tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26564002108391118992024-02-19T10:43:07.078-05:00This Ordinary Time"Blessed be the ordinary, here in Ordinary Time." ((Marie Bellet))Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger486125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-29197572137900512762013-12-08T19:14:00.000-05:002013-12-08T19:14:07.808-05:00Christmas Piano Recital<br />
Clavier had his Christmas piano performance this weekend. He's worked hard on several pieces over the last few months. There is no doubt that he has been blessed with a love and a gift for music.<br />
<br />
He played the offertory in church several months ago, and will also be playing Christmas Eve.<br />
<br />
For his Christmas performance he chose to learn "Suzy Snowflake", "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", and the Hallelujah Chorus.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/90j-rAUx-J0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-85716126530167080062013-09-13T16:56:00.001-04:002013-09-13T16:56:19.295-04:00Overheard...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-dya15YZXiAe36cb4bVDUo5OXts1CZC97TdVhC8NfNjZPifH1i2mlrOmkswJeg4s6DuCxu0q5Eawq4Xm23vXNbnFdAyXdOKgo2tXzVuoxWYqgUJbbKDxpWoWjs6FUgaJG4QqfIDCziY/s640/blogger-image-782937998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-dya15YZXiAe36cb4bVDUo5OXts1CZC97TdVhC8NfNjZPifH1i2mlrOmkswJeg4s6DuCxu0q5Eawq4Xm23vXNbnFdAyXdOKgo2tXzVuoxWYqgUJbbKDxpWoWjs6FUgaJG4QqfIDCziY/s640/blogger-image-782937998.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While listening to the song for this week's Latin memory work (What are Latin verb families called?):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Mom isn't that what large groups of people are called? Like at church?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"No, kiddo. That's congregations. This is conjugations."</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-49026746372407135922013-08-23T19:32:00.001-04:002013-08-23T19:32:11.356-04:00Six Months!<br><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HMxZv6zA-amDBNUHdUDbTVUq6ZOE4g49i4h_SyKr5sFAGcs9QpSafmu1o_6rHqs1IwTZZ5Ohb7ThQ0ilKrocpSEMxSoSCGS0FDvh51AfI4oFN3rO5hKHV2jGP7TC21N-fDnP4m2_68Q/s640/blogger-image-1948282792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HMxZv6zA-amDBNUHdUDbTVUq6ZOE4g49i4h_SyKr5sFAGcs9QpSafmu1o_6rHqs1IwTZZ5Ohb7ThQ0ilKrocpSEMxSoSCGS0FDvh51AfI4oFN3rO5hKHV2jGP7TC21N-fDnP4m2_68Q/s640/blogger-image-1948282792.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-51525369486188479442013-08-15T08:32:00.003-04:002013-08-15T08:32:56.366-04:00History Plans, Term One<div style="border-width: 100%; direction: ltr;">
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; width: 6.6006in;">
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; width: 6.6006in;">
<div style="border-width: 100%; direction: ltr;">
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; width: 5.2895in;">
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; width: 5.2895in;">
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .0298in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;">
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
I'm designing my own history plans this year, pulling from several different resources. I'm trying an experiment this year of reading through all of world history during the first half of the year. We are using <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/CH07.html">A Child's History of the World</a> for our overview, and reading a few short chapters every day (we started this last week). While we are doing that, we will do a narrower study of two specific times/places. I asked Clavier to choose, and he picked Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
During the second half of the year we will read an overview of American History, and study Native Americans and New World Explorers.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
I use <a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/onenote/">OneNote</a> to plan, and here is what we're doing the first term of the school year for Ancient Egypt. Many of the activities come from <a href="http://www.pandiapress.com/?page_id=103#level1">History Odyssey: Ancients</a> and <a href="http://www.evan-moor.com/p/1008/history-pockets-ancient-civilizations">History Pockets: Ancient Civilizations</a>. Some of the reading choices are from <a href="http://www.classicalhouseoflearning.com/grammar-stage-literature.html#Ancients">Classical House of Learning</a>, <a href="http://www.veritaspress.com/browse-by-grade/second-grade/history.html">Veritas Press</a>, and our own shelves.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Read Aloud: History</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Child's History of the
World- Start 08/05/13</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Week 1: 9/3</div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">Time
Traveler:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">
Pharaohs and Pyramids</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Week 2: 9/9</div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">Story of
the World, Vol. 1</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">
Chap. 2-3</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">The
5,000-Year-Old Puzzle </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">(library)</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Week 3: 9/16</div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">Egyptian
Cinderella</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">The Temple
Cat</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">Seeker of
Knowledge </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">(library)</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Week 4: 9/23</div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">Story of
the World, Vol. 1</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">
Chap. 4</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">You
Wouldn't Want to Be Tutankhamen</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Week 5: 9/30</div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">Story of
the World, Vol. 1 Chap. 12-13</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">You
Wouldn't Want to Be a Pyramid Builder</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Week 6: 10/7</div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">Pharaohs
of Ancient Egypt</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">Science in
Ancient Egypt </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">(library)</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Week 7: 10/14</div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">Pharaohs
of Ancient Egypt</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">Ancient Science</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">You
Wouldn't Want to Be Cleopatra</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Week 8: 10/21</div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">Ancient
Science </span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">You
Wouldn't Want to Be an Egyptian Mummy!</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">If I Were
a Kid in Ancient Egypt: Children of the Ancient World </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">(library)</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Week 9: 10/28</div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">Tut's
Mummy Lost and Found</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic;">Hieroglyphs</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">History: Assignments</span> (I'm not sharing all the details, so as not to violate copyright.)</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Week 1 </span></li>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="circle">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Finish "What is
History" Pocket (we started this at the end of last year)</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Copy work/dictionary: papyrus</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Week 2</span></li>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="circle">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Mapping</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Start Pocket 3, “Ancient
Egypt.” Complete the Pocket Label, Words to Know, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">and
Student Booklet. </span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Week 3</span></li>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="circle">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Copy work/dictionary "gods"
and "pyramids."</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Pocket 3, Life Along the Nile.</span></li>
</ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Week 4</span></li>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="circle">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Continue Pocket 3, Postcard
from Ancient Egypt and The Great Pyramid.</span></li>
</ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Week 5</span></li>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="circle">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Copy work/dictionary "temple."</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Mapping</span></li>
</ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Week 6</span></li>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="circle">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Finish Pocket 3, if needed.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Timeline </span></li>
</ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Week 7</span></li>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="circle">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Ancient Science project</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Notebooking pages</span></li>
</ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Week 8</span></li>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="circle">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Ancient Science project</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Notebooking pages</span></li>
</ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Week 9</span></li>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="circle">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Hieroglyphic Note</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-19152271832751480082013-08-07T11:12:00.001-04:002013-08-07T11:13:32.721-04:00Kindergarten 2013-2014<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are most of Capricio's kindergarten plans for the year! I want to stress that K5 is completely optional in our house. Capricio is chomping at the bit to improve his reading and work on writing, but he is free to come and go as he wishes.</div>
<br />
<b>Phonics/Reading</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://peacehillpress.com/the-ordinary-parent-s-guide-to-teaching-reading-paperback.html">Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading</a></li>
</ul>
We started this toward the end of last school year at his request, and he's doing very well. Clavier used OPGTR very successfully, but I wasn't sure it would suit Capricio. Clavier started reading at five and a half and we didn't do lessons daily until he was six. In contrast Capricio just turned five a week ago!<br />
<br />
I'm adding some <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/explode-the-code">Explode the Code</a> here and there too as he enjoys workbooks (unlike Clavier at that age!).<br />
<br />
<b>Handwriting</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=416749&sp=102656&event=1016HWTDPL">Handwriting Without Tears</a> K & 1</li>
</ul>
Capricio is in the middle of the kindergarten book, and I expect him to move on to the next soon. Once he does I'll add in some other copywork.<br />
<br />
<b>Math</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://rightstartmath.com/home-school/">RightStart Math A</a></li>
</ul>
Math for Capricio has caused some debate. I love RightStart Math, but Capricio has followed along with Clavier as he completed levels A & B. He is a very math inclined child, and is just about at the same level as his older brother. We are going to buzz through RightStart anyway though, since he is so young. If he balks, I'll bump him up as appropriate.<br />
<br />
<b>Geography</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.evan-moor.com/p/2848/Beginning-Geography">Evan-Moor Beginning Geography</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
One of my favorite resources!<br />
<br />
<b>History and Science</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Following along with his brother in my history mash-up (details soon)</li>
<li><a href="http://winterpromise.com/animals_and_their_worlds.html">Animal and Their Worlds</a> with his brother</li>
</ul>
<b>Literature</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Great books from our home collection and library. I'll share these as we go along!</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Daily Learning Notebook</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Details coming! I'm still finalizing plans.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Second grade plans <a href="http://thisordinarytime.blogspot.com/2013/08/second-grade-2013-2014.html">here</a>. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-51608909418037032912013-08-06T08:00:00.000-04:002013-08-06T08:00:12.214-04:00Clavier's Spring Piano Recital<div style="text-align: center;">
Clavier had his first year of formal piano lessons during the last school year. He worked very hard, and has quite a love of music!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/wLj2TYH1fmY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-46868062449313794332013-08-06T07:30:00.000-04:002013-08-07T11:14:34.623-04:00Second Grade 2013-2014<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I sent my Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) off to the school district today! It isn't detailed, but provides a rough overview of the year to come. (Yes, all these subjects are required by the state.)</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sd6HYiALRM1KsAHD49snaQvlwp5O67DcIG640NZG7Et2FVxq4ZhyphenhyphenEkjrQ7jVFPkKwsJG0WdV1duwAxMMjUXciG6HP_Ax7IGDT3CmpVeLRSD7NwHKPhHaqUpNjgiDIMQ6ptATvnKOLD0/s640/blogger-image--1131042488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sd6HYiALRM1KsAHD49snaQvlwp5O67DcIG640NZG7Et2FVxq4ZhyphenhyphenEkjrQ7jVFPkKwsJG0WdV1duwAxMMjUXciG6HP_Ax7IGDT3CmpVeLRSD7NwHKPhHaqUpNjgiDIMQ6ptATvnKOLD0/s640/blogger-image--1131042488.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------- <br />
<b>Arithmetic</b><br />
<br />
Cotter, Joan A. RightStart Mathematics Level C. Hazelton, ND:<br />
Activities for Learning, Inc., 2001. Print.<br />
Singapore Math. Challenging Word Problems 1. Singapore:<br />
Marshall Cavendish Education, 2011. Print.<br />
<br />
<b>Reading</b><br />
<br />
Holzmann, John & Sarita. Grade Three Readers Schedule and Study<br />
Guide. Littleton, CO: Sonlight Curriculum, Ltd., 2012. Print.<br />
Norris, Jill. Read and Understand with Leveled Texts 2.<br />
Monterey, CA: Evan-Moor Educational Publishers, 2010. Print.<br />
<br />
<b>Spelling</b><br />
<br />
Rippel, Marie. All About Spelling Level 2. Eagle River WI: All<br />
About Learning Press, 2012. Print.<br />
<br />
<b>Writing</b><br />
<br />
Retzer, Carol Ann and Eva Hoshino. A Reason for Handwriting:<br />
Transition. Siloam Springs, AR: The Concerned Group, Inc.,<br />
2010. Print.<br />
Verstegen, Lori. Bible Heroes: Writing Lessons in Structure and<br />
Style. Locust Grove, OK: Institute for Excellence in Writing,<br />
2013. Print.<br />
<br />
<b>English Language</b><br />
<br />
Shurley, Brenda. Shurley English Level 1. Cabot AR: Shurley<br />
Instructional Materials, 2001. Print. <br />
<br />
<b>Geography</b><br />
<br />
Johnson, Sandi. Daily Geography Practice Grade 2. Monterey, CA:<br />
Evan-Moor Educational Publishers, 2013. Print.<br />
<br />
<b>United States History</b><br />
<br />
Brooks, Kaeryn. The American Story 1. Grand Rapids, MI:<br />
WinterPromise Publishing, 2013. Print.<br />
Hillyer, Virgil M. A Child’s First History of the World. Hunt Valley,<br />
MD: Calvert Educational Services, 1997. Print.<br />
Miers, Earl Schenck. A Child’s First Book of American History. San<br />
Luis Obispo, CA: Beautiful Feet Books, 2013. Print.<br />
<br />
<b>Science</b><br />
<br />
Brooks, Kaeryn. Animals and Their Worlds. Grand Rapids, MI:<br />
WinterPromise Publishing, 2012. Print.<br />
Larson, Nancy. Science 1. Old Lyme, CT: Nancy Larson Publishers,<br />
Inc., 2007. Print.<br />
<br />
<b>Health Education</b><br />
<br />
Bunting, Fleming, et al. Harcourt Health and Fitness 2. Orlando,<br />
FL: Harcourt School Publishers, 2007. Print.<br />
<br />
<b>Music</b><br />
<br />
Clavier will participate in weekly piano lessons and regularly perform in concerts throughout the year.<br />
<br />
<b>Visual Arts</b><br />
<br />
Clavier’s visual art instruction this year will come from projects related to topics studied in geography, history, and science. He will also participate in a twice monthly cooperative group for art instruction.<br />
<br />
<b>Physical Education</b><br />
<br />
Clavier will participate in weekly swim lessons, as well as other activities such as bike rides, hikes, sledding, and baseball with family and friends.<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------- <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I plan to share more details about how our day will break down soon. One important piece of our day that isn't listed here is our Daily Notebook. Last year I created a daily calendar notebook, but this year I've expanded that for Clavier. Capricio has one as well. Kindergarten plans <a href="http://thisordinarytime.blogspot.com/2013/08/kindergarten-2013-2014.html">here</a>!</div>
<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-51756314391858612442013-08-05T15:13:00.000-04:002013-08-05T15:42:21.433-04:00Meet the Family (Again)Since I am recommitting to blogging this school year, it seems appropriate to reintroduce the clan. We have changed a lot in the past year and a half!<br />
