tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-153809092024-03-18T23:12:16.588-05:00we wilsonsWe Wilsons live a simple and beautiful life. This sometimes manifests in our desire to make everything ourselves. Sewing, baking, gardening, homeschooling, constructing - we want to try it all. I like to figure things out as I go, John likes to plan ahead. Either way, we like to get our hands dirty.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.comBlogger560125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-28956259341890622002017-09-28T19:05:00.002-05:002017-09-28T19:20:48.391-05:00Hobbit Homeschool<div>
We've just begun <i><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618968636/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0618968636&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=35651a61a5158a92c3c64c978478d34c" target="_blank">The Hobbit</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0618968636" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b></i>, and I'm trying to employ some of the kinds of <a href="http://wewilsons.blogspot.com/2016/02/9-ideas-for-living-book-activities.html">living book activities</a> that we've enjoyed in the past: recipes, crafts, research, and field trips, etc. We started creating our own Hobbit books to fill in as we read; and we enjoyed a Hobbit-style afternoon tea.<br /><br /><b>Hobbit Tea:</b> Our little tea party was full of seed cakes, pork pies, and ale - served on bright colored dishes and a green tablecloth. We found hobbit-inspired recipes that we followed loosely:<br />
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<li>t<a href="http://inliterature.net/food-in-literature/2013/01/the-hobbit-an-unexpected-party-mince-pies.html">his recipe for our pork pies</a>, but really we just stuffed them with some leftover pork roast. </li>
<li>this <a href="http://inliterature.net/food-in-literature/2013/01/the-hobbit-an-unexpected-party-seed-cake.html">seed cake</a>, baked in small bowls to make multiple little cakes, although we actually left out the seeds.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WG851I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WG851I&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=229ce2a3f9ec0e2809b61ba6cdc0c15b" target="_blank">Henry Weinhard</a> Root beer made a nice ale for some of us (and the rest had cocoa)<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B000WG851I" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li>
<li>And we enjoyed decorating our pies with some of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppLre0zOsO0">tips we found in this cool video</a>.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>An unexpected tea</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seed cakes, pork pies, and blackberry tarts</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Root beer for our ale</i></td></tr>
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<b>Hobbit Book:</b> We like the Waldorf practice of making books to illustrate what you have learned, and kept using the idea even after we moved away from Waldorf curricula. For our Hobbit books, we stapled together 12 pages of construction paper, leaving us 1-2 pages per chapter (and we decided we can unstaple and add more if needed).<br />
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Each child spent plenty of time making their books cozy-looking and just the way they wanted. They decided not to glue their Bilbo's behind the door, as we originally planned, but keep him loose so that he can walk throughout the book. We'll try to illustrate characters, copy quotes, and answer discussion questions in the book as we go. For this first chapter, we focused on the characters.<br />
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We found this <a href="https://www.thinglink.com/scene/582322391095443456">cool interactive map of Bilbo's journey</a>, printed it and glued it on the back cover for reference.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>the beginnings of a Hobbit book: Bilbo and his Hobbit house</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gandalf and the bearded dwarves</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Gandalf and the bearded dwarves</i></td></tr>
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Who knows if I'll get around to sharing the rest of our Hobbit adventures, but I'm keeping my <a href="http://wewilsons.blogspot.com/2016/02/9-ideas-for-living-book-activities.html">Ideas for Living Book Activities</a> in mind: we'll try some dragon crafts, and I'm eye-ing <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081RM5JS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0081RM5JS&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=9cfb3d968abec708a6436a44183aa5dc" target="_blank">Hobbit legos</a> for Christmas. We have a hike planned later this month, and I think that will be a nice venue for field-trip reading. I'm also reading the <a href="https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/h/the-hobbit/critical-essays/major-themes">Cliff's notes</a>, so we don't miss out on important themes, and we'll watch the movies when we're all done. Anyway, we're off to a promising start!<br />
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<i>affiliate links!</i>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-32413812299203514982017-05-31T22:19:00.003-05:002021-02-12T17:12:39.413-06:00Bouncy Bunny Pattern Give-Away!<a href="http://wewilsons.blogspot.com/search/label/summerpatterns" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1600" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesNP1fejnXHLoEfnhhmpFFpA-CrdNtFmDEOgStsS8pkUIBd9a1kpWvKSdbJolRo-myiInG9nZxNFsDqPKuwvzwGH-yg5FvndRhL5BtAyz7-LzwivQvJTJZSNNydL-yuuVHy7CyQ/s320/summer+pattern+freebies.png" width="320" /></a>I'm excited to announce that many of my old patterns will be coming back to my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/wilsons">shop</a>, and some new ones, too! I'll be adding a few each week this summer, including some old favorites like <i>Smile Crocodile </i>and <i>George and the Dragon Flip Doll</i>, as well as some new loves like the <i>Bright Ideas Computer</i> and <i>Bird on My Shoulder</i>. I'll also have <b>7 limited time give-aways this summer starting today! </b>As always, the best way to find out about those is to <i>subscribe to this blog by email or whatever feed reader you use</i>. (I don't do mass emails, and I don't blog that much - so that's the best I can do!)<br />
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So what's up first? This week <i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/520411810/smile-crocodile-pattern-printable">Smile Crocodile</a></i> is returning to the shop with new friends <i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/520412316/elephant-parade-pattern-printable">Elephant Parade</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/534222359/cat-and-fish-turnover-doll-pattern?ref=listings_manager_grid">Cat and Fish Turnover</a>. </i>Plus, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/520411306/bouncy-bunny-pattern-printable">Bouncy Bunny</a> has been added to the shop, <a href="https://app.box.com/s/l1tak9y91122ftuwa3gs9nm86r6o408s">but you can get her free this week (June 1-7, 2017) RIGHT HERE.</a> These bunnies are some of my kids' favorites because they are so fun to bounce. Their legs stretch out long when they jump, and those haunches are easier to make than they look!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/520411306/bouncy-bunny-pattern-printable" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroqGllBGJMlaaSlxxek33Mp2G5rqAS08y-HUC_crceoSYuzRTyK9xqAXgu58CKCKx_wcPDaLpAyix1fHdwmirUnOeXTF6q4JLNd3587ml6xe0HL-wtwtU5hxF26H_DaagYb-aBQ/s400/Bunny1+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/520411306/bouncy-bunny-pattern-printable">Bouncy Bunny</a></b> has long floppy legs, filled with pellets <br />
and an elastic string to help her bounce.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/520411306/bouncy-bunny-pattern-printable" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAiLe3IiaykjTqkh18aU2dsrBn_Ho1rFyltAy1sv6uaVwZrMNwKaVgDmiaQQsjnyBiAE4nRu3dPJJVLfG8QVn7jhjXxjXqTdlBuLMvcIBiH0YsCqD4Yno9sYZCA5obXmYvVSxNg/s400/Bunny2+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/520412316/elephant-parade-pattern-printable" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="800" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsiADxqBczSQD8NF_WQ71jA_SitJMd5dt_fWVm8wRy1BWlI-gUCOlDLujfmZ7nLO6O5rAjT7bM730IwnFTo8UdfcnHaPU6li9m1Vwbc3Gvc8T1OxxyhvCyXXdF9reyuTdRbT2rA/s400/elephants2+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/520412316/elephant-parade-pattern-printable">Elephant Parade</a></b> is a set of 6 Elephants that hook together to form a parade! <br />
Play barrel of elephants, form a circle or use them as a bunting!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/520412316/elephant-parade-pattern-printable" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4wMUFrVpQ4PZM3a3_dSQo4guWHJPsV242ihFjfZ-g6GlQjJglOQNwcbTiMPLrndzq1wjww5Bqv98aSF3T1gbbGiXBrJh-uGzt5Ze_FPqKNhpHLIG5cqAb8axzKAfMTxYOizHJA/s400/elephants3+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" gt="" height="300" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/520411810/smile-crocodile-pattern-printable" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVq0tIpH-If2-sjAVJ8qjs1exlnoqmo694zW0gGag4aoTNj0ezL5wUM0mUF_d4-2hlbFvp7WTw-Ly-yw5uwB3F8b6lsYT-yj_SZ1kwVfOq84dbeuZ4T07Pkaep3OWyyVZa8nf4XA/s400/IMG_0654+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/520411810/smile-crocodile-pattern-printable"><b>Smile Crocodile</b> </a>is back!</div>
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This pattern comes in two sizes, and is super fun in lots of colors.</div>
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<a border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="800" gt="" height="308" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/520411810/smile-crocodile-pattern-printable" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF16v_5prJsJkjD617jB28P-xUZgj127_yi5A7cVOcAoaU7MFPgb0Rm12jnvTTN5Xx_rg3AftNqm37K75bUkI5GMiVAhvMt_SHp5ofx4yd47Q-i5DVHQw_ZtY3-q_Cg6h-uMs9_Q/s400/IMG_1921+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/534222359/cat-and-fish-turnover-doll-pattern" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5uEOzN2e9y_ya7FNGWFxbOSjyMWpL-UYoXBj9WjO_CoazCJgtgYZ5r7e9K_J3_CxyUxw-RrPTb4P_tRivOrDjUrzexB-nJRPQOumXZdxt1q6VUtcewaTCwiCpnGqv94TBFlclg/s400/TurnoverNew2+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/534222359/cat-and-fish-turnover-doll-pattern?ref=listings_manager_grid">Cat and Fish Turnover</a> is an optical illusion in a plush. <br />
