Free Art Lessons

On my Saturday morning blog scan I stumbled across this fabulous site with free art lessons.  As a homeschool mom I'm always looking for ways to supplement our curriculum and ad fun.  This blog is full of fun...for free!

Hearts everywhere!

For once I'm ahead of the game!  I've already been thinking about Valentine's day.  I found these cute patterns on Pinterest to try.  They make up quickly and are so cute!  Plus, I think they'll be healthier for our friends than candy.  :)

Isn't this the cutest little cookie?  I really needed a lighter color yarn for the 'cookie' part.  I was just using what I already had on hand.

This is a sweet little coaster.  So simple!

Helping our Library

The library in our town opened a little over a year ago.  We were so excited to not have to drive very far to get our books.  The library is only 3 rooms with 1 full time employee.  Both of my big girls volunteer there almost every week.  Our librarian is fabulous!  Her husband is a retired Colonel in the Marines.  They have traveled and lived all over the world.  She always has something interesting to talk about and teach.  

So, you'd think everything sounds perfect.  Only one problem-not much funding.  Our town council doesn't totally support the library.  Some members have said they don't see where there's a need.  Are you kidding me?  A library is very important to a community!  It's a safe place for our children to hang out and develop a love for learning (and reading).  

Anyway, the librarian tries many different ways to raise money to keep the library running.  One thing she does is a monthly raffle.  The girls and I crocheted this basket and the four dishcloths to donate.  We're hoping that it will get a good response and help out in a small way.

Our Etsy shop!

My daughters and I have decided to take the plunge and open our very own Etsy shop!
Everyday we sit with yarn in hand and create.  While I'm reading school books to the girls, they crochet; while we watch TV, we crochet; on long road trips, we crochet.  We love it!
Anyway, I hope you'll visit our little shop and let me know what you think.  We're starting small for the time being and hope to add more items in the near future.


Crochet 'n Cotton

 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. ~Proverbs 31:19

Potato soup recipe

I received this recipe as a gift from another dear blogger.  It quickly became a favorite at our house.

1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped celery
2 Tbsp Butter
4 Cups potatoes, peeled and diced
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups milk
1/4 tsp pepper
dash paprika
bacon-cooked and crumbled (optional)
parsley or chives, minced (optional)

In a large saucepan saute onion and celery in butter until tender.  Add potatoes and broth-bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until tender.  Puree in small batches in blender until smooth and return to pan.  Stir in cheese, milk, pepper and paprika.  Cook and stir on low until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.  Garnish with bacon and parsley.

Listening...

As a pot of Potato Soup simmers on the stove (recipe from a dear friend), I'm thankful for the sounds from the other room-my 3 girls (16, 14 and 9) watching Wizard of Oz-one of my favorite childhood movies.  This weekend they watched Gone with the Wind (a must for every southern girl) and prior to that it was White Christmas.  I'm so glad they'd rather watch the old classics instead of all the new fangled 'twaddle' shows.  My heart warms as I see my 16 year old crocheting as she watches.  The movie is silent and I hear the 14 year old practicing violin upstairs...the 9 year old has a box of colors spread in the floor as she creates a 'master piece'.  I'm so thankful to have girls who enjoy simpler times and simpler things in exchange for all the materialism of today.  I can't wait to see the women they become.

Weekend WIP

I have to admit I'm addicted to crocheting ! I just can't get enough. Here's my Saturday project -an infinity scarf for a friend's birthday. Almost finished!

My Annual Ornament Party

December is such a busy month for us every year but one thing we refuse to give up is our annual ornament exchange.  The girls and I love buying ornaments, planning our menu and preparing the invitations.  This year we had 22 people come.

  My great aunt loves to play games and so does my youngest daughter.  We start the morning off with a few games.  After that it's time for lunch.  Our menu this time was a vegetable and fruit tray, hamburger soup with oyster crackers and Southern Living's winning white cake.

After our tummies are full we move to the living room and begin the exchange.  It's always amazing to me that we never have 2 of the same ornaments.  I love seeing all the beautiful ornaments unwrapped and figuring out who brought them.  There's  lots of laughter and smiles all around.  In the midst of this busy month, this is one day that's pure enjoyment!

Party favors-dishcloths that I crocheted

All ready for everyone to arrive

All of the adults eating lunch (children and teens had to eat in the kitchen-this table just wasn't big enough!)

l-r my cousin, my mom, another cousin and my great aunt

Having fun exchanging ornaments!

All of the family members-4 generations

fruit Christmas tree* 

Vegetable Christmas tree*

*I forgot to take pics of our vege and fruit trees.  These pics are from pinterest.

Our Christmas

Christmas is always good when it's spent with loved ones.  

The girls anxiously waiting at the top of the stairs.

Grace with the cello she's wanted for so long.

Emma's all about American Girl

Mary's favorite thing-coffee!

Cream of "something" soup recipe

I haven't even caught up on all my Christmas posts, but I must stop and share this with you.  I just found this recipe this morning at One Orange Giraffe.

Cream of "something" soup recipe

1 cup non-fat dried milk

3/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup bouillon (if you have cubes you have to smash them up)
  You can use whatever kind you like (ie, beef, veggie)

4 Tablespoons freeze dried minced onions (I used the minced onions from Sam's Club)

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried thyme (I couldn't find the thyme so I used dried parsley instead)

1 teaspoon pepper

(For the equivalent of one can of condensed cream soup, mix 1/3 cup dry mix with 1 1/4 cup water. Cook until thick)

Isn't it wonderful?  I always feel guilty about using cream soups because of all the sodium, etc.  This seems like a wonderful alternative.  I can't wait to try it.  Go check out all the other wonderful things at One Orange Giraffe.