Homeschool

Two more sleeps till Christmas! I love wrapping presents and in years past (before children) I would get very creative. I had hoped this year to sew gift bags with Christmas fabric a friend gave us. But you know how that goes, those last few items on the "to-do" seem to simply... not... get... done.

But presents still needed to be wrapped and I wanted to package them without using the standard roll of wrapping paper (the ones that have been sitting in my craft closet for years). I'm trying to avoid the usual (& wasteful) routine of using a brand new piece of paper only to have it torn apart and recycled, or worse garbaged. Not that I despise a traditionally wrapped gift. I'm no respecter of gifts but I wanted to see if I could give our gifts some character and use less paper resources.

Homemade Wrapping Paper

1. Gather reusable paper

We buy a lot of our household stuff throughout the year on-line. Often those purchases are shipped in reams of paper. I'm probably committing some environmental faux-pas with on-line shopping but we can't find everything we need/want locally. I save that paper for craft projects and wrapping packages we send. I raided that supply for making this wrapping paper.

2. The fun part

Decorate the paper. This is a great activity for kids but I wanted to have some fun too. So for the gifts we're giving our children I did the drawing and coloring. I'm not particularly skilled at drawing but I'm learning to not let that stop me. Drawing, coloring, sketching - it's fun! You should try it.

Brienne coloring wrapping paper

3. Wrapping it all up

I wrapped up the gifts as usual but I wanted to go hard-care and skip the tape. Voila, rubberbands! My kids LOVE rubberbands. They are used for every conceivable purpose in this house, including the classic game of aim-n-shoot. How perfect to hold the re-used and re-fashioned paper together with something useful. Maybe the whole world has already discovered this trick but I hadn't. I suppose in the "good ol' days" this is all they had, and of course string and ribbons and such.

Have fun wrapping up your love for friends and family. Even if you use regular paper we all know "it's the thought that counts".

Yikes, is it as cold where you are as it is here? We're expecting another snowstorm tomorrow - yipee. This time of year I love snow. I change my tune come March but in December I say "bring it on baby".

I recall saying I would post FIMBY finds on Mondays or Tuesdays, as the mood struck. Well, it's Saturday night and the mood is finally striking.

Found this photo on my computer after downloading from the camera. I love this "warm" shot from earlier this month. Yeesh, did I mention yet it's really cold here tonight.
December sunset city hall

Mama Speak: I Don't Know How To Draw, Either... posted by Lori at Just, Pure, Lovely. I love the photos in this post. Art on the beach, it looks so warm. And I love reading about mamas expressing their creativity and trying new (& scary) things.

Homeschool: Very cool, The Crafty Crow, a craft blog collective. I'm thinking I should set my kids loose on this site and see what crafts they want to try but I'm kind of scared of what I might unleash. Right now there's lots of Christmas, Hanukkah and Solstice stuff. And I mean lots. Oh and even recommended reading with related craft activities. For more winter holiday recommended reading, with an emphasis on quality literature and/or illustrations check out FIMBY Stories for The Season: Winter Holidays. No crafty related activities, just good stories.

Urban Homestead: I came across Simple and Inexpensive Ways to Make an Eco-Difference earlier this month. I like tips that make green living accessible for the average family and not limited to only those who can afford to buy new hybrid cars. And one more link to Tie a Trouble Free Gift Bow at Small Notebook.ORG because every homemaker should know how to tie a good bow. (ahem, no I'm not serious but these are very pretty bows)

Neighborhood: 2 parents, 5 kids traveling around Europe and Asia in a big... truck. This is the stuff of our dreams, well kind of my dreams. I like house and home but I've got an itch to roam (that rhymed!) Tall Skinny Kiwi is a great blog mostly about the Emerging Church (don't ask me I can't define it) a bunch of other stuff and earth friendlier, community minded family life in a quaint village in the Orkney islands. Come to think of it I wonder why they want to leave?

Gallery: It's no surprise that maine momma won a prize for this gorgeous snowflake shot. Hum...thinking it's time I got me some macro "something" for my camera as well. If only I could figure out what.

Be well, be warm. I'm freezin'

I'm looking both ways to make sure none of your children are within earshot. Ok, clear? Good.

