Dancing Elves

We did this last year and the kids just love to watch it over and over. Go and Elf yourself, you’ll be glad you did…

School of Fish

Science of the Shoelace

What can you possibly do with all the endless fun, useful and useless, interesting, time consuming, never ending amount of information you can find on the internet?  I don’t know the answer but I do know that I love to share what I find with you.

“Fun, fashion & science in this quirky site about shoelaces. Whether you want to learn to lace shoes, tie shoelaces, stop shoelaces from coming undone, calculate shoelace lengths or even repair aglets, Ian’s Shoelace Site has the answer!”

This is a very amusing website!  You are sure to learn some facts that you never knew were possible!

Ian’s Shoelace Site

Book List for Easter

The Tale of Three Trees By Angela Elwell Hunt / David C. Cook Featuring the wonderful illustrations of Tim Jonke, this best-selling children’s book tells the Easter story from a new and unusual point of view. Three trees on a mountain dream of what they wanted to become when they grew up. One wants to be a treasure chest, another an ocean-going boat, and the third a signpost to God. Their wishes come true in a way they never expected. Children will be deeply touched as they understand, perhaps for the first time, the significance of Christ’s life and his atoning sacrifice on the cross. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

The Legend of the Easter Egg, Picture BookBy Lori Walburg / ZonderkidzIn The Legend of the Easter Egg, young Thomas learns the deeper meaning behind Easter eggs and the Easter story itself.One April morning, a boy and his older sister go outside to gather eggs. “Let’s pretend we’re hunting Easter eggs!” Lucy says. “What are Easter eggs?” Thomas wonders. Later, when Lucy falls sick, Thomas goes to stay with John and Mary Sonneman at their candy store. But all the candy he could desire does not cure Thomas’s aching heart. Only when Mary Sonneman shares with him the story of Easter does he understand the hope he has–and what he can do about his sister’s illness.Featuring the beloved setting and characters from the best-selling Legend of the Candy Cane, this moving story takes us deeper into the mystery of Christianity. Dramatic illustrations by James Bernardin underscore the chilling fear of separation and death–and the dazzling joy of reunion and new life. Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

The Parable of the Lily, 10th Anniversary Edition: The Parable Series #2By Liz Curtis Higgs / Tommy NelsonWhen Maggie, the farmer’s daughter, receives a mysterious gift, she’s disappointed to find it’s only some dirt and a lifeless bulb. But after tossing it out, she discovers that what was dead has come to life as a beautiful Easter lily! Kids will cherish the 10th anniversary edition of Higgs’s beloved story of love, giving, and forgiving. Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

My First Story of Easter By Tim Dowley / Moody Publishers Looking for a traditional rendition of Easter story to read to your 4- to 7-year-olds? Tim Dowley’s My First Story of Easter retells the biblical account in simple terms, complete with bright, cheery illustrations that are sure to put a smile on the face of the reader. This Easter, give the children in your life the best gift of all–a story that explains the reason for the season–not the Easter bunny and colored eggs, but rather Christ crucified and resurrected! Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

The Very First Easter, Softcover By Paul L. Maier / Concordia Publishing House This book offers a historically accurate description of the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection through Scripture and beautiful artwork.Ten-year-old Christopher wants to know the story behind the story and learns important details about this miraculous event that help him understand the season’s celebration. He also discovers his own special link to the very first Easter. The award-winning team of Paul L. Maier and Francisco Ordaz work together again to bring children a vivid picture of Jesus’ last days on Earth. The Very First Easter makes a wonderful gift children, families, and friends. Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Easter Bunny, Are You for Real? Picture Book By Harold Myra / Thomas Nelson What does the Easter Bunny have to do with Easter? Images of the Easter Bunny and egg hunts often seem to overshadow the real meaning of this important Christian holiday. Hopping to the rescue is Easter Bunny, Are You For Real? Through an entertaining story and fun illustrations, children will learn the history behind the holiday, and see beyond the cuddly commercialism to the true celebration of our risen Christ! Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

ESV Deluxe Compact Bible TruTone Chestnut, Crown Design By Crossway Books & Bibles The ESV Deluxe Compact Bible enhances the features that earned the ESV Compact Thinline Bible such popularity. The deluxe edition’s slightly larger trim size and larger font allow it to retain its classic portability while improving its readability.

How Do You Homeschool?

Harmonious Earth

“…And the water below gives a gift to the sky
And the clouds give back every time they cry
And make the grass grow green beneath my toes…”

These are a few lines from the lyrics of a Jack Johnson song called “Talk of the Town”.  You might recognize it from the movie Curious George.  This makes me think of the wonders of God’s creation and how beautifully and harmoniously it all works together.  Have a great day!

Friendship Bread

“What is this stuff?” That was my first question when I saw the goop in a ziplock bag.  It’s the way to a beautiful, fragrant, delicious loaf of bread! “But you add milk, flour, and sugar and just let it sit on the counter for days? Eeeww!!”  But seriously, I have researched it enough now to be completely confident that this is a natural process of bread making. Traditionally this starter is used for sour dough, artisan, or Amish Friendship Bread.  Some of the greatest bakeries use starters that are over 100 years old.

The directions for the bread are not as restrictive as you might think. If you miss a day of mushing or stirring it isn’t going to “kill” the starter.  Also, you do not have to feed it right on day 6 or 10.  It is really just a guideline.  You want to make sure you feed the yeast to keep it alive and active.  Think of it as your new pet, if you will.  Give it some pats and feed it and all will be good!  ;o)

This is a fun way to do a chemistry experiment with the kids!  What is yeast?  How does it live?  Why can you leave it on the counter with milk and eggs in the mix?  You get the idea.

Also, don’t get stressed out by the whole idea of finding friends to pass it on to.  If you can’t,  either freeze the starter so you can have tasty bread later or just dump it.  It’s really just a fun experience.  Pray over the friend who passed it on to you.  Make it fun and enjoy!

Question of the Week – Just for Fun

Tired as a Dog

A cute short story!

An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard; I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was well taken care of. 

He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head; he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep. 

An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out. The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour.

This continued off and on for several weeks. 

Curious I pinned a note to his collar: ‘I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap.’ 

The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his collar: ‘He lives in a home with 6 children, 2 under the age of 3 – he’s trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?

author unknown

Stuck…

My hope is that you and your family had a wonderful and safe Christmas. Wasn’t it just beautiful? God displayed a wonderful winter wonderland that will be remembered for many years. The snow around our house left us unable to get our car out of our driveway (too steep and slippery), and the mailman and delivery trucks unwilling to deliver mail and Christmas presents to our neighborhood. Despite being shut in and without mail or deliveries for over a week, it was fun all the same. Yesterday, as we watched it snow and hadn’t been out for a while, it kinda felt like living in a snow globe. Made me think about the Pixar short, Knick Knack, and I could really feel for that little guy. Enjoy!

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