<br />
First my husband, the best person I know! He works hard to support us all, and does so cheerfully. His passion is music and he is the music director and organist for a nearby church.<br />
<br />
Our first born, "Clavier," is now seven! We've chosen that nickname for him because he is such a well-tempered boy. He takes after his dad in so many things, including his love and talent for music.<br />
<br />
Our second son, "Capricio." He is a newly minted five year old with a love for music, art, and (in his words) building things. He is always creating a masterpiece!<br />
<br />
Accelerando is our joyful two and a half year old son. His nickname at church is "Smiley," and that describes his personality so well!<br />
<br />
The baby is "Vivace." At the time of this writing, he is just over five months old. His real name means "happy," and he is well-suited to it! A calm baby, adored by all his older brothers.<br />
<br />
Not much as changed about me, perhaps a little older, and little more tired. I am still happily at home with my crew, maintaining order (most days), sneaking in a few pages of my book when I can, baking up a storm, and loving our homeschool journey!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-3958881832666427882013-08-02T10:04:00.000-04:002013-08-06T08:07:08.591-04:00Used Curriculum Sale Blog Hop!<div style="text-align: center;">
Joining up with Jessica at <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/">Shower of Roses</a> for this year's <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/2013/08/2013-Curriculum-Sale-Blog-Hop.html">Used Curriculum Sale Blog Hop</a>!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shipping is $3.00 for 1-2 items in the same envelope and $6.00 for a box or three or more items. This covers media mail shipping with delivery confirmation in the Continental U.S.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I accept payments via PayPal. Please email me at zuzu 822 AT hotmail DOT com if you're interested in anything.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ln00mLu2ErM3BH5NJFjxrNO0E_6mO0fsqlzAorqPHQfuaclKs0LsUv9jgwNkXqNCctmllFbk49CIGjqR9AgcixSfgeKZEoYquJrpE-qchNPXL3rl-9NWpkOcBwUvpkCQPViOP44fnyc/s1600/IMG_2076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ln00mLu2ErM3BH5NJFjxrNO0E_6mO0fsqlzAorqPHQfuaclKs0LsUv9jgwNkXqNCctmllFbk49CIGjqR9AgcixSfgeKZEoYquJrpE-qchNPXL3rl-9NWpkOcBwUvpkCQPViOP44fnyc/s320/IMG_2076.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<strike>Making Music Praying Twice Children's Songbooks and CDs (Advent & Christmas, Lent, Easter, Ordinary Time: Fall, Ordinary Time: Winter - New $40</strike><b> SOLD</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIuwyVv2SYCNH_WZ-j-QbW9LfsG3y5paU81Ai-0j-Aci5yLk1B5pi7QZ7UOohZI5rxa1wpq8KFaTHbcIBMTyqpKBRPcMJUIYrCxEtx_V89xPZ3VeOivTzEpU6m2OsuA43C7ii-rwUb64/s1600/IMG_2077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIuwyVv2SYCNH_WZ-j-QbW9LfsG3y5paU81Ai-0j-Aci5yLk1B5pi7QZ7UOohZI5rxa1wpq8KFaTHbcIBMTyqpKBRPcMJUIYrCxEtx_V89xPZ3VeOivTzEpU6m2OsuA43C7ii-rwUb64/s320/IMG_2077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our Musical Year: Songs of Faith, Freedom and Fun Year 1- New $10 <b>PENDING</b><br />
<strike>Our Musical Year: Songs of Faith, Freedom and Fun Year 2- New $1</strike>0 <b>SOLD</b><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZHny7hXlEINt2CE37ExKWe_L7lYnb0dOa47nLFZGIViODCmhBrVIu5F1t7wBdDIG8zLkdOw-WjUxpYmLx9XfCtlhFVBqRJdv3BZZuMnoUgysIu9n4L1tGBfamNf4c2q_ksdESCsOGno/s1600/IMG_2069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZHny7hXlEINt2CE37ExKWe_L7lYnb0dOa47nLFZGIViODCmhBrVIu5F1t7wBdDIG8zLkdOw-WjUxpYmLx9XfCtlhFVBqRJdv3BZZuMnoUgysIu9n4L1tGBfamNf4c2q_ksdESCsOGno/s320/IMG_2069.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Real Science 4 Kids Astronomy Pre-Level 1 Textbook- Excellent condition $8</strike> <b>SOLD</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0gJPpNTOgeUBkKQHqyWUwxL8Ybme1VhL6w5NE1muwsF7kNbVMeeVlqzq3LwliDu09fuFMqkL09f5Q6wB2NCbvxrulrqxy85JPqXOXJ5wI1_0T26mD0OVK-L8Vqp-_VqJ3_oNF0gDFB0/s1600/IMG_2070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0gJPpNTOgeUBkKQHqyWUwxL8Ybme1VhL6w5NE1muwsF7kNbVMeeVlqzq3LwliDu09fuFMqkL09f5Q6wB2NCbvxrulrqxy85JPqXOXJ5wI1_0T26mD0OVK-L8Vqp-_VqJ3_oNF0gDFB0/s320/IMG_2070.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Seton Kindergarten Science- Good condition $2</strike> <b>SOLD</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Seton First Grade American History- New </strike><b>SOLD</b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieE_RE5MGrYMigAp4sc6QMBTq0EqrtzohSs3wC5FFaloSy8BxON9QeYaKcKsvbHOjU3u24m8cIvSWbhHQzftHWTkjK5glT2Jrd04NkLtpOWbQh19GZFscfGsJ5u9BZvRnbj54k6uC12bs/s1600/IMG_2071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieE_RE5MGrYMigAp4sc6QMBTq0EqrtzohSs3wC5FFaloSy8BxON9QeYaKcKsvbHOjU3u24m8cIvSWbhHQzftHWTkjK5glT2Jrd04NkLtpOWbQh19GZFscfGsJ5u9BZvRnbj54k6uC12bs/s320/IMG_2071.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Get Ready for the Code A, B, C- New $2 each or all for $5</strike> <b>SOLD</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64KAAiGfl-Qm5gIT1rsHCH8lrElL0Hlfwh5EdRtqadj21kiQ7pU56CsBnyO6GZ1SJvS98mBnNYaDoBX1HokRxn0jvach2Gvyfm_-jzoh90vz0IroTB31bMMU89gRUCX4LUNps0eZNFAQ/s1600/IMG_2072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64KAAiGfl-Qm5gIT1rsHCH8lrElL0Hlfwh5EdRtqadj21kiQ7pU56CsBnyO6GZ1SJvS98mBnNYaDoBX1HokRxn0jvach2Gvyfm_-jzoh90vz0IroTB31bMMU89gRUCX4LUNps0eZNFAQ/s320/IMG_2072.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Handwriting Without Tears Kindergarten Teacher's Guide- New $3</strike> <b>SOLD</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Handwriting Without Tears Pre-K Readiness Guide- New $8 </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVe1AM-cIwypWeOE2IrtWvRKS1myWDe9H5Vnrq8w5W031Co3nmCTefL8f_pJ58CEZZrr7l1r_98-7WKzDHv8IhLVu65BQnoKXYqMJo2rzvy69za4UUWQe0Vz43xHguv9erXOhJwErrPg/s1600/IMG_2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVe1AM-cIwypWeOE2IrtWvRKS1myWDe9H5Vnrq8w5W031Co3nmCTefL8f_pJ58CEZZrr7l1r_98-7WKzDHv8IhLVu65BQnoKXYqMJo2rzvy69za4UUWQe0Vz43xHguv9erXOhJwErrPg/s320/IMG_2073.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Singapore Earlybird Kindergarten Math Standards Edition B- Unused, some shelf wear $5</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShXfs0GM7Q0S3nYCjdzQSvf8KSi8isGUNrx-GnyNNC39EKeCuu8yxNkxr11suunAgcTAGAT3zurzifT1K-zlspnCNODuqudj6D7RqLalQ3LuLjNenyRxETU7KigQlI2QrHuz0M8Bm4Bk/s1600/IMG_2074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShXfs0GM7Q0S3nYCjdzQSvf8KSi8isGUNrx-GnyNNC39EKeCuu8yxNkxr11suunAgcTAGAT3zurzifT1K-zlspnCNODuqudj6D7RqLalQ3LuLjNenyRxETU7KigQlI2QrHuz0M8Bm4Bk/s320/IMG_2074.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>Miquon Math Lab Sheet Annotations & Orange Book- New $7</strike> <b>SOLD</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhYO9s3iRdCdJ0ogOEDpegNQsYyJEQonEgTUNowYiUxpdSLgDj15L5eIpWYAjk0MiVUASHGDlSQ288sHk9PR4_Wid7EpblK_Px5A3wvVEpD_KpjCFscNGG9e7Yk_EXcI6ddDo9ReK-28/s1600/IMG_2075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhYO9s3iRdCdJ0ogOEDpegNQsYyJEQonEgTUNowYiUxpdSLgDj15L5eIpWYAjk0MiVUASHGDlSQ288sHk9PR4_Wid7EpblK_Px5A3wvVEpD_KpjCFscNGG9e7Yk_EXcI6ddDo9ReK-28/s320/IMG_2075.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strike>The Art of Natural Family Planning 4th Edition- Very good condition FREE</strike> <b>TAKEN</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for looking!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" /></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-70848310112093044172012-02-12T20:00:00.006-05:002012-02-12T20:07:15.402-05:00Hey Girl.<div style="text-align: center;">Taking inspiration from the very popular and (very funny!) "Hey Girl" memes, <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2012/02/could-not-resist.html">Ginny's</a> started a link-up featuring the guys in our lives! (Way better than Ryan Gosling, who I had never heard of before this!)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iPzIiCaJ_G3CXMZV3NgLpEeZBiJe0_jQLiiC8f0Kx8cY0iGe3o51080Utj16dQVTxWBgd9l88Sh835lNmF79cXKAFjj7pUcO2v2bRYytAHXmumoV-Q8oGMMxjb4bRZ9gjnZ7_dXEPbo/s1600/heygirlwallpaper.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 385px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iPzIiCaJ_G3CXMZV3NgLpEeZBiJe0_jQLiiC8f0Kx8cY0iGe3o51080Utj16dQVTxWBgd9l88Sh835lNmF79cXKAFjj7pUcO2v2bRYytAHXmumoV-Q8oGMMxjb4bRZ9gjnZ7_dXEPbo/s320/heygirlwallpaper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708419031154240674" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >(So happy that wallpaper is GONE!)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />While the <a href="http://homeschoolingryangosling.tumblr.com/">homeschool version</a> is very silly, I think my favorites are <a href="http://nprheygirl.tumblr.com/">Hey girl. I Heart NPR</a> and <a href="http://librarianheygirl.tumblr.com/">Hey girl. I like the library too</a>.