We have really happened upon some sweet stories on our trips to the library. I tend to scout out the stories that are or could be real. I let the girls read/look through whatever books they desire while at the library, but I monitor the books coming home. I want to want to read them when they get here or they will stay in the bag until we have to haul them back, and it is a haul!! Our library bag gets packed, because it is hard to put an appealing book back on the shelf. So, here are a couple sweet tales that we've read recently:
Miss Bridie Chose a Shovel
Written by: Leslie Connor
Illustrated by Mary Azarian
It is about a single woman immigrant who could have had a figurine or a clock, but chose the shovel off of the barn wall as she left her family home. It shows how she used along her journey through life. She dug a garden and sold plants, she cleared a skating "rink" on the river, where she met her husband. She used the shovel to earn a living, to plant flowers, to remember her husband by planting a tree. She even made a new handle when the original burned in a fire. I should also mention that this book has a sweet sing-song rhythm despite the fact that it doesn't rhyme.
The Story Blanket
Written by: Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz
Illustrated by: Elena Odriozola
A village was snowed in and couldn't receive goods from other towns. A woman, Babba Zarrah, beloved by the children and townspeople for her wisdom and stories, saw a need and met it. Need after need was met and the townspeople were mystified, until all the items put together pointed to Babba Zarrah's missing story blanket. That night the townspeople left a surprise on her doorstep...and the generosity continued!
A Little House Birthday
Adapted from the Little House Books Written by: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Illustrated by: Doris Ettlinger
The title gives the summary of the story. I decided to add this book because one of these "My First Little House Books" often makes it home with us from the library. My kindergartener knows exactly where they are and sneaks it into the library bag. I chose to keep it in the bag this week because of the birthdays coming up in the next month.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Of Interest to Some
I have been inspired by a friend of mine that has been posting almost weekly on her blog. I also, figured out a time that I could do the same. I don't always have monumental moments to share, but I thought I may as well see how long this streak goes. I do have some sewing things to share at a later date (probably after March). We have several family birthdays in March and I don't want to put out any spoilers, in case I do actually have people reading this blog!
A Boy is in the House: Well, Mn had his first bloody nose! He flipped off of the two-step stool in the kitchen and landed on his face/belly. This was a delayed run, so it wasn't so bad. He wasn't really fussy, after the initial shock of it, so I decided it wasn't too major.
Mini Art Gallery: For about a week, I schemed and planned this wall in the main floor half bath. I consulted some family and friends, and then finally started getting things set on the wall. I used some "Command" strips for the little canvas', so as not to make too many holes. On the wall to the left of this picture we changed the direction of our oval mirror. The shape just didn't fit the new sink style, but turning it horizontally on a different wall, worked out just fine. Also, Kevin doesn't know it yet, but I have added a couple new items on the opposite wall from this picture. One is a photo of 3 cousins all dressed up, that I think is most hilarious! One blankly staring with a MegaBlok camera in her arms, one sucking her fingers and the last holding a bear and picking at his tooth, and all looking in different directions.
Budding Cooks: Above is a picture of my eldest, Kj, making her second batch of soup. You can't tell in the background but my usually picture shy, L, is making silly faces for the camera. She is helping her big sister by testing noodles and green beans to check for done-ness. Below, she came out to get her picture taken.
A Boy is in the House: Well, Mn had his first bloody nose! He flipped off of the two-step stool in the kitchen and landed on his face/belly. This was a delayed run, so it wasn't so bad. He wasn't really fussy, after the initial shock of it, so I decided it wasn't too major.
Mini Art Gallery: For about a week, I schemed and planned this wall in the main floor half bath. I consulted some family and friends, and then finally started getting things set on the wall. I used some "Command" strips for the little canvas', so as not to make too many holes. On the wall to the left of this picture we changed the direction of our oval mirror. The shape just didn't fit the new sink style, but turning it horizontally on a different wall, worked out just fine. Also, Kevin doesn't know it yet, but I have added a couple new items on the opposite wall from this picture. One is a photo of 3 cousins all dressed up, that I think is most hilarious! One blankly staring with a MegaBlok camera in her arms, one sucking her fingers and the last holding a bear and picking at his tooth, and all looking in different directions.
