Give Cookies to the Mailman - Countdown to Christmas - Day 23

In appreciation for delivering the mail and newspaper (which comes with the mail Monday through Friday), the girls put a Christmas card with a plate of homemade different types of cookies, slices of pecan pie, chocolate peppermint fudge, and rocky road bars in the mailbox.

Olivia and Sophia ready to

head out to the mailbox.

The mailman came by to deliver the mail, and left a note in exchange for the plate of goodies. It said, "Thank you very much!! Merry Christmas. Dave." That made the girls happy to read the note from Dave.

Decorate a Gingerbread House - Countdown to Christmas - Day 22

The girls have been looking forward to decorating a gingerbread house since the beginning of December. On the 22nd day of December, they finally had the opportunity to do one of their favorite holiday activities.

Sophia decorating the gingerbread house.

After last year's challenge with trying to assemble the pieces of a gingerbread house into a structure that would stay together, we opted for a pre-made house. This is so much easier to do, and much more enjoyable for the girls.

Olivia adding red icing to the Christmas tree.

The tree came with the house, so it was smaller version than what Olivia usually decorates. Next year, she asked for the tree that has the stackable pieces. 

Adding candy decorations.

They spent time decorating the house and tree.They used icing and a variety of candies.

Olivia with her finished gingerbread tree.

Both were very happy with how their creations turned out.

Sophia with her completed gingerbread house.

As they do each year, they bring the item they made to their room. Not only does this add a festive touch to their bedrooms, but it keeps it safe from the dogs who would easily consume a gingerbread house and tree in a matter of minutes.

Now Sophia and Olivia just have to wait for four more days until they begin to slowly remove little pieces...a section of the roof, a limb of a tree.  Like Hansel and Gretel, gradually, the house and tree are eaten and enjoyed by the girls.

Make Treats for Birds - Countdown to Christmas - Day 21

Today we made some treats for the birds. Sophia, Olivia, and I made Amish Bird Suet - a recipe I found in a cookbook many years ago.

Olivia is mixing the oats, cornmeal, flour, and sugar

into the melted ingredients.

The birds enjoy this suet; and there seems to always be a bird at the feeder when this suet is in it.

So, we filled the regular wire suet feeders as well as mesh bags (the kind that onions come in) with squares of the suet once it had cooled. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 cup lard, at room temperature
2 cups quick-cooking oats (not instant)
2 cups cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
Leftover nuts of any kind

Directions
Melt the peanut butter and lard together over medium heat. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into pans. Cool and then cut into squares. Wrap extra squares in plastic wrap and store in a cool place until needed.

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Sophia collecting pinecones.

After the girls were done making the suet, we went outside and they collected some pinecones.

Olivia selecting a pinecone.

On the way to the pine trees, they discovered a little door in the pine tree. Needless to say, they were thrilled and completely fascinated by the little hinges and door knob.

A little door was discovered by the girls.

It's at the base of the pine tree in the front yard.

We went back inside and they spread peanut butter on the pinecones.

Spreading the pinecone with peanut butter.

Then rolled them in birdseed.

Rolling the pinecone in birdseed.

Later, we put them on three trees.  Within an hour, the black-capped chickadees had found the feeders on the cherry tree on the west side of the house.

Look at Lights and Constellations - Countdown to Christmas - Day 20

Today's activity that the girls talked about all day was going on an evening drive to look at Christmas lights...in pajamas.  This is a pretty big deal for them because when we leave the house and get in the car, we never are wearing pajamas - not even pajama pants like we've seen people wear to the store.

Almost ready to head out

to look at Christmas lights.

So after dinner, the girls put on their coats and boots over their pajamas, and we walked outside. It was a very clear evening and Olivia said, "There's Cassiopeia."

Cassiopeia.

Photo Source

She pointed Sophia in the right direction so she could see it, and then told me to stand right behind Sophia and look up. "See the 'W'?" she asked. And there it was...right overhead. "I've seen it about three times now," Olivia said.

The Cassiopeia constellation is one we just learned about for homeschooling (we're doing a year-long constellation study). The constellation was named after Cassiopeia, the vain and boastful queen in Greek mythology.

The Greek astronomer Ptolemy first catalogued this constellation in the second century. It is easily recognizable in the sky because of its distinctive W shape.

As we drove onto the road in front of our home, there in front of us was the constellation Orion, low on the horizon. Orion is a character is Greek mythology who was known as a giant and hunter.

Orion.

Photo Source

The four stars marking his body (e.g., Betelgeuse, Bellatrix, Rigel) as well as the three stars in a straight row that mark his belt were very clear.

