American Girl Missing in Germany

I know several of my readers are in Germany, and I am asking you to check out this poster and keep an eye open for this missing American Girl.  She is from a university not far from my home.  Her family is very concerned and worried about her.  If you have any ties to Germany, please forward this information to them.  Somewhere, someone knows something.  Even if she is fine, her family needs to know this.

Emilee Irsik- Missing Person

Help us find Emilee!

Emilee flew on British Airways to Hamburg, Germany arriving on October 20. She was to return to Wichita on October 26. Unfortunately, Emilee did not board her scheduled return flight and she has not rebooked on a later flight. Her cell phone has been off since she departed Dallas, TX on the 19th, and all attempts to contact her via email, Facebook, etc. have failed. It is possible that she visited Universität Trier, Leibniz Universität Hannover (official) oder Bielefeld university in Germany. She has been listed as a Missing Person with the NCIC registry.

There is a facebook page, created by her friends and family for people to gather or leave information and ideas.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/emileeirsik/ , in Germany you can also check this one.   If you know anything, please send a private message to that facebook page, and if possible leave a way for them to contact you back --(name, address, phone number), there AND notify authorities of what you know or saw.  Include a way for them to contact you as well.  

From the Huffington Paper
"An international search is underway for a Kansas college student who never returned from a trip to Europe earlier this month.
Emilee Irsik, 20, left from Wichita on Oct. 20 and headed for Germany, according to WIBW. She was expected to return to the United States on Oct. 26, but she didn't board her return flight.
Irsik's family says that her phone has been off since she left, and they haven't been able to make contact with her.
"While it was very out of character for her to have made this trip in such a secretive nature, it’s very unlike her even more so to not return when she had scheduled herself to come back," Irsik's mother, Sherry, told the Wichita Eagle.
When she didn't return from her fall break, her roommate in Kansas reportedly notified staff at the university, who called police.
Friends say Irsik, who's studying for a bachelor's degree in German at Emporia State University, may have visited Trier, Hanover, or Bielefeld Universities.
A Facebook page has been set up to help find her. Anyone with information on Irsik's whereabouts is being asked to call ESU police at 785-341-5337 or the State Department at 202-647-4000 and ask to be transferred to the duty officer in Berlin."

Emilee is 5'4", approx. 125 lbs, light brown hair, and green eyes. She has triple ear piercings on both ears and a cartilage piercing at the top of one of her ears.

Emilee, if you can see this, please get word to a friend or your family.  They need to know if your ok, or get you help if your not. They love you and are very worried.

Prayers for those in the path of Sandy

Prayer for those who are in the path of Sandy.  Some sources are saying Sandy may be more destructive than Katrina was.  I have several friends who are expecting a visit from Sandy but they all seem to be prepared.  They have food and water stocked up, laundry all done,  food storage that doesn't require electric to prepare, blankets, some windows boarded up and more.

The soldiers guard the Tomb of  the Unknown Soldier during all weather.

I found this awesome picture on facebook.  Sadly, I don't know who to credit it to, as it had no name.

We don't get hurricanes in Missouri, so I can only relate to this as a huge tornado that lasts a lot longer, and with more warning.

This picture comes from WTNH News Channel 8, in  Milford, CT with 13-15 ft trampoline on power lines!

Battery Park, Manhattan. The center of the storm is still hours away...Photo by George Takei

We are following the hurricane as a science lesson for homeschool.  the National Weather Service has some great information under the education section for both teachers and students, as well as NOAA.

Seaside Heights, NJ - Another view of the coaster is now a part of the Ocean. Before the storm it was on the boardwalk that no longer exists  Photo by Mike Grol

Woo hoo

Another homeschooling mom enlightened me to SWAGBUCKS some time back.  I joined (which gave her some free points) and I have been taking the daily polls, a few surveys and using their search engine.  Once in a while I will order something by clicking through their site.  I spend maybe 7-10 minutes a day on it.  Well, it has paid off.

I just converted my SWAG points into Amazon gift cards-$45 worth.  Hopefully I will be able to get a couple more before Christmas, but its a good start.  (In fact, I already placed an Amazon order)

I also participate in MYPOINTS and have $30 in Walmart gift cards headed my way.

As pretty much a single income family (my husband works full time, I teach part time as an EMS instructor and work part time during the summer months), little things like $75 worth of gift cards 2 months before Christmas is a nice treat!

If you want more info on either program, let me know by sending me your email address and I will send you a link and an invite.

MO Dept of Conservation Program

Home Educators,

MO Dept of Conservation is partnering with the Mid Continent LIbrary in Dearborn, MO to offer a nice program on Mammals and hibernation.

The program is geared toward an age range of approximately 2 - 6 years old.

The program is focused on pre-school and homeschool kids.

Date: 29 November

Time: 10 - 11 am

Where: Mid-Continent Library, Dearborn, MO.

Questions:

Shelly Cox (C.I.G.)

Naturalist

MDC NW Regional Office

701 James McCarthy Drive

St. Joseph, MO 64507

816-271-3111 ext. 1442

There is another program scheduled for November 29^th from 10-11 AM, at the Mid Continent Library in Dearborn. It is open to homeschool, and preschool alike. The theme will be Mammals and hibernation. If you promote it to the list serv I would set the age limit at 2 to 6 years of age. I know that the library is promoting it towards the preschool children.

Cary D. Chevalier, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology,

Certified Wildlife Biologist

Department of Biology
Missouri Western State University
4525 Downs Dr.
St. Joseph, MO 64507
Ph: 816.271.4252
Email: cchev@missouriwestern.edu

Overnight Fun when you are one

Every once in awhile, it is important for a one year old to be sure that the big people know who is truly in charge.  One of the most effective ways to do this is to interrupt their sleep pattern.  Here is how this works.