<br /></div><br /><img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-19003356645761718732012-01-24T07:23:00.004-05:002012-01-24T07:43:24.730-05:00Pinning it Down ~ Baptism of Jesus<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H7nGzhOmnWsgklPysDUqDbopHEKrTn8WoxdhvMN8bELuMUMTX3QeROPTGKnEWaKahZevN_WWsLaIpW4Wqek0dZwYcw3AroCnEAh7iQCrKbfiC6cKJ0FNGX4MRVO-rEnC95bTSUbA_mI/s1600/pinningitdown_web.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H7nGzhOmnWsgklPysDUqDbopHEKrTn8WoxdhvMN8bELuMUMTX3QeROPTGKnEWaKahZevN_WWsLaIpW4Wqek0dZwYcw3AroCnEAh7iQCrKbfiC6cKJ0FNGX4MRVO-rEnC95bTSUbA_mI/s320/pinningitdown_web.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701173624750715826" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our Catholic homeschool group meets once a month for Blue Knights and Little Flowers. My friend and I lead a small group of younger siblings during this time. <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(I'm planning to share more of what we do with them soon!) </span>While brainstorming for our January session (baptism and the Baptism of Jesus), I saw this fantastic sea shell <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/100838479126305527/">ornament</a>! It was originally pinned by Lacy of <a href="http://catholicicing.blogspot.com/">Catholic Icing</a> from <a href="http://www.crafolic.com/">Crafolic</a>.<br /><br />We made a few changes to it...<br /><br />First, I asked my husband to drill a small hole in the shells for the string/yarn/twine to make the hangar more sturdy.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Aj3-Ex7PgKREFVzjsP967a0pLrLDRFeWEwDx3sA1VwNMtFTvZx32dRf5DXKU9jiufWK1FScimcuLYvVzoKp5RMdZDlfzvEx4FrvA50_Guj3bRQZfUkBZWnNpFn_xyYF1tuDSfNZiB5E/s1600/baptism2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Aj3-Ex7PgKREFVzjsP967a0pLrLDRFeWEwDx3sA1VwNMtFTvZx32dRf5DXKU9jiufWK1FScimcuLYvVzoKp5RMdZDlfzvEx4FrvA50_Guj3bRQZfUkBZWnNpFn_xyYF1tuDSfNZiB5E/s320/baptism2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701173628690121698" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Second, we used Mod Podge, and mixed the glitter right in!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4C7nyerkArWvaNEEpcMqPlg6SX0bIQareOpLBqmdHdHeUi5WEC3Mh4-9xQ-n9nya2A0ya67iaYB0q9UfiKguwz5Om2foI7IyeqmGeYzMChkOzSZYkC1s8IkGSlm9GmnBnypoeRAYNpbs/s1600/baptism1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4C7nyerkArWvaNEEpcMqPlg6SX0bIQareOpLBqmdHdHeUi5WEC3Mh4-9xQ-n9nya2A0ya67iaYB0q9UfiKguwz5Om2foI7IyeqmGeYzMChkOzSZYkC1s8IkGSlm9GmnBnypoeRAYNpbs/s320/baptism1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701173638840224594" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />This is not the easiest project for young kids, but they are a determined bunch and had fun! I ended up gluing the image of the dove and stringing the yarn ahead of time. The kids glued with image of Jesus with a liberal amount of glitter.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4LMlqu7YBd-cdcQhYd7YsGp6e0tgREPgDqBSm8Y_82PC0Qyt7smm3CIi817Cpt2x2KV0yTPpk_dEjqo5JSY1mnuZx3rSXE3J7wMCCmCJ6DfflBBcUPOnLqbom5rNSLWQGcyFDUZvYd8/s1600/baptism3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4LMlqu7YBd-cdcQhYd7YsGp6e0tgREPgDqBSm8Y_82PC0Qyt7smm3CIi817Cpt2x2KV0yTPpk_dEjqo5JSY1mnuZx3rSXE3J7wMCCmCJ6DfflBBcUPOnLqbom5rNSLWQGcyFDUZvYd8/s320/baptism3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701173643067185010" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I did end up trying another recipe this week as well. We were suffering from the 4 PM doldrums yesterday, so I quickly mixed up some Orange Dreamsicle Smoothies. Yum!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqcr_jnDDMWpdvnO8n4AyzqDpfAi030otdTyz52Z1vrDkZHO5hTRYrRoU_5EIkrgRB0PU8o5NCEmtqtroNQx7F9nfOOkxx7G8HOdXlrY8X_WpXsqO-WsfcWthbylJPt5EjLejzX8YQyE/s1600/orangesmoothie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqcr_jnDDMWpdvnO8n4AyzqDpfAi030otdTyz52Z1vrDkZHO5hTRYrRoU_5EIkrgRB0PU8o5NCEmtqtroNQx7F9nfOOkxx7G8HOdXlrY8X_WpXsqO-WsfcWthbylJPt5EjLejzX8YQyE/s320/orangesmoothie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701173641239810994" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I halved the sugar, but next time I'd skip it all together. Orange juice is sweet enough that you do <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> need added sugar!<br /><br />More <a href="http://www.amongstlovelythings.com/2012/01/pinning-it-down-3-winter-trees.html">Pinning it Down</a> here and follow me on Pinterest <a href="http://pinterest.com/ordinarytime/">here</a>!<br /></div><br /><img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-31637567971117095542012-01-20T07:31:00.002-05:002012-01-20T09:56:03.270-05:00{Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real} Of Rice and Boys<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ourmothersdaughters.blogspot.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHsY9CYg4EzNGtvKVZDrFjDNkKdrQHZptSpv6G-TyUByauLuX4WjOi-7iVTGq-PY06bBXHm10zOjFBcMhyphenhyphenxRQ8t-pbNchNPwwvQ3-gbkiO-1b7DKbUzjkxcyBgmQb2trC6mpLr_pkhVs/s320/button.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698564325103285954" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:small;"><i>~ Capturing the context of contentment</i><i> in everyday life </i><i>~</i></span><span style="font-size:small;"><br /><i> Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter!</i></span><i><br /></i><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">{happy}</span><i><br /><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtc7N0UzwnGJzQvuBUfnQbGh8hBh5FCiQ5ftK66GMRCnx7iDSC2yQYad9Si4TDDruDy9G6sazhsk7dK2yJQmoa_HJortCFChtn2OJCCrNSDB1aylEErA_E6NFdv6dAtCU2mwkrRKCnlHM/s1600/happy2jan19.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtc7N0UzwnGJzQvuBUfnQbGh8hBh5FCiQ5ftK66GMRCnx7iDSC2yQYad9Si4TDDruDy9G6sazhsk7dK2yJQmoa_HJortCFChtn2OJCCrNSDB1aylEErA_E6NFdv6dAtCU2mwkrRKCnlHM/s320/happy2jan19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698563623754752066" border="0" /></a></i>Finally, more than just an inch or two! Real snow!<br /></div><i><br /></i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U2FBzkO0Y3sSo8t6CUM_XMjb9jUrdF88tHSIBGiqP5SW855c3k3gYNgPB3KPSqEnfjn0unIKRogE4sLuJKij1q18qDz5BlBZuXdIsZJNIwHsugGJmO93PV91BPxyh6p_tIOuiHLkDzw/s1600/Happyjan19.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U2FBzkO0Y3sSo8t6CUM_XMjb9jUrdF88tHSIBGiqP5SW855c3k3gYNgPB3KPSqEnfjn0unIKRogE4sLuJKij1q18qDz5BlBZuXdIsZJNIwHsugGJmO93PV91BPxyh6p_tIOuiHLkDzw/s320/Happyjan19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698563629171604802" border="0" /></a></i>The effort to pull Little Brother is just too much. Big Brother is worn out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">{real}</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gQvFgcTSQEeADId7rRe71d34Ab9Myf4z0fZdTBb1iBwgsDUck0EFesV7DAlGaHYMDjDx9b2P_xEqch-kFxEgsZJoZZfrnVfOmB1g2fIXEqNycjuxFISwRPEu1FTWkTt50FBkhOs-b4Y/s1600/rice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gQvFgcTSQEeADId7rRe71d34Ab9Myf4z0fZdTBb1iBwgsDUck0EFesV7DAlGaHYMDjDx9b2P_xEqch-kFxEgsZJoZZfrnVfOmB1g2fIXEqNycjuxFISwRPEu1FTWkTt50FBkhOs-b4Y/s320/rice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698562462655196482" border="0" /></a></i>Believe it or not, this is the second time in a week twenty or pounds of rice has been spread aroudn the upstairs!<br /><br />During a playgroup late last week, the boys and a friend had very a involved sensory experience with our bins of rice in the schoolroom. What started out as scooping and pouring ended in a barefoot, ice skating rink of rice that spread into the hall and Baby Brother's room. Totally worth it! Just wish I'd gotten pictures.<br /><br />Over the weekend, there was an "accident" and the rice spilled again. It's gone to live in the basement for a bit while I recover!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I originally wrote this post Tuesday to be published yesterday (Thursday), but here's what happened between then and now...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This week has been full of "real" moments, especially yesterday. Baby Brother proved again just how different he is from his brothers while we were at story hour. I was exhausted trying to keep him corralled and quiet!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In the afternoon, Big Brother accidentally destroyed one of the crafts I was prepping for our Blue Knights/Little Flowers meeting today, and then Little Brother was splashed by boiling water!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Some days you can't win for losing, as they say!</span><br /></div><i><br /><br /><img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" /></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-29799679067547092572012-01-17T06:00:00.001-05:002012-01-17T06:41:01.070-05:00Pinning it Down ~ Food, food, food!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://everydaysnapshots.blogspot.com/2012/01/pinning-it-down-volume-2-build-better.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGwc1o_W-vu263y3QWHAceVuQqr-FP5sJjGSDYpfY2BkE3aGLfKRjRVFwO766gJ21qrph2dRgj-z2UKe6R72UQL3sFfnKXhgLrAp-H3gxNzz3rDVYfNKN5gKzEHufkf_cP6BjxQ9rytM/s320/pinningitdown_web.