tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819137249054050552024-03-18T20:59:46.463-07:00Trust and Obey"Trust and obey; For there’s no other way; To be happy in Jesus; But to trust and obey."Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1041125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-81689308669316004282024-03-11T18:38:00.005-07:002024-03-11T18:40:52.303-07:00The Insanity of Kitchen Islands, and Other Winter Reflections (Books Lately, Winter 2023)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, folks, 2023 is finally over. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a year of extremes. Extreme joy - goals achieved, new life, and miraculous answers to prayer. And extreme sorrow - loss, suffering, death, illness, and stress of all kinds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In summary, 2023 really was a year to remember. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So far, 2024 has been a year of... illness. So far we've had three colds, influenza, and a particularly violent stomach bug. Oh, I hope that we can move past this soon! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have also had another pregnancy and loss - not the <a href="https://whiningpuker.blogspot.com/2024/02/birth-story-for-baby-8-late-first.html" target="_blank">catastrophic nightmare of last time</a>, but only the briefest whisper of a presence before a tiny soul took flight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2024 has already been quite the year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">***</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My goal for the beginning of this year is <i>setting better systems in place</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A systems - meaning any personal or household routine - can be good or bad. For example, "get up, panic at how behind I am, yell at kids, rush out the door late" would be a not-so-good system. An improved alternative might be "get up, make a to-do list, switch the laundry, put away the dishes." Etc. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have some good systems, but I also have some not-so-good systems. Most of my bad systems have to do with poor household management - specifically, management of how my children manage their time and belongings. So much of the time what happens seems to run along these lines:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(1) The children make horrendous messes and leave them for Mom to clean up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(2) Mom end up overwhelmed and discouraged.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ditto with time management.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this is obviously a bad thing. Thus, my goal this year is to work on implementing better systems. Here are some things that I have implemented, or am in-process on implementing:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(1) <b>Teaching children to make their beds and brush their teeth immediately upon rising</b>, so that it's not a mom-has-to-nag item for later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(2) <b>Writing out complete chore lists</b>, so that I'm not randomly assigning chores all of the time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(3) <b>Implementing a zero-tolerance rule for clothing left on the floor</b>. (This is a major problem in our home, and endless reminders and do-overs have done nothing to improve things.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(4) <b>Having children age 10 and older take over their own laundry duty</b>. I have always done all of the laundry up until this point, but I have realized that our older children do not know how to do laundry. I need to improve on this - pronto.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(5) <b>Using a reward system for staying on task during lessons</b>. Each child starts the morning with five "m&m credits," and I cancel one credit each time a child is dawdling or goofing off. Remaining credits are paid at the end of lesson times. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Note: This system worked for an impressive two days before I forgot about it. I really need to get it re-started. I find that reward systems fall by the wayside very quickly around here. I'm not sure if that's the system, or me. Does anyone have any insight on that issue?</i></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(6) <b>Working to standardize breakfast</b> - i.e. assigning a particular breakfast to each day of the week. Right now I know (blessedly) that Monday is reliably "oatmeal," but after that it rather descends into a free-for-all, and the system needs improving. I have tried the "everyone makes his own breakfast" method, but that has not worked for us - the end result is inevitably a kitchen mess that would make any mum weep with despair. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>** If anyone knows of great school-day breakfasts, please let me know! Really. I need ideas.</i></blockquote></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(7) <b>Improving our bedtime routines</b>. Right now it usually tends toward "wild kids, stressed parents," and we need improvement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All that to say, family life is very interesting, and it's never dull. There is always something to work on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What are you working on in your family life right now?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">***</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As usual, I am super-late with finishing Christmas activities. I realized that most of that was due to our behind-hand school year (more on that later), which caused me to push all the way to the end with schoolwork, rather than taking Thanksgiving through Epiphany as a Christmas vacation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, though, I have realized something foundational to the holidays - <i>nothing is worth having a stressed-out Christmas. </i>Nothing. (I've gone that route before.) So if we're doing Christmas into February (or June), fine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, this season, most Christmas activities (cookies, etc.) didn't happen before Christmas. Or Epiphany.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEb5cHO3-xqrLcCIo3KlhhJDMiR4NmlcR-6S9CvX-_ydgmbHMaKxgArljKX-IzqAxXiDOkGcUJOWDtm-hkZBepOc8DAflagCkJCgdJzY6_ymdhhCFHtVtgPlVRpcw7NOn4y1ir0ITdHORev_EknpSCD1_vgPVSR9uz2fEt3q40u7LMGqpW5gWwXMYpf0r/s4096/IMG_20240120_182619616_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEb5cHO3-xqrLcCIo3KlhhJDMiR4NmlcR-6S9CvX-_ydgmbHMaKxgArljKX-IzqAxXiDOkGcUJOWDtm-hkZBepOc8DAflagCkJCgdJzY6_ymdhhCFHtVtgPlVRpcw7NOn4y1ir0ITdHORev_EknpSCD1_vgPVSR9uz2fEt3q40u7LMGqpW5gWwXMYpf0r/w300-h400/IMG_20240120_182619616_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Cake for Epiphany. Whoever finds the hidden treat is "king for the year."</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or Candlemas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or Ash Wednesday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here we are, in the beginning of Lent, taking Christmas cookies to neighbors. (Really. I'm not kidding.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Better late than never?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Or make them just a bit later, and call them "Easter cookies.")</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At least we did manage to get most of our Christmas activities done. Decorating Christmas cookies, baking lepkuchen, concocting our Christmas pudding (which we traditionally light on Candlemas, but illness and jobs prevented that this year), baking fruitcake, building gingerbread houses - most of it got done. The only things that I couldn't quite finish were baking the last bit of lepkuchen and serving our Christmas pudding, both of which will be frozen until after Easter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Merry Christmas, y'all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Oh, and our decorations are still up. Oops.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJWSnbUsMlGvCnesImUK1Hf3_3XRqNktoi8AYImd2JgVwzHzeYdJAVYF1HUMFQ27xvpzcG8-yvtBjRk5JEb8Dihsb9AlbtfmgsZgzmoQ7-NafTwbnKtT3BxuukIXuzJHKv9orfv3gYGQQDU3vJFPRtJ6lh5dE6Ca3JM1KnYUh-lghhjr_HF8_wQeoRGVJ/s4032/IMG_0624.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJWSnbUsMlGvCnesImUK1Hf3_3XRqNktoi8AYImd2JgVwzHzeYdJAVYF1HUMFQ27xvpzcG8-yvtBjRk5JEb8Dihsb9AlbtfmgsZgzmoQ7-NafTwbnKtT3BxuukIXuzJHKv9orfv3gYGQQDU3vJFPRtJ6lh5dE6Ca3JM1KnYUh-lghhjr_HF8_wQeoRGVJ/s320/IMG_0624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRLoT6mN0A4khFxM7H9X48yu76AAj2M51WTuqGdoUz5ww9ngx7eyZ0yeFIuoqZB8RMD8_GV_sZD7HO1b733i6TvRpJtfyf08mD_llL2I8THCTjMN-VV7XoHA7pmDum5LU1zS_EugMvzF2Z5xHA1JwioyyM_6nd2xtG65maUVzgmwhXm1Q36jwER7KJWBv/s4096/IMG_20240130_195319422.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRLoT6mN0A4khFxM7H9X48yu76AAj2M51WTuqGdoUz5ww9ngx7eyZ0yeFIuoqZB8RMD8_GV_sZD7HO1b733i6TvRpJtfyf08mD_llL2I8THCTjMN-VV7XoHA7pmDum5LU1zS_EugMvzF2Z5xHA1JwioyyM_6nd2xtG65maUVzgmwhXm1Q36jwER7KJWBv/w300-h400/IMG_20240130_195319422.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses! This year our eldest rejected my "cheat" of assembling the houses with hot glue, and insisted on using the proper royal icing alone as a cementing agent, and surprisingly, it came together well. I also had the experience of making royal icing without a hand mixer - my hand mixer having received mortal wounds in the effort of making dairy-free nut-based cheese (which was awful). Surprisingly, making royal icing by hand was not difficult, and turned out better than my usual royal icing. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">***</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>But back to the topic at hand - kitchen islands.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whose idea were they, anyway?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because the ideal - a beautiful clean surface cheerfully serving as an extra kitchen prep area - is completely different from the reality - <i>an insanity-producing clutter attractant.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seriously, you guys. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our kitchen island does very little other than attract clutter. And mean clutter, mind you. The easy-to-put-away clutter doesn't stick around. What does stick around is the hard-to-put-away clutter - the stuff that really doesn't have a home; the stuff that is a serious nuisance. And work as hard as I might, the clutter flows onto the kitchen island far faster than I can put it away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In fact, a week or two ago, I spent a serious amount of time clearing the surface - and the clutter was back within 30 minutes. I did this <i>three times</i> in one day. It was utterly futile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And thus, I do question the sanity of whoever created these clutter-attracting beasts. <i>"Hey! Let's make a two-ton clutter-attractant, and put one in each American kitchen! Great idea, yes?"</i></div><div><br /></div>Some ideas are better left on the cutting room floor.<div><br /></div><div>And now, some books!</div><div><br /></div><div>***<br /><p><br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PdU0PLRU-MXu0hCyCM3J_RBG9hhcg1PuWvwIB5qCLNh8AdeUP_4scTeuNEHbtaCjCNGD2nwdLOfnUqll1p1K4OUAZWNnggIge-2n6IFjT3J1ZASvMgSh_rZGAKBW3-WjhIEhUDnbGjPKO5UjfDENJXYOS3MB1FViyH_629FNuw1c2vRjZc34S9IQ9-7F/s445/Lord%20of%20the%20Flies.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="252" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PdU0PLRU-MXu0hCyCM3J_RBG9hhcg1PuWvwIB5qCLNh8AdeUP_4scTeuNEHbtaCjCNGD2nwdLOfnUqll1p1K4OUAZWNnggIge-2n6IFjT3J1ZASvMgSh_rZGAKBW3-WjhIEhUDnbGjPKO5UjfDENJXYOS3MB1FViyH_629FNuw1c2vRjZc34S9IQ9-7F/s320/Lord%20of%20the%20Flies.jpg" width="181" /></a></b></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Flies-William-Golding/dp/0399501487/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7O8ROAMVB47W&keywords=lord+of+the+flies&qid=1704418269&s=books&sprefix=lord+of+the+flies%2Cstripbooks%2C150&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Lord of the Flies</a></b> (William Goulding, 1954) – Realistic fiction.<p></p><p>This book - a work of fiction in which a group of English schoolboys, marooned on a desert island, gradually descends from orderly government into savagery and barbarism - is considered a classic, and is an interesting interpretation of the workings of human nature, especially human nature in social groups detached from general society.</p><p>I have wanted to read this book ever since high school - it only took me 25 years or so to get around to it!</p><p>My reactions were mixed. The book was fairly gruesome, and made unpleasant reading. Also, some parts - such as the part about the pilot - were puzzling. I don't think I'll be going back for a re-read.</p><p>At the same time, the book is valuable and contains good material. The ending is splendidly written. And the book contains valuable insight - namely, that <i>human nature is not naturally good</i>. While human beings are made of good stuff, we have much evil contained within us (just as the Bible teaches, and the Founding Fathers well knew). It takes good methods of government to control the evil side of human nature, and bad forms of government can release a hellish force of evil if they do not acknowledge and allow for the evils inherent within human nature. </p><p>I would love to hear what others thought of this book. Thoughts, anyone?</p><p><b><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBodKKjtTGD6kxdsnNdQT1gEYy72PTq_5MVXFYYSRlDD7j4qJEsmypjW28VIeXmAXXrNSQYEg2nKQ-Nw92GGSQtZ8xNGkQKoksxvhVZGx8XydtmGqI6gNJ4NO4UfNkWNyR3KpD8gdspKu4hNgsOdCP4EPMESv8nST0HD0r17EEOERH1Ih8TBXzwq3WrSAn/s218/Fast%20Food%20Genocide.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="218" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBodKKjtTGD6kxdsnNdQT1gEYy72PTq_5MVXFYYSRlDD7j4qJEsmypjW28VIeXmAXXrNSQYEg2nKQ-Nw92GGSQtZ8xNGkQKoksxvhVZGx8XydtmGqI6gNJ4NO4UfNkWNyR3KpD8gdspKu4hNgsOdCP4EPMESv8nST0HD0r17EEOERH1Ih8TBXzwq3WrSAn/s1600/Fast%20Food%20Genocide.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fast-Food-Genocide-audiobook/dp/B0742N412T/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GAUCJX6KRWRA&keywords=fast+food+genocide&qid=1704418407&s=books&sprefix=fast+food+genocide%2Cstripbooks%2C126&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Fast Food Genocide</a></b> (Joel Fuhrman, 2017) – Nutrition and nutrition politics.<div><br /></div><div>I've noticed that nutrition books often have titles that are not accurate portrayals of the book's true intent. For example, a famous book about wheat has a title that implies "you should stop eating wheat," but what the author actually means is that "you should stop eating wheat, all grains, sugar, and practically all carbohydrates." And it's the same thing here. The title implies "you should stop eating fast food," but the author's message is that "you should stop eating fast food, junk food, processed food, salt, and meat, and eat a vegan diet." I really prefer titles that accurately portray the message of a book, and not just a tiny bit of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I enjoyed this book. It's got a lot of great material. One thing that I especially appreciated is the author's grasp of a little-realized fact - that diet has a real influence on mental health. This is one of those things that is well-documented in the literature but not acknowledged in common medical practice, and it's a fact that is not receiving the recognition it deserves. Our food influences our mood, and our mental health. (The author does, in my opinion, take this theme way too far, attributing everything from racism to crime to dietary deficiencies. So, a good beginning, but took it far past logic or reason.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Two downsides of this book:</div><div><br /></div><div>First, wokeness. In the middle of the book, the reader is suddenly treated to a pages-upon-pages chapter on the evils of Southern whites. It's long, and it's vituperative, and it's really unnecessary and out of place. A one-paragraph summary of the author's point (that nutritional deficiencies could have contributed to racial strife, which is questionable anyway) would have sufficed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Secondly, there are hints throughout the book that the author would prefer nutritional policies to be not just <i>recommendations</i> but <i>goverment mandates.</i> In other words, the government should control what and how people are allowed to eat. Really? </div><div><br /></div><div>I do understand the frustration of watching people destroy their health with bad food choices. But governmental control is, in my opinion, not the answer.</div><div><br /></div><div>As one reviewer <a href="https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/0062571222/ref=acr_dp_hist_2?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=two_star&reviewerType=all_reviews#reviews-filter-bar" target="_blank">noted</a>:</div><blockquote><div>"I have eaten the diet that Dr. Furhman advocates since 2013. It is definitely the safest way to eat, tastes good, and has helped my health. For this I will always be thankful. But not all of Dr. Fuhrman's words in this new book, in fact, maybe only a quarter of his words in this new book, are factual. He has a political agenda and would legislate the way people eat. Perhaps it is because he cares about us, or perhaps because he would back his atheistic beliefs and feel good about himself; and also perhaps that he would grow rich in this world's assets. It is one thing to expose the poor eating habits of Americans and educate them, and now, those copying American society around the world; but it is another to enforce through civil law the way people eat."</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>There is good material in this book - but I'd prefer a book about straight nutrition that leaves politics alone. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p></p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Witness-Cold-Classics-Whittaker-Chambers/dp/162157296X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9XJU25D7KYS3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.z2McZHJzkBuJswkcKLP8oW9HarnoHn_A_n-GO8ExBGE2HZqy4IHWTQtuW9yDxVZzclJA6lQzP70ePn8ECWGmqxawm-RCiJXz9ddc1Hej0bkceVtfXEiffPPEYmcTVtJ_D5qJWWYHiG7tHLBCRzL8Lw.Kovf4rsA8iy-olalo8dZ1u6i9M9OyEIUC_zhBgGZTRI&dib_tag=se&keywords=witness+chambers&qid=1705284823&s=books&sprefix=witness+chamber%2Cstripbooks%2C140&sr=1-1" target="_blank"></a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl3IOtQYzC8vuyRgdymQuQAej4h-ERer5bM-TZR8YgjeOutv-dM3kueGrhobpf_hq4batA4YNm0f8BrOPlHRf2puXw9wOQhTlPwppTsC5Z7ypWDCt0cGyrmN4_ZGEtwLd9c0AFOQLXv-H9pzRHHpDPcrOm_P3ugX4tfScXjPtcvyfIPp7JllC7P5nFFrN/s218/Witness.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="145" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl3IOtQYzC8vuyRgdymQuQAej4h-ERer5bM-TZR8YgjeOutv-dM3kueGrhobpf_hq4batA4YNm0f8BrOPlHRf2puXw9wOQhTlPwppTsC5Z7ypWDCt0cGyrmN4_ZGEtwLd9c0AFOQLXv-H9pzRHHpDPcrOm_P3ugX4tfScXjPtcvyfIPp7JllC7P5nFFrN/w266-h400/Witness.jpg" width="266" /></a></b></div><b>Witness </b>(Whittaker Chambers, 1952) – Autobiography of a Communist agent turned informer during the first half of the 20th century.<p></p><p>A friend heard that I'd never read this book and promptly handed me a copy. In my ignorance, I thought that it was a book off of which the movie "Witness" had been made - it's not, and the two have nothing to do with each other. But without further ado, I plunged into the book.</p><p>"Witness" is the autobiographical account of the life of Whittaker Chambers, from his (very dysfunctional and sad) childhood through his young adulthood, when he became passionately and deeply involved with the American Communist party, up until his departure from the Communist party - which was an extremely dangerous thing for him and his family - and through his participation as a witness in the Alger Hiss trial (which, again, I'd never heard of).</p><p>This book has to go on my list of top favorites. It is fascinating, well-written, engaging, and covers a lot of very important American history, especially regarding the spread of Communism in America. I wish that this book were on more high school level reading lists - I'm guessing that it is the book's length that prevents this (it is quite long), but this book is a keeper.</p><p>For more on the history of Communism in America, another person to check out is Bella Dodd, who was - during the same time period - responsible for placing Communist agents in the American public school system. She also has an amazing story to tell.</p><p>Highly recommended!</p><p><b><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8xkMx2Bui5q2rrjJaDz7ExzPDTktGOEX3r118FubTeqM2lScSaET6zz8JhYou8pOuH2CYcSve7_RcY6PZRAzL0TAYzxRIWPNzxkkjq1EDRxioXJqe7G4jqh5_fEB5VnMU8qHpze_hV_g0rD8N7WhJtdBXLHdvUCdKdcXgSrs2Hfl-x1dK6nvlQA5wP5x/s218/Gaudy%20Night.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="143" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8xkMx2Bui5q2rrjJaDz7ExzPDTktGOEX3r118FubTeqM2lScSaET6zz8JhYou8pOuH2CYcSve7_RcY6PZRAzL0TAYzxRIWPNzxkkjq1EDRxioXJqe7G4jqh5_fEB5VnMU8qHpze_hV_g0rD8N7WhJtdBXLHdvUCdKdcXgSrs2Hfl-x1dK6nvlQA5wP5x/w210-h320/Gaudy%20Night.jpg" width="210" /></a><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gaudy-Night-Wimsey-Mystery-Harriet/dp/0062196537/ref=sr_1_1?crid=C9T7WZ406W0Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6RNJcFGHuNWXrlECA0nMJD3KPY6AAF5el-vPMPae6o39FCEXLQs3yHF4FFVicgP4ecDXuyhBfkBpFEgKinwonlVCBwwpEDCnwHEWTyBj0bqswA92oV9mk_7n0ijwOwkKVHRRc8XfjVLNnZUifkc-Yw.Fft-WOQ8lPECYcm7XcGmTlASViM8ZXWXZdtgbJioCn0&dib_tag=se&keywords=gaudy+night&qid=1705286313&s=books&sprefix=gaudy+night%2Cstripbooks%2C138&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Gaudy Night</a></b> (Dorothy Sayers, 1935) – Realistic mystery set in the 1930s.</p><p>A young woman (Harriet Vane) works to solve the mystery of a "poison pen" amongst the female dons at Oxford. Harriet's friend (and disappointed lover), Lord Peter Wimsey (a professional detective, and one of Sayers' ongoing characters) comes down to help her, and the mystery is solved. Even more interestingly, the book contains the final answer to "will she or will she not finally say yes to Lord Peter Wimsey's proposals"?</p><p>I have heard of Dorothy Sayers for years, and I was so glad to finally pick up one of her books. While I am an avid Agatha Christie fan, I actually don't usually go for mysteries, so I wasn't sure if I would like this book. But I enjoyed it very much.</p><p>Unlike Agatha Christie novels, which are the soul of brevity and inevitably get straight to the point, <i>Gaudy Night</i> was super-long and had a gentle, relaxed tone that made for a very long and leisurely read. The descriptions and character developments are first-rate.</p><p>The downside to the book was that there were so many characters that I simply couldn't keep them straight, and by the time I reached the "who done it" denouement, I didn't really know who the culprit was - or much care. But I enjoyed the book thoroughly for its workmanship, and I loved meeting Lord Peter Wimsey, another detective who has become a classic, and it was fun to compare him with my beloved Hercule Poirot.</p><p>One interesting note was how deeply embedded the doctrines of feminism were in this text - perhaps not too surprising, as the story took place among female academics, but surprising to me, as the book was written just about 100 years ago. It goes to show how far back in history the feminist movement goes - unlike many modern Christians who intone that "everything was fine through the 1950s." This book had so modern a tone that I would not have questioned anyone who told me that it was written in the past couple of years. I wondered, also, how much Sayers herself subscribed to feminist views, or if they were simply taken on for the sake of the book, or if she even realized that she was espousing feminism. A most interesting study in worldview.</p><p>I very much enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more of Dorothy Sayers.</p><p>Any other Sayers fans out there? I would love to hear your take on her books. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQYAkHQx-yOnu_UCgwp6jQpidYa00pCghrnotHsmmVR4TdRB1R3DmxH2wOfwhJAF4qFrKAC3YP-OW-961QTsJnsy2fNKECCJ5oWIynQHqteYLEkFk7uQOXHkn9RI_DI4frqwhsqCPxwWKuEhQr2-VW-GLv0xNlzOlc6AxHQCzJmfIjmi_fOJHoISr4_70/s466/suicide%20of%20the%20west.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQYAkHQx-yOnu_UCgwp6jQpidYa00pCghrnotHsmmVR4TdRB1R3DmxH2wOfwhJAF4qFrKAC3YP-OW-961QTsJnsy2fNKECCJ5oWIynQHqteYLEkFk7uQOXHkn9RI_DI4frqwhsqCPxwWKuEhQr2-VW-GLv0xNlzOlc6AxHQCzJmfIjmi_fOJHoISr4_70/s16000/suicide%20of%20the%20west.jpg" /></a></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Suicide-of-West-Jonah-Goldberg-audiobook/dp/B077BFK99V/ref=sr_1_2?crid=36Q1MZYAO29YB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hekAT1z8tv5bvwym-Mob6WYNUa16RMpNs6XQfqIqYaZH86_pzcOfgrCDmgdZicJE_04VmmgVdhaMbJS6iyrKyM-qitO4tGIfbOKql8VyNgLVsQRcGiaB7uEKLC8G5MqYZxugeuX8Pm8XcsfEZEmIKw.Z5VoZJgxsnpj4kLsT-o-wLmTxwwqKmpbj925XYwd5uo&dib_tag=se&keywords=suicide+of+the+west&qid=1705286391&s=books&sprefix=suicide+of+the+west%2Cstripbooks%2C122&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Suicide of the West</a></b> (Jonah Goldberg, 2018) – Political and worldview analysis.<br /><p></p><p>I expected this book to be an easy read, but it was actually much more of a challenge than I expected. But it was a good challenge, and I enjoyed it very much.</p><p>Because this book was written during Donald Trump's presidency, the author deals with a lot of Trump politics, focusing especially on the rise of populism. The author is not particularly pro-Trump, and he goes into detail about the trends arising around Trump's rise to popularity. Having always been mildly pro-Trump myself, it was really good for me to read a conservative commentator's thoughtful and well-reasoned arguments (instead of unreasoning hysteria) for not being in favor of Donald Trump, and I came away from the book with an appreciation of the non-Trump side of conservative American politics.</p><p>I enjoyed this book. It was worth the effort to read, and I gained a lot through reading it. </p><p>Anyone have thoughts on this book?</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Severe-Mercy-Sheldon-Vanauken/dp/0060688246/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32T3J1OI49C5M&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ReCJkI-a_atBu0BxFKw_rqUqe21C8EzOdki26GHf3mxUkhsC7SozUj0M7uxFB4tOKw5nou7HHWFzYwQe8JOXf-R6CkJ-Ebcugz1RX15lmhuaSCzAubEjyAfdNRtbFT77ham7_J7HTtlMOOr68jsCTQ.vBfE1Y6oyS3MMPARsvB0qM2dIk0FPbdcuhhQy1c3W4k&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+severe+mercy&qid=1705286464&s=books&sprefix=a+severe%2Cstripbooks%2C131&sr=1-1" target="_blank"></a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRLPian2NZspE5pmRNEip_krs-1O7eSjg8yAMqBQbhk9jMZ9DBuruVQPCvuTTCRrfHgaDPAS3-OCy65Av8UgtcozRdrEnnQNN7drkfU1thgdW9sqaErsVc5YATKLYULuVnVScHaj4P_RIbuDPIbONY-nUYumfQPI4hlFZGyzCeU8gkuYZuIXTC_-MD4IC/s218/A%20Severe%20Mercy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="143" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRLPian2NZspE5pmRNEip_krs-1O7eSjg8yAMqBQbhk9jMZ9DBuruVQPCvuTTCRrfHgaDPAS3-OCy65Av8UgtcozRdrEnnQNN7drkfU1thgdW9sqaErsVc5YATKLYULuVnVScHaj4P_RIbuDPIbONY-nUYumfQPI4hlFZGyzCeU8gkuYZuIXTC_-MD4IC/w210-h320/A%20Severe%20Mercy.jpg" width="210" /></a></b></div><b>A Severe Mercy</b> (Sheldon Vanauken, 1977) – Autobiography.<p></p><p>I am an enormous fan of C. S. Lewis - and I expect that you are too, dear reader. His books have influenced and challenged and blessed me enormously. </p><p>C. S. Lewis's books have, to my mind, a distinct <i>flavor</i> - a feel, a style - that one can detect at sixty yards. It's like a delicious scent that one immediately knows as something beloved and familiar. </p><p>This book had the delicious scent of a C. S. Lewis book. I recognized it immediately. And yet the book is not written by C. S. Lewis at all. What was going on?</p><p>As I read, I discovered that while this book was not written by C.S. Lewis, it was written by a man who was befriended by C. S. Lewis, and later became an intimate life-long friend.</p><p>I guess C. S. Lewis awesomeness can be gained by association!</p><p><i>A Severe Mercy</i> is Vanaukin's autobiographical account of his youth and young adulthood, focusing on his courtship and marriage with his wife, Davy, until her early death (at around the age of 40), and of his grief after her passing. It is also the telling of the couple's coming to the Christian faith, under the mentorship of C. S. Lewis, and the development of their faith through the years. </p><p>To put it mildly, <i>A Severe Mercy</i> is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. I enjoyed it tremendously. And it's not just a love story - it's got a lot of real depth to it as well. As literature, as a love story, and as a religious work, it is a work of great merit.</p><p>I learned that there is a sequel, titled <i>Under the Mercy</i> - which is, alas, out of print and rather pricey to find used. However, I think it would be worth the money to snag a copy, and I'm currently working on that. </p><p>This book merits not an "it's okay, maybe read it" label, but a <i>go out and buy it right now!</i> designation. </p><p>I know you'll enjoy this book as much as I did. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Jeeves & Wooster Books of the Month!<br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WtC0jflLbEKatiQoLfZuye0FqwXRYeAHBri1wzSQbgjpF72Fec8wQ0_sfiI50KDeECI6YV_X6qnb1E2sxckbfcR3LyTTmPljnUhwnC6Yn2uGvHXOmNQ2VqGNh7030TrKnayLafg0UWvYDyljC0ElsV9ooqTk-xvE_pOdwsrJrBkRRmfNeiiq5DhB99xZ/s218/Stiff%20Upper%20Lip,%20Jeeves.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WtC0jflLbEKatiQoLfZuye0FqwXRYeAHBri1wzSQbgjpF72Fec8wQ0_sfiI50KDeECI6YV_X6qnb1E2sxckbfcR3LyTTmPljnUhwnC6Yn2uGvHXOmNQ2VqGNh7030TrKnayLafg0UWvYDyljC0ElsV9ooqTk-xvE_pOdwsrJrBkRRmfNeiiq5DhB99xZ/w223-h320/Stiff%20Upper%20Lip,%20Jeeves.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><p></p><p>This month my Jeeves & Wooster selections included the following:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves</b> (P.G. Wodehouse) </li><li><b>Very Good, Jeeves!</b> (P. G. Wodehouse) </li><li><b>Right Ho, Jeeves</b></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">For Children: Picture Books</span></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvBwe9Fx4Cj7BibfbuQnS1S0EJOrGR8RHBLebdByfIPQPc_GY3mW724iDcLpGFLDF8vlIJJsIChDbUV0nIrvfiPglOhGCMJe4Jqo0hWqwJDRcIXjPis8wgVDTKgxhShXMU4sUfrSrER_Adb-5UWq6OwBBHzmgHVuONwpY5P251SAUDwN43pbetSQu6f0_/s218/They%20Were%20Strong%20and%20Good.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="178" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvBwe9Fx4Cj7BibfbuQnS1S0EJOrGR8RHBLebdByfIPQPc_GY3mW724iDcLpGFLDF8vlIJJsIChDbUV0nIrvfiPglOhGCMJe4Jqo0hWqwJDRcIXjPis8wgVDTKgxhShXMU4sUfrSrER_Adb-5UWq6OwBBHzmgHVuONwpY5P251SAUDwN43pbetSQu6f0_/w261-h320/They%20Were%20Strong%20and%20Good.jpg" width="261" /></a></b></div><b>They Were Strong and Good</b> (Robert Lawson, 1940) – Autobiographical account of the author’s immigrant and pioneer ancestors.<p></p><p>A wonderful picture book - well drawn, engaging, and full of both historical merit and positive character messages. Highly recommended. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BXhmxtQWKbS7al2R3inn6moG11Buj_VWSEhA-_BwHBeZwd_xBRq86xLP2kktRXdSgr1jGtnZDpf40u5mhuvrp58eWQB5oE4VPFhJgI5yGtxIdC_Obck2FXB2QW3cmDGKDYs0PrXCdEBv9Sc3R_ZbX3YBXZ3R_h_wu8w_-4ZCi5NdplxlhBPJEGiBAnWH/s342/Christmas%20in%20the%20Trenches.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="342" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BXhmxtQWKbS7al2R3inn6moG11Buj_VWSEhA-_BwHBeZwd_xBRq86xLP2kktRXdSgr1jGtnZDpf40u5mhuvrp58eWQB5oE4VPFhJgI5yGtxIdC_Obck2FXB2QW3cmDGKDYs0PrXCdEBv9Sc3R_ZbX3YBXZ3R_h_wu8w_-4ZCi5NdplxlhBPJEGiBAnWH/s320/Christmas%20in%20the%20Trenches.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Trenches-John-McCutcheon/dp/1561453749" target="_blank">Christmas in the Trenches</a></b> (John McCutcheon, 2006) - Non-fiction.</div><div><br /></div><div>The story of the 1914 Christmas truce - in which German and British soldiers spontaneously declared a cease-fire in order to celebrate Christmas as friends - I find one of the most moving of all war stories, and I was thrilled to find a children's book telling the story. </div><div><br /></div><div>The author, John McCutcheon, wrote a song about the Christmas truce titled, appropriately, "The Christmas Truce" - you can watch a video of the author singing the song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJi41RWaTCs" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><p>This book would make an excellent addition to a study of World War I. It's also a great character builder in the qualities of mercy, compassion, and peace building. </p><p>Enjoy!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">For Children & Teens: Novels</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshjz2d0OC9nHz3lDTWge4acnigR6TkjMg0avTHt5N5Uxm0_hOPSCuWRP9ynBUakRtIUXbLybAEivP1-4gSwsoFnPMAdTl_hk9qTY_OFuZVIegyuuUk2f1Vz0XlnMcnuBfTwh-Er6Mdg3I9e3BP7f4grTpcytiNADuCSsKz-9HTH-HG7SY7Dqxe-kt3qhg/s218/Ballet%20Shoes.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="148" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshjz2d0OC9nHz3lDTWge4acnigR6TkjMg0avTHt5N5Uxm0_hOPSCuWRP9ynBUakRtIUXbLybAEivP1-4gSwsoFnPMAdTl_hk9qTY_OFuZVIegyuuUk2f1Vz0XlnMcnuBfTwh-Er6Mdg3I9e3BP7f4grTpcytiNADuCSsKz-9HTH-HG7SY7Dqxe-kt3qhg/w217-h320/Ballet%20Shoes.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ballet-Shoes-Noel-Streatfeild/dp/0679847596/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LDFFTVKWDGU8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JO7sp2IeHkEDw0qmJGdbhszGJ18ekDcthAYCBiRwTI4M6gyboF6w8aZDeKOjF_Ue3YlfgFAwtYUpaX-TG01lfwLtHSd7rRNkLxT8ow9gx_Oeuo28O0nRQYhmPnqUi7J6PHk16tNV-FdxqizazFkfgg.k-enLCnGtitJqThOrx6h0n8pfaNVtV-RiRplwg4B6Ho&dib_tag=se&keywords=ballet+shoes+streatfeild&qid=1705286668&s=books&sprefix=ballet+shoes+str%2Cstripbooks%2C125&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Ballet Shoes</a></b> (Shoes series by Noel Streatfeild, 1936) – Realistic fiction.<br /><p></p><p>It is a tragedy that I did not know about this wonderful series during my own childhood!</p><p>The "Shoes" books form a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PF4H5R5?binding=hardcover&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_thcv" target="_blank">six-book series</a> written all about girls in different dance or artistic pursuits - ballet, dance, theatre, skating, etc. The books are extremely well-written and entertaining, as well as educational - both about the artistic pursuits, and about life in an earlier time (the first <i>Shoes</i> book was written in 1936).</p><p>Some of these books are easily available, while some are difficult to find. A five-book set is available <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Streatfeild-Collection-Ballet-Theatre-Tennis/dp/9123616822">here</a> (missing "Dancing Shoes," which is thankfully one of the easier books to find, so you can buy that one separately to complete the series). </p><p>I highly recommend this series. I read it myself, just for fun! </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig-sNiX3pqkO2GUl7MOH6MzQS9JQoZSLaL9dWgdAyIasU8N99fn6mf462JufVcUo4-IqHldBdnEQXrjp6eVntkhm525g31M7V810rrvQGRtT1jUHmbHeEO5KamyJTe7lkqpaAliiGKMAvTkQ7ltXEcK82m5655ztMp-kt_0cjLqKZ170ZWgyyVKXHRtS8/s320/Journey%20to%20the%20Center%20of%20the%20Earth.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="223" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig-sNiX3pqkO2GUl7MOH6MzQS9JQoZSLaL9dWgdAyIasU8N99fn6mf462JufVcUo4-IqHldBdnEQXrjp6eVntkhm525g31M7V810rrvQGRtT1jUHmbHeEO5KamyJTe7lkqpaAliiGKMAvTkQ7ltXEcK82m5655ztMp-kt_0cjLqKZ170ZWgyyVKXHRtS8/s1600/Journey%20to%20the%20Center%20of%20the%20Earth.jpg" width="223" /></a></b></div><b>Classic Starts books</b> (various) – Various titles abridged for elementary-aged children<p></p><p>There are several mainstream series of abridged classics for children, and I have really fallen in love with this one - "Classic Starts." The series includes many classic works, and all are tastefully written and illustrated. All of our children have benefited from this easy introduction to classic literature.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvfFYoIyIDi7hRWpi8_Kvlh3q6asVuebtISKvju73rH6umGdFLg68wOYQyJcWKDS-ITSuwWD06DJ1FTJrIQqTklIA3owBY6ys5QfRiGVd0TcKqtnCaFnd3af7uSuA34mJxUqPUlCVtYvczck2fwmFAn5dXCDYtSpPU3YUb2silFNosPHZzvcgQqxu2z90/s218/House%20of%2060%20Fathers.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="144" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvfFYoIyIDi7hRWpi8_Kvlh3q6asVuebtISKvju73rH6umGdFLg68wOYQyJcWKDS-ITSuwWD06DJ1FTJrIQqTklIA3owBY6ys5QfRiGVd0TcKqtnCaFnd3af7uSuA34mJxUqPUlCVtYvczck2fwmFAn5dXCDYtSpPU3YUb2silFNosPHZzvcgQqxu2z90/w211-h320/House%20of%2060%20Fathers.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/House-Sixty-Fathers-Meindert-DeJong/dp/0064402002/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NGH32ER2LZDD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Q5Wil4Gc3YDf3-7rbtT8soAufrUE0ssBH9jkA4ZTkQnyeSH-S67qKilIPWU2i3qAppmEzSr0injOiRUv_n4DijoggXPHeaAGstVZp6a6f2Sa6dPG_gDSA_RPwQl17buldlARpfF_XlRl9xvy8kylhg.KYV-gNRsUt-vlMDIzge8NgFDWwuNsPXH_wBsEf0y4qU&dib_tag=se&keywords=house+of+sixty+fathers&qid=1705286832&s=books&sprefix=house+of+sixty+father%2Cstripbooks%2C123&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The House of Sixty Fathers</a></b> (Meinert DeJong, 1956) – Realistic fiction set in World War II Japan.<br /><p></p><p>I'd heard of this book for years, but never read it - and wow, was I missing out. This book - a wartime story in WWII-era China - is an absolute delight, and both I and our children loved it. It would be a lovely addition to any unit study on WWII or modern history, and any age from mid-elementary and up would benefit from it - and enjoy it!</p><p>Highly recommended. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brady-Jean-Fritz/dp/0698119371/ref=sr_1_3?crid=8BDHGFSP8ZDX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cSNq50cJYPbh_o0wtf1LdTgkWpCDubHwABSEH1FO-Z6X5AyMaB9woYsDuI4OE37I4MgZKgAyF-M5XjLGllYrXkAvjmHkKnB0rRA657pte7FmpkYDdD07flyIXXNPTyLYqZQj6tNSzqSyTzYP94rPoQ.pPBASstJbXUQ8hs_N6kOgAt_JrxzhxMrO1wYXH70p2U&dib_tag=se&keywords=brady&qid=1705286894&s=books&sprefix=brady%2Cstripbooks%2C128&sr=1-3" target="_blank"></a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY6EhbaN-dT_2b-e11wQt9fqzBi-GLBPi44_SkDNdfkdBr6Lr0WlK8uAaBiO2f9X5C36z0cMdxHLLAinnVesAm3k6cy6QDOg55d9KD9CYkCbufpczqVFv7zoEf5t3Bzhho85QUxY2jwYMva_y1xrLlFoCwF83vWl-uz8yW13iFaFvU2BqjgZAPZEbJcQz/s218/Brady.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="141" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY6EhbaN-dT_2b-e11wQt9fqzBi-GLBPi44_SkDNdfkdBr6Lr0WlK8uAaBiO2f9X5C36z0cMdxHLLAinnVesAm3k6cy6QDOg55d9KD9CYkCbufpczqVFv7zoEf5t3Bzhho85QUxY2jwYMva_y1xrLlFoCwF83vWl-uz8yW13iFaFvU2BqjgZAPZEbJcQz/w207-h320/Brady.jpg" width="207" /></a></b></div><b>Brady</b> (Jean Fritz, 1960) – Realistic fiction set in pre-Civil War Pennsylvania.<p></p><p>We've always enjoyed Jean Fritz's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Set-books-Jean-Fritz-Traitor/dp/B01KU6M5UG" target="_blank">Revolutionary War era books</a>, as well as her other books, so I was excited to read <i>Brady, </i>a new read for me. The book follows a young boy through his experience with pre-Civil War politics and slavery issues, including his family's participation on the Underground Railroad.</p><p>I enjoyed this book very much.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbM3QAl9G8l2IH-46mybZed9sQ8c-cKbj6KxaXf_zZnX1oEflzyOTSBBLFg3qsTRCs2Ml2nYXmkNfLkkwJbTMr2ESj8a0h9E18WfvFQI146kNPd_VD2x2oISQMxMPAIMTpYfBL7YgLGvKOpQNUwk3bHBiO_lrsHdGJVkoPzUQic2UgpfBY2C7Ct8qwrG5/s218/Chitty%20Chitty.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="218" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbM3QAl9G8l2IH-46mybZed9sQ8c-cKbj6KxaXf_zZnX1oEflzyOTSBBLFg3qsTRCs2Ml2nYXmkNfLkkwJbTMr2ESj8a0h9E18WfvFQI146kNPd_VD2x2oISQMxMPAIMTpYfBL7YgLGvKOpQNUwk3bHBiO_lrsHdGJVkoPzUQic2UgpfBY2C7Ct8qwrG5/w320-h320/Chitty%20Chitty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang-David-Tennant/dp/B00F4FF7G8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1F6PEP4I4GIWM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GtDUCygJ9tD5_rCOpyDEbL_SWswCs0R-ArYM6G37LilnyRWIUzHNGyOV6fV8zO2IuKdJ3-tsyynSg6O6hcNtv4s8GSrFwRyYwA3wLI72eSHk8ZlgY_gQifLPSjVj43irrrKsNlba43b53okp3xvJ6g.fsocTQ6WIcfEo2L36OjGbZdnwFPdu-l6N191F8QZd9s&dib_tag=se&keywords=chitty+chitty+bang+bang+book&qid=1705286957&s=books&sprefix=chitty+%2Cstripbooks%2C127&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Chitty Chitty Bang Bang </a></b>(Ian Fleming, 1964) – Fantasy.<br /><p></p><p>The adventures of a flying car and the family who owns it! In all honesty, it's not really my style, but there's no doubt that it's fun, well-written, and an established classic. Give it a try, or let your kids have at it. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Archimedes-Science-Living-History-Library/dp/1883937124/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2VUP2B3HECIWA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.USZEQwgdR2CQQEqOttgFDMkGlIWgD2o6k0whTSCzlCEGEZcr1O3glxekhq6kcYfIDDSdyYnMZsP8DSGIRnQ5aXou0cdVkv7j-_fqQM3TcnVYv_3vIrkMaRnZLIqwp2Kda2U5LstgIyspPboRWBig3g.GtBzZBqorxuE9pyixodzVCvFs-GGi6WSv0xtzmzuE5k&dib_tag=se&keywords=archimedes+and+the+door&qid=1705287028&s=books&sprefix=archimiedes+and+the+door%2Cstripbooks%2C134&sr=1-1"></a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5YAiSKqRQZQFGKRdrnH68EOCitKwGR-Y3Rvf7RCz3MheRJYMYjOrLInU8Nr6i2dgoyNR0AMtVxgVzQm9jNc0WU1WtPbVFY-ll-E5lCWcOqNuL5q6YgiiM5Eg9Cw2zaFuagXsByM0IBcnIO0oHVmfwpG1FJI5NGXbmJiM2x_534NVZK-BVbMgqIfpxSZR/s218/Archimedes%20and%20the%20Door%20of%20Science.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="141" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5YAiSKqRQZQFGKRdrnH68EOCitKwGR-Y3Rvf7RCz3MheRJYMYjOrLInU8Nr6i2dgoyNR0AMtVxgVzQm9jNc0WU1WtPbVFY-ll-E5lCWcOqNuL5q6YgiiM5Eg9Cw2zaFuagXsByM0IBcnIO0oHVmfwpG1FJI5NGXbmJiM2x_534NVZK-BVbMgqIfpxSZR/w207-h320/Archimedes%20and%20the%20Door%20of%20Science.jpg" width="207" /></a></b></div><b>Archimedes and the Door of Science </b>(Jeanne Bendick, 1962) – History.<p></p><p>The life of Archimedes. Very well-written, and includes a lot of history as well as early science. Highly recommended!</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5w9X7ZbkaHLzzVkFodEiOoG0ibal6-Efavo9lbxte_XXlldmUNA038KHHkqyqaZayDk1KvCSRo7f9EtZ38hltQ4Mqnk53QgxsSix3LOKec1wTUN3kUwMZirtDLHXxXYsAlCFmsHz1yzG_ZtNO9vtA0gyinSLgora0yry6cdX_FIBKqj1b4Tzr0bjGHkzW/s218/Gathering%20of%20Days.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="148" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5w9X7ZbkaHLzzVkFodEiOoG0ibal6-Efavo9lbxte_XXlldmUNA038KHHkqyqaZayDk1KvCSRo7f9EtZ38hltQ4Mqnk53QgxsSix3LOKec1wTUN3kUwMZirtDLHXxXYsAlCFmsHz1yzG_ZtNO9vtA0gyinSLgora0yry6cdX_FIBKqj1b4Tzr0bjGHkzW/w217-h320/Gathering%20of%20Days.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gathering-Days-England-Journal-1830-32/dp/068971419X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2J1XCMSOLCQX1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.N8hMv0WMaUJOU-d-zokn5HoAxzUv4zBgkrDz3YiEKZTRGNJoHY6BpZGapfBeFdP7AvBT2QOVihinKIHWTL9HlXg2EX3RYnfMG-BXbWThHPkcRj-T-yqVhUQync2U_HCQNyvtAsdUmhaTraM1STHVZQ.BnsHvRxMusJosg3NjKTm39r5sZ5lPqIMm5Qo9wo-HiQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=A+Gathering+of+Days%3A+A+New+England+Girl%E2%80%99s+Journal&qid=1705287106&s=books&sprefix=a+gathering+of+days+a+new+england+girl+s+journal%2Cstripbooks%2C111&sr=1-1" target="_blank">A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl’s Journal</a>, 1830-32</b> (Joan W. Blos, 1979) – Historical fiction set in early 1800s New England.<br /><p></p><div>Very well-written and realistic. As I've written before, there are loads of poor-quality historical fiction books for children out there - thankfully, this book is not among them. It is a great book, and will be a good addition to any homeschool library.</div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A few notes from the kitchen:</b></span></p><p>This Christmas season included a few wonderful new recipes:</p><p><a href="https://raisingarrows.net/pumpkin-crumble-cake/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Crumble Cake</a> - see my notes in the comments as to how to make a dairy-free version, as well as how to replace the cake mix with a homemade version. For the recipe itself, I reduced the sugar to 1 1/4 cups, and am going to try to reduce it further to 1 cup. </p><p><a href="https://raisingarrows.net/creamy-cornbread-corn-casserole/" target="_blank">Creamy Cornbread Casserole</a> - I used a <a href="https://brendid.com/copycat-jiffy-cornbread-mix-corn-muffin/#tasty-recipes-12756-jump-target" target="_blank">homemade Jiffy copycat mix</a> and also (because I was out of bell peppers) substituted a can of green chilis for the bell pepper. This was an immediate hit around here. </p><p>***</p><p>Another great recipe was <a href="https://raisingarrows.net/autumn-pancakes/#comment-408245" target="_blank">Autumn Pancakes</a> - they have an awesome texture, and even our oatmeal-hating child loved them. My only change is to let the oatmeal mixture sit for longer than five minutes, which gives more time for absorption and softening, not to mention cooling. Given how long things take around here, that's an easy thing to accomplish. </p><p>***</p><p>Another kitchen adventure around here lately was our <i>first ever Super Bowl party. </i>This was not something that I ever saw myself doing, as I have a passionate dislike of football (and sports in general), and an even more intense dislike of the politics that seem to surround the game nowadays. However, it happened - mainly due to our children's sudden enthusiasm - and they had a wonderful time decorating and hosting friends. </p><p>In case anyone saw the creepy "He Gets Us" ad, I wanted to share - along with a <a href="https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/the-false-vision-of-christianity-of-he-gets-us" target="_blank">great response article</a>) - an intensely awesome and breathtakingly beautiful how-it-should-have-been-done video (don't miss this one - it is so good!): </p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rV3AnTUPiDY?si=wcCzxQ6eecdhtSRl" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p><br /></p><p>***</p><p>Now, onto a more light-hearted kitchen theme - <i>birthday cakes!</i></p><p>February is a big birthday month for us - we literally can't finish one cake before it's time for another. </p><p>Our first cake of the month was an utter disaster. A complete. and. utter. disaster. So bad that I didn't even take a picture of it. We just quit in the middle and ate it - it was delicious - and I promised the birthday child that I would re-do the entire thing after birthday season. That adventure is yet to come. </p><p>The second cake of the month was a much bigger success. The theme - dinosaurs. I found this cake to be my inspiration:</p><p><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8KF7X1DhfE4?si=brkX5pFlg64nqHZ0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I loved the idea of two tones of green. I approximated her colors by using plain green for the deep green, and green plus yellow and one drop each of black and brown for the yellow-green. The contrast was great. Upon discovering that I don't actually have a grass tip, I used this fun tip to approximate:</div><div><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5xlgi1Ci4ic?si=zFIQ56a2Diqv_tJV" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><div><br /><p>For the cake itself, I used a favorite cake of ours - <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/17687/beat-and-bake-orange-cake/" target="_blank">Beat and Bake Orange Cake</a>. This is a splendid cake, and super-easy to make. My changes:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I find that regular sugar works just fine.</li><li>I increase the orange zest, and add an equal amount of lemon zest. (Maybe a tablespoonful or so of each.)</li><li>I used this frosting, which has less sugar (I find most frostings unpleasantly sweet). It would be a bit on the soft side for layer cake frosting, so if you're planning a layer cake, either chill the frosting a bit first, or omit the orange juice and use a teaspoon of orange extract instead:</li><ul><li>2 sticks (1 cup) butter</li><li>2 (8 oz. each) cream cheese</li><li>1/4 cup orange juice</li><li>2 cups powdered sugar</li><li>2 tsp. each vanilla, lemon zest, orange zest</li></ul></ul><p></p><p>And the outcome was - while not anything near the model - a great cake that thoroughly pleased both birthday child and guests.