tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75543902024-03-07T14:44:02.685-08:00A Homegrown LifeNotes from a crunchy Christian momAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.comBlogger637125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-9242819068067349172012-08-25T22:56:00.000-07:002012-08-25T22:56:01.799-07:00The summer trio
That's my Littlest boy there in the middle. He turned 6 in June.
On the right is his homeschooled buddy from across the street. He's 8. His family moved in across the street from us six months before he was born, so he and Littlest have been friends awhile. They have a standing afternoon playdate at 3 o'clock most week days.
On the left is his little friend from next door, age 7, who Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-83606508098431437452012-08-22T23:08:00.004-07:002012-08-22T23:10:17.895-07:00Baby pics: She's here!
Oh, friends! Has it really been that long since I've blogged? It has. So much to catch up on, where to start?
Baby is here, of course! And doing beautifully. She arrived five days after my due date, on July 24, at 12:59 p.m., weighing 9 pounds, 5 ounces, and measuring 20.5 inches. She was born in the birth pool in our kitchen.
(The kitchen is... well, mostly finished. I'm still not ready to doAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-15615411137406838682012-03-25T22:27:00.003-07:002012-04-12T07:56:19.950-07:00Decluttering: I don't know when to stop.
Apparently, I'm nesting. Only 17 weeks to go until this baby arrives, and I am determined to have THE ENTIRE HOUSE reorganized and ready long before my due date. I know I'll be too tired and won't want to do anything but knit little booties and sew little dresses by June. (OH! Did I just give something away?!)
We have a smallish, old-fashioned house that requires creative rearranging to Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-85280392676452167332012-03-18T16:10:00.002-07:002012-04-12T07:56:19.983-07:00Decluttering: Because I love to show off the inside of my fridge.
Tonight's the deadline to participate in Project: Simplify's Pantry/Fridge declutter week! Obviously, I don't want to miss a chance to win a new cookbook!
So, here's what I did while my boys were at the park with friends on Thursday, and I was supposed to be taking a nap...
The BEFORE:
And AFTER:
This was mostly a matter of dumping moldy leftovers, wiping shelves and Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-25910196838334987322012-03-13T20:58:00.002-07:002012-04-12T07:56:19.957-07:00What I've been up to.Sheesh, a month without blogging? Can I say it was somewhat intentional even though I didn't tell anybody? Can I say I gave up blogging for (part of) Lent?
Well, bloggy friends, I miss you. Life has been crazy, but I want to try to come back here. This blog needs some serious updating, but that will come eventually. For now, I'll just update you a bit on what I've been doing.
1) Growing aAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-10337805147390473702012-02-02T10:04:00.000-08:002012-02-02T10:04:48.895-08:00Candlemas: Jesus is the Light of the world!
We're celebrating our first Candlemas today! I would have forgotten it again if it hadn't been for Kara's post earlier this week. Thanks, Kara!
Candlemas, or the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, commemorates the presentation of Christ in the temple and the ritual purification of the Virgin Mary forty days after Jesus's birth.
And when the parents brought in the Child Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-80245325999493313512012-01-26T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-26T08:05:59.038-08:00project 52: A self-portraitSo, I'm taking Darcy's year-long photo challenge -- just one shot per week based on her themes. Better late than never, right? (I see a theme of my own forming.)
This week's theme was self-portrait. I didn't think too hard about this one. Or prep myself for it. I was also inspired by this post by photographer Erika Ray, who wrote,
"People remind us all the time that our kids grow up so Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-3943235208962490452012-01-25T21:49:00.000-08:002012-01-25T21:50:30.863-08:00The imperfectionist's guide to beef bourgignon
Sometimes, it's just worth winging it.
First, make sure your stew meat is thawed. Or, at least, mostly thawed. Pull your bacon, carrots and onions out of the fridge. Realize you can't find your mom's copy of Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Hope you'll remember the recipe well enough.
Heat up your pot and slice your bacon. While the bacon is sizzling,
send a kid next door toAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-33663382596330929942012-01-21T18:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T08:33:36.406-08:00And now, the news I've been waiting to share...I've been keeping a little secret from you, dear reader, perhaps for too long.
It distracted me a bit from blogging through the month of December, so I really owe you the explanation. It will only get more and more difficult to hide, even in this blogging world where secrets can more easily be kept. (If you know me in person, or on Facebook, or if we've emailed recently, then you already know.)
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-40160686590627093212012-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T08:33:04.353-08:00Back in the kitchen!The last few weeks have seen much accomplished in the new kitchen. Scott spent what seemed like every waking minute of his Christmas "break" working in there. Trimming the new walls with woodwork, installing the butcher block countertops, sanding, oiling, sanding, oiling, sanding... with a little help from his boys.
Last weekend a back-ordered part for the range hood arrived, and our dear Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-14997060145036143902012-01-20T17:35:00.000-08:002012-01-25T08:33:14.955-08:00this moment {I have a kitchen sink!!}
{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a
moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I
want to pause, savor and remember.
To join in, visit Soulemama.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-22226005312501341382012-01-04T10:10:00.000-08:002012-01-04T10:10:56.607-08:00Resolutions, simplified.My resolutions for 2012:
To use and do what I've learned and know.
To make the most of what I've been given.
To live every day with a grateful heart.
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-70774904709682148312011-12-28T19:52:00.000-08:002012-01-25T08:34:16.414-08:00Highlights of our Christmas weekendOkay, I titled this "Highlights," and then I went a little nuts uploading photos, so forgive me...