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698559190502101586" border="0" /></a>I think the majority of what I pin on <a href="http://pinterest.com/ordinarytime/">Pinterest</a> is FOOD! My <a href="http://pinterest.com/ordinarytime/mmmm-yummy/">pinboard</a> devoted to recipes that catch my eye is spiraling out of control. I think I'll have to divide it into several categories!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This week I chose several recipes to try out!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">First up were <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/100838479126302254/">Sugar Cookie Bars</a>. I thought this was a brilliant idea, and I wish I'd thought of it myself. We love sugar cookies, but I find the hassle too much for everyday use. I do occasionally make roll-out cookies "drop" cookies instead, but this is a much better (and prettier!) idea.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Press your dough into a cookie sheet, bake, cut with a pizza cutter, and voila!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganmgSweqYhjXqKZyKH7QDvATfICDp0OprgwU2FQs_xPmEEhTcmWzl86v0RkrnQxMxFxJdycKzKTbDroGbLh4d5Ny3ITvyqaA0hH-YeNyiHziwyZM0PWeNoOy-Vh3MJRw2476qt0PW32A/s1600/cookiebars1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganmgSweqYhjXqKZyKH7QDvATfICDp0OprgwU2FQs_xPmEEhTcmWzl86v0RkrnQxMxFxJdycKzKTbDroGbLh4d5Ny3ITvyqaA0hH-YeNyiHziwyZM0PWeNoOy-Vh3MJRw2476qt0PW32A/s320/cookiebars1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697856030233048642" border="0" /></a><br />The recipe called for a 13x18 pan, but I used 11x17. A smaller size would work too, the dough just might not fit all at once.<br /><br />I had some leftover frosting in the fridge, so I frosted a few and added organic sprinkles. They were fantastic! I did end up cutting the bars into smaller squares, though, before serving. They are rich!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmNg8PLTK6Y7bdExFb3pBhyphenhyphenQSVp0nCJ6crRu1N6LowalodXVGOsWNK8zz8F7C2z4Y2T6eVeV_7BotBsiaov0ao_Ah-W-DztImy3XUoHi0LKNKHOKoykd6QT6A2g8hwWXNwjEL4M2hht0/s1600/cookiebars2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmNg8PLTK6Y7bdExFb3pBhyphenhyphenQSVp0nCJ6crRu1N6LowalodXVGOsWNK8zz8F7C2z4Y2T6eVeV_7BotBsiaov0ao_Ah-W-DztImy3XUoHi0LKNKHOKoykd6QT6A2g8hwWXNwjEL4M2hht0/s320/cookiebars2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697856022105737954" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few days later we tried a new breakfast idea: <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/100838479126288459/">eggs in bell pepper slices</a>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTvT86wpCTtl7tZpMIdcyMqmlou0ZWtjIFjVhM6ABpjabIem2BXdhgchEdR2mr5yPAaJlJF8Q7MZlmuhMB0tP517BK5Y_U5CmrtotpHaWaBdKO49KXDAtIryUBG8HFdIWsV4dYId-Wmk/s1600/eggspeppers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTvT86wpCTtl7tZpMIdcyMqmlou0ZWtjIFjVhM6ABpjabIem2BXdhgchEdR2mr5yPAaJlJF8Q7MZlmuhMB0tP517BK5Y_U5CmrtotpHaWaBdKO49KXDAtIryUBG8HFdIWsV4dYId-Wmk/s320/eggspeppers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697857755470302546" border="0" /></a><br />This was an easy way to add some veggies to breakfast, but I did not perfect the "prettiness" of the dish. I think the trick is thin slices that lie flat in the skillet.<br /><br />The boys loved them, though, and I'm thinking we'll make them with green pepper for St. Patrick's Day!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Find more Pinning it Down ideas <a href="http://everydaysnapshots.blogspot.com/2012/01/pinning-it-down-volume-2-build-better.html">here</a>, and follow me on Pinterest <a href="http://pinterest.com/ordinarytime/">here</a>!<br /><br /></div><img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-527484678844921352012-01-15T08:29:00.006-05:002012-01-15T08:42:58.097-05:00Boys' Bedrooms<div style="text-align: center;">Earlier in the week, a friend of mine and I were talking about our children's bedrooms. She just moved into a new house and is enjoying painting, setting up, and planning furniture for her kids' rooms. As we were talking and I shared our current solutions, it occurred to me that I never posted about the boys' rooms. I had planned a post since over the summer, Big Brother and Little Brother got a bunk bed and they <span style="font-weight: bold;">love </span>it!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi093jySGdLg36Pjoi0Pw2FKiBAzaZXMPAdDkv2OI6pYLwn2aFt1KR-S8M8jHgAbGVCX20pahjYhRTOmjbfC1M7szz4GF7KCgXu4qpBnfONIVkE0YrnR7f12_Tn_qqE06L0ArAi8Mi5nDU/s1600/boysroom1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi093jySGdLg36Pjoi0Pw2FKiBAzaZXMPAdDkv2OI6pYLwn2aFt1KR-S8M8jHgAbGVCX20pahjYhRTOmjbfC1M7szz4GF7KCgXu4qpBnfONIVkE0YrnR7f12_Tn_qqE06L0ArAi8Mi5nDU/s320/boysroom1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697852074571011570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixY9ARAQJ07QbR3V0pEBcmGmGJj7MixZIHIQizetB_x4IxJC09Eqh6hwNvIbVqM7eQesaQSPIvhoBu1HBc0n0l7EK_uwhfoC41dQsCMgpqjEoNq-l6oPnjHfOSUT1emL5mU0P7XHDQUoU/s1600/boysroom2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixY9ARAQJ07QbR3V0pEBcmGmGJj7MixZIHIQizetB_x4IxJC09Eqh6hwNvIbVqM7eQesaQSPIvhoBu1HBc0n0l7EK_uwhfoC41dQsCMgpqjEoNq-l6oPnjHfOSUT1emL5mU0P7XHDQUoU/s320/boysroom2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697852071277894498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Duplo creation out of reach of a grabby baby!)<br /></span><br />They only have one window in their room and although it faces east, it's not the brightest room. The walls are actually a very pretty pale green, although I probably wouldn't have chosen it myself. One day, we'll paint!<br /><br />Baby Brother sleeps across the hall. We recently moved the play kitchen upstairs to give him and Little Brother more options during school.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqp2PNUtoO_iZQgw1zEVCfzYgm4MfBRfrTsJm_JBOQ1YEWO68v43f38kFY1Wb1KE1mgDQN7I7dMbm-LY4iU1mskJWgNSdapS56agB1j-84rasXMpo42LjbmRKGlZCd7DVuLI0slfs5KCc/s1600/jroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqp2PNUtoO_iZQgw1zEVCfzYgm4MfBRfrTsJm_JBOQ1YEWO68v43f38kFY1Wb1KE1mgDQN7I7dMbm-LY4iU1mskJWgNSdapS56agB1j-84rasXMpo42LjbmRKGlZCd7DVuLI0slfs5KCc/s320/jroom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697852076415482194" border="0" /></a>Both rooms are a nice size, and I love the hardwood floors in our house! It's hard to believe in four days we'll celebrate one year in our "new" home<br /></div><br /><img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-13267456241620762942012-01-11T09:15:00.010-05:002012-01-11T09:15:00.367-05:00All About Baby Brother<div style="text-align: center;">Because I missed Baby Brother's birthday here on my blog (he is 14 months this week!), and because he has absolutely no semblance of a baby book and I don't want to forget this stuff, here's some of what he's up to lately!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">*He spends approximately 25% of his time on the dining room table. He tries to sample the boys' food (exactly what he gets, by the way), runs laps up and down the length (not my favorite thing), or just sits. Since he's such an adept climber, and will shout the house down if he wants me, "Ma! Ma! Maaaa!" I usually leave him to do his thing. (Except for the laps, those we redirect...)<br /><br />*He runs sprints from the powder room door to the sliders in the playroom. Up and down, up and down, making a point to slam his hands into the door on either side of this route. This week he also added a loop from kitchen through dining room, living room, and up the hallway back to the kitchen to his daily regimen.<br /><br />*He dances by bobbing his head while turning in circles. I have it on video, and it's the most adorable thing we've even seen. The older boys didn't dance so early, and we all love to watch him.<br /><br />*A close second is the way he carefully blows on his food before sampling. Now you know we're not giving a one-year old piping hot soup but evidently he's not so sure. Better safe than sorry!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HPg7-mgOImC5OkjzmXZ0DbraXNQaG6hh5s1_vmGNehX2ondlnZoqdcEKNnxWuVMnEgn7Ul29AJCxBI97SEoMA35tL_DdyFHdTWPhIqz98TAqvk-hIFFvPEjaxYkBXAvDf9QdPuGn8EY/s1600/jpost1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HPg7-mgOImC5OkjzmXZ0DbraXNQaG6hh5s1_vmGNehX2ondlnZoqdcEKNnxWuVMnEgn7Ul29AJCxBI97SEoMA35tL_DdyFHdTWPhIqz98TAqvk-hIFFvPEjaxYkBXAvDf9QdPuGn8EY/s320/jpost1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695990362921835330" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">*A few weeks ago he worked out how to use a spray bottle. It takes two hands: one to hold the neck of the bottle and one to press down on the lever, but it works. He has pretty good aim.<br /><br />*He makes very accurate motoring noises, roars, waves, nods yes and no, and has between 4-6 recognizable words. While it's our VERY unbiased opinion (hah!) Baby Brother is extraordinary in terms of motor ability, I sometimes marvel more at his language. It's not "early" or "more" than you'd expect from this age, after two boys you were on the later side for expressive language, I love this!<br /><br />*For this brief shining moment in time, he'll (usually) follow directions. "Baby Brother, go give this to Big Brother." "Can you throw this away?" How do we bottle this?