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxpssjHN-HkyBpqa-qwx00b4i8maN-gdWcWiECIAcm7cMMDW2D1msIEnBuL1QzXDng3mZ-TcJckl16AN1kC1FFhYMjclj0ygmAcDikA-RSj1yqhnFGBlTCUrwch_usI-tcXV-L3nGE4zSgiiyaa6BFusls62AkMs2VAudq0nyfB4JFYU5FMx3CNqeYUNl/s4096/Ollie%20February%202024%207th%20Birthday%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxpssjHN-HkyBpqa-qwx00b4i8maN-gdWcWiECIAcm7cMMDW2D1msIEnBuL1QzXDng3mZ-TcJckl16AN1kC1FFhYMjclj0ygmAcDikA-RSj1yqhnFGBlTCUrwch_usI-tcXV-L3nGE4zSgiiyaa6BFusls62AkMs2VAudq0nyfB4JFYU5FMx3CNqeYUNl/w400-h300/Ollie%20February%202024%207th%20Birthday%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>***</p><p>This past week, we attended what I think may have been the <i>most awesome children's birthday party ever.</i></p><p>Why so amazing?</p><p>Because the mom pulled it off without destroying herself - something that parties tend to do to women, and which certainly happens to me. </p><p>Here's how this act of brilliance went, via text:</p><blockquote><p><i>"Hey, everyone - a couple of our kids are having birthdays soon. Meet us at the park on Saturday to celebrate - we'll bring pulled pork and cake. Bring your own lawn chairs and sports equipment, and post here what food or disposable dishes you'd like to bring."</i></p></blockquote><p>And that was it.</p><p>The kids played wildly for several hours - no pre-planned activities needed - and the adults got to talk. At the end, everyone helped clean up.</p><p>Zero headaches, zero exhausted-overworked-overwhelmed mom, zero "I will NEVER DO THIS AGAIN" moments.</p><p>This is my new model for how to throw a party.</p><p>****</p><p><br /></p><p>Another kitchen adventure was our much anticipated FROG CUPCAKES for Leap Year! (Frogs leap. Get it?) Very uncomplicated, very unprofessional, but very fun - and our children anticipate this for months (years!) in advance. This time I used <a href="https://www.hersheyland.com/recipes/hersheys-perfectly-chocolate-chocolate-cake.html" target="_blank">Hershey's Perfect Chocolate Cake</a> as the base. By halving the recipe and then reducing the 1 cup of sugar to 3/4 cup, the batter was just perfect for a dozen cupcakes.</p><p>My favorite all-natural green coloring is chlorophyll, which you can buy at Sprouts or online. The eyes are made with trimmed marshmallows + chocolate chips, and the mouths (we're going to do pink next time) were piped by the 9yo.</p><p>It's hard to realize that this is a first-leap-year-ever for two of my children - and by the time it rolls around again, our eldest teen will no longer be a teen, and we'll have two more of the younger crew who <i>will</i> be teens. Wow.</p><p>Happy Leap Year, y'all.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNQG3Isjjs9YqAvEZRN4-uQ651gSp6K-nxtEyA47goksdsip7VTY-6CXqHcvyYGk6hrWO0AxAwUR0DjzoeE_vlwZtXZPHlN3uH99aJd3U9NYDPzSr-h0U-Q37I1Uh9ZOHc31oHIJKpAhbSRnuL853Czg0gU5z-sT8R8f0YFQM0BdNyAQjb8J1QwzAWSa2/s4096/Leap%20Year%20Frog%20Cupcakes%202024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNQG3Isjjs9YqAvEZRN4-uQ651gSp6K-nxtEyA47goksdsip7VTY-6CXqHcvyYGk6hrWO0AxAwUR0DjzoeE_vlwZtXZPHlN3uH99aJd3U9NYDPzSr-h0U-Q37I1Uh9ZOHc31oHIJKpAhbSRnuL853Czg0gU5z-sT8R8f0YFQM0BdNyAQjb8J1QwzAWSa2/w300-h400/Leap%20Year%20Frog%20Cupcakes%202024.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Music & Dance</b></span></p><p>I am a huge fan of English folk dance, and we recently discovered the YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@historicaldance/videos">Historical Dance</a>. Oh, what a treasure trove! Try this one on for size:</p><p><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9jE2asniQKE?si=OrjFlLF_o5HPzmuh" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p><br /></p><p>We found that one a bit hard for us to learn right away, but we did learn this easier one - give it a try! Super-fun, and not too difficult. (It also revealed to me how completely out of shape I am - ouch!):</p><p><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hZdQwceu1HY?si=MMwzKI_5AGfXLf6P" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p><br /></p><p>There are so many wonderful videos on this channel. Enjoy!</p><p><br /></p><p>***</p><p>We are just starting to enjoy the music from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@LaudateMennEnsemble/videos" target="_blank">Laudate Mennonite Ensemble</a>. Here is one of their recent productions:</p><p><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3jwDs_Apy_k?si=0iixwqld_0VdUkKr" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p><br /></p><p>I recently learned of the existence of many wonderful Mennonite choirs. If you haven't yet searched out this area of choral performance, give it a search on YouTube.</p><p>*** </p><p>Speaking of historical dance forms, we are currently enjoying videos of Irish dance. Try this one!</p><p><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H838KccF7yY?si=P77FojvDe2M3QKKu" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p><br /></p><p>***</p><p>To end the music & dance section, I'll leave you with our 2yo's current favorite (he is currently fussing in my arms because I'm writing about it rather than playing it!</p><p><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oUrVXKStrTU?si=GkYRaI9ZtY7hLLhW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p><br /></p><p>***</p><p>Okay, folks! That's it for this entry. Write and let me know how you and your families are doing - and if you've read any good books lately. I hope that each of you is having a good spring and a wonderful Lent. </p><p>And in the meantime, pray for me, as I pray for you.</p><p>Happy Easter! </p><p><br /></p></div></div>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-74881674686021380672024-02-18T10:17:00.003-07:002024-02-18T10:17:45.892-07:00Birth Story for Baby #8 - Late First Trimester Miscarriage + Hospitalization for Postpartum Sepsis<p> </p><p><i>Every baby deserves his own birth story, even those with unhappy outcomes. Please do not read if you mind blood and personal details, and please do not read if you yourself are pregnant.<br /><br /></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>* * *</i></div><i><br /></i><p></p><p>Last March, I found - to my infinite surprise - that baby #8 had joined the party. I really wasn't expecting a new little one soon - or, considering my age (41 at the time), perhaps at all. It was a bit of a shock.</p><p>My pregnancy nausea started that same afternoon - as always, suddenly and definitely. My reaction to this was intense irritation, as in, <i>Really? I don't even have time to tell my husband before this nonsense starts up again - AS USUAL? </i>(I have rather lost my patience with pregnancy nausea, as you may infer.) Unfortunately, it was real, strong, and following the usual pattern of growing intensity. Depressing.</p><p>However, this is not an entry about pregnancy nausea. Suffice it to say, over the following several weeks I made an exciting discovery of something that really helped with pregnancy nausea, and I shared about that in <a href="https://whiningpuker.blogspot.com/2023/06/lets-talk-about-use-of-vitamin-k.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a>. I hope to learn more with time, and should we be blessed with another child, I will post about how pregnancy nausea goes in that pregnancy. But moving on with the story of this baby...</p><p>Besides nausea and fatigue, the pregnancy proceeded normally through the spring. And then, at 10w6d, everything changed. On that day, I noticed the faintest tinge of pink staining. </p><p>Blood. </p><p>Just the tiniest amount. But, as any mama knows, blood during pregnancy is <i>really, really not good.</i> Sure, it can stem from any amount of innocent causes. But on the whole, it is usually a sign that something is wrong. </p><p>And thus began one of the wildest and most stressful weeks of my life. I said nothing to my husband, and prayed that nothing would come of it. But the next day (11w0d), it was back. And there was more. The next day, more. At that point (11w1d), I sat down with my husband and said, "I don't know how to say this, but I think that there is a chance that we are going to lose the baby." He was devastated - but, as is his wont, inclined to look on the bright side and be hopeful. (In all life situations, I am the dark pessimist/realist, and my husband is the carefree sunny optimist. It's how we roll.)</p><p>I prayed so hard that week. Over and over, <i>God, please spare this child.</i> <i>Please let the bleeding stop. </i>Praying all day, and then waking up in the night, and praying some more. </p><p>I also contacted our midwife and let her know what was going on. She and I both knew that there was nothing that could be done, but she was sympathetic, and she stayed in touch with me.</p><p>On Friday, the spotting really picked up, and it also changed from pink to red. We knew that - barring a miracle - a miscarriage was going to happen, and we needed to prepare for it. </p><p>The first thing that we did was to get in touch with one of our priests, and he gave us a lot of really valuable direction. He told us, firstly, that our baby needed a name. This surprised me, as I had not really thought seriously of naming a child whose gender could not be known. (I know that there are early gender tests, but we were not planning on using any of them.) However, he said quite firmly that no, each baby needs his own name. So, after some brief discussion, we picked a name - John Paul Thomas, after both John Paul II and my favorite disciple (being a born doubter, how could I not love the apostle Thomas?). </p><p>(If baby was indeed a girl, then I suppose it would change to something like Joanna - not my first pick, with apologies to all Joannas in the crowd, but it would do. As I said, we were in a hurry.)</p><blockquote><p><i>(Later, in looking up feminine variants of the name John, I found the following as options: "</i><i>Jackie, Jacqueline, Jana, Jane, Janet, Jeanne or Jeannie, Joan, Joanna or Johanna." Good to know.)</i></p></blockquote><p>This was quite different than our usual naming process, which usually stretches for months at a time. But this time we were in a time crunch, and we found our name within 20 minutes.</p><p>It was very odd - nightmarish, actually - to be picking a name for a child who one believes may be born dead. And there was still that bit of hope - <i>maybe this will all stop, and everything will be okay. </i>But one way or the other, we had no time - it was an incredible rush.</p><p>Secondly, our priest gave us the name of a cemetery that accepts pre-born babies for burial, and we got in touch with them. They were wonderful - we really appreciated their sweet and compassionate communications with us - but we found that they accepted only children for burial who were born at 20 weeks gestation or later. So this was something that was put off for later.</p><p>On Saturday morning, my bleeding was really picking up, and I knew with finality that this was really going to happen, sooner or later. When the rest of the family headed out the door for our daughter's morning at ballet lessons, not knowing anything else to do, I just sat down to wait. And within just a few minutes of the family leaving, I felt a gentle pop that was identical to SROM (spontaneous rupture of membranes, or one's water breaking), but instead of amniotic fluid, it was a sudden and massive rush of blood. </p><p>At that point, I realized that I had been quite foolish - I had marooned myself in the kitchen, a room in our home that is completely surrounded by carpeted floor. But there was nothing for it but to run for the bathroom, using my skirt as best as I could to staunch the blood. Thankfully I made it there without incident.</p><p>However, once I got to the bathroom and started dealing with things, all chaos broke loose. The baby's gestational sac was born immediately - which, not having the ability to deal with it at that time, I set aside. Then I started trying to deal with the blood. </p><p>It's hard to describe the amount of blood that was going on. Even now it's hard to describe. I was frantically trying to make giant pads out of paper towels, which only lasted for a few minutes each, while trying to wipe up blood off of the floor - and, at some points, the walls, as it was hitting the ground <i>that </i>hard. There was blood everywhere.</p><p>Afterwards, I realized that I should simply have spent the afternoon sitting in the bathtub. That would have been the only sensible thing to do. However, that was hindsight. In the moment, all I could think about was trying to keep up with the mess. And I was totally unused to blood loss of this variety, so totally unlike a birth, in which there is usually a big rush of blood and fluid, and then the uterus clamps down and the blood flow is reduced to nothing more than a heavy period (or less). This was totally different - the blood just kept coming. </p><p>I realized at the time that there was a danger of hemorrhage, but my thought at the time was that "as long as I'm not light-headed, I'm probably okay." I have no idea if that was true. And I think I may have gotten a little bit giddy. But not being a trained birth professional, I am completely unable to estimate my blood loss. However, when my husband - the next day - saw me lugging a garbage bag full of blood-soaked paper towels out to the trash, he said, "Um, that's <i>a lot of blood."</i> Yes, it was.</p><p>The blood flow continued crazy-heavy for about six hours, and then it finally slowed down to a reasonable level, and I was able to start moving around a bit and restarting normal activities.</p><p>[One interesting thing was that my morning sickness - which I have heard often stops when an unborn baby dies, prior to the actual loss process - continued unabated through the week of waiting, and did not start to wane until the evening after the miscarriage process began. In all honesty, this was an added source of stress to me, as I kept thinking, "The baby has to be okay. I'm still sick," - which was not at all true.] </p><p>The following day was Mother's Day. (A word to the wise: Don't go on social media on Mother's Day when you've just suffered a loss.) We held on to our secret for most of the day, and then in the evening told the children the basics: "The baby has died, and Mama is no longer pregnant." They were very sad, and so were we. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_An3Bnos-EPY8ggd1x0DpZV7kldXWdenyrPbm9AA9w61bkp8cMBvKCbA7OhRLof5oi9gZp5tUUmPj5pa5Oki-kJS2Jw-XxLnQC-sSsgmkLj_K6qSUnI5AhSNfrj6KAixFGP7zaraGg5yAbD1Pu-Ks8hTJJzRYmY6VBQ8VxK2kIM_lDlZoijGGocZxJWG/s4032/IMG_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_An3Bnos-EPY8ggd1x0DpZV7kldXWdenyrPbm9AA9w61bkp8cMBvKCbA7OhRLof5oi9gZp5tUUmPj5pa5Oki-kJS2Jw-XxLnQC-sSsgmkLj_K6qSUnI5AhSNfrj6KAixFGP7zaraGg5yAbD1Pu-Ks8hTJJzRYmY6VBQ8VxK2kIM_lDlZoijGGocZxJWG/w400-h300/IMG_0421.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our winter Arizona sunsets.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>*****</p><p>But the story doesn't end there.</p><p>That evening, I sat down with my husband and told him that although we had not made it to the end of a healthy pregnancy, I still needed to treat the post-loss time as a "postpartum" period, i.e. trying to stay in bed and rest as much as possible. I knew that I had lost a lot of blood, and that I was also recovering from both a miscarriage and from having been pregnant. He agreed completely.</p><p>However, I didn't really take my own advice. Two days later I was up and driving out to pick up our grocery orders. The next day, I drove the crew several towns away for a dance performance. Although I knew I shouldn't, I went back to normal life almost immediately. (Though I did do my best to sit around more than I normally would.) It is surprisingly hard to be still and relax when there isn't a living baby in the picture, with all of the rituals of birth and the demands of breastfeeding a newborn to remind one to <i>slow down.</i> I'm afraid I didn't slow down nearly as much as I should have.</p><p>The miscarriage was on Saturday, and throughout the whole experience, there was very little pain - no more than mild to moderate period-type cramps. However, on Wednesday morning, I experienced severe cramps - what I call "four-Advil-level" cramps. I found this curious, but didn't think much of it. </p><p>But it happened again - this time in the middle of the night (on the same day). Weird.</p><p>On Thursday, I got up at my usual time and thought that I was okay. I began my day. But I canceled a doctor's appointment that I had that morning for one our children, without really knowing why. Later in the morning, I went to church for a special service (was it Pentecost? or Ascension Day?), but as soon as the music started, I burst into tears and from there alternated between crying and wondering <i>why was I feeling so incredibly awful?</i> I only lasted about 15 minutes into the service before I simply got up and left. When I got home, I marched into the house, told my husband that I was going back to bed, and did so - and stayed there, just feeling worse and worse.</p><p>At some point, my husband came in and gave me the wild-eyed look that meant, "Are you really going to stay in bed when I'm trying to work from home and the children are bouncing off of the walls?" - to which I replied with firmness (and, I'm afraid, grouchy firmness) that I was feeling awful and was not going to be getting up, period. He was puzzled, but he kindly rolled with it. </p><p>At some point, I realized that I was feeling scary-bad, and so I went into the bathroom to try to find a thermometer. (At our house, we can never find a thermometer. Ever. And if we do find one, it is either broken or battery-less, with the kind of batteries that one never, ever has around the house.) Miraculously, though, I did find a working thermometer, and, sure enough, I had a fever. Moreover, it was going up every time I checked it (about every five minutes). </p><p>At this point, I knew that something was really wrong, and that I needed my husband to call our midwife. By that time I was feeling so awful that I didn't feel up to going and getting my husband, so I just prayed that he would come in - and shortly, he did (prayer answered!) and I asked him to call up our midwife. Unfortunately, it turned out that she was on a plane leaving the country on a trip, and she had to forward our request to one of her colleagues. However, that midwife immediately got in touch with us, and told us exactly what I expected to hear - that I had some kind of post-miscarriage infection going on, likely due to retained material, and that we needed to head to the hospital right away. </p><p>And that's what we did. Thankfully one of our children was old enough to babysit, so we were able to be on the road in just a few minutes. I asked my husband if we could travel about 30 minutes away so that we could check in at my favorite hospital, and he graciously agreed. (Here in Phoenix, we are surrounded by hospitals, but I do have a special love for one in particular.) </p><p>When we checked in, we were immediately started in the system. But it's a long process, as anyone who's ever gone to the ER knows. We ended up having every test known to man, in a long process took about ten hours (1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.), and ended up with my being admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics for a diagnosis of postpartum septic endometritis (sepsis). </p><p>Two of my big worries thankfully turned out to be groundless: (1) I did not have an ectopic pregnancy going on, and (2) there was no retained tissue. Both of those were a big relief. </p><p>I ended up being in the hospital for four days. My stay was lengthened by the complicating factor of my fever returning at the 24-hour mark, a sign that a bug was eluding the current antibiotic regimen, so another antibiotic was added into the mix. A most amusing side-effect of this antibiotic was a strong and unpleasant taste in the mouth - which I at first attributed to my fevered imagination, but later concluded (rightly so, it turns out) that it must have had something to do with the antibiotics.</p><p>Being in the hospital, and feeling mostly okay for much of the time, was actually an interesting experience. Though I learn toward naturopathic healing modalities, I have the utmost respect for dedicated medical professionals in the Western system, and I met many wonderful nurses, techs, and doctors. Additionally, I had time for some serious, all-day reading - something I haven't had time to do since college. One day was taken up with a book of Oscar Wilde's plays, and another day was devoted to C. S. Lewis's <i>That Hideous Strength </i>(the third book in Lewis's science fiction trilogy). </p><p>That second day, indeed, was really a spiritual retreat for me - reading, praying, and contemplating. I came to a lot of good conclusions. Mainly, I realized that I needed to stop taking blessings for granted. Children, pregnancy, marriage, health, home life, cooking, cleaning, life in general - all of them are blessings - blessings that can be removed without notice. The life of a large-family homeschool mom is one of never-ending struggles, of exhaustion and being overwhelmed - and personally, I struggle intensely with finding contentment, and avoiding the sin of discouragement. The experience of losing the baby, and temporarily losing my health, my home life, and my family, was a good wake-up call, and the C.S. Lewis reading was an added spiritual experience on top of all of that. I came away from the experience with the feeling that my stay in the hospital had been a blessing. </p><p>I came home from the hospital with oral antibiotics - which, incidentally, made me feel awful - and spent a good couple of months feeling exhausted and rather wretched before perking up in mid- to late summer. I'm not sure if the exhaustion was from the pregnancy, the miscarriage, the blood loss, or the antibiotics - or perhaps all of the above. It was nice to realize that I was finally feeling better after a few months had passed. </p><p>Our church family came around us with a gift of a meal train while and after I was in the hospital, and that was an immense blessing. Ladies, meal ministry is such a blessing to those in your church and community. It is such a good way to support families who are struggling! We felt very blessed during this time, especially as I was feeling too tired and sick for several weeks to cook.</p><p>*****</p><p>And there you have it - our birth story for baby #8. The outcome was not what we planned or imagined, but the Lord held all in His hands, and we trust His judgment. Each baby is precious; each baby is remembered; each baby has an eternal soul and is precious in the sight of God.</p><p>*****</p><p>A few reflections to finish up:</p><p>(1) Why and how did I come down with postpartum sepsis?</p><p>It's an interesting question, and I'm not really clear on any answers. I practiced good hygiene throughout the process, and I have had seven previous pregnancies with no issues of any kind.</p><p>In my reading, I did see that postpartum sepsis is more common after hemorrhage. I don't know if I qualify for that, but I did bleed heavily. Additionally, as I noted, I did return to my everyday activities far too quickly following the loss. And there were probably factors at work that I simply will never know.<br /><br /></p><p>(2) I have heard for many, many years that miscarriages can be very physically traumatic, and even a danger to one's life.</p><p>Folks, they weren't kidding. </p><p>Don't mess around with miscarriages, especially those that happen further on in pregnancy. Respect them and respect the process and don't be foolish or careless. Miscarriages can be extremely dangerous. <br /></p><p>Additionally, a friend possessing an antique medical book on obstetrics told me that the author of the book wrote strongly that mothers who suffered miscarriages needed to be treated even <i>more</i> carefully than mothers who had completed full-term pregnancies - the reason being that childbirth is the natural and healthy outcome of pregnancy, and thus is lower-risk than a miscarriage, which by definition is the unnatural and unhealthy outcome of pregnancy. Thus, if my habit was - as it is - to stay in (or on) bed for two weeks after a birth, then I should have stayed in bed even longer following a hard miscarriage. Whatever practices I had for a normal birth should have been followed more stringently for miscarriage.</p><p>Needless to say, I didn't follow that policy. Perhaps if I had, I would have had a healthier outcome following our loss.<br /></p><p><br />(3) This miscarriage followed a week of prayer and worry. I knew even at the time, that I could have simplified matters by requesting an ultrasound, which my midwives do have available. </p><p>But I didn't. </p><p>Why?</p><p>I'm not quite sure. Possibly I wanted to hang on to hope, and not to have to see what I knew I would probably see. Denial.</p><p>On a practical level, getting over to my midwives' office would have been a serious headache, requiring me to request my husband to make special arrangements with his work, etc., and I wasn't really up to the challenge (both being a worried wreck and still being quite ill and/or exhausted with pregnancy sickness).</p><p>If there's a next time, would I consider it? </p><p>Perhaps.<br /><br /></p><p>(4) Similarly, I have learned - and I knew at the time - that there are early baby gender tests (by blood test) that we could have taken advantage of in order to know baby's sex. Normally I am an absolute paranoid freak about not wanting to know baby's gender before birth, but in the case of an impending miscarriage, it might be nice - both for naming and for remembrance. </p><p>Again, I didn't take advantage of this. Why?</p><p>And again, I'm not quite sure. Possibly because of the extra cost; possibly because of the extra trouble during a time of grief and physical illness. Possibly because early miscarriage is usually cloaked in mystery - one does not naturally know the sex of babies lost in early miscarriage - and so I didn't feel an overwhelming need to know.</p><p>But I would consider it at a future time if it was needed.<br /><br /></p><p>(5) Something odd that I noticed:</p><p>After the miscarriage, I was overwhelmed with grief. Anything and everything could start the flow of tears - and I am not one for crying. It went like this: <i>Walk around a corner in a store. Start crying. Etc.</i></p><p>But. </p><p>Once I was thoroughly sick and in the hospital and receiving treatment, that overwhelming, soul-stopping grief suddenly evaporated. I do not mean that I no longer grieved - I did. But it became a gentle, longing regret, rather than an unstoppable and uncontrollable physical response. It almost felt like the grief manifested as my physical symptoms of sickness during the sepsis, and left my body. I cannot explain this, but the sudden transition was too abrupt not to notice. <br /><br /></p><p>(6) This was my first real experience with a life-threatening illness. It was mean, it was brutal, and it moved super-fast. This is the first time in my life that I have thought, <i>if it hadn't been for medical intervention, I don't think I would have survived. </i>That's an interesting thought. Two hundred years ago, my cause of death, at age 42, would have been "childbed fever after a miscarriage," and I would have been one of the many women whose deaths were linked to childbearing - a very common fate throughout the course of history. An interesting thought on human mortality. <br /><br /></p><p>(7) Speaking of childbed fever (the historical name for postpartum sepsis), I was speaking to a young OB, later during a follow-up appointment, and found, to my surprise, that she had never heard the phrase "childbed fever." </p><p>What?</p><p>Are they no longer teaching history to doctors? Especially to OB/GYN doctors? I found this astounding, as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postpartum_infections" target="_blank">history of childbed fever</a> is foundational to the development of both obstetrics and modern medicine (sterile technique, handwashing, etc.), and I cannot conceive of someone receiving an 8+ year education in medicine and obstetrics without knowing the history of childbed fever. I found this most curious.</p><p>And enough meditations. </p><p>*****</p><p>Thank you for sharing this journey with me, dear friends! I know that so many of you have suffered losses of babies during pregnancy, and you are in my thoughts. May God comfort all of those who have lost little ones during pregnancy - and beyond. </p><p><br /></p>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-28539582569985838552023-11-14T17:20:00.001-07:002023-11-14T19:08:29.789-07:00Reflections on Endings (Books Lately, August 2023)<p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><span>I've noticed something that happens every year, in two steps:</span></p><p><span>(1) I spend all year longing for autumn and the winter holidays,</span></p><p><span>(2) As soon as September hits, I am so stressed and overloaded that I'm watching the clock till January hits.</span></p><p><span>Can anyone identify with this?</span></p><p><span>Seriously, autumn is my favorite season. And I adore the holidays and the liturgical year that progresses from Michaelmas into Advent, through Christmas and Epiphany. I live for all of that.</span></p><p><span>But it can be a bit much. It's always difficult to make the holiday season <i>special</i> without making myself a <i>stressed-out mess.</i></span></p><p>Trying to find that right balance, as a mother, is a constant tension. Though I've made progress, I've never done it perfectly (or even well). </p><p>It's an interesting phenomenon to consider.</p><p><br /></p><p><span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7c3tC45Vc9rw5XwLIK8YBahOc3rJqJixCfE9-PlRLs7A3KL0gXxf12S2YuP12W_KYy3UvunOS_R6cMLwuWZsYVm-b28rDvN5hDQDcT_1hrHphsnorYVSNsjJrPgDc6HnIW8W-hwHdvYvAxnbnZViU3LuYROVsj9FansU6fikDP4LXIr8UALpuoozcS9h/s4032/IMG_0606.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7c3tC45Vc9rw5XwLIK8YBahOc3rJqJixCfE9-PlRLs7A3KL0gXxf12S2YuP12W_KYy3UvunOS_R6cMLwuWZsYVm-b28rDvN5hDQDcT_1hrHphsnorYVSNsjJrPgDc6HnIW8W-hwHdvYvAxnbnZViU3LuYROVsj9FansU6fikDP4LXIr8UALpuoozcS9h/s320/IMG_0606.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Christmas wreath project from last year. I committed to making two kits of these to sell at our upcoming Christmas craft boutique. Considering that they're due in a week and a half and we haven't started yet.. mmm, well, hmm. </td></tr></tbody></table><span><br /><i><br /></i></span><p></p><p>In other news:</p><p>This past month we traveled north for my father to receive military honors at the VA cemetery several hours away from our home. It was an emotional time, especially for my poor mom, who received the folded flag and had to see her husband's ashes laid to rest. It was hard on all of us, but I think it was the worst for her. In seeing her go through all of this, I cannot help but look to the future and wonder if I will be called to the same grief - that of laying a husband to rest, of letting go and saying goodbye till eternity. And if it's not I who am called, it will be my husband who is. Either way, it's a hard truth.</p><p>It also brought a lot of thoughts: Primarily, that my dad's pilgrimage here is done. For better or worse, his journey on earth is over. He did a great job, and I could not have asked for a better dad. Doubtless, he made mistakes and committed many sins, many of which he most likely regretted, but now it was time for him to return to his Creator. </p><p>To put it bluntly, each of us will face that same moment of ending, and of reckoning. <i>Our time here is not endless.</i> We feel like it is, and modern society encourages us to think that way ("don't think about death, just buy-buy-buy!"), but mortality - death - is the final reality. At some point, our journey here will be over, and we will, for better or worse, be called home. </p><p>May we use our time wisely and well.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hb266n-ec9tRQiLszhkX1DSJZQrItCUkUtJNLzTWTHCukGqdV8cY9UWEYiAsf8VHdywUdeCUQYAPT9sQ3naZsuV6e-ApYS7IVUnjOjkiG8_RioOPZX4kLzmqX-To1Xar8ekdRGihSiV1fJgJgHSHhZ5DdFQRT6enosK1j2Zo9T0kIBqwoPRb2yU8AOXn/s4032/IMG_0276.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hb266n-ec9tRQiLszhkX1DSJZQrItCUkUtJNLzTWTHCukGqdV8cY9UWEYiAsf8VHdywUdeCUQYAPT9sQ3naZsuV6e-ApYS7IVUnjOjkiG8_RioOPZX4kLzmqX-To1Xar8ekdRGihSiV1fJgJgHSHhZ5DdFQRT6enosK1j2Zo9T0kIBqwoPRb2yU8AOXn/s320/IMG_0276.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqp_uiN85RhFrQeP9Xk4CkMaqARzBox84f3mXb-NQIVDL8RMXK5yOIQ341TLXcY1KUOhW5Y-b8t-8CXuSV7Z_q0kYLf5Lds_nN9CrgzjnnSOw50g9bmqPQqeNC38igym0tgpc9TtvQV-AjzTuWrLdYoWPMAKpVTFxTpse8q-FCxTJGhZ3X-TyqeYb5QsE/s4032/IMG_0268.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqp_uiN85RhFrQeP9Xk4CkMaqARzBox84f3mXb-NQIVDL8RMXK5yOIQ341TLXcY1KUOhW5Y-b8t-8CXuSV7Z_q0kYLf5Lds_nN9CrgzjnnSOw50g9bmqPQqeNC38igym0tgpc9TtvQV-AjzTuWrLdYoWPMAKpVTFxTpse8q-FCxTJGhZ3X-TyqeYb5QsE/s320/IMG_0268.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylDFSUGzY7YMYO-xFfN-PsXmO3AHDD5eJWDXqqwxZ2KPpuv5bp6tQwHJ-oozOqXuY1JmNalfnQZgvTsZQf3Inu1zzSt_PT66zI4XmXJKSpoaFDB8IqSWRD3GYel0JXb-KxV98UsRd-4TD9384co1lyowIRyaBf0VdmfhndCRbxhrE36Q3bLAybPmDwoKn/s4032/IMG_0296.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylDFSUGzY7YMYO-xFfN-PsXmO3AHDD5eJWDXqqwxZ2KPpuv5bp6tQwHJ-oozOqXuY1JmNalfnQZgvTsZQf3Inu1zzSt_PT66zI4XmXJKSpoaFDB8IqSWRD3GYel0JXb-KxV98UsRd-4TD9384co1lyowIRyaBf0VdmfhndCRbxhrE36Q3bLAybPmDwoKn/s320/IMG_0296.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YXySTwm-ObdOlt2FdSrRI98dcvcwLIE5hVrDcG-7jswNfTeE6pVjCY2I-IzXJMT0F8qCjH2WSyuOHx4loqKpzJqDD9YoKQRVHjKfhjl4QvvMyHOfNPQvVfBRurv1qJsBZBI2JRe4MQIel1JB1pYE7gfVWqHhB3cE5PENFGrgu_cVAUZcbv4F6VZOLXUr/s4032/IMG_0297.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YXySTwm-ObdOlt2FdSrRI98dcvcwLIE5hVrDcG-7jswNfTeE6pVjCY2I-IzXJMT0F8qCjH2WSyuOHx4loqKpzJqDD9YoKQRVHjKfhjl4QvvMyHOfNPQvVfBRurv1qJsBZBI2JRe4MQIel1JB1pYE7gfVWqHhB3cE5PENFGrgu_cVAUZcbv4F6VZOLXUr/s320/IMG_0297.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><p>In a similar vein, our eldest graduated from high school this past summer. Like my father's death, our son's graduation was actually quite unexpected. We'd hit some potholes along the way, things were a bit messy, and we really didn't know how or when he was going to graduate. But he decided that the time was now, and he pushed it through. We're very proud of him, and now we wait for the next chapter to unfold. </p><p>But for me, as a teacher, there is the same reckoning. Our educational journey is over. Though it seemed endless, it actually had an endpoint, and we reached it before I realized it. The judgment of how well I did as a teacher - and how well he did as a student - will be in how he chooses to live his life going forward.</p><p>How did I do? I'm not sure. My failures were legion. My insufficiencies were too many to count. My regrets are many. At the same time, I can absolutely say that <i>I did the best I could. </i>Furthermore, I have to admit, I was able to give to our eldest far more - in terms of my energy, my time, and my overly-ambitious undertakings - than I shall be able to give to any of our subsequent children. That is sobering, considering how many things with our eldest were wished for but never completed (or even attempted). </p><p>I suspect that a homeschool journey and a life lived are much the same. We do our best - but sin and human frailty play an enormous part. We must do our best and also rely on grace. </p><p>In homeschooling and parenting, as in life, may we use our time wisely and well. </p><p>And now, let's have a few books:</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">For Teens & Adults</span></b></p><p>Let's start with an author introduction: <b><span style="font-size: medium;">Vesper Stamper</span></b>. Have you heard of her? If not, you should have!</p><p>I learned about Vesper Stamper while watching an interview with her:</p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Yg99gQ4P-Ys?si=PFKmq6X27Oi-koLh" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p><br /></p><p>The interview is utterly fascinating, so if you just scrolled past, <i>go back and watch the video. </i>Seriously.</p><p>After enjoying the interview, I checked two of Stamper's books out of our public library - <i>What the Night Sings</i> and <i>Berliners.</i> They both blew me away. Let's check them out:</p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Night-Sings-Vesper-Stamper/dp/152470038X/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=ccpwF&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=136-2297509-1549513&pd_rd_wg=UVCHc&pd_rd_r=15c26b3c-65db-4d62-971e-bb286372a035&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk" target="_blank"></a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-_y_2xxywxqVpc2ZC0Kxht-BH90xDfM8n21Kw91Md650-gW6DP-MwzrTCDrrhojXNIEfr0h0NSJhhYpHB8EsHLdwBTvgpFKvRYAp48k0rZLf3NdDAzQpa23nzYMwK0DO9Vn9bWFL2E4sLIKp0yQZAlp0WITZefWh-rgQ8Y9dKagI_rh5BRQ32TpJv-lS/s466/What%20the%20Night%20Sings.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="361" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-_y_2xxywxqVpc2ZC0Kxht-BH90xDfM8n21Kw91Md650-gW6DP-MwzrTCDrrhojXNIEfr0h0NSJhhYpHB8EsHLdwBTvgpFKvRYAp48k0rZLf3NdDAzQpa23nzYMwK0DO9Vn9bWFL2E4sLIKp0yQZAlp0WITZefWh-rgQ8Y9dKagI_rh5BRQ32TpJv-lS/s320/What%20the%20Night%20Sings.jpg" width="248" /></a></b></div><b>What the Night Sings: A Novel</b> (Vesper Stamper) - Historical fiction in Nazi Germany and post-war Europe.<p></p><p>A girl grows up in Nazi Germany not knowing, until she and her father are arrested, that she is Jewish. Her father is soon killed, but she herself survives through until Liberation. While the story tells of her childhood and the torments of her incarceration, one of the main focal points of the book is one that is almost universally untold - what happened to concentration camp inmates <i>after </i>they were liberated. For the main character, this involved living in the freed concentration camp, marriage, leaving the camp, and eventually emigrating to the newly-formed nation of Israel. </p><p>Parents will want to preview this book to make sure that a student is ready for this book, as the subject matter is very dark. There is also some gentle sexuality in the telling (mainly G-rated) of a married couple's first night together. On the whole, I'd say that this novel - and the next - are for older teens and adults.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Berliners-Vesper-Stamper/dp/0593428366/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=ccpwF&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=136-2297509-1549513&pd_rd_wg=UVCHc&pd_rd_r=15c26b3c-65db-4d62-971e-bb286372a035&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk" target="_blank"></a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkr2fFqkjj7kmGDPeV8oeiceW3IZCxSopWPbhMAtiSnU6fYFoN7ey6sRV6yDercafz5JNq5d0M7Mh3wnAy7D_C7A2kIUZUEzyn_z7m_-kVFEjQVPjPYobnS-wtlaHiwvDoZWq26PGKpfpnR9Ml66UCNqgcaJTBxu_NLl3SBNwr2P3esWT7Dn4_ZgquziH/s445/Berliners.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="295" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkr2fFqkjj7kmGDPeV8oeiceW3IZCxSopWPbhMAtiSnU6fYFoN7ey6sRV6yDercafz5JNq5d0M7Mh3wnAy7D_C7A2kIUZUEzyn_z7m_-kVFEjQVPjPYobnS-wtlaHiwvDoZWq26PGKpfpnR9Ml66UCNqgcaJTBxu_NLl3SBNwr2P3esWT7Dn4_ZgquziH/s320/Berliners.jpg" width="212" /></a></b></div><b>Berliners </b>(Vesper Stamper) - Historical fiction in post-War Berlin during the building of the Berlin Wall.<p></p><p>This book may be considered a sequel to the first, as it continues the life story of the man who was - unbeknownst to the reader in the first book - the betrayer of the main character and her father. He is now married and the father of two boys, and the story continues in Berlin during the days preceding the building of the Berlin Wall. </p><p>Several intertwining themes spanned the length of this book. Firstly, on the part of the parents, the question is asked: <i>What became of the Nazis?</i> Yes, many officials were prosecuted during the Nuremberg trials, but many regular citizens were complicit in Nazi war crimes. Those people went back to their regular lives, but many had to deal long-term with the darkness of their pasts, as the father did in this book.</p><p>A second theme is how the two brothers react to the political climate. One enthusiastically and passionately embraces Communism; the other is a skeptic. In the end, they end up on different sides of the Wall.</p><p>The book is shocking in that it ends - quite suddenly - with many unanswered questions. What will happen to the parents' marriage? What will happen to the mother? And to the other characters? This is not a <i>Lord of the Rings </i>ending in which each and every story line is neatly and tidily finished up in elaborate detail. Instead, the author leaves you hanging - and it's a very effective way to end a book.</p><p>In the interview linked above, Stamper mentions that it takes her several years to write a book. And it shows. The depth of historical research, of really <i>getting into</i> a historical time period, is astounding. The workmanship is superb. You will not need any other resource to study post-war Berlin. </p><p>I read this book so long ago that I cannot remember details about language, sexuality, etc. Again, parents, pre-read. It's super-dark stuff. But this book is certainly the best historical fiction that I've found on the Berlin Wall. In all honesty, it's some of the best historical fiction I've found on any topic. As a wide reader of children's fiction, I can tell you that there is a lot of really mediocre and downright crummy children's (and teen and adult) historical fiction out there. (There are entire series of the stuff.) This is different. It's pure gold. And it was a joy to read. </p><p>Enjoy.</p><p><br /></p><p>***</p><p>And now, onto a few other books!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Save-West-Ancient-Wisdom/dp/1684513456/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3RPL1608PSFNA&keywords=how+to+save+the+west&qid=1698707700&s=books&sprefix=how+to+save+the+west%2Cstripbooks%2C132&sr=1-1" target="_blank"></a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yKqNzFVYeaHMUtjysHc0FfUsNEvmTxf1wtpmtYLKhZsS8zWfL2xmogg0VHe-aeBEly8HuCD_fZ7o1HjK9p59anwns3vgggvMfogbvKAmRaxQTiU26pPyONXGlW48uWCoGid4vAS7dohV7-MUD_iIIxoXm2U3bz87lPP8ocix0NU2dXm_7YyAi5h-MkNB/s218/How%20to%20Save%20the%20West.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="144" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yKqNzFVYeaHMUtjysHc0FfUsNEvmTxf1wtpmtYLKhZsS8zWfL2xmogg0VHe-aeBEly8HuCD_fZ7o1HjK9p59anwns3vgggvMfogbvKAmRaxQTiU26pPyONXGlW48uWCoGid4vAS7dohV7-MUD_iIIxoXm2U3bz87lPP8ocix0NU2dXm_7YyAi5h-MkNB/s1600/How%20to%20Save%20the%20West.jpg" width="144" /></a></b></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Save-West-Ancient-Wisdom/dp/1684513456/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NPGL20PKN430&keywords=how+to+save+the+west&qid=1699669224&s=books&sprefix=how+to+save+the+wes%2Cstripbooks%2C128&sr=1-1" target="_blank">How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for 5 Modern Crises</a></b> (Spencer Klavan) – Theology, politics, worldview, philosophy, religion.<p></p><p>This book is like fine fudge. It needs to be read in small bites, and savored - because it is so rich, and so good, that it cannot be rushed. This book is a masterpiece, and I highly recommend it. Don't just read it at the library - buy a copy. (Or many copies. And hand them out in public places. It couldn't hurt.)</p><p>Highly recommended!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ministry-Ordinary-Places-Waking-Goodness/dp/0718077482/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DSGWPW66O4Z5&keywords=the+ministry+of+ordinary+places+by+shannan+martin&qid=1698707819&s=books&sprefix=the+ministry+of+ordinary%2Cstripbooks%2C123&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b></b></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1hyUzVfl8DOOOfhEYC5AouagtX7Cn0Z8xHruphN01oG2PiNpYV_y5_PmW7TX9q-ravkr8UJUl7fCl29xKsT8fBBbCheuCtbFVu_3giYSodEAQDHxsl85EJson0_EuWDdIF63VII5Q6sBtdOJ_RXxKzIO7sTmngh6Z5eQC-6mySU21Gnp6g-u7bmesNYh/s466/Ministry%20of%20Ordinary%20Places.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="306" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1hyUzVfl8DOOOfhEYC5AouagtX7Cn0Z8xHruphN01oG2PiNpYV_y5_PmW7TX9q-ravkr8UJUl7fCl29xKsT8fBBbCheuCtbFVu_3giYSodEAQDHxsl85EJson0_EuWDdIF63VII5Q6sBtdOJ_RXxKzIO7sTmngh6Z5eQC-6mySU21Gnp6g-u7bmesNYh/s320/Ministry%20of%20Ordinary%20Places.jpg" width="210" /></a></b></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ministry-Ordinary-Places-Waking-Goodness/dp/0718077482/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7K8EUV7UUCR4&keywords=the+ministry+of+ordinary+places+by+shannan+martin&qid=1699669201&s=books&sprefix=ministry+of+ord%2Cstripbooks%2C121&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>The Ministry of Ordinary Places: Waking Up to God’s Goodness Around Yo</b>u</a> (Shannan Martin) - Christian living.<p></p><p>I was so looking forward to this book, which I found recommended in another book from last month's <i>Books Lately.</i> Not only is the cover absolutely delightful, but I adore books about hospitality. Hospitality is a weak spot with me - I love the idea of it, and I really do try, but I am also an alone-time loving introvert who tends to take out any stress in hermit-like behavior. (Any fellow hermits out there?) So I know that hospitality is something that will always be both a joy and a struggle for me, and I love any encouragement or tips that I can get. </p><p>First, the positives:</p><p>The author, Shannan Martin, is very well-intentioned. She is reaching out to people in her community. And the basic message of the book is sound - that we should reach out into our surrounding neighborhoods and communities to invite people into our homes - even people who don't look quite like us. And she is obviously doing a better job at this than I am. </p><p>The negatives:</p><p>The book constantly straddles the fence true forms and false forms - between Christianity and progressive Christianity, between hospitality and woke social justice. The author seems to see many or most things in terms of race. Additionally, her language veers into wild and semi-hysterical emotional language that many times doesn't even make sense. (Think Rob Bell.) </p><p>So, alas, I cannot recommend this book. But I do appreciate the author's good intentions. </p><p>If you want a great book on hospitality - though one that will leave you with a racing heart and a permanent guilt trip - try Rosaria Butterfeld's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Comes-House-Key-Post-Christian/dp/143355786X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PK0ADON6UMGT&keywords=the+gospel+comes+with+a+house+key&qid=1699669652&s=books&sprefix=the+gospel+comes%2Cstripbooks%2C141&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World</a>.</p><p>Does anyone out there have other great books on hospitality to recommend?</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gEritSYZOF3txb1l7P0jT4VX2tSlIoOZ8-gB1X0MOfub8uPucZLhNG8lstnPZBw1HweRWZLw0Dl03Y3jc8Qf59asB2rB6h-lEhll1DgDjFyUI8aFx7d6W2ho-n4dcJlcDNpv9derIrV15V2nuWaV8ozpybUMvZaMwgFSSpc5x0ravCQhXrVTgBuWXLBX/s466/Carry%20On,%20Jeeves.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gEritSYZOF3txb1l7P0jT4VX2tSlIoOZ8-gB1X0MOfub8uPucZLhNG8lstnPZBw1HweRWZLw0Dl03Y3jc8Qf59asB2rB6h-lEhll1DgDjFyUI8aFx7d6W2ho-n4dcJlcDNpv9derIrV15V2nuWaV8ozpybUMvZaMwgFSSpc5x0ravCQhXrVTgBuWXLBX/s320/Carry%20On,%20Jeeves.jpg" width="214" /></a> <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carry-Jeeves-Warbler-Classics-Annotated/dp/1959891405/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OHCYAKARLOVO&keywords=carry+on%2C+jeeves&qid=1699669138&s=books&sprefix=carry+on%2C+jeeve%2Cstripbooks%2C118&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Carry On, Jeeves</a></b> (P.G. Wodehouse) - Fiction, humor.</p><p></p><p> My monthly Jeeves & Wooster fix. Mmmm.</p><p>(Sorry, folks, can't figure out the formatting problem with that past entry.)</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">For Children</span></b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/More-All-Kind-Family/dp/1939601150/ref=sr_1_1?crid=I3CP2VPDTH2U&keywords=more+all+of+a+kind+family+book&qid=1698707895&s=books&sprefix=more+all+of+a+kind+family%2Cstripbooks%2C118&sr=1-1" target="_blank"></a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0KCrHwHlrn5iXpO0-2ALINQFcvn8CXe35NYzUFxujFCfPgfFksNUIcUWcVds4ES1Yy8PRxD1ewIlu3UZx9AMFeQRKM75e1KHUePe3IMXTsJDdV0W-rdvjrRkyqpGZQH-wAkAUeQ5aIKoMsM_r5r7HWxqmx6bpbNLjqeam-zVQHerF3d5SpIzH9S0IbJE/s466/More%20All%20of%20a%20Kind%20Family.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0KCrHwHlrn5iXpO0-2ALINQFcvn8CXe35NYzUFxujFCfPgfFksNUIcUWcVds4ES1Yy8PRxD1ewIlu3UZx9AMFeQRKM75e1KHUePe3IMXTsJDdV0W-rdvjrRkyqpGZQH-wAkAUeQ5aIKoMsM_r5r7HWxqmx6bpbNLjqeam-zVQHerF3d5SpIzH9S0IbJE/s320/More%20All%20of%20a%20Kind%20Family.jpg" width="213" /></a></b></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/More-All-Kind-Family/dp/1939601150/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7X4LMFU1UZHK&keywords=more+all+of+a+kind+family&qid=1699669121&s=books&sprefix=more+all+of+a+kind%2Cstripbooks%2C120&sr=1-1">More All-of-a-Kind Family</a></b> (Book #2 in the All-of-a-Kind Family Series by Sydney Taylor) - Non-fiction chapter book of a Jewish family in early twentieth-century America.