Budding Cooks: Above is a picture of my eldest, Kj, making her second batch of soup. You can't tell in the background but my usually picture shy, L, is making silly faces for the camera. She is helping her big sister by testing noodles and green beans to check for done-ness. Below, she came out to get her picture taken.
Monday, February 16, 2015
My Growing Children!
Ok, so this is really just a bragging post. If you're not interested, please just pass on by!
My girls have started preparing our pizzas lately. Also, Kj has now made her first complete supper of Chicken Noodle Soup (Alphabet soup was the recipe, but we couldn't find the alphabet pasta). I did cook the chicken beforehand, but she did the rest. It was such a success. It got excellent reviews from everyone who ate it!
No, not all the words make sense, but she's getting somewhere.
My son, Mn, is now a master stair climber and descender. He hasn't done this trick since the first day, but he does try to climb any stool he comes across.
Kevin took Kj to her first symphony, and she really enjoyed it. L wanted to go to, but it was very late and much too long for a 4 year old. She's had to adjust to the fact that sometimes age does matter, and she can't always do what Kj does. We did make it up to her though. She took her dad to the aquarium and showed him around there. He hadn't been there before, and she was glad to show off all that she had seen before.
Kevin went to a programming class/seminar and came home to show the girls what he learned. They helped him with the programming of this Arduino.
Paper projects and now sewing projects fill a lot of time at our house. We usually something to mail or give away every week. Here the girls decided to make some Valentines that their Curl Grandma could give to her friends.
My "little" L. She went to a 5 and up snowshoeing class. At the beginning of the winter she barely tolerated boots, gloves, and all other layering that goes with winter...here she allowed them to tightly strap on "heavy" (for her) snowshoes! Yeah, yeah, yeah!!
Curl Grandma and Kj are writing poems together. Here are two:
The girls have also been sewing, which has spurred me on as well. So, we are making lots of birthday gifts and whatever other occasion arises that would "require" a gift!
Kj and Kevin have been going to a Bible study together on Monday nights (another thing L can't do yet due to age). But, we have really enjoyed this time together. We get Mn ready for bed together, read to him, and then have time to sit in L's bed and read, read, read. "Can't you pick out another short book?" Oh, ok!! Why not!
I was reminded of this stool and it's previous life enabling watchers. So, I brought it out again and Mn enjoys it. He dances while he's looking out the window. It is hilarious to watch!!
Above, Mn is actually starting a fake cry. It is funny to watch. He turned 11 months on Valentine's Day!! He has a sweet little blanket that he snuggles up to at night. If he is left unattended during the day, he'll climb the stairs go to his room, and try to pull this blanket out of his crib. I then find him either clinging to it (while sucking his fingers) standing by the crib, because he can't quite pull it out all the way, or dragging it towards the stairs.
For Christmas, we encourage "experience" presents and the aunties bought certificates for the children's version of Wine and Canvas. They went for the Valentine's special "Puppy Love". I didn't realize that I would love puppy paintings so much! Here were my girls' paintings L-L (nearly 5), R-Kj (nearly 7). They were sitting across from each other and didn't see each others' paintings until they were complete!
My girls have started preparing our pizzas lately. Also, Kj has now made her first complete supper of Chicken Noodle Soup (Alphabet soup was the recipe, but we couldn't find the alphabet pasta). I did cook the chicken beforehand, but she did the rest. It was such a success. It got excellent reviews from everyone who ate it!
No, not all the words make sense, but she's getting somewhere.
My son, Mn, is now a master stair climber and descender. He hasn't done this trick since the first day, but he does try to climb any stool he comes across.
Kevin took Kj to her first symphony, and she really enjoyed it. L wanted to go to, but it was very late and much too long for a 4 year old. She's had to adjust to the fact that sometimes age does matter, and she can't always do what Kj does. We did make it up to her though. She took her dad to the aquarium and showed him around there. He hadn't been there before, and she was glad to show off all that she had seen before.
Kevin went to a programming class/seminar and came home to show the girls what he learned. They helped him with the programming of this Arduino.
