Mark and I listened to an interesting radio program today that talked about reading with your children. I have always loved reading. I was the type of kid who always had my nose stuck in a book. I would take a book out to recess and read it to the teacher supervising us. I still really like the book "Mr. Popper's Penguins" which I read in 3rd grade. I just love books.
Mark didn't really like reading. When we got married, he could not have told you the last book he had read. He didn't read much as a child. He only read the minimum required for school. He didn't see much value in reading.
When I started homeschooling Nathaniel we did our fair share of reading. In 1st grade I read him "Alice in Wonderland". He really enjoyed it and understood it. This was a boy that they were taking out of classes because he could not comprehend the easy readers. I found that he wanted real stories. He wanted something interesting to happen unlike the books they were having him read at school.
We are currently reading "Little House of the Prairie". It is amazing the things you can pull out of these books. The other night we were reading about putting a candle in the well they were digging to determine if it was safe to go down into. This is a great time to discuss science with the kids. There was a chapter about being obedient even if you don't understand why.
Many of the books that are around right now do not have these great conversation starters. There is no depth to many books. I want my children to be exposed to family values, christian values, and history. I want to fill my childrens heads with questions, not senseless busy work. I want reading to have them searching further to answer questions for themselves.
I love books but some are what we call fluff books. Our children are allowed to get one fluff book at the library. Then, they can get all the real books they want. History, science, biographies, and worthy novels. With so much great out there to read I don't want them bogged down by all the not so great.
Mark has come around and now likes reading.
sara
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
letting God lead
The longer Mark and I are parents, the more we believe in ourselves. As we go through our day to day happenings, sometimes the things we do may not feel right. A moment of correction may not seem to work quite right. A minute of teaching may not be clearly understood.
However, looking at the big picture, we realize that all the reasons we live like we do work. The reason they work is that Christ is the center of all we do. Everything we do is examined in the scriptures. That doesn't mean that life is perfect. There are times that things are not going smoothly or I feel overwhelmed. God is always there in those times. And even in those times, sticking with God's plan works.
I need to focus on God everyday and fill my day to day things around Him. There are too many days I try to shove God into the cracks betweens the cracks in the schedule. I have found He is way too big for this. God needs to consume my whole day. I have found my days are much more peaceful when I put God first. Also my priorities seem to change when I let God lead my day.
I will talk more about this tomorrow but I need to head to bed.
sara
However, looking at the big picture, we realize that all the reasons we live like we do work. The reason they work is that Christ is the center of all we do. Everything we do is examined in the scriptures. That doesn't mean that life is perfect. There are times that things are not going smoothly or I feel overwhelmed. God is always there in those times. And even in those times, sticking with God's plan works.
I need to focus on God everyday and fill my day to day things around Him. There are too many days I try to shove God into the cracks betweens the cracks in the schedule. I have found He is way too big for this. God needs to consume my whole day. I have found my days are much more peaceful when I put God first. Also my priorities seem to change when I let God lead my day.
I will talk more about this tomorrow but I need to head to bed.
sara
Thursday, January 24, 2008
happy times
After some unhappy times yesterday, we had a wonderful day today. We have just enjoyed being a family (along with the new ones). We are getting into a better routine as we now know eachothers schedules and ways. Things around here are wonderful.
Today we had chicken, potatoes, carrots, and corn for supper. We all ate ourselves silly. Then we made brownies. We all went to bed with full bellies and smiles on our faces.
sara
Today we had chicken, potatoes, carrots, and corn for supper. We all ate ourselves silly. Then we made brownies. We all went to bed with full bellies and smiles on our faces.
sara
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
today's happenings
After much stress this morning trying to figure out our new life, we headed off to Good News Club. We had no children today because of the threat of snow. So we packed up our stuff and came home early. We made bread and cinnamon rolls. We all played games together. The story of the Good Samaritan was the Bible story for tonight. We also videotaped some more for Grandma and Grandpa, hope you enjoy it.
Tomorrow we are out early as I have an eye doctor appointment. Hopefully, we will get in school tomorrow along with our Bible reading.
sara
Tomorrow we are out early as I have an eye doctor appointment. Hopefully, we will get in school tomorrow along with our Bible reading.
sara
a compliment today
I got a compliment, even though I don't think it was meant that way. We were discussing the TV show "The Waltons". The children in this discussion (not mine) were saying that it would be so bad to live like that. One looked at me and said "You remind me of the Mom on that show". I would love to have it all together like Mrs. Walton seemed to. I know that we saw a TV life and no one lives like that, but I think she is my new role model.