We are not a Santa household. After all, we're the ones making gifts for people, not elves! This morning was a regular ol' Santa's workshop in our very own craft room. Putting the finishing touches on Christmas gifts for family and friends. Except of course the New Years gifts we're sending to far away family because we just didn't quite get them done.

Without giving away too many surprises here are some scenes from the shop:

Tonight I found myself at both a craft store and book store.

Christmas is coming, my daughter informs me in 9 days, and I needed to do a little scouting for our kiddo's gifts. I started at the craft store investigating those cute Klutz kits, looking for something that our six year old could do "all by herself". Then I traveled to the bookstore to see if I could find a doll making book for our eldest.

I found a few kits to consider, no appropriate doll making books, and lots of stuff I hadn't intended on looking at. Like the pretty papers and beads. And those books on knitting, pottery and wire work.

I had to tell myself calmly, "put your hands at your side, step away from the craft store."

A brief 30 minute trip reminded me why I don't go craft shopping. I get too many ideas. I started to pick up and lovingly handle craft supplies. My mind was starting projects. Thankfully there was no cash in my purse. You know the story. An impulse purchase and a craft supply sitting in the overflowing craft drawer awaiting "crafting". Taunting me each time I hover in the vicinity.

Like the way the stamps I purchased at the stamp party 2 years ago sit unused in that drawer. Along with the fancy paper cutters and shape makers left over from my foray into scrapbooking.

At least I had the guts to give away the yarn I bought last year to a friend who is going to knit it into a scarf for me. The rest of my "once used" or "I planned to use" craft supplies have been donated to the kiddos art supplies or passed on to people who will use them.

Grand ideas, grand delusions. In this season I only have time to pursue one hobby, for now that's photography. So I'll take photos of crafts.

My kids made these FIMO clay blossoms for me this week because "we know you miss your flower garden mommy". Yes, my kids really are that sweet (most of the time). And yes, I do miss my flower garden.

I am so proud of myself. I actually followed a loose school routine with my kids for 2 whole 1.5 months. Now that I have children in "grades" 4, 2 and kindergarten I figured it was about time to be more focused in basic three R's skill building. And equally important to develop regular study habits and routines. So 4 mornings a week we do chores, read together and practice handwriting. My 9 year old also works on math and dictation/vocabulary/spelling.

Penmanship: at the one room schoolhouse

You'd think 3 hours of structure, only 45 minutes or so actual sit down, pen on paper type stuff wouldn't be difficult. Ha! This has not been easy for me. I love routines in theory but doing them requires discipline. A character trait we're all working on together.

But now it's December, Christmas is around the corner and it's time for a break. Yee-haw.

last day of "school": the apples were for the students

Last Thursday was our last scheduled day of school but I was antsy to get outside so we walked to the college and did our work in one of the student common areas. The change of venue was refreshing. The kids got inspired from a scrap of newspaper they found to write their own newspapers, "The Brienne Banner" and "The Tougas Times". It was great fun and we met a nice student who got her ears talked off by my always chatty son who was eager to share his newspaper with someone. My children have never had any hang ups about having conversations with adults - of any age. People are people, whether they are 2 or 62.

school house friends

Friday we participated in a homeschool field trip to a one room school house. Planned by none other than my friend Cori who also organized the glass field trip. She thinks of the best trips!

schoolhouse reading lesson

I found it ironic how similar our basic school structure is to the old fashioned method of schooling, minus the "sit down and be quiet" rules. School in the late 1800's focused on reading, writing (penmanship), spelling and arithmetic. Kind of like our routine.

I'd like to point out that I don't consider our morning lessons the sum of my children's education - hardly. They are learning all the time and I'd say most of their learning takes place outside of those morning hours. But I look at that structured time as helping them develop the skills they need to communicate what they are learning.

quill & ink practice

But for now school skills can wait. We have winter crafts to do, kid's rooms to de-clutter, Christmas presents to make, and (if it ever snows) snow to play in. Maybe I'll even take the time to cook a few gourmet suppers. Time to re-visit some homemaking skills.

handful of new birthday marbles

For the most part our daily activities have moved indoors, especially in the late, dark afternoons. I miss the garden, but not the work. I like this season of cozy rest. I can only handle so much though, come February I'll be anxious to plan the garden that will still be buried under 2 feet of snow. Sigh...

