by the teacher supply store, but it was already closed.

When we got home, I found the mail had delivered my new Nelson Scanner. My last one quit working and I had to return it. Nelson is a fun way to earn prizes. Each time I shop, I scan the bar code, then once a week I dial it in. Each survey and each shopping trip earn points. Then, I can cash in the points for prizes. Prizes include Sony readers, DVD players, knife sets, purses...and more.

The news says we have another huge winter storm heading this way, with 6 to 10 inches of snow. Just what we wanted! (I think God must have a sense of humor when it snows and he looks down on us!) Hopefully it will hold off until after Monday, as I'd like to try and get my suburban into the shop and get it retagged. We have been trying to go along for the last month with only one 4X4, and it isn't working. My car just won't go in the snow. At least, a good part of our last snow has melted off.

Hay Day

Today we went to our other farm and brought back a partial load of hay. We intended to get more, but as the temp warmed up it started melting the snow and mud into a slick mess, and for safety's sake we went ahead and only put the first load on the trailer.

We had fun-the neighbors over there have added some buffalo to their farm. Neighbors closer to us have alpacas, and a neighboring 4H family has sheep. Makes for an interesting drive.

Since the science fair has been postponed, Rebecca is remaking her solar system with paper-mache now. Originally it was in play-dough and clay. Elizabeth is still working on hers. She was making batteries out of pennies, but now that she has more time, she is making some additional batteries out of other items as well.

Finally the driveway is melted enough that I can once again get in and out with my little car. It was up in the 50's today, and I kept the window down most of the drive home from the other farm. However, it sounds like we have another storm headed our way, so I guess I better enjoy it while I can.

I'm getting tired of this cold and snow. I am ready for spring. I planted some garlic this morning, inside. I'll see how it goes, since it is a little early yet. Hopefully I can move it outside in March, if not, I'll keep it inside a kitchen window. Years ago, before I lived here on the farm I had nice herb garden and this year I am going to get it going again.

This years garden is mainly going to be a raised garden. I have some friends who have a very nice one that I have gotten several ideas from, and also one of my 4H kids has one that would put a professional gardener to shame. I did some raised last year, but learned from the mistakes I made. For one thing, I had my plots too close together, and could not get the mower between them. So, this time they will be further apart, and I am going to put old carpet between some of the rows for better weed control.

My potatoes will again be planted in a square built out of plastic pallets. That worked well last year, so I will repeat that for this year. I still need to get some large containers that I can bury, to put garlic and horse radish in, so that they don't take over the garden. Mineral buckets work well for this.

Cookies and Cheese Rangoons

Like many homeschoolers, we tend to hit the home economics and vo-tech type of classes rather hard. I've heard of many kids who went off to college or got married and could not cook, but mine won't have that excuse. They can cook and change a tire!

Rebecca is probably the one who enjoys cooking the most-especially baking. She loves to make cookies, breads, cakes, and pies. I encourage it, because, well I like to eat what she makes, and due to our family size, it gives her experience in doubling or tripling the recipes.

My husband has been teaching the girls how to make one of his special dishes--cheese and crab rangoons. They use wanton wrappers, cut to size and fill them with a mixture of cream cheese and crab meat. Usually we have them with stir fry.

The girls have been working very hard this week getting ready for a science fair that was to be this Friday night. It is held every year, in a church basement, but last night we received word it will be postponed for a week or two, due to the church being needed for a funeral. Our coop is also canceled this Friday for the same reason so, we have an unexpected day off!

Today it is supposed to get up into the 40's. My car has been stuck in the snow since Sunday in the driveway. I am hoping it melts enough that I can get out. People have told me to shovel it out, but I don't think they realize just how long our driveway is! We do have a blade, but this time of the year we have to feed large bales of hay, and we can't have the front loader and the blade both on the tractor at the same time. It is not an easy task to change them out either. Also, the way our driveway runs, you can blade it and as soon as the wind blows it drifts shut again.

