Christmas 2011 Collage

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and that the joy of the season is still with you and your family!

Christmas Piano Recital

Happy Birthday, Jesus! 

(Muffins in my 3's and 4's Sunday School Class)

Church Staff (Ministerial/Office) Christmas Luncheon at our House

The little houses I made as dessert/place cards. 

(Confectioners sugar covers a multitude of sins!)

The making of gingerbread houses...

Rolling out the dough...

Cutting out the parts of the house...

The finished products! 

The boys had the best time making these. 

(Big bonus for making homemade gingerbread: man, my house smelled good!)

One of my favorite parts of Christmastime: our Advent story/lighting of the candles each night.  It really helped us all to slow down and savor the season.



"Box Day" is a lot like Christmas at our House!

     The other day, we received our big box of books from Sonlight (Homeschool) Curriculum.  This is a very exciting day for our family--and other "Sonlighters" around the world! In fact, the Sonlight company has officially named it "Box Day".  

 
  In one of my earlier posts, I shared how we are borrowing a lot of the Sonlight books, but these are the rest I had to order: 

The boys always start looking at the books right away!

One of my favorite parts of the curriculum...the Timeline Stickers!  We've been filling up our book of time for the last 5 1/2 years.  A wonderful learning tool.  The boys just love looking through it.

Just one of many of our Science books.

Just a few more weeks and we'll start this new core!  (World History, Part 1)

4 Ways to Use Old Christmas Cards

I LOVE finding uses for old Christmas cards!

1)This is in my laundry room. The old chalkboard is always there, I just added greenery to the top. The cute little gingerbread-shaped people are cut out of old Christmas cards. I used my cookie cutters as templates. I simply punched a hole in the top and tied them on with some ribbon I already had. If you have kids, this would be a fun project for them...they would also look cute on a tree.

2) My kids used some old Christmas cards just the other day to cut-up (and they used one of my Christmas punches) to make new cards for their teachers at church. I gave them cardstock, construction paper and glitter glue. They had the BEST time.

3) I used Christmas nativity cards a few weeks in an activity with my preschoolers at church. We made a large "birth announcement" for Baby Jesus.

4) Nametags for gifts. Punches work great for this. You can also cut on the fold to have a nametag you can "open". (This was the reason my parents always saved our Christmas cards.)

Do you have any creative uses for old Christmas cards? I'd love for you to share! Leave a post/link below!

Making Butter (Yummy Science)

     
     The whole family had a great time last Friday making butter!  (I like doing my "experiments" on Fridays.)  Dad even got in on the action.  This is one of our books we use for Science, and where the activity for making butter came from :



We poured the cream into a jar. (I read the directions a little more carefully AFTER we finished.  We were supposed to use a larger glass jar.  oops!)

After Lots of shaking, we had a creamy type butter.  The boys went ahead and tried that on crackers, loved it. (I've made that before when I taught preschool.)  The directions in our book told us to add water  3 different times, pouring off excess liquid each time.  I really thought we had ruined our yummy creamy butter, but--Alas solids!  So exciting, truly! 

Butter!

The boys enjoyed homemade butter on their mama's homemade bread with soup for lunch.

To Bee or not to Bee?

     For the last two years, my children have participated in our cover school's spelling bee competition.  I have encouraged/required them to do this. Both times were really great experiences.  The best part was the comradship with other homeschool kids.

      I firmly believe most children need practice being up in front of an audience.  I always tell my boys there will be times in their life they will have to stand up in front of a group of people and speak.  It may be in their job, or just at a church business meeting.  To me, it is a life skill. 

      I have to admit---I love competion.  I grew up competing in 4-H most of my childhood.  So, when it comes to things like a spelling bee, I can get really excited.  Last year was a real nail-biter.  One of my sons was in a round where these 4 kids-- then 3-- then 2-- spelled for 45 minutes without anyone missing a word.  My son ended up being runner-up, but we loved it just the same.  What a thrill!  

     WELL---yesterday I asked my kids if they wanted to be in the spelling bee this year.  They didn't.  But, I figured that's okay.  They had the great experience for 2 years.  Instead, they want to put their time toward other interests.  I am both relieved and disappointed.  Getting ready for a spelling bee takes lots of practice, but, oh, how I enjoy the day of the "bee"!  

