Day 2

{Our Little Manger}

Christmas decor is almost done. We have inside lights, stockings hung, manger out, garlands strung, but no tree yet. Colorado is a dry dry state, so we are holding off a little - we don't end up with a tree that bursts into flames on Christmas morning. Tomorrow we are doing the outside lights and hanging Christmas cards around the inside of the house.

My mom started my favorite tradition (you can see a little in the pictures here) - EVERY SINGLE card I recieve is dated on the back, attached to ribbon and hung around the ceiling of the house. I remember my mom's would go through every room in the downstairs and up the stairwell. So cool. Right now my measly collection will probably only fill my great room when hung.. but I look forward to the days when I will fill the house with the loving thoughts of family and friends from years past :)

Weaving

Today we learned about ancient settlers' weaving skills. So we decided to weave.

L agrees it is hard work.

Early Schooling

Usually while L and J school I let M "read" books, color, help with chores, or play quietly.

Recently he began asking to do school too. Hesitant, I put it off for a while, but he

continued to press me. I didn't think he was ready for seat work. I tested the waters by letting him doodle at the table for a week or two during school time. After seeing he was really eager to sit and learn, I went and purchased a small work book for 3-5 year olds.

Today was our first day whipping it out and I was amazed:

1.) M can hold a pencil

2.) He can trace a line very well

3.) He CAN follow directions

4.) He CAN sit still (really he can!)

5.) He loved it!

Looks like schooling around here has just become more fun!

Granola

Ingredients:

4 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 F. In a bowl mix the oats, almonds, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. In a saucepan warm the oil and honey. Whisk in vanilla.

Carefully pour the liquid over the oat mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon; finish mixing by hand. Spread granola in a 15x10 inch baking pan.

Bake 40 minutes, stirring carefully every 10 minutes. Transfer granola-filled pan to a rack to cool completely. Stir in raisins or cranberries. Seal granola in an airtight container or self-sealing plastic bag. Store at room temperature for 1 week or in the freezer for 3 months.

Recipe from here

Project 365: Day 1

My girlfriend Brooke has decided to pick up her PROJECT 365 blog entries and I have decided to join her. Basically it is just a photo from my everyday life, everyday. Sounds simple (I don't know that I will be able to keep up, but I hope so!) and fun. Besides I miss playing with my camera and this gives me an excuse to pick it up EVERYDAY!

{Reading time. L reads to J for a 1/2 an hr a day for part of their schooling. It is one of my favorite times of the day. They do it nicely and it makes my heart happy}