A goldfish on one side, and a pretty kitty on the other. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/534222359/cat-and-fish-turnover-doll-pattern" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaOuVZ4sjsd41tfqG9ch2PJdP179JerH29C19-mep9EdUg9g1PB9ltmO_OXEX-Aa6dpiZ1XqfHCmIykLbDBZFuXdiwaEBXOPacy9jvD8IbEvLvwJWeihLBv2lfNRoFFUpnr3zCQ/s400/TurnoverNew+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The great news is that the regular patterns will be only $5 and flip dolls will be $7 in the shop, so stay tuned!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-14288043402234454632017-05-15T13:43:00.001-05:002017-05-31T17:07:38.538-05:00Orthodox Liturgy Quiet Books<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ancient Faith is still stocking the Liturgy <a href="http://store.ancientfaith.com/orthodox-liturgy-play-mat/">play mats</a> and the printable <a href="http://store.ancientfaith.com/orthodox-liturgy-play-mat-pattern-downloadable-pdf/">pattern</a>, but I also made <b>7 <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/520363600/orthodox-liturgy-quiet-books?ref=shop_home_active_1">Quiet Books</a> with some of the same elements for my Etsy shop. </b>They don't have quite as many features as the play mat, but the do include real coins, jingle bells, and sticks dipped in real beeswax for the candles. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/520363600/orthodox-liturgy-quiet-books?ref=shop_home_active_1">They are for sale on Etsy.</a><br /><br />Now that these are all finished, I'm packing up my sewing machine for awhile to focus on painting! I have a solo exhibit this fall - so many of my paintings have been removed from Etsy to be included in the show along with a whole lot of new work. So, expect to see about 30 new paintings in the shop in November!<br /></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orthodox Liturgy Quiet Books</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ring the bell, drop in pennies in the money box.</td></tr>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-26106490758200844522017-05-10T13:39:00.006-05:002017-05-10T13:43:32.059-05:00Orthodox Liturgy Play Mat Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxxrZbS_2-jnrsaJIXiW1maYYVKLb8b7mpro85PCYCndpZzNZKAjHAnjBwmk_S9WhrSI9tKRrjiAS1fQOxZQ4D_rZ-uZmEflEiMjD6NWO_huFjUAWl5K7cTuwgoe_e5fO-Su8-w/s1600/orthodox-liturgy-playmat-finished-product__91921.1492550616.1280.1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxxrZbS_2-jnrsaJIXiW1maYYVKLb8b7mpro85PCYCndpZzNZKAjHAnjBwmk_S9WhrSI9tKRrjiAS1fQOxZQ4D_rZ-uZmEflEiMjD6NWO_huFjUAWl5K7cTuwgoe_e5fO-Su8-w/s1600/orthodox-liturgy-playmat-finished-product__91921.1492550616.1280.1280.jpg" /></a></div>
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I haven't been doing much pattern design in recent years, but our newest little one inspired a little project this past Lent. The Orthodox Liturgy Play Mat is kind of like a quiet book for use at home or church. <a href="http://store.ancientfaith.com/orthodox-liturgy-play-mat-pattern-downloadable-pdf/">It is available to purchase through Ancient Faith.</a> <i>(If you're new to my blog, you can find my other sewing patterns <a href="http://wewilsons.blogspot.com/search/label/plush%20patterns">here</a>, and my Orthodox educational <a href="http://manymercies.blogspot.com/">printables here</a>.)<br /></i><br />
The Liturgy Play Mat includes 12 ways kids can touch and participate in the Liturgy. Children can ring the church bell, feel the sun, and find a bunny hiding in the grass on their way to church. Inside they can drop coins in the money box, light candles, and place flowers by the icons. An angel flies above as we read the Gospel. Help the little girl bow her head as Father censes the church. Open the royal doors to see the Holy Gifts, and receive antidoron from the bowl. Use this play mat to teach children at home about what they’ll see at church, or tuck it in your bag to occupy little ones during long services. Either way, this is a fun way to introduce children to the real ways we participate at church.<br /><br /><i>The pictures below are from the initial mat made for my daughter, but the pattern and mats for sale on Ancient Faith have been cleaned up a bit. :)</i><br />
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-22567054159662707272017-03-09T07:36:00.003-06:002017-03-09T07:37:56.432-06:00Painting Sale - 40% off!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM23iLbdnuBXyH53iE9-QDGirlcJQrA-u2YseSg1XPc_mqw3SdzzObAooPIe9Owa0QbaatWbPIFhhMXwEO4bElCqfhfWD3SwYv50XqtLkg8cvHBF4BgceHKKGanLnT1IW70hHAA/s1600/il_570xN.1142163295_irot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM23iLbdnuBXyH53iE9-QDGirlcJQrA-u2YseSg1XPc_mqw3SdzzObAooPIe9Owa0QbaatWbPIFhhMXwEO4bElCqfhfWD3SwYv50XqtLkg8cvHBF4BgceHKKGanLnT1IW70hHAA/s1600/il_570xN.1142163295_irot.jpg" /></a><br />
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I'm cleaning house and saving money for a summer workshop. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaryLauraWilson">On Etsy</a>, use the coupon code: WORKSHOP to get 40% off until Easter. Thanks for your support!</div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-17226198758568401882016-12-05T16:40:00.002-06:002016-12-05T16:40:50.671-06:00Paintings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hi friends! Hope you're doing well during this beautiful season. <br />I've put some of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaryLauraWilson">my paintings on Etsy</a>. You can also <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/10-laura-wilson.html?tab=artwork">purchase prints here</a>.<br /></div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-58490634750530972062016-10-07T16:02:00.000-05:002016-10-07T16:02:13.103-05:00Goodnight Jesus!<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>pom pom balls in a can</i><br />
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I've returned to the <i>how-do-I-manage-my-crazy-toddler-in-church?!</i> stage of life. I haven't been here for awhile, and, although I think I'm more patient this time around, I had forgotten how hard 18 months old can be. I hold her while we sing and carry her around to see the icons, and when she gets restless I keep her quiet with this little can of pom poms. She's really into books lately, so recently I tucked some of her favorites in my bag, ...but later, when she wouldn't stop moooooing, I regretted bringing <i>Mr. Brown Can Moo</i> to liturgy.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">So, I was super-excited to see the new Orthodox board book from AFP, </span><i style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://store.ancientfaith.com/goodnight-jesus/">Goodnight Jesus</a>, </i><span style="text-align: center;">and really grateful to receive a copy to review.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> Of course, AFP has tons of great kids books, and we usually bring a couple to church for the big kids - but there aren't a lot of options for this little age.* Like </span><i style="text-align: center;">Mr. Brown</i><span style="text-align: center;">, the best books for kids at this age are repetitive with a nice cadence, and give the little ones a way to respond. While </span><i style="text-align: center;">Mr. Brown</i><span style="text-align: center;">'s sound effects weren't so appropriate for liturgy, the kissing encouraged by </span><i style="text-align: center;">Goodnight Jesus</i><span style="text-align: center;"> will fit right in.</span></div>
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She snuggled in to read the book with me right away, immediately pointing and saying, "Zeezus!"in her sweet baby way. The pages are nice and sturdy, and I think that makes turning them more fun for littles. The little poem leads you through a list of people to kiss goodnight, starting with Christ and Mary, then saints from the Bible like John the Baptist and the myrrh-bearing women. We also kiss a gospel book and cross, then all the members of our family and a picture of those far away.<br />
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This is my first Orthodox-baby, and I've enjoyed seeing how quickly she learned to kiss the icons. She still kisses them more consistently than she kisses me! This book nicely ties together our love for Christ, with our love for the saints, the scriptures, our family, pets and dolls. The act of kissing is such a simple way to teach our children about love and tenderness and reverence, and the participatory nature of our faith. </div>
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My big kids enjoyed the book, too! The oldest especially loved the picture of Christ just about to break open the gates of Hades; and the other laughed and laughed at the fish blowing a kiss. We all love the illustrations - which are bright and beautifully done. So it seems there is something in it for everyone, and I think we'll all enjoy taking turns to read it to baby.</div>
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The book is uniquely Orthodox because, of course, we like to kiss both people and things (like icons and the Gospel book). Still, its also simple enough that I think Christians of other traditions who can appreciate kissing will enjoy it, too. I'm thrilled to have such nice books for our kids! Be sure to check it out at <a href="http://store.ancientfaith.com/goodnight-jesus/">Ancient Faith Publishing</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*We also love <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196402444/what-do-you-see-at-liturgy-orthodox" style="font-style: italic;">What Do You See at Liturgy</a>, the only other Orthodox board book I've seen, and perfect for toddlers, too!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Cross-posted from <a href="http://manymercies.blogspot.com/2016/10/goodnight-jesus-orthodox-board-book_7.html">Many Mercies</a></span></div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-69219727660629892962016-10-06T16:20:00.002-05:002016-10-06T16:27:56.664-05:00Schooling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has been a while since I have posted anything. It seems now that we're deep into homeschooling, I have less time for blogging (or craft tutorials). Here's a quick peek at our school year so far!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of school, jumping right in!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning about mosaics via bean art.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Field trips to see local art shows at the Ned. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And bigger field trips to see the Matisse retrospective at OKMOA!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying Dale Chihuly at OKMOA, too. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWB2mK27t2xoa0a47DENh0FMKn_x2aV_035OSkolgRjfph3onnJ8ERKKdoNP1XiQfdnCcUCCrbquj_sjcmRSLuD8paMlRxpzzTlnc7rZTe0pGi_-HxKoPjS39fgJIZ6BSPAGa1EA/s1600/DSC07787+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWB2mK27t2xoa0a47DENh0FMKn_x2aV_035OSkolgRjfph3onnJ8ERKKdoNP1XiQfdnCcUCCrbquj_sjcmRSLuD8paMlRxpzzTlnc7rZTe0pGi_-HxKoPjS39fgJIZ6BSPAGa1EA/s400/DSC07787+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blessing of the students for the new year at <a href="http://orthodoxjackson.com/">St. Nicholas Orthodox Church</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeyuT6MO4oDzEBrO6JWuK_Y4HYWMuzRnGdd6L9_var1pIHkiPsKGZhWbE9h3t5Dd3ekPZEkxIET0upKzcaBbj1okr1KU4CNB7UMcRPIRdXcaJ5ylwa1jc2fKFz65FG90HrVyV-Q/s1600/DSC07923+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeyuT6MO4oDzEBrO6JWuK_Y4HYWMuzRnGdd6L9_var1pIHkiPsKGZhWbE9h3t5Dd3ekPZEkxIET0upKzcaBbj1okr1KU4CNB7UMcRPIRdXcaJ5ylwa1jc2fKFz65FG90HrVyV-Q/s400/DSC07923+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winning at the State Fair for bean art!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And blue ribbons for blue haired mermaids! Nothing like external validation!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetjnVDSogpSCak3EynRSgze5Ymr53-2Kcoar-SUyzJM-4LMLslX6RVA_c_pl002gpcnF4151ljBvMQNou4kWegzWgmzOymry98K6tEiviXZud0LkQcLVGq-Quh-3Q0yZ6kuttSg/s1600/DSC08016+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetjnVDSogpSCak3EynRSgze5Ymr53-2Kcoar-SUyzJM-4LMLslX6RVA_c_pl002gpcnF4151ljBvMQNou4kWegzWgmzOymry98K6tEiviXZud0LkQcLVGq-Quh-3Q0yZ6kuttSg/s400/DSC08016+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diagramming sentences with the <a href="http://www.stmichaelschool.us/sentencefamily.html">Sentence Family</a>.<br />