<br /><br />*He has the most lovable "squinchy" face. He hams it up for the camera, and makes this face when he wants to be extra cute. He knows exactly what he's doing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrFa8GffNR4SZJKIrkzsMkr-HkJ-a8QSx6MAHqu2Y1Rt6SEyrWGXag7LomuIARQfprLhGgMmZqWHuy-A0DXTUACz9Wyw_B9o-4J5ORJkDBLm9yN4_OmtXWn7GJo33IvvyHGYTCEALsvc/s1600/jpost2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrFa8GffNR4SZJKIrkzsMkr-HkJ-a8QSx6MAHqu2Y1Rt6SEyrWGXag7LomuIARQfprLhGgMmZqWHuy-A0DXTUACz9Wyw_B9o-4J5ORJkDBLm9yN4_OmtXWn7GJo33IvvyHGYTCEALsvc/s320/jpost2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695990356263609490" border="0" /></a><br />*He can go downstairs lightning fast. He started crawling upstairs at about the same age as the boys (a little earlier maybe), but they didn't go downstairs on their own until they could walk holding the railing safely. I was never able to teach them to slide down feet first on their bellies or scoot down seated. Baby Brother didn't need any coaching. One day well before his birthday, he just opened the gate at the top of the stairs and was downstairs before we noticed he was gone.<br /><br />*He loves to eat whole, unpeeled apples, but tends to abandon them mid-course. We find half-eaten apples everywhere.<br /><br />*For all his abilities, there are still moments of minor disaster. He's pulled his heavy, wood highchair over on himself trying to climb into it. Twice. <span style="font-weight: bold;">In one day.</span> He's rolled down part of the stairway. He's walked into the corner of the open refrigerator door. Yesterday he bumped his head slipping out of a chair in the school room.<br /><br />*He loves to play outside. He cries and cries if the boys are outside and he can't go or just isn't ready yet. He's easy-going otherwise and can be distracted, but not with this. He'll sob and refuse all comfort until he gets out there too.<br /><br />*Rody Ponies are the best! He'll need his own soon.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAwA1IpNkHCNkp2RKtslQPxSgnWIdHYuHGI07C7-UA9M36MBbIYXFc-dn41mlkC5lAIDc7BB3RTCaplZNnbteCN9X8CrBjc5V6pT3u4yhkwJEf3HbqEaVchwy2xP1ohWejJb5cmahs9I/s1600/jpost3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAwA1IpNkHCNkp2RKtslQPxSgnWIdHYuHGI07C7-UA9M36MBbIYXFc-dn41mlkC5lAIDc7BB3RTCaplZNnbteCN9X8CrBjc5V6pT3u4yhkwJEf3HbqEaVchwy2xP1ohWejJb5cmahs9I/s320/jpost3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695990348600027570" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">*Over the summer, he learned to climb the ladder on the swing set. He always slides on his tummy, head first. He does the same thing at the playground.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*He loves to rip the dust jackets of books. We have to remove them now. This is a new one for me, as the older boys weren't rippers (though they both enjoyed chewing board books).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*He loves the water: pool or bath. If you ask him if he wants a bath or tell him it's bath time he's up the stairs and trying to get undressed (he can almost do it!) before you've had time to stand up. Yes, he can climb in and out of the tub on his own, but watching him still makes me cringe. I'm so afraid he's going to slip sometime! Swim lessons can't start soon enough for this boy!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*A love of water also means he's dipped his hands in the toilet once or twice. Also a new one for me! All bathroom doors stay CLOSED now.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*He's been trying very hard for a few months to put on his own socks and shoes. He places his sock on top of his foot then tries to stand up. So adorable!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Every day is an adventure with our littlest guy! Best of all, though, is watching the relationship grow with his brothers. He is a merry addition to their games and adventures.</div><br /><img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-49857186806677705132012-01-10T07:17:00.007-05:002012-01-10T07:34:58.778-05:00Pinning it Down ~ Me on the Map<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRD_KLJr8cW2GccmqfsHBq8sU2sHuXPUUgTBygnFZfG6HwwAeK0vHcOyIJsZjEEPYJZLtHNGZj2G3o85vZZsKzPhCpy8pHiBM7cx81fB9ZJ29RkVCdFyeR_JJRoXEBcXkGZEzC_AZ5WX0/s1600/pinningitdown_web.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRD_KLJr8cW2GccmqfsHBq8sU2sHuXPUUgTBygnFZfG6HwwAeK0vHcOyIJsZjEEPYJZLtHNGZj2G3o85vZZsKzPhCpy8pHiBM7cx81fB9ZJ29RkVCdFyeR_JJRoXEBcXkGZEzC_AZ5WX0/s320/pinningitdown_web.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695977947798659314" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.amongstlovelythings.com/">S</a><a href="http://www.amongstlovelythings.com/">arah</a> and <a href="http://everydaysnapshots.blogspot.com/">Pam</a> are hosting a new Tuesday link-up, <a href="http://www.amongstlovelythings.com/2012/01/pinning-it-down-volume-1.html">Pinning it Down</a>, both to encourage Pinterest users to make their pinboards come to life, and as a way to share all the neat stuff we've all found over the past few months.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love this idea and truth be told, it's probably part of what motivated to get back to this blog!<br /><br />Here's our project this week. I originally <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/100838479126086364/">pinned</a> this months ago as an idea for summer geography studies, but we're starting an overview of <a href="http://www.elementalhistory.com/">early American history</a> this week, and I thought it was the perfect way to help place us on the map. Big Brother has been a little fuzzy about the difference between a state, country, and continent.<br /><br />He cut out seven circles representing our home, street, city, state, country, continent, and planet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMuqxe136094-6rUwYTBi-MexM00ZTm6AJ-Cb33d1e9XUYEGiHSN2XkKVu-QoC968nTTx_B6DvEzwTtxttOYKx1csDsTclFXTRYxePbXaKHZnXYKDtoO6jgUJ8yfIrigKiSbX0d3GO2I/s1600/meonmap1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMuqxe136094-6rUwYTBi-MexM00ZTm6AJ-Cb33d1e9XUYEGiHSN2XkKVu-QoC968nTTx_B6DvEzwTtxttOYKx1csDsTclFXTRYxePbXaKHZnXYKDtoO6jgUJ8yfIrigKiSbX0d3GO2I/s320/meonmap1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695979579062147026" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUfHriS8RBGjsh3Cqhigt74J58_hPKZDADXgczz7fMq9ZQh_aeGhvyT1I0ZK-7pLVsGIAgJcbfin5thW1bySrUx5T7aSPIhIdpdnWUP3aRlhtanbtQS2a7usX8qLAEbLu1wIa5zE0NmY/s1600/meonmap2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUfHriS8RBGjsh3Cqhigt74J58_hPKZDADXgczz7fMq9ZQh_aeGhvyT1I0ZK-7pLVsGIAgJcbfin5thW1bySrUx5T7aSPIhIdpdnWUP3aRlhtanbtQS2a7usX8qLAEbLu1wIa5zE0NmY/s320/meonmap2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695979578750572162" border="0" /></a><br />Then he drew or pasted an image on each circle and labeled them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzPmM2t2FLjQlaJA3_UJE1DQT_wZb5fxj_QRxRv1xmeiuHKT5Ea3wligMwUdSjbEHREei8ikNFGHCkhRPi6j1XM7ulSaUq4HfHjexGIy4-dW5T4D8rObXwSSrAc_pX0dfUKLn4VfAAgA/s1600/meonmap3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzPmM2t2FLjQlaJA3_UJE1DQT_wZb5fxj_QRxRv1xmeiuHKT5Ea3wligMwUdSjbEHREei8ikNFGHCkhRPi6j1XM7ulSaUq4HfHjexGIy4-dW5T4D8rObXwSSrAc_pX0dfUKLn4VfAAgA/s320/meonmap3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695979589033022946" border="0" /></a><br />We hole-punched (the best part!) then added a ring. Easy-peasy, and he's an expert now!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpL-pU0zDrA_ROo7lCkQe7E6ElGJ13Tnbd0bVI-0leZ58-osORY4dGRuI2MkFcBPFE3rwg52YikGZVYTlV9MA1BagR2OJXBRS3jvdCQypx2r_xJW6VN2jpcDB0aSmTTCzNR8U-9BZGqo/s1600/meonmap4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpL-pU0zDrA_ROo7lCkQe7E6ElGJ13Tnbd0bVI-0leZ58-osORY4dGRuI2MkFcBPFE3rwg52YikGZVYTlV9MA1BagR2OJXBRS3jvdCQypx2r_xJW6VN2jpcDB0aSmTTCzNR8U-9BZGqo/s320/meonmap4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695979590827533762" border="0" /></a><br />Although the best part has been showing off his knowledge to Dad and Meema!<br /><br />Follow me on Pinterest <a href="http://pinterest.com/ordinarytime/">here</a> and for more Pinning it Down go <a href="http://www.amongstlovelythings.com/2012/01/pinning-it-down-volume-1.html">here</a>.<br /><br /></div><img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-5668761632559427462012-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:002012-01-06T07:00:00.602-05:00Snowy Day<div style="text-align: center;">Almost a month later than normal, we finally had snow this week!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Baby Brother is quite the outdoors-boy, so he was in his element.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5UArPkfQTvb6mtTOR2tJHAb_HN7Z74-GjvVRMPvnzJlXDB7zg4i2Q7MYSk_lDS-w23FW5OITRYDkeoDh2McwNJjg1GrP92NXlNsmLDMLpcADf-95l-3OPTGh39FD_1GwAIq7xQJuzsQ/s1600/snowyday2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5UArPkfQTvb6mtTOR2tJHAb_HN7Z74-GjvVRMPvnzJlXDB7zg4i2Q7MYSk_lDS-w23FW5OITRYDkeoDh2McwNJjg1GrP92NXlNsmLDMLpcADf-95l-3OPTGh39FD_1GwAIq7xQJuzsQ/s320/snowyday2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693786245893662274" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The big boys flying south. (For the winter? Several weeks ago, Big Brother confided a plan to move to Africa when he's grown. "Sorry Mom, that's the way it goes.")