Walk like an Egyptian

This week our Classical Conversations Essentials goups hosted a 'Walk Through History' for all the families. A few weeks back the students were given a research essay on a famous person from Ancient Times . They had the opportunity to dress up as the individual and present information they learned. The other students then toured the time line where they heard about everyone from Hatshepsut to Marco Polo, asked questions, and received a treat.

The students did a remarkable job on their characters. Each worked creativly on an outfit, some had displays, others props.

Progress on the Kitchen

More changes happened in the kitchen. We now have countertops.

Faucet, sink and dishwasher coming soon.

What to do with a 3 year old

Miss J turned 3. She and her little friends were quite entertaining.

Protozoa Beverage

My Gentleman & I journeyed to Anaheim to choose the counter tops for the kitchen. While driving home we stopped off in Little Saigon and ate lunch at a small kitchen inside the local market. After the scrumptious meal, of course we took a field trip through the store. One of the many fascinating items was this lovely beverage which we quickly renamed the Protozoa Drink.

We had to buy one to try. It is reminiscent of the aftertaste one gets with Fruit Loop cereal.

A thrift store find

There is a wonderful thrift store not far from church. I love to visit as often as possible. A few weeks ago I found a nice, piece made from solid wood. Not something that is often found in this day of laminates and vaneers.

 

after a little sanding, 2 cans of paint, and new hardware it came out rather nice.

Pinterest Possibilities ~ Candle out of an Orange

According to Pinterest and Youtube you can make an emergency candle out of an orange. All you need is
- an Orange
- a knife
- matches
- oil

After following the directions on the Youtube video I lit my candle.  Amazingly, it worked! But I noticed that it didn't work for long. The oil gets sucked up the 'wick' and burns off quickly.

In case of emergency - Have candles.

Pinterest Possibilities - Laundry Detergent

Last Thanksgiving we bought a new washer and dryer set. After seeing the recipe for Laundry soap on pinterest, I thought I would give it a try. If it didn't work out - I would have $23 in cleaning mix to use on other things.

The recipe is as follows:

 4 lb 12 oz box Borax (2.15 kg or 76 oz) found in the detergent isle

 4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (1.81 kg) found in the cooking isle

1 box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda 55 oz (3 lb 7 oz) found in the detergent isle

3 bars of Fels-Naptha soap, found in the detergent isle (if you use Zote bars use 2 bars instead, Zote can be found at Home Depot)

2 small containers of Oxy Clean or store brand Oxy Clean (try to get about 3.5 lbs total (1.58 kg)) found in the detergent isle. (this is optional, I added it into mine because I have pretty messy kids and the cleaner the better)

You should be able to find all of these items at your grocery store.

**Use 1-2 Tablespoons per load. I know that does not seem like enough but this recipe does not have fillers like the store bought detergent so you only need 1-2 Tablespoons.**

It took a bit of hunting to find the items. The Zoat soap I found at Home Depot like it was suggested, but spent $2 instead of $1. Months later I noticed that the 99cent stores carry it. The Arm & Hammer Washing Soda I had to purchase thru Amazon.

I followed the directions and placed the contents in a decorative jar I bought at Walmart for $10. Now, over 365 days later this is what is left of the $26.78 I spent on laundry soap.....

The clothes come out clean. I haven't had any difficulties with stains not coming out well, clothes fading faster, or other issues that others have faced.

Christmas came early

C. has been wanting a bunny for several years. This year we decided to give her one. We hunted for one that didn't cost a small fortune. We didn't want one that was pure bred, show quality, $100 cuteness. We found a sweet, little black bunny on craigslist.

We couldn't keep the bunny a secret for long. He wasn't happy staying cooped up in a box.

Presenting Christopher the Christmas bunny

Christmas Decor

This year the Christmas decorating got off to a late start. Between school, rain (couldn't hunt down a tree in rain!), colds, etc, the decorations didn't go up till mid December. But, as is always the case, the Lord knew what was planned. The local thrift store had a very nice, very expensive faux tree for my special price: cheap! We bit the bullet and entered the current trendy group of faux tree owners. I have resisted for so long since I don't like the way the fake trees look. I like the hunt that comes with bringing home a recently deceased tree. I like their smell. I like the way they look. What I don't like is the $60+ you have to spend to continue this yearly tradition. The cost can't be justified anymore.
Since the fire we haven't found many ornaments to create a new collection. Call me picky, but I like having ornaments with theme, meaning, and sentimentality. I found a website that offered beautiful paper chains created from sheet music. I loved it. I didn't care for the price: $36 for two strands, each nine feet long. Since I had sheet music for organs - something I won't ever play - I put it to use....and made my own. It even happened to be German Christmas music with English translations.

A little bit of Thankfulness

The living room was rearranged so this year our family could host Thanksgiving. With family, seminary students who became adopted family, and friends who feel a lot like family we gathered around the table to indulge in foods made once a year....ok twice if you include Christmas. Pictures were scarce since I stayed in the kitchen most of the day, but use your imagination. Some watched the football game, others discussed the various guns owned, fired, tried, or wanted, the Gentleman kept a close eye on the Turkey frying in the back yard, ladies helped out in the kitchen stirring, peeling, filling, mixing, adding, and chatting, while children ran upstairs and down. Food was delicious, desserts were heavenly, fellowship was sweet and cherished.
I am thankful for the home the Lord has blessed us with.
I am thankful for those who came.
I am thankful for God's gift of friendships that are so sweet that they feel like family
I am thankful for family who serve others readily without hesitation
I am thankful for friends who jump into our family and quickly become a part of it.
I am thankful for seminary students we can 'love on' - giving them a bit of home when theirs are so far away.
I am thankful for the 'Little Stove that did'
I am thankful for the beautiful weather that allowed windows to be open.
I am thankful for the conversations that had us in stitches.
I am thankful for others not wanting to leave. I knew we made them feel welcome & loved.
I am thankful for the comfortable bed I have.