According to Donna Young's website (a homeschool mother who has a wonderful array of information and forms to help with homeschooling), "In Orion's shoulder is Betelgeuse (BET el jooze or sometimes called BEETLE juice), one of the rare supergiants and is close to 600 million miles across (1,000 million km). It is a superb red color and contrasts with Rigel, the blue star in Orion's foot."

She continues, "Rigel is a blue supergiant. Barely one-tenth the size of Betelgeuse, it is still almost 100 times the size of our Sun."

We drove around to enjoy the lights and displays in several neighborhoods. One of the homes that we all liked was beautiful in its simplicity. It was different than any of the other homes that were lit with Christmas lights and decorations.

We liked the front porch and

the simplicity of the swag, wreath, and poinsettia.

We stopped by Gammelgarden which had all the candles in the windows. We've never been by Gammelgarden at night, so it was nice to see it decorated for the holiday season.

Gammelgarden at night.

In a few days, on Christmas Eve, we'll go out again and look at more lights in different neighborhoods. We do this each year after the girls sing at the family service at church. It's become a tradition, and one that we look forward to doing each year.

Donate Toys to Santa Anonymous - 52 Weeks of Giving - Week 52

Although it isn't the final week of the year, the girls participated in another service project this week - donating toys to Santa Anonymous. We're going to count it as the 52nd - and final - project in the 52 Weeks of Giving challenge we did this year. 

Sophia and Olivia with toys that

they donated to Santa Anonymous.

The toys that were collected at the 4-H meeting on Monday night are being donated to Santa Anonymous. Santa Anonymous is a program in the local area where families in need go on a certain day and are able to select toys and gifts for their children. The toys are all unwrapped, so parents can choose what they think their child(ren) will enjoy and use.

4-H members showing some of the many toys

they are donating to Santa Anonymous.

The 52 Weeks of Giving challenge has been such a fun, rewarding, and meaningful year-long project that we incorporated into the homeschool curriculum.

When the year is over, we will look back on the projects that we did and choose an area (or more) that we want to focus on during 2012. In this way, we can concentrate our efforts on the causes as well as people and/or animals that mean the most to us.

It will be interesting to see what Sophia and Olivia want to do during 2012, and how we will continue to give to and serve others individually and as a family.

Play the Piano at a Nursing Home - 52 Weeks of Giving - Week 51

This week Sophia and Olivia participated in a piano, voice, and instrumental recital at Arden Hills Presbyterian Home. The nursing home is located on 27 acres that are wooded and adjacent to a lake. There are over 200 residents living there.

This is the second year that Sophia has been a part of the holiday recital, and Olivia's first year.  All the children performing in the recital attend the local homeschool co-op. 

Olivia played "Cat Walk" by Garcia and Sophia played "Sonatina, Op 39, No. 1" by Lynnes.

Olivia playing "Cat Walk" on the grand piano.

Both girls memorized their pieces and were able to perform them well without the sheet music at the recital.

Olivia and Sophia after the recital.

The recital was well-attended with at least one hundred people. There were 26 pieces performed during the one-hour recital. 

Go Christmas Caroling - Countdown to Christmas - Day 19

In the evening, the girls did some Christmas caroling at Linnea Residence which is a group home for adults with physical and developmental challenges.

Sophia and Olivia singing at Linnea Residence.

They sang along with other members of their 4-H club. This is something that the club does annually since one of its members now lives at Linnea Residence.

The residents joined in with the singing.

After they sang, the 4-H club held their monthly meeting, the children collected toys for the Santa Anonymous program, and they enjoyed some treats before heading home.

K is for Kart-Wheels - ABCs of Homeschooling

Just in time for Christmas: a new recipe that is easy to make and looks festive with the bright, red cherry pie filling. 

This week, for the recipe from the children's cookbook called "Alpha-Bakery" we tried a recipe that starts with the letter "K": Kart-Wheels.

This recipe makes six kart-wheels. Although they are on the larger size, the recipe would be best doubled so an entire can of pie filling could be used, rather than just half of the can.

We thought the kart-wheels might taste good with some whipped cream on top...maybe even a few red sprinkles.

Kart-Wheels

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup of margarine or butter, softened (we used dairy-free butter)

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons milk (we used dairy-free rice milk)

about 1 cup of pe filling or jam - any flavor (we used cherry pie filling)

Directions

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Mix flour, margarine, powdered sugar, baking powder, and just enough milk until dough forms. (If dough seems dry, mix in more milk, one teaspoon at a time.)

Divide the dough into six equal parts. Shape each part into a ball. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet; flatten slightly. Make an indentation, 1 3/4" in diameter and about 3/4" deep, in the center of each flattened ball.

Fill each indentation with about 2 tablespoons of pie filling.

Bake unti lthe dges begin to brown, 20-25 minutes.