Camp review

We made it to and from winter retreat (at Mission Lake Christian Camp in KS) at warm and safe. I was blessed by the adventure, and I think the kids where as well. The blizzard we were supposed to get while we were there dwindled down to only a couple of inches (on top of what we already had). Some had feared we would get snowed in, but we didn't. The dean, however, had provisions in case we had to stay another day.

Saturday night we had a brief camp fire outside. It was rather peaceful and pretty, seeing the sparks from the fire go up, while the snowflakes were coming down.

On Saturday night we had devotions in our dorm room and asked the girls to rate their camp experience that weekend on a scale from 1-10. All the girls gave it a 10, except for one of the younger girls who gave it a "4.5" When asked why a 4.5, she replied she didn't like the other girls in the room and the dorm moms (which I was one) always telling her to pick up her clothes. She said it would be a 10 if we didn't tell her! Oh well, I know she had fun though and later she told me that her mom tells her the same thing!

All in all, everyone had a fun time, stayed warm and got their "spiritual batteries" recharged. For camp aged kids, going from summer to summer is a long time. The winter retreat is a good way to get them back on track and visit with their camp friends.

Sunday afternoon, we headed home. The closer we got to home, the more ice and snow we found. Finally we headed down the driveway and at the last leg of our journey got stuck. Not fun. We have a very long drive and I had it completely blocked at the end. Since the front of our farm is all in fence, and we only have one gate in and out from the front, this was not good. Then, when the hubby came to pull me out we realized my little car can only be pulled from the backside. So, we (he) had to dig it out, push it onto the road, then I had to turn it around and he pulled me in. Three days later it still sits where he unhooked the chain and parked it. I thought about trying to get out this morning, but the Fed Ex man came and got his big truck stuck and left even bigger ruts and it is snowing again, so we are probably snowed in until the husband gets home with the 4 wheel drive.

Coop and Camp, .....Take 2

Today is our second week of our coop for the semester. Since the weather has some people snowed in, and some ill, I get to teach all 3 hours this time, instead of my usual class. So in addition to fire and personal safety, I also will have Speech and American Government. I help in those 2 classes, so it won't be too difficult.

As soon as coop is over, the girls and I are headed, along with 16 others to Horton KS for Junior High Winter Retreat at Mission Lake Christian Camp. Emily went last weekend for Senior High week as a camper, this week she will be one of the helpers. I will be the "camp medic". The church van is full (I took the kids last weekend in it), so I am taking a carload and following the van. It should be interesting--4 sleeping bags, 4 backpacks/suitcases. 4 pillows.....in an little Chevy Aveo. (Ever open a can of sardines??? We will be packed in like them!!). I know we will have fun, but please pray for a safe trip there and back. We are expecting another snow fall before we return on Sunday afternoon and the camp is in the country, but last weekend they had the roads cleared well. We are praying they will be clear this weekend as well.

Part of their camp time I will be counting for homeschooling. For sure we will get some PE credit (last year we went to the bowling alley), and lots of Bible time, some music time and possibly more. One year they had a missionary so they learned a lot about their country so they got social studies time as well.

On the way to camp I will stop by CVS. I have a CVS few bucks to roll over into something else, and some to spend on snacks to take.

I shall return with plenty of snowy pictures to share, I am sure.

Do you have a 911 address sign?

Our 4H club is selling blue address signs as in the picture. (We opted for blue, as it doesn't blend in with the grass). These signs can be on a mailbox by the road, or if you live in town, they can be mounted on your house.

They are life savers. If you had to call 911 at night, could they find you? These signs are reflective and have large numbers.

Pricing is simple:


You can have the standard panel (vertical, with holes pre-drilled to hang on your mailbox and the numbers are on both sides) for $20.

The deluxe panel is one sided, and is designed to mount on your house or flush against a flat surface. It is $21.

The signs do need to be pre paid.

If you are local, we can notify you when your sign is in, and we will install it for you at no additional charge (a community service project for the 4H kids, assisted by the fire department).

If you are not local, we can ship these anywhere in the US for an additional $7 postage. Just reply if you want one!