(Seriously, the girls beg to do this grammar program.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZLG7NH3dNsiRB-VAzEGM8T27FvdeXhFYgOL9exDD-OfPsUesoYP4MWd3dGpC9_sbQIJCZ8zis8my3u2tiiZxxXui9SUuZYj4P1ECX6Hlj8fo2DsraNJxLf63CA1wkvMjb9B4vw/s1600/DSC08038+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZLG7NH3dNsiRB-VAzEGM8T27FvdeXhFYgOL9exDD-OfPsUesoYP4MWd3dGpC9_sbQIJCZ8zis8my3u2tiiZxxXui9SUuZYj4P1ECX6Hlj8fo2DsraNJxLf63CA1wkvMjb9B4vw/s400/DSC08038+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing our read aloud, <i>The Cricket in Time Square</i>, with cricket crafts. <br />
We made paper cricket cages and pipe cleaner crickets. We didn't have a pattern for either, so they're a little messy. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FJiP1djHpK0ONTqAV2YZa-j4OX-O8htQ4jo2oBk9IAITWdK-CMVh8g0yV53-2A2gwyZc3VR6ds_aQgW6RS1lt23p0OcYGWdczdSHAy15NnfNPS03yCJjQGeph4_oB0PadaRawQ/s1600/DSC08059+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FJiP1djHpK0ONTqAV2YZa-j4OX-O8htQ4jo2oBk9IAITWdK-CMVh8g0yV53-2A2gwyZc3VR6ds_aQgW6RS1lt23p0OcYGWdczdSHAy15NnfNPS03yCJjQGeph4_oB0PadaRawQ/s400/DSC08059+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More trips to the Ned!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamz2y5YqmYvQAihfkcBurrdiXCyTqS9R5gd5UYzVo-uSPrCs6T_VflMvdMJ630rSSEFgQmgH25eEAhJNvzWb32kgQK7JnHAxf_FlJObeN9x7BescsT8uZQrLhzjUjSapAB1FUzw/s1600/DSC08132+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamz2y5YqmYvQAihfkcBurrdiXCyTqS9R5gd5UYzVo-uSPrCs6T_VflMvdMJ630rSSEFgQmgH25eEAhJNvzWb32kgQK7JnHAxf_FlJObeN9x7BescsT8uZQrLhzjUjSapAB1FUzw/s400/DSC08132+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minecraft Legos bought with State Fair winnings!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDFpe0p1QfKq0IIb8ivgtTfOhKyvLUNhQsbBEK2lmhyAjILoihyphenhyphenJLBaFssoJlJgWkXEzl68EUjjNZcHkAq0gJeHf_CODj3VfpupDbyX9grIVwZZQVt3KuN4J9S5RLs4csmcNIMQ/s1600/DSC08137+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDFpe0p1QfKq0IIb8ivgtTfOhKyvLUNhQsbBEK2lmhyAjILoihyphenhyphenJLBaFssoJlJgWkXEzl68EUjjNZcHkAq0gJeHf_CODj3VfpupDbyX9grIVwZZQVt3KuN4J9S5RLs4csmcNIMQ/s400/DSC08137+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple cubby dividers to cut out distractions during quiet work time. I can't find the link where I originally found this idea, but its pretty simple. I bought one display board, and cut it in half horizontally to make two cubbies. We're seeing what works for now, and adding as we go. Right now, each girl has a handwriting chart, and a math chart (relevant to her grade). They also have little flags attached with brads which they raise to quietly ask for help or let me know they're finished. Maybe eventually we'll paint?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1b2HtaWy754D_KRUvbCWb4N8f79ANk6lV4f35iVUHXnuArYgTsJC45vMlJzHEEmLwWsFnDUyCvZkDPH4IPCXe08zdE4XZvtj_gn13Cw9ohNOr9ndOSXKRGu1Vs9Z2-WJfPXSgaw/s1600/DSC08136+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1b2HtaWy754D_KRUvbCWb4N8f79ANk6lV4f35iVUHXnuArYgTsJC45vMlJzHEEmLwWsFnDUyCvZkDPH4IPCXe08zdE4XZvtj_gn13Cw9ohNOr9ndOSXKRGu1Vs9Z2-WJfPXSgaw/s400/DSC08136+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love the dividers, although distractions continue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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That's all for now. How's your school year going?</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-28780197897548357642016-04-02T18:23:00.002-05:002016-04-07T06:34:03.979-05:00When God Made You (a book review)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBUMZf_XmBUYjxZcgBZLKD6mmjW2lmMP449mah7C0wcL0pAH4AaG4w5jpGla03UuqhIBd7kLdT6HtBXGBO_eUwivQudLlDJ1b6-g_u1hh2LrUyyvVxtjznhVSiFaR5QmqD7dctQ/s1600/DSC05486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBUMZf_XmBUYjxZcgBZLKD6mmjW2lmMP449mah7C0wcL0pAH4AaG4w5jpGla03UuqhIBd7kLdT6HtBXGBO_eUwivQudLlDJ1b6-g_u1hh2LrUyyvVxtjznhVSiFaR5QmqD7dctQ/s1600/DSC05486.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I like to include books in our Easter baskets each year, and this year I found one so lovely I bought it for my godchildren, too! I love a book that puts beautiful illustrations and poetic images in children's hands, and even better, this book challenges them to think poetically, too. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1936270234/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1936270234&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=ETQ6QO22H54QUQ6J">When God Made You</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1936270234" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is a delight. We don't celebrate Easter until later this year (<a href="http://manymercies.blogspot.com/2016/03/celebrating-christ-on-easter-with.html">see why here</a>), so I'm still waiting to share it with my kids, and I can hardly wait!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqYaOzdvgTNOOD-k3EzBSiGv5msmPaBYYBym4yeOWpjEaI0jaBfVc4lUKOWUeTL8hRvPzyfXV6amLKNk1oHPY94i5fkRt32ou8WxBQ2BpLp7AhQr2LjR3irae5WluyrCHIezdIQ/s1600/DSC05487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqYaOzdvgTNOOD-k3EzBSiGv5msmPaBYYBym4yeOWpjEaI0jaBfVc4lUKOWUeTL8hRvPzyfXV6amLKNk1oHPY94i5fkRt32ou8WxBQ2BpLp7AhQr2LjR3irae5WluyrCHIezdIQ/s1600/DSC05487.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Each page introduces a new child from a different culture and with different gifts. It goes on to explain the unique recipe for each child: seeds, fizzy candy, drum beats and wood. My oldest daughter loves drawing connections to metaphors, so I believe she will like thinking about how these "ingredients" work together to make each child's unique skills and strengths. <span style="text-align: center;">The book ends by asking, "What beautiful things was God thinking when He made you?" I expect we will have silly and serious conversations about what beautiful things in our world might make up each of us.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_-KrT6dVPCmpqIAyopHIw4nBSK35THuW_9jzHtq7BPHEZw7et3cZSWN2DtyCoBiCA-Q9v5YVqDjp965xIUfJ2h2mCJIV5pv5Na0KqaAlt3aWlFSJ-7FDwGkpSLYbhld1qVF08A/s1600/DSC05489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_-KrT6dVPCmpqIAyopHIw4nBSK35THuW_9jzHtq7BPHEZw7et3cZSWN2DtyCoBiCA-Q9v5YVqDjp965xIUfJ2h2mCJIV5pv5Na0KqaAlt3aWlFSJ-7FDwGkpSLYbhld1qVF08A/s1600/DSC05489.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The book clearly presents God as the maker of people (and beauty!), but doesn't go much farther to explain God. This has the lovely affect of encouraging children to see God through his creation, and leaves the door open for you to discuss your faith in the way you choose.<br />
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The illustrations initially look like fanciful watercolors, but the more you look, you can see illustrator <a href="http://www.megan-gilbert.com/">Megan Elizabeth Gilbert</a> included collage elements as well. The pictures are full of new things to find with each reading.<br />
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<a href="http://www.janegmeyer.com/blog/when-god-made-you/">The author Jane Meyer</a> encourages children to write or draw their own page for "When God Made You," and send it to her! Here are some instructions I put together to get my kids started, with my own little entry below. I'll have to share later when the kids do their own.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1. What do you do really well? (an action, e.g. painting)<br />
2. What do you like about that? (looking, color, being playful)<br />
3. What kinds of things help you do it? (brushes, pigments, flowers, icons)<br />
4. Where do you live, and where do you do your action? (Tennessee, upstairs)<br />
5. Write your explanation of what God was thinking when He made you!<br />
6. Draw a scene of you doing your thing in your place. Be sure to show what is unique about where you live, and include the elements that you like and that help you. Hide some of these elements here and there so people don't see them all at first (because isn't that how God hides things in us?).</blockquote>
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<i>When God made Laura, he spattered her cheeks with copper and tickled her fingers with foxgloves. Then he gently opened her eyes and brushed her lashes with sunlight and clay and gold leaf. Stepping aside and pointing, God said, "Laura, paint!"<br /><br /><br /><br />*This book review contains affiliate links, but I bought the book and reviewed it out of my own delight!</i>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-11934405101480659612016-02-28T21:01:00.003-06:002016-02-28T21:03:21.890-06:00Leap Year Time Capsule PrintableI'm probably sharing this too late for many people to enjoy it now, but here it is anyway. We're filling in these little printables with our measurements and favorites, and then we'll bury it in the back yard. Happy Leap Day, friends!<br />
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-35090922015456319002016-02-23T13:18:00.000-06:002018-10-17T10:16:54.846-05:009 Ideas for Living Book Activities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VWTNz1plE4bpWkYlUz3-TzdgIbGcnzNS-w07VNr8WtvOJ98uwfjMDvuupvCB80msh8piGI99KwrxDSoz7ZRKNoRUbKDWGuO5l5Cp2BQKY96JefQjNA8Qx_1BGePVAghEZzJsEA/s1600/DSC01780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VWTNz1plE4bpWkYlUz3-TzdgIbGcnzNS-w07VNr8WtvOJ98uwfjMDvuupvCB80msh8piGI99KwrxDSoz7ZRKNoRUbKDWGuO5l5Cp2BQKY96JefQjNA8Qx_1BGePVAghEZzJsEA/s320/DSC01780.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Whenever we start a new homeschool read-aloud, and I want to find activities to go with it, I google: "BOOK TITLE homeschool." I inevitably find a few blogs with a pdf bundle with cutesy clip art images to go with the book, teaching math and spelling aimed at lower elementary kids, but isn't at all what I want.<br />
