Cub Scout camp was last week and this week I have a boy at Boy Scout camp and a girl at EFY. My husband was at scout camp for half of this week, too. Half of our family was missing! I just had my two little boys! They got along extremely well and played together all the day long with hardly a fuss. They get to go to some fun places this week like seeing a preview of The Last Airbender at the movies, go play at the park, go play with friends, go to Terra Studios, and go to a Primary activity. For 2 days we had a living room full of army men, Galactic Heros, games, and two 100 piece puzzles...which my 7 year old did complete! Fun times.
Meanwhile, I'm already planning for fall. I'm going to teach science at our homeschool co-op this fall. Not because I'm a great scientist or even really like the subject, but because my kids need a meaty science class and I'm teaching it so I know they get the material! I know...it's a little control freakish. If I do it in a class setting, it will also get done and we can't procrastinate like we do other stuff at home sometimes. Yep. I said it. We procrastinate. Like on the botany we were supposed to keep up with the last few weeks! When my older two get home from their camps we will pick up on some of it in July.
One science class I'm doing is based on Apologia's Exploring Creation with Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day. In ten weeks, we are going to go skimming through the whole book. I'm having students notebook and keep portfolios of what we do in class. This will be for ages 9-11.
The other class I am co-teaching with a friend. It is based on Apologia's General Science text. Students will also keep a notebook, have homework, tests, and keep a portfolio. We will only go through a portion of the book in 10 weeks. The class is for ages 12 and older.
At home, we will continue with Story of the World, volume 3. We should finish this by Christmas and start volume 4 in January.
As for next week....well....we're going camping!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Summer Time!
I can't believe it is already summer! Where has the time gone?
Well, in our homeschool this summer, we are working on Botany. Yes, we still school through the summer as much as we can. We do this because we take breaks during other times of the year and it all balances out!
So, to update:
The list schedule I made up didn't work out well. We are going to try it again when summer is over.
In the summer, we do math and reading/language arts every day when we are home. I am also having my two older kids add botany onto that list of things to do everyday. Other stuff, like art and music, happen when they happen. We are going to continue having history lessons once per week. We are still meeting up with another family throughout the summer once per week (around trips and camps) to do history activities together. This is going to be super great in July because we'll get to the Revolutionary War time period then. How appropriate.
We have Cub Scout Camp, Boy Scout Camp, Girl's Camp, EFY, Youth Conference, and we just found out our oldest boy was nominated for All Stars in baseball. This is a busy summer for our family, but we will be squeezing in doing some homework when the kids are home. It will be a shortened version, so they'll still have plenty of time to play outside, meet up with friends, play in creeks, etc.
We are also building a house this summer. Construction has started. We will post pictures later. When we get to the finished out phase, I will immerse myself in that for a while - painting comes to mind!
The kids are helping me to do some gardening this year, so the botany lessons are fitting in nicely. Also, I'm having the kids help and observe as I make various herbal remedies this summer. They helped me and watched me work with lemon balm a few weeks ago!
My daughter has launched a new blog. She started this as a YW value project and has decided to carry on with it.
www.youthreadclean.blogspot.com
Well, in our homeschool this summer, we are working on Botany. Yes, we still school through the summer as much as we can. We do this because we take breaks during other times of the year and it all balances out!
So, to update:
The list schedule I made up didn't work out well. We are going to try it again when summer is over.
In the summer, we do math and reading/language arts every day when we are home. I am also having my two older kids add botany onto that list of things to do everyday. Other stuff, like art and music, happen when they happen. We are going to continue having history lessons once per week. We are still meeting up with another family throughout the summer once per week (around trips and camps) to do history activities together. This is going to be super great in July because we'll get to the Revolutionary War time period then. How appropriate.
We have Cub Scout Camp, Boy Scout Camp, Girl's Camp, EFY, Youth Conference, and we just found out our oldest boy was nominated for All Stars in baseball. This is a busy summer for our family, but we will be squeezing in doing some homework when the kids are home. It will be a shortened version, so they'll still have plenty of time to play outside, meet up with friends, play in creeks, etc.