These also make great gifts for someone you care about!

Vote for Union Pacific's Great Excursion Route TODAY

This contest ends today, so vote today.

Union Pacific will send its old steam train along the route the public picks by vote.

To vote, go to http://www.upexcursion.com/ today and cast your vote. The voting ends today. I just heard about it and got my vote in.

This would make an excellent field trip, or be fun to stay home and follow the route on paper as you do a train or transportation unit.

Cookies....

So cozy right now. JD has a fire going in the fireplace. He and Elizabeth have been watching a football game. Rebecca is baking chocolate chip cookies (had her double the recipe--good practice for those fractions!) The cookies are good, which means she followed the recipe correctly! She will get one hour of home ec and about 15 minutes of math credit.

state studies

As part of our schooling, we have studied all 50 states. We go back through them about every 18 months or 2 years. Most of our state curriculum I have obtained for free, by filling out the states online form from their visitors bureau. The offices then send you by snail mail, a state map, and all sorts of photos and brochures explaining the various attractions, historical landmarks and any state or national parks.

We also supplement that by free state videos from the public library and various books we check out. I also have a stack of worksheets that the girls fill in as we study the states. They have to research to find the answers. Questions to fill out are population, capital location, famous landmarks, famous people from that state, any presidents from that state, state and national parks, largest cities, state symbol, song, bird...., industry, weather patterns, drawing a map of the state showing mountains, rivers and such....By the time they are finished, they have about 25 pages about that state that we make into a book.


Lately we have been working on Alaska, and have been watching Sarah Palin's show as part of our lessons. On the show we have seen her fish, camp, climb mountains, hunt wild game, cross glaciers, visit sled dogs, observe bears and more.

Yesterday, I was looking for some more info on line, and came across a new blog that I thought was so cool, I wanted to share. http://frontierfreedom.blogspot.com/ is very educational and interesting! The mom who writes the blog lives in the Alaska bush with her 2 sons and husband. They are also a homeschooling family. In her blog she shares her adventures, recipes and more. Check it out, its a good one!

Coop, Dogs and Camp

Well, Friday we started a our new coop. The girls were happy to see some friends from our old coop (temporarily it is homeless until we find a new building), and to meet some new friends. Classes they are taking are American Government, Speech, Creative Writing, Boat Building, Scrap booking, Sewing, Fire and Personal Safety and Civil War. We meet weekly until April when we will have our open house.

Friday night, JD and Taylor (one of the older twins) surprised the younger 3 girls with not one, but two new pets. We now have 2 black labs, a 3 year old named Duke, and a 12 week old named Draggo. Yes, they are John Wayne themed--my husband is behind that one. This is the first time we have had a dog in the house. They came from KY, and didn't have a winter coat, as they were indoor dogs there. It has been below freezing here, so at least for this winter, they will be inside until it is warmer. They could stay in the barn where it is fairly warm, but until they get to know us and know they need to stick around they are inside. That suits Duke well, as he just prefers to sleep in front of the fireplace. So far he hasn't gotten too excited about anything, and on his trips outside leaves the ducks, chickens and cat alone. As for Draggo, well, he is a puppy, so he is basically all over the place chewing, pouncing and playing. Last night he howled all night long. So, tonight we plan to play with him till he is worn out and sleeps well!

This afternoon I took the church van with a group of teens to KS for a winter retreat, including Emily. This weekend was Senior High weekend. Next weekend will be for Junior High. I pray they will have fun, make new friends, learn more about the Lord and keep warm!!

I passed!

Well, I let it slip on here awhile back that I was taking one semester of full time school,(EMT-B school) and as a result, it was rather hectic here. Well, in December I took my class final, and passed. I was the oldest in the class. Several dropped out, saying it was "too tough". Well, I figured if me, at my age, with 3 kids at home, homeschooling, playing momma's taxi, getting kids to and from volleyball games and youth events, plus taking care of 2 toddlers could do it, those 19-21 year olds in the class should have been able to do it....(Actually I think their problem was it was cutting into their party time.)

