We began a new tradition this Christmas Eve. I was so excited to do it, and it turned out to be as good as my expectations. That is saying something. Also, drum roll please, this may be one of the few absolutely unique ideas I have ever had.
For several weeks before Christmas, I began collecting books that I felt my children would enjoy. A number of them came from Jennifer's comment on my post earlier this month. Thank you, Jennifer! By Christmas Eve, I had accumulated 15-20 books. Since there were eleven people old enough to read chapter books at our home this year, I felt that was a good number. I stacked them attractively in a large basket and placed a blanket over them so that they were hidden in the living room. In the basket I also prepared a special letter for each child. I ordered four more Christmas story books for my three youngest children and little grand-daughter. These I wrapped with a pair of pajamas and my Christmas letter for each of these younger children.
For Christmas Eve dinner I roasted turkey and had all the trimmings. It was certainly not like Thanksgiving, but we had potatoes and gravy, stuffing, veggies, and a salad. This helped set a more formal mood for the evening and also took care of food for Christmas Day so that I didn't have to cook. We munched on cold and hot turkey sandwiches whenever we got hungry.
After dinner, we gathered in the living room and Doug read the true Christmas story from Luke 2 and we all sang Christmas appropriate Christmas carols interspered throughout. We talked about the true meaning of Christmas.
Then, the new tradition. Let me give some background. At our house, Santa Claus usually brings our children a book and sometimes a movie or other small stocking gifts. I have noticed in the past couple of years that my older children can read their book too quickly, often completing it Christmas afternoon. I thought it would be nice if the quiet reading time mingled with game playing and snow play could continue throughout the holiday week. So, this year I had prepared a basket of the chosen books that I referred to and brought them out on Christmas Eve.
I passed out the packages I had for Benjamin, Bethany, Brecklyn, and Bridgette. They opened their books and pajamas and then ran to get dressed for bed. I pulled the blanket off the basket of books and almost immediately the older children moved forward around the basket. It was so cool! Their eyes were big and they wanted to see what was inside. I held their Christmas letters like a hand of cards, and Dad picked out one letter at a time. The person who's letter was chosen was given the letter and a chance to look through the books and choose the one they wanted to read first. We continued in this manner until everyone had chosen a book. Of course, there were several books left in the basket.
Each person was told that they could keep the book they had chosen, since several children returned home to their own houses on Christmas evening. But, all of them were invited to continue to trade with the other books in the basket as often as they wished throughout the week. It has worked fabulously. My daughter-in-law was frantically reading to finish a book before they left last night. Noelle didn't really enjoy her first choice, so read it all, changed, and read another book yesterday.
I love that this tradition went over so well. After you get past small childhood, Christmas gifts are not usually things that occupy your day like toys do. We played a couple of new games we got, and some of the family watched a movie or two, and we spent much time visiting with each other, but reading our books helped fill in the cracks and gave us all something new and fun to enjoy throughout the day. This is a tradition that I will definitely be continuing.
Before they left, my son said that his wife had suggested they continue this tradition in their own home when their family was larger and older. Then, she said, actually, maybe next year! Sounds like a winner to me!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
The Autobiography of Santa Claus
I realize that this is kind of late. But, Christmas will be here again next year, so it's never too late, right? I promised a post on books I like to read outloud, chapter books, for Christmas. Well, yesterday I read the most amazing book about Santa Claus and I wanted to share.
But first, some of my other Christmas favorite read alouds. This year, I included my favorite old-fashioned stories that are easily found and are easy to download and really inexpensive.
Since President Monson mentioned "The Mansion" by Henry Van Dyke in conference, it has been taking the world by storm. Nothing wrong with that, but don't get caught buying a new expensive copy from Deseret Book. The story is in the public domain, so it is free for Kindle, you can find it in full several places on the web, or you can buy an inexpensive copy at Amazon. (I printed my first one several years ago from a website. It is about 25 pages printed.) I love this story! "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens is also a great story, but do you really know anyone who is a true Scrooge? There were many people just like him in Dickens's England. At that time, Christmas wasn't widely celebrated and many people wanted it ignored. In our time, however, the character of Scrooge is really nonexistant. However, there are many of us that are like John Weightman of "The Mansion", or at least partly like him. He is a good man. He gives to charities, he is generous with his wealth. But, why? What is in it for him? This story is easy to read aloud (or to yourself) in about 45 minutes and will lead to a wonderful discussion about service and why we do it. Also, about serving our Lord.
"The Birds Christmas Carol" by Kate Douglas Wiggin is another great read-aloud. It is also easy to find for download or for Kindle. It will get your children into the mood of Christmas and its true meaning as well. This book is NOT about birds. The little girl in the story's name is Carol Bird. This book was written in 1912, so it is old-fashioned and fun. Both of these books would make a welcome addition to a holiday evening in which a spirit of Christmas is wanted.
Those of you who know me well, know that Louisa May Alcott is one of my very favorite authors. I have a collection of her Christmas stories that I love. They are short stories that stand alone, so you can read one here and there, or you find som of them individually. I have "The Quiet Little Woman" in an individual book.
Now, the book I read yesterday I found and ordered just this last week. I can't remember for anything why or where it was recommended, but I loved it! It is not old-fashioned in the fact that it was first published in 1994, but it covers a great deal of history. Let me tell you a little bit about "The Autobiography of Santa Claus" which I will be reading aloud to my children next year. Author Jeff Guinn spent time with St. Nicholas helping him write his autobiography. It is truly a history book that follows Santa from his beginnings as a boy in Lycia (modern day Turkey) to the Santa Claus we know today. The story weaves his experiences in the countries of Europe and America with the traditional Christmas traditions as they evolve and advance. It is 2 parts history and one part magic, and I truly enjoyed th story! It is a great history book and includes mini-biographical information on many historical figures who helped Nicholas along the way including Atilla the Hun, Charlemagne, Arthur of Briton, Francis of Assisi, Benjamin Franklin, and Theodore Roosevelt. I loved the book so much, I ordered the sequels, "How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas" and "The Great Santa Search". I hope the next stories are as fantastic as this one turned out to be.
Once again, Merry Christmas and happy reading!
But first, some of my other Christmas favorite read alouds. This year, I included my favorite old-fashioned stories that are easily found and are easy to download and really inexpensive.
Since President Monson mentioned "The Mansion" by Henry Van Dyke in conference, it has been taking the world by storm. Nothing wrong with that, but don't get caught buying a new expensive copy from Deseret Book. The story is in the public domain, so it is free for Kindle, you can find it in full several places on the web, or you can buy an inexpensive copy at Amazon. (I printed my first one several years ago from a website. It is about 25 pages printed.) I love this story! "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens is also a great story, but do you really know anyone who is a true Scrooge? There were many people just like him in Dickens's England. At that time, Christmas wasn't widely celebrated and many people wanted it ignored. In our time, however, the character of Scrooge is really nonexistant. However, there are many of us that are like John Weightman of "The Mansion", or at least partly like him. He is a good man. He gives to charities, he is generous with his wealth. But, why? What is in it for him? This story is easy to read aloud (or to yourself) in about 45 minutes and will lead to a wonderful discussion about service and why we do it. Also, about serving our Lord.
"The Birds Christmas Carol" by Kate Douglas Wiggin is another great read-aloud. It is also easy to find for download or for Kindle. It will get your children into the mood of Christmas and its true meaning as well. This book is NOT about birds. The little girl in the story's name is Carol Bird. This book was written in 1912, so it is old-fashioned and fun. Both of these books would make a welcome addition to a holiday evening in which a spirit of Christmas is wanted.
Those of you who know me well, know that Louisa May Alcott is one of my very favorite authors. I have a collection of her Christmas stories that I love. They are short stories that stand alone, so you can read one here and there, or you find som of them individually. I have "The Quiet Little Woman" in an individual book.
