Turkey Advice

Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a juicy, savory turkey. But, have you ever had a turkey disaster? Butterball.com has all the turkey advice you need to make that perfect Thanksgiving turkey, the kind that will have your family begging for left-overs! The following is some turkey advice that you WON'T find on the website, but it is very important!

The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven
by Jack Prelutsky

The turkey shot out of the oven
and rocketed into the air,
it knocked every plate off the table
and partly demolished a chair.

It ricocheted into a corner
and burst with a deafening boom,
then splattered all over the kitchen,
completely obscuring the room.

It stuck to the walls and the windows,
it totally coated the floor,
there was turkey attached to the ceiling,
where there'd never been turkey before.

It blanketed every appliance,
it smeared every saucer and bowl,
there wasn't a way I could stop it,
that turkey was out of control.

I scraped and I scrubbed with displeasure,
and thought with chagrin as I mopped,
that I'd never again stuff a turkey
with popcorn that hadn't been popped.

Learning the Layers of the Earth -- in Edible Fashion!!

Our girls always love to get their hands dirty with a project. And, if it is edible, that's a bonus! Here is a project I found on pinterest that illustrates the different layers of the earth. 

We used an M&M to represent the earth's solid inner core. 

The M&M was tucked inside a big toasting marshmallow -- the kind that begs to be slid on the end of a hot dog stick and rotisseried over a hot fire!! The big marshmallow represents the earth's outer core.

Next, we cooked up a batch of rice krispie treats and formed a ball covering the marshmallow and M&M. The rice krispie layer is the mantle. This step was a bit messy and sticky, so the girls coated their hands in butter so they could handle and form their edible globes.

We put the ball into the freezer, and once it was frozen we covered it in chocolate fudge Magic Shell. The chocolate coating represents the earth's crust.

Our Top 10 Thanksgiving Books

Our top 10 Favorite Thanksgiving Books

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Give Thanks -- Not Just in November

Thanksgiving is in the running for my favorite holiday. What can you NOT like about the food and family time and fall weather and football?

Although not a traditional religious holiday, it is a time that our family tries to focus on the truth that ALL good things -- large and small -- are showered on us from God above. 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

It is so easy to forget that without God we have nothing. We live in a society that teaches independence and self-sufficience. 

We like to think that if we have it, we earned it. 

But, we frequently mistake earnings for pure blessings. 

It is easy to do. 

And, unfortunately, our culture often mistakes materialism for success. You really have to be very intentional in your actions to raise children who do not get swallowed by this falsehood.

After several trips to build houses in the poorest communities in Mexico, I have learned that joy is NOT directly correlated with your possessions. In fact, I would argue that the happiest people on earth do not have the thickest wallets or a six-digit salary. Having "things" is not wrong, but to some people it actually can hinder gratitude. That seems backwards -- that the more you have, the less thankful you are. 

So this Thanksgiving -- and every day -- find reasons to thank God for every gift He has showered on you. 

Be intentional, and pass it on to the next generation.

I'll be sharing a few crafts the kids have made to remind us to have a heart of gratitude. This craft above is one that I threw together very quickly and inexpensively ($4.00 max!!). It is just a cheap wooden frame, a piece of printed vellum and a scrap of scrapbook paper. I keep it on my dresser with a dry erase marker. Each morning I scribble on the glass something or someone that I am thankful for, and say a prayer of thanksgiving to go along with it. 

Simple. Easy. Inexpensive. Meaningful. Intentional.

Give Thanks -- at Thanksgiving and always!!

Making a Small Difference in the World

Every November, the girls anticipate getting our World Vision catalog in the mail. The love to thumb through it and shop with our Christmas money to bless someone's life across the globe. It is a tradition that has made Christmas more meaningful at our house. 

This year, they decided that they want to earn extra money to buy some farm animals. They have made these popular rubber band bracelets and want to sell them each for $1. They priced the necklaces at $3. 

Let me know if you want to buy one and I will get it in the mail. They can make any color combination using these colors, so if you don't see what you want, send me a message and they'll get to work right away!

Sleepover

The greatest measure of a good time after a sleepover is the amount of tea party dishes in the sink!!

Rug Time

One of our biggest home school challenges has emerged this year -- what can Eli do while we are busy with school work?

Let me introduce you to our sweet Eli. He is funny. He is cute. He is smart. He is ACTIVE. And, he is mischievous!!! In fact, I sometimes think Dennis the Menace would be an appropriate name for our little blondie. 

