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Lookout Farm – Natick, MA – Homeschooling Field trip

October 20, 2009 By Laura 6 Comments

We recently took a day off from school and work, to enjoy the fall season and have a field trip. The real perk for this trip, was we were first meeting up with a family member to spend the day with us. We all headed to The Lookout Farm, in Natick, MA.

We’d never been there, and boy was it a beautiful place. The main attraction of this place was that it had all kinds of orchards, to ‘pick your own’. Not only several kinds of apples, but lots of other varieties of fruit in their respective seasons, as well as pumpkins of course.

For our trip, there were several varieties of apples, peaches, and pears ready to pick. Besides the orchards, there was a huge outdoor play area, some farm animals to see, and a country store of sorts. A trolley brought you from from the orchards to the animals and play area and back again to the store. It was a really, really nice place to spend such a beautiful fall day.

The kids really enjoyed finding apples that looked great to pick. We really didn’t need as much as they would have loved to pick. They were $2.50 a pound.

And with apples that were the size of these, it was easy for the pounds to add up. I’m not sure how well you can tell, but this apple was huge in {O}’s little hand. Honestly, I had never seen apples so big. Made us wonder. :/

What really, really captivated me at this place, were the grapevines. All of the orchard rows branched off of these grapevine covered walkways, and there were LOTS and lots of them. The smell on the air was so sweet.

Before I get any further here, I have to point out that you will notice that {O}’s eyes are closed in most all of the photos, and they were most all of the day! She had gotten up shortly after going to bed the night before, saying it felt like something was in her eye. Michael checked it, and found nothing. She went back to bed, went right to sleep, and had an uneventful night. The next morning, the day of this trip, she got up, was chatting up a storm, happy as a clam, but wouldn’t open her her eye, and it was tearing. I asked her about it, and she said it still felt like there was something in her eye. I laid her down and with good light, looked again, and found what I thought was a sty under her top eyelid. No biggie. So we carried on with our field trip plans. It was a BRIGHT sunny day and it turned out, the brightness was too much for her. I could not understand it…..for a sty!?

But, it was with good reason, in the end! That story-post will be coming up in the Big Picture next. But take note how she still was all smiles all day, she picked fruit, played on the playscapes, laughed and had herself a wonderful and fun day, never complaining. Because if/when you read the upcoming post, you’ll be surprised.

On the trolley that brought us from orchard to orchard, etc. It was such a nice ride, following the wide brick paths throughout the farm, making stops at all of the attractions.

Some of the animals we saw that day….

Like many of the animals there, this donkey had a wood sign hung up with his name carved out of it. His name was JACK.

I wondered out loud, “Oh….His name is Jack. How clever. I wonder what his last name is.” A father nearby shot me the funniest look. lol. I was just wondering! ; )

We were pretty impressed with this huge hay pyramid in the play area. There was also a burlap maze.

I didn’t take photos of it all, but it was a great play ground.

{O} wore sunglasses most of the day, to help keep the brightness out of her eyes. I peeked in a few times though, and she was still keeping them mostly closed. I was puzzled and growing concerned. Hmmmmm.

There was this kiddie caterpillar ride, that went around the whole entire play area, which really was pretty big. {A} was a good sport to go with the kids. I just felt better.

The driver seemed to be a cool dude though. I talked to him for several minutes before I let him take my kids for a spin.

No driving record; no speeding tickets or accidents, and he seemed to enjoy his job.

{O} up in the tree-house, still all smiles.

Look at this thing!! I thought it was so cute.

But what I was really drawn to….

….were the stairs….and specifically, the natural railings. I am all about ‘simple, rustic, imperfect.’ Michael saw me really looking at them and said, “Here we go. Mama is going to want me to make something like this for our deck or something.'” He read my mind!

We ended up with about 10 pounds of apples, and a few days later we made 3 apple pies. We ate 1 immediately, and froze 2.

We were having such a nice day, we decided to all go get lunch together. Besides, we were hungry!!