Now, the book I read yesterday I found and ordered just this last week. I can't remember for anything why or where it was recommended, but I loved it! It is not old-fashioned in the fact that it was first published in 1994, but it covers a great deal of history. Let me tell you a little bit about "The Autobiography of Santa Claus" which I will be reading aloud to my children next year. Author Jeff Guinn spent time with St. Nicholas helping him write his autobiography. It is truly a history book that follows Santa from his beginnings as a boy in Lycia (modern day Turkey) to the Santa Claus we know today. The story weaves his experiences in the countries of Europe and America with the traditional Christmas traditions as they evolve and advance. It is 2 parts history and one part magic, and I truly enjoyed th story! It is a great history book and includes mini-biographical information on many historical figures who helped Nicholas along the way including Atilla the Hun, Charlemagne, Arthur of Briton, Francis of Assisi, Benjamin Franklin, and Theodore Roosevelt. I loved the book so much, I ordered the sequels, "How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas" and "The Great Santa Search". I hope the next stories are as fantastic as this one turned out to be.
Once again, Merry Christmas and happy reading!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
December Picture Books II
I couldn't stop with three.
These next three are not necessarily less favorite than the last three, as a matter of fact, I think the last book mentioned here today may be one of my very favoritest Christmas stories ever. (Yes, I know that isn't a real word.)
First, "Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend" by Julie Stiegemeyer. I really like this book because it explains who the real St. Nicholas was and how he tried to exemplify the Savior in his life. His generousity and giving heart are what made him the basis for our current Santa tradition. Although I must admit that I get very tired of the commercialization of Christmas, I love the giving spirit of Santa and what he really stands for. When I read this book, I think more of 'St. Nicholas' and of the spirit behind the season.
"Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree" by Robert Barry is just a sweet story about a Christmas tree being shared all around the village. Too tall for Mr. Willowby, he cuts the top off. What happens to that top as it makes it rounds through the forest full of friendly creatures? You will have to read to find out. Fun favorite for very young children.
I can not tell you how great the next book is without you seeing it for yourself, but I will try. The problem is, I have a very old edition that I'm not sure you can get now, but I am going to buy the new edition because I understand that it has letters that were previously omitted. But, I am getting ahead of myself.
JRR Tolkien, the great master storyteller of Middle Earth, was a genius. During the month of December, his children would receive a letter with a North Pole postmark. The letters were from Father Christmas. They told tales of life at the North Pole all through the year: mischevious reindeer, his friend the North Polar Bear, and troublesome goblins who live beneath his house. The stories are magical and entertaining. I can read two or three a night to my children, or more.
My edition has original artwork (by Tolkien himself) and envelopes pasted on each page filled with pull-out letters. They are copies of the original letters and are written in Tolkien's hand. The backs have the type-written translation. It is so cool! Mostly, the stories are just funny and we love to hear all about Father Christmas's adventures at the North Pole.
Next, some great read-aloud chapter books for Christmas.
These next three are not necessarily less favorite than the last three, as a matter of fact, I think the last book mentioned here today may be one of my very favoritest Christmas stories ever. (Yes, I know that isn't a real word.)
First, "Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend" by Julie Stiegemeyer. I really like this book because it explains who the real St. Nicholas was and how he tried to exemplify the Savior in his life. His generousity and giving heart are what made him the basis for our current Santa tradition. Although I must admit that I get very tired of the commercialization of Christmas, I love the giving spirit of Santa and what he really stands for. When I read this book, I think more of 'St. Nicholas' and of the spirit behind the season.
"Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree" by Robert Barry is just a sweet story about a Christmas tree being shared all around the village. Too tall for Mr. Willowby, he cuts the top off. What happens to that top as it makes it rounds through the forest full of friendly creatures? You will have to read to find out. Fun favorite for very young children.
I can not tell you how great the next book is without you seeing it for yourself, but I will try. The problem is, I have a very old edition that I'm not sure you can get now, but I am going to buy the new edition because I understand that it has letters that were previously omitted. But, I am getting ahead of myself.
JRR Tolkien, the great master storyteller of Middle Earth, was a genius. During the month of December, his children would receive a letter with a North Pole postmark. The letters were from Father Christmas. They told tales of life at the North Pole all through the year: mischevious reindeer, his friend the North Polar Bear, and troublesome goblins who live beneath his house. The stories are magical and entertaining. I can read two or three a night to my children, or more.
My edition has original artwork (by Tolkien himself) and envelopes pasted on each page filled with pull-out letters. They are copies of the original letters and are written in Tolkien's hand. The backs have the type-written translation. It is so cool! Mostly, the stories are just funny and we love to hear all about Father Christmas's adventures at the North Pole.
 |
| Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien |
Saturday, December 8, 2012
December Picture Books
This post is a little late. Choosing Christmas books is hard; there are so many great books. I decided to go with books that are inspirational, yet not about Santa Claus or about baby Jesus. Mostly, because I needed to narrow my search down somewhat. I have more that I like, though, and I might do a 'December Pictures Books II' if I get ambitious.
The first book I chose is called "The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalchian Story" by Gloria Houston. This is heartwarming book that has an extra touch in the quaint accent of the mountain people. If you like the Little House books, or pioneer stories, this will be fun read. Little girls, especially will like this story.
The next story is called "Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect" by Richard H. Schneider. I like this story because it is really a parable. When seen through the eyes of human experience, there is so much to learn from Small Pine. However, even small children will enjoy the story and the beautiful illustrations of the forest and the woodland animals and will learn that to love one another is the most important gift of all.
The last book is for all those parents who tell their children, "The best gift is for you to be good and do your chores cheerfully." This isn't really what happens, but this young man learns that the best way to show his father he loves him and the best gift truly is a gift of self. Written by classic author, Pearl S. Buck, "Christmas Day in the Morning" may bring tears to your eyes, but it is not sappy. Instead, it is touching and so true.
Stay tuned. I have a feeling there will be three more next week...
The first book I chose is called "The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalchian Story" by Gloria Houston. This is heartwarming book that has an extra touch in the quaint accent of the mountain people. If you like the Little House books, or pioneer stories, this will be fun read. Little girls, especially will like this story.
The next story is called "Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect" by Richard H. Schneider. I like this story because it is really a parable. When seen through the eyes of human experience, there is so much to learn from Small Pine. However, even small children will enjoy the story and the beautiful illustrations of the forest and the woodland animals and will learn that to love one another is the most important gift of all.
The last book is for all those parents who tell their children, "The best gift is for you to be good and do your chores cheerfully." This isn't really what happens, but this young man learns that the best way to show his father he loves him and the best gift truly is a gift of self. Written by classic author, Pearl S. Buck, "Christmas Day in the Morning" may bring tears to your eyes, but it is not sappy. Instead, it is touching and so true.
Stay tuned. I have a feeling there will be three more next week...
Monday, December 3, 2012
Santa's Book List
I decided to make a list of books that might be interesting for children to find in their stockings on Christmas morning. This is my criteria for choosing this list:
1) The books are interesting to children 8-14 approximately. Before 8, picture books are usually more fun as gifts, and I will have my "December Picture Books" post soon to cover this topic. After 14 children are really ready for 'adult' books, so any great classic or book I have read I pass on to my older children. Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters are great for girls; my boys have loved Edgar Rice Burroughs and Robert Jordan. The list includes various reading levels in no particular order. For fun reading, choose below their reading level so there is no struggle.
2) They are 'fun' books. These are books children will enjoy reading. That does not mean there is nothing to learn from them, it means that they are a great sit-by-the-fire-on-Christmas-afternoon-and-read-a-great-book fun.
3) I did not include anything that I have covered before or that seems like it is already well-known. I included books I thought you may not have read before.
4) Although I split into girls and boys, many of the titles could appeal to both. I have found that girls enjoy "boy" books more than boys enjoy "girl" books, however.
4) This list is obviously NOT exhaustive. There are so many, many wonderful books. Thus the impetus for writing this blog. This is what I had on my bookshelf and jumped out at me. So, it is books that my family and I love. That said, please comment and leave me a list of your own favorite fun books so that I can have some ideas of what to buy my own children for Christmas!