Makes 6 kart-wheels.

Music Performances & Dinner by the Tree - Countdown to Christmas - Day 18

Sunday, December 18th was a very  busy day. The girls sang in the choir today at both services.

The children's choir.

This was a special performance because they sang with the adult choir and were able to wear choir robes - just like the adults.

The combined children and adult choir singing "Christmastide."

It was an amazingly beautiful song that was  

brought both goosebumps and tears to those listening to it. 

It was a very moving piece.

Sophia also played the harp along with her instructor at both services. They played two verses of O Come O Come Emmanuel which led into the choir and congregation singing the song.

Sophia playing the harp as part of a duet with her teacher.

The choir and congregation sang after their prelude.

The music director at church sent me an email that brightened Sophia's day: "Please convey my deepest appreciation for Sophia's playing on Sunday. She did a marvelous job. I hope she enjoyed it. I heard many compliments and I hope the congregation told her." (Many people did come up to her afterward the services and complimented her on playing the harp. That certainly made her feel good about performing for the first time!)

In the afternoon, both of the girls participated in a piano recital at a nursing home about 40 minutes from here. All the children who played in the recital attend the local homeschool co-op, and take lessons from one of three of the piano instructors.

Both girls did a very good job. Olivia played "Cat Walk" and was happy how she did at her first piano recital.

Sophia played "Sonatina, Op 39, No. 1." When we were driving home she said she was relieved when all the performances for the day were over.

Out of the three types of performances, she said, singing was the easiest since the focus isn't on one person...it's on the group. Piano was next in terms of ease, and then harp was the most difficult. However, all were enjoyable and she is read to perform again...but not before January, she said.

The girls by the grand piano.

Once the girls finished playing, we could all relax and enjoy the rest of the concert. There were piano pieces as well as violin, saxophone, and vocal pieces; with a nice mixture of Christmas and non-Christmas music.

We all needed to end the day on a relaxing note. So, we had dinner by the Christmas tree. We spread out a tablecloth on the floor, turned on the lights by the Christmas tree, and ate dinner - pizza and cheese bread from the local pizza shop.  (I would have put a picture of the dinner except the only thing you can see are the lights and outlines of people.)

Moccasin Trail - Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks - Week 51

The book for the 51st week of the Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks challenge isn't one that I've read in only one week. In fact, Moccasin Trail by Eloise Jarvis McGraw seems to have taken several weeks since we've been reading it aloud as part of Sophia's history curriculum this year.

I'm using Sonlight's book list for this year for history. Sophia is learning about the time period between the Civil War and the present day. There have been very few books that we haven't enjoyed as part of Sonlight's recommendations. The books are usually very engaging and educational.

Moccasin Trail is no exception: it is a fascinating book...albeit a challenging one to read aloud. I began reading it to Sophia and she took over half way. Despite reading a book that is written to sound like the characters are talking, she was able to read it well and understand it as she was reading it.

The story centers around Jim Keath who ran away from his family into the wilderness of the Oregon territory. He had a near-fatal battle with a grizzly, but was rescued by the Crow Indians. For the next six years, he lived with and learned the ways of the Crow Indians.

Jim learns that his two younger brothers and sister are journeying west to take up land. Although Jim finds it difficult to fit in with the family he hasn't seen since childhood, and though they are wary and distrustful of him, Jim feels it is his responsibility to help them.

Slowly, they survive the dangerous trek west and the kidnapping of their younger brother; and discover the difficulties of frontier life. Through all this they realize that they need to accept one another and reunite as a family. 

Moccasin Trail is a Newbery Honor Book. (The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association for "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.")

Participate in a Christmas Play - Countdown to Christmas - Day 17

Yesterday evening and this afternoon, Sophia and Olivia participated in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" written by Barbara Robinson. The play was adapted and directed by Neil and Ellen Johnson of the St. Croix ArtBarn.

There were 20 children who were in the play, and they all did a wonderful job. There were many funny parts in the play; and the kids had the audience laughing at both performances.

They sang many songs throughout the play - some were familiar tunes that are heard around the holidays while others were unique to the play.

Although practicing for the play required a lot of time - initially once a week, then it increased to practices twice a week, and then went up to three times a week during the last week leading up to the play - it was well worth it. Asked if they want to do another play, both Sophia and Olivia said in unison "YES!" 

Now that the two play performances are done, the girls just have Sunday to get through: two choir performances at church in the morning, two harp performances (for Sophia) also at church, and a piano recital at a nursing home in the afternoon. 

Both said they would like to rest a bit after the piano recital...there's no question that they will have earned a rest after all their hard work!

Celebrate Las Posadas - Countdown to Christmas - Day 16

Today we were going to celebrate Las Posadas. However, it ended up being a non-event.  Normally, we read a book about Las Posadas and make a Mexican dinner.