<div><br /></div><div><p>After having known and loved the first book from childhood, I am very much enjoying continuing on with the series. This book introduces two new characters - an uncle (whose name I cannot recall) and his love interest, Lena. We enjoyed this very much.</p><p>Highly recommended.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hannas-Cold-Winter-Trish-Marx/dp/1948959135/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LN22Q2MBSQJE&keywords=hanna%27s+cold+winter&qid=1698707957&s=books&sprefix=hanna%27s+cold+winter%2Cstripbooks%2C126&sr=1-1" target="_blank"></a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSvhzrdxsp5I2NzmlZLYRGCEccps0KayNHA2VpBfb4PO-XX33d-Rxe5OGYCDUFs7Es1-d4KYS_pafijyAE7QUbOJluz9E4c5nzD68ouV3d5NHOQTj1eA_FTbH3jNdwoLY4MbqSsGtfAUp9u0tFqLmXvCA2Ja1cf-XdOVOYzjUhwWAxSnPaKlwohsR-NKg/s466/Hanna's%20Cold%20Winter.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="352" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSvhzrdxsp5I2NzmlZLYRGCEccps0KayNHA2VpBfb4PO-XX33d-Rxe5OGYCDUFs7Es1-d4KYS_pafijyAE7QUbOJluz9E4c5nzD68ouV3d5NHOQTj1eA_FTbH3jNdwoLY4MbqSsGtfAUp9u0tFqLmXvCA2Ja1cf-XdOVOYzjUhwWAxSnPaKlwohsR-NKg/s320/Hanna's%20Cold%20Winter.jpg" width="242" /></a></b></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hannas-Cold-Winter-Trish-Marx/dp/1948959135/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OSMB4KH7KQYD&keywords=hanna%27s+cold+winter&qid=1699669026&s=books&sprefix=hanna%27s+cold%2Cstripbooks%2C169&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Hanna's Cold Winter</a></b> (Trish Marx) - Lightly fictionalized non-fiction picture book.<p></p><div>The story, based on a true incident, of how the people of Budapest saved their zoo's hippos during the winter starvation of World War II.</div><div><br /></div><div>We loved this story, and even more, the illustrations. They are lovely. This book was added to our family booklist (which I am working on every day, and hope to have to share with you in a couple of months!).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From the Kitchen</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div>I seem to be going through a new-recipe boom, so here are some winners to try!</div><div><br /></div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>I know that this recipe for <a href="https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/homemade-pierogi-recipe" target="_blank">Homemade Pierogi</a> from King Arthur is a great recipe, because King Arthur doesn't put out bad recipes. </div><div><br /></div><div>BUT</div><div><br /></div><div>I tried to make it with gluten-free flour. And I'm still trying to forget the kitchen scenes that resulted. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's just say that gluten-free flour, while it works for most recipes, just doesn't work for some recipes. Even after I kneaded in a ton of gluccie, it was still a falling-apart mess. And then, to top it off, I went and burned the few pierogi that we were able to salvage.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will make this recipe again. Just not with gluten-free flour.</div><div><br /></div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>At some point, I realized that the meat I had thawed to bake was not my usual skin-on chicken thighs, but skinless chicken thighs - which I love for the crockpot, but how on earth does one bake them?</div><div><br /></div><div>This recipe for <a href="https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-boneless-skinless-chicken-thighs-in-the-oven-180140" target="_blank">How To Cook Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs in the Oven</a> was my answer, and it was very tasty.</div><div><br /></div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>One of our family's favorite recipes, made only for special occasions is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8TSv_WUAQ4" target="_blank">Scotch Eggs</a>. We serve them with oven potatoes and baked beans. If you haven't tried Scotch Eggs yet, do give them a try. (We leave out the salt - they're super-salty as-is.)</div><div><br /></div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>A friend brought us this <a href="https://www.modernhoney.com/chinese-orange-chicken/#wprm-recipe-container-12601" target="_blank">Chinese Orange Chicken</a> (with rice and stir-fry vegetables) after my father's death. It was delicious, and we hope to try the recipe soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>I recently ran across this recipe for <a href="https://iwashyoudry.com/quick-easy-hawaiian-haystacks/">Hawaiian Haystacks</a> - basically, rice, a chicken cream sauce, and then lots of delectable toppings. We tried it and absolutely <u>loved</u> it - my husband immediately asked me to put this into our regular meal rotation. I always love finding meals that are simple, healthy, and include vegetables (especially raw vegetables). For the cream soup, I recommend <a href="https://www.azurestandard.com/shop/product/food/soups-broths/condensed/condensed/chicken/cream-of-chicken-soup-condensed-organic/7500?package=GY303" target="_blank">Pacific Foods</a> for a product with better ingredients.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also added this recipe to my repertoire of dinners that I take to families. The rice can be taken either dry (so the family can make it fresh) or cooked, the cream sauce goes cold into a plastic container or bag for the family to heat, and the toppings go into individual bags. It's been a success every time.</div><div><br /></div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>On the day of my father's funeral, I put this <a href="https://www.spendwithpennies.com/vegetable-barley-soup/" target="_blank">Vegetable Barley Soup</a> in the crockpot, headed out for the day, and hoped for the best. The soup was awesome, and the family loved it. It was lovely to walk into a ready-made dinner. (I should do this more often. Usually I don't.)</div><div><br /></div><div>(If you're going to try this, do the prep work the day before. There's nothing fun about trying to prep a crockpot the morning-of while your children run in circles screaming, not that I would know anything about that, certainly not.)</div><div><br /></div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>Last week, I ended up with four fresh chickens that had to be cooked <i>right now</i> (primarily because I'd put them in the fridge and forgotten about them for four days, before rushing out in a panic to see if they were still good - which they were, but time was limited). I wanted more of a rotisserie style than a baked style, so I turned to the internet to see if such a thing was possible in a conventional oven - and it was. <a href="https://www.spendwithpennies.com/easy-rotisserie-chicken-recipe/">Easy Rotisserie Chicken</a>, at your service. </div><div><br /></div><div>The recipe was easy, fast, and delicious. My plans to freeze the meet for recipes down the road was derailed by the slight issue of <i>my family eating all four chickens. </i>How on earth did they manage that one?</div><div><br /></div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>One mind-blowing development in the kitchen - <i> I learned the Holy Grail of how to cook collard greens.</i> Namely, I covered them in water, put them on the stove, and completely forgot about them. As in, all day. When I finally remembered them, I drained most of the water, added some bacon, and let them cook some more. And they were so good <i>that even the children ate them without complaining</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Around here, that is a win. </div><div><br /></div><div>They were the most delicious green I've ever made. Usually I'm not a huge fan of collards, because they simply stay leathery. Long and slow cooking (and bacon!) seems to be the answer.</div><div><br /></div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>And finally, I tried something new - making an <a href="https://aclassictwist.com/birthday-ice-cream-cake/" target="_blank">ice cream cake</a>! It was an enormous hit at our 9yo's birthday, and the whole family was entranced with a homemade ice cream cake. To my surprise, making an ice cream cake was easier than making a regular decorated birthday cake - no lie! It just took a bit longer. I recommend a three-day process (four-day if you really want to stretch it). </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Day 1 = Bake the cake, slice and freeze.</li><li>Day 2 = Assemble. (Depending on how many ice cream flavors you use, this can take many steps. We used only one ice cream, so it wasn't too long.)</li><li>Day 3 = Eat.</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div>Two tips that I learned: The above recipe uses a spring-form pan for assembly, which would be awesome, but I didn't have a matching cake pan (mine are 8" and 10") and springform (mine is 9"). So I just used the cake pan for assembly, lifting the cake out with the plastic wrap handles when it was done, and it worked just fine.) Also, I found that I needed more whipping cream than the recipe called for in order to frost the cake (recipe = 1 1/2 cups, what I needed = 2 to 2 1/2 cups).</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Enjoy the recipes and the books, dear friends! I'll see you soon, and until then, pray for me, as I pray for you!</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-3584377446842381162023-10-14T07:14:00.000-07:002023-10-14T07:14:37.766-07:00Joining the one club I did not wish to join (Books Lately, July 2023)<p><br /></p><p>This past month, I joined the one club that I did not wish to join - that cohort of people who have lost a parent to death. My father died, after a short and intense illness, in the first week of October.</p><p>I have been dreading this moment for over twenty years, and it really was as bad as I thought it would be. The Lord carried us through, but it was rough.</p><p>In many ways, I think that I unconsciously saw it coming for quite some time - perhaps as much as a year or a year and a half. My father recently reached the five-year mark from his stage 4 cancer diagnosis (putting him in the less-than-ten-percent survival likelihood category), and this was a major milestone. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkJyGmY4_YnTcDyIudChkOUcRwXHOx_Sxlbr9h0tSGraOxylzNBudoM3WSjXBgKXbxFBGbMA8FJh5e8yF6d7ZrgNkiTsHdrx3ofdqv9qsUsYvjALitYuxolKTUNP_aaCW1XHawOEbzENIEuAZd4_lhwKjWnRx_q48rCWtifs1audFj_xq7Ee7eJWCsvIz/s2048/IMG_0378.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkJyGmY4_YnTcDyIudChkOUcRwXHOx_Sxlbr9h0tSGraOxylzNBudoM3WSjXBgKXbxFBGbMA8FJh5e8yF6d7ZrgNkiTsHdrx3ofdqv9qsUsYvjALitYuxolKTUNP_aaCW1XHawOEbzENIEuAZd4_lhwKjWnRx_q48rCWtifs1audFj_xq7Ee7eJWCsvIz/s320/IMG_0378.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>But he simply wasn't looking well, or acting normally. And he seemed to be aging rapidly - thinner, more delicate, less energetic, less talkative. I'd noticed this, and been concerned about it, but had hoped that it was just him feeling tired after radiation therapy. </p><p>When it all came crashing down last week, then, it was a surprise and not a surprise at the same time. However, it was all over so incredibly quickly. (Time of terminal prognosis to death: 10 hours.) I think we are all still in shock.</p><p>I will share my thoughts on all of this a bit later. But for now, thank you to those of us who were praying for us last month, and to those of you who are always so kind and supportive to our family. It's been a long month.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>And now, let's share a few books:</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pygmalion-George-Bernard-Shaw/dp/1494864533/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1C5HKLUMXY8VB&keywords=pygmalion&qid=1696537547&sprefix=pygmalion%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1" target="_blank"></a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicCCJYBl3q-Yut8B6u3BI3rFNiIgma6itPxBk6JWRgPCj98koveh1VnduFrY-V6jFXi410putjJ7kTSQakyp0s5nqzunKEvkYCQ1mcLBxgwPUtPfZF1TX6e-7aRgWGn1uCbMpywsDbLnjqvP5MDn7ec0vksl3-pqMyEYxv_QiZJsJ8l-ZS_MBBGLPG1qF/s466/Pygmalion.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicCCJYBl3q-Yut8B6u3BI3rFNiIgma6itPxBk6JWRgPCj98koveh1VnduFrY-V6jFXi410putjJ7kTSQakyp0s5nqzunKEvkYCQ1mcLBxgwPUtPfZF1TX6e-7aRgWGn1uCbMpywsDbLnjqvP5MDn7ec0vksl3-pqMyEYxv_QiZJsJ8l-ZS_MBBGLPG1qF/s320/Pygmalion.jpg" width="214" /></a></b></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pygmalion-George-Bernard-Shaw/dp/1494864533/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1C5HKLUMXY8VB&keywords=pygmalion&qid=1696537547&sprefix=pygmalion%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1" target="_blank">Pygmalion</a></b> (George Bernard Shaw) – Drama, humor.<br /><br />I had always thought that the film "My Fair Lady" was based on a book, but in reading this I found that nope, it was actually written as a dramatic script from the first. Thus, reading this book is the same as reading the movie script - plus more dialogue, and minus the songs. A wonderful read!<div><br /></div><div>For those who enjoy "My Fair Lady," try the film "Pygmalion," which is an excellent earlier and non-musical film version of the play. We enjoy it just as much - sometimes more! - than "My Fair Lady," the musical numbers of which can sometimes feel a tad on the interminable, wonderful as they are. (Is that heresy?)<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Checklist-Manifesto-How-Things-Right/dp/0312430000/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1D432B75JEX9Y&keywords=checklist+manifesto&qid=1696537691&sprefix=checklist+%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-1" target="_blank"></a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKtN98FpVooq49S7im8teYvWEXz9xCcIyLwaXZIogOgyFmoRnIDdxLiQx5GXdCZ5LAm5woyi_8hxy-9SUTSuhttGiH09GIBfoOn8XaD8O0iqVcU2Hj6dzwC4PjHHVe3O1upDyKvy8MkE5Pe2NnrvBFUNq6zhYV8Lk6rJc9DHde7tnx2LKeXcMLDpedTCT/s445/Checklist%20Manifesto.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKtN98FpVooq49S7im8teYvWEXz9xCcIyLwaXZIogOgyFmoRnIDdxLiQx5GXdCZ5LAm5woyi_8hxy-9SUTSuhttGiH09GIBfoOn8XaD8O0iqVcU2Hj6dzwC4PjHHVe3O1upDyKvy8MkE5Pe2NnrvBFUNq6zhYV8Lk6rJc9DHde7tnx2LKeXcMLDpedTCT/s320/Checklist%20Manifesto.jpg" width="213" /></a></b></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Checklist-Manifesto-How-Things-Right/dp/0312430000/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1D432B75JEX9Y&keywords=checklist+manifesto&qid=1696537691&sprefix=checklist+%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Checklist Manifesto: How To Get Things Right</a></b> (Atul Gawande) - Non-fiction.<p></p><p>After discovering this author and enjoying one of his books so much, I ran straight to my library website and borrowed every other of his books that they had in the catalogue. Enter "The Checklist Manifesto" - a book written in praise of the humble checklist.</p><p>At first glance - what? A book about checklists? Have we entered into the last stages of banality and insanity?</p><p>But wait, there's more to it than that. Checklists are immensely important - far more important than we know - and they play intensely important roles in saving lives and making complicated multi-person multi-step processes end with success rather than catastrophe.</p><p>The book covers the uses of checklists in several major arenas - primarily medicine (especially patient care and surgery), aviation, architecture, and finance. The stories that illustrate the points are fascinating and illustrate the point that the author makes - that checklists are a simply but essential tool in the hands of professionals in all fields.</p><p>I was surprised that the author did not include an application into the everyday - that is, how checklists could be useful in day-to-day life for the average person. No such application was made. However, I think that it would not be difficult for the reader to make that translation from professional life into private life - regardless of the particular situation, checklists are awesome.</p><p>As a side note, when this past month's situation with my father's health crisis crashed down upon us, I was very thankful that I had, several months previously, read the author's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Being-Mortal-Medicine-What-Matters/dp/1250076226/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30WD4VPDENDQE&keywords=being+mortal+atul+gawande+book&qid=1696821983&sprefix=being+mortal%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End</a>. You can read my review of that book <a href="https://whiningpuker.blogspot.com/2023/08/summer-is-over-and-i-am-late-books.html" target="_blank">here</a>. In short, the book covers elder care, healthcare in challenging situations, and end-of-life care. As I wrote in my review, </p><blockquote><p><i>"</i><i>I enjoyed this book thoroughly, and recommend it to all, because the material is pertinent to all. All of us will have loved ones getting older or in end-of-life situations, and all of us will one day face the same situation for ourselves. Although the topic is uncomfortable, it's good to think about it before one is in the thick of decision-making and difficult choices."</i></p></blockquote><p>When I wrote those lines, I had no idea that a few short weeks later, we would be facing end-of-life care decisions for my father. Thankfully, there weren't too many decisions to make - it was very straightforward. The cancer was back, it had spread, and there was really nothing that could be done. (We did have a surgeon coming in to discuss a last-ditch surgical solution attempt - as it turns out, his visit was only about three or four hours before my father's death. Thankfully they didn't press for it.) But it was good to have the material already in my head. </p><p>All of this has really brought to mind the fact that it's so important to make end-of-life decisions, and understand end-of-life issues, before they are staring you in the face. Downsizing, making a will, choosing a burial location, etc. - all of that is so important. And some of that we have not yet done ourselves, so I am preaching to myself as well as to my audience.</p><p>I highly recommend both books! </p><blockquote><p><i> </i></p></blockquote><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Up-Slavery-Booker-T-Washington/dp/1660050243/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2OWF6R7Y8OX1S&keywords=up+from+slavery&qid=1696564966&sprefix=up+from+slavery%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-4" target="_blank"></a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjb18Tfir4NgOpdg5-DTLlU-Ui4MXBBZZCfIPm6Hhi52EagPaKNVy-zam_ydvjLRYYwyIkGU8q8T05b4F_RFkubs7_atNWW-LtcG0XDIX0EDxTZCSPF3FyNUd-9sah4nkdVqmpOKzbIBfkSG8mk4EjnaC2poM04roldfiN1gHwePC-ZmPe8bqIGHD4NAv1/s466/Up%20From%20Slavery.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjb18Tfir4NgOpdg5-DTLlU-Ui4MXBBZZCfIPm6Hhi52EagPaKNVy-zam_ydvjLRYYwyIkGU8q8T05b4F_RFkubs7_atNWW-LtcG0XDIX0EDxTZCSPF3FyNUd-9sah4nkdVqmpOKzbIBfkSG8mk4EjnaC2poM04roldfiN1gHwePC-ZmPe8bqIGHD4NAv1/s320/Up%20From%20Slavery.jpg" width="214" /></a></b></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Up-Slavery-Booker-T-Washington/dp/1660050243/ref=sr_1_4?crid=RLWO8LVUEG61&keywords=up+from+slavery&qid=1696606331&sprefix=up+from+s%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-4" target="_blank">Up From Slavery</a></b> (Book T. Washington) – Autobiography.<p></p><p>This book is the autobiography of Booker T. Washington, starting with his birth and childhood in slavery, his family's transition to freedom after emancipation, his search for education, and his eventual transformation into the patron of the Tuskegee Institute, a school and vocational training school for black young people.</p><p>The pace of the book is gentle and slow. Some find it too slow, but I enjoyed it greatly. It is a careful and painstaking work that is careful in recording historical details and the author's thoughts. I did find the ending chapters, which dealt mostly with Washington's speaking duties, a tad on the uninteresting side - but on the whole, it was excellent.</p><p>I also very much respected how Washington maintained loving relationships with both black and white citizens. He refused to be drawn into the "us vs. them" mentality. This is, to my mind, highly praiseworthy. </p><p>I highly recommend this work! </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Jeeves-Bertie-Wooster/dp/0393345998/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1696565046&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b></b></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHZczaCIrpIdTcmJB03iNJgEI1kK0midWF7bvO8eC9npDeFmfN1M6bPw37l4bHGF9Uyavvn9RhoNarlfHrNkERKK3fbnfNYx7gdIWEnvfZ41vJikb7X17lalhedL56vy5vYTo1zcVCKsZFBvzcfcwg20OfxVsrfIO6rgltu3_4BUf4oJWZbrp6kghbkID/s445/Thank%20You,%20Jeeves.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="297" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHZczaCIrpIdTcmJB03iNJgEI1kK0midWF7bvO8eC9npDeFmfN1M6bPw37l4bHGF9Uyavvn9RhoNarlfHrNkERKK3fbnfNYx7gdIWEnvfZ41vJikb7X17lalhedL56vy5vYTo1zcVCKsZFBvzcfcwg20OfxVsrfIO6rgltu3_4BUf4oJWZbrp6kghbkID/s320/Thank%20You,%20Jeeves.jpg" width="214" /></a></b></div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Jeeves-Bertie-Wooster/dp/0393345998/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1696565046&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Thank You, Jeeves</a></b> (P.G. Wodehouse) - Fiction, humor. <p></p><p>A month without Jeeves & Wooster is, by definition, a wasted month. This was my preventative measure against wasting the month of July! (As always, highly recommended.)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>What books have you all read this month, dear readers? If you have any to recommend, let me know!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Film Corner</b></p><p>Recently, I have been having our family watch movie versions of some of the books that our high schooler read during the past school year. Last month, we worked our way through two versions of Jane Austen's "Emma" - the two 1996 versions, to be specific.</p><p>Here is the Kate Beckinsale 1996 version:</p><p><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/21tNo27-9O4?si=C9D_lgjdQy0o8dNv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>And here is the Gwyneth Paltrow 1996 trailer (sorry, all, couldn't find the full film):</p><p><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jz_P43jHN6w?si=AtLDSADN7wiZTi-3" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>To my infinite surprise and pleasure, the 17yo immediate said that he preferred the Kate Beckinsale version. In fact, for several weeks he went about going into long speeches on the subject, which I found most amusing. </p><p>I actually enjoy both of these versions, and have seen them both many, many times (back from the days when my husband and I actually had time to watch television by ourselves). However, I have come to prefer the Beckinsale version, due to (1) historicity, (2) lack of imported modern dogmas, (3) more subtlety and nuance of character and writing. Additionally, I find that in the Paltrow version almost every sentence seems to be covertly telling the presumably unread viewer something that he or she would be incapable of otherwise knowing or finding out individually. (Example: Emma says: "Mr. Knightly, how is <u>your brother</u> treating <u>my sister</u>?" Lesson for viewer: Emma and Mr. Knightly are in-laws by marriage. I wouldn't mind an occasional foray into lines such as this, but they seem to abound over and above what is necessary. Watch for it, and you'll see what I mean.)</p><p>I would love to hear your views on the different Jane Austen films out there. I know there are so many good ones! (And some really bad ones.) Which are your favorites? Which do you recommend?</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Musical Notes</b></p><p>Have you all heard of the YouTube musician <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRbIKMyRCDT-J47uJ26ehqw" target="_blank">Julian Neel</a>? He specializes in barbershop and other wonderful four-part harmony numbers. We especially enjoy his early-1900s pieces. Here are a few to get you started:</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pMe8FhRMPkY?si=Se-b0FwRUdn7DElE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vTmBePfGAuE?si=1hlIhAKPYhEn9jEq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6oDjWQgE-q8?si=VEiydHm6skhqgkm5" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AhvG7qK9fsA?si=xUz2K2mgewvPJOgU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>From the Kitchen</b></p><p></p><p>This month I made a chocolate peanut butter pie for my husband's birthday - it's one of his favorites, and we all love it. </p><p>For the chocolate graham crust, I ran into a snag - Walmart has apparently stopped carrying chocolate graham crackers. Crumbs! But hastened I to the internet, to find, as I suspected, that one could indeed make a <a href="https://bakingbites.com/2015/06/chocolate-graham-cracker-crust/" target="_blank">chocolate graham crust out of plain graham crackers</a>. Voila! Give it a try. </p><p>After making the crust, I first fill the pie with a recipe of homemade chocolate pudding. (This is delicious, and helps to make a bigger pie to feed a crowd.) </p><p>After the pudding layer has chilled, I use this <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/9174/peanut-butter-pie/" target="_blank">peanut butter pie filling</a> for the top layer. The recipe uses only eight ounces of whipped topping in the peanut butter mixture - this time I used 12 ounces to use up a complete container and also make a bigger pie, and it was a success. I also reduced the powdered sugar by half, and that too was a success. </p><p>I find that with most American desserts I can drop the sugar by one-quarter to one-third without the composition suffering - sometimes even by a half! People really don't notice, and we all get less sugar - what's not to love?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uJY6D3LfZDI2nUlE0RE0fNVnRZ4an4NLdiv2Fb8OgBSV-aY8ZhxY4wwxpc3TKZ8ieqyqRzHE44ndiFQUmsLx4XhDE-fSc3r4iChRbICMmKy2oG6MUoJBkeViF103w8UMorjG9R6ScvOoRbP9hxJDO0T4D4-rSD7pUXQD1GiV_KiuTYI4g1Hh-i1Q3twP/s4032/IMG_0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uJY6D3LfZDI2nUlE0RE0fNVnRZ4an4NLdiv2Fb8OgBSV-aY8ZhxY4wwxpc3TKZ8ieqyqRzHE44ndiFQUmsLx4XhDE-fSc3r4iChRbICMmKy2oG6MUoJBkeViF103w8UMorjG9R6ScvOoRbP9hxJDO0T4D4-rSD7pUXQD1GiV_KiuTYI4g1Hh-i1Q3twP/s320/IMG_0570.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The expression of a cat who senses an approaching toddler. "Oh, no, I'm in for it now!"</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>Have a wonderful month, dear reader! Pray for me, as I pray for you!</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p></div>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-74310597741230798132023-10-03T07:28:00.009-07:002023-10-04T06:35:42.594-07:00In Which I Admit to Having a Problem (Books Lately, June 2023)<p> </p><p>Yes, a serious problem. I even moved away, but the problem followed me. And so, the only solution is to admit my problem and hope for healing. Here it is...</p><p><i>I am hopelessly addicted to borrowing far more library books than I could ever read. </i></p><p>Okay, maybe not strictly accurate. I do get around to most of them. But I certainly could stand to calm it down with the maxing-out-the-library-cards bit.</p><p>Here is my current waiting list (part of it, at least):</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfrpMFFIVqZ42czrLJYIN-lUmMBXgZedT4-qJKhh9tBa_1bVt97Uo_9Azm9Mko9FJjFSZYSZCOxHm9P6ei9DscRYC7xZy2SLqVnaaNYqyuEvMmCCNrrRF5xDRM7gQW59IdT1kFF0T-XktSbHgysKv9IV1zypNZGZ9Hg62ZBX6UvlXvaPcpPXhK_Iop-Tz/s4624/PXL_20230923_003914818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfrpMFFIVqZ42czrLJYIN-lUmMBXgZedT4-qJKhh9tBa_1bVt97Uo_9Azm9Mko9FJjFSZYSZCOxHm9P6ei9DscRYC7xZy2SLqVnaaNYqyuEvMmCCNrrRF5xDRM7gQW59IdT1kFF0T-XktSbHgysKv9IV1zypNZGZ9Hg62ZBX6UvlXvaPcpPXhK_Iop-Tz/w300-h400/PXL_20230923_003914818.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>Current subjects of interest include the food and fast food industries, dietary sugar, classic children's books, European politics, and a dabbling in different areas of theology and family life. </p><p>However, come to think of it, it's a good problem to have. So maybe I'll skip the Books-Anon meetings for now.</p><p>I am doing my best to catch up with these long-overdue posts, so let's get started with June's books!</p><p><br /></p><p><i>For Teens & Adults</i></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Great-Divorce-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652950/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+great+divorce&qid=1695579539&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>The Great Divorce</b></a> (C. S. Lewis) – Christian allegory.<br /> How have I gone so long in life without this book? (Answer: I thought I'd read it before.) When I picked it up to "re-read" it, I discovered that I had, in fact, never laid eyes on the material before. While I was at first confused as to what on earth I was reading, I soon picked up the train of thought and devoured the book. When I was done, I read it again - and loved it even more.<br /> The premise of the book is as follows: <i>What if people in hell had an opportunity - every so often - to leave hell, and then had an opportunity to either return to hell, or continue on the way to heaven?<br /> </i>It's an interesting question, and as the narrator follows numerous persons in their decision-making process, we see the answers to the perennial question - why do so many insist on taking the wide road instead of the narrow? Lust, pride, stubbornness - all of those are examined and laid bare. I especially liked the "fire lizard," which seemed to represent a besetting sin or addiction, and which became a steed of life and strength once the person afflicted by it consented to have it slain. Beautiful.<br /> This definitely falls into the <i>Read it now! </i>category. Highly recommended.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lazy-Genius-Way-Embrace-Matters-ebook/dp/B081M6DLFZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7IDRUQ3OIHT0&keywords=the+lazy+genius&qid=1695579561&s=books&sprefix=the+lazy+genius%2Cstripbooks%2C125&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>The Lazy Genius Way</b></a> (Kendra Adachi) - Homemaking, life skills, self-improvement.<br /> Apparently the Lord wanted me to have a copy of this book, because something like twenty minutes after I brought it home from the library , one of my children thoughtfully poured a glassful of water over it. Result: I bought a new copy for the library, and the crunchy one was mine. And this was a good thing.<br /> This book is one in a long line of self-help books for the management of daily life, but there's a big difference with this one - the tricks are actually good, foundational, keystone habits that really do help. I'm now on my third reading of this book, and I read just a tiny bit each day as encouragement to keep going and keep trying. It is tremendously encouraging and useful.<br /> The author of this book identifies as a Christian, which is great. Some things that I ran across in the book, however - such as her ridiculing Christian modesty or talking about "smashing the patriarchy" - just made me sad. (If there's anything that our culture needs, a strengthened sense of Christian modesty and a re-instituted patriarchy would top my recommendations.) But I loved the book anyway, and the author definitely has good things to say about life management.<br /> This book definitely does not have the beautiful formatting and aesthetics of its sequel, <i>The Lazy Genius Kitchen</i>, which I also love. (See my review <a href="https://whiningpuker.blogspot.com/search?q=lazy+genius" target="_blank">here</a>.) I'm guessing that the first book went viral, and the publishers were then willing to spring for the gorgeous formatting of the sequel. However, the content is wonderful, even if the book itself is unaccompanied by the beautiful artwork of its successor. Highly recommended.</p><p><a href="https://setonbooks.com/parent-resources/2247-preparing-for-adolescence-a-planning-guide-to-parents.html" target="_blank"><b>Preparation for Adolescence: A Planning Guide for Parents</b></a> (James B. Stenson) – Parenting.<br /> We enjoyed this book very much. Highly recommended.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Satisfied-Finding-Contentment-Right-Where/dp/1546034048/ref=sr_1_1?crid=368L9812R8XXZ&keywords=satisfied+finding+hope&qid=1695579701&s=books&sprefix=satisfied+finding+hope%2Cstripbooks%2C115&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>Satisfied: Finding Hope, Joy, and Contentment Right Where You Are</b></a> (Alyssa Joy Bethke) - Christian living for women.<br /> I thought I was checking out a book on minimalism and home management. Nope, this was a book about.... well, see the title, and you'll pretty much have it.<br /> I did wade my way through most of this book, even if I did some serious skimming. The truth is that I find books of this type - heavily feminine, with masses of luscious, emotional language - difficult to get through. <br /> There was some good stuff in there. And I do believe that women have the biblical responsibility of writing Titus 2 type materials for other women. Perhaps this type of hyper-emotional literature is. helpful for a different type of woman than myself? On the whole, I prefer to stick to plain "how to be a wife and mother" books written by women for women, and for other spiritual reading stick to books by godly Christian men (who are not usually prone to flights of emotion).<br /> One thing that really did stick out to me is that it might be better for a book on "finding contentment right where you are" not to be filled to the brim with pictures of a home so breath-takingly gorgeous that Martha Stewart would weep tears of despairing envy. <br /> Something thing that I really did love about this book was the small compendium of family recipes at the end of the book. I loved that it was short (not more than 20 recipes) and uber-practical looking, so I made the decision that I would cook through all of them. And I did, too! Or rather, through most of them - I think I missed three to five, perhaps, but I did make all of the rest. With one exception (which was probably my fault), all of the recipes were delicious and well-received. Her curry recipe was my first venture into the world of curry, and it is now a family staple.<br /> I do not either recommend or not recommend this book. However, I certainly recommend the recipes! </p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>For Children</i></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Kind-Family-Sydney-Taylor/dp/0440400597/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=all+of+a+kind+family&qid=1695579739&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>All-of-a-Kind Family</b></a> (Sydney Taylor) - I remember this book with much love from my childhood, and my own children are enjoying it just as much. And now I find, to my infinite surprise, but it is not a single book but an entire series! So now we have the other books to enjoy. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Music & Film</span></b></p><p>Have you heard of the musical group <a href="https://www.floriani.org/" target="_blank"><b>Floriani</b></a>? They are a local group of men who have formed a full-time musical ministry, for the express purpose of revitalizing sacred music in America. (Oh, boy! It could use it!) Here is one of their performances, this one with a more Eastern flair. Visit their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@FlorianiSacredMusic/videos" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> for more amazing videos:</p><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IJ0h8icqVv8?si=pNAedK1-Bfbl_ZzU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>Back in May, we were supposed to attend a performance of Oscar Wilde's <b>"An Ideal Husband."</b> Due to our miscarriage, I had to miss the performance. Thus, we looked up film versions, and found that there was a 1947 version - available for free on YouTube! - and we greatly enjoyed it. (There is a later 1999 version, but it looked less than clean. Let me know what you thought of it if you've seen that one.)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sVRj-L1O8sM?si=S7BbzTRScfZXOuXO" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also wanted to watch <b>"The Importance of Being Ernest,"</b> and found that there is a delightful 1952 version that we'd never seen before. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M86wDQY9low?si=fsyJVSIXJio04eSy" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy!<br /><br /></div><div>Have a wonderful month, dear friends! Pray for me, as I pray for you! (As in, seriously. It's turning into a rough month over here. I could use the prayers.)</div><div><br /></div>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-22384422574123263042023-08-27T10:43:00.014-07:002023-08-27T17:44:48.983-07:00Summer is Over, and I am Late! (Books Lately, May 2023)<p> <br />The average reader, noting that <i>for crying out loud it's almost September and why are you posting about last May? </i>may wonder why on earth I am so late with this post.</p><p>Life, my friends.</p><p>And the fact is that I just don't seem to be able to handle staying current with blogging - even just once a month. The messes are so big, and the to-do list so long, that it just doesn't happen. </p><p>But I do enjoy hopping in when I can. </p><p>This has been a busy summer. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Nuxn12mL4mzk8eHHZSG0D5aw8CJ4S1dFSGo9uRkC_l0dl5lM7T5micg53fKWGQPFTrM1z9MQCFYzP_3c0TVnxuVeUeT8j4PJPccPiPIkpJ8uHVr2fHwVXdrjfJtxnUV8xKaO8cHC96wneAdKN0npR2ieSzwM5q6oIoNwMdaULW49obzJKtZkIDaZUYJb/s2048/IMG_0106.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Nuxn12mL4mzk8eHHZSG0D5aw8CJ4S1dFSGo9uRkC_l0dl5lM7T5micg53fKWGQPFTrM1z9MQCFYzP_3c0TVnxuVeUeT8j4PJPccPiPIkpJ8uHVr2fHwVXdrjfJtxnUV8xKaO8cHC96wneAdKN0npR2ieSzwM5q6oIoNwMdaULW49obzJKtZkIDaZUYJb/w240-h320/IMG_0106.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our low-budget version of a pool. Actually, we did buy a plastic pool later - three, actually, my husband got carried away - but the kids still love the storage container.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few highlights:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- The eldest turned 17, and the baby turned 2. The eldest, amazingly enough, managed to graduate from high school, and is now working on finding a job and getting a driver's license. The baby - well, his nickname around here is "Trouble." He keeps us hopping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- The kids attended music camp, and some of our dancers performed in an Independence Day parade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- We managed a last-minute vacation to the mountains. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- After working for what seemed like several hundred hours, I managed to find homes for all nine of our kittens. May we say, HUZZAH. (They were adorable little darlings - we were so sorry to see them go - but so glad they all found good homes.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">** We used the website <a href="https://rehome.adoptapet.com/" target="_blank">ReHome</a> to find homes for two of our kitties. It is a great website with supportive staff, and the user interface is super simple and user-friendly. If you use this website to re-home pets, make sure to follow the website's recommended protocol (which includes phone interview, meet-and-greet, waiting period, a signed transfer-of-ownership, and charging a re-homing fee). All of these steps are to weed out the creeps who are looking to get easy free animals to use for base and/or evil purposes (as reptile food, dog fighting bait, animal sacrifice, animal torture, or selling to labs). Evil people are out there, and boy did we find some of them. So follow the steps to keep yourself and your animals safe! ***</div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65bywzkLy9DWRuu2h01cWKnwGfU1jbRswwVAA8JfpJnu7F1tZKubdUlksehXlQBDs1L9S4SXgCEZGecavrAg3uwafhCyhhsOMuMhVR79yd_vJ8KwAsmf0AGx8gmNhiBNbv1R95JL-lTE762yPJoQECYOORr_BpkU5xmMevgwsZCdXK4W8WzCbhr_Uffzm/s2048/IMG_0133.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65bywzkLy9DWRuu2h01cWKnwGfU1jbRswwVAA8JfpJnu7F1tZKubdUlksehXlQBDs1L9S4SXgCEZGecavrAg3uwafhCyhhsOMuMhVR79yd_vJ8KwAsmf0AGx8gmNhiBNbv1R95JL-lTE762yPJoQECYOORr_BpkU5xmMevgwsZCdXK4W8WzCbhr_Uffzm/s320/IMG_0133.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our little ladies, whom we nicknamed "Cappy" (long story). </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- We made some more big, life-changing decisions for our family. In the last year or two, that seems to have become par for the course. At some point I'll get used to it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Several of our crew received Confirmation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am currently getting ready for an (extremely!) late start to our school year, complete with an entirely new curriculum set-up. (Translation: I ditched everything we were doing and was extremely happy to do so. It's a long story. If our new set-up works, I'll post about it next year.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><b>And now, onto books!</b></p><p><br />For Adults and Teens</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Allergy-Proof-Your-Life-Remedies-Allergies/dp/1630060747/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2EF4ZEFQS0GN9&keywords=Allergy-Proof+Your+Life%3A+Natural+Remedies+for+Allergies+That+Work&qid=1688825050&sprefix=allergy-proof+your+life+natural+remedies+for+allergies+that+work%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Allergy-Proof Your Life: Natural Remedies for Allergies That Work!</b></a> (Michelle Schoffro Cook, 2017) – Non-fiction health. <br /> I used to think that allergies were a minor complaint, similar to the "morning sickness" that women made so much unnecessary fuss about. (*Laughs sardonically*) And just as with morning sickness, I thoroughly got my come-uppance with allergies. While I don't get the worst form every year, I have been through the mill with severe seasonal allergies (which here in the Phoenix valley, oddly enough, seem to hit right around Christmas time), and have experienced the lovely type that basically brings life to a screeching halt. This book was a great resource for information about treating allergies naturally, and I enjoyed it greatly. While it goes far further than I hope I ever have to go, I adopted some of the basic strategies this past allergy season, and they helped tremendously (if I am remembering correctly, I avoided dairy and modern wheat like the plague, and added a ton of water and vitamin C to my regimen). Recommended.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Irreversible-Damage-Transgender-Seducing-Daughters/dp/168451228X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2EHS6JZHTPZNJ&keywords=irreversible+damage&qid=1688825123&sprefix=irreversible+damag%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters</b></a> (Abigail Schrier, 2021) – Non-fiction sociology.<br /> I have wanted to read this book for several years, and I finally got my hands on it - and it did not disappoint. While the author is not a Christian - and could even be labeled technically as "pro-trans," in that she does not argue with the idea of adult "gender transitions" - she is addressing a horrendous and oft-ignored phenomenon that is sweeping through our young people - that is, the incidence of "rapid onset gender dysphoria," or gender dysphoria that comes on suddenly, with no history of such feelings or behaviors, almost always after exposure to online trans influencers and communities. She addresses specifically the skyrocketing incidence of this phenomenon in teen girls, and how this is leading to widespread body mutilation (through artificial hormones and irreversible surgeries), and how acceptance of this behavior is now mandated in most levels of our society. As one commenter said, "Science is dead and now social pressure has taken off." <br /> As I have observed what is going on in our society, I have realized that had I grown up in current times, I would have been in serious trouble. I was a child with severe social anxiety, social awkwardness, someone who "always knew she was different," and who firmly rejected any feminine frills. (My mother once bought me shoes with bows. I cried.) In terms of the trans movement, I would have been easy prey.<br /> And here's the thing: Teens can't think long-term. I know I couldn't think long-term with any sort of reality when I was a teen. If someone had said to me, "Here are these drugs and surgeries that will prevent you from being able to have children or breastfeed," I would have said a big <i>who cares.</i> Pregnancy and breastfeeding meant nothing to me at that point. I could not realistically conceive of my future as a mother. But now, many years later, I have spent the past eighteen years either pregnant, breastfeeding, or both. It is a treasure and a gift from God, something that I can't imagine having forfeited in a burst of teenage immaturity. But I'm pretty sure I might have, given the right circumstances. And the fact that our society is both allowing and pushing this on enormous and growing populations of teen girls is both tragic and criminal. <br /> Educate yourself about what's going on. I highly recommend this book. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Church-Crisis-Pathways-Forward/dp/164585048X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OOBJFGOF22F3&keywords=a+church+in+crisis&qid=1688825978&sprefix=a+church+in+crisi%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>A Church in Crisis: Pathways Forward</b></a> (Ralph Martin, 2020) – Non-fiction. An examination of the crises currently facing the Catholic church - a thorough and excellent treatment, and an extremely well-written one. <br /> I first encountered Ralph Martin in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=ZKMuLtMKffk&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fpintswithaquinas.com%2F&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo" target="_blank">his interview on Pints with Aquinas</a> back in 2022, and immediately fell in love with his passion and thoughtfulness. I expected great things from his book, and it did not disappoint. Martin continually amazes me with the thoroughness of his research, and the depth of his knowledge, both of which raise the question: <i>How can one man possibly read and examine so many books in one lifetime?</i> (See the bibliography at the back of his book.) However he does it, he is amazing, and the book is well worth the read. Highly recommended. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Importance-Being-Earnest-Other-Plays/dp/1838575774/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1688826052&sr=8-4" target="_blank"><b>The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Plays </b></a>(Oscar Wilde, c. 1895) - Drama. The edition that I read contained Lady Windermere's Fan, A Woman of No Importance, Salome, The Importance of Being Earnest, and An Ideal Husband. I had originally picked up the book to read <i>An Ideal Husband</i> only, as I had had to miss a children's production of that play that happened during the week of our miscarriage, but I ended up reading the whole book (I skipped <i>Salome)</i>. I actually ended up reading all four plays over the course of one day when I was in hospital. The plays were deliciously funny and, of course, wonderfully witty. And, in fact, I went back and read the book again later just for the joy of it. If you haven't read these plays yet, I recommend them. </p><p><b><a href="A Modern Fairy-Tale for Grownups" target="_blank">That Hideous Strength: A Modern Fairy-Tale for Grownups</a> </b>(book #3 of 3 in the Space Trilogy, C. S. Lewis) – Fiction/Fantasy. This book was reading for Day #2 in the hospital, and it was a mind-blower. I have read this book only once before, and it was back in high school (so, about 25 years ago), and it was just as powerful as I remembered it. Being able to read it in entirety in a day was - quite literally - like having a mini-spiritual retreat. Lewis is always a winner, every time. And this is one of his most powerful works.<br /> Because this book is #3 of 3 in the space trilogy, I do recommend reading the first two books before venturing on this last volume. Additionally, a basic knowledge of Arthurian legendry would be helpful before delving in. Be prepared for a bit of a slow start, and then for the ride of your life. Enjoy.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Being-Mortal-Medicine-What-Matters/dp/1250076226/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=being+mortal&qid=1688826165&sr=8-1"><b>Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End</b></a> (Atul Gawande, 2017) - Non-fiction health. When I saw what this book was about, I nearly put it down and didn't pick it up again. But I'm so glad that I kept reading. Gawande's book is a treasure. In this work, Atul Gawande deals with the subject of elder care and end-of-life care. How does in-home care compare with nursing home care, versus "assisted living" care? How far should treatments be pushed - especially those last-ditch treatments that can be painful, destructive, and ultimately unhelpful when taken too far? His examination of the subject, based on his vast experiences as a physician, and also interwoven with the story of his father's battle with cancer (and his eventual death), was gentle, thoughtful, evidence-based, and excellent.