Everyone ate well (my kids never ‘not’ eat well. They love all food!). But {O} was so happy to get in the van and close her eyes for good. She fell fast asleep too. But when we got home, I had to take a GOOD look at her eye again, for the 4th time that day, and I finally saw the real problem.

Stay Tuned.

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Another Birthday Post – Laura’s

October 4, 2009 By Laura 6 Comments

My birthday kind of sneaked up on me here! And just when you thought the birthday posts were over, huh? lol. Well, I’ll try to make this quick and painless. Or, you can just close the post right now. : )

I really had great plans to spend with my family on my birthday (Saturday). My choices are always Fall themed…..my favorite time of year. This year, I was looking forward to a nice family Fall hike, finding leaves to wax, getting some pumpkins to bring home, maybe some mums, etc. But on Friday night when I checked the weather, there was a 100% chance of rain on Saturday. 100% chance! I have never seen such a high percentage, and I have to check the weather a lot, with my line of work. So I was pretty sure it would be raining like the dickens all day, and it did indeed!

I was bumming Friday night, as I tried to figure out what else we could possibly do that would be fun instead. I don’t even like going OUT in the rain. So I chose to just stay home and decorate for Halloween (or Hallowtide, as we refer to it).

As it happened, Michael the and kids really made my day special………

I did wake up a little grouchy, actually, and when I smelled what was cooking in the kitchen (our traditional birthdays breakfast), I mumbled something selfish like, “Why do you guys always make me eat pancakes on my birthday.” (Yeah…super grouchy, huh? Nice.) The truth is, I’m not even a breakfast kind of person. All I want/need is COFFEE, and a little quiet until I fully wake up. On my typical days, I usually wait until almost noon, to eat toast. Michael knows, too, that if I must, I prefer waffles over pancakes. So I got that traditional number pancakes, over waffles, sausages on the side, and another cup of coffee. By the time I was gathered around the table with those I love most in this world, I was more awake and in better spirits.

Shortly after breakfast, as I was reading some birthday e-mails and wishes on the computer, Michael and the kids called me back into the sun room. They all were standing around with a big excited smile. And there on the table, was a gift, for me!

I loved the wrapping paper, so I had to go get my camera to take photos first, which did result in a few groans. lol. Then they gave me their home made cards. I just love cards from my kids. They put so much of their own personality into them. I could tell you which was from who, without them even being signed. I never took photos, but I should have. On the front of the card {J} made for me, was a dolphin jumping out of the water. (He loves dolphins). But what was extra sweet was the dolphin’s mouth was holding a string that was hanging, with a heart on the end that had a big “M” on it, for ‘Mama” of course. {S}, who is always all about numbers, had a big 41 on it. (Thanks, Honey, lol). {O} gave me some sunshine, that was missing outside our windows. {A}’s was extra creative, and all about love. One of the things in the gift box was some new nighties!! They know….the pajamas I have, I have had forever,…. and a day. I also wear my mother’s nightie shirts I collected from my parent’s home after she passed away. So I guess they thought I looked like I needed some. lol. I love them-and was grateful. They also gifted me with the COZIEST PANTS I HAVE EVER MET! I don’t know if they are supposed to be pajamas, but I’ll never wear them to bed. I declared them my ‘Cozy Editing Pants’! Sometimes, I have to work for hours at this dang computer, and those pants are the perfect comfy attire. I cannot tell you how SOFT they are.

They know I love polka-dots, so I was thrilled with those. But they others will always make me smile, because of WHY they bought them. They always poke a little fun of me, and mimic me, because I always say in the morning, “I need coffee”. And let me tell you people….I have a real morning voice. Deep…gruff….and it’s true that sometimes the word “I” doesn’t even actually come out of my mouth. It takes awhile for my talker to warm up. lol. So these COZY PANTS cracked me right up when I read the words on them…..

Just perfect for me!

Michael and the kids ran out in the pouring rain to get pumpkins, and groceries to fulfill my request for later on in the day: tacos, and apple crisp. But what I really would have liked, was nachos from Uno’s. But…..I wasn’t going out in the pouring rain even later on in the day.