It was so much easier to school with an immobile newborn than an active toddler. He is so busy and this leads to a lot of interruptions. I anticipate interruptions, and the girls are very forgiving. But, I realize that every child -- no matter how active -- can benefit from learning to sit and play quietly and in one spot. But, this skill does NOT come naturally to our little man.

So we started working on rug time with Eli. Here is how we've done it:

I set some tubs of toys on a rug.

I set the timer. We started out with just a few minutes, but after a few weeks we are up to 15 minutes.

I explained to Eli that I expect him to sit on the rug and play until the timer goes off.

If he gets off the rug, I get up and move him back to the rug, reminding him of my expectations.

I give him hugs and tell him how proud I am when he sits for the designated time. 

I love it because, although it is only for 10 or 15 minutes, it allows me to work with the girls uninterrupted. I can keep an eye on him, and he is learning self-control. I have seen him test the limits and see if I object when he gets one foot off the rug. So funny. (How often do we test limits in our own adult ways????)

I hope this sitting-quietly technique will spill over into church on Sunday so I can hear a sermon in its entirety in the near future.

Making Egyptian Sandals

Earlier this year we studied Ancient Egypt. The girls have always been fascinated with King Tut and mummies and pyramids, so it was fun to start the school year with a culture they were so enthusiastic about. As a craft we made Egyptian sandals out of cardboard and yarn. As crazy as it sounds, Megan says they are very comfortable. 

Cousin Shoe Pile

The countdown is almost over -- until the landing is once again invaded by extra shoes! Can't wait to see cousins again!!

Making Math Fun

Ok, whose students tire of endless worksheets? Who wants a fun way to learn math facts? This has proven to be one of the most versatile tools we have for math. This is a simple dice set, including the two white dice with numbers up to 12. 

We have used these in so many ways! We have rolled them and added them. We have multiplied and kept a running total to see who could reach a certain score first. We have played "WAR" with numbers using them, winning after a designated number of rounds. They will be great when we get into probability.

They actually did come with instructions for game play, but I have not read them yet because we have found so many great ways on our own to have fun with them. 

I found them at Staples, and they were inexpensive. 

Our Favorite Math Tool

Are you looking for a great new math tool that helps learn and review math facts? I was too! We had grown weary of the many flashcards that we used to learn math facts.

Then we discovered Learning Wrap-Ups! The girls LOVE them, and do them without asking sometimes. 

Here's how they work. On the Wrap-Up below, we are working on multiplying by 1. You multiply each digit in the left column by the number in the middle of the "key." Then, you find the answer in the right column and wrap the cord around that notch. You bring the cord back around to the next digit in the left column, and work your way down. 

One great thing is that when you are finished, you flip the "key" over and check your own answers! They are easy to stick in a backpack or purse, so we have worked on them in the van!

Sometimes I Forget We're Raising Children

Ok, I know the title sounds bad. I never forget about the precious three short people who live in our house. Please don't think they are victims of neglect. 

I never forget that they are our children, and I love the joy and excitement they bring to our family. The truth is that sometimes I forget they are CHILDREN. I have unrealistic expectations. For some reason, I expect them to think and act like adults  -- in a small package. 

Why does she constantly take off clothes and just toss them where she is standing?

How can they NOT see that my hands are full and -- no -- I cannot right now fulfill a request that they are fully capable of doing themselves?

Why can't he sit quietly and color for ten minutes -- on paper -- while we finish our science lesson?

Why do they want to watch that movie AGAIN?

Why did he just come out of the bathroom at the public library without his pants and underwear?

I explained that math problem perfectly logically. How does that not make sense?

Do they really think burping is funny?

Why can't they be more careful?

Why can't they be more quiet?

Why do they not change the roll of toilet paper?

You see, sometimes I forget that we're raising children. What did I expect? That upon birth we would be introduced to mature, responsible, thoughtful babies that would be a breeze to bring to adulthood? Did I expect roommates, instead of children who need guidance? That would be too easy, too dull.

I admit that sometimes I have unrealistic expectations. And because of that, sometimes I feel like I need to correct every small offense. And I now realize that this parenting style can eventually crush the sweet spirits of our young children. And never do I want that. 

I know we are instructed to discipline and guide our children. It is common-sense, but also instructed in the Bible. And in the same way, God disciplines us to help us grow! Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord your God disciplines you for your own good. Deuteronomy 8:5

But discipline and correction does not mean constant nit-picking. And it can be done in a gentle way. 

Colossians 3:21 says, "Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged."