Last week I went and took my state testing, and just got a phone call a bit ago from my instructor that I passed. Next, I take my national test, but that will probably be next month at least. The state will take 10 days at least, to get me into the system and get my number assigned to me, and that has to be done first. Then, I have to wait for the next test offering at a location near me.

I am also working on getting my certifications back to teach CPR and first aid. I did that years ago, but let it all expire when I changed careers. Now, I am wanting to start teaching that again.

I hope from my going to school to take this the girls have learned that you are never too old to learn.

New Coop

Well, our previous homeschool coop is taking a break, while they hunt for a new building, so we have joined a new one, that has been started by some of the old coop members. We do have to travel a bit further, but it is good to be back in a coop again. Today was registration, meet and great day, and formal classes begin next Friday. The girls are excited to see some of their friends again. Our old group was much larger (close to 400 kids) and offered kids 4 class periods, with a break in the middle. This one offers only 3 classes, but they still had a variety to chose from. It meats in the Sugar Creek Missouri area. Also, there is a new coop in Cameron as well.


I will be teaching again, and I have to admit I have missed it! This semesters class will be on safety. We will do some fire safety, smoke alarms, escape routes, electrical safety, calling 911, have a fire dept and ambulance visit, storm spotting and taking cover during a storm, some basic first aid, making survival kits and a little bit more

Have a Safe and Happy New Year

We are celebrating at home this year as we normally do. Stuffed mushrooms, cheese sticks, pizza, little smokies, jalapeno peppers, several chips and dips and more. We have the Wii set up and movies to watch.

I asked the girls if they were making any New Years Resolutions, and they all said no. I have heard several people say they aren't as it is too hard. Maybe that means they are setting their goals to high. Instead of vowing to loose 50 pounds next year, make your goal to loose 20 or 25, or to simply walk for 30 minutes a day, instead of vowing to keep a spotless house, make it your goal to deep clean one room of your home every week or two weeks. Then, reward yourself when you do well.

The new year brings all sorts of hopes and new opportunities. But remember, you don't have to wait for a New Year for a new beginning. Every day brings a new beginning, as the old saying goes "today is the first day of the rest of your life".

We got Chicago beat!

Right now it is 62 degrees here on the farm and windy. Very very windy. I have been watching my ducks and chickens, and one of my ducks just flew into the side of the house, thanks to a gust of wind.

The wind and warm weather is nice though, we turned the heat way down and have opened windows for some fresh air.

Today I plan on starting to take down the Christmas decorations, although we usually wait until Jan 1. I am really wanting them down because I want my bedroom back. Since the tree is up in the living room, my bedroom is holding an extra rocking chair and toy box from the living room. The outside Christmas lights will have to wait, as it is too windy to get on a ladder.

Later today I plan on making next years supply of laundry soap. I always make a years worth at a time, but then I give part of it away, so it usually only will last around 6-9 months. For detailed instructions look here. Then, I also plan on going through the clothes the girls have outgrown, get them all mended and washed and ready to donate (that is another pile in a corner of my bedroom that will go away).

That should give me my room back. Did you notice that doing one chore (of cleaning my room), first requires me to do the other chores? (taking down the tree to make room for the chair, making more laundry soap so I can wash the clothes to donate...) No wonder moms don't get much done!!

Last night I made a list of 365 journal entries for next year. I'll post them under my homeschool happenings.

This is the time to save on buying wrapping paper for next year. Also, its a good time to buy marked down Christmas blankets or sheets that you can make cloth gift bags out of. You can make them like a cloth shopping bag, or like a pillowcase with a draw string top. Also, the sheet fabric is great for making next years Christmas PJ's out of for little ones. Much cheaper to do it this way than to buy the fabric.

New Life on the Farm

On Thanksgiving, we were surprised with two new calves, which we named Turkey and Pumpkin. Turkey is all white, while Pumpkin is the color of...pumpkin of course! Turkey doesn't seem to know the meaning of a barbed wire fence, and we have found her all over the farm. She just kind of walks right through them. However, she has never left the farm and always comes back when her momma calls her. She is very curious. Pumpkin tends to stay right beside her momma. Once these calves are ready to travel, they, along with their mommas will be moving to Oklahoma.