<br /> My main concern with this book was an ethical one - <i>is he going to push for euthanasia?</i> And my fears on that point were mainly relieved. While Gawande does briefly state that there might be a small place for euthanasia in elder care - a statement that, as a Christian, I completely and utterly reject - he states with great clarity a point that I also would argue - that the option of euthanasia makes elder care and end-of-life care far <i>worse</i> than when that option is not available, simply because euthanasia makes caregivers lazy (my words, not his). In other words, why worry about dignified and complicated end-of-life care plans, when one can just urge a patient to choose death and save everyone the trouble? (And a friend of mine, a health worker who witnessed the aftermath of the legalization of euthanasia in Oregon, told me that this is exactly what <i>did </i>happen.)<br /> I have seen a similar phenomenon in the hyperemesis world with the "solution" of abortion. Why worry about treating or curing complex hyperemesis, when one can "solve" the problem by killing the baby? In both cases, having an unethical false solution to a problem prevents real problem-solving from happening. It also results in lazy, immoral, and dehumanized care for the patient. In both cases, you can't use murder to get real and dignified solutions to complicated health problems.<br /> I enjoyed this book thoroughly, and recommend it to all, because the material is pertinent to all. All of us will have loved ones getting older or in end-of-life situations, and all of us will one day face the same situation for ourselves. Although the topic is uncomfortable, it's good to think about it before one is in the thick of decision-making and difficult choices. <br /> Having enjoyed this book so much, I found several other books by the same author and am now going through those. One of them, "The Checklist Manifesto: How To Get Things Right," will be included in June's write-up of <i>Books Lately.</i></p><p><br /></p><p>Children’s Books</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Britches-Father-Were-Ranchers/dp/0803281781/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=409938658227&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9029997&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=18203776678640391386&hvtargid=kwd-323961857434&hydadcr=24632_11410078&keywords=little+britches+series&qid=1688826579&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers</b></a> (first in an <a href="https://www.secondsale.com/series/little-britches/1571768/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwkqSlBhDaARIsAFJANkiCyrigtMqtOf1a-vPn0hxjq_6Sc8ECfzUi57E_qegCmliq6-vv-rYaAuEyEALw_wcB" target="_blank">eight-book series</a> by Ralph Moody, c. 1950) - Non-fiction autobiography.<br /> A friend gave me this series years ago - as in, over a decade ago, I am embarrassed to say - and I have only now gotten around to reading them. They comprised some of my reading during our two months of pregnancy loss and recovery after hospitalization, so it was good that there was a lot of material to chew through. <br /> These books are excellent. They have been compared to the "Little House" books, and I would say that that is a good comparison - the time period is slightly later, beginning around 1900 - and covering the author's boyhood, beginning when his family moved west to help improve the health of the father (who had tuberculosis), and following the author through his young adulthood up until his marriage. Included in the series is an unbelievable number of different situations, some of which include:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The family's ranch experience, ending with the father's death after a bad chill.</li><li>The family's life after the father's death, supporting themselves with door-to-door selling of the mother's cooking, a time which included the birth of a posthumous baby, and ends with the family having to leave town secretly to avoid the mother having to testify in a case which might lead to a man's execution.</li><li>The family's life in a new town in which the mother establishes a laundry business to support the family, and in which the author works in a local store.</li><li>The author's life with his grandfather when he is sent away to live with him for a time.</li><li>The author's time working on horse ranches and doing trick riding.</li><li>Most interestingly for me, as an Arizonan, the author's time as a young man doing stunt falls for the infant movie industry (c. 1920) in Tucson, at a time when it was common for both men and horses to be killed or horrendously injured in stunt falls.</li></ul><div>And much more. In our current time of extended adolescence, video gaming, and other unhealthy youth predilections, this book was an amazing testimony to the ability of young people to do amazing, productive things with their lives. It was an amazing testimony.<br /> My one problem with this series was that there were often processes (ranching, farming, mechanical, etc.) described in great detail and at great length, and I often had absolutely no idea what was going on. This does occasionally happen in the "Little House" books, but it was far more prevalent in this series. I just had to learn to keep going and ignore those descriptions, because to a non-farmer, they were unintelligible - my fault, not his.<br /> If you haven't yet enjoyed these books, I recommend them. If you've read one or more, please write and tell me your thoughts on them! </div><p></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/New-Faces-Friends-Grandmas-Attic/dp/155513985X" target="_blank"><b>New Faces, New Friends</b></a> (, last book in the Grandma’s Attic Series) – Biographical novel. The Grandma's Attic series was one of my favorite book series from childhood, and I recommend it most fondly. This last book in the series takes place when Mabel is a young married woman with a baby, and concerns the goings-on of their community in small-town 1800s America.<br /> My main complaint with this book is that it seems to be out of print! - which is a terrible shame. The first four books in the series are commonly available as a boxed set, but the later books in the series - which are my favorite! - are almost completely out of print. They are available as used copies, but it is a pity that they're not currently being printed. If the world at large is listening, please get these wonderful books back in print! <br /><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_Ames" target="_blank"><b>Cherry Ames, Student Nurse</b></a> (first book in the Cherry Ames series) – Realistic fiction.<br /> I bought a certain number of these books years ago at a used book sale - about seven of them, I think - and then never got around to reading them. As I have really needed extra reading material this spring due to all of the illness and recovery going on around here, I finally got this series out (along with the Little Britches series). <i>Cherry Ames</i> books are quick reads - all of them concerning a young woman who becomes a nurse during World War II. <br /> The <i>Cherry Ames</i> series was begun during World War II itself, so the series is at first concerned entirely with the war. In the first book, Cherry is a student nurse. In each book, she progresses - through graduation, into practice, and onto the front lines as an army nurse. As the series passes beyond the end of the war, Cherry ends up in a variety of different non-wartime situations - a different post in each book (nursing home, school, ranch, etc.). Each book contains some type of mystery/adventure and a bit of romance, as well as a few steady characters and a continually revolving cast of new characters from each new location. Think "Nancy Drew" with a nursing theme.<br /> Though nursing and its duties are often described, the more personal or gruesome aspects were glossed over or ignored - something that I think is good in a children's book series.<br /> The wartime <i>Cherry Ames</i> books in many ways read like wartime propaganda - so much so that I wondered if they really were written as propaganda. Glowing descriptions of "our brave boys" and "our heroic nurses who sacrifice everything for the glorious cause" (my paraphrases) were both charming and somewhat amusing (they were overdone, but that was understandable).<br /> I would have no problem handing these books off to a daughter of any age. If you do so, however, don't be surprised if she comes home wanting to be a nurse! </p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bud-Buddy-Christopher-Paul-Curtis/dp/0440413281" target="_blank">Bud, Not Buddy</a> </b>(Christopher Paul Curtis) – Realistic fiction. A young orphan boy searches for his father during the Great Depression and Jazz Age South. <br /> I enjoyed this book greatly. It is well-written, funny, and has a well-planned rhythm and flow that results in a very enjoyable read. Our teen son enjoyed it as well.<br /> My one concern with this book - and it's not a little one - is that the book is filled to the brim with both off-color references and lying. If a child is truly old enough to roll with this material and not take it as an example, I think it's probably okay. For younger children, I really wouldn't recommend this book.<br /> Your thoughts?</p><p>I would love to hear recommendations for great books that you've read lately (and your thoughts on them). Leave a comment below!</p><div><br /></div><p><b>A few words from the kitchen...</b></p><p>Actually, this post is so late that I have no idea what was going on in the kitchen way back in May. Mostly, nothing. I was busy with morning sickness, then miscarriage, and then being in the hospital. For the last half of the month, people from our church were bringing us meals in a wonderful show of support and love that we treasured and appreciated. Which reminds me...</p><p><i>I need to write thank-you notes!</i></p><p>As well as catching up with super-late editions of <i>Books Lately.</i> </p><p>But that seems to be life as a mother. There just isn't time - as in, for anything. (I am writing this with a toddler using me as a jungle gym. It never stops.)</p><p>So, in the meantime, have a wonderful rest of the summer. And for you non-Phoenicians, appreciate any temperatures you're having that are less than 115 outside! (Wow, it's been hot around here.)</p><p>Love to all!</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokC_CRQ0YpNig27bToW4nMhQxBbQsfEqSjk0yCNXoj_41Ga83U8K-AS_GIkkjpjGeiRSBUCuxxV4U6jLfYSrDjBXxVl45NyE2JCCkLIzfY0r-oIn_eGVRr7a2iVJ0K6nFuoC5FkVIr7pOSZith_tYlB8S5qTUI8-7fBrl-WvTuZ6Q9S91ZVD0Qa5wjNGp/s4032/IMG_0519.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokC_CRQ0YpNig27bToW4nMhQxBbQsfEqSjk0yCNXoj_41Ga83U8K-AS_GIkkjpjGeiRSBUCuxxV4U6jLfYSrDjBXxVl45NyE2JCCkLIzfY0r-oIn_eGVRr7a2iVJ0K6nFuoC5FkVIr7pOSZith_tYlB8S5qTUI8-7fBrl-WvTuZ6Q9S91ZVD0Qa5wjNGp/s320/IMG_0519.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my ongoing projects is making one pie per month this year. I think that I'm on pie #6 or #7 - not bad, especially for me. This one was, I think, apple. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddij9MvqqIQpnylf-cuLelycNzbB7y6bhXyeZx_gLcFj_b-1dJO2GZngAQL4bcAsbl0gfdyw0Em1u1l6nM2N7vRr3vs0uGyvbbsZxfmmJ9B8oJO45-jM_Q4twn9XuLJ9flrPpMLzNtd0mluv_S6y2qtf-f9kNv9bQp6NV5XPplReYtpoYNiBJdwOiT6ZZ/s4032/IMG_0249.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddij9MvqqIQpnylf-cuLelycNzbB7y6bhXyeZx_gLcFj_b-1dJO2GZngAQL4bcAsbl0gfdyw0Em1u1l6nM2N7vRr3vs0uGyvbbsZxfmmJ9B8oJO45-jM_Q4twn9XuLJ9flrPpMLzNtd0mluv_S6y2qtf-f9kNv9bQp6NV5XPplReYtpoYNiBJdwOiT6ZZ/s320/IMG_0249.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I make pineapple upside down cake for our yearly Monsoon Day celebration (June 24th, which is also the feast day of John the Baptist). Pineapples, you know! Tropical! Like monsoons are tropical! Except that we live in a desert! So you can clearly see the connection there. Too bad we have gotten exactly zero monsoon rain this year. (Not true, we did get ten minutes once, about two weeks ago. Should make for a very interesting fire season this fall.)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBD8uG05Cjyz3E7GzX3K4EmAD4XvWEX5aS5n6nTK1dfQlrbjwm7v5sxLHQLhw4BsZ-AB7D20BmNjD3DBvmLPPv9XljLREmIHchijq96CPShmIB3wKgWlNgRwoEX2AoAyd72qNZsFJI-i8n8SuabSItbfKuqC8yim81czlURgJ818TV9wMV3uC7AmhX3tx/s4032/IMG_0221.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBD8uG05Cjyz3E7GzX3K4EmAD4XvWEX5aS5n6nTK1dfQlrbjwm7v5sxLHQLhw4BsZ-AB7D20BmNjD3DBvmLPPv9XljLREmIHchijq96CPShmIB3wKgWlNgRwoEX2AoAyd72qNZsFJI-i8n8SuabSItbfKuqC8yim81czlURgJ818TV9wMV3uC7AmhX3tx/s320/IMG_0221.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure what this was, but it was apparently important enough to take a picture.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-87921670280641498702023-07-15T16:11:00.009-07:002023-07-15T21:12:13.387-07:00The Answer for a Kitten Who WILL NOT Use the Litterbox<p> </p><p>As y'all know, this spring our we'll-get-the-cats-spayed-sometime attitude resulted in - surprise! - two litters of kittens arriving at our home. (You want a kitten! You know you do!! Yes! Email me!) And one of the kittens, to our profound surprise, had a deep antipathy for the litterbox - as in, "You can put me in, but I. will. not. comply." Sure, he would use <i>just about anything else</i> - our blankets, our sheets, clothes left on the floor, the carpet itself - but the litterbox he avoided like the plague. (Our attempts to put him in resulted in his impersonation of a fully-loaded feline spring.)</p><p>We were really at our wits' end over this issue. I couldn't get sheets and linens washed before he'd ruined the next set - and, as you all know, washing cat-urine-soiled laundry is <i>not</i> an easy task. (Translation: I was going through one five-pound box of Biz laundry additive <i>per week.</i>) </p><p>So, I headed over to our local pet supply store and begged their help. The gentleman whom I petitioned for aid directed me to (drum roll please!)...</p><p><a href="https://www.drelseys.com/products/kitten-attract-litter/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Dr. Elsey's Kitten Attract Litter</a></p><p>We brought it home, made up a new litter box, and placed said erring kitten within. He sniffed! He pawed! <i>He did not shoot out of it like a loaded cannon! And, miracle of all miracles, he used it!</i></p><p>And we have never had a problem with him again.</p><p>So, quick public service announcement, if you ever find yourself in possession of a renegade feline who is marching a picket line with "Won't use the litterbox!" signs, this is truly a miracle-working product. Give it a try. Our family loves it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eR4iFZ6fVrJZ7R4r8u893VTW9akRoHvZfT2-3sZ1rhjEteALl_NPjLVOseXqO0TOUTPzpfOLOLEnUw9fwzWHp8eVB39kHigiQevfzShXmbI8W-whHolJ8M2xn1k8Rd8Z-XFIqZRgEfaIyhVN8fx9fGjU2ehjL7Pb_R9BM9dr-A_kktt2aly8qDgDHDmB/s320/litter_2021_kittenattract-320x0-c-default.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eR4iFZ6fVrJZ7R4r8u893VTW9akRoHvZfT2-3sZ1rhjEteALl_NPjLVOseXqO0TOUTPzpfOLOLEnUw9fwzWHp8eVB39kHigiQevfzShXmbI8W-whHolJ8M2xn1k8Rd8Z-XFIqZRgEfaIyhVN8fx9fGjU2ehjL7Pb_R9BM9dr-A_kktt2aly8qDgDHDmB/s1600/litter_2021_kittenattract-320x0-c-default.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>* I am not receiving any compensation of any kind for this product endorsement. *</p><p><br /></p>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-91104456778202284682023-06-10T20:45:00.008-07:002023-11-23T10:21:59.909-07:00Let's talk about the use of the {Vitamin K + Vitamin C} Protocol to Treat Morning Sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum<p> </p><p>This spring, I was super-excited about something that I hoped to publish next year - namely, that <i>I had found something that helped my morning sickness.</i></p><p>If that's not earth-shattering, nothing is.</p><p>However, when we miscarried our baby in mid-May (at 11w4d), there were signs - no definites, but certainly strong indications - that our baby may have died long before the actual miscarriage, possibly at the very beginning of the pregnancy. This often results in a pregnancy with reduced pregnancy symptoms. Thus, I can no longer state with any authority that I have definite results for this method working for me.</p><p>However, I can say this:</p><p>(1) I did still have strong pregnancy nausea, starting at the usual time (3w4d), and</p><p>(2) I noticed definite improvement when I used this method - both when I started it, and again when I increased the dose.</p><p>That being the case, I wanted to present the data to my readers so that they can do the research themselves, and discuss it with their midwives/physicians. Let's get started.<br /><br /></p><p><b>Before we start, let's quickly differentiate between a <u>remedy</u> and a <u>coping mechanism</u>.</b></p><p>These are my terms, not taken from any source. </p><p>In my personal terminology for pregnancy nausea, a remedy and a coping mechanism are different entities. A <u>remedy</u> is something that <i><u>actually reduces my pregnancy nausea</u>. </i>A <u>coping mechanism</u>, on the other hand, is something that, while not reducing my absolute level of pregnancy nausea, helps me to cope at the nausea level where I am. Does that make sense?</p><p>Coping mechanisms are legion. Some that I use include a protein shake before bed, eating immediately upon getting up, getting more sleep, dropping outside activities, etc. We all have these.</p><p>Remedies, on the other hand - <i>something that actually works to reduce my base level of nausea</i> - are incredibly rare. That is, they are a dime a dozen - just check the internet! - but the ones that have actually worked for me are virtually zero. Here are some of the ones that I've tried:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Bentonite clay</li><li>Ginger</li><li>Preggie pops</li><li>Eating hardboiled eggs before bed</li><li>Herbal morning sickness remedies</li><li>Weekly B6/magnesium shots</li><li>Probiotic therapy</li><li>Basic dietary changes (Paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.)</li><li>Dramamine</li></ul><div>The only remedies that have worked so far for me would include the following:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Very-low-carb diet, done for 6+ months pre-conception </li><li>Medications (Unisom, Zofran)</li></ul></div><p></p><p>As I never want to do the very-low-carb diet again (and didn't have time anyway, as this pregnancy surprised us), and I hoped to avoid medication, finding another remedy that worked was super-exciting.<br /><br /></p><p><b>What "it finally worked" method are we talking about?</b></p><p>I refer to the Vitamin K + Vitamin C remedy.</p><p>If you've spent more than 30 seconds online researching morning sickness remedies, you have run across the Vitamin K + Vitamin C remedy for morning sickness. Trouble is, there's almost no information, details, or advice on how to make it work. It will inevitably be cited <a href="https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-2932003" target="_blank">thusly</a>:</p><blockquote><p>"Vitamin K and vitamin C , taken together, may provide relief of symptoms for some women. In one study, 91% of women who took 5 mg of vitamin K and 25 mg of vitamin C per day reported the complete disappearance of morning sickness within three days."</p></blockquote><p>I see that I actually posted that information on my blog when I discovered the reference - specifically in 2008 (over fifteen years ago!) - in the article <a href="https://whiningpuker.blogspot.com/2008/02/research-vitamin-k-vitamin-c.html" target="_blank">Research: Vitamin K and Vitamin C</a>.</p><p>But although I have known about this for many, many years, I have always feared to try it due to the high dose of vitamin K involved. (Daily dietary needs for vitamin K are usually listed in micrograms.)</p><p>However, this time around, I really wanted to stay off of medication. (Don't we always.) So I started researching to see if I could find out more - both about safety and efficacy. Firstly, I found this article giving some details about the protocol:</p><p><a href="https://thecompounder.com/morning-sickness-vitamins-c-k/" target="_blank">Morning Sickness: Vitamins C & K</a></p><p>Looking up the doctor mentioned in that article, I found a presentation of the detailed results of the study mentioned above - go to slide 35 in <a href="https://agemed.org/wp-content/uploads/WRIGHT-Neglected-But-Effective-Therapies-Part-I-General.pdf" target="_blank">this presentation by Dr. Jeremiah Wright</a>.</p><p>The basic results of the 1952 study were to have been as follows (quoted from the above presentation): </p><blockquote><p>"In the study, 70 women with mild to severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy took simultaneously each day vitamin K3 (5 milligrams) and Vitamin C (25 milligrams).</p></blockquote><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>▪ 64 reported complete remission in 72 hours.</p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>▪ 3 were relieved of vomiting, but not nausea.</p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>▪ 3 obtained no relief."</p><p>In it, he also gives the citation for the original study - here it is, for anyone who wants to look it up: </p><blockquote><p>Merkel RL. The use of menadione bisulfite and ascorbic acid in the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a preliminary report. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1952;64:416-418</p></blockquote><p>I also found a podcast/radio show in which Dr. Wright discussed his efforts to publicize this method of pregnancy nausea control:</p><p><a href="https://greenmedicineonline.com/08-18-18/" target="_blank">Nausea Caused By Pregnancy and Preventative Vitamins </a></p><p>I also found another doctor discussing his use of K2 (in the form of intramuscular injections) for pregnancy nausea. He discusses a case in which K2 injections did <i>not </i>work - or did not work on their own - but his background experience was that this method almost always <i>did</i> work:</p><p><a href="https://www.townsendletter.com/Oct2012/momiracle1012.html" target="_blank">Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Reversing Autotoxic Hormone Reactivity/Antihormone Therapeutics</a></p><p>He writes:</p><blockquote><p>"Until this year I have had nearly 100% success with intramuscular administration of vitamin K2 (menatetrenone) 2 cc at 10 mg/cc for nausea and vomiting (N/V) of pregnancy in scores of patients. Thanks to Jonathan Wright, MD, for teaching this many years ago... With N/V of pregnancy, I usually administer vitamin K2 2 cc daily for the first couple of days until the N/ V stops and then weekly or as needed. Sometimes one shot stops it for the whole pregnancy."</p></blockquote><p>I also found, when I looked up my own post from back in 2008, the following quote from another physician:</p><blockquote><p> "For morning sickness, I recommend 100 to 200 milligrams of B-6 and 10 milligrams of vitamin K a day. Occasionally, more than 200 milligrams is necessary, but this amount should be taken under a physician's supervision. I also give patients an initial injection of vitamin K, which works in a day or two. Taken orally, the Vitamin K takes somewhat longer to produce results - about ten days." - Superimmunity for Kids by Leo Gallard & Dian Dincin Buchman, p. 47</p></blockquote><p>Safe <i>and</i> effective? This was super-exciting stuff. But...<br /><br /></p><p><b>Are high doses of vitamin K safe for pregnancy?</b></p><p>There are two questions: (1) Are high doses of vitamin K safe <i>in general</i>, and (2) Are high doses of vitamin K safe <i>for pregnancy</i>.</p><p>The research that I found was surprisingly reassuring. Besides the doctors quoted above (all of whom used very high doses of vitamin K with pregnant women, with great success and good outcomes), I found a number of physicians quoting the use of very high dosage vitamin K as safe for both pregnancy women and the general population. Here are some of them:</p><p><u>For the general population</u>:</p><p>From <a href="https://www.livestrong.com/article/422923-what-happens-with-too-much-vitamin-k/" target="_blank">LiveStrong</a>:</p><blockquote><p>"The recommended daily intake for vitamin K set by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Medicine (FNB) is 120 micrograms for men and 90 micrograms for all women, including those who are pregnant and breastfeeding. These RDAs aren't hard to achieve through a balanced diet, and the National Institutes of Health reports that vitamin K deficiency is very rare.</p><p>"The FNB sets upper, tolerable intake levels (ULs) for vitamins that pose health risks when taken in excess. <b>However, there is not a UL for vitamin K, because there have been no reported adverse effects from vitamin K excess in any amount from food or supplements in the general population</b>." (emphasis added)</p></blockquote><p><a href="https://www.nbihealth.com/is-high-dose-vitamin-k-safe/" target="_blank">From National Biochemistry (NBI)</a>:</p><blockquote><p>"<b>The amount of MK4 (a type of vitamin K) used in studies is 45-135 mg, which is 500 to 1,500 times greater than the IOM adequate intake.</b> Thus, an important question is whether or not it’s safe to consume vitamin K at this high dose. The short answer is unambiguously, <b>Yes. MK4 is safe even at doses much higher than the top amount used in clinical trials.</b></p><p>"US Institute of Medicine (IOM) conclusion:</p><p>"The Tolerable Upper Limit (TUL) is the highest daily dose that is safe for almost all individuals in the general population to take on an ongoing basis. <b>The IOM concluded that for natural forms of vitamin K, of which MK4 is one, there is no known TUL. This means that the IOM considers vitamin K to be extremely safe, even at very high doses</b>." (emphasis added)</p></blockquote><p><a href="https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-983/vitamin-k" target="_blank">From WebMD</a>:</p><blockquote><p>"When taken by mouth: The two forms of vitamin K (vitamin K1 and vitamin K2) are likely safe when taken appropriately. <b>Vitamin K1 10 mg daily and vitamin K2 45 mg daily have been safely used for up to 2 years. </b>It's usually well-tolerated, but some people may have an upset stomach or diarrhea." (emphasis added)</p></blockquote><p> </p><p> <u>For pregnant women</u>: </p><p> <a href="https://news.sanfordhealth.org/womens/prenatal-vitamins/#:~:text=Vitamin%20K%20is%20important%20in,from%2036%20weeks%20until%20delivery." target="_blank">From Sanford Health</a>, showing that high doses of vitamin K are used therapeutically during pregnancy already, for purposes other than pregnancy nausea:</p><blockquote><p>"Vitamin K is important in helping blood clot. Though extra vitamin K is not needed during pregnancy, women who are pregnant and using anti-seizure medications are at increased risk of vitamin K deficiency in their baby. <b>These women should take oral vitamin K, at a rate of 10 mg daily, from 36 weeks until delivery.</b>" (emphasis added)</p></blockquote><p><a href="https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/78/10/813/5700577" target="_blank">From Oxford Academic</a> (Volume 78, Issue 10, October 2020), regarding high doses of vitamin K for use in osteoporosis in pregnant women:</p><blockquote><p>"<b>Vitamin K2 at 45 mg/d has been used as a safe treatment option</b> in a case series of pregnancy-associated osteoporosis... <b>There is no known toxicity for vitamin K2, and no tolerable upper level has been set for either K1 or K2 in pregnancy as there have been no studies on reproductive or teratogenic risk.</b>" (emphasis added)</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>When you start looking at links, opinions do vary. Some do not recommend vitamin K supplementation during pregnancy. Some say it's okay up to a point. Some say that it's perfectly safe and that there is no upper limit on safety. For myself, I was confident from my reading that therapeutic doses of vitamin K were safe during pregnancy. </p><p>Additionally, it has to be taken in perspective. If I <i>do</i> supplement with high doses of vitamin K, and it <i>works</i>, then I am exposed to a very-mostly-likely safe vitamin. If I <i>don't</i> supplement with vitamin K, then I will most certainly be taking Unisom (doxylamine succinate), which is an artificial drug and has been several times implicated in risks for the unborn child. I think I'd probably take my chance with an all-natural, already-present-in-the-human diet supplement if I have that choice. </p><p><u><br />Who should not supplement with vitamin K:</u></p><p>The only firm contraindication seems to be for people who are taking the drug Warfarin. From the <a href="https://www.nbihealth.com/is-high-dose-vitamin-k-safe/" target="_blank">NBI article</a>:</p><blockquote><p>"People who take the drug warfarin (Coumadin) should not take MK4. Warfarin is a blood thinner that works specifically by blocking vitamin K’s actions in the blood clotting cascade. Providing vitamin K as a dietary supplement counteracts warfarin. People taking warfarin should absolutely not take MK4 and they shouldn’t take any vitamin K-containing products without first consulting their healthcare provider." </p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><b>What about the different forms of vitamin K?</b></p><p>Vitamin K is actually a family of closely-related vitamins, rather than a single compound. There are three forms of vitamin K:</p><p>Vitamin K1 and K2 (and there are two forms of K2) are found in nature and are naturally present in the human diet.</p><p>Vitamin K3 is an artificial form.</p><p>There are some concerns with toxicity from high doses of vitamin K3 - although the doctor mentioned above still used it very successfully for morning sickness treatment. </p><p>Vitamin K3 is not available over the counter in this country at the present time (that I know of). Vitamin K1 and K2 are widely available and can be purchased over the counter (OTC).</p><p><br /></p><p><b>How I put this protocol into practice, and how it worked for me:</b></p><p>This spring's pregnancy was a complete surprise - it was much sooner than expected, and at my age, I wasn't sure if another baby would be on the horizon at all for us. So I was not doing any preparations at all - no dietary changes, no supplements, no nothing. </p><p>I got a positive test - quite randomly! - at about 3w4d. My pregnancy nausea started, much to my annoyance, later that same afternoon. While it may or may not have been as strong as with a healthy pregnancy, it was definitely present, strong, and followed my usual pattern. (Week 3 = nausea starts. Week 4 = I'm still okay. Week 5 = I need help.)</p><p>I immediately started researching the Vitamin K + Vitamin C method (for some reason, it came to mind strongly in a way that it hasn't in previous pregnancies). I believe that I started using it at 4w2d. And here's the thing: I felt an immediate and powerful improvement in my nausea levels. (Translation: I took the remedy at night, and felt much better the next day.) And while I continued to feel worse as the pregnancy progressed (which is normal), I was functional. I could get up on time, and eat most foods. I did not have to obsessively eat the same thing over and over until my cravings changed. I did not need to take medication. I could keep things down. While I had a lot more on-the-couch time, I was much more "okay" than usual. I didn't descend into the depths of despair. And I only threw up about five times, total. It wasn't a miraculous nausea-cleared-up-completely! sort of thing, but it was profoundly effective and positive. If I'd increased the dosage more - which, again, I wanted to do but was afraid to try - it is very possible that I would have seen even more awesome results. </p><p>I ran into two snags with the protocol:</p><p>(1) The original protocol wording that I found said to use the method for a month. That landed me straight into week 8, when I was feeling pretty awful and was in no way ready to give it up cold turkey.</p><p>(2) During week 9, I started feeling that I need some extra help. My two options were to increase my dose of vitamin K, or to go back to using the Unisom protocol to some extent.</p><p>In an effort to get more information, I reached out via email to two of the doctors referenced in the articles above. To my surprise and dismay, I never heard back from either of them. This was a deep disappointment, as I would have greatly valued their input and advice regarding this method, and was willing to pay consultant fees. If I had felt more confident and energetic, I would have called up their offices to try to deal with the red tape involved in consulting them through their official practices. However, I was feeling (1) awful enough not to be up to the challenge, but (2) not awful enough to be desperate. So that didn't happen.</p><p>Another option for me would have been to go to the naturopathic college medical clinic that we have here in the Phoenix valley. However, the same attitude of "I feel too awful to go, and not awful enough to be desperate" kept me from trying it this time. However, I would definitely be up for that in the future. This would be a good way to consult a physician regarding dosage safety, as well as to have the IM injection method of delivery possible, which is often more effective than oral delivery, but which I cannot do at home. </p><p>Some of this information above regarding the safety of super-high dosages of vitamin K I actually didn't see until writing this article, which I regret, because I would have continued to increase the dosage when I felt that I needed it if I had felt comfortable with the safety. As it was, I did increase my vitamin K dose during week 9 to about 7.5 mg, and again felt an immediate improvement. I held that dosage steady until our loss at 11w4d.</p><p>Some may wonder if the placebo effect had anything to do with my improved levels of nausea, and to that I will say that I am sure that there was no placebo effect going on. </p><p>Some years ago, I read in "The Case for Miracles" (Lee Strobel) that some conditions are well-known for being vulnerable to improvement due to the placebo effect; other conditions are much less affected by it (in the book, the example given was hearing loss).</p><p>In my experience, I have found that pregnancy nausea is not at all affected by the placebo effect - I have tried so, so many nausea remedies, and no matter how much I want a given remedy to work, or how I believe that it is going to work, or how I know that it has worked for other people, pregnancy nausea just doesn't budge. It is implacable. I think other pregnancy nausea mamas will back me up on this one. So when I find something that I sense <i>really works, </i>I have no problem in being confident in my assessment, simply because I have seen how ruthless pregnancy nausea is, and how unaffected it is by my wishes and beliefs. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>A few details:</b></p><p>For vitamin K, I used the <a href="https://www.vitacost.com/life-extension-super-k?&CSRC=GPF-PA-737870233435-google_pla_gen_pro_vitamins+%26+supplements-&network=g&keywordname=&device=c&adid=92700074072528095&matchtype=&gclick=CjwKCAjwsvujBhAXEiwA_UXnAKjsMotQ34qx5LPKMtIl-w7SFBrwfYJK7P4bIuJEehKiIYm82DiZTBoCh1kQAvD_BwE&ds_agid=58700008150895513&targetid=&gclid=CjwKCAjwsvujBhAXEiwA_UXnAKjsMotQ34qx5LPKMtIl-w7SFBrwfYJK7P4bIuJEehKiIYm82DiZTBoCh1kQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Super K</a> supplement - two pills at first, and then three when I increased the dosage at 9 weeks.</p><p>For vitamin C, I just used an over-the-counter 1000 mg vitamin C pill. The protocol calls for an absurdly low amount of vitamin C (25 mg), but there is no absolute need (that I know of) to achieve that low dosage. <br /><br /></p><p><b>My conclusions:</b></p><p>* I believe that the Vitamin K + Vitamin C combination is safe, and I have experienced that it is effective. </p><p>* To say this authoritatively, though, I would have to use it throughout a healthy pregnancy with full symptoms.</p><p>* I do not believe that using this protocol caused our miscarriage, as physical evidence showed likelihood of a very early loss - possibly even before I began using the protocol.</p><p>* I do not know if this method could help HG sufferers - though several of the doctors above stated quite firmly that it could - but I believe that it would be a good auxiliary treatment even if other treatments were used at the same time. </p><p>* As usual, I think that the best time to research all of this would be pre-conception, when one is not panicking over rising nausea levels. I plan to make some contacts and appointments to discuss this with caregivers, in order to be ready for next time, should there be a next time. (Very likely there won't be, at my age, but one likes to be prepared.)</p><p><br />I would love to hear thoughts, experiences, or input. As always, comments must be <u>rational</u>, <u>conversational</u>, and <u>kind</u>, and offered in the spirit of charity (i.e. no "you are an idiot, woman!" comments). </p><p>I very much hope that this information can be of use to mamas out there. </p><p><br /></p><p><i>As always, <u>this is not medical advice</u>. Take the information and the articles to your midwife, OB, naturopath, or other physician. and get his/her take on it. </i></p><p><br /></p>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-12401756882559411912023-06-01T15:02:00.002-07:002023-06-02T09:50:06.246-07:00A Spring Full of Unexpected Surprises (Books Lately, April 2023)<p><br /></p><p>I originally styled this post as a fun-and-funny pregnancy announcement for baby #8, whose due date would have been sometime around Thanksgiving, and whom we ended up losing in May at the end of the first trimester. I will get around to telling that story sometime. </p><p>The same weekend that we discovered that we had gained a new team member, we also noticed that both of our adopted strays were looking... suspiciously plump. And yes, they were <u>both</u> expecting. April brought, along with morning sickness for me, two litters of kitties - five on Easter Monday, and four more two weeks later. </p><p>We are now trying to find new homes for said kitties. Do y'all know how <i>hard</i> it is to find people who want kittens? Yowza. We have notified social media, my husband's coworkers, our family, our church, the homeschooling community, neighbors, and practically everyone we've known or met over the past forty years - and have had very little luck. Still working on that problem.</p><p>In the meantime, we are enjoying said kitties - there's nothing like opening a sock drawer and finding it full of kittens.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9QeX03Mtf7YFnkrhPohEbpH8L-ZvLT1GJ_q-6lWm7Y-Y-Q3srPqZgzG9JtjjXIR-EdKzJwBL7RmMgrQ-NZMlOsjZ0i1n6YeKj9x4290tEV34hN08jn9xH4xfFXf0ufdzmc4Wq6AYcasPDoDNwh0szMRy942GZeS2HGfxWovk_cbbLrq2C6g7H4g1MA/s4032/Kitten%203%20-%20born%204-10-23,%20girl.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9QeX03Mtf7YFnkrhPohEbpH8L-ZvLT1GJ_q-6lWm7Y-Y-Q3srPqZgzG9JtjjXIR-EdKzJwBL7RmMgrQ-NZMlOsjZ0i1n6YeKj9x4290tEV34hN08jn9xH4xfFXf0ufdzmc4Wq6AYcasPDoDNwh0szMRy942GZeS2HGfxWovk_cbbLrq2C6g7H4g1MA/s320/Kitten%203%20-%20born%204-10-23,%20girl.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From litter #1</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6iOPvoY81-xUfp7dhF6IweHiC-jzRrEqquoaRER4GWQxZsbp6zW4drYsM3HDH39SGA5zmgTwrHXritJpYfV-qq2TPZiL5tqY_xRNEufDrUzo2JM0gOr9XXZaF7kNLsWt3grhjhxH7jwMc6u454-eo7VOUEkVJBUUxVD-ABEOKJdqN9fweXbWPwVMEA/s4032/Kitten%20B%20-%20born%204-22-23,%20girl.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6iOPvoY81-xUfp7dhF6IweHiC-jzRrEqquoaRER4GWQxZsbp6zW4drYsM3HDH39SGA5zmgTwrHXritJpYfV-qq2TPZiL5tqY_xRNEufDrUzo2JM0gOr9XXZaF7kNLsWt3grhjhxH7jwMc6u454-eo7VOUEkVJBUUxVD-ABEOKJdqN9fweXbWPwVMEA/s320/Kitten%20B%20-%20born%204-22-23,%20girl.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From litter #2</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br /><p><i>And so, continuing where I left off...</i></p><p>If you're all wondering why I have an insanely long list of books this month, pregnancy nausea = lots of neglected housework + lots of down time spent reading. I have also been doing a lot of pre-reading for three literature-based homeschool courses (Modern History, British Lit 1, British Lit 2) that I am writing for our 16yo. When those lists are finished, I will definitely publish them here!</p><p>One note: I have considered the issue of whether or not to note my negative impressions of books that I read. The "only positive things" rule is a possibility, and not a bad one. However, it could also be considered as less than completely honest - and I also do not want to be guilty of recommending books without adding warnings about potential textual pitfalls. Thus, I will attempt to be positive in the main, and will do my best to observe the law of charity when I do feel the need to add a negative note about any book.</p><p>One other note: I love back-and-forth conversation - just not trolling and "you are so stupid" comments. Please feel free to engage in discussion, as long as it is <u>rational</u>, <u>conversational</u>, and <u>kind</u>. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xb7qthkTLS21BUfoaMkoOw49ctAXl47oGAI-b9DnWWK-wxmB9obFaGefKpAULD8Pdzp5ZMvHFkmjgrANy0BICbDgV3-mwFWoDNKTuhkY6H1BkEVVGeR5mPXu7I3C8fq9z9cehejvboSa_7FiHAMXJSYTO9dwEHmcaKYSs73Vkm6xEjrue4gfTmw7Rw/s1280/Palo%20Verde%207.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xb7qthkTLS21BUfoaMkoOw49ctAXl47oGAI-b9DnWWK-wxmB9obFaGefKpAULD8Pdzp5ZMvHFkmjgrANy0BICbDgV3-mwFWoDNKTuhkY6H1BkEVVGeR5mPXu7I3C8fq9z9cehejvboSa_7FiHAMXJSYTO9dwEHmcaKYSs73Vkm6xEjrue4gfTmw7Rw/w400-h300/Palo%20Verde%207.JPG" title="Palo Verde Blossoms" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palo Verde blossoms - the desert's last gift to us before the summer grind begins. </td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Books Lately, April 2023</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>For Adults</b></span></p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Under-Tuscan-Sun-Home-Italy/dp/0767900383" target="_blank">Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy</a></b> (Frances Mayes) – Nonfiction narrative. An American couple buys and renovates a vintage home in rural Italy. Filled with details about their home renovation and their life in Italy, with lots of funny interactions with locals and adventures in learning about Italian life. The one downside is that the book at times felt interminably long. However, it was a good read, and I enjoyed it. There is a sequel that I have not yet read: "Bella Tuscany: The Sweet Life in Italy."</p><blockquote><p><i>If you enjoy this genera, you might enjoy one of my favorites, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Year-Provence-Peter-Mayle/dp/0679731148" target="_blank"><b>"A Year in Provence"</b></a> by Peter Mayle. The setting is rural France. </i></p></blockquote><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-Bookshop-London-Novel-World-ebook/dp/B087ZMTBRX" target="_blank"><b>The Last Bookshop in London: A Novel of World War II</b></a> (Madeline Martin) - Historical fiction. A young woman, moving to London, works in a bookshop during the London Blitz. Enjoyable, readable, fun. Not a deep book or a deeply memorable book (a month later, I can barely remember reading it - though that's probably my fault, not hers), but good. My one worldview pique was a brief flare of feminism (my lifetime arch-nemesis), but otherwise, fun and unobjectionable. And a book in praise of books? Gotta love it. </p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hello-Habits-Minimalists-Guide-Better/dp/1324005580/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1EAQTLJC5DHM4&keywords=fumio+sasak&qid=1683501069&sprefix=fumio+sasak%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Hello, Habits : A Minimalist's Guide to a Better Life</a></b> (Fumio Sasaki) – Remember the fellow whose minimalist lifestyle allowed him to pack his apartment, move, and unpack his things in his new apartment... all within 90 minutes? He's back with a sequel to the original "Goodbye Things: The New Japanese Minimalism" - this time a book about habit formation. I enjoyed this very much.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Erma-Best-Loved-Americas-Favorite/dp/0836226844/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22BM2G8Y9709R&keywords=forever+erma&qid=1683501277&sprefix=forever+erma%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Forever, Erma: Best Loved Writing from America's Favorite Humorist</b></a> (Erma Bombeck) - I remember my mother having books by Erma Bombeck, so was interested to see what I thought as an adult of her writing. Reading her was great fun. While the writing is now dated, and I didn't agree with all of her opinions, there is no doubt that she was a kind and funny lady. I was especially interested to learn that she lived and died in my current home city - a fun and surprising discovery. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Jewish-Roots-Eucharist-Unlocking/dp/0385531869/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36EW433FXC168&keywords=jesus+and+the+jewish+roots+of+the+eucharist+book&qid=1683501405&sprefix=jesus+and+the+%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist</b></a> (Brant Pitre) – I've heard about this book for years, and it really was as good as everyone said it was. This was doubly meaningful for me, as I have an unfortunate tendency to find anything concerning the Old Testament rather dull. But dull this book was not. I'm looking forward to reading Pitre's other works. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Decadent-Society-Ross-Douthat-audiobook/dp/B07WCCPMZT/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+decadent+society&qid=1683501718&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>The Decadent Society: How We Became a Victim of Our Own Success</b></a> (Ross Douthat) – In this book, Douthat details societal decadence - moral laxity, self-indulgence, the waning of innovation, etc. - and examines the West in this light. The big question, then, is <i>where will we go from here?</i> Will the West fall to a more vibrant and virile civilization? Will we experience renewal from an unknown source? I enjoyed this book - certainly the first half. After that, I felt that it got more diffuse and wandering - perhaps not surprising, as the "what next?" question could possibly go in so many directions. While I love Douthat, this wasn't my favorite of his books - but it was an interesting read. If you read the comment section in the link above, you'll see people giving great for-and-against arguments for this book. I recommend skimming them.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Battle-American-Mind-Uprooting-Miseducation-ebook/dp/B09G6TJ6KR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=EL9A6MQ7FRHP&keywords=battle+for+the+american+mind+uprooting+a+century+of+miseducation&qid=1683595482&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+battle+for+the+american+mind%2Cdigital-text%2C151&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation</a></b> (Pete Hegseth) – This one definitely wins an award for this month - it was a wonderful and very important book. The text comprises a history of American/Western education, with an especial focus on the concept of <i>paideia</i> - something that is difficult to translate into English, but comprises elements of a civilization's spirit, worldview, source of culture, and vision of the good life. From the book, <i>"Paideia, simply defined, represents the deeply seated affections, thinking, viewpoints, and virtues embedded in children at a young age, or, more simply, the rearing, molding, and education of a child."</i> The author shows how the paideia of American education has progressed from traditional Christian/Western paideia into progressive paideia and is now fully controlled by Marxist paideia - and the answer to that problem. Whether you have children in school, or school them at home, this issue is vitally important to all of us. I highly recommend reading this book, and passing it on to others. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Warriors-Dont-Cry-Searing-Integrate/dp/1416948821/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15O53YDERJAIA&keywords=warriors+don%27t+cry&qid=1683501979&sprefix=warriors+don%27t+cry%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Warriors Don’t Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High</b></a> (Melba Pattilla Beans) – Non-fiction narrative. One of the original black students to enter Little Rock High School tells the hair-raising tale of her time at that school. A heartbreaking story. While I had heard for years about this event, I had no idea that it was so intense and long-lasting. I highly recommend this book. </p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Be-Loved-Personal-Portrait/dp/1982195622/ref=sr_1_1?crid=V2SCR4GN9G7D&keywords=to+love+and+be+loved+by+jim+towey&qid=1683503701&sprefix=to+love+and+be+loved%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1" target="_blank">To Love and Be Loved: A Personal Portrait of Mother Teresa</a></b> (Jim Towey) – Biography and memoir. Written recently by a man who knew Mother Teresa personally. While I grew up hearing of Mother Teresa, I knew almost nothing about her. This book was an absolute joy to read. Highly recommended. </p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tolkien-Man-Myth-Literary-Life/dp/0898708257/ref=sr_1_1?crid=366JH3VFBCM6W&keywords=tolkien+man+and+myth+joseph+pearce&qid=1683503740&sprefix=tolkien+man+and+myth%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Tolkien: Man and Myth</a></b> (Joseph Pearce) – Biography. I was a latecomer to the hobbit party. As a child, I was not particularly fond of "The Hobbit," and I found "The Lord of the Rings" completely mystifying. (It didn't help that Tolkien had a penchant for choosing close-sounding names - Eowyn/Eomer, Theoden/Theodred, and my all-time mystery, Sauron/Saruman. I never knew what was going on.) But after falling in love with the movie trilogy (the first one, not the second one), I gave LOTR another try - and fell in love. Tolkien's worldview and theological insights are some of the deepest I've found - and he manages to convey them perfectly without a hint of any formal religion at all. I have now read LOTR multiple times - at least once a year - and love it more each time. Reading this biography of Tolkien was a joy. </p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Ruin-Your-Life-Surprisingly/dp/080240619X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FT0QOC5LJUZ9&keywords=how+to+ruin+your+life+by+30&qid=1683504105&sprefix=how+to+ruin+your+life+by+30%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-1" target="_blank">How to Ruin Your Life By 30: Nine Surprisingly Everyday Mistakes You Might Be Making Right Now</a></b> (Steve Farrar) - Christian non-fiction. A book for teens and young adults, giving wisdom on how <u>not</u> to make a mess of their getting-started years. My feelings on this book were mixed. On the one hand, I felt - quite frequently - that some issues were soft-peddled and were never quite addressed with the firmness and clarity that I thought necessary. However, he obviously wrote from the heart, and he had good advice. I especially liked his description having written down, while in college (or thereabouts), a list of his "strong Christian" friends, and seeing, through the years, how a huge majority (I believe it was 50 of 53) later walked away from Christ. This matches my experience. It's a sobering wake-up call - just because you have a strong faith as a young person does not mean that you'll keep it. (I'm thinking of Joshua Harris.) Anyhow, while this book didn't quite meet my expectations, I appreciated it. Also, this is - I believe - actually a sequel, written for a younger crowd, to the original book, "How to Ruin Your Life By 40," which I haven't yet read. Let me know if you've read that one, and if so, what you thought of it. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Four-Witnesses-Early-Church-Words/dp/0898708478/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BAY9PZNBAMVI&keywords=the+four+witnesses&qid=1683504488&sprefix=the+four+witnesses%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>The Four Witnesses: The Early Church in Her Own Words</b></a> (Rod Bennett) - A biographical account of four of the earliest church fathers - Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, and Irenaeus of Lyons - relying heavily on their personal writings and the writings of their contemporaries. I was prepared for this to be on the dry and dull side; to my surprise, it was not. It was fascinating! I am looking forward to reading the sequel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Four-More-Witnesses-Christians-Constantine-ebook/dp/B09MZRT3FD?ref_=ast_author_dp" target="_blank">Four More Witnesses: Further Testimony from Christians before Constantine</a> (which covers the lives and writings of Hermas, Clement of Alexandria, Hippolytus, and Origen). The author, Rod Bennett, has also written numerous other books, which I hope to check out soon. </p><p><br /></p><p><i>Re-reads</i></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Cottage-Mary-Stewart-ebook/dp/B00GW4P058/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=rose+cottage&qid=1683504957&s=digital-text&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>Rose Cottage</b></a> (Mary Stewart) - I was a huge Mary Stewart fan in high school - especially of her Arthurian series. (Warning: contains highly inappropriate material; I recommend editing if you are going to have these around.) "Rose Cottage" is a light romance novel in post-WWII England, and it's always been a favorite. It is, however, hard to ignore one of the main themes of the book - to wit, that "sexual immorality isn't the problem, it's the religious meanies who dare to criticize it who are the problem." And I answer to that, nope, God gave us moral rules <i>for a reason</i>, and they should be obeyed and enforced, <i>for a reason. </i>So, while I still enjoy this book immensely, I am not unaware of the underlying moral problems with the worldview presented therein. </p><p><br /></p><p><b style="font-size: large;">For Children & Teens</b></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Long-Way-Chicago-Stories-Classics-ebook/dp/B00O2BKLIO/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3B023VFPN9SF7&keywords=a+long+way+from+chicago&qid=1683505786&s=digital-text&sprefix=a+long+way+from+chicago%2Cdigital-text%2C160&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>A Long Way From Chicago</b></a> (Richard Peck) – Tall-tale style fiction. A boy and girl stay with their eccentric grandmother during the Great Depression. The downsides are occasional vulgarity and a great deal of lying (from the grandmother!) - the positives are a well-written, funny story, done in a quasi-tall tale style. After considering it, I passed this book on to our eldest, and he loved it. There is a sequel, "A Year Down Under," which I also enjoyed.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blackbird-Girls-Anne-Blankman-ebook/dp/B07T1V3N9K/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+blackbird+girls&qid=1683506790&s=digital-text&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Blackbird Girls</a></b> (Anne Blankman) – Historical fiction. Two girls become friends as they deal with loss and change in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster. Oh, boy, did I ever have mixed feelings about this book. On the positive, it's an incredible story, and very well-written. On the negative, the author chose to include extremely dark family themes into the story - a father who beats his daughter and intentionally burns her with a lighted cigarette, a mom's boyfriend who forces the mother to beat her daughter, and the girl who eventually is aided in escaping from her family and goes far away to live incognito with another family. While I otherwise loved this book, I chose not to add it to our family reading list due to the dark themes. If you are considering giving this book to your teens, I recommend pre-reading first. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Story-That-Cannot-Be-Told-ebook/dp/B07P5H2HNB/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+story+that+cannot+be+told&qid=1683506855&s=digital-text&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>The Story That Cannot Be Told</b></a> (J. Kasper Kramer) - Historical fiction. A girl and her family survive the last days of Communist Romania. Sorry to say, I just couldn't get into this book. No serious objections, though. If you love this book, write and tell me about it. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hobbit-J-R-Tolkien/dp/054792822X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1683594970&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>The Hobbit</b></a> (J. R. R. Tolkien) - Fantasy. I just finished reading this aloud to our children. Surprisingly - I have never been a huge fan of this book - I enjoyed it much more as a read-aloud than I did reading it personally, probably because reading it aloud kept me from skipping all of the descriptive parts! Our children loved this. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rufus-M-Eleanor-Estes/dp/0152025774/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PCYRM5WNGE5O&keywords=rufus+m&qid=1683594996&sprefix=rufus+m%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Rufus M.</b></a> (Eleanor Estes, #3 of 4 in the Moffats Series) - Fiction. I have mentioned the Moffats series before, and I just love it. Slow-paced, gentle, innocent, with hilariously funny artwork - it is a beautiful piece of early-twentieth-century Americana. There are also lots of learning moments about life a hundred years ago - coal-burning stoves, horse-drawn conveyance, kerosene lanterns, etc. Highly recommended. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Swallows-Amazons-Arthur-Ransome/dp/7201146416/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1683594790&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Swallows and Amazons</b></a> (Arthur Ransome) – Fiction. I love this book! Wonderfully gentle and funny, with plenty of children-only adventure that always appeal to young readers. (Think the Boxcar Family series, Enid Blyton's Adventure series, Carol Ryrie Brink's "Baby Island," - all of those wonderful books in which children have on-their-own adventures.) I also love all of the literary allusions (which illustrate to me how poor my own education was - it's always good to be humbled) and all of the folk songs and sea chanties that the children sing together (which similarly illustrate to me the declining level of our own current culture, in which most folk songs have been eliminated). All joking aside, it's good to see glimpses from healthier times to guide us in remaking our own family cultures amongst the wreckage of the West. I find books like this both convicting (culturally and educationally speaking) and encouraging. The one hard part about this book is that it is filled to the brim with sailing terminology, which to a non-boater like myself is rather unintelligible. Some time ago, I did attempt to learn the terms by watching instructional sailing videos, but it did not help. I think that sailing must be best learned hands-on. However, this book is a treasure. It is also the first in a rather large series, all of which I hope to collect. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Half-Magic-Tales-Edward-Eager/dp/0544671724/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Q149K6UKFIVE&keywords=half+magic&qid=1683595016&sprefix=half+magi%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Half Magic</b></a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Day-Magic-Tales-Edward-Eager/dp/0544671651/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2325BZ0UA5DZX&keywords=seven+day+magic&qid=1683595041&sprefix=seven+day+magi%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Seven Day Magic</b></a> (Edward Eager) – Fiction. Whether you like these books or not will depend on your stance on the use of magic in literature. If you're okay with it, these old books (and others by Eager) are charming. Their artwork is delightful, and they are also filled with literary allusions to other works (E. Nesbitt, etc.), which make them an ever-evolving joy.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bear-Called-Paddington-Michael-Bond-ebook/dp/B00HPWVW1C/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OQNZYVTMNRAE&keywords=a+bear+called+paddington&qid=1683595153&s=digital-text&sprefix=a+bear%2Cdigital-text%2C138&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>A Bear Called Paddington</b></a> (James Bond) – Fiction. We all love Paddington! He is one of the great classic British characters, along with Winnie the Pooh and others. We love the sweet hilarity of this book. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Four-Story-Mistake-Melendy-Quartet-Book-ebook/dp/B015MPPCLY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1523ZIA46WWS9&keywords=the+four+story+mistake&qid=1683595172&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+four+story+mistak%2Cdigital-text%2C135&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>The Four-Story Mistake</b></a> (Elizabeth Enright, #2 of 4 in the Melendy Quartet series) - Realistic fiction. I grew up on the Melendy Quartet series, and adore it. In my mind, it is a picture of ideal childhood - what everyone's childhood ought to be. (I'm not talking particular details, like having one's mother die, but in the sense of joy, love, freedom, innocence, the outdoors, and a truly joyful family experience.) I use these often as read-alouds. If you haven't yet caught up with this delightful series, you're in for a treat. </p><div><br /></div><p><i>And a few recipes, but not many, since I wasn't actually cooking during the past month or two. (Unless pouring cold cereal counts as "cooking."):</i></p><p><a href="https://natashaskitchen.com/hot-cross-buns-recipe/#jump-to-recipe" target="_blank">Hot Cross Buns</a> - For Ash Wednesday or Good Friday. Delicious. </p><p><a href="https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/lemon-cheesecake-bars-with-shortbread-crust-low-carb-and-gluten-free/" target="_blank">Keto Lemon Cheesecake Bars</a> - Nobody liked it but me, but I thought it was great! (That's pretty much the fate of all low-carb desserts around here.)</p><p><br /></p><p><b>And with that, I wish you all a happy and blessed Eastertide!</b> Have a wonderful month, and I'll see you all next month! </p><p><br /></p>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-71970947225212496732023-05-28T12:27:00.000-07:002023-05-28T12:27:35.131-07:00Hello, and Farewell for Now (Quick Family Update)<p> </p><p>For those thousands of eager readers out there wondering, <i>Why is Diana so late with her April 2023 edition of "Books Lately"?</i> - I wanted to check in with a quick family update. (Perhaps not "thousands" of readers. But I did want to check in with my faithful readers - all three of you!) </p><p>To make a long story short, we spent this spring battling morning sickness with a pregnancy that I was going to be announcing with my next blog post. However, just before I hit the "post" button, we began to see signs that something was going badly wrong, and the baby miscarried at the end of the first trimester. </p><p>Things then proceeded to get even more complicated the following week when I ended up being hospitalized for complications following the miscarriage. </p><p>Thus, with morning sickness, a week-long loss, a hospitalization, and now trying to work my way back to normal life (not to mention the craziness dealing with two surprise litters of kittens from our adopted strays!), life has been one crazy mess. </p><p>I will be posting my April "Books Lately" post soon, however. I will also - eventually, though not soon - post a birth story for our little one who didn't make it. Also, at some point, I will have a post to share about morning sickness research that I did during the pregnancy. None of it will be fast, but I'll get there sometime. </p><p>In the meantime, your prayers for our family are welcomed, and I will be praying for you all as well. </p><p>Love to all!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-33384910646841725802023-04-13T15:24:00.000-07:002023-04-13T15:24:38.680-07:00Books Lately, March 2023<p><br /></p><p>March was a most interesting month. Sometime soon I will tell you all about it! But for now, let's talk a few minutes about teenagers. </p><p>Ahem.</p><p>Parenting teenagers has been a most intriguing experience, and I won't say I've done a stellar job so far. It's been more like "muddling." We have experienced far more - both good and bad - than I ever expected, and it's been an adventure in prayer. It's also been an adventure in intense marital conversation, as my husband and I meet time after time to discuss, "Okay, what should we do about such-and-such?"</p><p>One challenging area (out of many!) has been dealing with the coming spectre of what-to-do-after-high-school. </p><p>For my parents and me - and, I think, my generation as a whole - it was easy. In fact, it was a conversation that didn't happen, because the question wasn't asked. The answer was college. There was never a question of IF I was attending college; it was simply a matter of choosing which college to attend. While I no longer accept that as the sacred cow that it once was, it did present a very simple pathway for the future. </p><p>Nowadays, it's not so easy. There are many more options, and college no longer has the rosy promises that it once had anyway - being that the market is saturated with college graduates, and many colleges (most?) have now turned into indoctrination camps. (Which is what my college was, too, though I was too naïve to realize it until years later.)</p><p>All that being the case, our current eldest teen has no interest in college anyway, so that question of "what next?" is a daunting one.</p><p>Have any of you out there dealt with this issue? </p><p>Parenting teens is not for the faint-of-heart. (Or rather, it will turn the faint-of-heart into warriors, because that's the only option for not dying in the process.) I am already waiting for the day when our teen is grown and married with teenage children of his own, so that I can sit back and say, "HA!" (Is planning retribution that far in advance wrong?)</p><p>And with that, let's move on to the books from this past month!</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/After-Natural-Law-Classical-Worldview/dp/1621640175/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34YYMUFGGUJ56&keywords=after+the+natural+law&qid=1680823846&sprefix=after+the+natural+la%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>After the Natural Law: How the Classical Worldview Supports Our Modern Moral and Political Values</b></a> (John Lawrence Hill) - Oh, boy - this was GOOD. Short summary: Beginning with Thomistic philosophy from Medieval ages, the author works through worldview philosophy (materialism, determinism, etc.) to the present day. This is a great primer for those looking to study historical philosophy, and also a great work to begin understanding our present chaotic position in the post-Christian West. Challenging reading, but extremely well-written and highly rewarding. </p><blockquote><p><i>If you're interested in more "how did we get into this mess?" books, try one of my favorites - Carl Trueman's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Triumph-Modern-Self-Individualism/dp/1433556332/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=carl+trueman&qid=1680824169&sr=8-2" target="_blank">"</a></i><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Triumph-Modern-Self-Individualism/dp/1433556332/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=carl+trueman&qid=1680824169&sr=8-2" target="_blank">The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution."</a></i></p></blockquote><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lord-World-Robert-Hugh-Benson/dp/0870612980/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=lord+of+the+world&qid=1680823878&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Lord of the World</b></a> (Benson) - This book blew me away. Written in 1907, it is a fictional vision of the end of the world according to the Christian vision of the rise of the antichrist and world totalitarian government. The two main character sets are (1) a Catholic priest, and (2) the family of a man who eventually becomes a member of the antichrist's inner circle. </p><p>Being that the book was written well over a hundred years ago, it was interesting firstly to see what prophetic elements the author got right and wrong. For example, he rightly foresaw the decline of the Christian religion and the rise of both government control and secular humanism, as well as the widespread use of euthanasia, but did not foresee the breakdown of the family and the rise of the sexual revolution and critical theory. (In 1907, only the most prescient thinkers saw anything along those lines coming.) But this fellow was very clear-thinking, and he got a lot of things right.</p><p>This book was incredibly, incredibly dark - another surprise from a vintage book. I actually took the technique of speed-reading through parts of it to make it to the end of the book, as I was determined to finish it and find out the ending. Part of that is that is from my having spent considerable time stressing over is-this-the-end-of-the-world issues stemming from the COVID shut-downs over the past three years (government overreach and totalitarian control, population tracking, closed borders, vaccine passports, etc.), and so some of the material felt uncomfortably close to home. </p><p>My own introduction to end-times literature came in college, when I heard a mention of a certain popular rapture-based end-times book series. Having been raised in a liberal church that did not preach any end-times theology, I had never heard of eschatology in any form, and I devoured the series. While I appreciate that series, and the role it played in my spiritual growth, "Lord of the World" is much, much better. If you can take dark literature, I highly recommend this book. It's a winner. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Back-Virtue-Traditional-Wisdom-Confusion/dp/0898704227/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=back+to+virtue&qid=1680823938&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Back to Virtue</b></a> (Peter Kreeft) – I have heard Peter Kreeft called "this generation's C.S. Lewis," and I thoroughly concur in this view. Every one of his books that I have read has been a gem - and this book is no exception. In "Back to Virtue," Peter Kreeft writes in detail Christian virtue - both virtue as an ethical system in itself, and about particular virtues (and their respective vices). Highly recommended.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Symbol-Substance-Dialogue-Eucharist-Tolkien/dp/1621642755/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=symbol+or+substance&qid=1680823991&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Symbol or Substance? A Dialogue on the Eucharist with C. S. Lewis, Billy Graham, and J.R.R. Tolkien</b></a> (Peter Kreeft) - I have been doing a lot of reading on the Eucharist lately, and this book is a gem. Written as a fictional dialogue between three famous theological characters of the twentieth century, the book debates the three major views of the Eucharist, including J. R. R. Tolkien (Roman Catholic = transubstantiation), C. S. Lewis (Anglican = Real Presence), and Billy Graham (Baptist = memorialist). Many other related topics are also debated and discussed. Masterfully drawn, and a very enjoyable read. </p><div><br /></div><p>And a few recipes...</p><p><a href="https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/easy-fluffy-homemade-waffles/" target="_blank"><b>Easy Fluffy Homemade Waffles</b></a> - We enjoyed these very much! As a side note, I love Lindsay's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXNdoxAWwj1VyG5Z4AXIe3A" target="_blank">videos</a>, which are top-notch (most are about cakes and cake decorating), and her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAHu89tIvJ0&t=1s" target="_blank">frosting tutorial</a> is my go-to review video almost every time I make a birthday cake (which, with ten people around here, is pretty often). </p><p><a href="https://www.nutmegnanny.com/roasted-white-sweet-potatoes/" target="_blank"><b>Roasted White Sweet Potatoes</b></a> - I was wondering what on earth to do with these queer-looking sweet potatoes, but after trying this recipe, I am in love. Try it - you'll love it. </p><p><a href="https://www.nourishnutritionblog.com/roasted-broccoli-and-mushrooms/" target="_blank"><b>Roasted Broccoli and Mushrooms</b></a> - Farewell, steamed broccoli! It's been fun! (But not that fun.) Broccoli is sooo much better roasted, and the combination with mushrooms was delicious. I'm pretty much finding out that any vegetable is better off roasted than steamed. There were no leftovers. </p><p><a href="https://glutenfreeandmore.com/blog/2010/01/gluten-free-dairy-free-cream-puffs.html" target="_blank"><b>Dairy-Free Cream Puff Filling</b></a> - I used the filling part of the recipe from this site (not the puffs themselves, as I didn't have rice flour on hand). Oddly enough, it turned out well (I was expecting the cream to smell/taste nauseatingly of coconut, as most coconut-milk recipe products do, but it didn't. It was delicious!) This would make a lovely dairy-free vanilla pudding. (I reduced the sugar to 1/3 cup.)</p><p><br /></p><p>As for the pies this month...</p><p>Um, they didn't happen. I think I've fallen off the bandwagon. </p><p><br /></p><p>But anyway....</p><p><b>Happy Holy Week and Happy Easter, dear friends! </b>I'll see you next month! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-42521364909011687812023-03-09T14:40:00.002-07:002023-03-18T10:35:20.269-07:00Books Lately, February 2023<p> </p><p>February was an interesting month.</p><p>First, we got sick. <i>(Mystery bug.)</i></p><p>Then, we got sick again. <i>(A nasty cold.)</i></p><p>Lastly, we got sick again. <i>(Flu.)</i></p><p>And that about sums it up.</p><p>In between all that, we had a lot of fun with various things - Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, a trip north to visit grandparents, and lots of work finishing up our family projects for Christmas. (Yes, really.) Those included the making of our Christmas eggnog (yes, in February), creating a Christmas wreath (we started this a year ago), and making clove oranges (this one took only ten minutes, phew!), all of which went surprisingly well. (Except for a snag with one of the clove oranges, which disappeared mysteriously when the toddler got into things. We couldn't figure out where the orange had gone, until it occurred to me that I'd been smelling an odd citrusy-clove smell whenever I ran the garbage disposal in the sink. Oops.)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiGS9kB25elbRXej_ZEdDfT28AsQ_9m0YgKCVtALCZ9umlELsmNQDoaH5ZrLT1Bu9wKUH-erH0qW6ZeXX6_syK0Z-RZGZr-tOAQGyFV5GqcwgSbMImJ7qQDHCNbRUNAimU8BSGzOB41iLBq5GAw_dVzeQebzCgluHx_5Ar7mfoLRdDUlDGG_G0nsKbg/s512/Clove%20Oranges%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="384" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiGS9kB25elbRXej_ZEdDfT28AsQ_9m0YgKCVtALCZ9umlELsmNQDoaH5ZrLT1Bu9wKUH-erH0qW6ZeXX6_syK0Z-RZGZr-tOAQGyFV5GqcwgSbMImJ7qQDHCNbRUNAimU8BSGzOB41iLBq5GAw_dVzeQebzCgluHx_5Ar7mfoLRdDUlDGG_G0nsKbg/s320/Clove%20Oranges%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clove oranges, plus a spontaneous Christmas project by the 8yo. </td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>And now, onto this month's books!</p><p><b><i>Books Lately, February 2023</i></b></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Three-Men-Boat-Jerome-K/dp/1853260517/ref=sr_1_6?crid=Q44BBBO7R5U2&keywords=three+men+in+a+boat&qid=1678226796&sprefix=three+men+in+a+boa%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-6" target="_blank">Three Men in a Boat (Not to Mention the Dog)</a> (Jerome K. Jerome) – I can't believe I've gone this far in life and not read this little gem of a book. So sweet, and so hilariously funny. I highly recommend nabbing a copy.</p><p><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-harry-became-sally-ryan-anderson/1125792437" target="_blank">When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Movement</a> (Ryan Anderson) – From one reviewer, <i>"If you are at all concerned about this issue, and feel troubled and needs [sic] some clear insights and answers to your questions, this is the best place to start, and probably the only book you'll need to read."</i> Great book.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cheese-Trap-Breaking-Surprising-Addiction/dp/1455594687/ref=pd_ybh_a_sccl_1/138-6519577-4340128?pd_rd_w=cdHmr&content-id=amzn1.sym.67f8cf21-ade4-4299-b433-69e404eeecf1&pf_rd_p=67f8cf21-ade4-4299-b433-69e404eeecf1&pf_rd_r=TGMSNER24YX1877D5ZGQ&pd_rd_wg=bUV85&pd_rd_r=3a785c12-37ce-4a19-acfc-b275c997b4cd&pd_rd_i=1455594687&psc=1" target="_blank">The Cheese Trap: How Breaking a Surprising Addiction Will Help You Lose Weight, Gain Energy, and Get Healthy</a> (Neil D. Barnard, MD) - Years ago, I decided to quit dairy cold turkey. Two things surprised me: (1) some unexpected health benefits, such as weight loss and the complete disappearance of my monthly ovulation pain, and (2) even more surprising, the fact that during the first two weeks of getting completely off of dairy, I actually went through what can only be termed withdrawal. (It was weird.) Ever since, I've been fascinated by the topic of dairy. This book is very informative. A couple of issues:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Nutritionists in the U.S. can basically be divided into two camps - the low-fat vegetarian camp (fruit, vegetables, and grains are good; meat and fats are bad), and the paleo camp (vegetables, good fats, and meat are good; grains and sugars are bad). The author is clearly in the first camp, and that set of assumptions is present throughout the book.</li><li>That being the case, the title of the book is a bit misleading. What the title and cover *say* are "give up cheese!" but what the author actually means is "give up cheese, all dairy products, and all animal products like meat and eggs!" Again, a bit misleading.</li><li>Lastly, while I appreciate the section on the inhumane treatment of dairy cows, I don't think that that material is pertinent to the question of whether or not dairy is healthy for humans. Farming practices can be changed for the better. The issue at hand is not ethics or good/bad farming practices, but whether dairy as a food product is inherently good or bad for human health.</li><li>The author does not mention the A1 vs. A2 milk protein debate, which I found disappointing. (Perhaps, as the author is a vegan, he considers the "are some milk proteins better than others" question to be a moot point.)</li></ul><div>I should probably note that I'm not anti-dairy. I do think that what we modern humans have done to dairy has made it into a substance that causes health problems for many people. But if dairy is in its original state, I think it has amazing health benefits and is a valuable food source. I just don't think I'm ambitious enough to search out that kind of dairy (or pay for it!). However, this book is a good resource, and I'm planning to try some of the dairy-free cheese recipes. (Translation: Bring on the cashews!)</div><p></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Beloved-Story-Carmelite-Nun-ebook/dp/B07B41NNKC/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=my+beloved+story+of+a+carmelite&qid=1678226731&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">My Beloved: The Story of a Carmelite Nun</a> (Catherine Thomas) - I have always been interested in the phenomenon of monastic life. While my favorite autobiographical account of monastic life is and remains <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Storey-Mountain-Thomas-Merton/dp/0156010860" target="_blank">The Seven Storey Mountain</a> by Thomas Merton, this one is a close second. The book is an autobiographical account of a woman's youth, her decision, in the 1920s, to be come a nun, and her life as a nun into the 1950s, when the book was penned. It is a fascinating historical account, and a beautiful spiritual memoir as well. Highly recommended. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Current Read-Alouds for Children</i></b></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiM5Nag68r9AhUfHq0GHU54AAgYABAJGgJwdg&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESa-D2O7A6cN1C1CYVz9_JmNtN5bMk4Jeon2EKvOtfa8IcJBu9-nctYBrQK08-5OJccOnlBLab0_iOxn5siXTBnoefrVqEI6PT0uK4U6mq9buocp_kk1oBFC_9XPQ891PLhX8Xp2sKXnGaSody&sig=AOD64_3xDG_nu8VSZVVCD7UXc87DU9YmWA&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiBtcyg68r9AhUtMUQIHTbcDsMQ9aACKAB6BAgEEAw&adurl=">The Middle Moffat </a>(Eleanor Estes, book #2 of 4 in the Moffats series) - I love the Moffats series. So slow-paced, so gently funny, so real to everyday life and the experiences of childhood. Also, a great book for giving children (and adults!) insight into American life in the early 1900s - coal stoves, handmade clothing, horsedrawn conveyance (giving way to automobiles, alas). This series - and other books by Estes - are a joy.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Duchess-Bakes-Cake-Virginia-Kahl/dp/1930900147/ref=sr_1_1?crid=C7B689E4APC4&keywords=the+duchess+bakes+a+cake&qid=1678227794&sprefix=the+duchess+bakes+a+cak%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Duchess Bakes a Cake</a> (Virginia Kahl) - I ran across this picture book randomly, and loved it. Superbly funny, skillfully illustrated, and containing - what a change from most modern children's books! - really well-written poetic verse. I will definitely be looking out a copy for our own family library. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/KIRSTEN-AMERICAN-GIRL-books-Boxed/dp/B000EHJVG8/ref=sr_1_1?gclid=Cj0KCQiApKagBhC1ARIsAFc7Mc7Sso53ss262qxrQfA9V94-YQCGq-u-c2V_LOfA6llK8VKQTUnfWwgaAr-PEALw_wcB&hvadid=531859977265&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9029997&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=3951913425017103866&hvtargid=kwd-405042599422&hydadcr=22591_10356101&keywords=kirsten+american+girl+book+set&qid=1678397111&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0" target="_blank">American Girl: Kirsten</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Molly-American-Girl-Girls-Collection/dp/B0019QAF2W" target="_blank">American Girl: Molly</a> (American Girl) - I enjoyed these series very much as a child, and my 8yo is now loving them. I have heard that some American Girl series are awesome, and some are not - if any readers know which are which, I'd love to know more. Leave me a comment! </p><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFocYXYSsA6-IZa1dkHS-1m-iIYY9zwyul1hXnrIsHM1mWnrv7Rz-fS0g7RWh_XbRBCkGWOl0zH27KjYGWManiNPzMcQdsNvhh6GoPlkJNKYslXE3SCHr1jvBSdkyMVzHTpCyNwRpXhILhhaDgyxuoSCVJYkDy-K5zUFYQTJ_C2etlMrSly_-1p8RjA/s512/Christmas%20Wreath%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="384" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFocYXYSsA6-IZa1dkHS-1m-iIYY9zwyul1hXnrIsHM1mWnrv7Rz-fS0g7RWh_XbRBCkGWOl0zH27KjYGWManiNPzMcQdsNvhh6GoPlkJNKYslXE3SCHr1jvBSdkyMVzHTpCyNwRpXhILhhaDgyxuoSCVJYkDy-K5zUFYQTJ_C2etlMrSly_-1p8RjA/s320/Christmas%20Wreath%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Christmas wreath craft!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><b><i>And now, a few recipes (maybe more than a few)</i></b></p><p><a href="https://www.forgottenwayfarms.com/forgotten-way-farms-blog/my-grannys-cocoa-cream-pie" target="_blank">My Granny's Cocoa Cream Pie</a> - After our 8yo lost the notebook where I keep my husband's family recipes, I had to come up with an alternate chocolate pie recipe. This one was great! My changes were the following: (1) I scalded the milk before adding to the other ingredients - this massively speeds up the cooking process. To make this work, I liquified the other ingredients with a few tablespoons of water. You could also just use part of the milk before you heat the milk. (2) I folded a few tablespoons of butter (actually, butter-flavored coconut oil, but I digress) into the final pudding for extra richness. My husband's grandmother used a full half cup of butter - you can't beat southerners for butter! - but I can't bring myself to add quite that much. </p><p><a href="https://thestayathomechef.com/old-fashioned-non-alcoholic-eggnog/" target="_blank">Old Fashioned Egg Nog</a> - I used a half-teaspoon of cinnamon in place of the cinnamon sticks, and also reduced the sugar by one-third (and added a wee bit of stevia). I also followed one commenter's suggestion to reserve one cup and the cream to whip and then whisk in before serving, for extra body. The entire family loved it. </p><p><a href="https://acatholicmomslife.com/sausage-and-rice-casserole/" target="_blank">Sausage and Rice Casserole</a> - Easy! Healthy! Fast! Yum. I doubled this and put it in a 10x15 pan - perfect for a larger family - and served with steamed carrots. </p><p><a href="https://inspiredbycharm.com/out-of-this-world-corn-dip/" target="_blank">Corn Dip</a> - This is so incredibly good. The jalapenos are optional, and my copy of this recipe didn't have green onions, so those are also optional. Additionally, I could only find larger can sizes for the corn, so I slightly upped the mayo and sour cream to concentrate. Mmmmmm.<br /><br /><a href="https://takethemameal.com/blog/shoofly_pie.php" target="_blank">Shoofly Pie</a> - <a href="http://TakeThemaMeal.com">TakeThemaMeal.com</a> is my favorite meal sign-up program, and their recipes are awesome too. Sign up for their mailing list, and you'll get lots of great and helpful articles and recipes in your inbox. This recipe was one of them! It turned out well, and the family - surprisingly, for Shoofly Pie is an unusual taste! - loved it. </p><p><a href="https://www.noracooks.com/vegan-banana-pancakes/" target="_blank">Fluffy Vegan Banana Pancakes</a> - What do you do when egg prices sky-rocket? You look for vegan pancake recipes! And while I am not a vegan, or a proponent of veganism, I have noticed that vegan baking recipes are often as good - or better! - than regular recipes. This one was delightful. </p><p><a href="https://www.food.com/recipe/chiles-rellenos-casserole-cooking-light-533861" target="_blank">Chiles Rellenos Casserole</a> - This was a favorite from childhood, the recipe to which I lost about twenty years ago. Then, last week, it suddenly struck me - <i>"To the internet!"</i> Thankfully, the recipe is still out there in cyberspace, and it is now back in my repertoire. Because I don't usually keep ground turkey on hand, I used ground beef. I doubled the recipe and put it in a 10x15 pan. Mmmmm.</p><p><a href="https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a37286974/fruit-cake-recipe/" target="_blank">Pioneer Woman Fruit Cake</a> - My first fruitcake, and a roaring success it was. The family fought like rabid dogs over the crumbs. Because I don't care for a heavy taste of alcohol, I used a syrup with a hint of brandy (rather than straight brandy) for the moistener at the end. To quote from the review I left: <i>"I soaked my fruit in a mixture of half brandy and half apple cider, and for moistening the cooked fruitcake I made a rich syrup (2/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup water, made with water simmered with orange rind, for flavor) plus a tablespoon of brandy."</i> Next year I will make even more fruitcakes! Many more!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Pies This Month</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Week #1 - Chocolate<br />Week #2 - Shoofly<br />Week #3 - We blew it. Sick. No pie.<br />Week #4 - Still sick, still blowing it. No pie. </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p><b>That's all, folks! </b>I'll see you in April, and have a happy Lent until then! (And Happy St. Patrick's Day!)</p><p><br /></p>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-15054257205951709792023-02-05T12:00:00.012-07:002023-02-06T06:24:26.286-07:00Books Lately, January 2023<p> </p><p>What do you do when you love to write, and still, years later, don't have the time?</p><p>Good question. I'm still working on an answer.</p><p>And yes, I have read Jennifer Fulwiler's excellent book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Your-Blue-Flame-Guilt-Makes/dp/031034977X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UOUYAINIRZHM&keywords=your+blue+flame&qid=1675521086&sprefix=your+blue+flame%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Your Blue Flame</a>. I loved it.</p><p>But I still don't have time. </p><p>(I did try the whole "get up at 4:00 a.m. to write" thing. I lasted two days before I collapsed. Back to the drawing board.)</p><p>In the meantime, I did come up with the idea of posting my monthly reading log. I'll provide brief comments, and readers are welcome to chime in. I love to hear your thoughts.</p><p>A few ground rules:</p><p>(1) I will post books under the month in which I finish each book. Thus, if I started a book in 2017 and finished it in January 2023, under January 2023 it shall go.</p><p>(2) This is not a complete list. I will not be listing books that have to do with issues I feel are too personal to discuss publicly. Just an FYI, y'all.</p><p>(3) As always, discussion should stay at least relatively positive. Comments in the "You are an idiot, woman!" genre should generally remain unsaid. Also, know that books these days can be a mixed bag. My listing a book does not mean that I am giving a full thumbs-up to 100% of the book's content. Use discretion. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDogLt3SPtSFEpljE7gZ9KP7ui9mz9kFaAbnRNcZu6LSRr2P-svSG-ojUaSbPrlijUQXnqUCIU030H8cZ-rDOyf358yT8YnJDU1QtmSyyDQ7lfteLDcmNzVWQ2yuoOqa-SL_9YWcXbFkmVyjVb1xedx09SvLPUEF2qNgZLoUtU4WsPipxAWLpTmjHP0A/s512/New%20Year's%202023%20Double%20Rainbow%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="512" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDogLt3SPtSFEpljE7gZ9KP7ui9mz9kFaAbnRNcZu6LSRr2P-svSG-ojUaSbPrlijUQXnqUCIU030H8cZ-rDOyf358yT8YnJDU1QtmSyyDQ7lfteLDcmNzVWQ2yuoOqa-SL_9YWcXbFkmVyjVb1xedx09SvLPUEF2qNgZLoUtU4WsPipxAWLpTmjHP0A/s320/New%20Year's%202023%20Double%20Rainbow%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our New Year's 2023 started with a gorgeous double rainbow...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHNOC8sBOmsG244rN51se-jsXW4IB1n3Jj_hh4cduAd_hVll3jKpXeRXOeA-wWjNn64zoZEj2oIrpb5-FMDkvUuNnKjrH-QAclgeWRcCOha1OGb1u11Zk7ZzJgwTiJmUzGKnYQhCbF-XL8owLw8xzvm3_YJGqw3Oxfq5N7N9i84iIjX9e6S1meOc2Jw/s512/New%20Year's%202023%20Hailstorm%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="384" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHNOC8sBOmsG244rN51se-jsXW4IB1n3Jj_hh4cduAd_hVll3jKpXeRXOeA-wWjNn64zoZEj2oIrpb5-FMDkvUuNnKjrH-QAclgeWRcCOha1OGb1u11Zk7ZzJgwTiJmUzGKnYQhCbF-XL8owLw8xzvm3_YJGqw3Oxfq5N7N9i84iIjX9e6S1meOc2Jw/s320/New%20Year's%202023%20Hailstorm%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... followed thirty minutes later by our FIRST-EVER hailstorm here in the valley! (We've lived here for twenty years!) Our children were so excited! This reminds me that perhaps I should make time for a family update sometime... perhaps soon!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><b>And now, moving on to January 2023 books!</b></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/No-Apologies-Civilization-Depends-Strength/dp/1684512344/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=no+apologies&qid=1675521191&sr=8-1" target="_blank">No Apologies: Why Civilization Depends Upon the Strength of Men</a> (Anthony Esolen) - Before you read one more word of this post, go to your local library or bookstore and pick up this book. Right now. Before you do anything else. (I'm waiting, y'all.)</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Goodbye-Things-New-Japanese-Minimalism/dp/0393609030/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IDBG6EHSCZYA&keywords=goodbye%2C+things&qid=1675521213&sprefix=goodbye%2C+things%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism</a> (Fumio Sasaki) - Guess how long it took this chap to pack his apartment, drive his stuff to his new place, and unpack? (Drumroll....) Ninety minutes! Wow! The book is, obviously, extreme, but there are great minimalist lessons here. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Places-Memoir-Illness-Discovery/dp/0593237366/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+deep+places&qid=1675521229&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Deep Places: A Memoir of Illness and Discovery</a> (Ross Douthat) - I picked up this book because I have greatly enjoyed Ross Douthat's previous works, such as <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Religion-Became-Nation-Heretics/dp/143917833X" target="_blank">Bad Religion: How We Became a Nation of Heretics</a>. I had no idea that this most current work was about Lyme disease. But now I know a lot about Lyme disease, and so will you after you read this book! (And I will never, never, ever go anywhere NEAR tick country. Ever.) Downsides include various dives into U.S. politics and Covid politics, but aside from those, the book is a gem - especially for anyone wanting to gain or share knowledge about life with chronic illness (Lyme disease or other).</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Elimination-Hurry-Emotionally-Spiritually/dp/0525653090/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TYYFSV25H3QJ&keywords=the+ruthless+elimination+of+hurry&qid=1675521534&sprefix=the+ruthless%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World</a> (John Comer) - Written by a Protestant pastor. So good. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hitchhikers-Guide-Galaxy-Douglas-Adams/dp/0345418913/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AOSENTVI1GGK&keywords=hitchhikers+guide+to+the+galaxy+book&qid=1675521563&sprefix=hitchhiker%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy</a> - Re-reading this for the first time since high school. It's pretty good. If you love funny writing in this style, try P. G. Wodehouse. (Spoiler alert: Wodehouse is better. But this book is pretty funny too.)</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Just-Show-Up-Suffering-Together/dp/1434709531/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2SP7YO3T7BB3Q&keywords=just+show+up&qid=1675521782&sprefix=just+show+up%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Just Show Up: The Dance of Walking Through Suffering Together</a> (Kara Tippetts and Jill Lynn Buteyn) – Written by a woman dying of cancer, and a friend who accompanied her on that journey. Good stuff. I hope that a later edition of the book will distill the main points into an appendix so that each reader doesn't have to go through the book making notes. One of my favorite parts was the bit about being gentle on oneself regarding one's hospitality style. Like the author (Jill), I am a "give me two weeks' notice" kind of woman when it comes to hospitality. Her encouragement to work with our styles rather than fret over our deficiencies was wonderful. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lazy-Genius-Kitchen-Enjoy-Before/dp/0525653945/ref=pd_ybh_a_sccl_2/138-6519577-4340128?pd_rd_w=vO2YX&content-id=amzn1.sym.67f8cf21-ade4-4299-b433-69e404eeecf1&pf_rd_p=67f8cf21-ade4-4299-b433-69e404eeecf1&pf_rd_r=3ENM714VNPPDADD13SAM&pd_rd_wg=S7WSv&pd_rd_r=ba35ccd8-21d2-406e-85cf-38973e31277a&pd_rd_i=0525653945&psc=1" target="_blank">Lazy Genius Kitchen: Have What You Need, Use What You Have, and Enjoy It Like Never Before</a> (Kendra Adachi) – I will quote from my Amazon review: <i>"The content is amazing, the writing is skillful, interesting, and funny, and the layout is super-practical and helpful. Additionally, as a side note, the book is aesthetically delightful - the paper, the fonts, the colors, the binding, the artwork, are all done to perfection. It is a literary, culinary, and aesthetic joy." </i>I am now off to read the original book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525653910?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_thcv_0&storeType=ebooks" target="_blank">"The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn't, and Get Stuff Done."</a></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Perfectly-Imperfect-Home-Decorate-Live/dp/0307720136/ref=sr_1_1?crid=J2Y1YU3426AW&keywords=the+perfectly+imperfect+home&qid=1675522489&sprefix=the+perfectly+imperfect+home%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Perfectly Imperfect Home: How to Decorate and Live Well</a> (Deborah Needleman) - Lovely thoughts, lovely pictures. However, you still have to have some basic talent to work with. (I'm missing that part.) But I did pick up some good hints! (Such as, "Every room should have one antique." Okay, I can do that. Maybe.)</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Current Read-Alouds for Children</b></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bobbsey-Twins-Complete-Set-1-12/dp/0448446189/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZVB3DCYPL9IP&keywords=the+bobbsey+twins+books+set&qid=1675524269&sprefix=the+bobbsey%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Bobbsey Twins of Lakeport</a> (Laura Lee Hope) - I loved this series as a child, and my husband is now reading these to our children. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lighthouse-Mystery-Boxcar-Children-Mysteries/dp/0807545465/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29MR3RRTIMSYL&keywords=boxcar+children+lighthouse&qid=1675524356&sprefix=boxcar+children+lighthouse%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Lighthouse Mystery</a> (Boxcar Mystery series by Gertrude Chandler Warner) - Another much-loved childhood series. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bear-Called-Paddington-Michael-Bond/dp/0062312189/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CQCM8IGQQIBU&keywords=a+bear+called+paddington+book&qid=1675524325&sprefix=a+bear%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1" target="_blank">A Bear Called Paddington</a> (Michael Bond) - We love Paddington! My husband plays an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Uil5vi0cq0" target="_blank">online audio version</a> for the boys at night. (We have all memorized the theme music.)<br /><br /></p><div><br /></div><div><b>Bonus! A few awesome new recipes from this month...</b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/5-minute-caramel-corn/comment-page-6/?unapproved=555522&moderation-hash=63f3e075a5a6af974da305c71d1a0f23#comment-555522" target="_blank">Caramel Popcorn </a>- This is the kind of recipe that makes people act like ravaging beasts. Seriously.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://acatholicmomslife.com/crockpot-mississippi-roast/#" target="_blank">Crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast</a> - The best recipes are (1) healthy, (2) delicious, (3) fast. Usually, you can only net two points out of three for a given recipe. This is one of those recipes that garners all three points, and it is utterly amazing. Next time I will add baby carrots to the crockpot. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://healthyrecipesblogs.com/almond-flour-chocolate-cake/" target="_blank">Almond Flour Chocolate Cake</a> - Gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free. So good that no one knew it was healthy, and they still gobbled it up - and it was delicious. Only downside... it still has sugar in the form of honey, so not okay for people doing keto or low-carb. However, I have found that - goodness gracious! - there is a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9PZTJ96?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder-t1_ypp_rep_k0_1_10&amp=&crid=1426KTGNXA5Q1&amp=&sprefix=keto+honey" target="_blank">keto honey substitute</a> out there! I bought some and am going to make the cake again for my dad. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Upon thinking about it for a few days...</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I realize that I am actually using my "blue flame" - but only in the ways that directly bless my family, rather than personal ways (like writing). Specifically, I have been working on finding homemaking tasks, especially cooking-related, that speak to my deepest loves. One way that I am expanding my personal joys this year is in the baking of pies. I adore pie-making... but I never make them. This year, however, my husband and I have combined forces to make two never-happening things - pies, and family devotions - happen at last. Every Saturday, I make a pie. And we have a family devotion. The pie happens <u>after</u> the family devotion, and not otherwise. Motivation, y'all. In January, our pies were...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pumpkin</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Apple</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pecan</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lemon Icebox</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's see if I can keep this one up!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another homemaking love that I have pursued of late has been - drumroll, please! - <b>fruitcake</b>. Yes, seriously. I adore fruitcake, and have been *meaning* to make one for, um, decades now. This year, I finally made it happen. <a href="https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a37286974/fruit-cake-recipe/" target="_blank">Oh, so delicious</a>. Other cooking projects on the horizon are pierogi and pasties. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great month, everyone! I hope to check in again in March! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-59465559010991065452022-07-24T18:25:00.001-07:002022-07-24T18:25:30.949-07:00Welcome, new baby! (As in, a year ago. I'm running late with this birth story.)<p> </p><p>I'm usually later than I ought to be with writing up our birth stories, but as baby is now comfortably past his first birthday, I may be pushing it a bit. </p><p>But hey, that's life with six children. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHntQJ1DbY5yvoeEGPH4PLgFtwcubsjxIrX4cbGm5xh5g99JyBaNJpUlSTNcitunEbQWbAsDwwORwNdoXMA5R7s4tQgkHIQi1O5bo5frd7qxW0_0fC08oSZCU31PA7kki6SAaWt6UcKvnr1NOKWRw4XQr_1KsIh9vFcq_Q0GTVJPVhgLQptEWpt8mgiQ/s4032/2022-03-05%2019.41.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHntQJ1DbY5yvoeEGPH4PLgFtwcubsjxIrX4cbGm5xh5g99JyBaNJpUlSTNcitunEbQWbAsDwwORwNdoXMA5R7s4tQgkHIQi1O5bo5frd7qxW0_0fC08oSZCU31PA7kki6SAaWt6UcKvnr1NOKWRw4XQr_1KsIh9vFcq_Q0GTVJPVhgLQptEWpt8mgiQ/s320/2022-03-05%2019.41.58.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby nowadays.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Every birth brings new experiences. This birth was <i>the labor with no warning.</i> Normally, I know very well when labor is imminent. False labor, an upset stomach, etc. There's always something. </p><p>Not this time.</p><p>During our 39 week visit, being puzzled by this total lack of pre-labor symptoms, I asked our midwives if births ever occurred without warning beforehand. They emphatically said <i>yes.</i> One of our midwives said that it's totally possible to have zero pre-labor symptoms and then be holding a baby five hours later - which is exactly what happened. (As in, to the minute.)</p><p>At <b>5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 10th</b>, I saw my wonderful chiropractor for a prenatal adjustment. She said that she didn't see any indicators that I was close to labor (which she is commonly able to feel during adjustments) , but hoped that the work she did would be able to move us closer to labor. </p><p>That evening, my mom (who was staying with us) asked, with a bit of impatience, if I shouldn't be out walking in order to get labor started. I replied with a grumpily emphatic, "Are you crazy? NO!" - never having liked labor enough to actually encourage it. </p><p>But...</p><p>At <b>12:05 a.m. </b>that night, I awoke suddenly with a strong, no-nonsense contraction. No graceful intimations, no slowly-building-up sort of thing. Just awake, incredibly uncomfortable, and wondering what on earth was going on. </p><p>For the next three hours, I waffled uncomfortably about the bedroom, alternating between sitting on the toilet (uncomfortable!), walking around (uncomfortable!), or lying down (uncomfortable!) - thoroughly exhausted and sleepy the whole time, and wondering bitterly why my body couldn't kindly <i>knock it off</i> and let me get some sleep and then labor - if we had to - at a more sane and civilized hour, say, 10:00 a.m. or so, after coffee and a leisurely breakfast. </p><p>And, of course, I did my utmost to stay firmly in a state of denial that this could be the real thing. ("Maybe I'm not in labor! Maybe this is false labor! Yes, definitely false labor!")</p><p>Apparently, my body wasn't listening to me.(Shucks.)</p><p>At <b>3:00 a.m.</b>, my water broke. This broke through most of the last few layers of denial . I didn't quite let go of my dream of labor STOPPING FOR A WHILE and letting me SLEEP, but I also knew that with my water broken, I was - if I didn't go and wake my husband - now running a risk of being stuck by myself in a back room giving birth to a baby by myself. (You know, like <a href="http://whiningpuker.blogspot.com/2014/11/welcome-baby-number-five-birth-story.html">what happened with baby #4</a>.)</p><p>That being the case, I sighed and gave in to the inevitable. </p><p>I first borrowed my husband's phone and fooled around with it for a while until I figured out how to send a text, and then texted my midwife to let her know that my water had broken, but that we didn't need anyone yet. (Why do I always say this? Why?)</p><p>I then woke up my husband and told him that we <i>might</i> be in labor. (Or might not. In which case, we could stop this whole thing and I could go back to sleep. Did I mention that I don't do well being woken up for middle-of-the-night labor?) </p><p>He watched me labor through two contractions, and then heaved his usual why-is-my-wife-so-dense-during-labor sigh, and told me that the midwives needed to come over. Right away. </p><p>We texted the midwives around <b>3:30 a.m.</b>, and the three of them (one midwife, one senior student, one junior student) arrived between <b>4:00 and 4:30 a.m</b>. Our midwife - who has attended two of our other births and is a dear friend - arrived first. She asked me how I was feeling, and I said, "Crummy!" We both chuckled. </p><p>As during our last labor, I found that I wanted to labor alone. So I set up a bath, the midwives turned off the lights, and they and my husband camped out in our bedroom while I labored in the tub. I can't say that it was wonderful - we are, after all, talking about <i>childbirth</i> - but it was a wonderfully supportive and positive environment. One of the midwives would come in every few minutes to check on baby and me, and then quietly slip out again. (Midwives are wonderful. Especially ours. I hope you, dear reader, have experienced as much love and support from your birth teams as I have from mine.)</p><p>At <b>5:00 a.m.</b>, pushing contractions hit, and baby was out in two or three contractions. (Translation: I pushed for something slightly short of eternity, which the rest of the world somehow experienced as a couple of minutes. Strange, that.) I remember having the disjointed feeling that pushing contractions felt somehow <i>off</i> - as in, not the sequence of sensations that I quite remembered from our other babies, and in having to push longer and harder. I may or may not be correct in that observation. However, I did tear during the birth, something that hasn't happened since a minor tear during my labor with our first. (It healed well, with no complications.)</p><p>Aside from that, baby was fine, healthy, and weighed in at 9 pounds, 2 ounces - our second-biggest baby. We named him after a beloved family friend who died of cancer about a month before baby began his life, and our little guy is a joyful reminder of that friend. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3agVGQwL4mXGhWif0HMgsSjSBCHukmDI9PNkQ27Z2vPzzSIJSl-BnCOxB_x96PqCunv_OR2SEv1uUQhaT88yXEy_XzkzoIBSh0JE-LY3HgDcQrbatrkzdZZi3RUNfU6EAA3X1z49mF1_ULamXS6BWlDr3VqBk-wkNPtzlZb69nwSRRTzvjlNPo6vkpQ/s2016/Dale%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3agVGQwL4mXGhWif0HMgsSjSBCHukmDI9PNkQ27Z2vPzzSIJSl-BnCOxB_x96PqCunv_OR2SEv1uUQhaT88yXEy_XzkzoIBSh0JE-LY3HgDcQrbatrkzdZZi3RUNfU6EAA3X1z49mF1_ULamXS6BWlDr3VqBk-wkNPtzlZb69nwSRRTzvjlNPo6vkpQ/s320/Dale%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1giB27J8DsuP86UqDmnvajs36xRsZ-IlVYlmM_FEQYMph5uDWvXqh-isGMYhD1KgvWUpJ5OnWrZy1ed1oFY5K06NJWCsZq1jGLfqqfTo6e2PKdhXyUk3s0DH4yeti4x_96eCAcKif0WOg3UcIIVy-MNi3rq3cLL77wqk6ppdKavvfL6pMI0OnOtOPw/s2016/Dale%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1giB27J8DsuP86UqDmnvajs36xRsZ-IlVYlmM_FEQYMph5uDWvXqh-isGMYhD1KgvWUpJ5OnWrZy1ed1oFY5K06NJWCsZq1jGLfqqfTo6e2PKdhXyUk3s0DH4yeti4x_96eCAcKif0WOg3UcIIVy-MNi3rq3cLL77wqk6ppdKavvfL6pMI0OnOtOPw/s320/Dale%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlJSUlX5KcPT5Kh6E-yrd019VmDrVG9dxGmWrK7JHr9_1ZK_UvZbeIbmDEMoj0jsR_proZDAbbFfBl-C0U1S7VzvEACdAvetuGmNW9hFYdUL4EChQotb32w8Q96XN1W0tN7K70ojn8eFUChNaePXUyJywjAMn2zIxrSZ8kxjYD0VdzmKHirePH-dVWg/s2016/Dale%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlJSUlX5KcPT5Kh6E-yrd019VmDrVG9dxGmWrK7JHr9_1ZK_UvZbeIbmDEMoj0jsR_proZDAbbFfBl-C0U1S7VzvEACdAvetuGmNW9hFYdUL4EChQotb32w8Q96XN1W0tN7K70ojn8eFUChNaePXUyJywjAMn2zIxrSZ8kxjYD0VdzmKHirePH-dVWg/s320/Dale%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3qQqQZJBM01MCFNSugF6fUfylPi-yTs1HAXlTnfntuOvEpZ5AA82V93nRDHZfcvtxBMB-o6gATfsKji-e3g-OeCfNJ6sc4KviiqfiVwZH0IkXIHpgPguCBkoODDY3mMW41Nyc1CQh-UIREnJ7_h6vUhHYOO3oQnbbtzzbaHyAagFuM0DlUhZwxiR-w/s2016/Giles%20with%20Dale%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3qQqQZJBM01MCFNSugF6fUfylPi-yTs1HAXlTnfntuOvEpZ5AA82V93nRDHZfcvtxBMB-o6gATfsKji-e3g-OeCfNJ6sc4KviiqfiVwZH0IkXIHpgPguCBkoODDY3mMW41Nyc1CQh-UIREnJ7_h6vUhHYOO3oQnbbtzzbaHyAagFuM0DlUhZwxiR-w/s320/Giles%20with%20Dale%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-Tfoec8BofO5k1tAiF4yuduzOI3Fa8gv7XcfLoNpLz1Au462sRvx9MGzhq8XIdsrceGl3KSV6iBSgkE7F4K6E3tteUaJBQfStg4xnxcuMSoMBGvu1zJHbtyj3odI46MW_EIs-oN0NKaDB0H512FrD3Aev5etrTAkzi2GxgpnugkQGlada_t8D8hvIg/s2016/Greta%20with%20Dale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-Tfoec8BofO5k1tAiF4yuduzOI3Fa8gv7XcfLoNpLz1Au462sRvx9MGzhq8XIdsrceGl3KSV6iBSgkE7F4K6E3tteUaJBQfStg4xnxcuMSoMBGvu1zJHbtyj3odI46MW_EIs-oN0NKaDB0H512FrD3Aev5etrTAkzi2GxgpnugkQGlada_t8D8hvIg/s320/Greta%20with%20Dale.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><p>We had managed to conduct our labor so quietly that the rest of the household - five children and my parents - had slept through the entire thing. The midwives were heading out as the household awoke, so the children and my parents quite literally woke up to find me sitting up in bed and holding our newest. In hindsight, it was a nice change from the never-ending questions and interactions that a troupe of young children can bring to labor, so I was - in the end - quite happy that our labor happened during the wee hours, despite my endless whining. (God knew what he was doing. Fancy that.) </p><p>I believe that all of the work I did before labor to prepare for labor and birth really, really helped. I can feel the difference, both mentally and physically, when I put in the work to prepare. You can see my list of pre-birth preparation tips <a href="https://whiningpuker.blogspot.com/2021/09/tips-on-preparing-for-labor-and-birth.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKASIDrQHvub4KKrpH0AvPfK9JtuUlNfxhfUTVfnt-MD8004xv9z-JPSIsKEN-jUuEUAtyD0kVRWVzPp7hjUwnK1ku67-sGB-v5BEa6vNVPqmRF1VO_13CKpWhvIi7XVirCHZKxtKYQta_sqR3AT6N1N0Ll3kaGpovhq3QtkQkxhKsLnUFaDuh4brCLw/s2016/Ollie%20with%20Dale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKASIDrQHvub4KKrpH0AvPfK9JtuUlNfxhfUTVfnt-MD8004xv9z-JPSIsKEN-jUuEUAtyD0kVRWVzPp7hjUwnK1ku67-sGB-v5BEa6vNVPqmRF1VO_13CKpWhvIi7XVirCHZKxtKYQta_sqR3AT6N1N0Ll3kaGpovhq3QtkQkxhKsLnUFaDuh4brCLw/s320/Ollie%20with%20Dale.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p> </p><p>Is baby #6 our last? </p><p>We do not know. I am now (at baby's first birthday) at age 41, so my fertile years are numbered. However, I have known women who had babies up until age 50, so we may or may not be at the end of our childbearing years. Either way, we are committed to accepting joyfully any children that God sends to us. We didn't start with this attitude, but we have embraced it for the past ten years, and it has been a blessing. </p><p>So time will tell. </p><p>My dear readers, I regret that I do not have the time to blog more regularly at present. I would like to check in more often, and perhaps I will be able to. (While stopping in to write this birth story, I did at least take the opportunity clean up my link lists, so that visitors can now have an updated list of resources and websites.) In the meantime, life with six children keeps me busy-busy-BUSY. But always feel free to teach out to me via email! I love to keep in touch with those of you who have the ability to do so! </p><p>I wish and pray for you all a wonderful rest of 2022!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29k56Z2PYT_Pw_qJHPGWhu59sq9WWpgH2qGOUcrLXCT0BVX7WCVD2P5mdMNEs6VyrnHwKTAY3hJRzLA42YgXELaevCKqonrALHqa_w_NQ_jr00GB_XFwXLu_8tKuudGe1B1iEoxugnTPs5Hb5YRZp1h1h2dK9P6pCijiotjiMp85N68FMgio4FtwBHg/s4032/2022-06-01%2017.34.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29k56Z2PYT_Pw_qJHPGWhu59sq9WWpgH2qGOUcrLXCT0BVX7WCVD2P5mdMNEs6VyrnHwKTAY3hJRzLA42YgXELaevCKqonrALHqa_w_NQ_jr00GB_XFwXLu_8tKuudGe1B1iEoxugnTPs5Hb5YRZp1h1h2dK9P6pCijiotjiMp85N68FMgio4FtwBHg/s320/2022-06-01%2017.34.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our latest family picture, though one child managed to escape the camera. In the background - our new home, after a completely sudden and unexpected mid-year move. This has been quite the year. Some day I'll tell y'all about it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-41821144585880364402021-09-21T20:52:00.001-07:002021-09-21T21:01:16.540-07:00Which Are the BEST Agatha Christie Novels?<div><br /></div><div>For my tenth birthday, my mom bought me my first two Agatha Christie novels. While the rest of my classmates celebrated the end of school for the year (I have a June birthday), I sat at my desk devouring "Death Among the Pigeons," and then, after school let out, "Murder is Easy."</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been a voracious Christie fan ever since. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have an almost-complete collection of Christie's works, and I read through it at least once or twice a year. I have read nearly every book of hers at least twenty times, and most, I would say, a minimum of fifty times. Some probably approach one to two hundred times. I also list Christie's autobiography, "An Autobiography" as one of the most influential books of my life. </div><div><br /></div>
I recently decided to list out my favorite Christie novels, and I wanted to share this list with you all! With the help of <a href="https://www.howtoread.me/agatha-christie-books-in-order/" target="_blank">this website</a>, I have listed them out by main sleuth. (Please remember that most Christie novels have two titles - one title in the UK and one in the U.S. I have listed only one title per book in the list below.) Here goes:<div><br /></div><div><div><i><b>Hercule Poirot:</b></i></div><div>The Murder of Roger Ackroyd</div><div>Murder on the Orient Express</div><div>Three Act Tragedy</div><div>Dumb Witness</div><div>Death on the Nile</div><div>Sad Cypress</div><div>Evil Under the Sun</div><div>Five Little Pigs</div><div>After the Funeral</div><div>Cat Among the Pigeons</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Miss Marple:</i></b></div><div>Sleeping Murder </div><div>A Murder Is Announced</div><div>4.50 from Paddington aka What Mrs McGillicuddy Saw.</div><div>The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Tommy & Tuppence:</b></i></div><div>N or M?</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Superintendent Battle:</b></i></div><div>The Secret of Chimneys</div><div>The Seven Dials Mystery </div><div>Murder Is Easy</div><div>Towards Zero</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Colonel Race:</b></i></div><div>Sparkling Cyanide</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Mystery Novels:</b></i></div><div>And Then There Were None</div><div>Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?</div><div>Crooked House</div><div>Destination Unknown</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Non-Fiction:</b></i></div><div>Come, Tell Me How You Live</div><div>An Autobiography</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Any Christie fans out there, I would <u>love</u> to compare notes. Which are your favorites? Which would you include (or not include) in your personal list of favorites, and why?</div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-37917243291745531102021-09-09T18:47:00.031-07:002021-09-10T12:08:27.495-07:00How I Prepare for Labor and Birth
<p> <br /><br />Right around week 20 of pregnancy, the realization hits:<br /><br /><i>Oh, no. It's coming.</i><br /><br />That something, of course, is childbirth. The thought of labor scares me, every time, and it's something that I have to deal with, every time.<br /><br />Thus, over the years I've compiled many techniques of childbirth preparation - and I wanted to share them with you! <br /><br />Let's get started.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>I. Preparation Itself</b></p><p>I have found it interesting that for me, <i>preparation is helpful in and of itself, regardless of whether it works</i>. It helps me to feel prepared, and to feel more confident and less fearful - and that is a better way to go into labor. </p><p><br /><br /><b>II. Childbirth Classes</b></p><p>I'm hugely in favor of childbirth classes, especially for first-time mamas. When I was pregnant for the first time, we made an unwise choice regarding childbirth education, and I paid for that mistake. If I were to make that choice again, I would choose a class that was...</p><p>(a) As long as possible: More classes mean more information and a better chance of retaining that information. Additionally, a longer-running class also helps in the formation of lasting friendships with classmates, which is a precious treasure when it happens.</p><p>(b) Balanced: Neither on the "here are the drugs we will give you" side nor on the "childbirth is like a dance with the rainbow unicorns" side.</p><p>(c) Information-heavy: Some classes tend to take an "ignorance is bliss" approach, but I prefer to have as much knowledge as possible. Personal preference. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>III. Birth Doulas</b></p><p>We have had a doula at four of our births, and they are a wonderful blessing. They fetch supplies, calm anxious papas (and mamas!), make helpful suggestions, and make the birth process much more pleasant. </p><p>I am now at a place where I no longer desire a doula for my births, but for our first four births, a doula's help was essential. At one birth I even had two doulas! They are a wonderful asset for birthing families. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>IV. Supplements & Super-foods</b><br /><br />I have found that nutrition is incredibly important for me - both in real foods and in supplements. I do my best to avoid sugar and processed foods, and we eat as organically as we can afford. <br /><br />I am listing below the supplements I take, along with links to the brands I use - but please know that there are many, many excellent brands out there. I provide mine only for the purpose of illustration. Ditto with the dosages, where mentioned - these are my best guesses, but goodness only knows what the ideal dosages are. Check with your midwife to find out! <br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.vitacost.com/pure-encapsulations-womens-nutrients-180-capsules" target="_blank">Multivitamin</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.vitacost.com/Images/Products/150/KAL/Kal-Magnesium-Glycinate-021245812098.jpg" target="_blank">Magnesium</a> (800 mg/day) - If attempting this dosage, build up to it gradually or you may experience stomach upset! A lower dosage of 400 mg is also workable. </p><p><a href="https://www.vitacost.com/Images/Products/150/Pure-Encapsulations/Pure-Encapsulations-B-Complex-Plus-766298004495.jpg" target="_blank">Vitamin B complex</a> - Only if my multivitamin doesn't have enough. Mine does, so I've skipped this one this time. </p><p><a href="https://www.vitacost.com/Images/Products/150/Vitacost/Vitacost-Vitamin-D-Drops-844197011759.jpg" target="_blank">Vitamin D</a> (10,000 IU/day)</p><p><a href="https://www.samsclub.com/p/memebers-mark-vitamin-c-1000mg-rosehips-citrus-bioflavonoids/prod24610213?xid=plp_product_2" target="_blank">Vitamin C</a> - This vitamin is so incredibly important that it's going to get its own section! See below! </p><p><a href="https://www.vitacost.com/Images/Products/150/Vitacost/Vitacost-Synergy-Liquid-Norwegian-Cod-Liver-Oil-Omega-3-EPA-DHA-Lemon-835003005000.jpg" target="_blank">DHA (fish oil)</a></p><p><a href="https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/e2bca3d2-95e5-4d37-8e96-98ee72bd4537.826bb04239a95aa789b81eb6292c8289.jpeg?odnHeight=150&odnWidth=150&odnBg=ffffff" target="_blank">Coconut Oil</a> - used in the diet, rather than taken as a supplement. I also eliminate all bad oils (soy, corn, canola, etc.) and use other healthy fats such as butter, olive oil, and avocado oil. </p><p><a href="https://www.vitacost.com/Images/Products/150/Solgar/Solgar-Desiccated-Liver-033984016613.jpg">Desiccated Liver Pills</a> - This is normally part of my protocol, but the site from which I buy this was out of stock for the whole last half of my pregnancy (and still is, I see). There are other sources out there, however, and another option is just to eat grass-fed liver, cooked or raw. </p><p><a href="https://www.vitacost.com/Images/Products/150/Natures-Way/Natures-Way-Alfalfa-033674101001.jpg" target="_blank">Alfalfa Pills</a> - These are to assist with raising vitamin K levels, which help with blood clotting and the prevention of postpartum bleeding - especially important since we do not use the infant vitamin K shot. Additionally, I eat a huge salad of dark leafy greens every day to ensure that my levels are as high as they can be (that is, as soon as pregnancy nausea lets up enough to let me!).</p><p>Dates (6 per day) - Dates have been shown to have <a href="https://www.mamanatural.com/dates-during-pregnancy/">incredible benefits for laboring mamas</a>. I start the six-per-day protocol as soon as the third trimester rolls around. </p><p><a href="https://www.vitacost.com/Images/Products/150/Bluebonnet-Nutrition/Bluebonnet-Nutrition-Liquid-Calcium-Magnesium-Citrate-Plus-Vitamin-D3-Natural-Strawberry-743715006928.jpg">Liquid Calcium-Magnesium</a> – I use this for the third trimester and the postpartum. Because these products are so pleasant to take, I use it as my "reward" for getting through the fish oil dosage! </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Frontier-Co-op-Organic-RaspberryLeaf-Sifted/dp/B001VNGO9G/ref=sr_1_5?crid=N2Q6J7ZA3R2L&dchild=1&keywords=frontier+red+raspberry+leaf+tea&qid=1629676563&sprefix=frontier+red+rasp%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-5" target="_blank">Red Raspberry Leaf</a> - This one is also going to get its own section too - see below!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>V. Vitamin C</b></p><p>In June, my mom gave me a fascinating article from the June edition of the Townsend Letter (a naturopathic medical journal) titled "Vitamin C Pioneer Frederick R. Keller, MD, An Historic Interview." Unfortunately I cannot link to the article or quote from it, as it is subscription-based and copyrighted, but you can buy the whole issue <a href="https://www.townsendletter.com/magazine/purchase-the-june-2021-issue-455opy/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>To summarize, however, the article discuses one doctor's use of vitamin C mega-dosing in his pregnant mama clients, and how so doing resulted in astronomically improved levels of infant health, maternal health, and ease, health, and speed of labor. (The benefits the doctor mentions include reduced labor pain, reduced labor time and easier births, reduced stretch marks, less hemorrhaging, fewer miscarriages, and stronger and healthier babies.)The specific dosage mentioned is 4g per day in the first trimester, 6g per day in the second trimester, and 10g per day in the third trimester. </p><p>I wanted very much to try this, and started immediately. Unfortunately, I read the article only 36 hours before we went into labor, so I don't think it did much, if any, good. (Though I was already taking 4g per day.) Should we be blessed with another baby, I will be using this protocol without fail. </p><p>Here is another mama using high vitamin C dosing for pregnancy and birth health:</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eZ2OTlj7lDo" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>VI. Red Raspberry Leaf</b></p><p>Red raspberry leaf is an herb used universally in pregnancy for a variety of uses - everything from morning sickness relief to promoting easy labor. (Read all about it <a href="https://deeprootsathome.com/red-raspberry-leaf-tea-danger-help/" target="_blank">here</a>.) I can't use it for morning sickness because I can't get near the stuff while pregnancy sickness rages, but I do drink it liberally during the third trimester (about a quart per day) and I use the "labor day" strength recipe when I can. (I didn't manage it this time, but I did last time). Here are directions!</p><blockquote><p>How to make a gallon of raspberry leaf (regular strength):</p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Use 3/4 – 1 cup of RL herb per gallon of boiling water.</p><p><span> </span><span> </span>Add 1 rounded tsp. of dried stevia leaves for sweetener (optional).</p><p><span> </span><span> </span>Pour it all into a gallon glass jar, cover it, and leave it overnight.</p><p><span> </span><span> </span>Strain it in the morning and drink it over several days.</p><p>Labor Day Tea Recipe</p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>1 1/2 cups of loose red raspberry leaf tea (or 24 tea bags! Yes, it’s a strong brew)</p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>4 cups of filtered water</p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Put 1 1/2 cups of loose RRL tea in a pot on the stove.</p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Add 4 cups of filtered water.</p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Let the tea come to a boil and then reduce heat. Simmer 20-30 minutes.</p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Add natural sweetener if so desired. Strain and sip throughout day.</p><div><br /></div></blockquote><p><b>VII. Exercises</b></p><p>Months of being bed-ridden with pregnancy nausea usually leave me a weak, shaky mess. I do both childbirth-prep exercises, and get-back-to-functionality exercises. </p><p>Get-back-to-functionality Exercises:</p><p>(a) Plies (squats)</p><p>(b) Relevee (rises)</p><p>(c) Other ballet exercises (whatever comes to mind)</p><p>(d) Front and back push-ups, done against a countertop to make them easier (rather than the real type against the ground!)</p><p>(d) Stretching (but not too much, because relaxin hormone makes it easy to self-injure during stretching)</p><p><br /></p><p>Childbirth-Prep Exercises</p><p>(a) Cat-backs (40 each) - Arching and then lowering the back while on hands and knees.</p><p>(b) Butterflies (16 each) - Sitting with heels pulled in, alternately lifting and lowering the knees while providing resistance with the hands.</p><p>(c) Squatting - That is, just sitting in a squat for as long as possible (at least a couple of minutes). This is hard (for Westerners like me!) but gets easier with time. </p><p>(d) Kegels (40 each) - These are supposed to be done by the hundreds every day, but as I loathe this exercise, I do 40 and call it a day. </p><p>(e) Walking - every evening that I can manage it. </p><p>(f) Sitting up straight or forward-leaning (rather than reclining or slouching) as often as possible. This is incredibly important in encouraging baby to stay in an anterior position rather than swinging back to posterior!</p><p>(g) The forward leaning inversion, seen at 5:00 in this video:</p><p><br /></p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fE78iHxnvjs" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p><br /></p><p>(This is a great channel - I recommend it!)</p><p><br /></p><p><b>VIII. Mental Preparation</b></p><p>When I spoke with our midwife about my recurring fear of birth, she advised me to work on mental preparation as well as physical preparation. This was extremely good advice. </p><p>(a) Affirmations - I usually steer clear of affirmations, because they simply are not my style. When I hear "I am visualizing how this birth is going to go" affirmations, the logical side of my brain immediately rebels. I instead like affirmations that direct my attitude, which I can control. Examples:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I cannot wait to go into labor.</li><li>I will welcome labor with joy and ecstasy.</li></ul><div>These didn't eliminate fear, but they did help.</div><p></p><p>(b) Bible Verse Memorization - I meditated on and memorized Bible verses that pertained to trusting the Lord, and also to having courage in adversity. There are hundreds of verses that you can use - here are mine:</p><blockquote><p>Joshua 1:9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” </p><p>Psalm 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”</p><p>Psalm 121 </p></blockquote><blockquote><p>I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.</p><p>He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.</p><p>Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.</p><p>The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.</p><p>The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.</p><p>The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.</p><p>The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.</p><p></p></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote><p>Isaiah 26:3-4: Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength"</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”</p><p><br /></p><p>Psalm 23</p><p>The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.</p><p>He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.</p><p>He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.</p><p>Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.</p><p>Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.</p><p>Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.</p><div><br /></div></blockquote><p><b>IX. Breathing</b></p><p>For my first four births, I did not have any prescribed method of breathing during contractions. This was not a good thing. Having a definitely breathing method during our last two births has been an <i>incredible</i> blessing, one of the most important coping mechanisms that I have found. </p><p>The method that I used can be summarized as follows:</p><p>(a) For early labor: In through the nose for a slow (silent) count of four, then out through the mouth for a slow (silent) count of six.</p><p>(b) When this stops being effective, move to the next level: Two quick breaths in through the mouth (using an "ee ee" sound) and two longer breaths out through the mouth (using an "hoo hoo" sound).</p><p>(c) For pushing: Either the "J breath" (see first video below) or the "balloon breath" (see second video below). I must be honest - though I practiced both of these pushing breaths, when it came to actual pushing, I didn't manage to use either. But I did remember one rule that I learned - that any type of breathing can be useful <i>as long as the exhale is longer than the inhale.</i> So even though I was using more of an "in-out-in-out" breath, it still did the job. </p><p>Check out these videos, both of which are very helpful!</p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eK9BrVX8RhM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p><br /></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z1xvYhCx7aI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p><br /></p><p><b>X. Preparing the Labor Space</b></p><p>(a) Preparing my labor room(s): I know where I will want to labor (my bedroom and/or bathroom), so I do my best to prepare my space to be as comfortable as possible. For me, this means keeping my labor space clean and decluttered, and keeping my bags of labor supplies at the ready. Other mamas want to stock up on things like candles and essential oils.</p><p>(b) Choose the lighting level: I, like many mums, prefer low light or actual darkness for laboring. </p><p>(c) Posting verses and affirmations: I posted my Bible verses on the side of the tub, and then completely forgot to look at them - however, it helped me to feel prepared in the days that led up to our birth! Again, anything that helps me to feel prepared is inherently empowering, even if I don't use it in the moment. And speaking of other things I forgot to use...</p><p>(c) Playlists: Many mums love to have a playlist of their favorite songs to listen to during labor. This time around, I put a vast amount of time into preparing a labor playlist. I found that, personally, I wanted songs that were slower-than-slow, which made things interesting (a lot of the slower-than-slow songs I picked were <i>still</i> too fast for my preference). And when I went into labor, I didn't want the songs at all - I just wanted silence. But again, many moms really love their playlists. Another option is purchasing <a href="https://www.hypnobabies-store.com/product-category/pregnancy-tracks/" target="_blank">Hypnobabies sound tracks</a>, which I used in one labor and loved.</p><p>Here is my labor playlist! You will see that my spiritual home is with sacred Renaissance polyphony. This list also includes <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3v9unphfi0" target="_blank">my favorite song of all time</a>. See my labor playlist <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiRS_U5p50OMNpvO_4BAPeKMg6PeUCrno" target="_blank">here!</a></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>XI. Remembering the Postpartum</b></p><p>(a) Afterpains prevention</p><p>I had insane afterpains with my first baby. After that, I wised up and got serious about afterpain prevention. The end result has been that my afterpains have gotten <u>better</u> with each birth, rather than worse (as is usually expected with repeat mamas). </p><p>Before pregnancy: I focus on micronutrient-dense foods, and good supplements (especially magnesium).</p><p>During pregnancy: I focus on micronutrient-dense foods (including dates!), and good supplements (including magnesium and a Calcium-Magnesium liquid supplement).</p><p>Immediately after birth: Ibuprofen (800 mg, repeated at six-hour intervals while needed), afterpains tincture (ask your midwife! - repeated as often as needed), a placenta smoothie (placenta, yogurt, orange juice, frozen berries - repeat daily), and continued use of the Ca-Mg liquid. </p><p>(b) Keeping up with diet and supplements</p><p>It's so important during the postpartum to eat good food (I do my best to accept all offers!), take my supplements, and keep a tall glass of water near me at all times. The postpartum is intense, both emotionally and physically, and it doesn't take much to turn my postpartum self into an emotional wreck. With that in mind....</p><p>(c) Guarding the postpartum space</p><p>Everything I have to say on this point can be found at <a href="https://theheavenlyhearth.com/2021/07/30/20-tips-to-help-you-prepare-for-the-newborn-season/" target="_blank">this wonderful post</a>. Enjoy!</p><p><br /></p><p>And there you have it! If any readers have any great tips for preparing for childbirth, please do share them in the comments - I'd love to hear them!</p><p><br /></p>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-76398828258489103642021-08-08T11:35:00.001-07:002021-08-08T11:35:41.409-07:00An Ode to Pregnancy Nausea<p> </p><p>Just kidding. If there's anything to which I will ever <i>not</i> write a laudatory poem, it is pregnancy nausea. <br /><br />Hello, everyone!<br /><br />It's been a while. As in, <i> how on earth do I log onto this website so that I can write a new post? Anyone? </i><br /><br />My life is crazy-crazy-busy right now, emphasis on the crazy. I don't even have time to shower or go online to buy new socks, let alone do anything crazy like write a blog post. <br /><br />But. <br /><br />I have a couple of posts that I've wanted to jot down before I completely forget the material. They will cover: (1) pregnancy nausea, this round, (2) how to prepare for childbirth, and (3) the birth story for our newest. <br /><br />So let's get going. <br /><br /><b>Pregnancy Nausea, This Round</b><br /><br />In early October, I found myself staring bemusedly at a positive pregnancy test. <i>What, really?</i> After so many years without a new baby in the house, I had wondered if our childbearing years were over. But nope, here we were again.<br /><br />I had made it all the way to a positive test with no nausea (unusual!), so my first thought was a tentative hopefulness. <i>Maybe it will be different this time. </i><br /><br />And for about a week, I was okay. The first feelings of queasiness hit the day after the test (so, 3w5d), and stayed manageable for almost a week. I was nauseated, but I could power through and keep going. <br /><br />Then, at about 4w4d, everything fell apart. I had to admit defeat. I started on the four doses per day Unisom protocol (which I should have started earlier, but had wanted to avoid if possible), but I was almost immediately in the mode of being in bed all day anyway, and having about six vomiting spells daily. (I know that's not a lot compared to you hardcore mamas, but I found it very discouraging.) In comparison, it was definitely worse than the last couple of pregnancies. <br /><br />The long-time reader may wonder why I didn't try keto again, as <a href="http://whiningpuker.blogspot.com/2014/12/avoiding-hyperemesis-gravidarum-with.html" target="_blank">I have used it successfully</a> in the past to mitigate pregnancy nausea. I can only answer that when one is done with keto, <i>one is done with keto.</i> I didn't even consider it. The fact that I am now dairy-free would also have been an impediment should I have tried it, as keto without massive amounts of dairy is difficult if not impossible. <br /><br />A couple of new experiences:<br /><br />- Waking up in the middle of the night to throw up. Again, I know a lot of you deal with this, but it was a new one for me.<br /><br />- Injuring my neck through forceful vomiting. Note to self: Make sure body is aligned symmetrically before throwing up!<br /><br />- Discovering that repeated forceful vomiting is a great way to clear up a problematic blocked tear duct in my eye that's been giving me trouble! Who would have known? (Unfortunately, the problem came back as soon as the vomiting frequency slowed down. Crumbs.)<br /><br />- Ordering Thanksgiving dinner through a prepared-meal service because I was too sick even to think about cooking. Conclusion: It's okay in an emergency, but I'd rather avoid it otherwise. <br /><br />I find it amusing how much of a dictator one's body is during times of strong pregnancy nausea. Thankfully, I was able to tolerate food throughout this pregnancy - and wow, my body was totally in control. I would find one food thing that worked, and my body would demand <i>that and only that</i> for the following week or two - until my stomach turned against it and moved on to the next thing. One's willpower is virtually powerless against the demands of the body! Some of my eat-it-for-two-weeks-straight foods included peanut butter banana protein smoothies, bean and rice burritos, and enormous sandwiches (which was when I gained most of my pregnancy weight!). <br /><br />Because I have spent so much of my life nauseated (about eight years, or one-fifth of my life), I have also spent a lot of time thinking about nausea. Have you ever noticed, for example, that nausea seems to center in several different parts of the body at once? To me, it centers simultaneously in the stomach, throat, and face. Also, I've noticed that nausea radiates outward to the extremities (such as down the arms and legs) in the same way that pain does. Fascinating, no? I'd love to hear your thoughts about the odd manifestations and behavior of nausea. <br /><br />For me, the lowest drop in nausea levels occurs in the early-twenties (say, weeks 21-25), before shooting back up again for the rest of the pregnancy. Once the baby was born, it took about a month to resolve fully. (This is much better than with our first-born, when my pregnancy nausea took between one and two years to fully resolve.)<br /><br />This time around I was on medication for much longer, threw up for much longer into the pregnancy, and had a tougher time all around. I'm not sure if that was because I'm older, or because I didn't do as much preparation as I ought to have done, or for some other reason. <br /><br />And there you have it!<br /><br />Readers, I'd love to hear about your adventures in pregnancy nausea over these past few years. Any success stories or tips to share? Please do!<br /><br />Coming up next, I'll be talking about preparing for labor, childbirth and the postpartum. Stay tuned. <br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-59400299741867334542019-09-18T11:31:00.001-07:002019-09-18T11:31:16.925-07:00Article: "Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum"<br />
A recently published article:<br />
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<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-019-0110-3.epdf?shared_access_token=p-XwVd4li8xlz4MaYBmWbNRgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0NgaRwceLB-Qcozak8U3NuZANBp7Pulu6DYwq17fFIOOswfBmarzBt5yKe_9ptNAZ2JIgfnPr0aNPoafteNywcEqJnFf0WiJB4cn1CYS1T-IQ%3D%3D&fbclid=IwAR176H9yeTJ3rki6paXhop3yNmDr5KvGM2BcO_VEp6Q3798rzkT1JZ-YHR0">"Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum"</a><br />
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Writing about this article, the <a href="http://www.hyperemesis.org/">HER Foundation</a> said:<br />
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"We have exciting news! The first comprehensive review of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) and HG in a major scientific journal has been published in Nature Disease Primers! A collaborative project with UCLA, USC, and the HER Foundation, the article describes the most current information on NVP and HG and important areas to focus on for future research."</blockquote>
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I have not yet read this article, being that I am still in the "no time for anything but housekeeping and homeschooling" stage of life. Perhaps some year. But in the meantime, I'm very excited to see serious scholarly attention being given to what is usually an otherwise neglected condition.<br />
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<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-88761239293634666492019-04-07T11:12:00.005-07:002019-04-08T06:11:57.467-07:002019-2020 Homeschool Curriculum Choices! (Plus a review of how 2018-2019 went!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While I am studiously <i>not blogging </i>at the moment (and it's hard, folks!), I realized recently that I needed to hop on briefly for a couple of purposes: to go over last year's homeschool year (and review a few curriculum choices!), to list our curriculum choices for the upcoming year, and to do a "life update" for our past year as a family.<br />
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However, not having the time (or presence of mind) to put together many posts, I have decided to lump them into one!<br />
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That being said, here is a very long (and probably very boring) blog post summarizing all of the above.<br />
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<b>Homeschooling: Reviewing 2018-2019, and Curriculum Choices for Next Year</b><br />
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<i>* In case anyone is confused, remember that I plan our school year to end in March and start in May, thus doing school over the worst of our Phoenix heat. That's why we're only a couple of weeks away from starting our 2019-2020 school year!</i><br />
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This year was an interesting one, because although it was our eighth year of homeschooling, it was our first with <u>more than one student</u>!<br />
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And wow, it's a challenge to manage more than one student - even though student number two was only doing kindergarten!<br />
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Thankfully it's a gradual process, and I know I'll learn more each year. Still, I take my hat off to those of you who homeschool many children at once. You are amazing.<br />
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Here's how things went (and what we're planning for next year):<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>FAMILY-WIDE LEARNING</b></span><br />
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<b><i>MORNING TIME</i></b><br />
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Our daily morning time includes the following:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Memorization of Bible verses, poetry, character trait definitions, and historical documents</li>
<li>Poetry reading</li>
<li>Literature reading</li>
<li>Character book reading</li>
<li>Bible reading</li>
<li>Sermon Sitting Time</li>
</ul>
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This year we began working through the Shakespeare memorization passages from <a href="http://www.howtoteachyourchildrenshakespeare.com/">How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare</a>. We are also (slowly!) working to memorize <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/horatius-bridge/">Horatius at the Bridge</a>. For Bible verses, I am using <a href="https://tbcpdx.org/curriculum/13_bible_memory_kjv.pdf">KJV Verses Everyone Should Know</a>, as well as whatever comes to mind. (For example, this year we memorized the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1%3A46-55&version=KJV">Magnificat</a> and part of the Christmas story from Luke.)<br />
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Poetry memorization continues to go well for us. Here are a few favorites from this year:<br />
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<ul>
<li>The Sandhill Crane (Mary Austin)</li>
<li>The Charge of the Light Brigade (Lord Alfred Tennyson)</li>
<li>The UFO (Bill Watterson)</li>
</ul>