Now for the lists:
GIRLS
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
Miss Pickerall by Ellen MacGregor (out of print, but I read these as a little girl and thought they were great. I'd like to find them for my little ones.)
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dagliesh
The Frog Princess Series by E.D. Baker - Advertised as being the books the Disney movie of the same name is based on. The only thing they have in common is their name and the book is so much better.
Once Upon a Marigold and Twice Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris
Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye
Katie John by Mary Calhoun (Out of print, but such a fabulous book!)
Three Good Deeds by Vivian Vande Velde
The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler
The Amaranth Enchantement by Julie Berry
The Peppins and Their Problems by Polly Horvath (really silly but cute)
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
Pollyanna Eleanor Hodgman Porter
Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace (This is a series. The first couple are great for little girls and some of my favorite, but gets very 'crushy' by the end of th series so I don't like the last books as much.)
The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill
The Sisters Eight Series by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
The Pinderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
ANYTHING by Eleanor Estes
BOYS
The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman
All Alone by Claire Hutchet Bishop
The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame
The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling
The Hodge-Heg by Dick King-Smith (and anything else by this author)
Be a Perfect person in Just Three Days by Stephen Manes
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (wonderful for animal lovers, but beware of some evolutionary content)
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
Swallows and Amazons Arthur Ransome
Homer Price by Robert McCloskey
Redwall Series by Brian Jacques
ANYTHING by Lloyd Alexander
Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze by Elizabeth Foreman Lewis
Gentle Ben by Walt Morey
Abel's Island by William Steig
The Great Brain series by John D. Fitzgerald
There is a beginning for you. Please, leave me a list of your own!
Merry Christmas!!!
1) The books are interesting to children 8-14 approximately. Before 8, picture books are usually more fun as gifts, and I will have my "December Picture Books" post soon to cover this topic. After 14 children are really ready for 'adult' books, so any great classic or book I have read I pass on to my older children. Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters are great for girls; my boys have loved Edgar Rice Burroughs and Robert Jordan. The list includes various reading levels in no particular order. For fun reading, choose below their reading level so there is no struggle.
2) They are 'fun' books. These are books children will enjoy reading. That does not mean there is nothing to learn from them, it means that they are a great sit-by-the-fire-on-Christmas-afternoon-and-read-a-great-book fun.
3) I did not include anything that I have covered before or that seems like it is already well-known. I included books I thought you may not have read before.
4) Although I split into girls and boys, many of the titles could appeal to both. I have found that girls enjoy "boy" books more than boys enjoy "girl" books, however.
4) This list is obviously NOT exhaustive. There are so many, many wonderful books. Thus the impetus for writing this blog. This is what I had on my bookshelf and jumped out at me. So, it is books that my family and I love. That said, please comment and leave me a list of your own favorite fun books so that I can have some ideas of what to buy my own children for Christmas!
Now for the lists:
GIRLS
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
Miss Pickerall by Ellen MacGregor (out of print, but I read these as a little girl and thought they were great. I'd like to find them for my little ones.)
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dagliesh
The Frog Princess Series by E.D. Baker - Advertised as being the books the Disney movie of the same name is based on. The only thing they have in common is their name and the book is so much better.
Once Upon a Marigold and Twice Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris
Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye
Katie John by Mary Calhoun (Out of print, but such a fabulous book!)
Three Good Deeds by Vivian Vande Velde
The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler
The Amaranth Enchantement by Julie Berry
The Peppins and Their Problems by Polly Horvath (really silly but cute)
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
Pollyanna Eleanor Hodgman Porter
Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace (This is a series. The first couple are great for little girls and some of my favorite, but gets very 'crushy' by the end of th series so I don't like the last books as much.)
The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill
The Sisters Eight Series by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
The Pinderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
ANYTHING by Eleanor Estes
BOYS
The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman
All Alone by Claire Hutchet Bishop
The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame
The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling
The Hodge-Heg by Dick King-Smith (and anything else by this author)
Be a Perfect person in Just Three Days by Stephen Manes
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (wonderful for animal lovers, but beware of some evolutionary content)
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
Swallows and Amazons Arthur Ransome
Homer Price by Robert McCloskey
Redwall Series by Brian Jacques
ANYTHING by Lloyd Alexander
Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze by Elizabeth Foreman Lewis
Gentle Ben by Walt Morey
Abel's Island by William Steig
The Great Brain series by John D. Fitzgerald
There is a beginning for you. Please, leave me a list of your own!
Merry Christmas!!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Picture Books for November
I have narrowed my children's book search for November down to three books. They may surprise you. I have already mentioned there are so many books that tell the story of the Pilgrims and the Native Americans and the first thanksgiving feast. Most of them are wonderful. My favorite, as I mentioned in a previous post, is "Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving". I am not going to recommend any other books about this original holiday. I have chosen instead to recommend three books that deal with Thanksgiving since that first one so long ago.
The first book tells about how Thanksgiving became a national holiday. A woman named Sarah Josepha Hale persuaded Abraham Lincoln to proclaim the fourth Thursday in November a holiday after years and years of work trying to unite our country in her cause. She was a rather extraordinary lady. The book is called, "Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving" by Laurie Halse Anderson. I think it is fun to realize and understand how a holiday comes into being and why we celebrate the way and when we do.
The next book I chose is directly related. This is a fun rendition of the first Thanksgiving as a national holiday in the White House. Abraham Lincoln is president and his son, Tad, is giving the staff a run for their money. Above all, he is determined that his pet turkey, Jack, will NOT be the main course! This book shares some of the numerous anectodes of Tad's precocious behavior and his father's reactions as well. "Thanksgiving in the White House" by Gary Hines is a fun story for the little ones.
And, since I have realized that both of these neat books are out of print, here is one that is not! "Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade" by Melissa Sweet is about the man who created and invented the giant balloons which fly in the famous parade in New York City on every Thanksgiving Day morning. I don't think that Thanksgiving is truly complete without watching at least some of the parade. My favorite part of the parade is the songs from Broadway muscials. I love to watch those amazing singers, actors, and dancers. I have to admit that, as a child, the Radio Music Hall dancers were mesmorizing with their long legs and absolutely synchronized kicking, though!
Have a great Thanksgiving Day! It is my favorite holiday, and I am so grateful for all the wonderful things in my life! My family, my friends, the gospel of Jesus Christ, good books, and this beautiful earth are just a few of the many, many things I have to be thankful at this time of the year.
As a side note, I thought I'd share a great Thanksgiving Day family home evening that we have had two years now, so I guess it is a new tradition. Now that my children are old enough to write well and think more deeply, we each make a list of 100 things we are grateful for. We do this list ten things at a time. For example, ten people, ten books, ten 'things', ten historic figures, ten trials, etc.... Done this way, it is very easy to find 100 and many more things to be grateful for. It is hard to feel discourged, depressed, or disappointed when we realize how many blessings we truly have. We keep these list throughout the holiday season so that we can remember and continue to thank the Lord for all that He has blessed us with in our lives!
The first book tells about how Thanksgiving became a national holiday. A woman named Sarah Josepha Hale persuaded Abraham Lincoln to proclaim the fourth Thursday in November a holiday after years and years of work trying to unite our country in her cause. She was a rather extraordinary lady. The book is called, "Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving" by Laurie Halse Anderson. I think it is fun to realize and understand how a holiday comes into being and why we celebrate the way and when we do.
The next book I chose is directly related. This is a fun rendition of the first Thanksgiving as a national holiday in the White House. Abraham Lincoln is president and his son, Tad, is giving the staff a run for their money. Above all, he is determined that his pet turkey, Jack, will NOT be the main course! This book shares some of the numerous anectodes of Tad's precocious behavior and his father's reactions as well. "Thanksgiving in the White House" by Gary Hines is a fun story for the little ones.