It brought a smile to my face.
sara
It brought a smile to my face.
sara
Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe was borrowed from Hillbilly Housewife
The cinnamon rolls use this recipe as a base. Once the dough is prepared, simply roll out nice and flat. Spread 3/4 stick of butter over the entire area. Sprinkle on sugar (1/4 cup) and then cinnamon. Roll tighly into a large long cylinder. Cut even slices, I have found that a 9x13 pan is good to use 18 slices for this recipe at a 6x3 grid. Let rise overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes. Rolls are done when center is no longer doughy. Add icing of your choice.
View AlbumThe cinnamon rolls use this recipe as a base. Once the dough is prepared, simply roll out nice and flat. Spread 3/4 stick of butter over the entire area. Sprinkle on sugar (1/4 cup) and then cinnamon. Roll tighly into a large long cylinder. Cut even slices, I have found that a 9x13 pan is good to use 18 slices for this recipe at a 6x3 grid. Let rise overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes. Rolls are done when center is no longer doughy. Add icing of your choice.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
unruly children
Have you ever noticed that some peoples children really make it hard to enjoy the company of other adults? I love visiting with friends. I would have people over every night of the week because I love entertaining. I like just getting to know others, play games, or have bible study. We have many friends with children. Usually we have a great time together.
One family we enjoy spending time with have 5 children. When they are over, the adults spend time together and the kids move around the house. Sometimes we don't see any of them for quite awhile as they play a game or find something interesting outside. Other times they join our discussion in the living room and are extremely polite and add depth to the conversation.
Another family we visit has 5 children. While we visited last time, the kids only interrupted twice (very politely). Once to ask for a snack and once to prepare them to go outside. We had a great conversation with the parents. The children all had a great time with no fighting or troublesome behavior. In both these situations, the children conducted themselves in a very mature manner while still having fun. Very little correction is needed with the children in either of these settings.
Then there are families where one child can ruin the entire gathering. The one child who is destructive, loud, seeking attention, and downright rude. These children are not born this way, they are trained this way.
Many people do not like to hear the word TRAIN when speaking of raising children but that is what they need. A child does not know the correct behavior in every situation. A child needs to be trained to properly live in society. Just as a dog is trained to remain calm and quiet on a leash, a child should be trained to remain calm and quiet when appropriate.
A child can be expected to act civilized when out in public. This may come as a surprise to some people. Mark and I can expect our children to come simply by saying "come". They are to come immediately when they hear us call them. Yes, this is something that needs to be taught, but can be expected. We are working on this with the baby right now. "NO" is to stop the action right away. If she does not stop, I go to her and correct her.
All of this training does take work but is very well worth it. It is very tiring to always be arguing with children. Everyone in the family is happier if the children can be expected to obey the parents. There is also more time to spend together doing fun things than correcting behavior.
Our children are expected to be "good" while out in public because we work on it at home. We talk about correct behavior for different situations. One must be quieter in church than is expected at a close friends house. Some parents wonder why they cannot get children to be good when in public. It is because the child is allowed to act unruly at home with no respect of authority.
I will talk about this more later but I hope this is some food for thought.
For all my friends I described in this post, thank you
sara
One family we enjoy spending time with have 5 children. When they are over, the adults spend time together and the kids move around the house. Sometimes we don't see any of them for quite awhile as they play a game or find something interesting outside. Other times they join our discussion in the living room and are extremely polite and add depth to the conversation.
Another family we visit has 5 children. While we visited last time, the kids only interrupted twice (very politely). Once to ask for a snack and once to prepare them to go outside. We had a great conversation with the parents. The children all had a great time with no fighting or troublesome behavior. In both these situations, the children conducted themselves in a very mature manner while still having fun. Very little correction is needed with the children in either of these settings.
Then there are families where one child can ruin the entire gathering. The one child who is destructive, loud, seeking attention, and downright rude. These children are not born this way, they are trained this way.
Many people do not like to hear the word TRAIN when speaking of raising children but that is what they need. A child does not know the correct behavior in every situation. A child needs to be trained to properly live in society. Just as a dog is trained to remain calm and quiet on a leash, a child should be trained to remain calm and quiet when appropriate.
A child can be expected to act civilized when out in public. This may come as a surprise to some people. Mark and I can expect our children to come simply by saying "come". They are to come immediately when they hear us call them. Yes, this is something that needs to be taught, but can be expected. We are working on this with the baby right now. "NO" is to stop the action right away. If she does not stop, I go to her and correct her.
All of this training does take work but is very well worth it. It is very tiring to always be arguing with children. Everyone in the family is happier if the children can be expected to obey the parents. There is also more time to spend together doing fun things than correcting behavior.
Our children are expected to be "good" while out in public because we work on it at home. We talk about correct behavior for different situations. One must be quieter in church than is expected at a close friends house. Some parents wonder why they cannot get children to be good when in public. It is because the child is allowed to act unruly at home with no respect of authority.
I will talk about this more later but I hope this is some food for thought.