Last week, on one of the coldest days, Hershey, an Angus, gave birth to twins, which the girls have named Tator and Tot. They will be staying here on the farm. Tator and Tot were born very tiny, much smaller than our black lab. However, they are very lively and eating well.

An interesting note about cows, they all help take turns watching each others babies. While the mommas eat or for a swim in the pond, they send their calves over to another momma to watch. The 'babysitter' cow will even feed them if need be. Sad that cows often take better care of their young than some people. We have also at times caught one of the horses watching the calves, while the mommas are all at the pond. It is rather fun to watch the interaction between the animals. In fact, when the dogs are in the pasture it even seems they can communicate with them also.

2 down, 3 to go....

So far, we have had 2 Christmas, and we still have about 3 more to go...

This morning, we had Christmas with all 5 girls. One of the older ones will be leaving in the morning to head back to her home, (and hopefully beat the snow and ice we are supposed to get), and the other one just got in last night, so today was the "overlap" to have a Christmas with all the girls home. We opened presents, then ate a German casserole my husband made. He loves German food, and just got a new cookbook that had some recipes in it he wanted to try, and this was one of them.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE all the gifts I have received, but wanted to share some unique ones the 3 younger girls and I received. They were made by a relative of my stepdaughters, who is an artist. One cool thing is she works with metal art, and her last name is Eisenhauer, which in German translates to "metal worker". Anyway, we received angels, made out of screen wire. She also makes wreaths, flowers and more. She works with other metals and paints also. Visit her online store, called Village Designs.

Missouri Work Permits

I received this in an email. I am in complete agreement with this new change! I think if the parent is the primary educator, then this should be up to the parent. Many homeschool students also do work "internships", where they learn skills related to a certain trade as part of their education. This would allow students who do that to also receive pay if the business pays. Great examples would be-working in an office to learn or refine computer skills and programing, filing, phone work and also hands on things similar to the public schools votech programs, such as working in a mechanics garage, or farming (similar to some FFA programs).

"In an exciting nationwide first, Missouri now allows parents to issue work certificates for their own children if they follow certain requirements.
Formerly, parents had to work through the public school bureaucracy. This often involved red tape, delays, and inconvenience. And it was illogical. How would the public school system be in a position to know whether the proposed job would conflict with the student’s homeschool program?

But now a parent can be the “issuing officer” for a work certificate if the various requirements are met. HSLDA has posted an article explaining all requirements, and a blank work certificate form, under our “forms and resources” section for the state of Missouri (available to members only). This article explains who needs a certificate, how to issue or obtain one, what hours and days of work are allowed, the difference between a work “certificate” and a work “permit” (they are not the same!) and related information.

There is nothing particularly difficult about the various requirements, but there are quite a few! A parent wanting to issue a work certificate for his own child should take the time to read the HSLDA article, or educate himself carefully some other way.

Missouri child labor laws are primarily found in chapter 294 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. The specific statute that deals with parents issuing work certificates is §294.045.

Public school superintendents continue to have authority to issue work certificates for homeschooled children, and parents may choose this option if they wish.
In a related breakthrough, teens who want to work are no longer bound under state law by one monolithic public school schedule. Revised Statutes of Missouri §294.045.4 says that a child’s work hour limitations shall be based on the calendar of the school the child actually attends. For homeschool families, this generally means their own homeschool calendar. This is important to keep in mind whether you issue the work certificate yourself, or you ask the local superintendent to issue it.

Families for Home Education (FHE) deserves the credit for these important changes. FHE has spearheaded this, and many other changes that are very helpful to homeschoolers."