And, since I have realized that both of these neat books are out of print, here is one that is not! "Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade" by Melissa Sweet is about the man who created and invented the giant balloons which fly in the famous parade in New York City on every Thanksgiving Day morning. I don't think that Thanksgiving is truly complete without watching at least some of the parade. My favorite part of the parade is the songs from Broadway muscials. I love to watch those amazing singers, actors, and dancers. I have to admit that, as a child, the Radio Music Hall dancers were mesmorizing with their long legs and absolutely synchronized kicking, though!
Have a great Thanksgiving Day! It is my favorite holiday, and I am so grateful for all the wonderful things in my life! My family, my friends, the gospel of Jesus Christ, good books, and this beautiful earth are just a few of the many, many things I have to be thankful at this time of the year.
As a side note, I thought I'd share a great Thanksgiving Day family home evening that we have had two years now, so I guess it is a new tradition. Now that my children are old enough to write well and think more deeply, we each make a list of 100 things we are grateful for. We do this list ten things at a time. For example, ten people, ten books, ten 'things', ten historic figures, ten trials, etc.... Done this way, it is very easy to find 100 and many more things to be grateful for. It is hard to feel discourged, depressed, or disappointed when we realize how many blessings we truly have. We keep these list throughout the holiday season so that we can remember and continue to thank the Lord for all that He has blessed us with in our lives!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
The Great Turkey Walk
"The Great Turkey Walk" by Kathleen Karr really has nothing to do with Thanksgiving, but because it is about turkeys it seems weirdly appropriate at this time of the year. I love to read this book out loud to my children and they laugh and laugh at my ridiculous southern drawl that I try to imitate. It is a fun and a funny story! I can't describe the book better than the back cover, so that is what I will use:
"In the days before intercontinental railroads, highways, and trucking firms, the only way to ge livestock on the hoof (or claw) to market was to walk it. Many have been the tales of great cattle drives. Hardly anyone remembers the great turkey walks, which required just as many heroics.
During the ninteenth century, feathered herds were routinely walked to Boston and other northeastern cities from surrounding farms. These treks, however, rarely covered more than fifty miles. The epic journeys took place in the West. In 1863 one enterprising gentleman actually walked a herd of five hundred turkeys from Missouri to Denver with only a wagon drawn by mules, the birds, and two boy drovers. Another entrepreneur of the period performed the same feat in reverse, walking a flock from California to the booming Comstock Lode of Carson City, Nevada, earning enough money to establish a famous cattle fortune. These intrepid pioneers were the inspiration for Simon and his enterprise."
Enjoy this book: it is awesome!
Monday, October 29, 2012
The Miracle of Thanksgiving
The first Thanksgiving was truly a miracle. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and the story of the pilgrims and indians are among my favorite stories of history. It is popular in recent times to equate the 'miracles' of Jamestown with Plymouth, but in reality I believe that the true miracle happened in the Massachusetts Bay.
I have great respect and admiration for both John Smith and Pocahontas, but the truth of the matter is, the people of the Jamestown Colony did not listen to either of them. They colony was run by God-less men who wanted nothing more than wealth and prestige and who failed to take council from anyone expressing common sense that went against these goals. The fact that it did not fail after the ridiculous loss of life that consumed so many of the people who immigrated there, my be considered by some to be a miracle. I don't believe that.
In contrast, the Puritans who migrated to Plymouth were seeking religious freedom. They set up a very forward-thinking government under the Mayflower Contract, and they had a sincere desire to follow God's will for them. Were they perfect? Not by a long shot. Did they do the best they could with the tools they had available to them? Absolutely - both physically, mentally, and spiritually. Squanto was sent to these people to help save them. Consider his life up to this point. I believe that he was prepared in much the same way Joseph of Egypt was prepared to save his people. God makes good things come from bad situations all of the time.
"Wherefore, take heed, my belove brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil....For every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God." (Moroni 7:14-15) We are subject to the trials and tribulations of earth life. It is never easy - not for anybody. When hard things happen to us, they can be blessings if they ultimately lead us to Christ. On the other hand, if our 'blessings' lead us to complacency and idleness, they are not good things in Christ. "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things..." (D&C 59:21)
At this important time of year and at this holiday, we have a time devoted to giving thanks. Let's make sure we "do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances...inasmuch as ye do this, the fulness of the earth is yours," (D&C 59:15-16)
Share this holiday and this story with your children. There are a LOT of great Thanksgiving books; I have a lot of them. I would recommend that you read, "Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving" by Eric Metaxas. It will be a blessing to them to understand God's hand in our story.
Because I think this book is so fantastic, and because I want some feedback, if you leave a comment (on any post) between now and November 15, your name will be entered into a drawing for a free copy of this book. It can then be shipped to you to arrive before Thanksgiving Day. :-) You will be entered once for each comment.
I have great respect and admiration for both John Smith and Pocahontas, but the truth of the matter is, the people of the Jamestown Colony did not listen to either of them. They colony was run by God-less men who wanted nothing more than wealth and prestige and who failed to take council from anyone expressing common sense that went against these goals. The fact that it did not fail after the ridiculous loss of life that consumed so many of the people who immigrated there, my be considered by some to be a miracle. I don't believe that.
In contrast, the Puritans who migrated to Plymouth were seeking religious freedom. They set up a very forward-thinking government under the Mayflower Contract, and they had a sincere desire to follow God's will for them. Were they perfect? Not by a long shot. Did they do the best they could with the tools they had available to them? Absolutely - both physically, mentally, and spiritually. Squanto was sent to these people to help save them. Consider his life up to this point. I believe that he was prepared in much the same way Joseph of Egypt was prepared to save his people. God makes good things come from bad situations all of the time.
"Wherefore, take heed, my belove brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil....For every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God." (Moroni 7:14-15) We are subject to the trials and tribulations of earth life. It is never easy - not for anybody. When hard things happen to us, they can be blessings if they ultimately lead us to Christ. On the other hand, if our 'blessings' lead us to complacency and idleness, they are not good things in Christ. "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things..." (D&C 59:21)
At this important time of year and at this holiday, we have a time devoted to giving thanks. Let's make sure we "do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances...inasmuch as ye do this, the fulness of the earth is yours," (D&C 59:15-16)
Share this holiday and this story with your children. There are a LOT of great Thanksgiving books; I have a lot of them. I would recommend that you read, "Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving" by Eric Metaxas. It will be a blessing to them to understand God's hand in our story.
Because I think this book is so fantastic, and because I want some feedback, if you leave a comment (on any post) between now and November 15, your name will be entered into a drawing for a free copy of this book. It can then be shipped to you to arrive before Thanksgiving Day. :-) You will be entered once for each comment.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Picture Books for October
I decided it would be super cool to write about my favorite picture books each month. I'll try to choose three of the best. This month, I think about the harvest, especially pumpkins
and apples. So, those are my three book choices. I choose every house with children should have these books both for their great pictures but also for the fantastic stories.
First: "Tops and Bottoms" by Janet Stevens was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1995. This is a tale of hard-working Rabbit outsmarting lazy Bear by trading land for crops. Sometimes Rabbit gets the tops (lettuce and celery) and sometimes Rabbit gets the bottoms (potatoes and carrots) and then Bear is sure he will one-up Rabbit - he'll take the tops AND the bottoms. You'll have to read it to find out who gets whom!
Second, "How to Bake an Apple Pie and See the World" by Marjorie Priceman is wonderful. We have to read this book at least once each fall and then bake an apple pie. You'll notice that with my insatiable appetite for geography, this really fits the bill! The recipe for this pie takes you all over the world to find the ingredients in their original form. No grocery store cinnamon, milk, butter, or sugar here.
And third is a new favorite this year. Although we have only had it a couple of days, I think I have already read it to Brecklyn a half of a dozen times. "Pumpkin Soup" by Helen Cooper was on the coffee table of our music teacher last week, and I knew that it would make a great book to set out to spark my children's interest at home. It sure did. Again, the illustrations are delightful and the message about being kind, not fighting, and taking turns are timeless and timely for any family with children.