My View from the Front Pew: Personal, but not Private

          I am adding the new label "My View from the Front Pew" to my blog to share with my readers some things I learn, see, or experience as I minister alongside my husband.  I figured out a long time ago (while we were still "young" in the ministry) that many times as a minster you get a "front row seat" to what God is doing in people's lives.  I remember discovering this first-hand as a youth minister's wife when I was on a mission trip with a bunch of teenagers.  What a joy it was to see up close God at work in their lives.  As a pastor's wife, people will sometimes share with me how God is speaking to them.  That happened today, in fact.  That's what I call getting a "front row seat".  (In reality, I actually DO sit on the front row in church, right next to my husband!)  There will always be trying times as we serve the Lord, but it is those "front row seat" moments that make it all worth-while.

     ~~~A little something from my notes I took during my husband's sermon: 

Luke 2:17-18 says,

    
     "When they (the shepherds) had seen him (Jesus), they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them."

     We are called to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ...but NOT a private relationship.  Many times those two words are used interchangably in our vocabulary, but when it comes to our relationship with Jesus Christ, there is a vast difference in meaning.  As Christians, let us not confuse the two.  May we be like the shepherds and not keep the good news to ourselves!!

(Handmade) Snowy Villiage Christmas Ornament

    
     Tomorrow my family is attending a Sunday School Christmas party.  We will be having an ornament exchange, so I thought I'd make one of these adorable ornaments that I'd had in my "holiday ideas" notebook for a few years.  I got the idea from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine.  (Here is the link) There is another link from there to be able to print out the pattern.  (You may have to join BH&G first...it's free and easy.) 

     Once you get your pattern (there are 3 to choose from), copy it onto cardstock.  If you like the color of your cardstock, great.  My cardstock was white, and I wanted a little more color, so I glued some scrapbook paper on top. (I left the base white to look like snow.) There are lines on the pattern to show you where to fold.

     The thing I love about this craft is that you can really use your creativity!  Each house you make can be totally unique!  (How fun it would be to give as a gift, creating it to look like the home of the recipient!)  I decided to add a wreath (chenille stem) and I also cut out a little door and windows.  

     It didn't look quite finished, so I added a little bow and put ribbon around the bottom edge.  Much better!

     With the glue gun, I attached a clothespin to the base.  This way it can just be clipped to the tree.  I also added to the bottom of the base the reference in Joshua: "....As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."  I then sprayed it with some "Santa Snow".  Here is the finished product on my tree:   (Okay, I'm not keeping it...I wrapped it up, ready for the party tomorrow night!)

     

Note: I think I may be addicted to this craft, so you may see more in the future!

Note #2:  I'm all about saving $$---I made this with just things/scraps I had in my craft closet.  (All except the Santa Snow, that was $1.25 at the Dollar General.)

Feel Better Soup

     It is that time of year when somebody (or everybody, like us this past week!) in your family will get a cold.  I have the perfect (quick, easy and delicious) soup for that!  I got the recipe from watching "Rachel Ray".  I have made it for several years for my family.  It is a favorite, sick day or not.  My boys always get so excited when I make it.  The original name by R.R. is "Tortellini Brodo", but I just call it "Feel Better Soup".  It really is the perfect thing to eat with a cold: chicken broth to help your cold, lemon zest tastes so refreshing when you can't taste much else, lots of good vitamins in the spinach, the comfort of pasta and protein from the cheese.  Like most of Rachel Ray's recipes, there are no exact measurements.  This is what I have found works best for us (for 4 people):

2 cartons (not cans) of chicken broth

2 small packages of Butoni 3-cheese tortellini

1 small bag spinach (cut or torn into smaller pieces)

zest of 1 lemon (save the lemon for later with some hot tea!)

fresh grated parmesan (to taste)

Bring the broth to a low boil, put in the tortellini.  Cook for about 7 minutes until the pasta resembles fluffy pillows like this:

Now comes the really fun (and oh, so pretty) part!  Ladle the pasta and tortellini into bowls.  Top with a small handful of spinach (this will "wilt" as it is mixed into the soup), parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of lemon zest.  The amount of all these toppings can be determined be the person eating it. 