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A great resource that I love for poetry selections is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harp-Laurel-Wreath-Dictation-Curriculum/dp/0898707161">The Harp and Laurel Wreath</a> - highly recommended!<br />
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A funny aside is that for almost all of my life, I have regarded poetry as a pointless, absurd waste of time. I simply despised it. And now that we're homeschooling and I've been immersed in it, I love it and read it to the children every day! Another blessing of the homeschooling journey has been discovering the wonders of good poetry.<br />
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For character trait memorization, we use the free resources at <a href="http://characterfirsteducation.com/c/curriculum.php">Character First Education</a>. Again, highly recommended! This year we got to "Patience" in the line-up (after three or four years of working through the list).<br />
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The newcomer to this year's morning time (and by "newcomer" I mean <i>in the last month</i>) is "Sermon Sitting Time." This is my new experiment.<br />
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Many years ago, when we encountered the work of Voddie Baucham, we immediately became convinced that we wanted to embrace the family-integrated model of church. However, church ever since has been something akin to torture as I struggle to appear composed while whispering furious instructions under my breath to various children. <i>"Sit down! Come over here NOW! Stop whispering! No, you don't need to use the bathroom four times in a row! Don't drop your drink... and your cheerios... and your book... and oh, boy, why am I bothering anyway."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>I haven't heard a sermon properly in years, though fellow parishioners have had ample opportunity to personally observe my parenting deficiencies.<br />
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Sermon Sitting Time is an idea based on <a href="https://nogreaterjoy.org/articles/sitting-practice/">an excellent article</a> that I read recently suggesting practicing "church sitting" at home with sermon recordings. We recently implemented this as part of our morning time (starting at just four minutes per day, working up to 12 minutes at present), and I believe that it is going to bear good fruit. Not as in "church tomorrow will be wonderful," but in the fact that we are bringing a lot of bad behaviors to the surface and dealing with them - but <i>while we're at home,</i> rather than dealing with the embarrassment factor of having squirrelly children misbehaving in public. And I hope and pray that in a few months, if we are faithful, we will have more peaceful (and less embarrassing) times at church.<br />
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(Note: This blog post was published several weeks after writing the above, and yes, we are seeing good - though gradual - results. Huzzah!)<br />
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<b><i>FINE ARTS</i></b><br />
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My fine arts goals for our family are to learn from the following categories, on an annual basis:<br />
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<ul>
<li>1-2 Shakespeare plays</li>
<li>1-2 other plays or musicals</li>
<li>2 classic films</li>
<li>1 ballet</li>
<li>1-2 pieces from "The Messiah" (at Christmastime)</li>
<li>1-2 pieces from "The Nutcracker" (at Christmastime)</li>
</ul>
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We did not achieve all of those goals this year, but we did reach some of them!<br />
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One thing that I discovered (and LOVED) was picture-book versions of Shakespeare plays. One was an incredible hit with our 12yo - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/William-Shakespeares-Midsummer-Nights-Dream/dp/0142501689/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=a+midsummer+night%27s+dream+picture+book&qid=1553466467&s=gateway&sr=8-1">William Shakespeare's a Midsummer Night's Dream</a> by Bruce Coville. Another big hit was <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Twelfth-Night-Bruce-Coville/dp/0803723180/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=twelfth+night+picture+book&qid=1553466520&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull">Twelfth Night</a>, also by Coville. Our children definitely learned the plots and characters from these plays, and enjoyed them greatly!<br />
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For help with Shakespeare, I highly recommend <a href="https://simplehomeschool.net/hooked-on-shakespeare/#comment-625693">this wonderful article </a>from Simple Homeschool. I need to get it out and re-read it myself!<br />
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Another big success - indeed, one of the highlights of our year - was our study of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance." <i>Oh, my goodness.</i> Why, oh why, did no one tell me how wonderful Gilbert and Sullivan material was? We have so enjoyed learning from this film.<br />
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We studied each musical number separately (via YouTube), and then were able to find the entire film free on YouTube:<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IGzv4vufN-k" width="560"></iframe>
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I have not yet made our fine arts selections for the coming year, but hope to do so soon. Any suggestions?<br />
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(*Also see the below section on "Music History" for another part of our fine arts homeschooling!)<br />
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<i><b>FIELD TRIPS</b></i><br />
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We do at least one official field trip per fortnight, with plenty of other field trips and outings sprinkled in with just the family. This is definitely a high point of homeschooling, and such a blessing for our family.<br />
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Here are a few from last year:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M52h2IZuVGp3sVBrl8x8OozSpZAHxhcq0oPfLSkKP-dyRY9h7S4bmu2yrX7srdabfJyf85xg0_lGHQorr9fVJH8dSl5MpMJmOj_2Q7FBZJV0weOFC2mwr6Xjh3qRJOMVUGR8TQVBklwu/s1600/2018-05-12+16.34.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M52h2IZuVGp3sVBrl8x8OozSpZAHxhcq0oPfLSkKP-dyRY9h7S4bmu2yrX7srdabfJyf85xg0_lGHQorr9fVJH8dSl5MpMJmOj_2Q7FBZJV0weOFC2mwr6Xjh3qRJOMVUGR8TQVBklwu/s320/2018-05-12+16.34.52.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a local lake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0-u2Vbkm4FP6lkd2gr3Ruk490q4VvPk5JHoutybvVHnppvdXHVrLtseJUZM6L_-Ij3OKHNaqelmSiZcdEmWD9Lq2FoHJKr-ygQ0K_q-YgyPhP37M3dx3wU4Cvnf1fv9bgh_ZFVBdN_R3/s1600/2018-07-22+13.23.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0-u2Vbkm4FP6lkd2gr3Ruk490q4VvPk5JHoutybvVHnppvdXHVrLtseJUZM6L_-Ij3OKHNaqelmSiZcdEmWD9Lq2FoHJKr-ygQ0K_q-YgyPhP37M3dx3wU4Cvnf1fv9bgh_ZFVBdN_R3/s320/2018-07-22+13.23.36.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the ball game!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqv4t8NC9eYYLkHy7l7tE1FLvGLezjZnTiuaKXOLaZsvmQXodpu2Z0CTqaZN2m8s5hUVgfm-wS32gV0BbgA_kXW7ScPuXj0ixNiNca_Sv1ihU69tgy7aHBJ493Y1Pg-Msi0wFPxQNTMTBt/s1600/Paulden+May+2018+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqv4t8NC9eYYLkHy7l7tE1FLvGLezjZnTiuaKXOLaZsvmQXodpu2Z0CTqaZN2m8s5hUVgfm-wS32gV0BbgA_kXW7ScPuXj0ixNiNca_Sv1ihU69tgy7aHBJ493Y1Pg-Msi0wFPxQNTMTBt/s320/Paulden+May+2018+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At two separate historical reenactment events:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Yi14k7yBl2Y2XV6kpbmx-ZNgSSgPvmjwa2sntAq1_8VjIGludlom8IG4m6PPuUhqy_LrHcHyEr7WJtWDn8_iaH_ezY8x-HDiUJ5Dtwz8lznkKXPaMkZhwQ-aGyiD7H4g00tDA6lk999d/s1600/2018-11-17+11.47.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Yi14k7yBl2Y2XV6kpbmx-ZNgSSgPvmjwa2sntAq1_8VjIGludlom8IG4m6PPuUhqy_LrHcHyEr7WJtWDn8_iaH_ezY8x-HDiUJ5Dtwz8lznkKXPaMkZhwQ-aGyiD7H4g00tDA6lk999d/s320/2018-11-17+11.47.54.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvz2XeEM_NJvGBjm5m-7poYo_AlfBksWfKAUw2lcb0MmHhAZBFMUyzS3oPOiJu-HvkWXvGD7k7dRCseDumOvXj910NeGqB0E5wK7d9oilM4kRkETJfCrosJGuXHm6lGo4uPAC9wjD_jHA/s1600/2019-02-08+11.00.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvz2XeEM_NJvGBjm5m-7poYo_AlfBksWfKAUw2lcb0MmHhAZBFMUyzS3oPOiJu-HvkWXvGD7k7dRCseDumOvXj910NeGqB0E5wK7d9oilM4kRkETJfCrosJGuXHm6lGo4uPAC9wjD_jHA/s320/2019-02-08+11.00.21.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcKGmm4ixf6J1NTUPqBg5FKANe3et5zpl39caoCiqTdicP8gYMQjOemg1GiIdpLTflFAviHiqeHI_INZUMs0dguj6E1A3KM7vtY_UbY_oSOkcEJG3sAbb47YrEzB6mTP3jV_AvYKQNcat/s1600/2018-12-31+20.01.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcKGmm4ixf6J1NTUPqBg5FKANe3et5zpl39caoCiqTdicP8gYMQjOemg1GiIdpLTflFAviHiqeHI_INZUMs0dguj6E1A3KM7vtY_UbY_oSOkcEJG3sAbb47YrEzB6mTP3jV_AvYKQNcat/s320/2018-12-31+20.01.14.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The circus!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">SEVENTH GRADE</span></b><br />
<br />
Yes! We have finished our last year of elementary school for our eldest, who is about to turn <i>thirteen, </i>and this spring will bring our first year of Junior High. Oh, my goodness - our first teenager in the house!<br />
<br />
(And even if we are never blessed with any more children, we will have at least one teen in the house from June of this year through February 2037. Here we go!)<br />
<br />
This was a good homeschool year for our son in sixth grade. He made some great strides, especially in writing, and we're very proud of him. It wasn't without challenges, but there were good things going on.<br />
<br />
Here is what happened this past year in sixth grade, and what we have planned for seventh - though please note that some of our plans are still in flux. (There are four weeks left before school starts, which leaves me time to completely revamp our plans at least three times. Don't laugh, I've done it before.)<br />
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<br />
<b><i>BIBLE AND THEOLOGY</i></b><br />
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
Bible is assigned as a daily reading and weekly verse memorization, plus church and family devotions. We also memorize passages together during family time.<br />
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I also plan to have our seventh grader begin to study Luther's larger catechism with a resource from <a href="https://www.cph.org/default.aspx">Concordia</a>, as well as the Ecumenical creeds (Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, Athanasian Creed).<br />
<br />
Side note: I continue to do my best to gradually work into practice of observing the liturgical year as a family. I think most of us who love the liturgical year rely more than we know on the church to help us with the celebration and observance of the church seasons. We currently attend a non-liturgical church, however, and so I am doing my best to bring the liturgical year home in whatever ways I can.<br />
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Here are a couple of resources for anyone interested:<br />
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<a href="http://around%20the%20year%20with%20the%20von%20trapp%20family/">Around the Year with the Von Trapp Family</a> by Maria Von Trapp<br />
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(also love her autobiographical <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Story-Trapp-Family-Singers-Augusta/dp/0397000189/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WI01MOL7OZTG&keywords=the+von+trapp+family+singers&qid=1554433231&s=books&sprefix=the+von+trapp%2Cstripbooks%2C189&sr=1-1">The Story of the Von Trapp Family Singers</a>)<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Time-Keep-Tasha-Tudor/dp/0689811624/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=tasha+tudor+books&qid=1554433135&s=books&sr=1-2">A Time to Keep: The Tasha Tudor Book of Holidays</a> by Tasha Tudor<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Oratory-Beginners-Guide-Praying/dp/1622821769/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+little+oratory&qid=1554433270&s=books&sr=1-1">The Little Oratory: A Beginner's Guide to Praying in the Home</a> by Leila Lawler<br />
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Some or most of the above resources are Catholic, but almost all of the material will be suitable for any liturgically minded family.<br />
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Pictured:<br />
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(1) Homemade lanterns for a Martinmas lantern walk,<br />
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(2) Shoes out for St. Nicholas' Day!,<br />
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(3) <a href="https://whiningpuker.blogspot.com/2017/11/all-natural-diet-of-worms-cake-recipe.html">"Diet of Worms" cake</a> for Reformation Day,<br />
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(4) Pretzel suckers for St. Patrick's Day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF2R_879SL_AQ3wXbaxoQUfNGGqWh_OZtBkyIiy0n8wmk4l4Sm8uX3uE8X8ouNttHxNWXQAQoUSAhSnlhrA85CQyeMmvjhiczcBzu81a-cJR1kjYwbRbegWOPIeFHv8ZBw8ZCA2e7xPEW/s1600/2018-11-08+17.59.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF2R_879SL_AQ3wXbaxoQUfNGGqWh_OZtBkyIiy0n8wmk4l4Sm8uX3uE8X8ouNttHxNWXQAQoUSAhSnlhrA85CQyeMmvjhiczcBzu81a-cJR1kjYwbRbegWOPIeFHv8ZBw8ZCA2e7xPEW/s320/2018-11-08+17.59.03.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDnooKTtR2UXAiVIXpLlJ0S0xC8svsyd9HsnmT5yBJudNL6nQApV_fSG480Bx77bSY44vbKqDYN_wTLjRltC6D9JvZLyg6jGDbWmn7S9p258VLiPJZybKZ79EqIU6TCYiCi9Mh3TYqoO8/s1600/2018-12-06+07.05.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDnooKTtR2UXAiVIXpLlJ0S0xC8svsyd9HsnmT5yBJudNL6nQApV_fSG480Bx77bSY44vbKqDYN_wTLjRltC6D9JvZLyg6jGDbWmn7S9p258VLiPJZybKZ79EqIU6TCYiCi9Mh3TYqoO8/s320/2018-12-06+07.05.02.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpc7cdEN0oMTC3RWTKaNYnMFgktMiGYmeO3tA_ajlxlG5Tq-AzaoPmW-HKKsvsA5-0eNJfkoFc4pcFWlUQ9tpgUTOH9TfYd4nUNdQDYAoGXheSIEpheQQlMCHSbiFde_FyVnCe8HuYtuk4/s1600/2018-10-31+18.56.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpc7cdEN0oMTC3RWTKaNYnMFgktMiGYmeO3tA_ajlxlG5Tq-AzaoPmW-HKKsvsA5-0eNJfkoFc4pcFWlUQ9tpgUTOH9TfYd4nUNdQDYAoGXheSIEpheQQlMCHSbiFde_FyVnCe8HuYtuk4/s320/2018-10-31+18.56.57.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCLl6OPWSz6D8Fghb4Y_cXtLtYJYGi7ze-q4KteRly95u7q85C1rHhATWxNRkhuDiFCh3FhERNVTXSbviP54oS7MMGhZBvmoPnx5pPMv05JMTjgHPnxGuv0CSYjUo316P2iD1jfwnsoM0/s1600/St.+Patrick%2527s+Day+Pretzel+Suckers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCLl6OPWSz6D8Fghb4Y_cXtLtYJYGi7ze-q4KteRly95u7q85C1rHhATWxNRkhuDiFCh3FhERNVTXSbviP54oS7MMGhZBvmoPnx5pPMv05JMTjgHPnxGuv0CSYjUo316P2iD1jfwnsoM0/s320/St.+Patrick%2527s+Day+Pretzel+Suckers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
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<i><b>MATH</b></i><br />
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We continued with <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/50">Christian Light Math 6</a>, and were very pleased with it. This coming year we will continue with <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/51">Christian Light Math 7</a>.<br />
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We plan to use Christian Light Math through eighth or ninth grade, after which we will probably switch to Teaching Textbooks.<br />
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<b><i>READING</i></b><br />
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We continued with <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/8">Christian Light Reading 6</a>, and again, were extremely pleased with it.<br />
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In case you're wondering, this is not a "how to read" curriculum, but is a reading comprehension and English language program. For example, we are currently learning about concepts like meter, onomatopeia, alliteration, simile, metaphor, fable, parable, and other literary devices.<br />
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This coming year we will continue with <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/9">Christian Light Reading 7</a>. Christian Light's Reading curriculum goes through grade eight, and we plan to continue with it till the end.<br />
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This coming year we will also finish up with the last bit of <a href="https://www.abeka.com/abekaonline/bookdescription.aspx?sbn=323276&childSbn=157147">Abeka's Read and Comprehend 6</a>. Unfortunately, this great series ends with sixth grade, so we will not be able to continue further with it. (*Sob*)<br />
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<b><i>LANGUAGE ARTS</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
This year we began the two-year project of catching our son up in language arts. We had originally started him one year behind, on purpose, as he was extremely slow in learning to write with any degree of fluency. Now that he was ready for it, we determined to do three years' work in two years, meaning that he will be caught up by the end of seventh grade. Thus, this year we completed <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/35">Christian Light Language Arts 5</a> and half of <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/36">Christian Light Language Arts 6</a>. This coming year he will complete year six and move into <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/37">Christian Light Language Arts 7</a>.<br />
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This curriculum goes all the way through high school, and we hope to use it all the way.<br />
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For <u>composition</u>, I am not using a formal curriculum, but am giving writing assignments that we correct together: two narrations per week for history, and 15 minutes per day of writing on a given topic.<br />
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I have often felt the pressure to pick an official writing curriculum, but my mind has revolted each time: <i>Good grief, not ANOTHER thing to do during our day!</i> Homeschooling mamas out there, do you have any input? Has anyone survived without an official composition program, or do you think it's truly necessary? And if you think it's necessary, do you have any low-stress composition curriculum to recommend? Tell me in the comments!<br />
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<b><i>SCIENCE</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
This year we used Bob Jones Press Science 6, and were very satisfied with it.<br />
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I am currently vacillating between <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/lifepac-science-grade-6-complete/9781580957656/pd/7241X#CBD-PD-Description">LifePac Science 7</a> and <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/grade-7-science-paces-1073-1084/pd/6652419?item_code=WW&event=CART">ACE Science 7</a>. Any opinions, dear readers? I would like science to be more of an independent subject for our son, and both of those are independent and workbook-based.<br />
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(Later comment: And the winner is... ACE Science 7. I will let you all know next year how we liked it!)<br />
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I also provide an (overwhelmingly enormous) number of library books, which both of our sons devour. This is one of the reasons that I don't have to focus on science as a family - if I provide the raw material, they eat it up on their own!<br />
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Science activities are commonly saved for vacations, when we cram in as many as humanly possible. Here are a few activities from the past year: (1) Dye migration with Skittles, (2) earthquake safety with spaghetti and marshmallows, (3) unicorn bubbles!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzoxQiq9lnHyJDJHpSbfDmeNKmHrkU59FJ9N8prP-5S6VLyXUhQV8T1JFwOFYs9_IfvBsam2PXuXFeXoj3rZnttIb-Knjq30c0YhgEESvSzF2ym49YqyLMlz4FpM8jPvcMlyblhsEiGu6/s1600/2018-05-07+19.08.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzoxQiq9lnHyJDJHpSbfDmeNKmHrkU59FJ9N8prP-5S6VLyXUhQV8T1JFwOFYs9_IfvBsam2PXuXFeXoj3rZnttIb-Knjq30c0YhgEESvSzF2ym49YqyLMlz4FpM8jPvcMlyblhsEiGu6/s320/2018-05-07+19.08.58.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYDXHkM91ah1ffSyhFjUcR0Gd6aNgU8_Al8UhOvot48zSdKzKIy89XJsT2ylYEz4rAsT-vHFRKHGL5e6BS4is8DdtC-23CjvIG7oQtLVgeYE9QDbuk2ntC_YGpn4JhXXh-LEhacDBAWE9/s1600/2018-03-30+17.17.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYDXHkM91ah1ffSyhFjUcR0Gd6aNgU8_Al8UhOvot48zSdKzKIy89XJsT2ylYEz4rAsT-vHFRKHGL5e6BS4is8DdtC-23CjvIG7oQtLVgeYE9QDbuk2ntC_YGpn4JhXXh-LEhacDBAWE9/s320/2018-03-30+17.17.25.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b><i>HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
This year we finished <a href="https://welltrainedmind.com/c/history-geography/story-of-the-world/volume-4-the-modern-age/">Story of the World Year 4 (Moderns)</a> and began <a href="https://welltrainedmind.com/c/history-geography/story-of-the-world/volume-1-ancient-times/">Story of the World Year 1 (Ancients)</a>.<br />
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Next year we hope to finish Year 1 and move into <a href="https://welltrainedmind.com/c/history-geography/story-of-the-world/volume-2-the-middle-ages-story-of-the-world/">Story of the World Year 2 (Medievals)</a>.<br />
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It has taken us more like six years than four to complete the full Story of the World cycle, which is fine with me. My goal is to work through it once with our eldest before moving him on to either a textbook-based high school course (like Notgrass) or a homemade literature-based high school history course. Not quite sure about that one yet. (Input? I want to hear it! Leave a comment!)<br />
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This year we have kept history fairly basic, due to complicating life circumstances (more on that later). We do reading, literature, map work, coloring pages, and narration - but not so many of the extra projects. (And no, I do not plan to mummify a chicken. Ever.)<br />
<br />
One supplemental resource that I'm enjoying is the timeline cards from Classical Conversations (<a href="https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/products/fs046">here is set 1 of 4</a>). I have our 12yo read two of these a day (simple, easy, quick) as a supplement to our ongoing history curriculum, and I think it's very beneficial. We also use and love Classical Conversations' Timeline Song (hear a portion of it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT2Z6dhUVr8">here</a>). Is there anything better than learning the history of the world in a ten minute song? (No, there is not!)<br />
<br />
We will continue to use a generic maps book as a supplement, possibly moving back into the better Modern Curriculum Press maps series.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>MUSIC HISTORY </i></b><br />
<br />
A subset under our history program deserves its own heading, because it is our favorite!<br />
<br />
We started "History Video Time" three years, and it has been such an incredible blessing to our family. And it's so simple: I simply get three YouTube videos - one hymn, one classical piece, one folk or cultural piece. I do my best to find videos of live performances, rather than those with just a picture background. We watch them every day, and I stretch the time a bit by adding a bit of a documentary, a how-to video, or a fun video from Backyard Scientist or other. (This gives me time to get some paperwork done, and possibly sneak in a quick piece of chocolate.)<br />
<br />
The end result is that we have a wonderful time of calming down before daily quiet time, the children are learning a massive amount of music, and we end each year with a beautiful playlist that we can put on to play whenever we want music.<br />
<br />
(Here is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiRS_U5p50OPtkJ3f-opIO2MAZbMUEIfu">our playlist from 2017-2018</a> and also <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiRS_U5p50OPqkaROWkWly3C1xgRmZkUr">our playlist from 2018-2019</a> - enjoy!)<br />
<br />
Learning history through music is such an added blessing.<br />
<br />
And if I may tentatively add in: Teaching good-quality historical church music at home is, for most American Christians, the only way that our children are going to hear learn good sacred music.<br />
<br />
Enough said.<br />
<br />
This is easily our favorite part of homeschooling!<br />
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<b><i>CLASSICAL STUDIES</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
This was our first year trying out classical studies, and I loved it! We are in the middle of Memoria Press's <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/famous-men-rome/">Famous Men of Rome</a>, as well as using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/DAulaires-Greek-Myths-Ingri-dAulaire/dp/0440406943">D'Aulaire's Greek Myths</a>. We will continue with both next year, moving on to <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/famous-men-middle-ages/">Famous Men of the Middle Ages</a> when we finish the first.<br />
<br />
I am also hoping to add <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/aeneid-boys-girls/">The Aeneid for Boys and Girls </a>(Alfred J. Church) from Memoria Press to our plan for this year.<br />
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<br />
<b><i>LATIN</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
We are close to completion with Memoria Press's <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/latin/latina-christiana-i/">Latina Christiana</a>, and will move into <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/latin/first-form-latin/">First Form Latin</a> after that.<br />
<br />
I highly recommend Memoria Press's Latin curriculum!<br />
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<br />
<b><i>FOREIGN LANGUAGE - SPANISH</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
We are tentatively using <a href="https://www.duolingo.com/">Duo Lingo</a> for Spanish at this point. (I am using it myself for Spanish and French - fun!)<br />
<br />
I am not sure if Duo Lingo can be used as a stand-alone foreign language curriculum or not. I'm guessing not, as it seems to be immersion-based rather than lesson-based. If anyone out there can give input into that, I would love to hear your thoughts!<br />
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<br />
<b><i>LOGIC</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
We will continue to use the <a href="https://www.criticalthinking.com/mind-benders.html">Mindbenders series</a>.<br />
<br />
We are also beginning with Memoria Press's <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/logic-and-rhetoric/traditional-logic-i/">Traditional Logic</a>, which is their first-year logic program. When we're going to have time for this one I don't know, but I was so eager to begin it that I bought it anyway. And in our crazy world, I think that training in logic is worth its weight in gold.<br />
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<b><i>LITERATURE</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
For the past several years, I have assigned 15 minutes per day of "history reading" (reading from a historical novel or non-fiction historical work) and 15 minutes per day of "fun reading" (reading quality literature that isn't particularly assigned to teach about a certain time period).<br />
<br />
(See Appendix B at the bottom of this post for a list of this year's books that our sixth grader read.)<br />
<br />
This year I plan to continue that. I also plan to add another 15 minute reading period, which will be for spiritual and/or practical books, as well as worldview, philosophy, and sociology.<br />
<br />
I use a multitude of booklists as a source: Ambleside Online, Sonlight, Memoria Press, Great Hearts Academies, and others.<br />
<br />
One of my big on-going project is working on a "family booklist" to compile into one list all of our homeschool's literature favorites. It's a big, overwhelming project that will take years to complete. Right now I am at 66 pages and am nowhere near even having a rough draft finished.<br />
<br />
This year I am going to be using the literature guides from Memoria Press, as well as their booklists for a starting point in our eldest's reading assignments. We will be starting with the <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/sixth-grade-literature/">sixth grade books</a> (because they're too good to miss!) and then moving into the <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/seventh-grade-literature/">seventh grade books</a> when finished, and so on.<br />
<br />
I am also going to be using the <a href="http://amblesideonline.org/Poets.shtml">poetry recommendations from Ambleside Online</a> as independent reading for our 12yo.<br />
<br />
We also use a variety of read-alouds for both family time and afternoon school - not as many as I'd like, but a fair number. I am always working for more read-aloud time! (See Appendix C at the bottom of this post for a list of our read-alouds for this year!)<br />
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<br />
<i><b>PIANO</b></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
We are almost to the end of our first year of formal piano lessons! Huzzah! Next year we plan to continue, using the <a href="https://www.alfred.com/piano/">Alfred series</a> (which I adore!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XMqJqpa52p8pT5ugLHjiNeZMJfc5e7kvwZXhFs24j05W61A2CLYCBsjhtmoP2shlPRButlxStDuzPR8h2hu8Zd2vND4EpLkEuE4KVUrO0vsdrnyLoCV22eJ-JBAEqnW8Mz6LY-dFdxue/s1600/2018-05-25+19.46.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XMqJqpa52p8pT5ugLHjiNeZMJfc5e7kvwZXhFs24j05W61A2CLYCBsjhtmoP2shlPRButlxStDuzPR8h2hu8Zd2vND4EpLkEuE4KVUrO0vsdrnyLoCV22eJ-JBAEqnW8Mz6LY-dFdxue/s320/2018-05-25+19.46.19.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<b><i>TECHNOLOGY</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
There is no need for any formal curriculum in this, as our son is a 100% techie who is voraciously consuming programming books by the dozens. He will be happily self-taught in this area!<br />
<br />
We will also be attending a several-times-a-month tech lab activity in our area, which the boys adore.<br />
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<b><i>ART AND ART HISTORY</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
I recently discovered a wonderful set of books, <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/art/come-look-with-me-series">"Come Look With Me."</a> Each book has a number of quality paintings made by various artists, with questions for discussion and a brief history of the painting and its author. Using the book we chose has been easy, fun, and quick. I plan to purchase two more of these books for the upcoming school year.<br />
<br />
We also use YouTube videos and Bob Ross videos for art instruction.<br />
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Pictured: (1) The 6yo following a Bob Ross video, (2) One of the 6yo's drawings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1sHFbD-SAp_CGQnZqJhbRsWWEfn4jnCVgw1-h8w__I152phIXwNZWsOSYPhv8SErC4SqexP1ixpBjS-_qJvHlYPU34CkneXzZ-IAORuN8ONREKk2KxsusNdc_fEHLrDJBR5lUiz34BEV/s1600/2018-12-29+18.01.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1sHFbD-SAp_CGQnZqJhbRsWWEfn4jnCVgw1-h8w__I152phIXwNZWsOSYPhv8SErC4SqexP1ixpBjS-_qJvHlYPU34CkneXzZ-IAORuN8ONREKk2KxsusNdc_fEHLrDJBR5lUiz34BEV/s320/2018-12-29+18.01.58.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtcx_hMlPYx_X2_0RA9yIZocmm1oLRmzBLXXzjEGpi5eA3rdCnH7RicZ2cmqI_KfXtms3rvHmCOU-U3pOXxvNe-4WtAPyBiIitYE4tLXKta0THUEKcHrmgmfyEvq0HsHltvlIqAc1e4g_/s1600/Caleb%2527s+12th+Birthday+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtcx_hMlPYx_X2_0RA9yIZocmm1oLRmzBLXXzjEGpi5eA3rdCnH7RicZ2cmqI_KfXtms3rvHmCOU-U3pOXxvNe-4WtAPyBiIitYE4tLXKta0THUEKcHrmgmfyEvq0HsHltvlIqAc1e4g_/s320/Caleb%2527s+12th+Birthday+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By the 6yo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
We also do various seasonal crafts and art activities. This is not a focal point for me, nor am I the least bit crafty. (My last crafting instinct was in 2009, when I bought an unfinished shelf to refinish. I put it in the garage, where it sat, tormenting my guilt-ridden conscience, until I finally put it in the Goodwill box years later.) But I do my best, and we do at least ten to fifteen arts/crafts projects per year.<br />
<br />
I find that breaks and vacations are good times for us to fit in arts and crafts projects, as well as science experiments and demonstrations. These things are hard to fit into normal school days, and they work well on vacations. I try to plan for one per day on breaks. (Doesn't happen that frequently, but that's how I plan!)<br />
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Pictured: (1) Thanksgiving turkeys, (2) Eric Carle-style paintings, (3) Martinmas lanterns, (4) Popsicle stick and clothes pin military planes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U2OwlrSqS5p36buow1I8NMkJSDFkiTu98YPdvv0kayr-S_RqtgB0N2_X20E3-WAFzhF1xqlRVhQ9O3AsfDEbY91_vxws8NISRq0uCZ-sipazfv-bReHjCL9i9ZjBYSYCLD1GWwXPS5lI/s1600/2018-11-29+15.38.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U2OwlrSqS5p36buow1I8NMkJSDFkiTu98YPdvv0kayr-S_RqtgB0N2_X20E3-WAFzhF1xqlRVhQ9O3AsfDEbY91_vxws8NISRq0uCZ-sipazfv-bReHjCL9i9ZjBYSYCLD1GWwXPS5lI/s320/2018-11-29+15.38.20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKcRlEmJf-RZ5XIsf2_ji26-y9yq4cd-UMVYqHLKILJ3YwhOTg30g_XBAo56b5faPx6fDkEPs2P49aDv1wH04-Tv3CUIXbUZfj8HicvYwJiJrirgphaYYMMFaKM0RrLBYK92djNZZ_Cw2/s1600/Photo+May+20%252C+5+33+30+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKcRlEmJf-RZ5XIsf2_ji26-y9yq4cd-UMVYqHLKILJ3YwhOTg30g_XBAo56b5faPx6fDkEPs2P49aDv1wH04-Tv3CUIXbUZfj8HicvYwJiJrirgphaYYMMFaKM0RrLBYK92djNZZ_Cw2/s320/Photo+May+20%252C+5+33+30+AM.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF2R_879SL_AQ3wXbaxoQUfNGGqWh_OZtBkyIiy0n8wmk4l4Sm8uX3uE8X8ouNttHxNWXQAQoUSAhSnlhrA85CQyeMmvjhiczcBzu81a-cJR1kjYwbRbegWOPIeFHv8ZBw8ZCA2e7xPEW/s1600/2018-11-08+17.59.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF2R_879SL_AQ3wXbaxoQUfNGGqWh_OZtBkyIiy0n8wmk4l4Sm8uX3uE8X8ouNttHxNWXQAQoUSAhSnlhrA85CQyeMmvjhiczcBzu81a-cJR1kjYwbRbegWOPIeFHv8ZBw8ZCA2e7xPEW/s320/2018-11-08+17.59.03.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b><i>CHARACTER</i></b><br />
<br />
This year I asked my husband to go through <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Created-Work-Practical-Insights-Young/dp/1883934117">Created for Work</a> with our son. (Highly recommended!) They are about halfway through, and will continue with it this coming year.<br />
<br />
When they finish with that, I will probably ask them to move into <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Boyhood-Beyond-Bob-Schultz/dp/1883934095">Boyhood and Beyond</a> (by the same author) or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Money-Matters-Workbook-Teens-11-14/dp/0802463452">Money Management for Middle Schoolers</a> by Larry Burkett. (Preferences, anyone?)<br />
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<br />
And now, moving on into...<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(HONORARY) FOURTH GRADE</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
Our second-eldest has severe special needs, and does not walk, speak, or have any ability to do academics. He does "school" by participating in his therapy sessions, and spending time with us as we do our work. He is a darling!<br />
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>FIRST GRADE</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
For our 6yo in Kindergarten this past year, we decided to use <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/203">Kindergarten 1</a> and <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/171">Kindergarten II</a> from Christian Light.<br />
<br />
Previously, Christian Light had only a Kinder II program, with the assumption that "Kindergarten I" would be using the Rod and Staff ABC books. However, they recently came out with their own Kindergarten I.<br />
<br />
Kindergarten I has a set of five books. Kindergarten II has two sets of five books (one workbook set and one activity set), meant to be used concurrently.<br />
<br />
We enjoyed this series very much. I love the calmness of the drawings (books that are overflowing with bright colors drive me crazy!), the thoroughness and systematic nature of the work, and the conservative Christian values and morals portrayed.<br />
<br />
Our one problem was that I underestimated (severely!) the amount of time that it would take to complete the two programs in the space of the year. The end result is that we will be working through the summer and will probably not finish even by the beginning of the school year!<br />
<br />
(I'm not sure if Kinder I and Kinder II are supposed to take one year or two. With our next child, I am planning to allow for a year and a half, or two years, to allow for a relaxed speed.)<br />
<br />
However, we are making steady progress, and our 6yo (now 7yo) has matured even within the space of a year to where he is able to do better and steadier work, so our progress is a bit smoother now (only a bit, mind you).<br />
<br />
We started out also using my beloved Rocket Phonics, but sadly, it was not a success. I'm not quite sure where I went wrong. However, Christian Light's <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/172">Learning to Read program</a> will cover the same material next year, so I was (regretfully) content to leave Rocket Phonics behind for now.<br />
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I also planned to use my beloved Galloping the Globe this year, but again, it was not a success, and I found that it simply wasn't necessary or helpful for a kindergartner. I may pull it out again in a year or two.<br />
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This year I also made a mega-complicated plan for lower-grade science and social studies. We got through *maybe* one third of it. For this coming year, I hope to calm down a bit and not waste so much time making super-fancy plans that fall through!<br />
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Our kindergartner participates with the rest of the family in other subjects, albeit informally. This year we stuck to lots of read-alouds, lots of park days and field trips, and lots of hands-on learning with Mum and Dad. I am learning, slowly, that it isn't necessary to pack a kindergartner's day full with every schedule. So far, adding one subject or so per year has been a big success with our eldest, and I plan to continue that with our littles.<br />
<br />
Here's how it has looked for our eldest:<br />
<br />
Third Grade: Added Language Arts and formal history<br />
Fourth Grade: Added Latin and formal reading<br />
Fifth Grade: Added formal science<br />
Sixth Grade: Added Classical studies<br />
Seventh Grade: Plan to add formal logic<br />
<br />
All in all, kindergarten this year was rocky but productive. The main issues, as usual, are character-based rather than academically-based. It's rarely the schoolwork itself that presents the snags - it's the temper problems, the attitudes, the obedience issues, the procrastination, etc. Homeschooling is a continual education in crash-course parenting, and it is never easy. (Perhaps it is for women who are better mamas, but that is not me - alas!)<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>KINDERGARTEN </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
We started out doing a bit of school with our 4yo, but it was not a success, and we gave it up about halfway through the year.<br />
<br />
For this coming year, when she will be four-turning-five, I plan to purchase <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/203">Kindergarten I </a>from Christian Light. We will use it strictly on a "when she wants to" basis, and will probably take two years to complete Kindergarten I and Kindergarten II curriculum.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>HOMESCHOOLING 2018</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
Two exciting things happened for me over this homeschooling year:<br />
<br />
First, I have finally found my niche in regards to homeschooling style - and the winner is...<br />
<br />
<b>Classical Homeschooling!</b><br />
<br />
After several dalliances with styles including Charlotte Mason, delight-driven, etc., I believe that I have finally come home. And I am in love.<br />
<br />
Oddly enough, Classical homeschooling was the one style that I barely acknowledged when I was a beginning homeschooler. I found it pointless at best, and downright foolish at worst. It was the only style that I <i>didn't</i> consider seriously - or at all.<br />
<br />
However, as I have gradually learned more and edged further and further in that direction, I realize with no little amusement that Classical is the one style that fits me perfectly, and which I absolutely adore.<br />
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That's not to say that we use only Classical curriculum or use only the Classical style. Like everyone else, we are eclectic. But the overall style and theme of our homeschool follows the Classical model, and I am enjoying every moment of learning more.<br />
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(See Appendix A at the end for a couple of fun Classical resources.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwe87GGHcaF25MjptVzFD5Y1Hlja9osdxF3KAJq4dSOFLw087TfG7OqmfL9CHzHEjpQ-0b5JLBM1FfufLLj9z1iwMUfFYSWx57dAg5CfpmdTGQ6h6tirN9wRXIfzjvEV4LjguZir7HUes/s1600/Ham+and+Navy+Bean+Soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwe87GGHcaF25MjptVzFD5Y1Hlja9osdxF3KAJq4dSOFLw087TfG7OqmfL9CHzHEjpQ-0b5JLBM1FfufLLj9z1iwMUfFYSWx57dAg5CfpmdTGQ6h6tirN9wRXIfzjvEV4LjguZir7HUes/s320/Ham+and+Navy+Bean+Soup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ham and Navy Bean Soup. Oh, this was a success. Source:<a href="https://store.framingtheworld.com/products/cookbook"> Busy Family Menu Planning</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fp67-zBA6SajZjLUqjKPHB6baAF99_aK6XNwDrvHrk0obvlYvf0irCz2R5pNp0H689HyNmn_clVUSUmXV0XnbDkCC69hSPfA7B9LTOGBNuf6CazCPZBDucbJ2uiJQGiuhVSHnNTuAQ9d/s1600/Spanish+Rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fp67-zBA6SajZjLUqjKPHB6baAF99_aK6XNwDrvHrk0obvlYvf0irCz2R5pNp0H689HyNmn_clVUSUmXV0XnbDkCC69hSPfA7B9LTOGBNuf6CazCPZBDucbJ2uiJQGiuhVSHnNTuAQ9d/s320/Spanish+Rice.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another cooking adventure this year: homemade Spanish rice. Source again is <a href="https://store.framingtheworld.com/products/cookbook">Busy Family Menu Planning</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
A second exciting thing was that I found my particular passion in the homeschooling community - and that is....<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Books!</b><br />
<br />
Children's books, teen books, picture books, book lists, online book shopping, thrift store book shopping, book cataloguing. Mmm.<br />
<br />
Right now, for example, I am exploring the works of Lois Lenski, Dick King-Smith, G. K. Chesterton, Enid Blyton, P. G. Wodehouse, and Jean Fritz. <i>Most of these authors (all but one, in fact), were completely unknown to me before I started homeschooling. </i><br />
<br />
One of the beautiful gifts of homeschooling is that it gives the homeschooling mama the gift of an awesome education while in the process of educating others. (But first, homeschooling slaps you in the face with the fact of how bad your own education was. Painful, very.)<br />
<br />
My husband and I have agreed that I can spend $15 per month on books (huzzah!), and I am thoroughly enjoying my new hobby.<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpku-Vc87Nli4DR0-8FZC1y-SSAr8nfgC6P0O1TEcMf6jzBxJF1vwPkKanCBVmKPrO9njmEKZA1X6lwhjRlG3VEV1ld7JdTPOqTdFotiEysuqStP8mn302lgNyf-q3CW1-THP0DXfz4R0G/s1600/2018-11-27+16.50.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpku-Vc87Nli4DR0-8FZC1y-SSAr8nfgC6P0O1TEcMf6jzBxJF1vwPkKanCBVmKPrO9njmEKZA1X6lwhjRlG3VEV1ld7JdTPOqTdFotiEysuqStP8mn302lgNyf-q3CW1-THP0DXfz4R0G/s320/2018-11-27+16.50.52.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 12yo's first solo attempt at a cake. Not bad!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Besides my personal project of building a library and creating a (very long) homeschool book list, I am also working on the long, long project of renovating our family's book collection. While we have hundreds of books, many of them are in absolutely horrible shape. (Pick them up, they fall to pieces. End of story.) I am thus working on gradually purchasing better copies of our beloved favorites to gradually work the falling-to-pieces books out of our collection while replacing them with better copies.<br />
<br />
Here are a few of my purchases from this year:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ztgPQ4ZcT77C_GJKv7sFRLVkdEHBkIr3-RS5d_Te40v8kfmRsNen9gcyeGtF_gjFnwceI-PlKRj7nl3V3G6CVSTBo_buL00E8Naz4KwqbIueb0TvLQ4rzcn4QxoSeI8Xte_BxK33Lbkz/s1600/2018-06-02+16.23.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ztgPQ4ZcT77C_GJKv7sFRLVkdEHBkIr3-RS5d_Te40v8kfmRsNen9gcyeGtF_gjFnwceI-PlKRj7nl3V3G6CVSTBo_buL00E8Naz4KwqbIueb0TvLQ4rzcn4QxoSeI8Xte_BxK33Lbkz/s320/2018-06-02+16.23.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qm-h8Q5XrAKPsenSGahLnv9I-gaCO4nIdNCHynk5-9B2Sh9TdgvxRMI3oaiO65dcUzpsp7oNlQy0zDAjFkfFks7fJlmcf21cwKOSRE1T7qyKnRmlC4-qBtEObvYtTYqIpjfPs5_W1RLK/s1600/2018-05-20+08.19.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qm-h8Q5XrAKPsenSGahLnv9I-gaCO4nIdNCHynk5-9B2Sh9TdgvxRMI3oaiO65dcUzpsp7oNlQy0zDAjFkfFks7fJlmcf21cwKOSRE1T7qyKnRmlC4-qBtEObvYtTYqIpjfPs5_W1RLK/s320/2018-05-20+08.19.23.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw82vYxD2SQVeasZFKD5ByBCjLMjtdH7sWagkP7YRRAqC_xIuqY0gaBKIaocIAmjSMElDlFlkGoxX_SorH7eiBou4XmQNCBm5WKC2IjmuDc93yo90DrYaGqfNy5ZIKprFCOpQsZU10X43S/s1600/Goodwill+Books+October+2018+%25282+of+2%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw82vYxD2SQVeasZFKD5ByBCjLMjtdH7sWagkP7YRRAqC_xIuqY0gaBKIaocIAmjSMElDlFlkGoxX_SorH7eiBou4XmQNCBm5WKC2IjmuDc93yo90DrYaGqfNy5ZIKprFCOpQsZU10X43S/s320/Goodwill+Books+October+2018+%25282+of+2%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPXPFExCKD-VPYMUB6_QXIP51D2KQ-uhxVMfkBurph4cLoWtoQbR0jspc8NFEXCvv6OrZqF9DCezIY6XyjrJ4lJTYZJniC7MsNF769y-TCHk53bBE-JWyosQAbLtcul4HaNFm7BOvsXfd/s1600/Books+from+Goodwill+August+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPXPFExCKD-VPYMUB6_QXIP51D2KQ-uhxVMfkBurph4cLoWtoQbR0jspc8NFEXCvv6OrZqF9DCezIY6XyjrJ4lJTYZJniC7MsNF769y-TCHk53bBE-JWyosQAbLtcul4HaNFm7BOvsXfd/s320/Books+from+Goodwill+August+2018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
An interesting note, especially for any beginners out there, is that I only found my true homeschooling style (Classical!) and my homeschooling passion (books!) now, at the end of our eighth year of homeschooling.<br />
<br />
I've written before how it takes at least three years to feel (in any degree) comfortable with homeschooling, and this is another variation on that theme.<br />
<br />
In other words, if you're struggling, give it time. Don't expect it to be a smooth ride. (It's not. At any time.) And don't feel that you must give up just because you feel that it's not coming easily or quickly enough. It really does take time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ifOnbchEnFOksKj6vLiIzsSkVK39_h-fLUe6a3X4Z1l_eZMhlIbRDEWWLCeA9OYNQLDj4ymoVoRNSU0TCkfD-tp8gvSX-X8Q-aRitkzmhajje0ySEfEWupCGLnS3JwFcYYkpez95nhCA/s1600/2019-01-10+19.48.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ifOnbchEnFOksKj6vLiIzsSkVK39_h-fLUe6a3X4Z1l_eZMhlIbRDEWWLCeA9OYNQLDj4ymoVoRNSU0TCkfD-tp8gvSX-X8Q-aRitkzmhajje0ySEfEWupCGLnS3JwFcYYkpez95nhCA/s320/2019-01-10+19.48.05.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding a random picture to act as a text-break.</td></tr>
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<br />
I have become aware lately that we are moving into a new stage of life - the stage of having older children. In the next six years, we are looking at teens, Junior High, High School, graduation, jobs, driver's licenses, college or trade school, etc. I am seeing my friends all around me - who used to have toddlers! - now with teens who are driving, taking SAT tests, graduating, moving out, and even (yes, really!) getting <i>married.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Oh, my.<br />
<br />
It's scary! But it's good, too. I love having a child who is old enough to begin discussing important issues with. (We intentionally shelter young children from the ugliness of the world, but we are trying to introduce more adult topics - gradually - with our son as he enters his teens.) I love seeing a growth of maturity and responsibility, and I love moving into upper level academics - which is where my true spiritual home is. (Give me and chemistry and logic over play-dough any day.)<br />
<br />