First, at bedtime, act real sleepy and rub your eyes.  When asked by the big people if your ready for night night, agree and say yes.  Fall asleep for about an hour. This sets the tone so you can catch them off guard later, and gives you a quick rest for energy that you will need for the rest of the night.

After an hour, the big people are asleep.  Wait until you hear the biggest one snoring.  That is you signal to start your fun surprise.  Stand up in your bed and start yelling.  Start with yelling "hi" real loud in the dark house.  Then call each member of the house one at a time until you have woke up each one and they have told you night night, at least twice.  Then say ok, giggle and lay back down.

Take another power nap for an hour.

Wake up again.  It should now be around 1 in the morning.  This time, real loud start yelling for a banana.   Yell for it over and over, until you wake them all up (again) and they all again yell back at you night night.  Giggle again and lay back down.

When it is 2:30, yell for cookies.  After they are all awake again, fuss a little this time.  Act real put out when you don't get the cookies you called for.

At 3:30, call for anything you can think of to get them awake again.  I tried to yell for a cat and bubbles.  I did not get a cat or bubbles, but I did get them all to wake up again.  It was fun.

Take another power nap, but not until after you lay there and talk very loudly in your bed for another 30 minutes.

At 4:30, stand up and loudly yell "JD, tractor!!"  Repeat "JD, tractor" over and over until you have again woke up everyone in the house, except for JD, because he can't hear you for his snoring.  Get very mad and cry for 5 minutes because he did not give you the tractor ride you wanted....at 4:30 in the morning,

At 6 a.m., throw the bear, water sippy cup and your blanket all out of your crib, with a loud ought oh after each item is thrown.  Make sure they hit the wall or the door for an extra loud effect.  Then proceed to yell "help, help, help", until a big person comes and puts it all back into your bed, lays you back down, covers you back up and staggers out of the room back to their bed.  Then giggle because by now they look funny with hair standing every which way and tired red eyes from lack of sleep.

At 6:30, start to sing and hum, loudly, which is easy because the rest of the house is quiet, until you fall back asleep at 7.

At 8:30, get very mad when the big person comes and tells you its time to get up.  Tell her "no, my night night" and lay back down and close your eyes.  Grab a hold of the sheet so she can't pick you up.

And, that is how you let big people know that you are the one in charge...   And, as an extra benefit  the next day you get a shorter nap and they let you play harder when it gets closer to bedtime!!

The above is a guest post by baby E, a frequent guest in our home, who has always slept a nice 10-12 hour night at our house until last night...

For the proper method of eating lima beans,  read her last post.

The Grammar Police Strike Again

Lincoln and Lincoln

I ran across this article about the Lincoln family awhile back, and now the Homestead Survival blog has featured it as well.  I thought it fitting since the elections are coming up.

Do we ever think of the presidents AFTER they leave the office??  Or about their decedents ?  This interesting article tells of Abe Lincoln's family.

Just thought I'd share it.

The Adventures of Lily Lapp Video Trailer

Mary Ann Kinsinger is the author of one of my favorite blogs A Joyful Chaos .  She is also a book author.  Life with Lily is the first in this series, and it is now out in stores, or you can order it from Amazon.  You can also pre order the next book in the series as well.  This would make a great Christmas present for any younger girls on your list.  (FYI, its only 63 days until Christmas...)

Lizzy's Landing

Elizabeth has had a passion for flying since she took her first Young Eagles  (chapter 91) flight back in 2010 with pilot Chris St. Germain at the Lee's Summit Airport.  Since that flight we have been actively attending the Young Eagles events.  She has also learned how to read maps, studied the stars and is learning to use a flight computer.

Some of the pilots are beginning to recognize her as a frequent flier and as a result have been working with her and letting her have the control of the plane.  Until now she has basically done straight flying.  This afternoon however, with a dual control Cessna 182 she got to land and taxi down the runway back to the Young Eagles hanger.  She was very excited.

Did you know that when you taxi (drive) the airplane on the ground, you control the direction of the airplane with foot pedals? The stick (sort of resembles a steering wheel) is not used on the ground.  The same pedals are also used for the break.  Think you could drive your car only using your feet?  It would take a feat to do that!

Elizabeth at the controls

The plane she flew in today.

After she had her successful landing, we thought it fun to go eat at one of the Mexican Restaurants, Habanero's  in Lee's Summit--take a look at the picture of the restaurant and you will see why we picked it.

She kept her landing on the ground, unlike this plane on the restaurant roof!

Young Eagles is a program that is offered nation wide.  Click here for the national website.

Pumpkin Carving contest Clinton County MO

All are invited!!!

Pearls & Scissors: DIY Upcycled Socks from sweater sleeves

This is a neat way to recycle an old sweater...



Pearls & Scissors: DIY Upcycled Socks from sweater sleeves: I'm so excited to share this tutorial with you! The creation of these socks was like an "ahaa" moment. I have been trying to think of way...

Have stale bread or too much bread??

Make cheesy bread.  My kids love it.  Simply put shredded cheese (any kind) on top and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes.  Goes great with soups or on its own.  Today, it  is going with tomato soup for our lunch.

You can also use garlic bread as well.

Leftover bread can also be shredded up and froze for stuffing.

You can also cube bread, and brush with melted butter and seasonings and toast it to make your own croutons.

Or, as a last resort, feed it to the birds!!

KC area homeschoolers Skate Day

Hey everyone! We are having our roller skating this Friday from 1:00 to 2:30 at the Northland Rolladium in Liberty. Kids are welcome to wear costumes this month. Please keep the costumes little kid friendly, and above the skate line so they don't trip. Admissions are $3.50 a person, includes skates. 