We are also building a house this summer. Construction has started. We will post pictures later. When we get to the finished out phase, I will immerse myself in that for a while - painting comes to mind!
The kids are helping me to do some gardening this year, so the botany lessons are fitting in nicely. Also, I'm having the kids help and observe as I make various herbal remedies this summer. They helped me and watched me work with lemon balm a few weeks ago!
My daughter has launched a new blog. She started this as a YW value project and has decided to carry on with it.
www.youthreadclean.blogspot.com
Monday, May 17, 2010
Sweet Melissa
We have lots of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) growing around one corner of our house and driveway. It was planted by a previous inhabitant. At first I was shy about using it and just let it grow and go to seed and spread around - it is pretty and smells nice. After educating myself the last couple of years about herbs and their uses, I'm not so shy now about actually using the plants I can find and identify!
Today, the kids helped me harvest the perfect leaves and make some herbal honey with the lemon balm from our yard. I had some local honey that had crystallized. After putting the jar in some warm water and breaking it up, I poured it all into a stainless steel pot and warmed it all up until it was smooth. I put several fresh lemon balm leaves into 4 sterile jelly jars. Once the honey was pretty warm, I poured it over the leaves and put on the lids/rings. I'm going to let it sit for at least a week before eating it. These would also make cute gifts. And herbal honey is easier to make than jam or jelly! Next time I want to try lavender. I've had lavender honey before and it is yummy.
I also chopped some of the lemon balm up finely and placed it in another jar. I covered the chopped leaves with apple cider vinegar to make a child-friendly tincture. This jar will sit in a sunny, warm window for about 4-6 weeks. Then, I'll strain out the herb and put the tincture into amber bottles. Dosage will be taken drops at a time for pain relief and stress relief. It is also good for winter illness, strengthening the immune system, and the digestive tract.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Homemade Soaps and Such
I have a few friends who have talked about how they make their own laundry detergent. I thought that was a little overwhelming, but after seeing an actual recipe, it doesn't seem all that hard. The hardest part is finding where to buy washing soda. Here is the recipe a friend shared with me:
Laundry Detergent Recipe
1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
1/2 cup Washing Soda (NOT baking soda)
1 bar of Ivory soap, or any 100% pure soap
Water
5 gallon bucket w/lid
Use a cheese grater to grate the bar of soap and place in a saucepan with about 4 or 5 cups of water. On medium-low heat, put in the grated soap and stir. Heating through until soap is completely melted. While the soap is melting, pour 3 gallons of hot water into the 5 gallon bucket add the borax and washing soda and mix well until dissolved. Then pour the melted soup into the bucket and mix well. Then, fill up the bucket with water, leaving about 3 or so inches of space at the top. This will give you room for stirring later. OPTIONAL: If you want to add a fragrance to the soap you can add a drop or two of an essential oil.
Now you have a large bucket of hot soapy looking water. Cover the bucket and let it set for 24 hours. As it cools it will gel into a lumpy mixture. You will want to break this gel up. I use my hands and break/stir it all together again.
Usage:
1/2 cup for a full load of laundry
1/4 cup for a small load of laundry
This detergent is low sudsing and works well in high efficiency machines. I stir my soap each time before I use it.
This yields about 442 ounces of detergent and will wash about 110-115 full loads of laundry, which should cost less than a penny per load.
I've made several batches of melt and pour soap over the years. I would like to try cold process soap. In the mean time, this recipe works well:
2 cups glycerin soap base, melted in a double boiler or microwave
2 tbsp shea butter, melted separately
Several drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)
Mix well, pour into molds (you can use regular food storage containers), and cool.
www.brambleberry.com is a great source for buying soap making supplies.
Yesterday I stumbled upon a site telling how to make your own shampoo! I'm gonna try this...
www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Shampoo
Including the kids in these projects teaches them self-sufficiency and how to be frugal - both valuable lessons! Not to mention teaching them the fact that making our own soap and cleaning products is better for the environment since we are using less plastic and using more all natural ingredients that are better for the earth.