We spent the day doing the kind of things I do love to do at home…….decorating the home stead, carving pumpkins, …..just being together. I enjoyed it all very much. No doubt I’ll be taking photos to share soon as well.

By the time the tacos were ready, Michael offered to run out and get me nachos from Uno’s -WHICH I took him up on. We also had apple crisp w/ vanilla ice cream after, and {A} made nonpareils, which I’d like to just refrigerate and save for Hallowtide festivities. Although, we did pop a few already, of course. lol.

Throughout the day I got many wishes from friends around the country, and calls from loved ones, even today, as well.

I am really so blessed, and it really doesn’t take a birthday to make me know it. I give thanks for all I am blessed with every day. Nothing compares to the love of my husband and kids though, and being with them is always enough. It is their love, that always puts the sunshine in my heart, no matter how much rain is coming down outside.

If you read through that, I’m impressed and thankful! And now…no more birthday posts from here until December. : )

Feast Day of Michaelmas

September 30, 2009 By Laura 2 Comments

On Tuesday, we celebrated Michaelmas, and studied this Feast Day for school. (Homeschooling, that is.)

For anyone who may not know, Sept. 29 has been the feast day established by the Roman Church, to celebrate St. Michael the Archangel, since the the 15th century. Although, Archangels Gabriel and Raphael were added to be acknowledged on this day as well, in the 20th century.

We reviewed much of what we had already known about Archangel Michael: that he is the most powerful of angels, that he was present and had great part in some of the greatest Biblical battles, and is in fact appointed “Defender of the Catholic Faith“. It is St. Michael, who is even the angel that escorts all souls to eternity!

We continued to learn the significance of Gabriel and Raphael as well, whose roles in history cannot be dismissed.

It was especially interesting to study once again, the Ranking Order and Marching Order of Angels, which is as follows:

The First Triad

Closest to the Throne

Seraphim – Continually sing God’s praises

Cherubim – Worship God

Thrones – Oversee Justice in Heaven

The Second Triad

Guard Heaven and Earth

Dominions – Assign duties to other angels

Virtues – Work Miracles

Powers – Protect us from evil

The Third Triad

Earth Duty

Principalities – Protect nations and cities

Archangels – Deliver messages from God

Angels – Guard us personally

Feasting on fat geese has long since been a tradition of the English, Scots and Celts, as have been carrot bouquets given as gifts! Eating goose did not appeal to us, and I personally don’t like carrots either, although I do eat them to be a good example. But it would have been hard for me to eat carrots, and associate it with a celebration of any kind. Thankfully, yet another traditional food has been a breakfast bread called St. Michael’s bannock, which Daddy/Michael made and we had with dinner, instead, and it was delicious!

It is very quick and easy to make, so if you would like the recipe, you can grab it HERE.

{A} also made angel cookies, using just an ordinary sugar cookie recipe.

My mother loved angels. That was her thing. So whenever I hear of, see, read about, or think of angels for any reason, I think of my mother.

Ever since we began home schooling, we have entertained the idea of naming our ‘school’. I know many homeschoolers do. While we have never encountered a real need to do so ourselves, we have heard that it can be helpful in getting a discount in purchasing home school supplies and material sometimes, as one benefit. Besides the fact that we haven’t found a reason to, and granted, we could very well be unaware of many more benefits of doing so, I also personally felt a real weight of sorts, about such a decision. Whether we needed one or not, following through and naming our school felt really important. It seemed like something we should think about long and hard, because it would have permanence, and reflect us in some way.

For at least a year, we have considered naming our school in reference to St. Michael, the Archangel. He has always been {A}’s favorite angel, and has been the focus of many projects and conversations of hers. We all, too, have been drawn to him, being able to identify with him in so many ways. For example, in defending our faith, which we must do now and then, and defending why we live as we do, which we actually don’t feel the need to do much at all, except to say our life style too mostly revolves around our faith. (Although there are COUNTLESS other reasons/perks/blessings!!)

Obviously, also, one of the leaders of our family/household’s name is Michael, and one of our boys has his namesake as well. So we are partial to the name, and all that name represents: “Who is like God.” Of course, we are all made in His likeness, but that happens to be what the name Michael actually means.

