Sunday Lessons

Sunday mornings I teach the "littles" at our church. Sunita comes sometimes, but it's for our 3-6 year olds. (Okay, of which there are two)

I thought I'd like to share my lessons, to keep them on file, and if you find inspiration you can adapt them too.

 For the first month we studied Abraham for 4 weeks. The first lesson was Abraham's call to move.

 We learned A was for Abraham and for Apple.
We learned a verse with pictures "I will follow you whever you go."

 We made tents and put stickers of Abraham and Sarah inside.

We colored pictures too, and in all, went over the story 4 times. We also "packed" a suitcase of things to "move" with and pulled it around the classroom.

Every week we start by measuring our height on a growth chart and singing "Read your Bible pray every day and you'll grow, grow, grow..."

Then we try and close with another song that is our memory verse, Psalm 34:12-14.

A Fun Project

I've been wanting to try this for a long time.....and by a long time I mean probably over a year. But now, it's done, and I'm very excited! It's a "house" for kids to play in.

 It fits over our card table. Has two windows and a door, and a mail box that really can hold mail.

But the best part......it that it folds up like this for storage. Yay for fun things in our apartment!

Sweet Treats

So, I saw this pretty idea online and decided to try it out for myself....with a little help from my super-pie-crust-baking-mom.....

It is a lot of work for a treat....but it's kind of fun....maybe a once-a-fall type of thing in my book :)

Thanks

It's a mystery.....
Someone went window shopping on Saturday....
and entered my name in a drawing.....
and I won!
And I have no idea how or who.....
but I'm grateful and excited to do my own window shopping. :)

What's New

Hi.

It's been a while since I've been here....as in here on this blog.

I haven't forgotten it.

I haven't even wanted to neglect it.

But life happens.

What's new here?

I enjoyed every bit of fall I could....but I'm ready for snow.
I raked our backyard leaves.
I made lefse.
I made a fun October "do-list" and did most of it....
I've been sewing
And crafting
And reading
And playing computer games

And I've been mothering
And housekeeping
And cooking
And trying new things

All of which, someday, I hope to get back on here and blog. But I'd rather do it with pictures, and that will have to wait till I get them uploaded. Meanwhile, enjoy this picture of a Fall "Do-List", which is where I took my idea from. (If you click on the pictures it will go to the link):

A Book Review: A Good and Perfect Gift

I read through A Good and Perfect Gift, by Amy Becker, in about 2 days. It was captivating. It's the story of a family who didn't find out about the special needs of their child until AFTER the birth. The author writes about her excitement for their first child, the emotional roller-coaster they went on after the news, and the love that grew in their hearts toward their little girl.
  I enjoyed the premise of the book. While I am glad I read it, and the reminder of how precious life is, I'm also glad I didn't read it while pregnant. I don't think emotionally I could've handled it very well.
    The book maintained my interest for the first few chapters, then I wished the author would move through the story faster in the middle. She spent a lot of time in the 6-8 month age range, which from reading, you could tell alot happened, but at the same time, it felt a little repetitive. I enjoyed the "ending" of the book, but had to go check out her blog because I really wanted to see pictures. (Which I did)

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."*

Book Review: The Baker's Wife

The Baker's Wife, by Erin Healy, was the first suspense book/mystery book I read in a long, long time. As a fiction title, it definitely caught my interest, and held it till the end of the book.
  This was also my first time to read an e-book. Let me tell you, that's not my favorite way to enjoy a book, but it was conveinent.
    While a little on the unbelievable side, the story plot is captivating. I particualrly liked the setting of the bakery and the detail that went into that. The characters were maybe just a bit predictable, but for an afternoon read, it was fine.
    I did not find the conclusion much to my liking, it seemed like maybe it was a bit hard to wrap up.
Over all, I might try this author again, but it's not on my must-read list.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."*

Book Review: It Couldn't Just Happen

I'm very glad I had the chance to review It Couldn't Just Happen, by Lawrence Richards. It's a topic I am highly interested in, and therefore was a book right up my alley so to speak.

Overall, this is a book I plan on keeping on my shelf, and I do recommend adding it to yours as well.

I was happy to see the format of the book was geared toward kids/youth, with lots of pictures and easy-to-read font. Mr. Richards does a great job of explaining scientific things in an understandable way without sounding silly or childish. It reminds me a lot of the science text books I used in school.