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After some thought, I realized [<i>what is probably obvious to veteran homeschoolers</i>] that I'm finding unit studies, when what I really want is to engage in a <a href="https://simplycharlottemason.com/faq/livingbook/">living book</a> study. Of course, <b>living books don't require worksheets. They teach by engaging you in a well written story. As we stretch out a book over a few weeks, we enjoy engaging with them in hands-on ways.</b><br />
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So here's a list of ideas (for my own sake as much as yours) for enjoying a living book with kids, drawn from our recent experience:<br />
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<b>1. Historical/Geographic context: </b>Often this is the reason I've chosen a book. A quick check on Wikipedia can provide a lot of this information, and then you can look up the location on the globe or map, or note other stories you know from the same time period to draw connections.<br />
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<b>2. Themes: </b>Although sometimes the themes are obvious, sometimes we study something that I'm less familiar with and I need a little help. Right now we're reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553213458/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553213458&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=5HAULIQGGHIUKKTH" rel="nofollow">Alice's Adventures in Wonderland </a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0553213458" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
because we're going to see the ballet next month. I realized my knowledge of the story is pretty limited, and I was thrilled to realize that <a href="http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/a/alices-adventures-in-wonderland/critical-essays/themes-in-alices-adventures-in-wonderland">Cliff's notes</a> are online. A quick read on the Themes section is a good starting point for what I can expect and what kinds of conversations we may have.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064404994/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0064404994&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=NNAE5VI6V7TBD7OK" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0064404994&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=wewilsons-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0064404994" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b>3. Recipes: </b>Food is an important part of many stories. We especially enjoyed cooking as we read through the whole<b> </b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064400409/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0064400409&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=OO3FRDV7VQZP3XZC" rel="nofollow">The Little House Series</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0064400409" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> one year. Making lemonade, butter, maple candy, and fried cakes were all helpful insights into pioneer life. We absolutely love the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064460908/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0064460908&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=JQCNKCMKPZRI2ECR" rel="nofollow">The Little House Cookbook</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0064460908" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />! We also had a lot of fun making turkish delight when we read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064404994/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0064404994&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=5P67WXGA36EEVUCK" rel="nofollow">The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0064404994" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g5O1AZc7bi-p2mCpgyq9QT_QeL-j_PcG4hSQ9sEvez1e0JQkBxU4eXcmR26WxTvJUdnqOwxwdMZM5gtSOugEOcbRcQfNQQFMmi2R8hu4JBozo-2WzeGAEAfNNgskCzzzlT6YGQ/s1600/DSC01382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g5O1AZc7bi-p2mCpgyq9QT_QeL-j_PcG4hSQ9sEvez1e0JQkBxU4eXcmR26WxTvJUdnqOwxwdMZM5gtSOugEOcbRcQfNQQFMmi2R8hu4JBozo-2WzeGAEAfNNgskCzzzlT6YGQ/s200/DSC01382.jpg" width="155" /></a><b><br /></b>
<b>4. Recreating scenes:</b> Focusing on some of our favorite scenes helps us live within the story a little more. We made a diorama of the cabin in the woods after reading<b> </b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689715404/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0689715404&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=OY4DK2I2GCX5JUXJ" rel="nofollow">The Courage of Sarah Noble</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0689715404" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and built a lego sod house after reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064400042/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0064400042&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=XKV5JWA4TBRBPZPA" rel="nofollow">On the Banks of Plum Creek</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0064400042" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547328613/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0547328613&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=WTJCMZII3Y5YROCH" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0547328613&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=wewilsons-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547328613" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b>5. Wildlife: </b>Notice when plants and animals play important roles in the book. Look them up in field guides, read about them, and draw them. Find videos on youtube. We chose <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547328613/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0547328613&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=HUM5OVJUB6LSN5ER" rel="nofollow">Island of the Blue Dolphins</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547328613" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> especially because of one child's interest in sea life, but we encountered so many new creatures throughout the story. We often had to look up words to figure out what kind of animal it was, or food she was eating. We enjoyed watching videos of Karana's devilfish.<br />
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<b>6. Handicrafts/Games/Activities: </b>Experiencing the different types of activities of people of different times and cultures can be a lot of fun. We tried a few <i>Little House on the Prairie </i>crafts with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064462048/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0064462048&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=HXDX5LCHP5AUVZQY" rel="nofollow">My Little House Crafts Book</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0064462048" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and we made a thaumatrope after reading the Kirsten books.<br />
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<b>7. Write about it: </b>I had already planned to have my kids write a mini-book report on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064400565/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0064400565&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=FDCQ2BWBRCCR4DWG" rel="nofollow">Stuart Little</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0064400565" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, but when they were unhappy with the ending they ended up sitting down to write their own new endings. This was a lot of fun and helped them think through the story a bit, as well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064410943/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0064410943&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=7GJKHFHZMBHIWO6F" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0064410943&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=wewilsons-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0064410943" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<b>8. Field Trips: </b>When we read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064410943/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0064410943&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=TCT63OTOOFMYKK6W" rel="nofollow">The Trumpet of the Swan</a>, we decided to go to a local park and read the last two chapters of the story while eating lunch and feeding the ducks and geese. [We wished our park had swans, but we enjoyed the geese anyway!] Other times we read in a noisy restaurant, or the train museum, to add a little ambience to our story. Its harder for little ones to pay attention for very long this way, but its a fun way to finish (or begin!) a new story.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005RRG7/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00005RRG7&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=25XFSOTAVSEHDYTM" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00005RRG7&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=wewilsons-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005YNTR/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00005YNTR&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=GNDPG5FIE2MVCHFI" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00005YNTR&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=wewilsons-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005YNTR" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><b>9. Watch the movie: </b>I won't let the kids watch the movie until we've finished the book, but they are often excited now to realize a book has a movie. It helps to actually see and hear the clothing and styles and accents of a story. Its also fun to discuss how the movie was different from the book and why. I'm generally impressed that they prefer the truer plot of the book to the movie, but they can also appreciate the fun of the movie. We've especially enjoyed seeing Anne's puffed sleeves after reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1503214133/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1503214133&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=EVHEITTVO4FMWDU4" rel="nofollow">Anne of Green Gables</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1503214133" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and the tree house of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0141325305/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0141325305&linkCode=as2&tag=wewilsons-20&linkId=4BTD5UTS4HFLFVWA" rel="nofollow">The Swiss Family Robinson</a>.
