Chesterton on Contentment

"True contentment is a real, even an active virtue - not only affirmative but creative. It is the power of getting out of any situation all there is in it.

~ G.K. Chesterton

I Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

donnayoung.org

Here's a helpful resource that I refer to quite often. Lots of printable charts - calendars, any form imaginable, planners, household management, great educational ideas and tips. She has spent a lot of time developing this website, it's well worth a visit.

Remember The Time

I am forever keeping stacks of different memorable items from vacations with the good intentions of one day putting them in a scrapbook. Unfortunately, more times than not, they usually end up in a drawer waiting for that day. I ran across this idea in Martha Stewart Living that would at least keep them altogether in one place until the day arrives that I'm so bored I'm looking for something to do!

"If you hate the idea of grappling with vacation memorabilia after a trip, create a keepsake as you go. Pack a hole punch and a loose-leaf ring to string together maps, postcards and other souvenirs you collect on the road. When you get home, make a cover by affixing a sticker to the front and rubber-stamping a title on top."

How simple is that?

Big Sister Little Sister

Whether you're the big sister or the little sister of the family, you'll enjoy this heartwarming picture book. The older sister always takes care of the little one, but the little sister doesn't realize this is done in love, instead she wants to be alone, away from her sister who knows so much more than her. As the story unfolds her eyes are opened and she sees that they both need each other.

Big Sister Little Sister was written in 1966 by Charlotte Zolotow. Children's Book of the Year 1966 ~ CSA

Charlotte Zolotow will be celebrating her 93rd birthday on June 26th - Happy Birthday Mrs. Zolotow!

May God's Word Be Your Delight

Unless your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.

~Psalm 119:92

Concerning Children's Chores

"You can't expect what you don't inspect."

~ Elisabeth Elliot

Mixing Education with Adventure

This looks like a lot of fun! A family of six is taking a year to tour Europe, Western Asia and North Africa on bikes. Friends in Germany brought these homeschoolers from New Hampshire to our attention. Not only are they mixing education with adventure but they are also taking time to encourage the few homeschoolers left in Germany. Traveling by train to avoid mountains, they will arrive in Stuttgart June 28th. Homeschoolers in the area are hosting a BBQ for them and a meeting is set for the Millers to explain to the German officials and the media parental rights and raising children in the fear of the Lord. The Millers will be visiting families all over Europe which will be a wonderful blessing .

If you would like to learn about the countries they travel through, you can subscribe to their virtual field trip and follow along with them.

The Edventure Project

The Book Club

I really enjoyed To Kill A Mockingbird, how about you? Thursday night we'll be at Midnight Oil to discuss it and enjoy the great coffee. Hopefully on the deck, weather & bugs permitting. As always, bring a book recommendation to choose for our next selection.

Just for Fun: Bring your favorite word to share with everyone!

Wheeee!!!

Riding bikes is a lot of fun, especially flying down the hill. Until my son says, "You know there's only one way back home."

FUN FACTS FOR OLDER FOLKS: You just can't keep up with a ten year old.

Virtues of Work

Thank God every morning when you get up, that you have something to do that day which must be done...work will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues the idle never know.

~Charles Kingsley (1819-1875)

A Psalm of Praise

Bless the Lord O my soul; and all that is within me,
Bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children's children,
To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

~Psalm 102 1-5, 17-18

Come Type with Me

A fun, animated website from BBC. An easy way for kids to learn touch typing.

Dance Mat Typing

A Different Turn

Beach-house kitchens aren't always fully stocked. If you don't have a salad spinner, roll rinsed greens in a clean towel, hold both ends in one hand, and rapidly spin it outdoors.

~ Martha Stewart Living July 2008

Banana Pudding

I can't make it like my grandma did, but I sure enjoy trying!

Banana Pudding

1 1/2 cups sugar, divided

2/3 cup flour

6 eggs, separated

4 cups milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

5-6 bananas

box vanilla wafers

Mix 1 cup sugar and flour in top of a double boiler. Blend in 6 egg yolks and milk. Cook uncovered over boiling water stirring constantly (seems like forever) until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Place vanilla wafers on the bottom and up the sides of a a deep round baking dish. Layer the pudding, bananas, & wafers, ending with pudding.

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/2 cup sugar (more or less to taste) beating until stiff but not dry. Spread meringue on top of pudding making sure edges are sealed. Place vanilla wafers on edge around the dish.

Bake @ 350 for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

An Empty Vessel

"Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in the faith; strengthen me.

I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor.

I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and I am unable to trust you altogether. O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you.

In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have. I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor.

I am a sinner; you are upright. With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness.

Therefore I will remain with you, of whom I can receive, but to whom I may not give. Amen"

~A prayer of Martin Luther