__._,_.___

My $5 find

Friday, one of the girls and I went into town to pick up a couple of things at our local Pamida store. Down one aisle, they had a selection of upholstery pieces, of various sizes. Regardless of the size, they were all priced at $5 each. I found a piece that was 8 yards long and 90 inches wide, for $5. It was a nice dark green with some tan in it--the exact same color as the love seat in my dining room. So, needless to say I bought it and brought it home. I had exactly enough to reupholster my dining room chairs and also the piano bench for the baby grand, which is in the same room. I still have some left over, which I think I will use to make some pillows for the love seat. Several years ago I took an upholstery class at a community center and I was finally able to put my class knowledge to use. It was really fairly simple, and the only tools required were a screwdriver and the staple gun. All for $5. The only downside is, I wish I had found the fabric sooner, and could have had it done for Thanksgiving, since this year we had people from both sides of the family at our house. But, on the flip side, I did notice a couple new stains on the chairs after the dinner, so but not having it done, I saved the stains from being on the new seats. (The original seats were white, which I don't recommend for dining room chairs). Next time I am out, I will see if I can find some spray scotch guard for the chairs and bench.

Pumpkins

Last week the grocery store had all their pumpkins, regardless of size on sale for $1. So, I bought 10 of them. Last night and today I have been processing them. The method I use, ensures nothing goes to waste.

First, I wash them well, and remove the stem and bottom part of the pumpkin from where the pumpkin blossom formed. Then, I cut them into chunks and scoop out the insides where the seeds and stringy stuff is. The chunks I put into a stock pot to boil until tender. After they are tender, I remove from the pot, drain (saving the water) and let cool. After cooling, scoop out the meat part from the peeling part.

The meat part is now ready for pumpkin pie, bread or any other recipe requiring pumpkin. Remember though, this is just pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix (there is a difference, as the spices and such are not added).

Now, separate the stringy stuff from the seeds. Wash the seeds well, removing any pumpkin stuck to them.

By now the water you boiled them in should be cool, so you can either can it, or freeze it. This water gives a nice kick to soups or even for mashed potatoes--just use it like you would chicken stock.

The remaining peel and stringy stuff (if it has a "technical name" I don't know what it is) goes to the chickens and ducks.

The seeds are then roasted. This is how I have done my first batch of seeds-(per my husbands request.)First, I boiled the seeds in apple juice for 10 minutes. Then I drained them off, and mixed in a bowl some melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger and sea salt. Lightly oil a cookie sheet, and put in the oven at 275 degrees and roasted until done--took mine about 20 minutes-you want them roasted and dry, not sticky.

See, nothing went to waste-The birds love what is left if you don't have chickens, we even reuse the water for soup stock-it contains loves of the vitamens that boiled off.

A good way to recycle your halloween pumpkin is to wait until the day of to carve it, or instead of carving it use non toxic paint to decorate it.

The next batch I will use olive oil, garlic and sea salt.

Struggles

You have probably noticed I have not been on here much lately.

Our family has had a lot going on the past month and a half. For starters, a class I had been on a 2 year waiting list to take suddenly opened up and I have been attending class 3 evenings a week, with an hour commute each way, in addition to 12 hour shift clinicals. Also, we have had numerous family members in the hospital for a variety of things. This includes my dad, 2 uncles, an aunt, a cousin and my sister n law.

My sister in law has been diagnosed with lung cancer. She is a non smoker and just turned 41 (yes, I can give her age since I didn't give her name-she can't get me!). This came as a real shock to our family. She was hospitalized in the city for a few weeks, then opted to go to the Cancer Treatment Center of America. Please keep her and our families in prayer. We believe that God will heal her, so pray for a healing and guidance for the doctors taking care of her.

As a result of her illness, I have been doing a lot of reading and research on cancers and diet. Did you know that cancer is mentioned in the Bible? It is not a new disease, but certainly has been increasing over the past few years. Everything we do now involves chemicals it seems--they are added to our food while it is growing, and added to it when it is commercially processed. We are now slowly changing how we eat in our house. We are getting rid of the junk foods, sodas and cutting way back on what we fry. After the holidays, we will be making even more changes with our diet. I will be posting more of those changes as time goes on.

