The Walnut Acre Daily - A Busy Saturday

Words to Live By

Psalm 62:2

Truly He is my rock and my salvation;

He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Books We Enjoyed Today

In the Kitchen

CJ made dinner this evening. He made spaghetti and meatballs, salad, and garlic bread. It was delicious!

Here he is chopping vegetables for the salad.

Around the House

We really didn't do much of interest around the house today. CJ did help Doug move a dresser upstairs because Austin needed one in his room. Doug also repaired a window screen and a door seal. Other than that it just basic things like picking up and dishes.

Outdoor Fun

CJ and Doug went for a walk through fields this afternoon. They poked around in some barns that are rarely used and then they went for a walk up the road and back. It was a nice sunny day to be out and I think they both enjoyed it. 

We Are Going

Michael and I had practice for the Christmas Cantata/Play that we are part of tomorrow morning at church. Practice took almost two hours but I think we were able to get the last minute details sorted out. I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning and I think it's going to turn out well.

CJ and Doug took trash to the dump this morning. CJ had lots of things to tell me about that little trip - from seeing chickens alongside the road to fire trucks and a fire. 

This evening Austin, Amanda and Michael went to practice for another Christmas play they have parts in next Sunday. They are busy but they love it. Austin is a wise man, Michael is Joseph and Amanda is working the lights. 

Daily Deals

Today's Quote

We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. ~ Franklin Delano Roosevelt

The Walnut Acre Daily - In Which I Oversleep

Words to Live By

Luke 1:68

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come to His people and redeemed them. 

Homeschool Fun

We ended up doing very little schoolwork today and it was my fault. I got up at 6:00 this morning and the first kids came in and went back to sleep. I got CJ up and he got ready for school and ate his breakfast. After he was on the bus I was sitting on the couch with the laptop and just before 8:00 I got really sleepy. Everyone else was asleep and I though if I could just close my eyes for 10 or 15 minutes I would be fine. I woke up at 9:30. So, needless to say, our day was off to a really late start. I did read with Austin and Amanda this evening from No Woman So Fair by Gilbert Morris and we read Proverbs 11. 

Books We Enjoyed Today

In the Kitchen

This was Amanda's evening to make dinner and she chose to fix Hamburger Helper Stroganoff, corn, and applesauce. 

Outdoor Fun

Amanda went out with the kids for about 45 minutes this afternoon. The temperature was in the 50's and with the sun shining it was really nice outside.

On My Mind

I am so sad for the community of Newton, CT. It's hard to imagine a tragedy like this and makes me grateful for the little ones I get to hug today. My prayers are with all those hurting from this devastation. 

Just For Fun

Here are a few of the fun moments from our day.

Lauren and Michael enjoying some computer time.

Madelynn found the cat, Scout, asleep in a patch of sunshine and covered him with a blanket. 

Sometimes when a little boy just has too much energy to contain a good wrestle with Daddy does a world of good!

Daily Deals

Today's Quote

We're all just walking each other home. ~ Ram Dass

Why I Write the Walnut Acre Daily

The Walnut Acre Daily - Broccoli Cheese Soup and More

Words to Live By

Lamentations 3:22-23

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning: great is Your faithfulness. 

Homeschool Fun

The younger kids watched Elijah & The Prophets of Baal this morning to go along with our Jesse Tree reading. They also watched  the Letter E Song and Numbers 1-50. They didn't do as many worksheets and coloring pages as they usually do. They each wanted to do one counting page and then they were off to the playroom to play again. I printed the counting sheet from 3 Dinosaur's Christmas printable pack.

Austin and Amanda studied health and nutrition, fractions and grammar all on video today.

Books We Enjoyed Today

In the Kitchen

I made Broccoli Cheese soup for the first time ever today and we loved it. It was so easy to make and by putting it in the crockpot I was able to prepare it early in the day and then not have to worry about dinner. 

Here's the recipe.

Crock Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

1 (24 ounce) package frozen broccoli

1 onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 cup finely sliced carrots

2 (14.75 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup

2 1/2 cups water

1 lb velveeta cheese, cubed

 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Combine all ingredients on low in crockpot for 4-6 hours. (Do not add salt.)