Squaw Creek Fall Family Day

Home Educators,

Squaw Creek Nat. Wildlife Refuge is holding its Fall Family Day, this Saturday, 13 October.

Where: Squaw Creek NWR, near Mound City.

When: Sat. 13 Oct

Time: 10a - 3 p

Lots of stations with fun experiences:

Archery

.22 shooting

Tools of wildlife biology

canoeing

loess hills nature walk

habitat seminar

frog catching

fly fishing

bait casting

animal tracks and sign

duck maze

radio telemetry

GPS

Wildlife Capture Dart projector

Lots of things to see and do!

Great nature/biology/conservation field trip!

Cary D. Chevalier, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology,

Certified Wildlife Biologist

Department of Biology
Missouri Western State University
4525 Downs Dr.
St. Joseph, MO 64507
Ph: 816.271.4252
Email: cchev@missouriwestern.edu

Seasons

Summer is fading, and fall is arriving here in farmland.  The leaves are turning and falling.  Hopefully I have mowed the yard for the last time.  The garden is finished for this year, except for some cabbage which is happy to see some cool temperatures.  The corn (such as it was after this summers drought) has been taking in, and the beans are being worked on as I type.  Normally the cows get turned into the cornfields to graze, but not this year.  The nitrates in the corn are too high from the lack of summer rains, and for the cows to eat them would cause death.

Our family has been going through some of life's seasons.  In a 3 week period, we have or are about to experience 2 funerals and 2 weddings.  A friend is also expecting a baby, and another baby just arrived.  The past year our family faced that hard first year loved ones experience after someone passes.  We went through that year for 2 family members-gone, but never forgotten.  Some family friends of ours also faced that first year.  My husbands family is just beginning to face that first year as he lost his aunt last week.

Life goes on, just as the seasons continue to cycle round and round.  Sometimes life is rough and not easy, and sometimes the summers are hot and dry and the winters cold and wind.  Sometimes life is wonderful and sweet and we have gentle springs and perfect weather.   It is all as God planned it.

But, memories are still here.  Memories of better days, no sickness, holidays, dinners, stories and jokes.  Our mind plays pictures of the past daily.  Take pictures, write down the stories and memories.  Tell the next generation.  Pass it on down.

Kansas City area Scholarship Opportunities for Homeschoolers

VFW SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen programs are two of the exclusive awards that the Veterans of Foreign Wars has to offer. The Deadline for these scholarships is Nov. 1.

Contact Edythe Weber for complete details and registration information (816-830-0350 cell phone).

Prizes are awarded at the local, district, state and national levels, including cash, savings bonds, and scholarships.

Buddies on the farm

We have a old, old black lab, Bo.  He is lame after a run in with a UPS truck, and only has had the use of 3 legs for several years.

We have a little black kitten, who got up into the motor of my car and jumped out miles from home.  She was missing for almost a week when we found her beside the highway.  She was healthy when she disappeared, but lame when we found her.  A trip to the vet and a round of steroids helped some, but she still has only half use of one of her front legs.

Since the kitten got injured, the dog has become her best friend.  This is how they sleep when it is chilly.  Rebecca snapped this picture of them napping a few minutes ago.

The younger lab, Duke likes to chase the kittens now and then, and this one runs to old Bo for protection.   Duke won't dare chase the momma cat, as she will turn and slap his nose with her claws out.  More than once she has sent him off, whimpering and crying.

Happy Birthday Hubby...

I won't say how many years...but its MORE than mine!!!

Its Done, well for now anyway...

For several months now, I have been working on an old kitchen hutch my husband had in the garage, given to him by his Uncle Dean years ago.  It held a variety of tools,fishing equipment, grease guns and the like.  It was stuffed so full, the drawers would not shut, and the glass cabinet doors for some reason had been removed.

It had character, too much character to be shoved into a corner of the garage, never seen, exposed to the heat and cold, abused......  So, I decided to rescue it.

Before

So, I took it apart (it was 2 separate pieces)  I soon found out the large chip out of the enamel top on the bottom piece, was not a missing chip after all--it was black paint, which came right off.  Then I started stripping, and stripping and stripping....It had at least 11 coats of paint on it, some which I am sure contained lead.  Lead paint means you can not use the heat gun, or the sander...So, I had to chemical strip...and strip...and strip.

 In its past, it has been several shades of white,cream, yellow, peach, pink, 2 shades of green, one drawer had lavender on it....a little of every color.

I don't think the top and bottom went together originally   They are of 2 different woods and construction styles, and the handles are different.

But, that adds to the character.

The wood has been damaged in several pieces.  Some I repaired, others I left alone--for the character.

I tried to go for the shabby chic or distressed look.  My husband though, calls it the "it looks like she didn't finish it look"....I even showed him pieces on eBay going for several thousands dollars with the same look....He wasn't impressed.

I declared it done--for now.  Later I want to paint our bedroom, but I don't know what color.  When I do, I will probably go over the piece with a paste stain to compliment the room color.  That might be in a month, or five years from now.  So, I went ahead and moved it into my bedroom, and relocated some other items into it.  It provides great storage and a good place to show off some of the small antiques and glass items.

You can tell the pine bottom is darker than the top.  When I stain it, that will even out some--I am leaning towards a sage green or mauve stain....maybe.

Now, I need to switch a couple other pieces of furniture around, to balance the room, as  I now have 2 tall pieces side by side, and it just makes the room seem tilted..  That will be tomorrows project.

Swapping and bartering....