I even had the special beverages made in Mexico as well as an avacado for fresh guacamole...which we were looking forward to making and eating. 

This year, the girls both were performing in a Christmas play at church in the evening. In addition to homeschooling in the morning; Olivia's time at the local elementary school for work on reading and speech; and getting ready for the play...there wasn't much time to spend with this holiday. It's okay...there will be next year.

We didn't read the book about Las Posadas like we normally do. (Although it probably will be one of the books we read before Christmas.) Sophia and I made black bean burritos during the day, but we decided that the burritos probably weren't the "safest" food to eat before the first performance.

There were jittery stomachs and nerves...so the girls chose to eat a lighter dinner (e.g., homemade cinnamon rolls, crackers).

So, the black bean burritos will be enjoyed another day...once things are a bit more calm and relaxed. The burritos might even be frozen so we can have a good meal after the holidays have passed.

Make Christmas Cookies - Countdown to Christmas - Day 15

Today we made a batch of chocolate peanut balls. It's a new recipe that I've had for some time, but we just haven't had a chance to make it at Christmas.

It's a simple recipe - just stir, form, dip, and chill. No baking required. Olivia took the lead on making these cookies while Sophia made peanut butter cookies that will be turned into ice cream sandwiches. 

Chocolate Peanut Balls.

It's like eating a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup with

crispy parts in the inside of the candy.

The recipe for the Chocolate Peanut Balls is:

1 cup peanut butter (we used creamy)
1 7 ounce jar marshmallow creme
1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal (we used 3 cups so the peanut butter didn't stick to our hands)
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (we used dairy-free chips)
4 teaspoons shortening

Stir together the peanut butter and marshmallow creme in a bowl until well-blended. Add cereal and stir until coated. Melt chocolate chips and shortening in microwave until melted. Stir until smooth. Roll cereal mixture into balls. (It's a good idea to put some shortening on your hands so the cookie dough doesn't stick to them.)  Dip in chocolate, and then place on waxed paper to chill until set.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Tonight the girls have a 1 3/4 hour dress rehearsal for the Christmas play they are in this weekend.

Make Homemade Pizza - Countdown to Christmas - Day 14

This is one of Sophia's and Olivia's favorite dinners: homemade pizza. Several years ago, I found a recipe through Better Homes and Gardens for making homemade pizza dough and doing a pizza bar for dinner.

The recipe for the pizza crust uses only five ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, vegetable oil, and warm water. Yet, the taste of the crust - combined with a good pizza sauce and fresh toppings of your own choosing - make for an easy and delicious meal.

I made the dough and divided it between us all. The girls pressed the dough onto the cookie sheet. They added some Green Mill pizza sauce and then chose the toppings they wanted.

Their choices included: mushrooms, onions, pepperoni, and cheese (regular mozzarella or a dairy-free version). I could have had more choices - roasted red peppers, green peppers, olives, and so forth - but these choices were more than enough for them.

Olivia and Sophia ready to eat homemade pizza

that they made.

The pizza only takes about 9 minutes at 450 degrees. It's an easy dinner to make....especially when each person takes a role in making a personal pizza.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The girls also made placemats from Christmas cards that Mary (my respite care volunteer) brought. She had about ten years worth of cards that she thought the girls would enjoy cutting into circles and then overlapping slightly to create a placemat. This week she's going to laminate them for the girls and bring them back next week. 

She said they ended up working on the project for a couple of hours - they were very focused and excited to see the completed placemats. 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In the evening, Sophia and Olivia had play practice for about 1 1/4 hours. They have the dress rehearsal tomorrow night, and then the performances on Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

The money that the children raise through ticket sales will be donated to an organization that will purchase livestock to help people in developing countries establish sustainble farms.

Enjoy a Chocolate Christmas Breakfast - Countdown to Christmas - Day 13

Today we made homemade donuts using a baking pan that we purchased from King Arthur Flour in Vermont. Rather than deep-frying donuts, this pan bakes eight mini-donuts at a time.

Olivia decorating her mini-donuts.

The girls enjoyed frosting the donuts with chocolate and vanilla frosting, and adding sprinkles. Some sprinkles didn't have any flavor while other ones were flavored with peppermint.

Sophia frosting her donuts with vanilla frosting.

We each had a cup of hot chocolate. Whipped cream and sprinkles were available...which were special toppings. 

Hot chocolate with whipped cream.

In the evening, we'll continue reading Christmas books. Although we haven't been doing this each night like we had hoped, we have read 8 books so far this month. Most likely by the 25th, we'll have read at least 25 Christmas books.  There are many favorite ones that we enjoy reading each year that we haven't yet read.