We Are Going

 Austin, Amanda and Michael spent the evening at their grandparents house. 

Just For Fun

We want breakfast!

It was so nice today to see the kids just play and play without arguing or fighting. They played with cars and trucks for a long time and also played with the kitchen set and stuffed animals for quite a while. I love days like this!

Daily Deals

Today's Quote

Find what makes your heart sing and create your own music. ~ Mac Anderson

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Why I Write the Walnut Acre Daily

The Walnut Acre Daily - Creative Card Play and More

Words to Live By

Galatians 4:4-5

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

Homeschool Fun

This morning the younger kids watched The Call of Samuel and Shepherd Boy to go with our Jesse Tree readings. They also watched The Letter D Song and Learn to Count with Shawn the Train. We also played a game memory.

Their worksheets and coloring pages today came from 

3 Dinosaurs (Printing and Counting pages and  -at word family )

DLTK (Samuel coloring pages)

1+1+1=1 (Beginning Sound worksheet)

Austin and Amanda continued their study of health and nutrition today. They also studied Indirect Objects and Objective Complements in Grammar and fractions in math.

Books We Enjoyed Today

In the Kitchen

Amanda was our bread baker today using our favorite Homemade White Bread recipe. 

Outdoor Fun

The kids were enthralled with with this sunset this evening. It was really beautiful and this picture doesn't do it justice. 

We Are Going

As usual on Wednesday evening we were at church. I snapped a few pictures of the kids during the time between dinner and classes. There's always time for them to play basketball, do crafts, and play games. 

Just For Fun

Apparently it's as much fun to see how many memory cards can be held with the toes as it is to actually play the game. Who knew?

Daily Deals

Today's Quote

Creative play is like a spring that bubbles up from deep within a child. ~ Joan Almon

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No Ordinary Blog Hop

The Walnut Acre Daily - A First Lost Tooth, Austin's Lasagna and More

Words to Live By

Isaiah 7:9

If you do not stand firm in your faith,
    you will not stand at all.

Homeschool Fun

The younger kids watched Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho and Gideon Bible Story to go with our Jesse Tree readings. Then they worked on some worksheets and coloring pages. We also reviewed the -at family words.

Our worksheets/coloring pages today came from 

Three Boys and a Dog (Candy Cane Color by Number)

DLTK's Sites (Cornucopia, Gideon Story Comprehension and Memory Worksheet)

3 Dinosaurs (Cc is for Christmas Tree, -at word family)

Coloring Pages for Kids (Alphabet Coloring Pages)

Austin and Amanda continued the Health/Nutrition unit today and in Math they studied dividing fractions. This evening we started reading the second book in the Lions of Judah series by Gilbert Morris - No Woman So Fair. This book is about Sarah and Abraham. We also read Proverbs 10.

Books We Enjoyed Today

In the Kitchen

We had sausage, bread and fruit for breakfast, and  tomato soup, sandwiches and fruit for lunch. 

Austin made lasagna (his own recipe) for dinner this evening. Because he knew he might be gone this evening he made it this morning and had it ready for me to put in the oven this evening. 

Outdoor Fun

Michael and I took a little walk this afternoon while all the other little kids were taking their naps. It's always hard for me to get motivated to go for a walk in the afternoons after the house gets quiet for naptime. It's easier to do something on the computer or even doze off on the couch for a few minutes. But I'm always so glad when I do make myself go. It's good for me and gets my brain awake again, and it's also good for Michael to get the fresh air and sunshine and exercise. Even though he's usually out at least 30 minutes in the morning and again in the evening, he seems to really need that afternoon exercise as well. Otherwise he just gets so restless it's hard on us all. 

We Are Going

Other than taking Lauren to preschool this afternoon I didn't have to go anywhere. 

Doug and Austin went back to the same place they were at yesterday to work on a car. They went right after Doug got home from work around 3:00 this afternoon and got home again around 5:30. 

