Francine Rivers giveaway! Visit this link to see more. http://http://www.tyndale.com/blog/?p=1042

Pirate Tharsday

We've been holding Pirate Th-ar-sday in homeschool the last few weeks. (We were inspired by the book we've been reading: Treasure Island.) It gives us something to look forward to and a chance to sneak in learning while the boys think we're just having fun. We've been covering famous pirates (like Blackbeard) and their routes. We've studied the Jolly Roger and the various symbols. We've even incorporated math into Pirate Tharsday with some fun worksheets and activities.

I planned to have a pirate treasure hunt at the end of our unit on pirates (sometime next month), since we live near the beach and... well, who really needs another reason to dig up treasure? Then, I realized next month our beach will be invaded by the spring breakers who are great for our local economy and bad for everything else. (Especially bad for sanity when you're attempting to drive in spring break traffic and even worse for trying to teach your young boys that modesty is important.) Anyway, due to the spring break situation, our treasure hunt got moved forward significantly! Here's how it went.

This is said treasure. Complete with gold-covered chocolate coins, stickers, and chocolate crabs, of course.


The boys discover that the rolled up paper I've been carrying around is actually a treasure map.

Find that treasure!

Ahoy matey! It be pirate treasure.

Think you might like to hold your own Pirate Tharsday? Here are the resources we've been enjoying.
1. Free Lapbooking templates: http://www.homeschoolshare.com/pirates.php

2. Dividing into equal sets:
http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/PirateDivideByTwo.htm

3. Blackbeard information: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/pirates/bbeard.html

4. Juice box pirate ships:
http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/transportation/mmilk_carton_pirate_ship.htm

5. The Pirate's Handbook by Margarette Lincoln (This was very helpful and informative!)

6. Treasure Island by Angela Wilkes (A retelling of Treasure Island for grade 3)

7. How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long

8. Backbeard: Pirate for Hire by Matthew McElligot (This book was funny!)

9. Cute and easy pirate craft: http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/pirates/mpirate.html

10. Pirate treasure map: http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/pirates/mmap.html

11. Don't forget your own treasure hunt. We painted a shoe box black and filled it with little treats. Don't live near the beach? Distract your kids and have someone bury the booty on your next trip to the neighborhood park. Don't forget a treasure map! (If you have multiple children, this is a good way to practice math skills since they'll have to divide their treasure!)

A Heavy Load

Several years ago I was startled by television coverage of the scene following a suicide bombing in Israel. The camera panned over a group of people who were wailing out their hurt as tears plowed down their faces. It echoed scenes from Biblical times where those who were mourning ripped their over-clothes and covered themselves with ashes.

Although such behaviors seem strange, the pain behind the actions still resonate with those who have experienced the searing knife of grief. Perhaps the odd behavior is actually in smiling when one does not feel happy. In masking sorrow behind easily exchanged platitudes. In asking how someone is and hoping they will not answer honestly.

The Bible offers hope to those laboring under a mound of grief, regardless of how they choose to demonstrate it. Matthew 11:28 addresses the soul-weariness that accompanies sorrow. Jesus says, in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Have some grief, sadness, or burdens you're carrying? Be reassured—you aren’t alone. Join with me in allowing Jesus to fulfill the promise He made. I could use some heavenly rest. How about you?


Just for fun, here's a song by John Schlitt (who was the lead singer for Petra). This is an oldie (my kids would consider the '90's ancient) but it speaks to this topic and it makes me smile, so here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4820Jn015A

Dear Wanda,

I've been stewing over several new blog posts, but I haven't had much time to write lately--due to two mean, nasty, monster-like things that have invaded my house. Otherwise known as college classes: Algebra and Biology. I know, I know. Some people actually enjoy these subjects. Unfortunately, I do not. Hopefully, I'll be on an even keel soon and can catch up with my blogging.

(PS: Wanda-my wonderful, loyal reader-this post was for you!)

January is "Soup for Dinner" month & Recipes

I think just about everybody knows that January is “Eat Soup for Dinner Month.” Okay, I might have invented that. Still, January’s cold weather is the perfect backdrop for soup. So is February. And March. And just about every month except July. (Wait, I think I have a recipe for cold soup.) I mean: every month including July.

My favorite soup recipe is Italian Soup. Unfortunately, I’m the only one in my clan that likes it. (I live with weirdos picky eaters.) Italian soup is easy and healthy. Plus, it could easily be converted to a vegan recipe for those wanting a meatless dish. (Daniel Fast, anyone?)

Shrimp Bisque is the soup that is more accepted at out house. It’s creamy and shrimpy and oh-so-delicious! It’s made with heavy whipping cream, though. That means it’s not good for you. But who cares? But it is good for the occasional splurge. Plus, it has an orange/pink color that makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Try out a new soup recipe. Let me know what you think!

Italian Soup

(This soup freezes well.)