Doesn't this look YUMMY?!

I even made this soup two days in a row this week...with absolutely no complaints (or leftovers!)  I hope this recipe can help you and your family next time somebody gets a cold!  :)

Blessings,

Letha

Winner of the Giada Bread Loaf Pan!!

Congrats to Hillary M. on winning the Giada Bread Loaf Pan!  I hope you enjoy it!!

Last Day to Enter for a Giada Ceramic Loaf Pan!!!!

     I hope you will take a few seconds to enter to win this great loaf pan! (Minus the bread!)  Remember, you must be an official "follower" to enter.  Please leave a message below stating that you are a follower and your favorite type of bread.  (To "follow" click "Join this site"---just to the right----> and follow a few simple steps.) 

     I am so excited to now be a member of "Molly's Home Team" (doing product reviews on my blog for this great homeschool magazine)!  If you can, please help me out...I need at least 50 followers. I'm halfway there! 

Thanks!  :)  I am so thankful for all my readers!!!
  
Letha

I Made the Team!!

     Several weeks ago, I applied to be part of "Molly's Home Team".  (A product review team via "This Old Schoolhouse" homeschooling magazine.)  I was excited to make it to round two, and now thrilled to be part of the team.  So, starting in January, I'll be reviewing products on my blog.  I'm really looking forward this new venture, and have already enjoyed "meeting" so many other fellow homeschoolers all over the country that are part of this team!  :)



GratiTuesday~~~Sick Day

     I am always thankful to the good Lord and to my husband for the opportunity to educate my children at home---but I am even more so on "sick days".  (Sick days can take lots of forms: sick child(ren), sick mama, or sick everybody.  We've had all three this week.)  On sick days, I am reminded just how blessed I am to homeschool my sons.  When they wake up sick, I don't worry--we just all stay at home like everyday. 

      On "sick days", my kids and I  take it easy, doing whatever "school" is manageable.  We rarely ever completely skip lessons altogether.  Usually on their sick days, they catch up on reading, etc.  Yesterday I knew it was the Lord helping me out.  We were ALL feeling pretty sick, but we had enough energy to do one lesson on "theme" as it pertains to literature.  We had recently recorded "Gone with the Wind". What a perfect day to watch a 4 hour movie, snuggle up with lots of pillows and blankets, then talk about theme, characters, symbolism, etc.  (Not to mention Civil War history!)  I'm usually not one to watch a long movie in the middle of the afternoon, but boy, did I need that!

     p.s.  I have to mention that I am SO GRATEFUL to my sweet husband for doing my Publix (with coupons!) shopping for me!  He has called several times as I've been writing this post, just to make sure he gets it right.  Love that man.

Great Story Starters!

     The other day my usually ready-to-write son had a hard time thinking about what to write about for a short story.  I was stumped for a minute, wondering how I could help him.  I thought I had a book which contained "story starters", but no luck.  So, I searched the internet for a good list.  I'll tell you, it took me a while to find an appropriate list.  Lots of the "story starters" looked like they were more for college students or even sleezy fiction.  I wanted to share 50 great "story starters" I found.  My son really liked the choices, and had no problem developing a short story from the one he chose.  He is so excited about the story that he is working on expanding it to a longer, more detailed one.
     Here is the site that may come in handy for your child(ren) and/or students:

http://www.homeschoolstarter.com/storystarters50.html

Free Nativity Activity Printables for Preschool and Kindergarten

     I  came across these free printables and wanted to share them with all my moms and teachers of preschool-K age children.  Here is the link to the blog where you can find them:  http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/PreschoolPacksNativity.html

What do I do with the Wise Men?

     Every year as I set up my Nativity set, I say to myself, "I don't know why the Wise Men are in here, they weren't even there yet."   (Matthew Chapter 2 tells us that the Magi visited Jesus in a house.)  But I don't know what else to do with them.  I say to myself, "It's just symbolic, get over it!" 