Paper projects and now sewing projects fill a lot of time at our house. We usually something to mail or give away every week. Here the girls decided to make some Valentines that their Curl Grandma could give to her friends.
My "little" L. She went to a 5 and up snowshoeing class. At the beginning of the winter she barely tolerated boots, gloves, and all other layering that goes with winter...here she allowed them to tightly strap on "heavy" (for her) snowshoes! Yeah, yeah, yeah!!
Curl Grandma and Kj are writing poems together. Here are two:
My Dad.
I Love my
Dad. He is a niss
Dady I saide
I Love you Dad.
The Howses
a Hows is a
niss a plas
for my mother
for my dad
Loves my mom.
Kj age 6
2015 2\8th
The girls have also been sewing, which has spurred me on as well. So, we are making lots of birthday gifts and whatever other occasion arises that would "require" a gift!
Kj and Kevin have been going to a Bible study together on Monday nights (another thing L can't do yet due to age). But, we have really enjoyed this time together. We get Mn ready for bed together, read to him, and then have time to sit in L's bed and read, read, read. "Can't you pick out another short book?" Oh, ok!! Why not!
I was reminded of this stool and it's previous life enabling watchers. So, I brought it out again and Mn enjoys it. He dances while he's looking out the window. It is hilarious to watch!!
Above, Mn is actually starting a fake cry. It is funny to watch. He turned 11 months on Valentine's Day!! He has a sweet little blanket that he snuggles up to at night. If he is left unattended during the day, he'll climb the stairs go to his room, and try to pull this blanket out of his crib. I then find him either clinging to it (while sucking his fingers) standing by the crib, because he can't quite pull it out all the way, or dragging it towards the stairs.
For Christmas, we encourage "experience" presents and the aunties bought certificates for the children's version of Wine and Canvas. They went for the Valentine's special "Puppy Love". I didn't realize that I would love puppy paintings so much! Here were my girls' paintings L-L (nearly 5), R-Kj (nearly 7). They were sitting across from each other and didn't see each others' paintings until they were complete!
Friday, February 13, 2015
French Fuse
Since I could not find complete directions in any one online location, I have compiled the bits that I found to make it easier for the next person to use. I was going to put them all in a step-by-step format, but that will have to come at a later date. For now, here is what I have found, including sources:
French fuse lightweight interfacing can be used for quilting applique, for garment interfacing, and to stabilize thin, delicate, or stretchy fabrics. ... Use Instructions: Iron French Fuse to your fabric glue side down with a medium heat, dry iron.(Source)
I have read how many of you have made T-shirt quilts and seen many of the pictures. I am thinking of making one and would like to know what you prefer as a stabilizer for the shirt fronts. I have read that you should use the tricot knit fusible interfacing and run the stretch the opposite direction of the shirt stretch. I also wondered if you should use the fusible cotton interfacing. Any thoughts or advice you can give me is greatly appreciated. (Source)
French fuse lightweight interfacing can be used for quilting applique, for garment interfacing, and to stabilize thin, delicate, or stretchy fabrics. ... Use Instructions: Iron French Fuse to your fabric glue side down with a medium heat, dry iron.(Source)
I have read how many of you have made T-shirt quilts and seen many of the pictures. I am thinking of making one and would like to know what you prefer as a stabilizer for the shirt fronts. I have read that you should use the tricot knit fusible interfacing and run the stretch the opposite direction of the shirt stretch. I also wondered if you should use the fusible cotton interfacing. Any thoughts or advice you can give me is greatly appreciated. (Source)
When you are ironing, the bumpy side should be face down on the wrong
side of the fabric you are fusing, or you'll need some Iron-off.
The rough(bumpy) side is the side you put down on the wrong side of
your material. Place a press cloth on top of the smooth side of the
interfacing, before you place your iron on it. (Source)
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Chocolate Hummus
Original recipe at: The Colorful Kitchen
Recipe with my adjustments:
Recipe with my adjustments:
- 1 1/3 cups cooked chickpeas
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 6 dates, pitted
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3 tbs honey
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Monday, February 9, 2015
A Pretty Little Mess
Well, I thought I was nearly done with a pretty little dress for a pretty little girl, and then I turned over the fabric. Ha! No wonder my machine was having trouble. The purple thread was supposed to be on the other side, this side had green, which I already took out. What a pretty little design, but I'm not looking forward to picking this all out.