Laundry Detergent Recipe
1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
1/2 cup Washing Soda (NOT baking soda)
1 bar of Ivory soap, or any 100% pure soap
Water
5 gallon bucket w/lid
Use a cheese grater to grate the bar of soap and place in a saucepan with about 4 or 5 cups of water. On medium-low heat, put in the grated soap and stir. Heating through until soap is completely melted. While the soap is melting, pour 3 gallons of hot water into the 5 gallon bucket add the borax and washing soda and mix well until dissolved. Then pour the melted soup into the bucket and mix well. Then, fill up the bucket with water, leaving about 3 or so inches of space at the top. This will give you room for stirring later. OPTIONAL: If you want to add a fragrance to the soap you can add a drop or two of an essential oil.
Now you have a large bucket of hot soapy looking water. Cover the bucket and let it set for 24 hours. As it cools it will gel into a lumpy mixture. You will want to break this gel up. I use my hands and break/stir it all together again.
Usage:
1/2 cup for a full load of laundry
1/4 cup for a small load of laundry
This detergent is low sudsing and works well in high efficiency machines. I stir my soap each time before I use it.
This yields about 442 ounces of detergent and will wash about 110-115 full loads of laundry, which should cost less than a penny per load.
I've made several batches of melt and pour soap over the years. I would like to try cold process soap. In the mean time, this recipe works well:
2 cups glycerin soap base, melted in a double boiler or microwave
2 tbsp shea butter, melted separately
Several drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)
Mix well, pour into molds (you can use regular food storage containers), and cool.
www.brambleberry.com is a great source for buying soap making supplies.
Yesterday I stumbled upon a site telling how to make your own shampoo! I'm gonna try this...
www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Shampoo
Including the kids in these projects teaches them self-sufficiency and how to be frugal - both valuable lessons! Not to mention teaching them the fact that making our own soap and cleaning products is better for the environment since we are using less plastic and using more all natural ingredients that are better for the earth.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Ready for the Farm
I am so ready to move to our land and start the farm! Ready to slllllooooowwwwww doooowwwnnnn. Ready to stretch out on 33 acres and create and explore! Not that it will not be tragic when we do move away from all our friends and neighbors here, because it will be. Why can't they all move half an hour south with us??? At least we will still see them. Even if it takes some effort to commute.
India is working on gardening skills for a value project in Young Womens. She spent some time last year, but not enough for the 10 hour requirement. So, she is helping me with a garden this year, which will be tricky to tend while we live here and commute down south to our land a couple of times per week. After re-evaluating the way we eat, though, I think it is important to start growing more of our own food. Tomatos and peppers in containers isn't enough, anymore. I'm ready to move on to bigger better gardens!
We have seedlings started: spinach, beefsteak tomatos, squash, okra, basil, rosemary, garlic, mint, and lemon balm. I have corn that I haven't started just yet, and I plan to get more food seeds this weekend.
We are only growing GMO-free food - organic heirloom varieties ONLY. Americans need to reclaim food production and stop leaving it to the corporations, who are seriously creating mutant food! Who wants to eat soybeans that are resistant to Roundup so the farmers can spray the heck out of the fields with it? Or corn that makes it's own pesticide??? Soy and corn are in so many products! At least 75% of processed foods! How about food that is just nutrient deficient that you cannot save seed from and grow again? NOT ME! Or my family!!! No, thank you.
Every American should watch this film:
Food Inc.
It will totally change the way you look at food and make you really think about where it comes from and what is healthy. Especially it will make you think about what is ethical.
Buy local, eat organic!
India is working on gardening skills for a value project in Young Womens. She spent some time last year, but not enough for the 10 hour requirement. So, she is helping me with a garden this year, which will be tricky to tend while we live here and commute down south to our land a couple of times per week. After re-evaluating the way we eat, though, I think it is important to start growing more of our own food. Tomatos and peppers in containers isn't enough, anymore. I'm ready to move on to bigger better gardens!
We have seedlings started: spinach, beefsteak tomatos, squash, okra, basil, rosemary, garlic, mint, and lemon balm. I have corn that I haven't started just yet, and I plan to get more food seeds this weekend.