For all my friends I described in this post, thank you
sara
Saturday, January 19, 2008
ahh relaxation
We had a very restful day today. We slept in, then went to visit friends and go to the feed store. We then ate a quick lunch and took a much needed nap. Supper was a homemade pizza I froze last week. Very nice to have a day with not much responsibility.
Tomorrow we have chapel in the morning. We are starting men and womens bible study tomorrow so we will be gone for most of the day. Then our usual popcorn and hot chocolate for supper tomorrow.
I will be making a tutorial tomorrow or Monday for homemade cinnamon rolls. Thanks Angela for the suggestion. I would also like to do one soon for homemade tortillas. Check back soon for these pictures and more.
sara
Tomorrow we have chapel in the morning. We are starting men and womens bible study tomorrow so we will be gone for most of the day. Then our usual popcorn and hot chocolate for supper tomorrow.
I will be making a tutorial tomorrow or Monday for homemade cinnamon rolls. Thanks Angela for the suggestion. I would also like to do one soon for homemade tortillas. Check back soon for these pictures and more.
sara
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
crazy day
Today was a pretty hectic day as we did a full school day which is the first in a while.
Tomorrow will be really busy. We have to drive to a dentist appointment, go to a chiropractor, and arrange transportation for everyone. I have never been so happy to see the weekend.
I am hoping to post some tutorials over the next few weeks to show some of my cooking.
Hope to write more soon.
sara
Tomorrow will be really busy. We have to drive to a dentist appointment, go to a chiropractor, and arrange transportation for everyone. I have never been so happy to see the weekend.
I am hoping to post some tutorials over the next few weeks to show some of my cooking.
Hope to write more soon.
sara
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
rest and cloth diapers
Sorry it has been a while since I have written. I have taken the last few days to rest and get the house back to normal (ish). I did the basic chores and started cleaning out clutter from the house. The baby has decided that early morning (between 5-6) is a great time to wake up. Well we do not actually have to be up until 7. I don't like jumping out of bed that early. However, Naomi will pee on the potty as soon as she wakes up. So I jump out of bed to take her to the bathroom and my day begins. I am very slow after this rude awakening. Breakfast is almost always something homemade, like muffins, banana bread, pancakes, eggs and toast, or oatmeal. Being slow and not quite awake is not a good combination while making these things. Double the baking powder and they do not taste quite right. Many kitchen mishaps happen at breakfast time.
Anyway, I promised to talk about cloth diapers a few days ago and it has not happened. Well here is the long awaited post.
I started thinking about doing cloth diapers about 1 1/2 years ago. Not because they are better for the environment and not because the thoughts of all those chemicals on my babies rear was horrifying. No, none of those reasons. I did them because I am cheap. Disposables diapers are expensive. This year we have been trying to cut out any non essential costs. I was able to buy enough diapers to last for all of Naomi's diapering years for about $150.
We use Dappi brand diapers. I bought them at babybestbuy.com I use a basic prefold, folded in thirds, inside a cover. For those that are used to the old style diapers, cloth diapers have come a long way. There are no more pins to worry about. The cover has little velcro tabs so you put it one like a disposable. They are so easy.
After she has wet one, I take out the prefold and put it in a covered bucket. I then reuse the cover to put a new prefold in. If the cover is wet or soiled I throw that in the diaper bucket too. I wash laundry every few days. I just throw them all in the washer and run through a rinse cycle. Then I wash them in cold water. Every couple month I strip the diapers, this means to run them through the washer with hot water a few times. This gets any extra detergent out.
I love cloth diapers they are really easy.
Write more later.
sara
Anyway, I promised to talk about cloth diapers a few days ago and it has not happened. Well here is the long awaited post.
I started thinking about doing cloth diapers about 1 1/2 years ago. Not because they are better for the environment and not because the thoughts of all those chemicals on my babies rear was horrifying. No, none of those reasons. I did them because I am cheap. Disposables diapers are expensive. This year we have been trying to cut out any non essential costs. I was able to buy enough diapers to last for all of Naomi's diapering years for about $150.
We use Dappi brand diapers. I bought them at babybestbuy.com I use a basic prefold, folded in thirds, inside a cover. For those that are used to the old style diapers, cloth diapers have come a long way. There are no more pins to worry about. The cover has little velcro tabs so you put it one like a disposable. They are so easy.
After she has wet one, I take out the prefold and put it in a covered bucket. I then reuse the cover to put a new prefold in. If the cover is wet or soiled I throw that in the diaper bucket too. I wash laundry every few days. I just throw them all in the washer and run through a rinse cycle. Then I wash them in cold water. Every couple month I strip the diapers, this means to run them through the washer with hot water a few times. This gets any extra detergent out.
I love cloth diapers they are really easy.
Write more later.
sara
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