I hope you enjoy these fall books as much as my family and I do!
and apples. So, those are my three book choices. I choose every house with children should have these books both for their great pictures but also for the fantastic stories.
First: "Tops and Bottoms" by Janet Stevens was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1995. This is a tale of hard-working Rabbit outsmarting lazy Bear by trading land for crops. Sometimes Rabbit gets the tops (lettuce and celery) and sometimes Rabbit gets the bottoms (potatoes and carrots) and then Bear is sure he will one-up Rabbit - he'll take the tops AND the bottoms. You'll have to read it to find out who gets whom!
Second, "How to Bake an Apple Pie and See the World" by Marjorie Priceman is wonderful. We have to read this book at least once each fall and then bake an apple pie. You'll notice that with my insatiable appetite for geography, this really fits the bill! The recipe for this pie takes you all over the world to find the ingredients in their original form. No grocery store cinnamon, milk, butter, or sugar here.
And third is a new favorite this year. Although we have only had it a couple of days, I think I have already read it to Brecklyn a half of a dozen times. "Pumpkin Soup" by Helen Cooper was on the coffee table of our music teacher last week, and I knew that it would make a great book to set out to spark my children's interest at home. It sure did. Again, the illustrations are delightful and the message about being kind, not fighting, and taking turns are timeless and timely for any family with children.
I hope you enjoy these fall books as much as my family and I do!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
The French Revolution and G.A. Henty
We ended our studies last year with the Revolutionary War and the creation of the Constitution. We started out this school year learning about the French Revolution. What a great study in contrasts. It has been very fascinating. I have delved into the French Revolution more than I have ever before, and that is why it has taken so long to write this post: I wanted to be finished with all the books I wanted to read before I made my recommendations about them. Something unexpected occured along the way.
I am sure many of you are familiar with G.A. Henty. He is a very prolific Victorian-era English author. His books have received acclaim among Christians and homeschoolers for many years. I am, now, ashamed to admit that I read one of his books for the first time today, notwithstanding I have 2 or 3 on my shelves. I am now convinced that he is a must-read for children (12+) studying history and wanting to learn it from historical literature. All the good I have read about him is true. Most especially, though not exclusively, I highly recommend these books for young men. It seems there is so much good literature for young women. My own daughters love to read books by Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters. These books seem to me to be in that calliber of writing. Don't mistake me; the writing is not the same style as these female authors, but is great writing and full of adventure, excitement, piety without being preachy, and good advice, as well a smidge of romance.
The book I read, "In the Reign of Terror: A Story of the French Revolution" had me hooked from the first chapter. As Harry, an English boy, prepares to travel to France he receives this advice from his father:
"You will see much that is new, and perhaps a good deal that you don't like, Harry, but it is better for you never to criticize or give a hostile opinion about things; you would not like it if a French boy came over here and made unpleasant remarks about English ways and manners. Take things as they come and do as others do; avoid all comparisons between French and English customs; fall in with the ways of those around you; and adopt as far as you can the polite and courteous manner which is general among the French....If questioned, you will, of course, give your opinion frankly and modestly; ....Be natural and simple, giving yourself no airs, and permitting none on the part of the lads you are with; ....But on the other hand, do not be ever on the lookout for small slights, and bear with perfect good temper any little ridicule your...ways and manners may excite. I need not tell you to be always straightforward, honest, and true, for of these qualities I think you possess a fair share. Above all things restrain any tendency to use your fists...So, whatever the provocation, abstain from striking anyone. Should you find that in any way your position is made intolderable, you will of course appeal to the marquis...but avoid anything like petty complaints." (pages 8-9)
Besides such a plethora of great moral example, there is opportunity to talk about Voltaire and Rousseau, the Jacobin club, Robespierre, King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the Bastille, and Tuillieries, and the guillotine. Many a great conversation we have had about tyranny, anarchy, and Republican government. I think we can learn so very much contrasting the American Revolution, which was truly a secession, and the French Revolution, which was a true revolution and which traded one tryanny for another after intollerable anarchy. "...in England there is little fear of such an oubreak of democracy as that which is destroying France." (page 64) What a great time to have a discussion on what democracy is and what it isn't!
I am so excited to include these books in my history studies that I have ordered "The Boys Guide to the Historical Adventures of G.A. Henty" by William Potter. I was able to download a collection of G.A. Henty books, "The Works of G.A. Henty" onto my kindle for $2.99.
I want to add that if anyone is interested in a further study on Marie Antoinette, I can heartily recommend the book, "Marie Antoinette: The Journey" by Antonia Fraser. This book is very comprehensive and informative. There is so much mystery surrounding this woman that I greatly enjoyed reading a book that was exclusively devoted to presenting her as a person in her time. The author was admittedly biased toward Marie Antoinette, but I did not find that any problem in the read. It is definitely an adult or older youth book, 458 pages and very academic but worth it if you are interested. A simpler book about her is included in the "Royal Diaries" series, "Marie Antoinette: Princess of Versailles, Austria-France 1769". One of my daughters read this book and enjoyed it.
I am sure many of you are familiar with G.A. Henty. He is a very prolific Victorian-era English author. His books have received acclaim among Christians and homeschoolers for many years. I am, now, ashamed to admit that I read one of his books for the first time today, notwithstanding I have 2 or 3 on my shelves. I am now convinced that he is a must-read for children (12+) studying history and wanting to learn it from historical literature. All the good I have read about him is true. Most especially, though not exclusively, I highly recommend these books for young men. It seems there is so much good literature for young women. My own daughters love to read books by Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters. These books seem to me to be in that calliber of writing. Don't mistake me; the writing is not the same style as these female authors, but is great writing and full of adventure, excitement, piety without being preachy, and good advice, as well a smidge of romance.
The book I read, "In the Reign of Terror: A Story of the French Revolution" had me hooked from the first chapter. As Harry, an English boy, prepares to travel to France he receives this advice from his father:
"You will see much that is new, and perhaps a good deal that you don't like, Harry, but it is better for you never to criticize or give a hostile opinion about things; you would not like it if a French boy came over here and made unpleasant remarks about English ways and manners. Take things as they come and do as others do; avoid all comparisons between French and English customs; fall in with the ways of those around you; and adopt as far as you can the polite and courteous manner which is general among the French....If questioned, you will, of course, give your opinion frankly and modestly; ....Be natural and simple, giving yourself no airs, and permitting none on the part of the lads you are with; ....But on the other hand, do not be ever on the lookout for small slights, and bear with perfect good temper any little ridicule your...ways and manners may excite. I need not tell you to be always straightforward, honest, and true, for of these qualities I think you possess a fair share. Above all things restrain any tendency to use your fists...So, whatever the provocation, abstain from striking anyone. Should you find that in any way your position is made intolderable, you will of course appeal to the marquis...but avoid anything like petty complaints." (pages 8-9)
Besides such a plethora of great moral example, there is opportunity to talk about Voltaire and Rousseau, the Jacobin club, Robespierre, King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the Bastille, and Tuillieries, and the guillotine. Many a great conversation we have had about tyranny, anarchy, and Republican government. I think we can learn so very much contrasting the American Revolution, which was truly a secession, and the French Revolution, which was a true revolution and which traded one tryanny for another after intollerable anarchy. "...in England there is little fear of such an oubreak of democracy as that which is destroying France." (page 64) What a great time to have a discussion on what democracy is and what it isn't!
I am so excited to include these books in my history studies that I have ordered "The Boys Guide to the Historical Adventures of G.A. Henty" by William Potter. I was able to download a collection of G.A. Henty books, "The Works of G.A. Henty" onto my kindle for $2.99.