I especially liked the beginning chapters of the book. The author addresses many of the common hypothesis mentioned in today's science books (well, on that I must mention that I'd like to research that myself by actually looking into an elementary science book). I really appreciated the way he didn't take issue of calling scientists with different beliefs "ignorant" or use any of the all-to-common "slams" against the "other-side." I was able to read along with him objectively on each issue without feeling he was leading me toward a bias.

At the end of each chapter he adds extra projects, research questions, activities you can do with your kids that go along with each topic. It must be personality, because some I thought very appropiate, and some very un-interesting.

Near the end of the book, he does get into theology more than I expected, as in, he devotes a whole chapter to the fufillment of prophecy by Christ. It's about 4 chapters in the end it's only about the Bible and Christ, and not so much on science stuff. It's interesting, but I would've been fine without it in the book because I find it a whole different topic of study.

So all in all, I give the first half of the book a 5 star rating, but the second half of the book a 3.5 rating.

If you'd like to read a copy of this book, you can buy it on Amazon.com or CBD.com (or get it from your local library possibly)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."*

I'm reminded...

As I prepared to meet new students last night, I was reminded that I'm not always in control....that things don't always go smoothly....that I can't always have the perfect things to say.

I was reminded that seasons come and go, as do people, as do opportunities. I need to remember grace, and trust, and practice peace and patience.

I can't always be wishing for things to have gone differently, or waiting for just the right moment, because God works in the everyday. And everyday He's reminding me to lean on Him.

Perhaps my words are just a maze, and don't make heads or tails, but all I can say is I'm so thankful this morning for the way things went yesterday, and the day before, and the last week...

As I learn discernment.....that not all that goes in my head needs to be said aloud. I'm thankful for little ears that listen, which remind me that God is still working on me and my thoughts are not always His thoughts to say out loud.

As I learn patience....that even when schedules up-heave, and rice turns sticky, and laundry buzzes and mail calls and friends drop by, that every event is a gift and a moment to savor.

As I learn trust....that even in all that upheaval, when I wish and wonder if I did the right thing or spent enough time or made someone realize I was really glad they were there, that I might never know the answer but I'll have to trust I did my best and let go and live on and look forward.

As I learn discipline....that things go smoother with a little planning, that I can make myself do the un-fun so there's time for the fun without dissapointing others or myself, and that there's always room for a shorter to-do-list.

As I learn wonder....that just when I'm thinking of someone, and how or when I will find time to meet them, they call, or email, or stop by. And then I know there is Someone else helping me, and knowing who He wants me to meet that day, and I just have to be available.

And so, as summer sunshine laspses into the crispness of fall, I'm thankful. And relaxed. And hoping to spend as much time listening as possible.

May you also have a restful weekend!

~ Emily

Crafty Shirts

A couple weeks ago my cousins were up visiting. I was able to go over and spend some fun time with them. Before they left, I wanted to make them something, so sat down and made these shirt one morning. They are very simple, but oh so fun!

 I got the shirt actually at the dollar store. Then, pulled out my scribble paints, paper, and paintbrush. I drew some stencils on paper, cut them out and laid them on the shirts. This sword idea I looked up online.

 Then I blopped some paint on a plate, daubed my brush in, and daubed it on the shirt.

Each shirt was unique and fit the kid's personality well I thought. Thankfully, the shirts fit too! :)

After painting, I set them in front of a fan for a "quick dry." All we had to do was iron them once dry to set the paint.

Camping Fun

Oh what fun we have had the last couple days! (Not that every day isn't fun....)

 I had the opportunity to go camping with this fun family:

 We drove up the North Shore to Eckberg State Forest (everything else was full), found a nice piney campsite right on the river, and settled in for a couple days.

 We hiked up the river (no, not the riverbank...the actual river) on Tuesday morning and that was quite an adventure hauling a 25 pound baby on my back :) But the river was shallow, and I only went in a couple times, and then, only one foot ;)

 We went (well, the kids went) wading in this little bay while we sat on the warm rocks and rested. (What?! Yes....rested.....I needed it after walking down and up steps with said heavy baby. I'm not as in shape as I might give myself credit for, ha!)