If you happen to be in Northern MO, or North KC area.....check out the fairly new facebook page:    Swap/ Barter Services in Northern Missouri  It is about bartering the old fashioned --trading goods and services--what you don't need for what you do need.  

If your not in this area, check and see if there is a group for the area you are in, or start one if there is not.

4H and coop

Last week was busy.  We had our first 4H meeting of the year.  Emily and I also spent the night Friday night at my parents, then left at o dark thirty for Columbia (again...my car is getting good at this trip) for Emily to speak in the 4H State Speech contest.  My mom went with us, which was nice as she got to hear Emily speak.  Emily has entered (and won) numerous speaking contest, but it was the first time my mom has been able to hear her.  In a way, it was rather sad, as last year after the contest we went directly to the hospital so that she could show her trophy to her Aunt Debbie, whom we lost to cancer this January. That memory was in the back of our minds all day.  Then back home again.

After a busy week last week, and weekend, today we had our first classroom day at coop.  I am one of the parents in the middle school class.  We have either 7 or 8 students in the class.  Last week, was a field trip week, so this was the first class after (next week will be another field trip).  For our class project, the kids are making a blog.   This will give them some hands on computer and web experience, writing experience and photography.  They will be writing a review of all the field trips we take throughout the semester.  Also, they plan on having some secondary pages that will tie in with our trips or homeschooling.  They also will allow parents to place ads on the site, but we are unsure as to what we will do with the profits yet--possibly an end of semester party, or for a mission.  It was neat to see the kids get excited about making the blog.  It is just in the beginning stages, but you can check out what got done today on it.

4H

It is fall, which means time to join 4H. Plattsburg Pioneers are having their first meeting of the year on Thursday 9/20 at 6pm at the Clinton County Youth building on 116 hwy. To be in 4H, a child needs to be 8, if they are younger than 8, they are a "clover kid". Dues are $17 per child per year. Each child picks their own projects that they are interested in--there are a ton to pick from, including but not limited to archery, 22 rifle, baking, cake decorating, horses, cooking, sewing, photography, cattle, goats, rabbits, cats, dogs, chickens, quilts, scrapbooking...you name it, its a project. If interested--show up!! We normally meet the third Thursday of each month. Although we are in Clinton County, kids of any county can join our club.

If you are in Missouri, but not in our area, but interested in 4H, go to the Missouri state 4H website  On the left side, enter your county.  Then, click on club info.  If no clubs come up, call your local 4H extension office.

4H is WONDERFUL and is easily incorporated into homeschooling. There are projects for every subject, and if you can't find your subject,  create your own as a self determined project.

Field Trip review Deanna Rose Children's Farm in Overland Park KS

Yesterday our homeschool coop took a field trip to the Deanna Rose Farmstead in Overland Park KS.  If you haven't been there, you need to go.  It was our first visit and we loved it.  We thought it would be more for younger kids, but the teens had just as much fun, as did the adults.  If you go Monday-Thursday, it is free.  Parking is up close, and there is a place outside to sit and eat, so you can take your own lunch and leave and return to the park with very little walking.

These are the bigger goats, which you can feed goat feed to, out of your hand.

Begging for a  free handout.

The homestead has over 200 animals, a school house, milking barn, chicken coop, barn, General store, bank, gardens and much more.  Most activities are hands on.  They close at 5 p.m. and right before they close, they have a goat race, which is very entertaining.

This little house was inside one of the gardens.  It is lined with wire fencing.  I think it would make a cute house for a sandbox.  You could tarp the roof or plant a vine over it.  The wire fencing would keep cats out of the sandbox....

Another cute little house in the children's garden.

The farmstead also features an Kanza (Kaw) Indian round mound house.  The staff member that was in the Indian house was an actual Indian, and full of information.  We spent over an hour in the house listening to her as she explained how it was built and a bit about the culture.  The house was 40 ft round, perfectly insulated and could sleep 45 people.  Inside it were skins, furs, and many tools.  I could have listened to her talk for another hour!

The park is all paved, very easy for a wheelchair or stroller to get around.  It has lots of benches in the shade to sit and rest and a playground park for the kids.

We've been busy learning "outside the box"

Like many homeschooling families, we don't just study a text book.  In fact, this year, we have NO text books as we are using computer based SOS.  Having our core subjects on the computer has its advantages--first, if we are away from home, it is much simpler to take a laptop vs 7 text books, and second, the girls are getting keyboarding and typing experience.

 We also use other resources for our schooling, such as scouts, youth group, volunteer work and 4H to name a few.  Last weekend, Rebecca and I went to Stewart MO for her to compete in the state .22 shoot which she and her fellow county 4H team had qualified for.  It was a huge event, and I do mean huge.  60 kids at a time shot their .22 on the range, and there were several sets to go through.  Meanwhile, other areas of the range had trap shooting, archery, pistol, hunting skills, air rifle....all going on at the same time.  Some kids were involved in several different activities. 

She shot the 4P (positions) which are standing, sitting, kneeling and prone.

The white boxes ahead are their targets.  She was number 23

Thru 4H and my husband, she has learned gun safety and maintenance as well as shooting.  She is now my snake shooter here on the farm.  Snakes can be a real problem when you have chickens and rabbits.

 I was impressed with the kids, their skills and their behavior.  I think I also lost some weight that day!  1/4 mile walk from where we parked to the club house, then a 1 mile hike to where she had to register to shoot.  Many families took wagons to haul all their guns and gear in, however, no wagon will fit in my little car, which isn't much bigger than a wagon!  It was chilly and overcast, but the rain held off until after we were finished.  We should get the results in a week or so as to how she and her team did.  I am confident that if she had to hunt for her own food, she could do it.