So, what should we do? 

1. Build on their natural strengths, abilities and interests. 

Ok, I know it is very unlikely that Eli will sit quietly at the table for 10 minutes and color, but I know that if I take 10 minutes to set up a train track for Eli, he'll play independently for awhile. So instead of getting frustrated, I can create a win-win scenario!

2. Pick battles and praise victories.

Sometimes I don't have the right intentions for correcting behavior. Sometimes it is just something that annoys me. Se those preferences aside and choose to correct the behaviors that really need correcting. 

For instance, I expect dirty laundry to be collected in one central location. I have one sweet daughter who fails to be responsible in this area. So, I'm going to reinforce my expectations to her. And when she succeeds and gets her laundry in the laundry basket, I will make sure she knows that I noticed with a moment of praise and a hug!

3. Remember that they are only children ONCE. 

They get one shot at childhood. So, let them climb a tree. Let them make a mess with the finger paints. Let them slurp their jello. Let them stomp puddles. Let them cut a piece of paper into tiny, microscopic scraps. Let them pile the sprinkles on their cookies!

Sure, I don't want to do all these things, but I DID years ago. I need to step back and let them enjoy their childhood (and then clean up the mess)! 

4. Pray.

Pray without ceasing. Pray for my patience. Pray for God's hand to work in their lives. 

Snowy Trail Mix

Looking for the perfect snack to munch on, a perfect balance between sweet and salty? Here is one of our favorites. Believe it or not, I had to make this simple recipe three times before getting a photo because it would disappear so quickly!

This would be a great homemade Christmas gift packed in a cute tin!

Snowy Trail Mix

3 c. pretzel sticks

1-1/2 c. corn cereal (or rice square cereal)

3/4 c. pecan halves

1/2 c. cashews

1/2 c. dried cranberries

12 oz. white almond bark

Mix first 5 ingredients. Melt almond bark and pour over trail mix. Stir well and scoop onto waxed paper to cool. When cool, break apart and store in an airtight container.

Cheeseburger Buns

This is a great meal for you farmer's wives who are looking for a hearty meal that can be eaten while operating farm machinery. This is a favorite harvest meal at our house! I credit Taste of Home for this recipe.

Cheeseburger Buns

2 pkgs active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water (110 - 115 degrees)

3/4 c. warm milk (110 - 115 degrees)

1/4 c. sugar

1/4 c. shortening

1 egg

1tsp salt

3-1/2 to 4 c. flour

1-1/2 lbs ground beef

1/4 c. chopped onion

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

8 slices American cheese, quartered

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, shortening, egg, salt and 2 c. flour until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.

In a skillet, brown beef and onion; drain. Stir in tomato sauce. Remove from heat and set aside. Punch dough down; divide into 16 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out and stretch each piece into a 5-in. circle. Top each circle with two pieces of cheese and about 3 Tbsp meat. Bring dough over filling to center; pinch edges to seal.

Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown. 

Parmesan Cheese Potatoes

Are you looking for an easy potato side dish? 

This is our favorite! A big thanks to my mother-in-law for such a great quick-and-easy recipe!

When I use red potatoes, I leave the skin on. When I use baking potatoes I usually peel them.

Parmesan Cheese Potatoes

potatoes, cut up

1/4 c. butter

1/4 c. flour

1/4 c. Parmesan cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in casserole dish. Combine Parmesan cheese, flour, salt and pepper in a resealable plastic bag. Toss potatoes in bag to coat well. Place in melted butter and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Turn potatoes and bake 30 minutes longer.

A New "Farm" on Our Farm

I was not thrilled when we scored an ant farm at a White Elephant gift exchange this past year. I don't mind ants, but I don't like them in the house. One careless mistake and these ants could be looking for crumbs on my kitchen counters. No, I wasn't excited. But the girls were!!!

So, we ordered our ants online, according to the instructions that came with the Ant Farm. They would be delivered by way of the US Postal Service, and a delivery date was dependent on the weather. The company waits until temperatures are warm to stick the little tube of ants in the mail. I had my doubts that any of them would survive the trip. But one morning our mail carrier brought a package to the door containing a test tube of red ants. 

Ever since then we have really enjoyed watching them tunnel through this green gel. Every day there is more progress, and it amazes me how much they can accomplish in one day. 

After watching them work I was reminded of a memory verse the girls and I memorized last year. 

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise.  Proverbs 6:6

It is true -- these little creatures are amazing to watch and their little legs and jaws seem to have super-strength!