I want to add that if anyone is interested in a further study on Marie Antoinette, I can heartily recommend the book, "Marie Antoinette: The Journey" by Antonia Fraser. This book is very comprehensive and informative. There is so much mystery surrounding this woman that I greatly enjoyed reading a book that was exclusively devoted to presenting her as a person in her time. The author was admittedly biased toward Marie Antoinette, but I did not find that any problem in the read. It is definitely an adult or older youth book, 458 pages and very academic but worth it if you are interested. A simpler book about her is included in the "Royal Diaries" series, "Marie Antoinette: Princess of Versailles, Austria-France 1769". One of my daughters read this book and enjoyed it.Tuesday, October 23, 2012
The Toothpaste Millionaire
It must be so frustrating to try and follow a blog that posts so sporadically as mine does. Sorry..... I have several things in the works, though, so don't lose hope. I had to send this to the head of the line.
It snowed today!!! I realize this is an overdo of the exclamation point, but it snowed today!!! And not just a skiff in the morning that we woke up to and was melted by noon. This snow stayed and then more came down in the afternoon. Whatever?! It is October! But, the snow is directly related to my post tonight.
After dinner, the four older girls headed out for their Young Women's activity. Doug is in Houston, Texas (where, by the way, it is 80 degrees) and I was talking to him on the telephone. I was whining about being cold and he told me to start a fire. I complained that I didn't want to start a fire, so he suggested I ask Benjamin to do it. Every boy always wants to start a fire. So, Benjamin started a fire. He did a great job, too, and within a few minutes the little girls and I were all sitting in front of it enjoying the wonderful enveloping warmth. Than Benjamin said, "Can I get a blanket and spread it out in front of the wood stove and you can read us a book? That is my favorite thing to do." Oh, yes. We spend many wonderful evenings (and afternoons and mornings) during the winter relaxing on a blanket in front of the fire and reading and talking and learning. He said, "I'm sure you have a book to read to us. You always you have something you want to read."
"Well, now that you ask....." Of course I have something to read! That's my job.
Two hours and two wide-eyed children later (Three year old Brecklyn was turning around and around on her back hitting everyone with her feet by the time we were done.) I finished the story and shooed everyone off to bed. What kept a nine year old and a seven year old interested for two hours? "The Toothpaste Millionaire" by Jean Merrill. Actually, we stole it from the bedside of Amanda (12), who has been loving it, and I'm sure older children would like it as well. Don't worry, we returned the book to its spot before she got home and so she is none the wiser.
This book tells the story of a 12 year old millionaire, his ideas and his business sense. There is truly so much useful business information in here, I think this book would be a great jumping-off place for a class on entrepreneurship for young people, or old for that matter. It clearly explains overhead costs, business loans, company stock and shareholders, boards of directors, and management. There is plenty of honest-to-goodness math in the story that is not forced or boring, just part of the excitement. I am quite certain that much of this went over Benjamin's and Bethany's heads, but the story was entertaining enough that didn't even matter. If I were reading it to older children, I would take time to talk about all the other ideas, but for this group the story was just right.
It snowed today!!! I realize this is an overdo of the exclamation point, but it snowed today!!! And not just a skiff in the morning that we woke up to and was melted by noon. This snow stayed and then more came down in the afternoon. Whatever?! It is October! But, the snow is directly related to my post tonight.
After dinner, the four older girls headed out for their Young Women's activity. Doug is in Houston, Texas (where, by the way, it is 80 degrees) and I was talking to him on the telephone. I was whining about being cold and he told me to start a fire. I complained that I didn't want to start a fire, so he suggested I ask Benjamin to do it. Every boy always wants to start a fire. So, Benjamin started a fire. He did a great job, too, and within a few minutes the little girls and I were all sitting in front of it enjoying the wonderful enveloping warmth. Than Benjamin said, "Can I get a blanket and spread it out in front of the wood stove and you can read us a book? That is my favorite thing to do." Oh, yes. We spend many wonderful evenings (and afternoons and mornings) during the winter relaxing on a blanket in front of the fire and reading and talking and learning. He said, "I'm sure you have a book to read to us. You always you have something you want to read."
"Well, now that you ask....." Of course I have something to read! That's my job.
Two hours and two wide-eyed children later (Three year old Brecklyn was turning around and around on her back hitting everyone with her feet by the time we were done.) I finished the story and shooed everyone off to bed. What kept a nine year old and a seven year old interested for two hours? "The Toothpaste Millionaire" by Jean Merrill. Actually, we stole it from the bedside of Amanda (12), who has been loving it, and I'm sure older children would like it as well. Don't worry, we returned the book to its spot before she got home and so she is none the wiser.
This book tells the story of a 12 year old millionaire, his ideas and his business sense. There is truly so much useful business information in here, I think this book would be a great jumping-off place for a class on entrepreneurship for young people, or old for that matter. It clearly explains overhead costs, business loans, company stock and shareholders, boards of directors, and management. There is plenty of honest-to-goodness math in the story that is not forced or boring, just part of the excitement. I am quite certain that much of this went over Benjamin's and Bethany's heads, but the story was entertaining enough that didn't even matter. If I were reading it to older children, I would take time to talk about all the other ideas, but for this group the story was just right.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
David and Corrie, Faith, and Prayer
Today was General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and, as always, feel uplifted and enlightened. Today our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, spoke about the power of prayer and the blessings our Father in Heaven gives us as we pray to him and follow his commandments. I have a real testimony of that power and have seen in work in miraculous ways in my own life.
Besides being strengthened by modern prophets and apostles and by ancient scripture, The Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon, my testimony is strengthened when others share their testimonies with me. Often times this sharing is through books. I wanted to mention two of my favorite faith-promoting stories today.
Corrie ten Boom was a woman admired the world over for her courage, her forgiveness, and her memorable faith. In World War II, she and her family risked their lives to help Jews escape the Nazis, and their reward was a trip to Hitler's concentration camps. But she survived and was released--as a result of a clerical error--and now shares the story of how faith triumphs over evil. I have read her book several times as I have needed a lift of faith and her story inspires me every time. Her faith is real and her experiences remind me and reassure me that there is a God and he is aware of his children, even in difficult times and through trials and tribulations.
David's entire twelve-year life has been spent in a grisly prison camp in
Eastern Europe. He knows nothing of the outside world. But when he is given the
chance to escape, he seizes it. With his vengeful enemies hot on his heels,
David struggles to cope in this strange new world, where his only resources are
a compass, a few crusts of bread, his two aching feet, and some vague advice to
seek refuge in Denmark. Not far into his journey, David decides that he needs some help and the only help available to him is in the form of a god. He then must choose a god from among those he has heard about in the camp. He chooses the God of David. Then, he begins to pray to his God. His prayers are so simple and sweet and sincere. David's faith is so young and new and he is completely ready to turn his whole life over to God and trust in Him. There is no pride and no holding back in his belief; David trusts in God.
Both Corrie and David remind me that faith is simple and to trust God is to let go of the stress, the pain, and the pressure of life and let him take you in his own way and in his own time. If I could just remember these lessons and perfect my own faith like Peter and Nephi and Esther and all the other heroes that I have that build my testimony in my God.
Besides being strengthened by modern prophets and apostles and by ancient scripture, The Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon, my testimony is strengthened when others share their testimonies with me. Often times this sharing is through books. I wanted to mention two of my favorite faith-promoting stories today.
Corrie ten Boom was a woman admired the world over for her courage, her forgiveness, and her memorable faith. In World War II, she and her family risked their lives to help Jews escape the Nazis, and their reward was a trip to Hitler's concentration camps. But she survived and was released--as a result of a clerical error--and now shares the story of how faith triumphs over evil. I have read her book several times as I have needed a lift of faith and her story inspires me every time. Her faith is real and her experiences remind me and reassure me that there is a God and he is aware of his children, even in difficult times and through trials and tribulations.