     The other day I was reading the December issue of HomeLife, and they had a great idea!  Place the Wise Men somewhere else in your home, as if the Magi are on the journey to find the Christ Child.  How excited I was!!  I would be able to remain biblical, yet still display my Wise Men!  I want to share with you a new spot for our Wise Men.  I decided to not put them alongside Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and the Shepherd.  This year they are in another spot in the house.  (I wanted them to be traveling from the east side of the house, but I couldn't find a good spot. (And by "good" I mean  "novel, but not tacky".)  So even though they are traveling from the west, here they are on my mantle traveling to find Jesus. 

It would probably be 2 years before they found him, but you get the idea.  It has already brought up a good conversation with one of my sons.  We talked about things that are tradition, but not necessarily in the Bible.    

I would encourage everyone to have a nativity set in their home that takes center stage.  If you have young children, a nativity set that they can touch and play with is a great idea.

First Week of Advent!

     Two days ago I put together our family's Advent wreath.  I decided to place the Advent wreath next to my Nativity set.  This post is related to a previous post where I shared about our family beginning the book, Jotham's Journey.  Our whole family really loves it.  We have enjoyed lighting the Advent candle then sitting by the fire in the evening as my husband reads the story.  There is even a devotional that follows the reading for each day.  I love how it all fits together. The book has already grabbed our attention!  

Ceramic Loaf Pan Giveaway Entry Date has been Extended!

    It is still not too late to try and win the Giada Ceramic Loaf Pan Giveaway mentioned  here in an earlier post  .  Now the deadline is December 8th.  (So whomever wins it can still have time to bake holiday bread or give it as a Christmas gift!)  Make sure you are an official follower before you enter.  (Click "join this site".) 

"Tools Not Toys" (from Sonlight Blog)

   

 I just read this great post and had to share it!  This is a must read before you do your Christmas shopping for your child/nieces/nephews/grandchildren. 

"Tools Not Toys" post from Sonlight Blog

 "A child can have too many toys, but never too many books."

---Letha

GratiTuesday---Two Kinds of Lists

     I love lists.  What I love most about lists is checking off what I've completed on my ("to do") lists.  Such satisfaction!  My children are big list-makers, so is my husband.  I guess you could call us a list-making family!
     I've been thinking about lists lately.  Thanksgiving lists and Christmas lists, to be specific.  Everyone is familiar with the "What I want for Christmas List".  Kids love those.  My children write theirs every year with great anticipation.  Making the "list" is half the fun!!
     There is also the Thanksgiving list-- the  "What I am Thankful for" list.  This one is not as popular, but so important.  This is the list where we "count our blessings"--where we remember to be thankful for things we have NOW, not for things we WISH we had. 
     I was thinking (during my husband's sermon on thanksgiving) how appropriate it is that we celebrate Thanksgiving before, and in close proximity to Christmas.  Thanksgiving is a great reminder to be content and grateful for what the Lord has given us---this before all the hustle and bustle of materialism that will be in full swing about the time our thanksgiving feasts turn into turkey sandwiches. 
     I encourage you (and you can encourage your children--Go here if you want some cute and colorful lists your children and others can fill in.) to make your "Thanksgiving List" before you make (or finish) your "Christmas Wish List".  It just might affect this things you ask for! :)

"...for I have learned to to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."     Philippians 4:ll(b)-13

Holiday School: A Thanksgiving Reading

    

 I wanted to share a Thanksgiving Reading/Devotional I found recently.  I plan to read this to my children on or before Thanksgiving Day.  We don't have family arriving until after Thanksgiving Day, so I am working on some fun "Holiday School" things for us to do together since we'll have more time with just our family.  (Note: to save myself colored ink, I just copied the text and pasted it onto a blank document page, then printed that out.)

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Pitching Our Tent" in Sunday School

     One of my joys in life is to teach preschoolers, especially about the Lord.  I currently teach 3 and 4 year olds at my church.  I just had to share our lesson today, since it was about King David and how he "pitched a tent"for the Ark of the Covenant. (not the part in the Bible for which my blog is named, but it works..!)  I had such a good morning with my boys and girls.