Meanwhile, my one publicschooler, Emily, was also learning outside of the classroom.  I pulled her out of school for 2 days so she could take an online class and a 2 day workshop and testing for the American Heart Association.  She passed with flying colors, and is now one of the  youngest (16) American Heart Association Instructors.  She can teach various CPR levels, all the first aid classes, blood-borne pathogens and more.  She can teach her own classes or assist me when I have a large class that requires a second instructor.  The instructor workshop is one that many adults do NOT pass, so I am proud of her.  

Normal?

If you have G rated DVD's to pass on.....

Someone has stolen all the DVD's from the Infusion Room at Texas Children's Hospital. When children with cancer are receiving inpatient chemo, these are the movies they watch. The Layla Grace Foundation is collecting G rated DVD's - used is fine - to replenish the library.

Please send them to:
Layla Grace Foundation
12320 Barker Cypress Rd
Suite 600 #264
Cypress, Tx 77429

Through the end of September.

Multi-region (from overseas) DVD's won't work. Their players are old. Thanks to the people who have asked.

After September, please use the below address:

Texas Children's Clinical Care Center
Floor 3; Ste. 350
6701 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77030

Kansas City 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

On Sunday I participated as a volunteer EMT for the Kansas City Memorial 9/11 stair climb.  It was an awesome, very rewarding experience.  Just the opening ceremony alone was enough to bring a person to tears, especially when the bagpipers started playing Amazing Grace.

343 firefighters from 68 departments and 7 states participated in the climb of 110 flights of stairs.

Yesterday and today, we have skipped some of our regular homeschooling to watch the numerous TV programs of 9-11.  My girls remember when this happened.  We will NOT forget.

Our homeschool coop is changing it up a bit

At least for this semester, our homeschool coop is changing direction.  Instead of having all traditional in house weekly classes, we are adding 2 field trips a month.  So, on week 1, we have coop and learn about what we will be doing on week 2, and on week 2 we will have a field trip.  On week 3, we will discuss what we learned on week 2 and do an appropriate reinforcement activity, and discuss what we will see on week 4.  The kids will be divided up by age groups so the learning will be on their levels.

I am looking forward to it as there are many things in the Kansas City area I haven't seen or taken the girls to yet.  Some of our field trips will be free ones, others won't, but doing it with coop means we will qualify as a school group and get a group rate.

On regular coop meeting days, we will continue to meet at our Independence MO location.
On field trip weeks, we will meet at our field trip location.

So far, its not too late to join, so if you want more information--contact me.  Fees are $10 per family for the semester, plus any field trip fees (and sack lunches).

Clay County MO and 4H

For anyone living in Clay County, Missouri and interested in joining 4H, there is an open house Thurs., Sept. 13 at 6:00 at the Earnest shepherd Youth Center.

This event is designed to give prospective members an opportunity to learn about the various clubs in Clay County.  You will get to meet with the club leaders and other members and get an introduction to what 4H is exactly.

Success

Today we held the creation workshop for homeschoolers.  We had between 54 and 57 in attendance (depending on who counted).  We had kids, parents, Grandparents and educators.  It was a great group of kids--very very well behaved.  The kids asked some pretty good questions throughout the workshop and some of the adults gave some very good information as well.

One of the creatures we discussed was the black and yellow garden spider, and currently one has set up housekeeping outside one of our garage doors.  I thought of capturing her, and taking her with me, but as I got closer to her with a jar, she seemed to get bigger and meaner looking.  So she stayed home.

Another creature we discussed was the humming bird, which we have several of this year here at the farm.  After they move on this winter, I am going to get one of their nest (I know what tree they are in from watching them) and next time I will have some items for the kids to look at.

Lewis and Clark are in St Joseph MO

Press Release -  For Immediate Release
St. Joseph,MO Visitors Bureau

Lewis and Clark Discovery Expedition Returns to
St. Joseph September 7-9th.


Contacts:

Andrea George,Remington Nature Center manager, 816-676-3204.
Tom Ronk, Lewis and Clark Discovery Expedition - 573-690-0930


St. Joseph, MO - August 27, 2012- The Lewis and Clark Discovery Expedition will be returning to St. Joseph on Friday, Sept 7th by way of the Missouri River.  The expedition consisting of 2 replica Lewis & Clark Pirogues (boats), one 41 feet long and the other 39 feet long, will arrive at the grounds of theRemington Nature Center Friday afternoon.

Open Camp will be held from 9am-2pm Saturday, Sept 8, 2012 near the Remington Nature Center (RNC). During this time the public is invited to see firsthand how Lewis and Clark traveled into Northwest Missouri over 200 years ago; Learn about their boats, the weapons they used, what they wore, and many other elements. This amazing history will come alive before your eyes!

The Open Camp will include the following demonstrations and educational programs, and are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Uniforms and Weapons
Rope Making
Fire Making
View the Pirogues
1804 Medicine

Though Open Camp demonstrations are only going to be held between 9am- 2pm on Saturday, the public is invited to walk through camp and talk to the many re-enactors at other times between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning. Sunday, the boats will departSt. Joseph at approximately 8-8:30 am, and camp will break down between 9am-10am.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition is sponsored by the RemingtonNature Center and the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau. This event will be located on the grounds of the RNC. Guests who wish to tour the RNC or use the restroom facilities will need to pay admission: $3 for adults, $2 for seniors 60 and over, and $1 for youth ages 4-15. Children 3 and under are free. Anyone 15 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. Public restroom facilities are located near the boat ramp. The RNC is located at 1502 MacArthur Drive ·St. Joseph, MO 64505.  http://www.stjoenaturecenter.info  

Lewis andClark Expedition Schedule: Subject to weather & river conditions.