We are only growing GMO-free food - organic heirloom varieties ONLY. Americans need to reclaim food production and stop leaving it to the corporations, who are seriously creating mutant food! Who wants to eat soybeans that are resistant to Roundup so the farmers can spray the heck out of the fields with it? Or corn that makes it's own pesticide??? Soy and corn are in so many products! At least 75% of processed foods! How about food that is just nutrient deficient that you cannot save seed from and grow again? NOT ME! Or my family!!! No, thank you.
Every American should watch this film:
Food Inc.
It will totally change the way you look at food and make you really think about where it comes from and what is healthy. Especially it will make you think about what is ethical.
Buy local, eat organic!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Herbalism - The Study of Herbal Medicine
I have had the opportunity to take a North American Herbalism class at our homeschool co-op this spring. This has served as a catalyst for me studying all manner of herbs both medicinally and culinary. The world of plants is fascinating. Plant signatures have held me captivated for the last few weeks. It is like Heavenly Father has left us clues in the form of plant signatures so that we can know how to use the beautiful creation of plants on this earthly home.
Over the weekend, I had some brave girlfriends accompany me to Mountain View, Arkansas. While there, we attended a field trip and workshop focusing on medicinal herbs, as well as wild edibles put on by the Ozark Folk Center. It was amazing and eye opening. The weeds that 75% of Americans try to eradicate from their lovely lawns are actually FOOD. Wonderful, nutritious food in the form of greens and blossoms.
On Friday, we were taken by shuttle bus to the scrumptious bakery, Serenity Farms Bread, outside of Leslie, Arkansas. They had all sorts of sour dough breads and pastries. I had biscotti, a chocolate eclair, and an almond croissant to nibble on during our trip. They also had several organic food choices including cheeses, drinks, and other snacks.
We went down to the little Red River flowing nearby to check out the plant life. We found wild carrots and other edibles. Our guides were very knowledgeable.
Next, we went to the Buffalo River, which is a national river here in Arkansas. The river was very high, so we didn't get down too close, but walked in the lower woodland along it's banks. We found ground ivy, elderberry, garlic mustard, violets, river cane, and other valuable plants growing there in the understory.
The little ground ivy plant can stop bleeding while used as an astringent or poultice. In a pinch, you can chew it up and spit it on a wound or mash it up and spit on it and apply it to wounds.
After lunch, we checked out Tyler Bend Visitor Center in the Buffalo River National Park. We drove down the road from there a bit and hiked down a trail passing by the old Collier homestead.
At the end of the trail, we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the Buffalo River from on high.
It was a beautiful spring day! Good for the soul.
After the hike, we went back to the Ozark Folk Center to gather herbs from the gardens for our lunch the next day.
Dandelions, chickweed, dock, sorrel, wild carrots, Jerusalem artichoke, corn salad, wild onion, wild garlic, and wild violets can be delicious additions on one's diet in the spring time. Believe me, I've eaten them all!
The knowledgeable ladies who put on this workshop at the Ozark Folk Center were fabulous. Susan Belsinger and Tina Marie Wilcox brewed some delicious, savory Wild & Domestic Greens and Bean Soup, as well as a yummy salad with wild greens and homemade buttermilk and vinaigrette dressings - with herbs, of course. Karyn, from Bean Mountain Farms, introduced us to the gorgeous world of herbal breads, butters, honeys, vinegars, and drinks. We enjoyed a spectacular lunch on Saturday prepared using their recipes. It was truly delicious.
Tina and Susan have co-written a book called The Creative Herbal Home, which is great. Susan also wrote a book called Not Just Desserts, Sweet Herbal Recipes that I have enjoyed this week. They also have written articles for the Herb Companion magazine. Coincidentally I subscribed to it last month! I'm looking forward to reading more from them.
I'm also looking forward to catching a plant sale put on by Bean Mountain Farms. They grow organic herbs here in Arkansas. They will be having a couple of plant sales at Ozark Natural Foods on April 10 and May 8 this year. www.herbalsimplicity.com
Ground ivy, plantain, yarrow, jewelweed, and mullein are good medicinal herbs that grow locally, as well. I now know how to positively identify them in the field. I also know how to use them, which will prove valuable in the future. I can make salves and tinctures now, thanks to my herbalism teacher, Michelle! I can also make poultices and astringents.