Just For Fun

Michael lost his first tooth today and was so excited! When it first came out though he turned white as a sheet and was shaking so hard he could hardly hold a glass of water to take a drink. I'm not sure why it affected him that way, and I was glad he recovered quickly. Then he spent a large part of his morning trying to pull another one out until I finally had to get firm with him and tell him that he had to leave his teeth alone until they are ready to come out. He has a tooth on top that was damaged in a fall when he was smaller that we thought would come out first but it didn't happen that way. I thought we had lost the tooth because Austin didn't realize I had put it in a small bowl (I'm all out of small plastic bags) and he put the bowl in the dishwasher. But, after fishing around in the bottom of the dishwasher for awhile I finally found a very clean tooth, much to Michael's relief.

The kids spent a lot of time after dinner this evening reading and playing with Doug. 

Daily Deals

Today's Quote

Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton asked why. ~ Bernard Baruch

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No Ordinary Blog Hop, Link It Up Thursday

The Walnut Acre Daily - Monday Fun

Words to Live By

Lamentations 3:22-23

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

Homeschool Fun

Lauren and Michael watched Kids Learn the Ten Commandments to go with our Jesse Tree readings. They also watched the Letter B Song and Addition with 1. Then they completed their choice of coloring pages and worksheets. Later in the morning we did Nativity Graphing and reviewed the -at family words. 

 Amanda worked some more in the Health & Nutrition unit she and Austin have been studying. Austin didn't get to his because he went with Doug to help work on a car so he'll make it up tomorrow. They both missed math time with Doug for the same reason. This evening we finished reading Heart of a Lion by Gilbert Morris and our Bible reading was Proverbs 9.

Books We Enjoyed Today

In the Kitchen

I made Cauliflower Crust Pizza  and baked potato wedges for dinner this evening. The pizza didn't turn out quite as good this time as I remembered it but I think I should have baked the crust a little longer before adding the toppings. 

Outdoor Fun

It was really nice out this morning and Austin took the little ones out to play for awhile. By this afternoon it was cloudy, cool and rainy so they just stayed inside.

We Are Going

Michael and I stopped by the grocery store for a few things this afternoon after we dropped Lauren off at preschool. 

Soon after Doug came home from work he got a call from Love INC asking if he could work on a car for a local single mother of five who needed help. So he took Austin, CJ and Michael with him and went to see what he could do. They were out there a couple hours but didn't get it fixed this evening. I think they're going to try to find a way to get the car here so he can work on it where all his tools are. They got home from working on the car in time to quickly eat some dinner and change clothes and then Doug, Austin and Michael went to their Scout meetings. 

Around the House

Here's some of what we did around the house today.

I cleaned the kitchen after breakfast, did five minute cleanups of six rooms, made dinner, started laundry,and did lessons with the kids.

Amanda did the morning cleaning in the mudroom and downstairs bathroom, organized Michael's clothes and put clean blankets and sheets on his bed, switched laundry and folded and put away several loads, made lunch, cleaned the guinea pig cage, and cleaned up the kitchen after dinner.

 Austin did the morning cleaning in the playroom and upstairs bathroom,  dusted, straightened, and vacuumed the living room, walked the dog, and cleaned the kitchen after lunch. 

Just For Fun

Daily Deals

Today's Quote

Maybe a person's time would be a well spent raising food as raising money to buy food. ~ Frank A. Clark

The Walnut Acre Daily - Snail Mail for Maggie and More

Words to Live By

John 15:5,8

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." 

In the Kitchen

We had one of our favorite Sunday lunches today - Poor Man's Steak. When I make this I always hope I'll have leftovers to put in Doug's lunch the next day but I never do.

Poor Man's Steak

3 lbs ground beef

25 saltine crackers, crushed

1 cup water

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 (10.75 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

In a large bowl mix together ground beef, saltine crackers, water, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Press mixture into a 9x13 baking pan, cover and refrigerate over night. 

Cut hamburger mixture into squares, roll each square in flour, and brown on each side in a small amount of cooking oil. Place browned squares back in baking pan. 

Pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly over hamburger squares. Cover and bake for 45 minutes or until well done. 

We Are Going

We went to church this morning. Doug and I both taught Sunday School. He taught the 6th and 7th grade class and I taught the 3rd through 5th grade class. 