And we napped at camp, ate popcorn and string cheese, watermelon and crackers. We watched the campfire smoke (oh yes, we are professional campfire-smoke-starters), practiced crochet, and listened to the little stream burble behind our site.

I wasn't sure how Little Girl would do camping, but it was a fine experience, thanks to the help of 4 extra babysitters! The highlight for the littlest sitters was pushing the stroller (with or without Sunita in) and taking turns holding her on their lap. She savored every bit of attention I'm sure.

So thanks, Martha, for a fun time and for your efficient care of us all!

Now I'm off to do laundry, fold tents, and re-stock my camp kitchen with things I neglectfully left behind so we're ready for "next time!"

Update

Oh yes, an update on sickness.

It turned out that our little girl did have ear aches after all....one in each ear. After the "up-all-night" night, I took her in and got her some medicine. She immediately did much better.

Lucky girl also gets to use a Nebulizer twice a day to try and clear up a nastly little rasp she has developed. Hopefully it will go away soon.

And so, she is doing much better, and so are Mama and Papa :)

Initiation

   

I feel like I've been initiated into the true rank of parents. I have, officially, "walked the floor" with a crying child late into the night. Poor kid. (Poor mom and dad too)

  I'm hoping it was just an earache....just because I want a reason why she cried all night. Not that I want her to be sick, but this "guessing game" is not particularly my cup of tea.

   Of course, if you read about the symptoms, it could be anything from teething, to allergies, to growing pains. Honestly. How is a new parent supposed to know! ha

    And that's why I'm so glad I believe in God. I'm so thankful that even when I don't have answers, I know there is Someone all knowing, and all powerful, who is caring and watching over Sunita no matter what happens. And I can do my best and leave the rest up to Him.

  And so, let the adventure continue!

Yes I dare...

Do I dare tell you, truly, what we've been up to around here? I dare :)

• Relishing ~ Summer and green backyards
• Savoring ~ Grilled food and fresh green beans
• Picking ~ two to three green beans from my ONE plant, every day. (Saving up for meals :)
• Wiping ~ Endlessly wiping a little girl's nose
• Watching ~ a spider spin a web on my book shelf....hmmm, maybe I'd better dust
• Preparing ~ School supplies for incoming students
• Bemoning ~ the fact that I left a load of laundry too long and now it's musty and I have to wash it again
• Attempting ~ to go out on roller blades with a jogging stroller
• Puzzling ~ over what to feed a little girl next
• Struggling ~ with why a little one gets so many rashes
• Schemeing ~ ways to be more organizied
• Reading ~ The Trapp Family Singers
• Enjoying ~ some new neighbors
• Spending ~ too much time online
• Dreaming ~ of get-together ideas, picnics, and camping
• Forgetting~ to water my plants
• Delighting~ in a little girl who loves to clap

Lovely

Today, I have decided to take serious mesures to knock down a bad dry cough I've caught. I'm tired of being sick while trying to get rest and some things done.Thankfully, Little Girl and M. haven't got it yet....and I'm praying they don't.

So anyway, today I look lovely. I won't take a picture, but I'm sure you can use your imagination :) I've taken a head scarf (yes the kind older ladies wear) and wrapped it around my head and ears. It's holding some cotton pads over my ears to keep them warm and moist. Oh, have I mentioned, it's about 80 degrees out this morning? Anyway, my olive green scarf goes beautifully with my pink over-sized t shirt and blue jean skirt.....just to give you the picture there ;)
   I heated two oranges in the microwave and ate them, followed by guzzling two mugs of hot honey-lemon water.
  I've also heard that putting vicks on your feet and wearing sock helps....but I haven't gone that far yet.

So there you have it.....I'm hoping to rid myself of the cough today. We'll see. Meanwhile, since I look so lovely, I'll use some of my time this morning to see if I can get some blog posts rolling.

Wishing you a warm-filled, cheerful morning too!

Book Review: PrayerWalk

Yes, another book review. I haven't read all these books at once, just am a bit tardy on posting the reviews.