David's entire twelve-year life has been spent in a grisly prison camp in
Eastern Europe. He knows nothing of the outside world. But when he is given the
chance to escape, he seizes it. With his vengeful enemies hot on his heels,
David struggles to cope in this strange new world, where his only resources are
a compass, a few crusts of bread, his two aching feet, and some vague advice to
seek refuge in Denmark. Not far into his journey, David decides that he needs some help and the only help available to him is in the form of a god. He then must choose a god from among those he has heard about in the camp. He chooses the God of David. Then, he begins to pray to his God. His prayers are so simple and sweet and sincere. David's faith is so young and new and he is completely ready to turn his whole life over to God and trust in Him. There is no pride and no holding back in his belief; David trusts in God. Both Corrie and David remind me that faith is simple and to trust God is to let go of the stress, the pain, and the pressure of life and let him take you in his own way and in his own time. If I could just remember these lessons and perfect my own faith like Peter and Nephi and Esther and all the other heroes that I have that build my testimony in my God.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Art
Once a week I try to do an art study with my children. Sometimes we just learn about the artist and look at his work; other times we actually do some art work ourselves. I have to admit, there are some things I am good at and love, and other things not so much. Art is one of the 'other' things. But, today the children and I had a great time. You'll never believe who we studied: Pablo Picasso. As you may have guessed not being an artist, "modern art" is not very intriguing to me. I don't like the disjointed feel of it and to the untrained eye, it looks childish. However, I have a new appreciation for Picasso today.
Last week we started our study by reading "Picasso (Getting to Know the World's Great Artists)" by Mike Venezia.
Today, suggestion of "Discovering Greatest Artists: Hands-on Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters" by MaryAnn F. Kohl and Kim Solga, we painted 'Fractured Friends'. Each child painted a picture of the child across from her at the table, we let the pictures dry, and then cut them out into cubes and glued them back together abstractly, imitating the Cuban art form. It was really fun. While the children painted, I read "Who Was Pablo Picasso?" by True Kelley.
Next week, we are going to paint pictures in varying tones of the same shade, imitating Picasso's Blue Period. Picasso painted for an extended period of time in shades of blue after a dear friend died and he felt distraught over the situation. We will talk about the feeling associated with different colors and how a picture painted in that color would make you feel.
Then, we will make collages, pictures made using not only paint, but any other materials we can find and we want to paste to our pictures. Picasso was incredibly talented and diverse! If you have not appreciated him before, take some time to do so. I have never been so excited to get to art day before. (I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that I like it when combined with history and biography, though.)
Here are some other books I would recommend to teach about art and artists:
Last week we started our study by reading "Picasso (Getting to Know the World's Great Artists)" by Mike Venezia.
Today, suggestion of "Discovering Greatest Artists: Hands-on Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters" by MaryAnn F. Kohl and Kim Solga, we painted 'Fractured Friends'. Each child painted a picture of the child across from her at the table, we let the pictures dry, and then cut them out into cubes and glued them back together abstractly, imitating the Cuban art form. It was really fun. While the children painted, I read "Who Was Pablo Picasso?" by True Kelley.
Next week, we are going to paint pictures in varying tones of the same shade, imitating Picasso's Blue Period. Picasso painted for an extended period of time in shades of blue after a dear friend died and he felt distraught over the situation. We will talk about the feeling associated with different colors and how a picture painted in that color would make you feel.
Then, we will make collages, pictures made using not only paint, but any other materials we can find and we want to paste to our pictures. Picasso was incredibly talented and diverse! If you have not appreciated him before, take some time to do so. I have never been so excited to get to art day before. (I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that I like it when combined with history and biography, though.)
Here are some other books I would recommend to teach about art and artists:
 |
| Lives of the Artists (And What the Neighbors Thought) |
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| The Usborne Art Treasury: Pictures, Paintings, & Projects |
Friday, September 28, 2012
Longitude
This is for my friend, K’Lyn….. 
About a year ago, my children and I began to study
latitude and longitude. The very best
thing I found that helped us get the concepts down was a wonderful book called “SeaClocks: The Story of Longitude” by Louise Borden.
Before the late 1700’s, sailors knew how to measure
latitude (location north or south of the equator), but longitude was not
measurable. Many lives were lost when
ships, not knowing where they were, crashed into a land mass or a rocky shoal
or got lost during storms. The problem
became significant enough, that in 1714 the British Parliament voted to award
20,000 pounds sterling to anyone who could solve the latitude problem.
Enter John Harrison.
Harrison was a clockmaker from Yorkshire, England. His clocks were renowned for their ability to
keep accurate time and to keep working for a long time. Harrison and his time-pieces were able to solve
the problem, but convincing the Royal Academy of Science and the Board of
Longitude was another matter. Harrison
spent his entire life working on this problem and after his death his son,
William, carried on his work.
Two hundred years later, a naval officer named Rupert
Gould stumbled across Harrison’s “chronometers” and devoted his life to
restoring these machines. They are now
displayed at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England and at The Worshipful
Company of Clockmakers museum at Guildhall in London, England.
The story is awesome and entertaining. I recommend the picture book for children and
then read the longer biographical book about Harrison and Gould, “Longitude:The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem ofHis Time” by Dava Sobel. There is also a
movie starring Jeremy Irons “Longitude” that would probably be a little boring
for children, but teens and adults would enjoy it.
Monday, September 17, 2012
This is a magical day for you.......
When Natalie and Noelle were about 5 or 6, I finally learned how to make a good loaf of bread. After serving it for dinner, talking about it throughout the meal, and discussing my plans for rolls, cinammon rolls, and bread in our future, Noelle said, "This is a magical day for you, Mom!"
Since then I think of that phrase everytime something really 'clicks' for someone at our house. Today, it was Benjamin.
Benjamin is nine years old. He is a pretty good reader for his age. Every morning during scripture study, he reads his assigned verses with ease. However, getting him to read anything for fun, to himself, is like pulling teeth. So, he spends a portion of every school day reading to me. We usually have to wrangle to find a book we both agree to read. He has to like the story; I have to like the story, too, and be satisfied that it is somewhat of a challenge for him. This combination is never easy. We have spent a great deal of time and money finding such books.
Last Friday I assigned each of the girls, Natalie, Noelle, and Amanda, a physicist to study about and write a paper on. They chose respectively, Isaac Newton, Galileo Galilei, and Aristotle. Benjamin wanted to be included and he wanted to research Albert Einstein. Honestly, I was busy helping the girls and hadn't thought much about what he could do. I figured we'd study something together. Before I knew it, he had picked up "Who Was Albert Einstein?" by Jess Brallier and read two chapters. Then, as if that weren't exciting enough, over the weekend he finished the book! I must admit to being dumbfounded. All the time I have spent finding silly little "boy books" for him to read, and he started with a biography about Einstein! I'm certain that last week at my suggestion that wouldn't have been the book of choice, but he had his own motivation and that was the trick. This is such a key to education. Being immersed in the process so that these moments of inspiration and understanding can be found. He wouldn't have been inspired to read Einstein if we hadn't been learning about science.
This morning he made a poster showing what he had learned, and this afternoon he and I and Bethany spent some time reading and doing activities from "Albert Einstein and Relativity for Kids: His Life and Ideas With 21 Activities and Thought Experiments" by Jerome Pohlen.
So, I wanted to let you know that I love both of these series, "Who Was" biographies and "For Kids" series. I have over 20 biographies and they are awesome! My ultimate top pick for biographies for kids. I have three of the "For Kids" books and I love them, too. I will be buying more.
But more importantly, I wanted to share Benjamin's magical day. I told him today, since he had completed his first chapter book by himself that he didn't have to read to me everyday anymore. (He really hates to. He thinks it is baby-ish.) He was so happy! "That's all I had to do? Read a book by myself?" Who knew it could be so easy? But we both know he wasn't ready for it before today.
So, then I asked, "Benjamin, what are you going to read today?"
He went straight to the biography shelf. "I like these books," he said. Then he made a pile of the ones that he wanted to try and ultimately chose "Who Was King Tut?" by Roberta Edwards. After two chapters we had a discussion on the Nile River (yes, geography!), mummies, and being married when you are ten years old!
