http://www.larksongknits.com Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:54:05 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Yesterday was a bit of a rough day (flat tire, grouchy kids, nothing major),  and I'm recovering from yet another round of mastitis (feeling better, but trying to take it easy), so we're trying to have a low-key morning.  It seems like the perfect time to finish a few Christmas ... http://www.larksongknits.com/2011/12/13/heart-sachets/ Grandma Jan and Cousin Ruby got the children Perler Beads last week.  I have fond memories of making Perler Bead crafts with friends as a child, and was pleased to see how much the children enjoyed them, too. Hal spent the first few minutes just running his fingers through the beads ... http://www.larksongknits.com/2011/12/09/tactile-play/ This is Fred Weasley (aka Freddie), our Indian Runner drake.  He replaced our beloved Georgie Porgie Weasley, who was killed by a raccoon a few months ago.  We all took a while to warm up to him because we were missing Georgie Porgie so much, but he's definitely growing on ... http://www.larksongknits.com/2011/12/08/3737/ The children are really enjoying this book.  It's those days where we have "nothing to do" that the kids engage in deep, meaningful learning on their own terms. This week we've been playing a lot of card games (Bea's favorite), which reinforce cooperation, strategy, addition, subtraction, memory recall for the girls, ... http://www.larksongknits.com/2011/12/08/nothing-to-do/ The ducks were quacking extra early this morning.  I couldn't figure out why they were so darn quacky at 7am, when they usually aren't up until 8:30ish.  In retrospect, I think they were chilly and complaining for a hot breakfast.  :) When I went down at 7:45 to let the poultry ... http://www.larksongknits.com/2011/12/01/frosty-morning/ In this season, we add Advent readings, reflections and songs to our homeschool day.   Some way we are enjoying this season of anticipation: reflecting with an Advent prayer book from Ascension Presbyterian reading from The Jesus Storybook Bible celebrating with Family Hymns from Kortney at One Deep Drawer playing with some of our Nativity ... http://www.larksongknits.com/2011/11/29/advent-2011/ This post originally published in  October 2009.  I'm baking a raspberry batch for homeschool co-op and a peach butter batch for the neighborhood kids/my kids today.  I make this recipe several times a month, even for breakfast, and the recipe is frequently requested, so I thought it was worth republishing. PLEASE ... http://www.larksongknits.com/2011/11/17/raspberry-oatmeal-bars/ I let the kids sleep in, and worked on tidying up a bit since the neighbor boys are coming over this morning for a play date (Bend-a-roos and Playmobils and sofa-cushion forts are on the agenda, according to the girls).  Chickens and ducks were let out and fed a breakfast ... http://www.larksongknits.com/2011/11/16/oatmeal-honey-molasses-bread/ It has been a hard week around here, as we battled two upper respiratory bugs back to back.  Finally, we're on the mend!   So,  to cheer everyone up after all that time cooped-up indoors,  following homeschool co-op yesterday, we had lunch at our favorite Asian market (where else can ... http://www.larksongknits.com/2011/11/12/fabric-grab-bag/ A quick update after Sunday afternoon chores are done.  Spinach-parmesan puffs (above) are cooling, a pot of 3-bean soup is simmering on the stove...looking forward to bringing them to our Sunday night homegroup in a bit, where we share a meal and fellowship with friends, and dig in to our ... http://www.larksongknits.com/2011/11/06/a-shared-meal/