This afternoon Michael and I were back at church to practice the Christmas cantata. Michael loves going to practice (He's on the far right of all the kids, wearing a red shirt.) I thought practice went well. We have two more practices before the actual performance next Sunday morning. 

On My Mind

This little girl and her family is on my mind tonight. She is fighting cancer, Wilms tumor. She has had surgery and chemotherapy, but recently her family found out the cancer has spread to her lungs. She is five years old and her name is Maggie. There is a card drive going now for her and it would be so nice to bring her many smiles with lots of Christmas cards. So please go to Kimberly's Korner to find the details on how to send Maggie a card and bring a smile to her face.

Today's Quote

When you blame others, you give up your power to change. ~ Author Unknown

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The Walnut Acre Daily - Putting Up the Christmas Tree and More

Words to Live By

John 14:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

We Are Learning

We didn't do any schoolwork today but I spent a lot of time getting things ready for next week. Now lessons are planned, papers are printed, and schedules are made. I feel like I'm better prepared for next week than I was for this past week. I don't like pulling things together the morning I need them.

Books We Enjoyed Today

In the Kitchen

I didn't do a lot of cooking today. I mainly fixed very simple food or used leftovers. At dinnertime this evening Doug, Austin and CJ were all gone to various places and Amanda had just fixed herself some food so Michael and I happily ate cereal.

Around the House

We finally got the Christmas tree put up. It's not at all fancy - just an artificial pre-lit tree, but it sure makes the kids happy. 

Outdoor Fun

And although we did put the Christmas tree up it's hard to feel Christmasy (is that a word?) when it's 65 degrees outside. Michael and Damien tried out the swingset that we got from a friend who is moving into an apartment. This is the only swing on it right now and it needs some work but we didn't have to pay anything for it and are glad to have it. 

We Are Going

Doug, CJ and Michael took trash to the dump this morning and Michael and I went to the store this afternoon for milk. Austin is still on his weekend away with the Scouts. Tonight is Doug's night on call at the Rescue Squad so he's there. 

Daily Deals

Today's Quote

The greatest oak was once a little nut who held it's ground.  ~ Author Unknown

The Walnut Acre Daily - Applesauce Banana Bread and More

Words to Live By

John 11:25

Jesus said unto her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die."

Homeschool Fun

Our videos to go with our Jesse Tree readings were Joseph Interpets Pharoah's Dreams and Moses and the Burning Bush. We also watched Montessori Numbers 1-10 and Phonics Reading "at". We reviewed the -at word family words.

Austin and Amanda continued their work in Health/Nutrition and in math studied changing fractions into decimals. 

Books We Enjoyed Today

In the Kitchen

Amanda made Applesauce Banana Bread today and the kids enjoyed it for snack this afternoon. And yes, she's wearing a goofy hat. She said she was an elf today! 

Applesauce Banana Bread

2 1/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3/4 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

4 ripe bananas, mashed

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease 9x5 inch pan.

Mix together flour, soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. Stir in eggs, applesauce, bananas and vanilla extract. 

Pour into pan and bake for 45 - 60 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Outdoor Fun

I took these pictures through the kitchen window this morning while  Austin was watching the kids play outside. 

We Are Going

The only place I had to go today was to take Lauren to preschool. After Doug got home from work this afternoon the boys (Austin, CJ and  Michael) went with him to pick up some things from a friend who is moving. They picked up a dresser for Austin's room, a swing set for the backyard, a rocking chair for the front porch and some window frames that I want for crafty projects. 

Then after dinner Doug took Austin to meet the rest of his Boy Scout pack for what sounds like a fun weekend. I believe it's called "An Old Fashioned Christmas." They are all staying in a big house and at some point there's a gift exchange. There are lots of activities planned and I know he's going to really enjoy it. He comes home sometime Sunday.

Daily Deals

Today's Quote

A grownup is a child with layers on. ~ Woody Harrelson

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Get Schooled Saturday, Creative Bloggers Party & Hop, Not "Baaad" Sundays, The Better Mom, Homestead Barn Hop, Titus 2sdays, Cast Party Wednesday, No Ordinary Blog Hop, Homemaking Link Up, Weekend Wrap Up,