On Halloween and The Bride of Christ
Perhaps I ought to keep silent, for I know that when I take a stand against Halloween I draw a line that separates me from my family, my friends, and even my church. I brought four children home from AWANA tonight. One child reported making a jack-o-lantern with a real pumpkin in class and had a jack-o-lantern craft to bring home. Another child reported seeing a real jack-o-lantern in class Continue Reading >>
Amazingly Perfect Banana Bread
What makes this banana bread so perfect is the orange juice which gives it a little kick in the pants. And the combination of whole wheat and regular flour which gives it a gorgeous crumb and divine texture. And the cup of sugar, which causes the outside to caramelize beautifully during the long bake time. Of course, you can also make this into muffins if you are short on time, but you won't get Continue Reading >>
Book Review: King Alfred’s English by Laurie J. White
Who is King Alfred and what exactly does he have to do with the English language anyway? This was my immediate response to the title of Laurie J. White's book -- King Alfred's English: A History of the Language We Speak and Why We Should Be Glad We Do. King Alfred's English does not disappoint. Not only does the book explain who King Alfred is, it explains why English would never have become Continue Reading >>
Book Review: Big Book of History by Master Books
The Big Book of History by Master Books is a fold out timeline of all history from a Biblical/Creation perspective. It stretches out quite far as you can see from this picture. It is fairly simple to open four pages at a time at home. The book is hardcover and the timeline is folded accordian style and only attached to the back cover so that it is less likely to tear. The book can be read in Continue Reading >>
Meat Prep for Faster Meals
I went to put all my produce in the fridge the other day and remembered that I had a large stock of meat inside that needed prepped and frozen --immediately! I browned 4 lbs of ground beef. I split the hamburger up once it was cool into three disposable plastic containers which we use and re-use for as long as we can. If I fill it to the brim and stuff it in this holds enough meat for Continue Reading >>
Book Review: Bible Stories For Preschoolers
My family owns several bibles for the preschool age. And when I say several, I'm guessing the number is right at fifteen. I think reading the Bible to young children is important. I have several criteria for judging a new Bible for young children. Does it have colorful pictures? Is the text short and simple. Are the suggested activities relevant or are they a stretch? Are the wisemen Continue Reading >>
21 Ideas for a Simple Healthy Snack Supper
I didn't coin the phrase Snack Supper, I got the idea from Vicki Farris' book A Mom Just Like You which I highly recommend. Im pretty sure she brought it up for lunches on busy homeschool days, but we use it mostly for supper on days when we don't want to cook, on days when it is just too hot to cook, and on days when we have lots and lots of fresh produce that needs eaten quick. We focus on Continue Reading >>
Book Review: Unveiling The Kings Of Israel by David Down
I want my children to be captivated by the Ancient history of the Israelite nation, and I have to tell you that this new book by David Down is captivating. I've read the stories myself dozens of times and yet I didn't want to put the book down! Unveiling the Kings of Israel takes the story of Israel beginning with Noah and weaves it together with historical and archaeological evidences, Continue Reading >>
Plum Jelly in the Microwave
Hot, fresh plum jelly straight from the microwave to your biscuit is quick, easy and yummy! All you need is 1 1/2 pounds of plums, 3/4 Cup of sugar, a bowl, a spoon, a microwave and either a food mill or a fine mesh sieve. Quarter your plums and toss them in the bowl pits, skins and all. Add the sugar. Microwave at full power for 10 minutes. Remove from the microwave and either pass them Continue Reading >>