More Saint David's Day fun ~

Yesterday was one of those beautiful "real learning" type of days!

I take no credit for it!!!

It all began with morning prayers and reading about the Saint of the day.

I visited some of the links Waltzing Matilda had posted on Saint David and

God took it from there....

The little ones had a great time making Saint David and knight figures.

They accompanied me to the store and found leeks to cook for supper.

Snuggle Bug was a huge help chopping potatoes and bacon for the soup, which hubby said was delicious!

The House Cat found this poem and Snuggle Bug dictated it to her as she wrote it on this pretty paper. 

They also learned a lot from these Enchanted Learning sheets.

Buck colored this Welsh flag

The House Cat and Snuggle Bug worked on these

sheets and then we put the work into this lapbook.

I just LOVE these kinds of days!

Christmas with Mama ~ 2010

Mama added a new tree to the house this year.  She said, "Daddy always wanted a tree with blue lights."  She covered it with silver angels and other "heavenly" ornaments.
I bought and wrapped the peace ornament "for daddy's tree."  I think this might just become a new tradition for us. 

We bought this ornament for him last year at the Christmas tree farm. It looks beautiful on his tree.

She also added this beautiful, sparkly hummingbird.  They have so many hummingbirds there in the summer.  Daddy told her whenever she was sad and saw a hummingbird come to the window it would be him telling her everything was going to be ok.  A day or so after his death she was about to leave my house when a hummingbird flew to our front window and fluttered for a few seconds.  I asked her if she saw that.  I had never had that happen here before.  She then shared with me what he had told her.  

We had a nice visit with mama and she was very generous in her gift giving.  Just like daddy was  :) It's still hard for me to comprehend that he is not here anymore.  My heart aches but, the prayer "Jesus, I Trust in You" is the best medicine for my soul.

  I came across this poem today.  Mama, if you read this I hope it comforts you, too.

Christmas in Heaven

'Tis Christmas in Heaven

What a beautiful sight!

It's my first one here;

Everything is all right.

The crib is adorned

With the brilliance of stars,

Wise men have come

From Venus and Mars.

I've met all our dear ones

Who preceded us here;

The reunion was lovely,

An event full of cheer.

And tonight we'll all gather,

In reverence we'll kneel,

For the Babe in the cradle

Up in Heaven is Real.

I think of my family

that I left behind

And I pray that your Christmas

Is as blessed as mine

Please shed no more tears,

For my soul is at rest,

Just love one another;

Live life to its best.

Yes, It's Christmas In Heaven,

So I've heard them say,

Yet, Christmas In Heaven

Happens every day.

by Unknown.

Tea, Scones, and Shakespeare

Today is the feast of Saint George, patron saint of England. It's also William Shakespeare's birthday. Therefore, we had an English tea this morning. The girls enjoyed setting the table, while Honeybee and Buck helped me prepare scones. As we enjoyed our tea and scones, Snuggle Bug shared some Emily Dickinson and House Cat read some of our favorite Shakespeare Sonnets.

The scones turned out delicious! This is the recipe we used.

Yummy jams and jellies.

Tea Time!

As the House Cat read Sonnet 116, Buck spoke up and said, "Hey that's from Sense and Sensibility!"
Once we were finished in the kitchen, we moved out front for Saint George and the Dragon. Buck was ready with his knights and horses. The dragon is still hiding from us, somewhere...
Oh, and here's a weapon he made while the scones were cooking. How's that for a catapult?
That mean old dragon better watch out!!! (Notice the ball of dough on the handle? It shoots pretty far :)
Saint George was believed to be born in Palestine and was a Roman soldier. He helped spread the Christian faith to modern day Iran. He visited Britain and is most well know for his legendary slaying of a dragon. In 1415 he was named patron saint of England. Crusaders adopted his red cross on a white background and is still part of the British flag today. Enchanted learning has a British flag to print and color with explanations of the colors and crosses used. I didn't realize the flag of the UK is a combination of the flags of England (the cross of St. George), Scotland (the cross of St. Andrew), and Ireland (the cross of St. Patrick). I should have paid better attention in history class :) Another wonderful benefit of homeschooling - learning things you should already know. I love it and my wonderful family! Thank you God.

New Thanksgiving Favorites

The Pilgrims' Thanksgiving From A To Z is a book I'll be adding to our library. A must have for Thanksgiving reading!












I just had to share this adorable video. Mouse on the Mayflower is so cute and informative about the pilgrims journey and the first Thanksgiving! We borrowed ours from the library but, I'll definitely be on the look out for a copy to buy.

I want to wish everyone a very Blessed Thanksgiving and share this acrostic poem written by The House Cat. (Sorry I don't have time to work on making it look better. Hope you can click on it and read it. Our children are such an inspiration!)



oops. I noticed after posting this that she had whited out a word on V. the missing word is raised. God Bless :)

A Prayer of Thanksgiving by Snuggle Bug

A Thankful Prayer

I wake up in the morning,
With the sun warming my face.
And I know You’re showering down
For me; Abundant Grace.

As I start my brand-new day,
I know You’re there beside me,
And I feel so reassured
That You are there to guide me.

I know as I go feed my dog
That it’s a lovely day,
I feel so grateful for Your love
To make it feel this way.

My day goes on, filled with love
And gentle kindliness.
My family loves me very much,
I love them back with bliss.

The sun goes down, my day is done,
And I thank You that I’m living.
This day that You have sent me, Lord,
Ends with my Thanksgiving.

Pasta, Parmesan, and Poetry

Not to mention pudding, pops (Tootsie Roll) , and peppermints :)




What do you do when every one's got a cold and it's raining outside? Make some comfort food and open a good book. Our favorite selection today, a request from Snuggle Bug, was from The Harp and Laurel Wreath : Paul Revere's Ride.