And so….because the name still seemed fitting after all of this time, for whatever reasons we may not even know of yet, and aside from the fact that we may never use it in any way, except to finally do it, we thought it would be a good day to agree as a family, and name our school:

I know, like anything angel related, as simple as cut out cookies, this name will also remind me of my mother. Not only because she loved angels, but because of the sheer JOYFUL reaction she gave me, when I told her we decided to home school the kids. She startled me, actually. She literally cheered out loud, and had tears in her eyes. So I think one way or another, she would have been happy with our school’s name as well.

If you home school, have YOU named your school? If so, would you share the name you chose with us, and the significance behind choosing your name? Also, if you know of any real benefits in naming your school that we should know of, it would be wonderful if you shared that with us as well.

We hope you all had a wonderful Michaelmas!

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St. Michael’s Bannock – Recipe

September 30, 2009 By Laura 12 Comments

If you’re looking for the perfect, traditional St. Michael’s Bannock recipe, you just found it!
We enjoy this recipe so much, and we are sure you and your family will as well.

St. Michael’s Bannock

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Mix together:

2 cups of flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cut in 2 tablespoons butter (not margarine)
1 cup buttermilk or yogurt
handful of raisins or currants

On a floured surface, knead the dough until smooth, then pat into an 8 inch round loaf, and bake on a greased cookie sheet for 40 minutes.

For a more festive look, score the dough with crosses.

Cool on a cookie rack.

May be served with butter or jam. But honestly….we ate it plain, and it was so delicious!

It also makes awesome toast in the morning. I had some this morning, with my very necessary cup of coffee, in my House of Joyful Noise mug, that I still love so much!

Now, just because it is called St. Michael’s Bannock, doesn’t mean you have to wait until next Michaelmas to make and eat it. Because if you think we’ll be doing that, you’re crazy!! We’ll just re-name it if we have to! Thanksgiving Bannock, Christmas Bannock, St. Patrick’s Day….., Easter…….

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Weeds for ME?

September 30, 2009 By Laura 4 Comments

Whenever the kids have been playing outdoors while I work, I am always eventually bound to hear this:
<door open>,<door slam>, <little footsteps> and “Ma-maaaaa, I have something for youuuuuu.” And into my work cubby pops a fistful of….weeds. “I picked these flowers for you, ” they say.

And I always say:

“Awwwww! For MEEEE? How sweet! Thank you so much! <kiss, kiss, kiss>. “Can you do me a favor, Honey, and put them on the deck for me?”. And they say, “Sure!“. And they run off to do it.

(And then I say, “Don’t run in the house please!“)

Because the truth is, if I just took them, I would have vases of weeds all over my house. And secretly, I’m a little concerned there are bug eggs on them, that will hatch a mother-load of insects into my house. Still, they mean a lot to me, because of the place/little person they came from, and the sentiment they came with. So I when I go outside and find them on the deck, I do look at them and hold them again. And which ever little ‘giver of the weeds’ will say, “Mama, remember I gave those to you the other day?” And I’ll tell them I remember, and they’ll smile.

But yesterday, I wanted to do more with them. And I felt the need to get away from the overwhelming load of work at my computer, anyway. So I went searching for a big jug or suitable container to put my ‘flowers in’. I filled it with water, arranged my beloved weeds just so, and placed the whole thing on my deck by my front door.

I once had an art teacher who always gave the advice of, or commented on a design, by saying, “Simple…yet effective!“

That phrase has really stuck with me. There are so many little touches we can add to our homes, that cost nothing, but work. Or at least work for US.

So yes….someone MAY come up to our door, and think, “Why in the world is this vase of weeds by the door like this?”

But that’s not what I see.

I see LOVE.

Simple Love.

And it Effects me.

My kids tell me they love me every day, and they show me in many ways, too.

But it’s the little signs of love from the kids, that I find here and there about the house, but wasn’t expecting, that put the warmth in our home, our family, and my heart, that I love the most.

Simple…..yet effective.

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Simple…..yet effective.

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