Living History Program

Below is the email that was sent out two weeks ago. As you’ll read below we need at least 50 people to pull off a quality program We are ½ way there! Spread the word.


This is an AWESOME program! Most information you need is below but if you have other questions please email or call me. Older kids, Jr. and HS age are welcome too. I personally was able to watch this program last year and learned quite a bit. It’s very educational and informative.



We will give you a Teacher Packet that will have information we covered during Heritage History Lab (HHL). It will have worksheets and activities that will allow you to go back and continue learning with your children.



Heritage History Lab

Friday, October 15th

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

$6.50 per student ($7.00 if not a Jo Co Resident)

(parents free)



Take your students “back in time” at Ernie Miller Nature Center as they encounter three different people from Kansas’ past in the outdoor setting of the park. During the 1700’s they will meet a French Canadian fur trapper, who describes his life on the waterways and prairies and how he trades with the Indians. They will also meet an Osage Indian who tells of the ways of his people and his interactions with the Europeans. During the 1800’s they will meet a pioneer, who relays the hardships of traveling to Kansas. These living history presentations will be followed in the afternoon by “hands-on” participation in pioneer games, erecting a tepee, and information to acquaint students with the prairie ecosystem.



· How do we pay for the program?

o Payment must be made in advance. No refunds unless program is cancelled by Ernie Miller Nature Center.

1. Field trip will be cancelled if inclement weather OR if we have to cancel due to low enrollment* (see below)

o By phone: Call 913.764.7759 to pay with a Mastercard, Visa or Discover card

o By check: mail payment to Ernie Miller Nature Center, Attn: Cindy Lawrence, 909 N 7 Highway, Olathe, KS 66061

o In Person: come by the Nature Center and pay with cash, credit or check.

· Deadline to register and pay: October 8th – extended until October 12th

· We are holding all payments and will not process them until Friday, October 15th. This will save us time and money on issuing refunds if we have to cancel due to weather.

· How can we discuss what we have learned at HHL when we get home?

o You will receive, via email, a Teacher Packet with activity sheets and resources you can use at home.

· Does Heritage History Lab meet any KS Standards?

o Yes, this field trip meets KS Social Studies Standards: H4B1I3, 4, 6; H5B1I1*, 2, 3*, 4: H5B2I4; G5B5I1.

· What grade or ages are appropriate for this field trip?

o This program is geared for 3rd thru 6th grade. However, we understand with homeschool groups that it is beneficial for children of all ages to be able to participate so we encourage you to bring children of any school age. However, due to the length of the field trip, the various locations along the trail and the content we advise not to bring children under the age of 5.

· What time does Heritage History Lab begin?

o Heritage History Lab begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. In order to present to you a quality program we must begin on time as the schedule is tight and we have many fun things to show you.

· What do I need to bring?

o LUNCH: You will need to bring a sack lunch. We will reserve the shelter for you use which will hold approx. 80 people. We do have more space available in front of the building if we need to use it as well.

o Water bottle: you will be out on the trails from 9am until approx. noon. The children sometimes get thirsty so we suggest you bring a water bottle along with you. We do have water fountains in the building if you need a refill!

· Anything else we should know before we make our reservation?

o We do ask that you wear closed toed shoes, spray with bug spray and be ready to have fun!

o Our gift shop will be open during the hours of 9:00a.m. and 4:30p.m. We have books, educational bingo games, t-shirts and much more that you might be interested in.



*In order to put on a quality program we will need at least 50 people registered for the program.



Please forward this on to other Homeschoolers you might know that would be interested in attending.



If you have any questions please contact me at the number listed below or reply to this email. THANK YOU! We hope to see you on October 15th!







Cindy Lawrence
Interpretive Assistant
Johnson County Park & Recreation District
Ernie Miller Nature Center

909 N. K-7 Highway, Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: 913.764.7759 Fax: 913.764.1109 Email: cindy.lawrence@jocogov.org

Visit the District website at www.jcprd.com
Consider the environment. Print this email only if necessary.
Note: Kansas has a broad public records law. Your e-mail communication may be subject to public disclosure.