The quaint town of Mountain View was lovely. I would like to go back and spend a couple of days exploring that area, as well as the Buffalo River area, some more. The Ozark Folk Center was also a gem I would like to take my family back to when it is open for visitors. It was sad to leave, but I'll definitely be going back!
Now for a nice cup of herbal tea...
Over the weekend, I had some brave girlfriends accompany me to Mountain View, Arkansas. While there, we attended a field trip and workshop focusing on medicinal herbs, as well as wild edibles put on by the Ozark Folk Center. It was amazing and eye opening. The weeds that 75% of Americans try to eradicate from their lovely lawns are actually FOOD. Wonderful, nutritious food in the form of greens and blossoms.
On Friday, we were taken by shuttle bus to the scrumptious bakery, Serenity Farms Bread, outside of Leslie, Arkansas. They had all sorts of sour dough breads and pastries. I had biscotti, a chocolate eclair, and an almond croissant to nibble on during our trip. They also had several organic food choices including cheeses, drinks, and other snacks.
We went down to the little Red River flowing nearby to check out the plant life. We found wild carrots and other edibles. Our guides were very knowledgeable.
Next, we went to the Buffalo River, which is a national river here in Arkansas. The river was very high, so we didn't get down too close, but walked in the lower woodland along it's banks. We found ground ivy, elderberry, garlic mustard, violets, river cane, and other valuable plants growing there in the understory.
The little ground ivy plant can stop bleeding while used as an astringent or poultice. In a pinch, you can chew it up and spit it on a wound or mash it up and spit on it and apply it to wounds.
After lunch, we checked out Tyler Bend Visitor Center in the Buffalo River National Park. We drove down the road from there a bit and hiked down a trail passing by the old Collier homestead.
At the end of the trail, we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the Buffalo River from on high.
It was a beautiful spring day! Good for the soul.
After the hike, we went back to the Ozark Folk Center to gather herbs from the gardens for our lunch the next day.
Dandelions, chickweed, dock, sorrel, wild carrots, Jerusalem artichoke, corn salad, wild onion, wild garlic, and wild violets can be delicious additions on one's diet in the spring time. Believe me, I've eaten them all!
The knowledgeable ladies who put on this workshop at the Ozark Folk Center were fabulous. Susan Belsinger and Tina Marie Wilcox brewed some delicious, savory Wild & Domestic Greens and Bean Soup, as well as a yummy salad with wild greens and homemade buttermilk and vinaigrette dressings - with herbs, of course. Karyn, from Bean Mountain Farms, introduced us to the gorgeous world of herbal breads, butters, honeys, vinegars, and drinks. We enjoyed a spectacular lunch on Saturday prepared using their recipes. It was truly delicious.
Tina and Susan have co-written a book called The Creative Herbal Home, which is great. Susan also wrote a book called Not Just Desserts, Sweet Herbal Recipes that I have enjoyed this week. They also have written articles for the Herb Companion magazine. Coincidentally I subscribed to it last month! I'm looking forward to reading more from them.
I'm also looking forward to catching a plant sale put on by Bean Mountain Farms. They grow organic herbs here in Arkansas. They will be having a couple of plant sales at Ozark Natural Foods on April 10 and May 8 this year. www.herbalsimplicity.com
Ground ivy, plantain, yarrow, jewelweed, and mullein are good medicinal herbs that grow locally, as well. I now know how to positively identify them in the field. I also know how to use them, which will prove valuable in the future. I can make salves and tinctures now, thanks to my herbalism teacher, Michelle! I can also make poultices and astringents.
The quaint town of Mountain View was lovely. I would like to go back and spend a couple of days exploring that area, as well as the Buffalo River area, some more. The Ozark Folk Center was also a gem I would like to take my family back to when it is open for visitors. It was sad to leave, but I'll definitely be going back!
Now for a nice cup of herbal tea...
Monday, March 22, 2010
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