Reading the Bible and our "Thank You, God" Book in the tent

We found a picture of a church tent in our "Read to Me" Bible.  We took wooden blocks and fabric scraps to build church tents.  The 3's and 4's really enjoyed this.  I told the Bible Story as they built.

One of the children with his tent.  I love the ramp he made for the entrance.  He's placing the Ark of the Covenant inside.  (I did tell him that in the Bible they carried it on poles, but left out the part out about being struck dead if you touched it!...)

The children really loved the crowns they made.  They were so cute wearing them around the room as they played. 

     I hope to share more of our lessons with you.  That way, parents of these precious children can get a peek at what we do and see their kids in action.  I hope I can also inspire or encourage any other Sunday School teachers out there.  There are so MANY wonderful ways to teach kids the Bible, and in way that they can learn best.


*** If you'd like to follow my blog, please scroll down and look to the right.  Go this post from yesterday to enter for a chance to win a Giada for Target Ceramic Bread Loaf Pan. ***

Product Review: Giada De Laurentiis Ceramic Loaf Pan

The Giada Ceramic Loaf Pan

A few weeks ago I asked my sweet husband to pick up for me a few bread loaf pans while he was "in the big city." (We live 40 minutes away, in a small town.)  I requested he purchase ceramic pans, just like the one I already owned.  The brand I was looking for was sold out, so we moved on to plan "B".  I asked him to go to Target -- I remembered them selling quality ceramic dishes, a brand name that started with a "G".  He found them!  Over the phone he said, "I really think you are going to like these.  They are even pretty."  He brought them home, and I am thrilled with them.  First, just the facts, ma'am:

    

Giada Ceramic Loaf pans are light-beige on the outside with a white interior.  They measure 9"x5".  Each pan weighs 3.0 pounds.  They are tarnish, rust, odor, heat, and warp resistant.  (An online Giada recipe even says it can be put in your freezer.) They are microwave safe.  The manufacturer recommends they be hand-washed only.  You can purchase this pan at Target's website for $16.99. (The picture above is a link.) The Giada loaf pan is also sold as a part of a 6 pc. ceramic bakeware set at Target for $49.99. (Again, see link.)

Letha says~~~

     I recommend these pans, especially if you bake often.  The bread I have baked has come out flawlessly. (I pre-butter, but not heavily.)  I love that they are ceramic so there is no chance of that "metal taste" you can get from a metal loaf pan.  Also, there is no need of worrying that the non-stick coating will peel off. 

    These pans take a little TLC.  They need to be hand-washed. (Oops!  I did not see that until after I had washed them in the dishwasher twice!...But they are fine.)  They can also be broken...an obvious observation, but one you might want to consider. 

     One of my favorite things about this loaf pan is it is so attractive. (It has a simple beauty to it. So, if you like bright colors or designs, you may want to keep looking.) I spend much time in the kitchen, and having pretty cookware makes it more enjoyable. I think the handles on the loaf pan "make" the design.  They are more than just nice to look at, though.  The curved handles make it very easy to remove this hot pan from the oven.  The only problem is I find myself not wanting to take out the baked bread from the pan because it just looks so good!  See what I mean:

    

   

    

     The price mentioned above ($16.99) is the online price.  We were able to purchase our pans in-store for $15.29 each. (This was a sale price.)  These are not inexpensive pans, but I've learned over the years that purchasing quality the first time saves money over the long haul. If, however, you are an every-once-in-a-blue-moon kind of baker, you might not want to fork over the money for a ceramic loaf pan. 

     This is a versatile loaf pan.  I look forward to making pumpkin bread in it for Thanksgiving.  It would also make a great gift for Christmas; just fill it with baking items and put it in a clear gift bag, just like you would a gift basket.  Whatever the occasion, this pan delivers both design and function.

First Giveaway!!!

You can win this Giada Ceramic Loaf Pan! 

(See my last post here for details about the item.)

Here's how you can win:

1) Become a follower of justpitchingmytent. ***Click "Join this Site"***.  You will need to start an account if you don't already have one. (free)     (If you already are an official "follower", then you can skip this step!)

2) Leave a message below stating that you are a follower, and what your favorite bread is.