Arrival at approximately 12 noon on Friday, September 7, 2012. Will land at French Bottoms boat ramp, near RNC. The expedition will camp near the RNC that evening. The expedition will leave on Sunday, September 9, as they continue their journey on theMissouri River. More info on the expedition and boats can be found at http://www.lewisandclark.net.

About St. Joseph, MO Visitors Bureau

The St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau was established byBuchanan County voters in the spring of 1993 with the purpose of advertising and promoting tourism in Buchanan County, Missouri. The CVB is governed by a board of seven members and is a political subdivision of the Buchanan County Commission.

Mennonite Girls Can Cook: Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade

Mennonite Girls Can Cook: Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade: It has been rather warm here lately...and we have been enjoying watermelon in salads, for dessert and even in our drinks. A nice cold glass ...



I tried this and it is gooood.

A Thought to Ponder

Remember, today's might oak tree is yesterday's nut that held its ground.

Despite some rain, our burn ban continues

Our county has been under a burn ban since June.

We have had a few sprinkles of rain here and there, and finally had a good stead rain for about 30 hours last week, but its not enough.  My husband noticed that the rain looked like more than it really was--no water was running in the ditches, and the ponds didn't come up any.  Several in our area have ponds that are completely empty, and even after the rain, the ponds are still completely empty--not even a puddle in them.  In fact, the only puddles we had after the rain were on concrete or in the driveway where the rocks slowed the water down.  And, even those puddles were short lived.  In fact, even after the 30 hour steady rain, if you go outside and dig a hole in the ground, only the top 2 inches of dirt are even damp.  A good part of the rain water was absorbed by plant roots and ran into cracks in the ground.  We needed a lot more than we got, but are thankful for what we did it--which was just enough for the weeds to grow (not the grass-just weeds), so I will be mowing soon, which I have not done since July 1.

If you are in NW Missouri, the burn ban status can be seen here.  As of now:

Burn Bans In Effect

Clinton County – All Burning and Discharge of Fireworks is prohibited by order of the Clinton County Commission.
City of Cameron and Cameron Rural Fire Protection District – All Burning and Discharge of Fireworks is prohibited.
Plattsburg Fire Protection District, Including the City of Plattsburg: All Burning and Discharge of Fireworks is prohibited.
Caldwell County – All Burning and Discharge of fireworks is prohibited by order of the Caldwell County Commission.
Daviess County – All Burning is prohibited, the discharge of fireworks is highly discouraged.
Grundy County – All Burning and Discharge of Fireworks is prohibited.
Livingston County – All Burning and Discharge of Fireworks is prohibited.
Harrison County – All Burning is prohibited.
Gentry County – All Burning and Discharge of Fireworks prohibited effective 7/5/2012.
Atchison County – All Burning is prohibited.
Holt County – All Burning is prohibited.
Buchanan County – All burning is prohibited.
City of Osborn – Voluntary Water Use Restriction.
City of Braymer - Voluntary Water Use Restriction.
Other restrictions and bans will be added when they are issued. Please Check this page often for further information.

People are under the (wrong) impression that because we got some rain, they can burn.  As a result, there have been fires.  Some friends of ours lost their woodpile and part of their back yard while burning trash.  A house fire was started as the result of shooting off fireworks. Several fields have been lost by people throwing a cigarette out the window or farmers burning brush.  The trees are dry and easy to ignite.  Corn is dead and dry in the fields and burns easily.  A large fire in Braymer was started as the result of a lawn mower hitting a rock, creating a spark.

This corn should be a deep dark healthy green.  It should not be brown and crunchy....

What does that mean for farmers??  Well, the corn crop is gone--many farms in the area have already taken their corn in (some simply to lessen the fire hazard), other corn is brown and dead still in the field.  Depending on when the soybeans were planted, some might make it, for others who planted early due to the mild winter, they have lost their beans.  Ponds are low or gone, forcing some farmers to water their stock by well water or purchased water.  Some have even sold part of their cattle and hogs to avoid having to haul water.  Cattle who use trees for shade have lost some or all of their shade as many trees have died, depending on the tree type as some require more rain than others.  Gardens are pretty much dead or only produces a portion of what they normally would have with rain and cooler temps.

More dead, ruined corn

So,  What does that mean to you then?
Well, in turn, the grocery prices will be going up, and feed will be going up (especially the feeds that contain corn and soybeans).  Milk prices will be going up (cows eat corn and drink water).  Since the rain wasn't enough, many areas continue to have water shortages and people are fined if they water their lawn, garden, fill a pool or wash a car.  The water is needed for fire protection, drinking, cooking, and bathing.  If the drought continues, water prices will also be going up.

We lost several fruit trees.  This should be loaded with huge juicy apples.  Instead, it has a few hard tart apples.

We have the pitter patter of tiny new hooves...

Nothing a farmer likes more than to come home and find a new calf.

 We haven't been able to get to close to it to check its...um,...er...its "undercarriage", but by the neck line and square lines of the head, we are thinking it is a little bull.  We have named it Liberty, since we were in Liberty when it was born.  (Aren't we original with our names?)

Here is the proud momma and daddy.  Don't tell daddy, but he is next in line for the deep freeze, probably some time this winter.  The rest of our herd is Angus, so we are slowly phasing out the Charolais and Shorthorns.  I think we are going to have another calf in a few months, judging on the appearance of one of the Angus ladies.

Our cows are rather spoiled at times.  I am not sure they even are aware they are cows.  I think they think they are large dogs.

Last night we had sweet corn and one of the girls threw the husks over the fence for the cows.  This morning JD saw one of the ladies at the fence eating it, with a smug look on her face.  He noticed she didn't let on to the others what she had.  To them, its like candy.  She kept it a secret and didn't share any.