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wewilsons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005RRG7" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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So there you go! My best 9 tips for activities to go with your living books. Turns out I knew what I was doing more than I realized, and next time I'll skip the googling!
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<i>Links are affiliate links!</i>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-61102020167415275552016-02-11T10:37:00.000-06:002016-02-11T10:37:00.304-06:00Time Scavenger Hunt Printable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzY_HXepnYcHOgvY0c9QmaqaK52sx8uphiUy30pqeX41RJJ-jfn4mu7h1fImkoIlTqraA_oAcIrA9ThQeUf-trQpAgd30T3VI4rfY6bv3jARmChH6VwL_Zt9yKj2ePyGdBpzQNg/s1600/DSC01730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzY_HXepnYcHOgvY0c9QmaqaK52sx8uphiUy30pqeX41RJJ-jfn4mu7h1fImkoIlTqraA_oAcIrA9ThQeUf-trQpAgd30T3VI4rfY6bv3jARmChH6VwL_Zt9yKj2ePyGdBpzQNg/s1600/DSC01730.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We studied time last year, and this lead to a little printable activity I wanted to share with you. We started with our little clock and our math workbook, but I wanted to do something a little more fun. I made up a quick Time Scavenger Hunt by drawing some pictures of a few things I knew would happen today. When they happened Lou had to write down the time and add hands to the clock. Easy peasy, but lots of fun! Since I made it last year, we've used it again now and then when we needed a refresher.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsbfa-fcHD3r94vxLa9bnricB1KB09NQSncGCVbbE82HHlDD9eiHWdI5_V_aCOFeeT-jOS7BETkMF3OgVdwfyzdmXFD7UPKzIZnVqPW9FuSv93M-gqUVjmLJz8kjgMv4SwX4bvg/s1600/DSC01732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsbfa-fcHD3r94vxLa9bnricB1KB09NQSncGCVbbE82HHlDD9eiHWdI5_V_aCOFeeT-jOS7BETkMF3OgVdwfyzdmXFD7UPKzIZnVqPW9FuSv93M-gqUVjmLJz8kjgMv4SwX4bvg/s1600/DSC01732.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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She wanted to do more so I made up some printable pages. I drew in the drawings, and will let Lou write "when the clock coo coos," "the baby cries," and "lunchtime." You could easily mix it up by writing in the event and letting them draw the picture, or writing in a time, and let them watch the clock to see what's happening when the time rolls around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQvhD8O41MJ2PyyscSn5vL38eKUMVMEtMO6cKE_OYpAfRDCY4OjgaRUzvZ3Rb8VBlo_UwWytddpLe4SUEgHuSGJGtmnR2-papmgkoPr5tgl7j3ZUF21MNhuO7tHq69z-xKuOVhw/s1600/DSC01733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQvhD8O41MJ2PyyscSn5vL38eKUMVMEtMO6cKE_OYpAfRDCY4OjgaRUzvZ3Rb8VBlo_UwWytddpLe4SUEgHuSGJGtmnR2-papmgkoPr5tgl7j3ZUF21MNhuO7tHq69z-xKuOVhw/s1600/DSC01733.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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I use a .05 copic pen to draw with a nice black line. I made a few variations of the pages, and one includes some reminders for how to read the clock.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtInkMy1GS6zTcB49FvYiyZzJn1FoY8iVGRlpaBFFidewi1oGvGM1azXL7vEwu9yBZOpmkmXHWfTwn78NggCS7rxH9ufANLxiASIqKT1PH0Hu9jTs2sLFRdPczMNXQ2PSRz_q8Q/s1600/DSC01735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtInkMy1GS6zTcB49FvYiyZzJn1FoY8iVGRlpaBFFidewi1oGvGM1azXL7vEwu9yBZOpmkmXHWfTwn78NggCS7rxH9ufANLxiASIqKT1PH0Hu9jTs2sLFRdPczMNXQ2PSRz_q8Q/s1600/DSC01735.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwMXTHswTFY7I7mVrew9tpjghr8oXyh6aQc5hKDBqRXqN8bTbwOkwOvprhPrIH0qRvcNMhHvCQzPGL1VDlzVWLJ0ZXbc7KAt5KCSq71gIKEKozmiC4DUzgcFbKQ-YvfzdWGSZ9w/s1600/DSC01736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwMXTHswTFY7I7mVrew9tpjghr8oXyh6aQc5hKDBqRXqN8bTbwOkwOvprhPrIH0qRvcNMhHvCQzPGL1VDlzVWLJ0ZXbc7KAt5KCSq71gIKEKozmiC4DUzgcFbKQ-YvfzdWGSZ9w/s1600/DSC01736.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Grab the printables below!</div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-5459263602344734332016-02-05T07:00:00.000-06:002016-02-05T07:00:04.670-06:00Daily Illustration Project: Fool Daily<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Well, friends, its time I [nervously] let you in on a little secret. </i></div>
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I've challenged myself with a daily illustration project. I am attempting to draw a quick comic every morning and post it on <a href="http://fooldaily.blogspot.com/">Fool Daily</a>. My style is still a little shaky and I'm exploring different subject matter and media, but I'm enjoying the technical challenge! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBpyP9AF9zn786X8_VBzty1tuAJRoCx8mR_PgwxGx3nu5SRsrISITbzAm-xYQmKN8S7zSEKkacTmDv-EkKMihZ0zcTT6H9dPW8P61fHKdFLOV_2jUG4a4_OO2to1f11qA09e0-A/s1600/sleep+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBpyP9AF9zn786X8_VBzty1tuAJRoCx8mR_PgwxGx3nu5SRsrISITbzAm-xYQmKN8S7zSEKkacTmDv-EkKMihZ0zcTT6H9dPW8P61fHKdFLOV_2jUG4a4_OO2to1f11qA09e0-A/s640/sleep+color.jpg" width="499" /></a></div>
I'm trying to keep it fairly simple so I don't fizzle out, but that possibility is always looming. I've waited two weeks before sharing, to give myself a chance to build up a habit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVq6gh4L0aX6S2Uj4aFMUCOfBzauSVsFt1jhy9rGDeS9jDG8v3PCPUzu5hyphenhyphen9Cuh05dlCI6lE4hqv2CZSI68QL6M99YDJ4lgCFujf1QXcREIlteecHUlGXEfiVrAMztv9twgLUacQ/s1600/hourly+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVq6gh4L0aX6S2Uj4aFMUCOfBzauSVsFt1jhy9rGDeS9jDG8v3PCPUzu5hyphenhyphen9Cuh05dlCI6lE4hqv2CZSI68QL6M99YDJ4lgCFujf1QXcREIlteecHUlGXEfiVrAMztv9twgLUacQ/s640/hourly+2.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">school hours from <a href="http://fooldaily.blogspot.com/2016/02/hourly-comic-day.html">Hourly Comic Day</a></td></tr>
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I would be remiss if I didn't mention that much of my inspiration comes from <a href="http://www.conniewonnie.com/">Connie Sun</a>'s beautiful daily illustrated status messages. I started following her a couple of years ago after reading about her on <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/krulwich/2013/12/30/258313089/the-right-way-to-hug-a-lion">NPR</a>, and then this interview on <a href="http://therumpus.net/2014/01/the-new-york-comics-picture-story-symposium-interview-with-connie-sun/">The Rumpus</a>. I wanted to be a cartoonist when I was a kid, but it was one of those things that seemed far away and unrealistic (like being a ballerina or zoo keeper), until I started following Connie. Somewhere along the way, I lost interest in being a zoo keeper, but I still love the idea of drawing comics.<br />
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So, I'm making a beginning, hoping to see it improve and flourish! <a href="http://fooldaily.blogspot.com/">I hope you'll check it out!</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxPtCn66NLIOHfV-fg22PTLo0yp-mSduQ7jFbPtcYQzfqshWqalD5pTfAZsnkS-VSykSCgpP-k9mwDVtVJgXHeidVLV9lUXBKl7zCti7_XmAxkao6NfdQ_7NTZgaqMQYt7X1WuA/s1600/Untitled+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxPtCn66NLIOHfV-fg22PTLo0yp-mSduQ7jFbPtcYQzfqshWqalD5pTfAZsnkS-VSykSCgpP-k9mwDVtVJgXHeidVLV9lUXBKl7zCti7_XmAxkao6NfdQ_7NTZgaqMQYt7X1WuA/s640/Untitled+2.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-73272381268728488082016-01-28T14:47:00.000-06:002016-01-28T14:47:00.948-06:00Snow Day: Snowfall Chart Printable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqbielaVLYfVP4cbdwcnn9wTKqCPO0kYWPUK64V6UeW4q-RtfhhC2Y9N6FOVslOuwQxX7vQ-I2JXOdu9xJoqHHq2fjmDf26WAIaDpCSGFjDtQOmKhjhdzVVtQQpVQqg0xI2pzdA/s1600/DSC05114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqbielaVLYfVP4cbdwcnn9wTKqCPO0kYWPUK64V6UeW4q-RtfhhC2Y9N6FOVslOuwQxX7vQ-I2JXOdu9xJoqHHq2fjmDf26WAIaDpCSGFjDtQOmKhjhdzVVtQQpVQqg0xI2pzdA/s400/DSC05114.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We were supposed to get 5-7 inches of snow. We stacked our firewood, bought the kids' long-johns for playing in the snow, and I stayed up late the night before making a snow measurement chart. Yes, of course, snow like this is a learning opportunity, I thought.<br />