1 lb ground beef

1 cup diced onions

1 cup sliced celery

1 cup sliced carrots

2 cloves minced garlic

1 can diced tomatoes

8 oz. tomato sauce

½ cup elbow macaroni noodles

1 can dark red kidney beans, undrained (I omit these because I don’t like beans.)

2 cups water

2 beef bullion cubes

1 tsp salt

½ tsp oregano

½ tsp basil

¼ tsp pepper

Directions:

1. In pan, cook burger. Drain grease.

2. Combine all ingredients except macaroni noodles in a large pot.

3. Cook until carrots are almost tender.

4. Add macaroni noodles to soup. Cook until tender.

5. Enjoy!

Shrimp Bisque

*Warning: Fresh shrimp—as in off the boat at a marina—tastes much better than what you can get frozen or even fresh from the meat department at the grocery store. Can’t get your shrimp that fresh? Proceed at your taste buds' own risk.*

(We double the recipe. Surprisingly, this soup also freezes well.)

1 lb large shrimp, peeled, shells reserved

4 cups seafood stock (I use clam juice. Look for it near the canned tuna fish.)

3 tbs extra virgin olive oil

2 cups chopped leeks, white and green parts (Leeks are related to onions, by the way.)

½ cup white wine (You can use ¼ c. Cognac and ¼ c. sherry.)

4 tbs butter

4 cup flour

2 cups half-and-half

1/3 cup tomato paste

Directions:

1. Simmer shells and clam juice/stock in a pot for 15 minutes. Strain and reserve the stock.

2. Cook leeks and garlic in olive oil until leeks are tender but not brown.

3. Add shrimp and cook over medium-low heat for 3 minutes.

4. Remove shrimp from pan.

5. Pour white wine and butter into pan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Add tomato paste, stock, half-and-half. Simmer over low heat.

6. Use food processor to coarsely puree leeks and shrimp. (I like to reserve some of the shrimp the cut into bite sized pieces. This will give the soup some chunkiness. Technically, the shrimp pieces make this more of a chowder than a bisque. Bisque is supposed to be smooth with no lumps.)

7. Add shrimp and leek puree (and shrimp pieces if applicable) to liquid. Heat until bisque is not, but not boiling.

8. Enjoy!

Resolution to Read... and eat chocolate!

Have you made a New Year’s Resolution? Me? Never touch the stuff. I hate feeling overwhelmed and behind, you see. However, if you’re looking for a doable resolution that still allows you to eat whatever you want, you’ve come to the right place. How about resolving to read a few books this year? Best part is that you can read with a cupcake in one hand. Just watch the crumbs. Sticky pages are no fun.

My list of must reads:

1. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
This a book about WWII and Corrie’s experience helping Jews escape. It chronicles her capture and the time she spent at several death camps including Auschwitz. My opinion is that everyone should read this book.

2. Alas Babylon by Pat Frank
Some of you may remember this from your high school required reading list. It’s an interesting read set in Florida where the characters must survive a nuclear blast. Think of it as a 1950's Man vs. Wild... without the nasty elephant poo scene.

3. This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti
This book pulls aside the veil to peer into the spirit realm. Note: Don’t read at bedtime!

4. The Gathering Storm by Winston Churchill
I have only read segments of this book, but I plan to read it all. As a matter of fact, I am putting it on my personal non-New Year’s resolution list of things to read. I believe Churchill’s book can speak to issues surrounding our current war with terrorism.

5. A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers
Those of you who know me expected this one, didn’t you? This is one of my favorite books by my favorite author. It is historical fiction and set in Rome during the time of gladiators and emperors. Rivers weaves a fascinating story and the parallels between ancient Rome society and current America are impossible to ignore. Note: Get Echo in the Darkness (book two) at the same time. You’ll want to read them back to back. I promise. Skip book three of the series, though. It is actually the only book of Francine Rivers that I don't enjoy reading.

6. Year of the Locust by Brittni Lasater
Okay, okay. This is wishful thinking because my book hasn't been published yet. It just didn't seem right not to include it in a list of my favorite books!

Most of these books should be available at your local library. Let me know which books you pick and what you think! Plus, I'd love to hear what books would make your "must read" list.

"Jesus Calling" Devotional

In homeschool, we’ve picked up a new Bible devotional called “Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids.” The devotional is written by Sarah Young especially for children ages 9-12. Each page is labeled with the corresponding date and is short and sweet. Plus, it is written in the first person point of view as if Jesus is speaking directly to the reader.

Pros: this devotional is easy to read. Also, it is interesting that it uses the word “I” when referring to Jesus. Cons: If you are looking for an in depth Bible study, this is not it. I'm also not sure this will hold the attention of most twelve-year-olds.

I doubt we'll keep it as a regular Bible curriculum. However, my nine year old picked it up to read on his own. That means "Jesus Calling" won't be going into the "give away" stack.