Todays Funny.....

I got this from my friend Maggie,.....I couldn't resist!

FREE creation workshop for homeschoolers in Holt MO

Creation Workshop for Homeschoolers and their Families

Incredible Creatures that Defy Evolution

Come join us for a free* workshop on why the Bible is correct and Science is wrong about creation.  We will be viewing the Christian DVD series “Incredible Creatures that Defy Evolution”.  It is an excellent and colorful DVD, with numerous examples, easy language, and new evidence as to why creation DID take place as the Bible says it did in Genesis.  This is going to be a learning class, to give us answers and help provide our kids with some armor for when they are questioned about their beliefs in college and life.  This is NOT to be a debate.

This workshop will be on Friday Sept 7 in Holt MO at the Holt Christian Church, corner of 2^nd and Franklin.   We will begin at 9 a.m. and be done no later than 3 (probably closer to 2-depending on discussion, visiting and questions).  Please bring your own sandwiches and ALSO a potluck dish to share.  (Access to full kitchen)  PLEASE NO PEANUTS OR NUTS DUE TO SOME WITH SEVERE NUT ALLERGIES.    I will provide cups and plates, ice water, Kool-Aid and tea.

We will begin at 9 a.m. with introductions, then view the first half of the DVD series.  We will break for lunch for an hour, to give everyone time to eat, visit and wiggle.  Then, we will clean up our lunch mess and view the 2^nd half.  I will have worksheets for the kids as well.  Since we have some who are traveling quite a distance, it was decided to do it in one session.

If your kids want to bring a game for the break time, that is fine-weather permitting they can go outside, as we have a fenced playground, and also a grass lot that is kept mowed they can play on as well.  If it is raining (yeah if it is!! We need it) they could play board games inside.

This would be best understood for probably grades 6 and up.  However, even the younger ones will enjoy watching the animals in the videos and learning about them.  I would like all the kids to please read the creation (first 2 chapters of Genesis), before the class.  The older kids could outline what happened on what day, and the younger kids could make a picture of their favorite creation day.

There is a nursery that opens into the sanctuary, it won’t be staffed, but the parent can easily sit in the doorway of the nursery and still see the video.

I’d like an RSVP with the number of attending to ensure I have enough chairs set up and drinks.  You can RSVP by sending me a comment,

*This is a FREE event, but if you care to drop something into the offering plate to help with the utilities that day that’s fine-if not, that’s fine too!

Holt Christian Church is a nondenominational Christian Church.    Should you get lost the morning of, the church number is 816 320-2276.  However, Holt is a town of 294, so you should not get too lost!

Since this photo was taken, the church has added a sign.  The playground is to the left of the photo, and is fenced with a wooden fence.  33 hwy is on the otherside of the playground.  So, as you enter Holt from either direction, just look for the playground and turn there!!

Do you have a homeschooled senior this year, in KCMO area??

The website fheseniorclass.com   is up and running.  If you have a high school senior this year and want to participate in senior year activities and graduation, please visit this site.  It will be the primary source of information regarding the 2013 senior class.    Meeting dates and planned activities will be posted there.

At the website, click on 'Contact Us' to register your high school senior and sign up for the senior email list.

You must be a member of FHE, Families for Home Education, in order to participate.  You can join FHE at fhe-mo.org or at the first graduation meeting.  The meeting is Thursday, Sept. 27 at 6:30pm at Country Meadows Baptist Church, 4901 S. Lee's Summit Road, KCMO.  Please do not contact the church.  See you there

Regards,
The FHE Senior Class Leadership Team  

Making your own stepping stone

A friend shared this one on facebook....

We have done this for outdoor stepping stones with quickcrete mix and using a box or plastic cake dome for the mold.

This one is flour, so not sure how it would hold up outside, but would be cute to hang on the wall.  You could probably add food coloring while mixing it up and a hanger to it while still damp.

• 

Reader Response: DIY recycled key holder from an old broken rake

After yesterdays request, a reader responded with her handmade key holder.  She got the idea from here.  She broke the handle off her rake.  When she went to the hardware store to get a new handle, she found it was several dollars cheaper to buy a whole new rake, than to buy just the handle.

What to do with the rake part?????

Well, she made one of these with the rake.  It can be used to hang keys, leashes, stemware, towels...whatever!  Cost??  $0.  Just make sure when you attach it to the wall, that you hit a stud.

 

This last one has key chains on it, made from recycled jeans.  Cute gift idea that only would cost pennies for the ribbon and metal rings.

OK, So that is the first frugal idea a reader has sent, (I am going to search the barn and see if I can come up with a broken rake to use as a pot holder rack in the kitchen).

Keep sending them in --recipes, homeschooling ideas, gifts, garden....anything that YOU do or have seen done that is a money saver.  And, we will share!

For my readers...What do you make on your own to save money or for a better quality product?

Like many homeschooling families, I stay home for the most part.  I say for the most part, because I do work some part time as an EMS instructor for my own business and also as a pinch hitter for a couple of friends in the same business.  I also sometimes sub teach.  The nice thing about my line of work is that I control when I want to work (or don't want to work).

My husband is the breadwinner.  We don't like credit and try to avoid it.  We try to owe no one, as the Bible teaches.  I like how this site puts it:

 Question: "What does the Bible say about managing your finances?"

Answer: The Bible has a lot to say about managing finances. Concerning borrowing, the Bible generally advises against it. See Proverbs 6:1-5; 20:16; 22:7, 26-27 (“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.... Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you”). Over and over again, the Bible warns against the accumulation of wealth and encourages us to seek spiritual riches instead. Proverbs 28:20: “A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.” See also Proverbs 10:15; 11:4; 18:11; 23:5.