<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbGIS1VzQ3463hf88iDDN_qg2O1YUDA7VGauHF2yCPRdiKRnkliKpd7DSG8iCjRS4fxvCPwsdnB4odby9U1ppJN52DD5vQNyGoGK6Ht3OlIZTemMaCk0z0I8i5AX7tU74iDQ-ATaLvQk/s1600/snowyday1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbGIS1VzQ3463hf88iDDN_qg2O1YUDA7VGauHF2yCPRdiKRnkliKpd7DSG8iCjRS4fxvCPwsdnB4odby9U1ppJN52DD5vQNyGoGK6Ht3OlIZTemMaCk0z0I8i5AX7tU74iDQ-ATaLvQk/s320/snowyday1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693786246420504834" border="0" /></a><br />After we came in, we tried a new recipe in our <a href="http://thebabycakesshop.com/products/cupcake-makers">Babycakes Cupcake Maker</a>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYl4FTNM-Y1_Fpfd7mt44GttvqL05zRBc6sD0uRGUmzQrP_4Wk0S-SUvieH8FxVRHv8dnkvy6aI48GBG_KOoZ8HNQxn5MDSpCap4SstaCcQw6cj-8jbyFmB80PV05eovk233UPB3y-_YI/s1600/snowyday3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYl4FTNM-Y1_Fpfd7mt44GttvqL05zRBc6sD0uRGUmzQrP_4Wk0S-SUvieH8FxVRHv8dnkvy6aI48GBG_KOoZ8HNQxn5MDSpCap4SstaCcQw6cj-8jbyFmB80PV05eovk233UPB3y-_YI/s320/snowyday3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693786470063418610" border="0" /></a><br />A <a href="http://charmingthebirdsfromthetrees.blogspot.com/">dear friend</a> sent this to me for Christmas, and it is so much fun!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwBAxXPoNhfedgZSCZW8lmR7MygQgF3tGmZ2XjN4_2e8RvejrPLA_4hNpsov1tgFi-NnJ6brSP0Qq7FVbh7QcuPNrDgVIKlN3mzaMafCTYxZWPQ4reWQZpqjV8Jrf8_tjjcKBf6n7d6k/s1600/snowday4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwBAxXPoNhfedgZSCZW8lmR7MygQgF3tGmZ2XjN4_2e8RvejrPLA_4hNpsov1tgFi-NnJ6brSP0Qq7FVbh7QcuPNrDgVIKlN3mzaMafCTYxZWPQ4reWQZpqjV8Jrf8_tjjcKBf6n7d6k/s320/snowday4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693786257876052146" border="0" /></a><br />Five to seven minutes and cupcakes! Or muffins! Or pie!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjPNz19Nf9qjFzAqIwz9qjbXOtGiFHYOcsi-jp2jEFLlgdBBdX7aeotTolduru82hEEL3pN5umRXu1RrR6sOrmhKt0L_tzorOnVQEbid5KxHsccngSbK6gq_12mXidMww07UJoFZpuX0/s1600/snowday5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjPNz19Nf9qjFzAqIwz9qjbXOtGiFHYOcsi-jp2jEFLlgdBBdX7aeotTolduru82hEEL3pN5umRXu1RrR6sOrmhKt0L_tzorOnVQEbid5KxHsccngSbK6gq_12mXidMww07UJoFZpuX0/s320/snowday5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693786258684498946" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We've only tried sweet recipes so far, but I have plans to try mini-quiches and other quick meals soon!<br /><br /></div><br /><img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-39189101174606183942012-01-05T08:00:00.001-05:002012-01-05T08:00:07.956-05:00{Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real} The Twelve Days of Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ourmothersdaughters.blogspot.com/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8ObsfulAKATyWE5BCat-LXCKRT9WGNkInAsHA_OW76EeDH6zoiDf_2PZB4RrQXH_2oVv3G3rHxUCJTFRUiV_QYfImMEl0Sbwsch1_A8z1eHLg78e_b7sIunWnID6v0LF0x4UzN3e7es/s320/button.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694124088964482962" border="0" /></a><br /><center><div style=" text-align: center;font-family:inherit;"><span style="font-size:small;"><i>~ Capturing the context of contentment</i><i> in everyday life </i><i>~</i></span><span style="font-size:small;"><br /><i> Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter!<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></i></span> </div>{pretty}<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNurFGu9uujcjxrvO6Kdo7fCv2m-oWS8GVy-8mA6udx4_lZYFeZL3Mm8KvBtxGAlgyks9l9jyLGuJF4UA4hw5-lZ3O4jt3s-sFiNuOLR3Rs8SE0Zw8ZRGphPlUwNixIMRi85Aacc5o5g/s1600/prettyjan5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNurFGu9uujcjxrvO6Kdo7fCv2m-oWS8GVy-8mA6udx4_lZYFeZL3Mm8KvBtxGAlgyks9l9jyLGuJF4UA4hw5-lZ3O4jt3s-sFiNuOLR3Rs8SE0Zw8ZRGphPlUwNixIMRi85Aacc5o5g/s320/prettyjan5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694123053053191442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Little Brother chose this picture, and really, is there anything prettier than perfect snowballs in a row?<br /></span><br />{happy}<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q7HY1z-7RcUhATchJU4UR6e4V6GYv_OoBTvfJp0JU3ziuiq2Z6mw5_lNuVNI6a4PinELTTGF1tpGLl0HuFmt1H9drEicPeKwDyHWeFNdqoEqKcs3neNNPkDzvddSqcaI-y8FmJihEyc/s1600/happyjan5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q7HY1z-7RcUhATchJU4UR6e4V6GYv_OoBTvfJp0JU3ziuiq2Z6mw5_lNuVNI6a4PinELTTGF1tpGLl0HuFmt1H9drEicPeKwDyHWeFNdqoEqKcs3neNNPkDzvddSqcaI-y8FmJihEyc/s320/happyjan5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694123057231977170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Big Brother and his new keyboard on Christmas Day.</span><br /><br />{funny}<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGnFkCznAJ2FdrgfgbIeM0prA7Cp6MtThG9rPUwGyw9ajwuE9oZJ-3z5phS_dp8jmiBZz_r6CYDdDasrfNn-ujJOEC4V8Amp4gkY0Yc3SuA_oZ74PTU0M3wYorw7HtMnEonx9gBl2WwU/s1600/funnyjan5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGnFkCznAJ2FdrgfgbIeM0prA7Cp6MtThG9rPUwGyw9ajwuE9oZJ-3z5phS_dp8jmiBZz_r6CYDdDasrfNn-ujJOEC4V8Amp4gkY0Yc3SuA_oZ74PTU0M3wYorw7HtMnEonx9gBl2WwU/s320/funnyjan5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694123061947189282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">A not-quite-so-perfect gingerbread house after decorating (and sampling!). No parent involvement here!</span><br /><br />{real}<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvU_r-wCYkaix7EuHO-Jx-LgBQ7WsEBj93V8Qn3Nus3jQGhyC5DXt6yGRfe7uJjzWtn6K4H4XBOf4vqYW9qJebRrHhL4zWF7gxYcJtizqjBnToZwPYLfEak2kMwtVjDLQEjcdUvRXOsGs/s1600/realjan5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvU_r-wCYkaix7EuHO-Jx-LgBQ7WsEBj93V8Qn3Nus3jQGhyC5DXt6yGRfe7uJjzWtn6K4H4XBOf4vqYW9qJebRrHhL4zWF7gxYcJtizqjBnToZwPYLfEak2kMwtVjDLQEjcdUvRXOsGs/s320/realjan5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694123064618690898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The school room after several weeks of no school and using the space as a catch-all. Restoring it to normal use is today's project!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" /></div></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-59177360768841355872012-01-05T07:00:00.000-05:002012-01-05T07:07:49.724-05:00Kiwi Crate<div style="text-align: center;">For Christmas, my sister gave the older boys a three-month subscription to <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/">Kiwi Crate</a>. Kiwi Crate is a fairly new service; each month subscribers receive a box with all the materials needed for several projects that center around a theme. While these crates are designed for use by one child, we are finding that sharing between two is no problem.<br /><br />The first crate came in time for the boys to open it on Christmas, and they were immediately ready to jump right in!<br /><br />The December theme was space-- Big Brother's passion!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVYJLlJDLoPcrIbtdsGBucqURdx80nxwj_iDhOcjHOPkEiKRYUs6Du2EZawokPaeyGVDxiwWXZji_NLv8NLGV9DoWF4azgHafbbCNLTFOTXThi8XJl3NL_mkeRCUsoW7m_2AH3gZsjS4/s1600/kiwicrate1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVYJLlJDLoPcrIbtdsGBucqURdx80nxwj_iDhOcjHOPkEiKRYUs6Du2EZawokPaeyGVDxiwWXZji_NLv8NLGV9DoWF4azgHafbbCNLTFOTXThi8XJl3NL_mkeRCUsoW7m_2AH3gZsjS4/s320/kiwicrate1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694115525349276162" border="0" /></a><br />First up: a mobile!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjio7WyAuyCWzwIBR7m-I7oqx_8kWHZ9Uyr3uFIQluT44_39mZeS2_s3bU2EQtMMAIghhQulmJEqtWyxqDWNrJ8YpNTRRZCHNDqRwPQJH_Vo3SCP0Y1Jaq-EgMNI14NZoAtO5G6xn9OFoA/s1600/kiwicrate2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjio7WyAuyCWzwIBR7m-I7oqx_8kWHZ9Uyr3uFIQluT44_39mZeS2_s3bU2EQtMMAIghhQulmJEqtWyxqDWNrJ8YpNTRRZCHNDqRwPQJH_Vo3SCP0Y1Jaq-EgMNI14NZoAtO5G6xn9OFoA/s320/kiwicrate2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694115529279509186" border="0" /></a><br />It took the better part of a day: working on and off and waiting for paint to dry, but by bedtime the mobile was in place!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmDCiq8MznsZkt4e8ssaaWA9gXuicCf1Z0XkORY6et1TfTbOiyfPtgxldcYUVLkpLwljvyjfkKzun7tjISuJT4iwvDCRuVKs7-Q_whxf3b1wpf5WjlH0q3dStZBR6GvLQVP4YZtz7G0Y/s1600/kiwicrate3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmDCiq8MznsZkt4e8ssaaWA9gXuicCf1Z0XkORY6et1TfTbOiyfPtgxldcYUVLkpLwljvyjfkKzun7tjISuJT4iwvDCRuVKs7-Q_whxf3b1wpf5WjlH0q3dStZBR6GvLQVP4YZtz7G0Y/s320/kiwicrate3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694115529061390034" border="0" /></a><br />The older boys have a space themed room, and so our new "system" is right at home!<br /><br />The other project in the box was making a rocket-- also perfect for these two. We can't wait for the January crate to arrive!<br /><br /></div><img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-508410427595685832012-01-04T09:21:00.005-05:002012-01-04T09:27:37.166-05:00Belated Birthday Post<div style="text-align: center;">Back on November 9, Baby Brother turned 1!