With the girls doing so much sewing lately, I have gotten out some things of my own to work on. We have been making birthday gifts!! There are so many birthdays the next couple of months. Last month, little friend, K, received a scrap of fabric with some stitches in it. Last week, little Av received a very small doll purse. The gifts are getting more and more elaborate and more and more complete. We found two matching doilies and some lace, and Kj made a purse with a long strap for Friend H. Can you imagine what they'll be making in 2 months if their sewing rate stays steady!? Below: doorknob decor.
As for me, L knows I made her something, because I had her trying things on. Kj, I started on a gift, but I got stumped, so I put all that I was working with away for a while (or a year). Ok, now for the "seam" ripping!
Weekly Book Post??
I am wondering if I should start a weekly book post. I have written twice previously about some excellent historical books for kids. I keep coming across more and thought that I should keep recording them.
Here are a couple of biographies that we read this week:
(1) Louisa The Life of Louisa May Alcott
Written by: Yona Zeldis McDonough, illustrated by: Bethanne Andersen
Included after the biography are a few early poems, quotes on subjects such as her childhood and work, a recipe and important dates in her life.
(2) Louis Braille The Blind Boy Who Wanted to Read
Written by: Dennis Fradin, illustrated by: Robert Sauber
Did you know that he was 15 years old when he invented the Braille system? There were so many people who were not for this system, including the founder of the blind institute that he attended and later taught at. Many of his early books were burned and had to be re-copied.
Kj is reading so well now. The last couple of weeks that we've gone to the library, we have spent at least an hour there. We find a place to park all of our things and then go back and forth from there to find books and look through them. This last time, I would go find a book, bring it back, and by the time I came back, Kj was reading that book. She did not move from her seat, but kept going through the books that I found. :) L alternates between corralling Mn, finding a book for him and looking through books of her own.
Here are a couple of biographies that we read this week:
(1) Louisa The Life of Louisa May Alcott
Written by: Yona Zeldis McDonough, illustrated by: Bethanne Andersen
Included after the biography are a few early poems, quotes on subjects such as her childhood and work, a recipe and important dates in her life.
(2) Louis Braille The Blind Boy Who Wanted to Read
Written by: Dennis Fradin, illustrated by: Robert Sauber
Did you know that he was 15 years old when he invented the Braille system? There were so many people who were not for this system, including the founder of the blind institute that he attended and later taught at. Many of his early books were burned and had to be re-copied.
Kj is reading so well now. The last couple of weeks that we've gone to the library, we have spent at least an hour there. We find a place to park all of our things and then go back and forth from there to find books and look through them. This last time, I would go find a book, bring it back, and by the time I came back, Kj was reading that book. She did not move from her seat, but kept going through the books that I found. :) L alternates between corralling Mn, finding a book for him and looking through books of her own.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Historical Books for Children 2
The Matchbox Diary
written by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
A kindergartener goes to visit her great-grandfather. When he was a boy in Italy, not able to read and write, he found out what a diary was and wanted one for himself. At the steamship station he finds several matchboxes and starts putting a token in each one as a reminder of his journey to America and to adulthood.
Wilma Unlimited - How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman
written by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by David Diaz
Wilma was born small and was not expected to live past her first birthday. But being the 20th child of her parents, her mother knew all the home remedies. She suffered many childhood illnesses, including polio which paralyzed on of her legs. Through faith and determination she competed in the 1960 Olympics.
written by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
A kindergartener goes to visit her great-grandfather. When he was a boy in Italy, not able to read and write, he found out what a diary was and wanted one for himself. At the steamship station he finds several matchboxes and starts putting a token in each one as a reminder of his journey to America and to adulthood.
Wilma Unlimited - How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman
written by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by David Diaz
Wilma was born small and was not expected to live past her first birthday. But being the 20th child of her parents, her mother knew all the home remedies. She suffered many childhood illnesses, including polio which paralyzed on of her legs. Through faith and determination she competed in the 1960 Olympics.
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