Anyway, of the books I've read recently, this book by Janet Holm McHenry is my favorite. At first, I was skeptical of the book, title and all. Prayerwalking....who goes prayerwalking. How over-the-top! Yet, as I read it, I was interested and found many neat ideas and thoughts stimulated by the author.
   I like the straight-forwardness, simple talk, and practicality of this author's writing. She is a high school teacher out west, and has many down-to-earth stories and points to make in the book.
    Her main points are:

• Prayer is important
• We should make time to Pray
• Exercise is important
• We should take time to exercise
• Combining both CAN be an act of faith

The book does not force you to feel you have to Go walking and Pray, but she offers her experiences, reasons, and practical tips throughout the book.

I like one of the things she says about habits:

It should be 3 D's. It should be a daily, disciplined descision.

And I agree with the quip even on the back of the book: It's time to exercies your prayer life.

You can find a copy of this book on Amazon.com or CBD.com

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Press as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."*

Book Review: The Blessing

The Blessing, by John Trent and Gary Smalley, was a bit dissapointing to me.
 I received this book from BookSneeze, and was looking forward to reading it for some time. Yet, I had a hard time reading much at a time, and had to force myself to finish.
   The book follows the premise (for me) of the Five Love Languages. It does have lots of stories in it, which is helpful and maybe the most interesting part to myself.
   The overall premise feels a bit stretched to me....of emphasizing Big lessons from Small verses in the Bible. I struggled with that aspect, feeling like it was an okay opinion, but a bit shaky to persist in it's importance.
   The book deals with "blessing" or loving/accepting your children by words, action, touch, and tone. The vaild point of the book is, as children, we want our parents to love us unconditionally and accept us. That I agree with. Yet as far as needing to "Bless" our kids, I got a bit lost in the authors jargon.
   I suppose, overall, I am showing my "Minnesotaness" and would rate this book as a bit too "feely" or "froofroo" for my taste. I learned valuable input from the book, but am not likely to pass this on to any other parent.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."*

Book Review: The Sweetest Thing

The Sweetest Thing, by Elizabeth Musser, was the first fiction book I've read in a long time. (Well, reading through books has been kind of put on a back burner for a while). Still, I was pleasantly captivated....at least when I got past the first few chapters.
  The story line is set in the American Depression era, but focuses on the life of the rich more than the struggles of the poor during that time. I found this interesting, yet puzzling too. I have never (I think) read any books or information from that time period from this perspective. Therefore, while I found the story entertaining, I also found it hard to believe. It made me curious to dig up more information and biographies of the rich during that time. (Which I haven't done yet, so my review is still baised toward the unbelieveable...sorry).
   The writing is smooth, though I found it a bit wordy. This author was new to me, and I laughed when I read her acknowledgments where she mentioned "Thanks for helping me cut this book down to a readable length." Because, even though she cut it I guess, I would say there was still that feel of a lot of extra detailing and descriptions that I could've done without. Therefore, to actually get into the story plot took me about 3 chapters.
    So, in all, it was interesting, spurred my interest in studying some history, and was entertaining. But, it is not a book I will keep on my bookshelf long. There are others that I find more enduring and classic.

You can find a copy for yourself from Amazon.com if you'd like.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."*

Forest Honey

 So, I finally tried it.....Forest Honey that is. I've been talking about it for a long while, waiting for just the right season, and it finally came.

I should've known better.

Basically, I saw a recipe in a kid's cookbook two years ago, that you can make a type of honey from pine needles. So I was dying to try it. The basic recipe is as follows:

Gather new pine needles
Soak in water overnight
Drain and discard the needles
Add sugar to the water and boil till thick

Why should've I known better? Because I've made candy before. Because I've boiled sugar before. Of COURSE it gets thick like honey. ha. The longer you cook any sugar syrup, the harder it gets (like peanut brittle, caramel corn, popcorn balls, etc)

So, really, this was pine flavored sugar water. Because for 5 cups water I had to add 3 cups sugar. Besides, I was impatient so I used Balsam needles instead of waiting for white pine needles. Oh boy did it smell! (Balsam is the strong-smelling Christmas tree type)

Need-less to say, I am pleased I finally tried this experiment...but wish I had thought it through (you'd think 2 years was enough!) because it tasted horriblly bitter, and I threw the whole thing out, and only afterward did I remember the candying principle and why it would get sticky. :)

So here you go....you can look at this post and see how "Forest Honey" turns out, but you don't have to try it at home (which I don't recommend any way)!

...yes, they caught fish

Sunday, June 5th

Wows on our Walk