Proverbs 6:6-11 offers wisdom concerning laziness and the financial ruin that inevitably results. We are told to consider the industrious ant who works to store up food for itself. The passage also warns against sleeping when we should be working at something profitable. A “sluggard” is a lazy, slothful person who would rather rest than work. His end is assured—poverty and want. At the other end of the spectrum is the one who is obsessed with gaining money. Such a one, according to Ecclesiastes 5:10, never has enough wealth to satisfy him and must be constantly grasping more and more. First Timothy 6:6-11 also warns against the trap of desiring wealth.

So, in order to stay within our means, I save where I can, and often make things others buy.

I'd like to hear from my readers.  What do you do to save?  What do you make that others buy?  I'd like to gather ideas and then share them with the rest of my followers.

For example, I sew and have been working with my daughters in sewing and crocheting, I bake our bread, make our laundry soap and cleaners.  We raise our own eggs, beef, fish, pork and garden.  We have fruit trees and a vineyard.

So, send me your ideas, projects, pictures, recipes for me to share.  Be sure to put your blog name or name on them so you get the credit!!

Once Upon a Family: Homemade Mayonnaise

This has a great recipe to make your own mayonnaise, complete with some pictures!


Once Upon a Family: Homemade Mayonnaise

WORLDWIDE STEP ON CANCER 2012

If you are on facebook, please join this event, created by my 16 year old niece Molly in memory of our  Debbie (her mom) who we lost from cancer in January.  Then, after you join, invite all your facebook friends.

She has created this as a cancer awareness day.  You can do it from anywhere, requires no money, and the only time involved is as long as it takes you to write the word cancer on the bottom on your shoes. Say a prayer as you do for cancer patients, survivors, families and the medical personnell.   If you don't want to write on your shoe bottoms, write it on tape and stick it to the bottom of your shoe.

It is a public event, entitled WORLDWIDE STEP ON CANCER 2012
October 24 at 12:00am until October 25 at 12:00am

"2nd Annual worldwide step on cancer :) All you have to do is write cancer on the bottom of your shoes!!! This is a symbolic event. tol have a sense of togetherness and show people going through cancer that they are not alone in their fight! Lets do this! Lets STEP ON CANCER!!! if you have any questions you can msg me on facebook.

I know I made an event for September 2, but that was before my mother passed away. My mother, Debbie Espey passed away on January 12, 2012 and she will forever be in our hearts ...

and minds. October 24 is my mothers birthday and i want to do another worldwide event like i did last time.

STEP ON CANCER was created by me last year. I first came up with the idea after I thought about something my mom said to my brother. My mother jokingly asked my brother if he was shooting cancer cells while playing call of duty. I then thought well why dont I just STEP ON CANCER. This is an event that can be done anywhere on Earth and by anyone. All you have to do is litterally write CANCER on the bottom of your shoes and walk. You can do this anywhere, at the store, work, school, anywhere at all!!

Cancer is an evil, evil thing. It is not something to be taken lightly and i know for a fact that almost everyone has dealt with some kind of cancer.

So I ask you... Will you join me in the event to STEP ON CANCER?"

Homestead Survival: DIY window farms

Wouldn't this make a neat home school project for older kids?  I am thinking of doing  this one with the girls at home in the windows on the south side of our dining room.  These directions require a water pump, but I think you could do it without the pump and just hand water it daily or several times a day.

Homestead Survival: DIY window farms: http://www.mrkate.com/2012/03/25/diyable-window-farms/

couponmom.com

This is my favorite site to figure out this weeks sales to match with coupons.  The reason it is my favorite is because it figures it all out for me!  Looks like I can get several freebies this week, by using my coupons for items that are on sale.

Our routine is to pick up the Sunday paper after church.  Then during youth group I clip the coupons while the kids are doing their thing.  Then on Monday I go to couponmom.com and match them up to the coupons in my coupon book.  Once you sign up at couponmom.com, you also get weekly emails telling you the deals of the week.

I couldn't find a coupon folder that I really liked, so I made my own.  I used clear photo pages  and labeled them for my coupon categories.  I don't like standing around in the store aisles digging for a coupon, so my categories are broken down more than the ones you find in the pre-made coupon folders.

In the back of my book, I have clear page protector sheets, labeled with the various stores that I shop at.  Each store gets its own page.  Into that page, I then put the stores weekly ad, and the coupons for that store that I intend to use on my trip.  That way, I have it all together when I go into the store.

When I go into the store, I could just pull on that stores page, but, I usually take my entire coupon book in with me.  This way, if I find unadvertised specials or a marked down item in the dented box bin (great for cereal deals), I have my coupon book with me to see if I can match it.

Every couple of weeks I go through the book and pull out any expired coupons.  This is also a good job to give to the girls.  The girls also sometimes help me clip coupons and match them up to sale ads.

Its only a good deal though, if the sale price minus coupon price is less than what I would pay elsewhere, and that it is an item I can either use myself or donate.

Often I get shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and toothpaste for free by using the above method.couponmom.com

Missouri Auction

I would think other states probably have similar auctions as well.

Why English is Hard to Learn

Homeschool Soccer in Kansas City area

IT IS NOT TOO LATE, You still have a time to join.



Kansas City East Christian Academy Lions are looking for a couple more soccer players for it’s fall team.  Potential players need to be in 7th grade or up to 12th grade.   Practices are Monday and Thursday nights at 40 acres and a Mule at 7620 E. 79th street KC, MO(near Gregory Blvd and I-435).   Homeschoolers and Christian School players make up this team.



Please email Larry Johnson at mlkj1004@sbcglobal.net