3) To increase you chances, invite others to follow my blog.  If they become followers, and mention you in their comment, then you will be entered 5 more times for each new follower!!
4) ***This prize is only available to mailing addresses in the Continental United States. 

Contest ends Wednesday, November 30th. Winner will be announced December 1st.

*Now extended until December 8th at midnight! 

Blog Update (to all my blog peeps, wherever you are!)

First of all, thanks for taking time to read my blog.  I have been trying to "perfect" it over these last several months.  I hope I have helped, inspired or encouraged you along the way. 

The focus of my blog covers 3 areas:  ministry, educating at home, and frugal homemaking.  It has taken me awhile to figure out what my exact focus is, but these continually are the things I blog about, because they are what I'm passionate about. 

I have recently adjusted my settings on my blog, and hope that this makes it easier for you to leave comments, etc.  I truly enjoy having a blog.  I am learning so much!  (And it's cheaper than professional therapy!---hehe!)

Starting a New Christmas Tradition

     Our family will begin a new Christmas tradition this year.  We will be celebrating Advent each evening with the help of a book series I found out about recently.  We will begin this year with the first book, Jotham's Journey.  You can read more about it here:



     I'm keeping it a "surprise" until the first day of Advent, but wanted to share this information  with my readers in case you wanted to order one.  I found CBD (Christian Book Distributors) to have the best price, plus we have ordered from them several times, and always had a good experience.  Our copy of Jotham's Journey came in the mail a few days ago, so I'm excited to get started.  I'll be picking up my candles for the Advent Wreath this week.  (The Advent wreath is lit each night during the storytime.)  I will keep you updated on how my boys like it.  I've heard that the stories are very exciting, and that your kids will keep begging for more. 

Blessings,

Letha

A Month of Praise and Wisdom

     Last night we finished chapter 7, "The Bible" in our family devotional guide, Faith Conversations for Families.

 

     At the end of the chapter, it encouraged family members to chose a scripture reading plan.  My husband and youngest son are already reading through a book of the Bible, but my oldest and I chose the "Month of Praise and Wisdom".  We will be reading 5 Psalms and 1 Proverb a day.  I'm excited about this, especially knowing that my oldest son will be doing it along with me!  :)   Would you like to join us?  

Some Not-So-Expected Strategies for Saving $$$

     This time of year (and in this economy!) we are all trying to be careful how we spend our money.  We'd all probably like a little extra cash as Christmas approaches***.  Below are listed some ways you can do this.  (I found the list in a Home Life magazine.)

7 Practical Strategies for Saving:

1. Hang out with frugal friends.   Do not try to keep up with the Joneses.  Instead, save with the Smiths.

2. Wash hands often.  Fewer germs means fewer trips to the doctor.  Cha-ching~!

3.  Turn off the tube.  TV ads make adults and children want new stuff. If you watch less, you'll probably want less.  Want to save even more?  Cancel cable.

4.  Never shop for clothes until you've done the laundry.

5.  Skip the drive-through.  Always have the ingredients for a few quick, easy, affordable meals in the pantry for those times you are pinched for time.  Spaghetti anyone?

6.  Love where you live.  Consider the hotel bill paid in full while you take advantage of local parks, museums, libraries and festivals.

7.  Do-it-yourself.  Think you don't have time?  It may be faster to do it yourself than to earn the money to pay someone else to wash the car, mow the lawn, clean the house, change the oil, and do your nails.  Pay yourself and put the money in savings. 

***A "just pitching our tent" reason to save $$$:  Remember, we shouldn't just save money so that we have more to spend.  One of the best motivations for saving money is so that you'll have more to give away. Help a needy family have Thanksgiving, give to missions, buy a stranger coffee, or however else God may lead you.   

A Clever Way to Learn Geography

      My boys have recently finished reading Around the World in 80 Days.  Our curriculum (Sonlight) suggested a great ending activity: to draw (freehand) a map of the world.  They then were to label and chart Phileas Fogg's adventure on the map they had drawn.  I thought this was such a great idea...a much better way to learn geography than boring worksheets!  My sons enjoyed it, as it was a real challenge and something new to them.