For a homeschooler, a day like today is like watching your baby take his first steps. I would never want to miss this!
Since then I think of that phrase everytime something really 'clicks' for someone at our house. Today, it was Benjamin.
Benjamin is nine years old. He is a pretty good reader for his age. Every morning during scripture study, he reads his assigned verses with ease. However, getting him to read anything for fun, to himself, is like pulling teeth. So, he spends a portion of every school day reading to me. We usually have to wrangle to find a book we both agree to read. He has to like the story; I have to like the story, too, and be satisfied that it is somewhat of a challenge for him. This combination is never easy. We have spent a great deal of time and money finding such books.
Last Friday I assigned each of the girls, Natalie, Noelle, and Amanda, a physicist to study about and write a paper on. They chose respectively, Isaac Newton, Galileo Galilei, and Aristotle. Benjamin wanted to be included and he wanted to research Albert Einstein. Honestly, I was busy helping the girls and hadn't thought much about what he could do. I figured we'd study something together. Before I knew it, he had picked up "Who Was Albert Einstein?" by Jess Brallier and read two chapters. Then, as if that weren't exciting enough, over the weekend he finished the book! I must admit to being dumbfounded. All the time I have spent finding silly little "boy books" for him to read, and he started with a biography about Einstein! I'm certain that last week at my suggestion that wouldn't have been the book of choice, but he had his own motivation and that was the trick. This is such a key to education. Being immersed in the process so that these moments of inspiration and understanding can be found. He wouldn't have been inspired to read Einstein if we hadn't been learning about science.
This morning he made a poster showing what he had learned, and this afternoon he and I and Bethany spent some time reading and doing activities from "Albert Einstein and Relativity for Kids: His Life and Ideas With 21 Activities and Thought Experiments" by Jerome Pohlen.
So, I wanted to let you know that I love both of these series, "Who Was" biographies and "For Kids" series. I have over 20 biographies and they are awesome! My ultimate top pick for biographies for kids. I have three of the "For Kids" books and I love them, too. I will be buying more.
But more importantly, I wanted to share Benjamin's magical day. I told him today, since he had completed his first chapter book by himself that he didn't have to read to me everyday anymore. (He really hates to. He thinks it is baby-ish.) He was so happy! "That's all I had to do? Read a book by myself?" Who knew it could be so easy? But we both know he wasn't ready for it before today.
So, then I asked, "Benjamin, what are you going to read today?"
He went straight to the biography shelf. "I like these books," he said. Then he made a pile of the ones that he wanted to try and ultimately chose "Who Was King Tut?" by Roberta Edwards. After two chapters we had a discussion on the Nile River (yes, geography!), mummies, and being married when you are ten years old!
For a homeschooler, a day like today is like watching your baby take his first steps. I would never want to miss this!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Geography at Our House
I am super excited to post this blog.
As you may have noticed, especially if you know me
personally, I have a thing for geography.
Honestly, I have always loved maps.
In the sixth grade we were required to memorize all the capitals of the
states and all the countries in Europe and Asia (not sure why those continents
were chosen), and I thought it was great.
To this day that experience has helped me be more aware of places in our
world. I feel less sure of Africa and
South America.
I have wanted to give my children that same confidence
and ability to place things correctly. I especially find it invaluable to be able to know not only when but where the books we are reading and the things we are studying have taken place. I
have, over the course of the last year or so, developed a system that I believe
has helped us accomplish this goal.
Since it involves several books, including one I made and which you
can easily make, too, I decided to share.
The wonderful part of it all is that in the process we have also
stumbled a way to review everything that we study, practice low-pressure test-taking,
and my children love doing it.
 |
| If you want to make a geography book, I will be happy to help you! |
 |
| I'll even make them for you if you want. |
World
Map
Draw
and label the Equator, the Prime Meridian, the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn
Label
7 continents
Label
4 oceans
Label
6 mountain ranges (Alps, Andes, Appalachians, Himalayas, Pyrenees, Rocky Mountains)
Label
2 deserts (Gobi and Sahara)
Label
3 rivers (Amazon, Mississippi, and Nile)
Label
2 canals (Panama and Suez)
Label
5 Seas (Caribbean, Caspian, Mediterranean, Red Sea, Sea of Japan)
United
States of America
Label
50 states; shade the original 13 colonies
Label
the bordering countries
Label
the bordering oceans
Label
the Gulf of Mexico
Label
the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains
Label
the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio rivers
Label
the Great Lakes
Label
Washington, DC
Label
Boise, ID
Label
Cheyenne, WY
Label
Salt Lake City, UT
 |
| I do not know why this picture is sideways-I can't make it change! |
Yes,
my children can do this after limited, consistent practice. The youngest ones have abbreviations they use
if they can’t spell everything. And,
they can’t correctly identify each feature.
But, they can do enough that they feel good about it and they learn more
every time. About once a week I ask them
to fill in a couple of new things that I teach them and then we add them to our
list to label. Occasionally, I use a
fact from www.famousdaily.com to which I subscribe
in order to add a challenge to their map making.
For example, today (September 11) in 2001 - The twin towers, a symbol of
New York City centered in the heart of Wall Street - are destroyed during the
worst terrorist attack in US history. I
would have the children locate and label New York City and we would talk about
this event. Also, 1940 - World War II:
Buckingham Palace is damaged during a German air raid. We could locate and label London and then I
would google/images 'Buckingham Palace' and talk about the building: what it is
and some history about it.
Okay,
all this takes about 30-40 minutes. We
are all having fun!
Something
else that I have done occasionally for a lot of years is quizzing my kids on
what they have learned. So, when the
mapping is finished, we turn our papers over and we have “M&M” school for
about 20 minutes to finish this exercise.
On the back of the maps I quiz the children on things I want them to
remember or to memorize. I ask them to
demonstrate mathematical principles. (We
don’t review facts; I ask them things like ‘illustrate the commutative theory’.) I ask them list the first 10 (or 15 or 20)
presidents of the United States; however many they have learned so far. I ask them define parts of speech. I ask them to write the symbols for different
elements. (Last year we studied
chemistry.) I review anything we have
been studying and I reward them with M&M’s if they get the right. I’m pretty lenient if I know they are trying hard, and I give allowances for
age and ability. Some questions are
geared toward a particular child and some are worded to include different
levels of ability. I can say, “Bethany
and Benjamin draw a right triangle.
Amanda draw a right triangle and label the hypotenuse. Natalie and Noelle and Tanille, draw a right
triangle and demonstrate the Pythagorean Theorem.” or “Benjamin
and Bethany list five proper nouns.
Older girls list 4 noun jobs.” [subject,
direct object, indirect object and object of a preposition] Everyone works hard for M&M’s! By the end they have each earned, on average,
15-20 M&M’s.
 |
| A Sentence a Day |
Oh,
and I also write a sentence on the board from “A Sentence a Day: Short, Playful Proofreading
Exercises to Help Students Avoid Tripping Up When They Write”. I have liked this idea for years and I have finally found a book with
sentences that are pretty easy yet help them learn and I don’t have to make
them up!
Yes,
this does take an hour of our day, but everyone loves it and since it covers a little
bit of everything, on days when a lot isn’t getting done academically, I feel
like this at least gives us all a little review and keeps our minds fresh. I hope this gives someone else a good
idea! ;)
*Two
resources that I use for deciding what to label on the maps are easy to find
and any will do. I have a children’s atlas
that I use all the time. But, my wish is
to have this one:
 |
| World Atlas |
 |
| Mine is very much like this one. |
I also found this great resource this summer. This is my current favorite geography resource: I can’t wait until we can locate and label all these cool things! (I bought this at www.lovetolearn.com .)
 |
| Facts & Landmarks Flashcards and Games |
And
a FABULOUS, I am not exaggerating, resource for learning the 50 states is:
 |
| The Little Man in the Map With Clues to Remember All 50 States |
**
I print my maps at http://www.yourchildlearns.com/megamaps.htm
, but any good website will do.
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