Christmas Eve day, while the nana, mama and auntie did some last minute shopping and wrapping, Papa engaged the boys in a nice long game of Risk -- over hot chocolate, to keep up their strategizing energy, of course. (UberDad was busy with his measuring tape and table saw, and still is.)
As it Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-68003556978034520632011-12-27T20:16:00.001-08:002012-01-25T08:35:44.829-08:00Yes, Auntie Cheryl, I'm still alive!I hope your Christmas has been merry and bright!
I am so grateful for the full 12 days in which to celebrate and rest (and catch up on a little blogging!) As odd as it was for our local schools to be in session all the way up to Christmas Eve, it sure is nice that Scott doesn't have to go back to work until after Epiphany. I've been pretty sick this month, but expecting to be back to health by Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-23755265934216018452011-11-30T17:19:00.000-08:002011-11-30T17:19:29.973-08:00Prayers for a kitchen in AdventLord, help me remember that I WILL NOT DIE if my kitchen isn't finished before Christmas.
Dad, if you even hint at the words "I told you so," you won't be getting a Christmas present. :P
How in the world am I going to host Christmas Eve for Scott's family without even a kitchen sink?!
Lord, help me remember that Christmas will still be Christmas even if I don't have a kitchen yet...
Such haveAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-55597536549510462302011-11-28T19:58:00.000-08:002011-11-28T19:58:19.568-08:00Guest post: Waiting on God's Timing
As the season of Advent begins, and we await the joyous celebration of our Lord's birth, I am happy to share with you this guest post by blogger and new mom Heather at ThenComesMercy.com.
Waiting on God's Timing
I was five days past my due date. The idea
of leaving the house—even just to pick up a gallon of milk—felt
overwhelming. We live in a small town and everyone from our neighbors Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-63888111260157624772011-11-08T07:18:00.000-08:002011-11-08T07:18:28.902-08:00stuck on this math problem
crunchy Christian mom
homeschooling
major DIY remodel
+ Pinterest very little blogging
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-22731432422863329662011-10-28T11:27:00.000-07:002011-10-28T11:27:54.555-07:00Now it feels like fall.
I want to thank you for your understanding words and comforting prayers after my last post. They have helped so much.
"I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
- Psalm 27:13-14
I found this verse in my inbox after leaving the lab for my final hCG blood test yesterday. HeAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-2760557056999663112011-10-14T14:24:00.000-07:002011-10-16T11:06:47.389-07:00October 14My middle son has been waiting since the beginning of our journey into the Middle Ages to read the story of William the Conqueror. He adopted the name "Guillaume," the French version of William, for his French and history studies this year, because he thought William sounded like an admirably tough warrior.
Serendipitously, we arrived at that chapter of "Famous Men" today -- on the 945th Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-59682743414410014672011-09-27T23:00:00.000-07:002011-09-27T23:04:48.563-07:00At the county fair -- the first field trip of fall
Around here, the last week of September never brings chilly weather or hints of autumn color. (Unless you count our outfits and that it was under 95 degrees today.)
The first week of fall is the week of The Fair. The county fair, that is -- the carnival rides, the 4-H animals, the hobby competitions, the food.
As much greasy, fried, Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-46902031659664258512011-09-20T18:08:00.000-07:002011-09-20T18:12:06.851-07:00Homeschooling latelyNature study --
Redhumped caterpillars love redbud trees (and liquid amber, plum, apple, and walnut trees). We hoped we might see some cocoons and moths before we realized they're considered pests, but we suspect the neighborhood wasps got them first.
Most of our interest-led science studies have centered on pets the last few weeks. Minnie is our new dwarf hamster. She's very friendly, Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-36666337709898463462011-08-28T22:26:00.000-07:002011-08-28T22:26:36.444-07:002011-2012 Curriculum, part 2 - Medieval Literature and Fine Arts
Last week we dove headfirst into the fifth century A.D., joining the barbarians and leaving the Roman Empire in the dust and rubble. We are very excited about this year's plans to study the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation -- and British literature! We're using Famous Men of the Middle Ages to guide us along for history, and supplementing with lots of lit.
Literature and Historical Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-10207986959191642282011-08-27T13:43:00.000-07:002011-08-27T13:53:01.615-07:00Celebrating my mom's 60th at the beach
My mom wanted to spend her 60th birthday at the coast with her girls, and that's just what she did.
We stopped for pedicures on our way, and then spent Saturday eating, shopping, sipping wine, eating, chatting and relaxing by the pool.
On Sunday, my dad brought the boys over, and the activity level rose a bit...
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-16921906239177970562011-08-26T18:09:00.000-07:002011-08-27T12:42:03.622-07:00Transitions... Back to Homeschool
It's been more than a week since the last major progress on the remodel.
Scott finished the floors, installed most of the quarter-round molding, and I repainted the baseboards. The electrician installed the new kitchen fixtures. Our friend Brad and his kiddos came over and helped Scott move the furniture back into the house. I still haven't unpacked all the boxes.
Last week I was busyAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-18941465973600566122011-08-09T08:52:00.000-07:002011-08-09T08:52:46.998-07:00Not Back-to-School Blog Hop: School Room weekI really like calling our school/play room the Room of Requirement -- it's the kind of room that transforms as we need it to! (And right now, it's pretty much that messy.)
We're living with my parents this week while my hubby refinishes our wood floors, and the school room is crammed full of living and dining room furniture. So, I have no new pictures to show you for School Room Week at the Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com6