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32BBkp8qjQbXv_148SN0W6zec4ngDzhce8IsnVLxybtyeE-EixdpTlBRCaentKEsax9Rs4R6NHf_XtdJ8tfO9-avyPEAfJlaIVEvfEai-ppUJU10o50gimzGOVQ1YatQG6xXP-R25uZY/s1600/jbday11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32BBkp8qjQbXv_148SN0W6zec4ngDzhce8IsnVLxybtyeE-EixdpTlBRCaentKEsax9Rs4R6NHf_XtdJ8tfO9-avyPEAfJlaIVEvfEai-ppUJU10o50gimzGOVQ1YatQG6xXP-R25uZY/s320/jbday11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693782702566420226" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">He continues to keep us on our toes and I marvel everyday at what he's learned. Fortunately, it hasn't been anything as potentially dangerous as <a href="http://thisordinarytime.blogspot.com/2011/07/close-call.html">past exploits</a>!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It's certainly true in our case that the third child is the one who turns things upside down, but his adorable smile and sunny disposition make it all worthwhile!<br /></div><br /><br /><img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-5986977621898058192012-01-04T07:49:00.004-05:002012-01-04T09:21:04.587-05:00Catching Up in 2012!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Happy New Year!</span><br /><br />I certainly didn't intend to abandon this blog for three months, but it's easy to be swept away with everyday life!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJldzv4-cfECF7OEjCc5EFL_HRf1dZcx0nTQWfmg4NPtbS8OtsfXLzUBrGZH3u4p2KpK8kmz1t1aklntE70NMT4Aqo3_SkCryQ0KpPKGTWoXonvcIOJdFgNVXaRT01cfhRHnMZRxukvw/s1600/winterost2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJldzv4-cfECF7OEjCc5EFL_HRf1dZcx0nTQWfmg4NPtbS8OtsfXLzUBrGZH3u4p2KpK8kmz1t1aklntE70NMT4Aqo3_SkCryQ0KpPKGTWoXonvcIOJdFgNVXaRT01cfhRHnMZRxukvw/s320/winterost2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693762979779711490" border="0" /></a><br />Not much particularly blog-worthy has been happening in our home lately, but we are enjoying days with friends, homeschool activities, and playing outside.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSe6T7CIgAilsmMeH7NVMfBCG9qxCvnVnlGnsrq0kpNdHOU7R2_lK2P-slYpAv3hXWz9qfQSNjj9HNw7VbcSVLUWr9lS0S2pV8FpR7H4K9FlM_6AOwU0Un6H4fH2Nb98qdqIXyErOqR8/s1600/winterost3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSe6T7CIgAilsmMeH7NVMfBCG9qxCvnVnlGnsrq0kpNdHOU7R2_lK2P-slYpAv3hXWz9qfQSNjj9HNw7VbcSVLUWr9lS0S2pV8FpR7H4K9FlM_6AOwU0Un6H4fH2Nb98qdqIXyErOqR8/s320/winterost3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693762977440039570" border="0" /></a><br />Winter has finally arrived with the new year, and I have lots of plans for our learning adventures in the New Year, and many goals as far as the house is concerned. I hope to share soon!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5wiHB4brtiKyZ4u2K2bcTRYO_H3IKO5dKgxZiaP8p0KjQ4WM2O7ToaQufrAOmW-SO28SxOqlAyuWfMOSI6p6aeJQFydtoO1aqMouZHkUAJEITgwCjySpamiXMYWDs8bj4uN2LOQtuus/s1600/winterost1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5wiHB4brtiKyZ4u2K2bcTRYO_H3IKO5dKgxZiaP8p0KjQ4WM2O7ToaQufrAOmW-SO28SxOqlAyuWfMOSI6p6aeJQFydtoO1aqMouZHkUAJEITgwCjySpamiXMYWDs8bj4uN2LOQtuus/s320/winterost1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693762980207212146" border="0" /></a><br /><img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/Zuzu822/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-47336377188601767682011-10-02T18:22:00.004-04:002011-10-02T18:25:42.011-04:00Apple Sandwiches<div style="text-align: center;">Thanks to <a href="http://pinterest.com/ordinarytime/">Pinterest</a>, I found a very yummy looking <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/88638439/">apple snack</a>, I knew we had to try after apple picking this year.<br /><br />It was a hit with all the kiddos, and my sister and I loved it as well!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3MzdvzkttMDjUKkc43xQ6IIhuLFe3Yrg6sdYVw92yoPrrKg5zyfJuTijpH7YEPe03WsJUYaRxM8ObzyfNCtLRQygH2dtbLaO2N4id1dJtK3XtuThAHEdCHkkvejDOJJ6nVohRAwLgBg/s1600/applesnack.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3MzdvzkttMDjUKkc43xQ6IIhuLFe3Yrg6sdYVw92yoPrrKg5zyfJuTijpH7YEPe03WsJUYaRxM8ObzyfNCtLRQygH2dtbLaO2N4id1dJtK3XtuThAHEdCHkkvejDOJJ6nVohRAwLgBg/s320/applesnack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659023760745199730" border="0" /></a><br />Simply top an apple slice with peanut butter, granola, chocolate chips or raisins, another apple slice and enjoy!<br /></div><br /><br /><img src="http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad24/BannerBlvd/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-24242753191715446302011-10-02T07:02:00.004-04:002012-01-27T15:22:59.596-05:00Apple Picking<div style="text-align: center;">We had a burst of sunny, warm weather early last week and went apple picking with my sister and niece!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXrKqMSGTz4RY08OFttOx8OpnGNQO3iFSQ80G1n0PGyK2ee5qahltdJIUHpyjtNm4oINiG8w0Il-at9TXU8ad97nThyYS0cF0oVn0RwsWAhOTKK-kVqv8w10sY4pkiiosSLLrz8M2L7E/s1600/apples2011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXrKqMSGTz4RY08OFttOx8OpnGNQO3iFSQ80G1n0PGyK2ee5qahltdJIUHpyjtNm4oINiG8w0Il-at9TXU8ad97nThyYS0cF0oVn0RwsWAhOTKK-kVqv8w10sY4pkiiosSLLrz8M2L7E/s320/apples2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658849017880133938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo by my sister).<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Apple picking has become our tradition for Michaelmas week. This farm was very child-friendly: special bags just for the kids (labeled with their names!), animals, a corn maze, and a country store with many enticing treats!<br /><br />Best for us, it's only ten minutes from our new house. We came come for a delicious apple treat (post to follow!) and playtime for the cousins.<br /></div><br /><img src="http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad24/BannerBlvd/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-32139456449756086792011-09-28T07:49:00.004-04:002011-09-28T07:52:51.940-04:00Apple Cake<div style="text-align: center;">Autumn is our favorite season!<br /><br />We've been enjoying apples and apple activities over the past week.<br /><br />To start us off, we read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Cake-Nienke-Van-Hichtum/dp/0863152287">Apple Cake</a>, and tried the recipe from the book.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOSYNyhshdA8eRBr_-ZMv9PxbfnRX3SsANWzpwmAYIpTneQdSlmzdDKhGIhSEPf7LafGLxCAAT1Xuwjxos3U_c9kOfDsgMGTqGloGywAYg83pI9FqRKXYAZ5ICvf5YaFo7EkMQAt8Oik/s1600/applecake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOSYNyhshdA8eRBr_-ZMv9PxbfnRX3SsANWzpwmAYIpTneQdSlmzdDKhGIhSEPf7LafGLxCAAT1Xuwjxos3U_c9kOfDsgMGTqGloGywAYg83pI9FqRKXYAZ5ICvf5YaFo7EkMQAt8Oik/s320/applecake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657376198208050402" border="0" /></a><br />It came out very well, but it's more like bread than cake. Still, the kids loved it!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad24/BannerBlvd/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2656400210839111899.post-9262846632328475772011-09-14T14:54:00.006-04:002012-01-27T15:25:36.846-05:00Candlemaking<div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday is craft day in our house!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Big Brother has been asking to make candles since last spring when he saw the homesteading class at co-op make them. Yesterday, we finally did it!<br /><br />All you need is beeswax, small wax-lined paper cups, a wick, and a way to melt the wax (we used our double boiler). We also added a little apple spice to our candles...perfect for fall! The beeswax is wonderful on its own too, however.<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuYs4haGzi2Cf82QAVfSQ6sH19WSB3UhevtoiLNLrn3B9l5-0hJubskO3kRN-4E8r8X6kQsU5nITPDb3PIbLtiecbjfNA_n5o8d5VFWE70UYCbBeVsGhRPKPrJg4L-duzDlsAcZ3oyCg/s1600/candlemaking1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuYs4haGzi2Cf82QAVfSQ6sH19WSB3UhevtoiLNLrn3B9l5-0hJubskO3kRN-4E8r8X6kQsU5nITPDb3PIbLtiecbjfNA_n5o8d5VFWE70UYCbBeVsGhRPKPrJg4L-duzDlsAcZ3oyCg/s320/candlemaking1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652291753805707202" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This is a very quick project, and great for gift giving. We'll be doing this a lot this season!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL51dOKeZRvWfFq5Z414J9h3JnSCZr3KU2SDgxmr6H5J1ndXlBlTrhM1Usm4DAKNUY1mAmFk2l_wtQfvuLaoPSoM0E_9g-jLSVZMyGvpefoWXytgAmPzNOlIDgnF6dQsJq27xTyYTXh4E/s1600/candlemaking2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL51dOKeZRvWfFq5Z414J9h3JnSCZr3KU2SDgxmr6H5J1ndXlBlTrhM1Usm4DAKNUY1mAmFk2l_wtQfvuLaoPSoM0E_9g-jLSVZMyGvpefoWXytgAmPzNOlIDgnF6dQsJq27xTyYTXh4E/s320/candlemaking2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652291760403576418" border="0" /></a>Our new mealtime blessing candle!<br /><br /></div><br /><img src="http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad24/BannerBlvd/Courtneysignature.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2