It's going to be an interesting next decade! I know that I shall be humbled over and over again as I am forced to admit that I can't do it perfectly, and that my family will not ever be picture-perfect. (Much as I'd like to deny the fact.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoM9DOZeeegKEm9VwN_-k1lYcndcX_Vn4mxY7UIxeJcehOMjalEYh-zuXO7FI10F7tIHvEY9i-SwluZisiQ_V5qG0b9v1bkz6lKE9bim7SS_k4fwijhKuIBq8Lg1uQg_vW7LL0VgHdjVBw/s1600/Caleb%2527s+12th+Birthday+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoM9DOZeeegKEm9VwN_-k1lYcndcX_Vn4mxY7UIxeJcehOMjalEYh-zuXO7FI10F7tIHvEY9i-SwluZisiQ_V5qG0b9v1bkz6lKE9bim7SS_k4fwijhKuIBq8Lg1uQg_vW7LL0VgHdjVBw/s320/Caleb%2527s+12th+Birthday+%252810%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun cupcakes. These were a huge hit! Color the frosting yellow (turmeric!) and add candy corn around the outside.</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>FAMILY LIFE 2018</b></span><br />
<br />
This has been an interesting year.<br />
<br />
If I had to characterize it in a negative sense, I would say that <i>this year has been a year of loss.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Firstly, of friends. As I told my husband recently, we seem to be hemorrhaging friends. Several sets have moved out of state, several sets of neighbors with whom we are close are preparing to move, and we've lost some friends who have left our homeschool group to join other co-ops. Add that to a church change (or rather, three church changes), and you've got a steady loss of friends.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDe-FMHv0OOOG1aahJ4T_qtdayKmkUduyg9YD3PCYg_O6M7AFIMAxv8bRAd99QbipiGjXvFryVOkFNdzAttSRI2-Fq05-INxCpPd2KrwyVUVppjDUQk9nKqMkHPVkMbN5E5XnJyPvLFaK/s1600/2018-05-12+16.36.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDe-FMHv0OOOG1aahJ4T_qtdayKmkUduyg9YD3PCYg_O6M7AFIMAxv8bRAd99QbipiGjXvFryVOkFNdzAttSRI2-Fq05-INxCpPd2KrwyVUVppjDUQk9nKqMkHPVkMbN5E5XnJyPvLFaK/s320/2018-05-12+16.36.43.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Additionally, I have realized with great regret that I am doomed to make and lose multiple sets of friends during my time in the homeschool community. Around here, most homeschool families seem to have two children, and they stop attending homeschool group functions when their children hit middle school years. I realized last year that I am now in the process of losing my second set of homeschool mama friends. While I love the new friends that I am making, I deeply regret these losses. (Unfortunately, it's just rare for situational friendships like this to continue out of context.)<br />
<br />
Thirdly, and most importantly, I have this year lost the innocence of the presumption that I will never lose my parents or extended family. (Somehow I hadn't caught on to that one yet.)<br />
<br />
I have four extended family members. This year, three of them were diagnosed with cancer.<br />
<br />
Two of three have had happy endings: My aunt, diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer, was able to find healing through an amazing self-made regimen of supplements and diet. (Huzzah, Auntie!) My mother, diagnosed with a brain tumor, received the later news that the tumor was non-invasive and will (hopefully) not require surgery.<br />
<br />
The third, unfortunately, has not yet had a happy ending: my father, who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at the end of this past summer.<br />
<br />
I am not sure that I can adequately describe the mind-numbing force that slammed into my heart and mind when we received this news.<br />
<br />
However, we are actually at a happier place right now than we were at Christmas.<br />
<br />
My dad unfortunately was given a nice staph infection at the time that he received his chemo port. The infection flew under the radar for a solid two months, with everyone from family to medical caregivers overlooking his symptoms as "just an unusually severe reaction to chemo." Thus, when he ended up in the hospital mid-December, he was very nearly dead. (None of us thought he would be coming home.)<br />
<br />
Happily, he managed to come through, with a long hospitalization and time in rehab, and is now recovering at home with us. However, he has severely compromised health and permanent, life-long health effects (lung damage, heart damage, muscle damage), and there is still the trial of battling advance-stage cancer. Thankfully they decided to be done with chemotherapy - they are pursing immunotherapy and naturopathic treatment, and we hope and pray for a happy ending.<br />
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Right now my parents are living with us, and we are adjusting to the experience of blending families together.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtjv5-KymjdwKbh5Rt9flHQz3JvOFF5Rf9s27z2lZT_XdCoaNNk6rgTgrlOB7ei9hPo7FMaBtiXKzsny5skCYJwZmbDjTnhk19BlrgnwwJl6aIaOk2-drBE_gFDVTn9L_3sP-G16l6K_m/s1600/2018-12-06+19.19.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtjv5-KymjdwKbh5Rt9flHQz3JvOFF5Rf9s27z2lZT_XdCoaNNk6rgTgrlOB7ei9hPo7FMaBtiXKzsny5skCYJwZmbDjTnhk19BlrgnwwJl6aIaOk2-drBE_gFDVTn9L_3sP-G16l6K_m/s320/2018-12-06+19.19.52.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking with mama. Learning to have the children in the kitchen with me has been a difficult learning challenge, but I am happy to report that now, years later, it has become second nature. Huzzah!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Nutritionally, the cancer diagnosis has been amazingly positive for our family because it has given me the firm kick I needed in the direction of improving our family's diet. We are now eating much more organic produce and cooking much more healthfully. Two of my new loves are avocado oil and cassava flour. (Don't get me started on the wonders of cassava flour. We'd be here all day.) I am enjoying my new discoveries in the kitchen, although the issue of sourcing is - as usual - driving me up a wall. (I am not a fan of shopping!)<br />
<br />
Note: If you're interested in treating or reversing cancer or autoimmune disease, I highly recommend <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Paradox-Dangers-Healthy-Disease/dp/006242713X">The Plant Paradox</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj0D5uPlKSQhHc2LhxDXushpVWLZejjWFxIaQSNsSCJNAPM_XlNOj7xdUBuJrETbVX49CKhaRYxaR7k4j86agFr2oCXGowKlLAzvwR1hgMyrCDp81jriKX7n7NvG5eT3pfJnmtBknl0US/s1600/2019-02-12+20.06.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj0D5uPlKSQhHc2LhxDXushpVWLZejjWFxIaQSNsSCJNAPM_XlNOj7xdUBuJrETbVX49CKhaRYxaR7k4j86agFr2oCXGowKlLAzvwR1hgMyrCDp81jriKX7n7NvG5eT3pfJnmtBknl0US/s320/2019-02-12+20.06.57.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cassava flour tortillas. If you'd like to sit around for a while talking about the wonders of cassava flour, I'd be glad to oblige. Love that stuff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On a spiritual level, my father's cancer diagnosis has had a positive impact on me in that it has forced me - quite brutally - to focus on the reality of death. Somehow, we humans have an amazing and innate ability to live in a state of near-complete denial regarding death. Death is simply... for other people. The reality of our own mortality is something that we keep tightly hidden from ourselves, unless it peeps through in the form of a midlife crisis.<br />
<br />
But staring death in the face, receiving bad news at the hospital, talking with hospice workers... All of that has the ability to slap one back to reality. I think that my spiritual focus has taken a much healthier direction after having been forced to encounter death so closely.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1Y7FA4zAy5Ex0ZYulE4Zkq3IW6K5z44FoXXq4OZjN6UkgWPoObiDGRoW1zdO0J9DhaSTgL7OVhIiXZHx9mKXVs_2fJfn8AMe9OTLZ3kcla-MUNO3Iy7SpPrPVHHmYlq8ScUd5okwgDUD/s1600/Rutabaga+Fries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1Y7FA4zAy5Ex0ZYulE4Zkq3IW6K5z44FoXXq4OZjN6UkgWPoObiDGRoW1zdO0J9DhaSTgL7OVhIiXZHx9mKXVs_2fJfn8AMe9OTLZ3kcla-MUNO3Iy7SpPrPVHHmYlq8ScUd5okwgDUD/s320/Rutabaga+Fries.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speaking of cancer-protocol diets, did you know that you can make French fries with practically any root vegetable? These are made from rutabaga. I have done parsnips and turnips as well, and love them all. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCHkPh7uJcvv9jL4QXOuZqk5zsU6MohhgTGLDLnyocZ3YgUoH3v9wZR7hir2fkKCRUfR4nqfUJZvm81WKKfwLbZOx7xR8gWHCJ-HeuAPagWxEovVk3r8g5v_0otK3Xz9gC5tkQ_Y0xrls/s1600/April+Fool%2527s+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCHkPh7uJcvv9jL4QXOuZqk5zsU6MohhgTGLDLnyocZ3YgUoH3v9wZR7hir2fkKCRUfR4nqfUJZvm81WKKfwLbZOx7xR8gWHCJ-HeuAPagWxEovVk3r8g5v_0otK3Xz9gC5tkQ_Y0xrls/s320/April+Fool%2527s+Day.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our April Fool's Day joke on Daddy - "spilled coffee." It is a combination of glue and brown acrylic. Unfortunately, we didn't plan for enough time for it to dry (same-day was a bad idea), and it wrinkled when we picked it up. However, it still fooled him!</td></tr>
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This was a year of church change for us, as well. After leaving our little church in summer of 2017, and church-looking for over a year, we lighted on what will be, I hope, our longterm home, and it is...<br />
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... LUTHERAN!<br />
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Oh, boy. This is a never-thought-THAT-would-happen kind of thing. In fact, I believe that I blogged last year on the thought that I would never be Lutheran again.<br />
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But here we are!<br />
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We are in a tiny denomination that is Lutheran theologically but not stylistically. As most Lutherans can tell you, half the fun of being Lutheran is the culture and liturgical style of Lutheranism, and I do miss that. However, I'm very much enjoying being back within the Lutheran fold.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUXUHDo5Jcmy51NQE5uvBvqIUaEG0Kdp3pH2puxDv029f1ek-KTU-A1Ky4zWIJ3tUlt0DCqG3WAhidS8OTpmH-E32Q2Bd-yKG3hLZW1aINRrUl1_DX99YDdluyZ9Y7Wy4dOd8ZI5wCz0-/s1600/Crepes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUXUHDo5Jcmy51NQE5uvBvqIUaEG0Kdp3pH2puxDv029f1ek-KTU-A1Ky4zWIJ3tUlt0DCqG3WAhidS8OTpmH-E32Q2Bd-yKG3hLZW1aINRrUl1_DX99YDdluyZ9Y7Wy4dOd8ZI5wCz0-/s320/Crepes+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Crepes, a.k.a. German Pancakes. My first foray into these in over a decade! The left is folded with peanut butter and banana, the right with lemon curd. <a href="https://store.framingtheworld.com/products/cookbook">Recipe source.</a> </td></tr>
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The next three months will see our family's first teenager and our first Junior High student. We hope and pray that this year will also see new friends for our family, and my dad's continued healing from cancer.<br />
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We had assumed that we would already have welcomed a new baby into our family (our youngest is now over two years old). However, I have - quite surprisingly - graduated from the postpartum period with actual infertility issues in the form of a profound luteal phase defect. (That being, a luteal phase of 6-8 days, with 11 being the minimal functional length.) Unfortunately, while this does not keep us from conceiving, it does doom any pregnancy to miscarriage. We believe that this already led to <a href="https://whiningpuker.blogspot.com/2018/12/early-loss.html">an early miscarriage in December</a>, and we are praying that I can heal from whatever is going on before we conceive again.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BvgkrBWUERfNqxm6-wdvPXYSgg1OehSZEzffFoLf9v-moNCrGiFpUSbvsDTpvmeTHKx3qtiKpS34Kq7LzLjEvrCdQvTT6YHLD4TJKcBukOQ_2LaroJJZCTo2yG27OukSqvrkG_luObPb/s1600/2018-03-22+11.21.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BvgkrBWUERfNqxm6-wdvPXYSgg1OehSZEzffFoLf9v-moNCrGiFpUSbvsDTpvmeTHKx3qtiKpS34Kq7LzLjEvrCdQvTT6YHLD4TJKcBukOQ_2LaroJJZCTo2yG27OukSqvrkG_luObPb/s320/2018-03-22+11.21.44.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our newest family member, a pomegranite tree. Hopefully we can do a better job with this one than with our apple trees, both of which are good and dead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4omLFPEZp_B8AD4TckQ8-r6elxZtdh4hHiVDWNAw8LeNIZ-sWTa1ftLYPB2gegBKLThnAAdSN2PP8zI14T0aLziSABZvy_YQPRA_5E0JrOKkJuG9cadXBitb4x_dErS_QFhJblupmUFWj/s1600/2018-07-01+11.00.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4omLFPEZp_B8AD4TckQ8-r6elxZtdh4hHiVDWNAw8LeNIZ-sWTa1ftLYPB2gegBKLThnAAdSN2PP8zI14T0aLziSABZvy_YQPRA_5E0JrOKkJuG9cadXBitb4x_dErS_QFhJblupmUFWj/s320/2018-07-01+11.00.36.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>My main goal for the upcoming year is dealing with FOOD. </b>Continually learning to cook for a cancer-healing diet, learning to deal with increased food costs and food amounts, and the eternal quest for good sources. It's an overwhelming task.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2qAk7N4bZ9h9cz1269MXcYOHKjYxsFvG69fpc2y9suT1XxwBY4O1838xCgzO4KTi0vLlLtpFzpg-SoAEHwOVe4s00Bd6WnAiJmJXEYYyd32aTE6CWVqGrCK9rl68A6tCg9WBAybXKOeN/s1600/Dinner+Time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2qAk7N4bZ9h9cz1269MXcYOHKjYxsFvG69fpc2y9suT1XxwBY4O1838xCgzO4KTi0vLlLtpFzpg-SoAEHwOVe4s00Bd6WnAiJmJXEYYyd32aTE6CWVqGrCK9rl68A6tCg9WBAybXKOeN/s320/Dinner+Time.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our kitchen at serving time, except that this picture is missing two plates. </td></tr>
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<b>My secondary goal is decluttering.</b> I can always sense when my "clutter-stress" levels are rising, and right now they are through the roof. (If anyone wants to come over to my house and steal half of our toys, feel free. As in, <i>please come right now.</i>)<br />
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I'm also at a point where our house is regularly at a mess level of <i>why-bother-because-I-will-never-get-on-top-of-this-mess-ever.</i> Part of this is a clutter problem. Part of it is a management problem. I need to figure out how to keep on top of the cleaning, because right now, it's a losing battle.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbl40-QQpIC24mRLw1ZDmZmGCuWyUobtkARUTHN6Ecjt0OzLxMZLKsYxHCtMXI4cyLaruH1fdrq7lsMZQCeOQwPZ_tHdvDHPMT4JL69jnjrwNbAtePfZUBRz4j9IXZXGf5i1GjeadmOCv/s1600/2018-03-31+18.55.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbl40-QQpIC24mRLw1ZDmZmGCuWyUobtkARUTHN6Ecjt0OzLxMZLKsYxHCtMXI4cyLaruH1fdrq7lsMZQCeOQwPZ_tHdvDHPMT4JL69jnjrwNbAtePfZUBRz4j9IXZXGf5i1GjeadmOCv/s320/2018-03-31+18.55.12.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our summer beachfront property - flood irrigation!</td></tr>
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<b>Another goal is, as always, continuing to improve my parenting skills. </b>This is enormous and overwhelming, and drives me to my knees on a daily basis. I will never be an amazing mother, but I mean to do my best.<br />
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Homeschooling goals for the year include working on my family's booklist (currently 66 pages and counting) and learning more about Classical homeschooling. Right now I am in a flurry of summer paperwork: making curriculum summaries, ordering next year's materials, planning for next year and upcoming years, updating documents, cleaning out notebooks, making supply-purchase lists, and going through all of our drawers and materials. We're now three weeks out from our first day of school, and the time crunch is on.<br />
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My blog is going to continue to hibernate, with occasional brief periods of activity when the spirit moves. I have two upcoming posts in the making: (1) my annual supplement plan update, which was due last September, and (2) a post about going dairy-free. Look for those soon. ("Soon" as in "sometime in the next two years.")<br />
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Dear friends, I hope that each of you is having a marvelous school year and a terrific year in 2019. I pray for you all, and enjoy keeping up with several of you via email. Thank you for checking with me, and your patience as my blogging rate has slowed dramatically. I think of you all often!<br />
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Blessings to you all as we begin this new year.<br />
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More pictures:<br />
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Here are pictures from family birthdays this year:<br />
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<b>Turning twelve: </b>Our 12yo is crazy-creative, intensely verbal, and into all things technological. He is a non-stop writer, which has surprised me to no end, considering that he could not be forced into writing at any cost when he was younger.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWK0NUKkYD9aRlImRK6XT5yvff_sqG_Rgo1TF5OvaMbu5iTZ9qEwOZYNLeLmwDrnjSIhncDjkefZcXqGFGPscJ9inj7kGgizxtIeDJmXIQOMmKXLnKXWJDRXL3q8LlVAHPRQ_HdwrSOPys/s1600/Caleb%2527s+12th+Birthday+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWK0NUKkYD9aRlImRK6XT5yvff_sqG_Rgo1TF5OvaMbu5iTZ9qEwOZYNLeLmwDrnjSIhncDjkefZcXqGFGPscJ9inj7kGgizxtIeDJmXIQOMmKXLnKXWJDRXL3q8LlVAHPRQ_HdwrSOPys/s320/Caleb%2527s+12th+Birthday+%25287%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptyoQtSAmhyjQvrHJnnvL3NVBOW-sNd-yMsEE28V5BaQtTsTEJfhFTeA0VPLPjm1nURdh0bTr9ZhbXWPrRAdp8l9hQlinMUSLMFIxcv2t0Qabx9gszvVqQC2voZOBAWyfynyAcKFCy0XP/s1600/2018-06-30+16.52.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptyoQtSAmhyjQvrHJnnvL3NVBOW-sNd-yMsEE28V5BaQtTsTEJfhFTeA0VPLPjm1nURdh0bTr9ZhbXWPrRAdp8l9hQlinMUSLMFIxcv2t0Qabx9gszvVqQC2voZOBAWyfynyAcKFCy0XP/s320/2018-06-30+16.52.56.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NjPWukGg9Iv8Roaz7P-DzGSoHWx-r6yzuNTm6Sv7zLdr18EdH8AU31lXr8uR6BMa9kQPhLd1nSC4y0h4E8fKapZi2ihYYpVsNTSUzhBmZx7BkiUrV6tWrCBoUCBCxSCOmFtx730AajtL/s1600/2019-02-08+12.10.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NjPWukGg9Iv8Roaz7P-DzGSoHWx-r6yzuNTm6Sv7zLdr18EdH8AU31lXr8uR6BMa9kQPhLd1nSC4y0h4E8fKapZi2ihYYpVsNTSUzhBmZx7BkiUrV6tWrCBoUCBCxSCOmFtx730AajtL/s320/2019-02-08+12.10.57.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteering at a local history-reenactment festival.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Turning nine: </b>Our baby with special needs is the darling of the whole family.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5N8YlR2Leyvh787Yr8O0fz5GqCbVmQKEL-KkBvK3bBB_cuPHw3yPbWM3g9XNCtBnkQyJ0GebIxfYPjjnOAT4pLWKZLMeVO-dkcKic_d3sqtygQAPyCEb-fyN5cKMhN6GcRt5SroEzojV/s1600/2018-08-31+19.47.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5N8YlR2Leyvh787Yr8O0fz5GqCbVmQKEL-KkBvK3bBB_cuPHw3yPbWM3g9XNCtBnkQyJ0GebIxfYPjjnOAT4pLWKZLMeVO-dkcKic_d3sqtygQAPyCEb-fyN5cKMhN6GcRt5SroEzojV/s320/2018-08-31+19.47.23.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2Pv4h4qH4upg_M6SG0qR0-qu1TRIdv3gNaW2QGLP-9NIYg9Hzd-Yqkhe3ovYKli5OeD64OA2ib3KUDqrbQ4WrA1mbS077niu5u7xEYTYfKM-iw-YCPfkWePonXQATgNfx6k8iEUkkzHf/s1600/2018-11-11+17.02.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2Pv4h4qH4upg_M6SG0qR0-qu1TRIdv3gNaW2QGLP-9NIYg9Hzd-Yqkhe3ovYKli5OeD64OA2ib3KUDqrbQ4WrA1mbS077niu5u7xEYTYfKM-iw-YCPfkWePonXQATgNfx6k8iEUkkzHf/s320/2018-11-11+17.02.30.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The cake above was <i>not</i> a success. When I made the 4yo's rainbow cake (below), one neighborhood child commented, "Well, at least it wasn't as bad as that last one!"<br />
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<b>Turning seven: </b>This little guy can be a challenge (can you tell by the grin on his face?), but also a complete joy. He is artistic, a hard worker, and loves to work hard with his hands.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxSS4Kt-KqdIQ6ywNnN2wQY5b4zHMlLvSiwwk2tbBDpvV-yyJMKo2lSi3xufA8ad1Dvqn0P3toXOOuxdY6QoPj6OIhAxV-l3jJ_ZfErvGYC_sxosPz2j9qtsKV_PDYFCRCUTQmsMA7Kwz/s1600/2019-02-13+19.21.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxSS4Kt-KqdIQ6ywNnN2wQY5b4zHMlLvSiwwk2tbBDpvV-yyJMKo2lSi3xufA8ad1Dvqn0P3toXOOuxdY6QoPj6OIhAxV-l3jJ_ZfErvGYC_sxosPz2j9qtsKV_PDYFCRCUTQmsMA7Kwz/s320/2019-02-13+19.21.57.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVsVTVQqkV2CTkppw1jS64tG1StykbTDQduecpPmylpvX06G7xmMon-YKn6wcku4PfXsh0T9nk_zaM-TYOczRg2X2yChbAnrsaeObvUq5Es36b7gvvlCRHnRyi_la1SWiIrW5t_Prz38G/s1600/2019-02-13+19.21.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVsVTVQqkV2CTkppw1jS64tG1StykbTDQduecpPmylpvX06G7xmMon-YKn6wcku4PfXsh0T9nk_zaM-TYOczRg2X2yChbAnrsaeObvUq5Es36b7gvvlCRHnRyi_la1SWiIrW5t_Prz38G/s320/2019-02-13+19.21.53.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WugHqijWmPOPGSr9y3sm8UnSO3lv5EeDHxQ45quLSd3cizf-uNCZphawGO7OLsEW245sJqYU4otCjhkC5X5_8wuZjRrnkp-p9apc4PQB7quMOiI-NCPm4le8efbZnGIY6b3GMiEuVmwq/s1600/2019-02-12+16.52.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WugHqijWmPOPGSr9y3sm8UnSO3lv5EeDHxQ45quLSd3cizf-uNCZphawGO7OLsEW245sJqYU4otCjhkC5X5_8wuZjRrnkp-p9apc4PQB7quMOiI-NCPm4le8efbZnGIY6b3GMiEuVmwq/s320/2019-02-12+16.52.59.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAZ5Jkv8BCG-9yYqRNc13hxlK-JLw0feoMMX9tE4eGTDWoKw6O80a46HSnYESKo26HHMKhDNwer0bHVPvz8wYm98hW7vMqWQnMR1FquI9FDrv0RzZXNur3sFAAu5X0Kj21fvS_ZVHXryh/s1600/2019-02-12+06.51.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAZ5Jkv8BCG-9yYqRNc13hxlK-JLw0feoMMX9tE4eGTDWoKw6O80a46HSnYESKo26HHMKhDNwer0bHVPvz8wYm98hW7vMqWQnMR1FquI9FDrv0RzZXNur3sFAAu5X0Kj21fvS_ZVHXryh/s320/2019-02-12+06.51.51.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The newest craze at our house is roller skating. I've been waiting with baited breath for the medical bills to start rolling in, but so far, we've gotten through okay. (It probably wasn't wise to say that.)<br />
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<b>Turning four: </b>A fashionista, a natural mama (her babies, wrapped in my dish towels, show up all over the house - see below), and a born story-teller. I am constantly learning more and more that she is no longer a toddler, but a little girl. I can't wait to share girls' literature with her!<br />
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<b>Turning two: </b>To all appearances, our first introvert! Shy and timid, but, strangely, naturally athletic and also intensely musical. He is definitely showing signs of a hard terrible-twos time (pray for me, friends!), but we keep going. He is super-affectionate, loves his daddy, and is a real joy!<br />
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<b>Some pictures from CHRISTMAS!</b><br />
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Anyone who has made it this far deserves a prize. Congratulations, y'all!<br />
<br />
Happy Sunday, everyone!<br />
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<br />
<br />
RESOURCES:<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Appendix A: Resources for Classical Homeschooling</b><br />
<br />
(If you know of great sites or books that I haven't found yet, please let me know about them in the comments!)<br />
<br />
<b><u>Books</u>:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harp-Laurel-Wreath-Dictation-Curriculum/dp/0898707161">The Harp and Laurel Wreath</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Well-Trained-Mind-Guide-Classical-Education/dp/1511358564">The Well-Trained Mind</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Your-Own-Classical-Curriculum/dp/0898706602">Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum</a><br />
<br />
<u><br /></u>
<b><u>Curriculum Publishers</u>:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/">Memoria Press</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Co-ops, Fellowship Groups, and Cottage Schools</u>:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.classicalconversations.com/">Classical Conversations</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://highlandslatin.org/">Highlands Latin School</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://scholegroups.com/">Schole</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Appendix B: Reading List for Our Sixth Grader During 2018-2019</b><br />
<br />
<i>Information or a link will be added at a later date.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Appendix B: Read-Aloud List for Our 2018-2019 School Year</b><br />
<br />
<i>Information or a l</i><i>ink will be added at a later date.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-79619975770897436522019-03-12T17:16:00.000-07:002019-03-12T17:16:28.627-07:00Video: A Mama-of-Many Discusses Pregnancy and Morning Sickness<br />
I wanted to stop in briefly to share this video, in which blogger and mama-of-many, Zsuzsanna of <a href="http://stevenandersonfamily.blogspot.com/">Are They All Yours?</a> talks at length about her experiences with pregnancy and morning sickness.<br />
<br />
As long-time readers will already know, Zsuzsanna is one of the HG-mama pioneers who worked to develop what I have termed the "probiotic protocol" for the treatment and prevention of hyperemesis gravidarum. She has used this protocol to bring her pregnancies from hyperemetic and non-functional to now only mildly symptomatic (i.e. mild nausea if hungry or tired). This is a big WOW, and I know that this method is helping so many women.<br />
<br />
In this video, Zsuzsanna shares about many pregnancy issues, including morning sickness. Take a peek!<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/onpd3D5pmvc" width="560"></iframe>
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<br />
You can read all of Zsuzsanna's posts about morning sickness from this link:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://stevenandersonfamily.blogspot.com/search/label/morning%20sickness">Links to my most helpful hyperemesis/morning sickness/NVP blog posts and remedies</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Readers, stay tuned! I (actually, believe it or not) have a couple of blog posts that I am only a short time (i.e. weeks instead of years) away from posting! Check back and I'll try to have them up soon!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-42850257378690545192019-01-21T20:05:00.000-07:002019-01-21T20:05:42.516-07:00Emily's Pre-Conception Hyperemesis Prevention Plan<br />
This is shared, with permission, by a fellow member of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/102597969915214/photos/722572254497012/">Preventing Hyperemesis Gravidarum</a> Facebook group.<br />
<br />
Ladies, I always love printing your protocols, in order to give other mamas out there ideas of things to try. Mamas, if you have a hyperemesis prevention protocol, let me know so that I can post it or link to it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Emily's Pre-Conception Hyperemesis Prevention Plan</b><br />
<br />
<u>Before pregnancy</u>:<br />
<br />
Supplements:<br />
<br />
Magnesium<br />
Cocolaurin<br />
Probiotic<br />
Iron/ferritin- for deficiency<br />
Liver-dessicated<br />
Vit D<br />
Collagen hydrolysate<br />
Prenatal (might decrease other supplements depending on desired range)<br />
<br />
Diet:<br />
<br />
Paleo-really my goal is decreasing sugar, processed foods, and gluten<br />
Celery juice on empty stomach each morning (look up Medical Medium celery juice benefits)<br />
Liver cleanse-planning a 9 day or 30 day Medical Medium liver cleanse<br />
Increase fermented/probiotic rich foods: raw sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, kefir<br />
ACV shots<br />
Ginger/turmeric cold brew tea<br />
<br />
Exercise:<br />
<br />
150 min/wk cardio at 60-70% effort<br />
3x/wk muscle building exercise<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks, Emily, for sharing!<br />
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-25508679720871075682018-12-28T06:34:00.000-07:002018-12-28T06:34:11.493-07:00Early Loss<br />
This past week, we lost a baby in an early miscarriage at 3w2d.<br />
<br />
This is two days before I had any chance of getting a positive pregnancy test, so I suppose I should say "suspected pregnancy." However, I am 100% sure - both the early (and, unfortunately, severe) pregnancy symptoms that followed an exact symptom picture with exact timing, and a nice (for those of you who chart) tri-phasic thermal shift, showed that we were expecting a new little one (baby #7).<br />
<br />
I also know (within reasonable certainty) why we lost this baby: although I am now in my sixth postpartum cycle, I still have dysfunctional luteal phase length. My first three cycles were anovulatory (LP = 0), and the next two had luteal phases of six and eight days (LP = 6, LP = 8). I had assumed that my next cycle would kick things up to at least a ten-day luteal phase (LP = 10), which would be at least marginally workable for sustaining a pregnancy - but, alas, no. My cycle started at (LP = 8), which is, of course, far too short to sustain a pregnancy.<br />
<br />
And so, barely nine to ten days after entering this world, our newest little one went home to God. We are mourning, but we have hope that we will see our baby again in eternity.<br />
<br />
I'd like to take a few minutes to discuss things from a morning sickness perspective - as this is, of course, a morning sickness blog.<br />
<br />
So, morning sickness.<br />
<br />
It was bad.<br />
<br />
My first inkling that I might be pregnant came at 2w5d, when I woke up in the middle of the night freezing cold, even though I was well-covered with several blankets. This proceeded to chills, and following that, nausea.<br />
<br />
The second night, 2w6d, was very similar.<br />
<br />
The night of 3w0d, I went to bed and then woke up at 11:20 p.m. with incredibly strong nausea that kept me up for the rest of the night - quite literally, until I gave up trying to sleep and got up at 5:00 a.m. Upon trying to eat, I found that I was having a hard time swallowing, and was seriously considering throwing up instead.<br />
<br />
By this time (3w1d) I had nausea coming and going all day, in greater or lesser amounts. That night, I again went to sleep and woke up several hours later with intense nausea that kept me up for most of the rest of the night.<br />
<br />
We miscarried the evening of 3w2d, and my nausea was strong all the way until my cycle actually started (another reason to show that this was a luteal phase defect, and not a chromosomal problem with the baby himself). Most of my nausea faded over the next three or so hours. Oddly enough, it came roaring back during the night (weird), but was mostly gone by the next day. In the week following the miscarriage, I had mild pulses of nausea that have mainly faded out. Ditto with the nocturnal cold sensitivity.<br />
<br />
One interesting side note: In the third trimester of our last pregnancy, I sustained identical wrist injuries in both wrists, one each on subsequent days. (The double-nature of these injuries led me to believe that this was a pregnancy hormone-related occurrence). Those injuries healed slowly, and aside from residual soreness have not since caused any serious problems.<br />
<br />
However, in the week following this loss, BAM - One wrist was re-injured, and the other is also sore. I'm really guessing now that this truly was pregnancy-related, and also that these wrist injuries may follow me during any future pregnancies. That will be interesting to see.<br />
<br />
My main concern is, of course, nausea: Not only did I again beat my previous first-nausea record by a full day (previous record: 2w6d, this pregnancy: 2w5d). but it was severe and somewhat debilitating by 3w0d.<br />
<br />
Yowza.<br />
<br />
There is, of course, the fact that I tend to have extremely rough reactions to the initial surge of pregnancy hormones. I have noticed now for several pregnancies that the initial pregnancy hormones hit me like a steam engine, and then sometimes back off a wee bit and stabilize before beginning to build again.<br />
<br />
But I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried.<br />
<br />
If symptoms were going to get that severe, that fast, then goodness knows where it would have led, even by now (we would today be at 4w5d).<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I have been extremely faithful with my pre-conception pregnancy preparation plan, so I don't have a bunch of ideas to add on.<br />
<br />
However, dear friends, I would love to hear your input. (Those of you who are left, that is; I know that my absence from blogging has wrought havoc upon my reader numbers. I'm so sorry, everyone!)<br />
<br />
However, I will list below the basic things that I am doing, and if anyone has any input, please, feel free to chime in! (I have put the brands I'm using in the hyperlinks.)<br />
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Gluten-free/wheat-free/grain-free<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dairy-free</div>
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Lower carb<o:p></o:p><br />
Increased protein</div>
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No sugar<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whole-foods diet<o:p></o:p></div>
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Supplements: <a href="https://www.vitacost.com/pure-encapsulations-b-complex-plus-120-capsules">Vitamin B complex</a>, <a href="https://www.vitacost.com/doctors-best-high-absorption-magnesium-100-mg-240-tablets">magnesium</a>, <a href="https://www.vitacost.com/Images/Products/150/Pure-Encapsulations/Pure-Encapsulations-Womens-Nutrients-766298011769.jpg">multi-vitamin</a>, <a href="https://www.vitacost.com/Images/Products/150/Vitacost/Vitacost-Alpha-Lipoic-Acid-835003000975.jpg">alpha-lipoic acid</a>, <a href="https://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-l-glutamine-500-mg-100-capsules">glutamine</a>, <o:p></o:p><br />
<a href="https://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-liquid-norwegian-cod-liver-oil-omega-3-epa-dha">Fish oil</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.vitacost.com/now-foods-l-carnitine-1000-mg-100-tablets">Acetyl L-carnitine</a> and <a href="https://www.vitacost.com/now-foods-coq10">CoQ-10</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.vitacost.com/now-liver-refresh">Liver cleanse supplement</a> and milk thistle (done only pre-ovulation)</div>
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Lacto-fermented foods (<a href="https://www.azurestandard.com/shop/product/food/canned/sauerkraut/raw/sauerkraut/10581?package=CO164">raw sauerkraut</a>, <a href="https://www.azurestandard.com/shop/product/food/condiments/pickles-pickle-relish/dill/pure-kosher-dill-pickles/10194?package=CO162">raw pickles,</a> kombucha), several times daily, plus <a href="https://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-probiotic-15-35-15-strains-35-billion-cfu-per-serving-120-vegetarian-capsules">probiotics</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.azurestandard.com/shop/product/health-beauty/bath-shower/salts-bath-foot/epsom/epsom-salt/7868?package=HB1121">Epsom salt</a>s baths, once weekly<o:p></o:p><br />
<a href="https://pinkstork.com/product/mist/">Magnesium spray</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.azurestandard.com/shop/product/food/condiments/vinegar/apple-cider/pure/vinegar-raw-apple-cider-organic/11564?package=CO130">Apple cider vinegar</a>, 1 Tbsp., 1-2 times daily<o:p></o:p></div>
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Turmeric/Colloidal Silver 10-day regimen, once yearly (done recently)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Coconut oil, 2 Tbsp. per day<o:p></o:p><br />
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As I've said, I've kind of maxed out my pre-conception prep ideas. But here are a few leads I plan to follow:</div>
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<br /></div>
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(1) I will get super-strict about taking my supplements. No more "I'll get around to it every three days or so."</div>
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<br /></div>
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(2) I am increasing my magnesium to minimum 600 mg per day.</div>
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<br /></div>
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(3) I am going to pursue starting to take raw liver again.</div>
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<br /></div>
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(4) I am going to research cold sensitivity (since this symptom has only arrived in my last couple of pregnancies) to see if there is anything I can work on, with hopes that improvement there might also improve pregnancy nausea. </div>
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<br /></div>
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(5) I am cutting back further on carbs, since my pregnancy doing a very-low-carb diet was my main success story in HG-prevention. I am keeping my carb intake minimal now, limited to small amounts of sweet potato and winter squash. (No more fruit or beans.)</div>
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Please feel free to give input - I would love it!</div>
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* * * </div>
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<br />
Dear friends, thank you for your prayers for our family and your kind words when we are able to interact. I do plan to check in, when I can, to do a year-end update, a supplement-update, and a brief post on the adventure of going dairy-free. (It's been amazing, and I'll tell you why then!) And of course, I do my best to answer all comments.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas, dear friends!!<br />
<br />
<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749091158028143048noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-90124596447666051452018-09-05T18:12:00.000-07:002018-09-05T18:25:20.833-07:00Article: "How I Cured Hyperemesis Gravidarum Naturally"<br />
I am so excited to share this post with you from Katie at The Cultured Home Economist:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://theculturedhomeeconomist.com/how-i-cured-hyperemesis-gravidarum-naturally/#comment-14">How I Cured My Hyperemesis Gravidarum Naturally</a><br />
<br />
Be sure to hop on over to get all the details, ask questions, and join the conversation!<br />
<br />
The approach that Katie shares is similar to that shared by other HG bloggers such as <a href="http://stevenandersonfamily.blogspot.com/2018/01/links-to-my-most-helpful.html">Zsuzsanna at Are They All Yours?!?!</a> and also <a href="https://pinkstork.com/">Amy at Pink Stork Solutions.</a><br />
<br />
Ladies, I am so proud of all of you out there who are doing your own HG research and are finding such wonderful answers - and sharing them with the HG community. <u>Thank you</u> for all you are doing!<br />
<br />
Katie, thank you for sharing!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-21631942711664169222018-04-22T17:17:00.000-07:002018-04-22T17:17:57.984-07:00Homeschool Curriculum Choices 2018-2019<br />
Last year, I never got around to posting our curriculum choices. This year, I decided to take a moment to stop by and jot them down!<br />
<br />
Without further ado, here are our choices for the 2018-2019 school year (which, for us, will be starting in one week):<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sixth Grade</b></span><br />
<br />
<u>Math</u> - We will use <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/50">Christian Light Math 6</a>. This will be our fourth year of using Christian Light, and we LOVE it!<br />
<br />
<u>Language Arts</u> - We will use <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/35">Christian Light Language Arts 5</a>. We have already begun the gradual process of getting our son caught up to grade level in language arts, so we will be moving into <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/36">level six</a> before the end of the year.<br />
<br />
<u>Reading</u> - <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_course/8">Christian Light Reading 6</a>. Again, love this program! The new edition of this curriculum isn't coming out until June, so we'll be doing extra time with our Latin program while we wait for this to arrive. (The previous edition is still available.)<br />
<br />
<u>Penmanship</u> - Our Language Arts curriculum includes a penmanship component, but it hasn't been working well for our student. I've been giving him homemade assignments, which has worked really well, but I'd like to save some time and use a pre-made book. We're going to give <a href="https://www.clp.org/products/pentime_cursive_grade_5_2742">Pentime 5</a> a try.<br />
<br />
<u>Reading Comprehension</u> - Read and Comprehend, (finishing) <a href="https://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=323179&childSbn=134872">level 5</a> and (starting) <a href="https://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=323276&childSbn=157147">level 6</a> by Abeka.<br />
<br />
<u>Composition</u> - I use a homemade "curriculum" of various writing assignments. I have not yet found the need for a formal curriculum.<br />
<br />
<u>Science</u> - We will use <a href="https://www.bjupress.com/category/grade-6-science-curriculum">Bob Jones Press Science 6</a>. I do not have all of the bells and whistles for this curriculum. I simply have the student text, and I use a homemade schedule of reading and notebooking. For us, simple science is just better. I add in weekly science activities.<br />
<br />
<u>History</u> - We will continue using <a href="https://welltrainedmind.com/landing/story-of-the-world/">Story of the World</a>. This year we will complete Year 4 (moderns) and move into Year 1 (ancients). This includes weekly readings, narrations, a coloring page, a map assignment, an optional outline assignment, and extra enrichment projects when we have time.<br />
<br />
I really considered moving to <a href="https://history.notgrass.com/middle-school/america-the-beautiful/">Notgrass History's <i>America the Beautiful</i></a>, which would be less work for me - besides being a mouth-wateringly wonderful curriculum. I will be honest here - the considering factor was price. Totally free vs. over a hundred dollars. However, I'll be keeping Notgrass in mind, and if I can find a used copy, we may switch - or if we find that we are expecting a new baby and I need something that can work for more independent student work, we might just bite the bullet and buy it anyway.<br />
<br />
<u>Maps</u> - Continuing with a generic maps book that we've used for several years<span id="goog_1675021771"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1675021772"></span>. This is not going to set the world on fire, but it does fulfill a purpose.<br />
<br />
<u>Logic</u> - We will continue to use <a href="https://www.criticalthinking.com/mind-benders.html">Mindbenders</a>. (In 9th grade, we plan to transfer over to a <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/logic-and-rhetoric/">formal logic program with Memoria Press</a>.)<br />
<br />
<u>Latin</u> - We will complete <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/latin/latina-christiana-i-set/">Latina Christiana</a>, and move into <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/latin/first-form-latin-set/">First Form Latin</a> if we have time.<br />
<br />
<u>Spanish</u> - <a href="https://www.aop.com/curriculum/shop-lifepac/spanish-i-set">Spanish 1 by LifePac</a>. I'm really excited about this!!<br />
<br />
<u>Piano</u> - Starting with the Alfred series.<br />
<br />
<u>Literature</u> - Our 6th grade is assigned 20 minutes of "history reading" and 20 minutes of "fun reading." Both of these are assigned by me, with input from him.<br />
<br />
<u>Bible</u> - One chapter per day, one memory verse per week.<br />
<br />
<u>Character</u> - Our 6th grader will be going through <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Created-Work-Practical-Insights-Young/dp/1883934117">"Created for Work"</a> with my husband.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Kindergarten</span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.milestonebooks.com/list/Rod_and_Staff_Preschool/">ABC Series</a> by Rod and Staff<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_grade/1">Kindergarten 1</a> by Christian Light<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rocketphonics.com/">Rocket Phonics</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Whole-Family Activities</span></b><br />
<br />
<u><a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/proddtl.php?id=026489&subject=History%2FGeography/14&category=Galloping+the+Globe/4615">Galloping the Globe</a></u> - Serves as a history/science topical reading list for elementary students.<br />
<br />
<u><a href="https://simplycharlottemason.com/timesavers/memorysys/">Charlotte Mason Memory Box</a></u> - We use this to memorize Scripture, historical pieces, and poetry. Highly recommended.<br />
<br />
<u>History Video Time</u> - We use this to teach music. Every fortnight or so, I select one new hymn, one historical piece, and one classical piece. We watch them every day. This has been <u>such</u> an amazing way to learn historical music! Highly recommended! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiRS_U5p50OPtkJ3f-opIO2MAZbMUEIfu">Here is our music list from this past year</a> in case you would like to see examples of the pieces we learned.<br />
<br />
I have lately also thrown in extra "how-to" videos into this time, in order to teach a variety of skills. We've covered how to cook scrambled eggs, how to use a hammer, how to do a proper push-up, how to survive in the desert - all sorts of great things.<br />
<br />
<u>Elementary Science and History/Culture</u> - This is a homemade curriculum that I am developing to cover basic topics of interest. I have also added in a weekly preschool "fun time" activity, and a weekly science activity. We'll see how that goes.<br />
<br />
<u>Morning Read-Aloud Time</u> - This is for our memory box, catechism, safety, history and science read-alouds, Bible, character, and usually one longer read-aloud.<br />
<br />
<u>Afternoon Read-Aloud Time</u> - This is for older students, covering our read-alouds and history curriculum.<br />
<br />
<br />
One of the fringe benefits of home education is the wonderful education that it offers for the <i>homeschooling mama.</i> I feel that I'm finally getting the education that I've always wanted, but which I just didn't get when I was in school. It's a lovely feeling.<br />
<br />
<br />
Feel free to shoot me any questions, dear friends! I will now once again bury myself in the land of not-blogging (except rarely!). I hope that each of you has had a wonderful Easter and is having a wonderful spring!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-581913724905405055.post-34448438636437445792018-03-05T17:02:00.001-07:002018-04-22T17:14:28.794-07:00Carnitine and CoQ10 Supplementation for Hyperemesis Gravidarum Prevention<br />
Here's another interesting nugget:<br />
<a href="http://www.hormonesmatter.com/hyperemesis-gravidarum-severe-morning-sickness-are-mitochondria-involved/"><br /></a>
"<a href="http://www.hormonesmatter.com/hyperemesis-gravidarum-severe-morning-sickness-are-mitochondria-involved/">Hyperemesis Gravidarum – Severe Morning Sickness: Are Mitochondria Involved?</a>"<br />
<br />
It's a fascinating article, and the take-away is the suggestion of pre-conception supplementation with L-carnitine and CoQ10. The suggested dosage can be found at another <a href="https://www.hormonesmatter.com/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome-mitochondrial-dysfunction/#comment-227197">article from the same site on mitochondrial dysfunction and cyclical vomiting syndrome</a>:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><i>Co-enzyme Q10: Participants were treated with co-enzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) in liquid or gel capsule form (from a variety of brands) at a starting dose of 10 mg/kg/day, or 200 mg, divided twice a day, whichever is smaller.</i> </li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><i>L-carnitine: Participants were treated with Carnitor brand or generics at a starting dose of 100 mg/kg/day divided BID, or 2 grams twice a day, whichever is smaller.</i></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
I think that this is a fascinating line of thought, and I am planning on adding both supplements to my regimen as of next month to see if there is a difference in our next pregnancy experience. (I will use <a href="https://www.vitacost.com/now-foods-l-carnitine-1000-mg-100-tablets">this brand of L-carnitine</a> (2 grams twice a day, for a daily total of 4 grams) and <a href="https://www.vitacost.com/now-foods-coq10">this brand of CoQ10</a> (100 mg twice a day, for a daily total of 200 mg).<br />
<br />
Thoughts, anyone?<br />
<br />
Happy Monday!<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Later edited to add: I began dosing with L-carnitine and CoQ10 on April 18, 2018. For the present, I am using half the dosage mentioned above, for the unfortunate reason that supplements are just so expensive. Hoping for good things!<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4