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And we got 1.4 inches. Boo.<br /><br />But at least I have an accurate measurement!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJ7gRttPWvj93mCnI-o__h1q6BwQBuA7h-Y1tyXNijnk7UBei9NlA-NNMF-92IL79WeaiTGbqNVtr3ayqAwCOjfGUQFyuu8ewoSBX99aufzQjUktM-xsMiRGqkxdk3txLEGxnQg/s1600/DSC05087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJ7gRttPWvj93mCnI-o__h1q6BwQBuA7h-Y1tyXNijnk7UBei9NlA-NNMF-92IL79WeaiTGbqNVtr3ayqAwCOjfGUQFyuu8ewoSBX99aufzQjUktM-xsMiRGqkxdk3txLEGxnQg/s400/DSC05087.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJ7gRttPWvj93mCnI-o__h1q6BwQBuA7h-Y1tyXNijnk7UBei9NlA-NNMF-92IL79WeaiTGbqNVtr3ayqAwCOjfGUQFyuu8ewoSBX99aufzQjUktM-xsMiRGqkxdk3txLEGxnQg/s1600/DSC05087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><br /><br />We learned how to measure snowfall <a href="http://www.skyviewweather.com/learning/how-to-measure-snow/">here</a>. And measured several times throughout the day as the snow continued to fall. We lost interest when our last measurement didn't change. But, the nice thing about printables is that you can use them again! Here's hoping for another snow day! <a href="https://app.box.com/s/0h0c334a8o7oypzom0l81aw8rkgq1y5s">Grab the printable pdf here.</a><br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-17480593053977253632016-01-05T14:28:00.001-06:002016-01-05T14:28:43.906-06:00Atelier<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Z-i3YRNziNERr7F4ESNezx1BjMNa6DnTlO6-xQY-5MadIOr6ZoaEhIdg5lYhyphenhyphenhSz3qL1tCCtqv_2ayCYvlJeO0que3ecky0ywJWgWDidA5ysqRuRz5Jq_IiaYZfHFe4S1DkLig/s1600/DSC04459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Z-i3YRNziNERr7F4ESNezx1BjMNa6DnTlO6-xQY-5MadIOr6ZoaEhIdg5lYhyphenhyphenhSz3qL1tCCtqv_2ayCYvlJeO0que3ecky0ywJWgWDidA5ysqRuRz5Jq_IiaYZfHFe4S1DkLig/s400/DSC04459.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tucked away in the corner of my bedroom last month</td></tr>
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I've had various studio arrangements over the years. When I was first married, a large drafting table filled much of the space of our bedroom. After we had kids, I moved my things to the awkward end of our long kitchen. During that time, my studio evolved more and more into a sewing studio, and I collected bins of fabric and notions stacked alongside the map table where I stored my paintings. When I had a big job to do, John and the kids would leave for a weekend at grandma's so I could take over the living room.<br />
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There was a brief time, when we moved into the new house, I had an entire room with a door. The closet and shelves and desk were all mine for sewing and painting. [See my pretty portrait in the sidebar?] Oddly it was a year between projects and so I didn't really use it much. And then again things changed, John started working from home, and sometime later we needed another nursery. <br />
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So I've been using my table top easel here (bedroom?) and there (kitchen table?) for the last few months. As the new year begins and I am trying to devote myself to a new project. Oh, I'm so easily distracted. So a new space is in order. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a tidied-up lego-land loft</td></tr>
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Our loft has been used for nothing but lego-land for months since we're doing school downstairs. I think lego-land, when kept tidy, might just be an inspiring place to work. My giant crocodile and the girls paintings adorn the space, making it a pretty happy place. So, I've carved out a corner for my old sewing table with the desktop easel nested on top (drawings courtesy of little ones). My own little attic atelier.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX896_35yPPf3Ml-KQZkSiDG4Swr97g5cLzZnW00XeG9yFNT6oydbWqAefwq6crP39fnIU3OV3fky_El1i8ilkWexPDk3fj_yK9DIfvi5t-6I5UuKYLPpw4YK3AfUFpFnxxKvYA/s1600/DSC04914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX896_35yPPf3Ml-KQZkSiDG4Swr97g5cLzZnW00XeG9yFNT6oydbWqAefwq6crP39fnIU3OV3fky_El1i8ilkWexPDk3fj_yK9DIfvi5t-6I5UuKYLPpw4YK3AfUFpFnxxKvYA/s400/DSC04914.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a table top easel for a new year and new project</td></tr>
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As I'm focusing more on illustration projects and homeschooling, I'm posting more often at <a href="http://manymercies.blogspot.com/">Many Mercies</a> than here. You're welcome to join me there, or wait around for me to pop in here. Either way, I'll try to keep you posted when I've got more to share about my latest project.<br />
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Happy New Year, friends! May your projects be full of joy and success!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-48430138601907281572015-12-18T20:11:00.000-06:002015-12-18T20:11:33.321-06:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOmi_bA7cBa6d3ve3HtQWhAEeYFWOpqhd3k2ccOvKuFvnQy6gDZzJV64P0p6d46t6StkV9GHJlxpsNYYmxPlD1dDrUwL7V9wxMiUx0wWSXr2LKTpjwNzluhPsbKvLOHlhgHclkg/s1600/fire.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOmi_bA7cBa6d3ve3HtQWhAEeYFWOpqhd3k2ccOvKuFvnQy6gDZzJV64P0p6d46t6StkV9GHJlxpsNYYmxPlD1dDrUwL7V9wxMiUx0wWSXr2LKTpjwNzluhPsbKvLOHlhgHclkg/s320/fire.gif" width="550" /></a></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-5292153835307576332015-12-16T14:19:00.002-06:002015-12-16T14:19:29.737-06:00Some days...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some days you're looking into your public school options... and then some days, homeschooling really does look like this. </div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-8763412962940727782015-12-03T08:32:00.000-06:002015-12-03T08:32:35.227-06:00Adventures in Printing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZTSpND4uGT_kppefRM4MUOc62x7vAY00U4nmU8Jv5YAZyypIrvIWcV0bgobIO2XccobNORzXlm-TaRYzD1YviJJS0A7lZWLP-PpMtHwHMVE1uIUq-jd_1CjFxErJfbGVhCqhTw/s1600/DSC04463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZTSpND4uGT_kppefRM4MUOc62x7vAY00U4nmU8Jv5YAZyypIrvIWcV0bgobIO2XccobNORzXlm-TaRYzD1YviJJS0A7lZWLP-PpMtHwHMVE1uIUq-jd_1CjFxErJfbGVhCqhTw/s400/DSC04463.jpg" width="525" /></a></div>
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I have prints available of some of my small paintings <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/10-laura-wilson.html">here</a> or at the link in the sidebar. I've had a crash course this week in scanning artwork, and the geek in me is finding it pretty fun. The print above of St. John Orthodox Church is to scale with the original and shows the rough texture of the canvas and thick paint nicely.<br /><br />I've included a few oils and watercolors, and a few illustrations as well. Prints can be ordered in several sizes, on greeting cards and a few other products. <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/products/old-testament-timeline-laura-wilson-poster.html">My Old Testament Timeline is also available here</a>, and I recommend the 17x24" poster.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-26031675685943943932015-11-16T12:02:00.001-06:002015-11-16T12:17:27.916-06:00Bear one another's burdens...Flip Doll Auction!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you're looking for a way to do a little early shopping while also supporting a family in need, check out the auctions happening at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Galatians62">Galatians 6:2</a>. This is a beautiful way to enter the Nativity season! I'm auctioning some items I made for my book <i>Flip Dolls and Other Things that Zip, Stack, Hide, Grab, and Go</i>. Checkout my two listings, and browse the others. You'll purchase the items directly from the maker, and they will forward the money on to the Sheldahl's. Don't want to shop? <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/5jfxe4">Please consider helping out the Sheldahls directly on Go Fund Me.</a><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Galatians62/posts/1076479805729838">CLICK HERE TO BID ON AUCTION 1: </a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Galatians62/posts/1076479805729838">Get a copy of the book itself, </a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Galatians62/posts/1076479805729838">being sold with the yellow Getaway Car seen in the book!</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Galatians62/posts/1076480435729775">CLICK HERE TO BID ON AUCTION 2: </a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Galatians62/posts/1076480435729775">Get the Owl and the Pussycat Flip Doll featured in the book. </a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Galatians62/posts/1076480435729775">This sweet guy turns into a pretty orange pussycat. :)</a></b></div>