4H and Scouts

How many of you are involved in either 4H or Scouting, or both? This is the time of year when both groups are adding members to start off their new year.

For our homeschooling family, we find it is a great way to supplement our homeschool learning. My girls have learned many new skills through these activities.

I have one daughter who could care less about math, yet is is the treasurer for our 4H group and loves it. (A rather sneaky way to sneak in some math and learn how to keep a checking account). By taking this duty on, she had to meet with the bank and learn some basic banking. She also was involved by setting up a new checking account for our group.

Other daughters were, or currently are president and vice president. They learned Roberts Rules of order, which many adults don't know! They also have learned how to present themselves in front of a group of people, how to conduct a meeting, maintain order within a group and public speaking skills.

Also, they have learned many projects from 4H and scouting that include sewing, animal care, working in a vets office, flying (including actually taking over the controls of the plane while in the air), learning to fold a flag and the history of the flag, public speaking, working with seniors and with preschoolers, all sorts of crafts, cooking, baking, and survival skills. (can you set up a tent and catch your own supper?? or create a shelter should you not have a tent??)

Dues for various groups vary, but are well worth the learning experience. If your group doesn't fit your needs, move to another group. But, this is the time to join should you or your child be interested.

freecycle

I had someone request the Clinton County Missouri freecycle link. It is http://groups.freecycle.org/ClintonCountyMO and ClintonCountyMO@groups.freecycle.org

We are a brand new group, but we already have some offer posts and our membership is slowly growing. Help spread the word and we will grow faster!

This new freecycle group is not just for Plattsburg, but all of Clinton County and the surrounding areas.

Thanks but no thanks, internet explorer......

I hate how the hardware/software computer people try and force a person into always buying upgrades.

I have not been able to access my blog from home for quite awhile. I was getting messages that my browser was too old...So, after taking some advice from friends, I downloaded Mozilla Firefox and once again I am able to post!

I had been adding some photos onto facebook, when suddenly I got a message that they would no longer accept ie6 (after I loaded 6 photos). It refused to allow me to load the last 3 photos. And, none of our computers would accept the upgrade to ie7 or ie8....

So, now I can access sites that before I was unable to-including my blog and some online textbooks. It is still slow, but I am a step ahead of where I was. But, slow is to be expected since only dial up is available in our area.

A lot has been happening since my last post.

New homeschool coops are forming, (and later this week I will be posting some information about those), the girls are enjoying volleyball (they are on the local Christian School team along with a slew of other homeschool girls), we have been processing food.

The girls have also started guitar lessons with a wonderful Christian lady from our church who is in our praise band, and plays numerous instruments and also sings. The best is-she is better than most other teachers, it is the perfect location (at church, right after church-we just take a quick sack lunch to eat first) and I love her prices. Since all my girls are at the same level, I can have them all in one lesson and she teaches them together and the same price I would have paid for just one. Otherwise, I don't know that I could afford private lessons for all of them. Later, we may add piano to it as well, but first we need to hunt down a couple more garage sale keyboards. They have already learned a few songs, and will be in a recital around Christmas time.

I have been busy canning peaches, apples, applesauce, apple jelly, and dehydrating food-mainly apples, peppers, and onions. I felt I was spending too much time in the kitchen, so went and spent some money on a little gadget that will peal, core and slice an apple all with the crank of a handle.

I also bought a food dehydrator. I could have used the oven, but this is much more energy efficient, and does not tie up the oven for long periods of time. My dehydrator even came with a jerky maker and the device to make fruit roll ups as well. Our apple chips have come out well, and I am waiting for bananas to go on sale to make banana chips. I am also going to try and make soup in a jar, or in a ziplock bag. I intend to dry my peppers, onions, tomatoes, rice or barley and other veggies, and meat, and then add broth powder and seasoning. I will divide it up into bags or jars and then on a busy winter day morning, just dump the entire thing into the crockpot, add water and simmer all day. By suppertime it should be ready to go.