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<b>Other items are being auctioned on a regular basis. </b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Galatians62">Browse and like the page to keep up with ongoing auctions!</a> </b></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Galatians62/?fref=ts">Galatians 6:2</a> is a group committed to helping those in need through their handicrafts and services. Currently, all the proceeds go to benefit the Sheldahl family: Wes is the breadwinner of the family which includes his wife, Alana, and their four children. He is now a two-year survivor of glioblastoma which is quite miraculous. He has already had chemotherapy, radiation and electric field therapy. Recently, he had brain surgery to remove what tumor they could. This is not a cure, but will hopefully help symptoms and buy more time. This dear family carries an ongoing heavy burden. <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/5jfxe4">Please also consider helping out the Sheldahls directly on Go Fund Me.</a><br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-5787525905560359202015-11-04T14:31:00.000-06:002015-11-11T08:41:24.448-06:00Advent Countdown Printable<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRvcBrF95UDrtzNYAh6fd2GeymmpVfnkXaOhGpHFPMjHl1gLcLydu1VYMMvJlTWqeuqdc-luD6veVxFtih-kqgwjffMeVvNl8OGcRse4FN-83qNUhfMQH7VKShRb0v_EIwZWh/s1600/40+day+nativity.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRvcBrF95UDrtzNYAh6fd2GeymmpVfnkXaOhGpHFPMjHl1gLcLydu1VYMMvJlTWqeuqdc-luD6veVxFtih-kqgwjffMeVvNl8OGcRse4FN-83qNUhfMQH7VKShRb0v_EIwZWh/s400/40+day+nativity.png" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">40 Days to Christmas - printable</td></tr>
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Last year I made <a href="http://manymercies.blogspot.com/2014/11/40-day-nativity-printable-and-jesse.html">a quick nativity printable</a> to count the 40 days leading to the birth of Christ. This year, I wanted to make it a bit prettier. My oldest daughter sat down with me and helped me decide just how to make it, and I think we're both pretty happy with it. You'll notice there are 2 versions - one has stars for 40 days, and the other has the usual 25 days. (Orthodox Christians start counting 40 days before Christmas, which is coming up on November 15!) As usual, I can't just do one thing - I also made a black and white version if you want to let the kids color their own.<br />
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This works great as a last minute advent calendar if you don't already have one, or to accompany your <a href="http://wewilsons.blogspot.com/2014/11/old-testament-timeline-printable-for.html">Jesse Tree</a> readings so you can quickly see your progress. We will put ours on our fridge and probably X, count, or otherwise draw the days as we go. We also used a magnet last year, but it was often knocked out of place, so writing seems to work best. :)<br />
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Just grab the png and print. Enjoy!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb3MoOkh0DP07f6AgvYE-3JsRN0SyHGfJDPP0vP0YyX2967ra4RHsEHvix0-vW-Wd8bF6eqNQ1KbnZZowPr4_eFMKsByX-Jyi2yecgaPoG4t_C70fPQ4GBge5jPHyS0v5dKwk/s1600/25+day+nativity.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb3MoOkh0DP07f6AgvYE-3JsRN0SyHGfJDPP0vP0YyX2967ra4RHsEHvix0-vW-Wd8bF6eqNQ1KbnZZowPr4_eFMKsByX-Jyi2yecgaPoG4t_C70fPQ4GBge5jPHyS0v5dKwk/s400/25+day+nativity.png" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">25 days to Christmas - printable</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3L6PFSEbqn_LsdOD7JBgVfZ3wBtKK7AsJqLEPGs7THlQehPktcnrLml8Rnsp1FEJjRqja3W2x_2Tmcu3MhRwU4XwGXa3MdYB0JtQyVd1UwOZ_Ou1YpQW4tpWSN_gmIjeuiHwm/s1600/25+day+nativitybw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3L6PFSEbqn_LsdOD7JBgVfZ3wBtKK7AsJqLEPGs7THlQehPktcnrLml8Rnsp1FEJjRqja3W2x_2Tmcu3MhRwU4XwGXa3MdYB0JtQyVd1UwOZ_Ou1YpQW4tpWSN_gmIjeuiHwm/s320/25+day+nativitybw.png" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">25 days to Christmas - coloring page</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbrEqzKxiIwDir0NWz6aJBLRrw1HR5OjHugvvXSZcbEKHYM1uOI1xTbOXyGCJ7XIVIJkD346eZIOKvUAo5vaMdqt85DcobsjY8uiS0NEVrwSIehyphenhyphen3wxLLpM2hwK8RPvphWFk-/s1600/40+day+nativitybw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbrEqzKxiIwDir0NWz6aJBLRrw1HR5OjHugvvXSZcbEKHYM1uOI1xTbOXyGCJ7XIVIJkD346eZIOKvUAo5vaMdqt85DcobsjY8uiS0NEVrwSIehyphenhyphen3wxLLpM2hwK8RPvphWFk-/s320/40+day+nativitybw.png" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">40 days to Christmas - coloring page</td></tr>
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<i>cross-posted from <a href="http://manymercies.blogspot.com/2015/11/40-day-nativity-printable.html">many mercies</a> </i></div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-17905748001405804382015-11-02T07:16:00.000-06:002015-11-02T07:16:10.456-06:00Printable Thanksgiving Cards <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUWTRemuaC_z35idiHX8E2Xthyphenhyphen3cx6pOAbGWnT1Jlz4k9zXx2S8Xc9rPEGgtxrz3-zS8l2cPQdj_GGe2YBXSVda7xhvFikpwNiVZlcyOF7EEHKWaajlSGOdFhPt3q4hz8yvv8og/s1600/il_570xN.793237214_8342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUWTRemuaC_z35idiHX8E2Xthyphenhyphen3cx6pOAbGWnT1Jlz4k9zXx2S8Xc9rPEGgtxrz3-zS8l2cPQdj_GGe2YBXSVda7xhvFikpwNiVZlcyOF7EEHKWaajlSGOdFhPt3q4hz8yvv8og/s400/il_570xN.793237214_8342.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I first made these cards <a href="http://wewilsons.blogspot.com/2009/11/thanksgiving-cards-to-color.html">several years ago</a>, when I was having a little fun drawing Thanksgiving foods. Recently, our family has been thinking about giving thanks quite a lot. When I put together <a href="http://wewilsons.blogspot.com/2015/06/teaching-gratitude-to-kids-printable.html">this study unit during the summer</a>, I spent some time making new thank you cards, and so I also updated these. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dDIvuGG7otSxSj3aSmeoHBxtBAmhJYyKO8plSK1-NyOqeVWK_7I6dLawNBI6Sj3ylvsE31MLkdwzdbNOYs51o1dP1oJGCreePSzeUzOQriY6o5yk_9d_2-dsi4cejdK6E45iFg/s1600/il_570xN.793237182_4udf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dDIvuGG7otSxSj3aSmeoHBxtBAmhJYyKO8plSK1-NyOqeVWK_7I6dLawNBI6Sj3ylvsE31MLkdwzdbNOYs51o1dP1oJGCreePSzeUzOQriY6o5yk_9d_2-dsi4cejdK6E45iFg/s400/il_570xN.793237182_4udf.jpg" width="322" /></a>The pdf now includes a pretty full color version, as well as line drawings if you or your kids want to color your own turkey. You can print just the illustrations with blank inside, or print them front and back with the fill in the blank text for children who may appreciate writing prompts (as mine do). The inside says: "I am thankful for you because_____." These make them a little fun for kids without being as much work as making a whole card from nothing. I print them on heavy weight paper or cardstock so they are just right for dropping in the mail<br /><br />With all the updates, these have been moved to my shop for a small fee. Find them in the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/wilsons?section_id=17439886&ref=shopsection_leftnav_4">printable cards section</a>. We'll be keeping our eyes wide open, focusing on thanksgiving this month. I'm thankful for all of you, friends!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhyphenhyphenjaD2Ay3EbT-P0aulE_T8Px8wpcw2BBgz0n1Na1OJRGeZO625-pJmcxT3ApKBxZOJHSxr2i7th_JSihILEwP3LJhb9aAdbyTWMMRxQoAjcPEC3zH0ejZXzHbwIYKdrCUvhszg/s1600/il_570xN.792998013_m88b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhyphenhyphenjaD2Ay3EbT-P0aulE_T8Px8wpcw2BBgz0n1Na1OJRGeZO625-pJmcxT3ApKBxZOJHSxr2i7th_JSihILEwP3LJhb9aAdbyTWMMRxQoAjcPEC3zH0ejZXzHbwIYKdrCUvhszg/s400/il_570xN.792998013_m88b.jpg" width="343" /></a></div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-11387152796469663312015-10-09T19:32:00.000-05:002015-12-16T11:35:29.294-06:00See Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We love A Dolphin's Tale and <a href="http://seewinter.com/">SeeWinter.com</a>. We're watching Winter a little bit right now <a href="http://www.seewinter.com/animals-exhibits/meet-animals/live-web-cams-0">right here</a>, but Winter seems to be a little sleepy tonight so we made our own Winter movie. Watch L's lego Winter swim!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQ12YwEQ0TQqoqihJ0sEZQTvwvqwTIWOkRoyXj6uRWwANbwcSvfa-pQZcb8a5AStsp8DzRsj5cSk7VYKZ2ATr0MyE5soex_TOqd7UsupjpXD8uipyXYMaEsD8SDQxLK6nkIWLKA/s1600/winter.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQ12YwEQ0TQqoqihJ0sEZQTvwvqwTIWOkRoyXj6uRWwANbwcSvfa-pQZcb8a5AStsp8DzRsj5cSk7VYKZ2ATr0MyE5soex_TOqd7UsupjpXD8uipyXYMaEsD8SDQxLK6nkIWLKA/s400/winter.gif" width="450" /></a></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-42309271873777356122015-09-30T21:10:00.001-05:002015-12-16T11:35:49.981-06:00Reading Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKC6MCEX45S7_RljexsmEqLgRfw3M-7K0YSCVcvjSyYLQeXj4g4yhl7PM_7V1KaJqPkvkIOPgCDqug7puHCTSTdRAcY5RBs2Rq8nUre_37J9T_X6XSqbZQPvN0hcyM5iy8UzC4dg/s1600/DSC04045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKC6MCEX45S7_RljexsmEqLgRfw3M-7K0YSCVcvjSyYLQeXj4g4yhl7PM_7V1KaJqPkvkIOPgCDqug7puHCTSTdRAcY5RBs2Rq8nUre_37J9T_X6XSqbZQPvN0hcyM5iy8UzC4dg/s400/DSC04045.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ah, Mondays. Sometimes our weekends are so full, we need a rest from the weekends! But Monday comes, and we can't afford to get behind in school. So I did a little shuffling with our weekly schedule to make last Monday a little different to get us excited about starting a new week. We had just been to the library and it was time to start some new books, so reading day seemed like a fun idea.<br />
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So what do you need for a great Reading Day?<br />
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<b>1.</b> <b>Books.</b> We started with 6 books, and replaced our usual subjects with extra readings. We started two new chapter books (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Royal-Monastic-Princess-Ileana-Romania/dp/1888212322/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1443463402&sr=1-1&keywords=royal+monastic">Royal Monastic</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Island-Blue-Dolphins-Houghton-Mifflin/dp/0618062602/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1443463429&sr=1-3&keywords=island+of+the+blue+dolphins">Island of the Blue Dolphins</a>) from which we read several chapters in a sitting. The rest were easy reader books that we read all in one sitting (including <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_9?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=poppleton&sprefix=poppleton%2Cstripbooks%2C239">Poppleton</a> books, Arnold Lobel's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grasshopper-Road-Can-Read-Book/dp/006444094X">Grasshopper on the Road</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_9?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=henry+and+mudge&sprefix=henry+and+mudge%2Cstripbooks%2C242&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Ahenry+and+mudge">Henry and Mudge</a> books), and we ended up adding in a few extras of these.<br />
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<b>2. Schedule. </b>I organized our schedule the same way I usually do - with <a href="http://wewilsons.blogspot.com/2015/08/back-to-homeschool-with-animal-bookmark.html">a checklist in a spiral book</a> for each child, but today's usual subjects were all replaced with reading. So today's check list looked something like this:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Read during breakfast. </li>
<li>Read.</li>
<li>Morning walk, and read outside.</li>
<li>Quiet reading time on your own.</li>
<li>Read again.</li>
<li>Snack and Read.</li>
<li>Read.</li>
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<b>3. Post-its.</b> Before we started on our schedule, we decided to read each book in a different place. I put a post-it on each book, and let the girls choose where we'd read each one. We wrote the location on the post-it. We chose Grasshopper on the Road for our outside reading, L thought it would be fun to read Poppleton in the Pop-asan (papasan chair), and then the girls each picked their bed for their favorite book.<br />
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<b>4. Cozy socks. </b>A last minute idea, to help make today feel extra special, everyone put on warm socks so we could be cozy while reading.<br />
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After we got organized, we read through our schedule. I tried to put the next book in its place while the girls checked off their list. I was just trying to stay organized, but the girls thought it was like a treasure hunt. So when we took our quick morning walk, we picked some flowers and then we arrived on the porch; and there they found a vase ready for our flowers, and our next book waiting. Later their books were waiting in their beds with snacks. A successful treasure hunt indeed! We went through most of our stack of library readers, and got started on new novel and biography with lots of snuggles, so I'd say a pretty successful day. </div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-39466544232078604162015-08-13T12:06:00.002-05:002015-08-13T12:34:54.725-05:00Back to (Home)School with Animal Bookmark Printable<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTmFY9_TxDFqNOyydSFeTEsh0OTbLB4C1HY6SfdvlaJNO5zgTQhCV-56lc0Ca00r3mzb028nt-IWE1lludQ1nTc-7sD8QTPsfQ6jq9AyPPBlPlDhObNYN3GHBdJvbCqfa3xyw-A/s1600/DSC03667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTmFY9_TxDFqNOyydSFeTEsh0OTbLB4C1HY6SfdvlaJNO5zgTQhCV-56lc0Ca00r3mzb028nt-IWE1lludQ1nTc-7sD8QTPsfQ6jq9AyPPBlPlDhObNYN3GHBdJvbCqfa3xyw-A/s400/DSC03667.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dolphin bookmark</td></tr>
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We're back to school again, and pretty happy about it. Many families have first day of school traditions to help get everyone excited about the new year. I was only sort of prepared, and so ours stretched into first <i>week</i> of school celebrations, which is just fine with me. </div>
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On our first day, we painted self-portraits, and started reading some new books.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUe0ZYn3IVi45q5reNNrni72DDweD6ZBS8SvMwBZ0X9h3nD-0wXcZaJNc4yohJ_ygS6M74x0CIRsNDHgh6j1_j8fm4QemJbAF68GFKWcn_88cDwQCky_8wfEzl_sPy2yH_tJEgg/s1600/DSC03643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUe0ZYn3IVi45q5reNNrni72DDweD6ZBS8SvMwBZ0X9h3nD-0wXcZaJNc4yohJ_ygS6M74x0CIRsNDHgh6j1_j8fm4QemJbAF68GFKWcn_88cDwQCky_8wfEzl_sPy2yH_tJEgg/s400/DSC03643.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Everyone claimed their quiet reading spot. </div>
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I meant to have donuts for breakfast, but didn't get out to the store. So I made toast with butter hearts. I thought they turned out pretty well... but I sort of forgot to mention it to the kids, and I think they ate them without noticing. But hey, the love is there, right?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making toast with love</td></tr>
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Later in the week, we got around to grabbing a few new school supplies, and starting the 1st grader on her very own field journal. I'm feeling really good about <a href="http://amongstlovelythings.com/spiral-notebooks/">using spiral notebooks to simply our homeschooling schedule</a>. We'll see if it works for the whole year - but this week, we're all loving it. It helps the kids see how much they have left to do, encourages my new reader to read, and it has a fun schedule built in (when they finish the first two subjects, then they get to have a snack and read on their own).<br />
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We have a (mostly) <a href="http://www.amblesideonline.org/">Charlotte Mason</a> style homeschool this year, so there are <i>lots of books. </i>I thought some new bookmarks were in order to get us excited about reading. First we made a few of these <a href="http://www.ctbakerintheacres.com/2012/02/14-lovely-days-day-2.html">easy origami bookmarks</a>. (There are quite a few other origami corner bookmarks with interesting designs. I've pinned several <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/marylauraw/paper-crafts-and-others-to-do-with-kids/">here</a>.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9lnt03OPuxALyCT6wlfSNUchFM92KpC7yjFSSff9b9Ow5hqxMqYnNv49nTMfDcw3eFE6WHw4FHa_hVLDp7IFd2hoNgM8mztI9aTT-9cQrwUXGFhSZveoMf60uDQKg5HBoK6KBQ/s1600/DSC03668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9lnt03OPuxALyCT6wlfSNUchFM92KpC7yjFSSff9b9Ow5hqxMqYnNv49nTMfDcw3eFE6WHw4FHa_hVLDp7IFd2hoNgM8mztI9aTT-9cQrwUXGFhSZveoMf60uDQKg5HBoK6KBQ/s320/DSC03668.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And then I surprised the kids with some animal bookmarks, featuring their favorite animals: Sea Animals (a dolphin, of course, seahorse, and octopus) and Horses (in well named colors). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">octopus bookmark</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">golden horse bookmark</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lavender seahorse bookmark</td></tr>
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I couldn't find all the books in all the places to take pictures, but this shows quite a few. Grab the printable bookmarks below. Print on cardstock, and cut along the gray line. Use an x-acto knife for best results on the interior cut outs. Enjoy!</div>
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Happy New School Year! </div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00456283424247093909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15380909.post-28914993394000243592015-06-29T11:34:00.000-05:002015-06-29T11:34:00.612-05:00Shoe Box Weaving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've been doing some weaving with shoeboxes this year for our handicrafts class. I found several great video tutorials on youtube (embedded below), but I made a loom on a shoebox instead of a flat piece of cardboard (as shown in the video). Mostly we've just been experimenting with techniques and having lots of fun doing it.</div>
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