But, back to our indoor activities. It's the season for games. Any kind will do but the kids are interested these days in the new Amaze-N-Marbles Brienne got for her birthday. Great activity, heartily recommend as a Christmas gift for the 5 to 9 year old set. The set is quite a bit larger than the photo in the above link.

playing amaze-n-marbles in pjs

Before her birthday, and the new present, the kid's made their own toilet paper marbleworks that kept everyone building and playing for most of a day.

homemade toilet paper roll marbleworks

Ah, and they've rediscovered the chess board and much to my delight Celine is teaching Brienne and Laurent how to play so I don't have to! I am always pleased when the kids play chess, it seems so "academic" and "brain building" but I'd rather play mindless games like Uno.

kiddos playing chess at a local cafe

December illustration: from the gorgeous "A Child's Calendar" by John Updike

A snowy day, a couch and blankets, snuggling with stories. It doesn't get any better than this. We love stories and these are a few of our winter holiday favorites this month. Check the link at FIMBY Homeschool on the top right hand corner. I'll be adding new books, with a short review (emphasis on short), each week.

A Little House Christmas: Holiday Stories From the Little House Books A compilation of three Christmas stories (they should just call it for what it is, none of these 19th century American stories are about Hanukkah or Solstice) from the Little House books. So cozy and Christmasy, recalling a time when an orange, red mittens and candy cane blew your socks off.

The Fourth Wise Man I've only ever flat out cried while reading two books to my children. This one and the The Quiltmaker's Journey. Funny, both books are about serving the poor and lost, giving of ourselves to help those in need. This book was amazing, definitely religious in nature but not in the traditional sense. A tale of faith and devotion, it is a Christmas story unlike any other.

We Were There: A Nativity Story A nice change from all the cuddly and cute animals that are a part of typical nativity stories. How about rats, scorpions, toads and bats? They're all their in this story, and they're even sweet - kind of.

My Prairie Christmas This book is a good reminder that although our lives may seem tough; life as a pioneer on the prairie was down right difficult, Christmas included. But there was beauty to be found and celebrations to be enjoyed just like there is in the here and now. A lovely story of family togetherness in spite of hardship.

Elijah's Angel "A child's vision of religious tolerance is exquisitely played out in this story about an elderly Christian barber and a Jewish child who befriends him...Michael J. Rosen based this story on the real-life Elijah Pierce (1892-1984), a lay minister, barber, and woodcarver from Columbus, Ohio, whose award-winning woodcarvings are now owned by the Columbus Museum of Art." Beautiful story that weaves together Christmas and Hanukkah.

Light at Tern Rock. We read this before bedtime over the course of a couple days. A lovely little story with an emphasis on traditional Christmas celebrations. The story is fairly predictable but leaves you feeling warm, cozy and Christmasy. I also liked the unique setting of the lighthouse on the east coast (never did figure out exactly where, somewhere close to Maine though).

Mousekin's Christmas Eve A short read aloud about a mouse's quest for a few crumbs and a warm bed. Sweet. But the kid's and I did find a factual error. Snowy owls don't live in forest trees. Their habitat is the tundra and although they migrate south to warmer climes they make their homes on the ground.

Hannah's Bookmobile Christmas "A warm-spirited Christmas story about friendship and generosity, with a touch of adventure." Almost makes me want to spend Christmas Eve in a bookmobile - almost.

Everyone and their dawg is posting tree photos these days. I think everybody put up and decorated their tree yesterday. That's what we were up to.

All the lights and ornaments, oh my goodness. Just what I need now that there is nothing colorful in the garden to photograph. I'll try to keep the tree photos to a minimum over the next month but here is my favorite find from today's downloads.

Other FIMBY finds from this past week:

Mama Speak: A reflection in my Season's Mirror. My very own mother's contribution to Sharing the Season. It's a pleasure to read my mom's blog and see her through a different lens as a writer, life traveler, blogger, friend and not just "my mom".

Homeschool: Ever find yourself wondering "should I homeschool?" I like how Lori at Camp Creek Blog answers that question. And no, it's not a finger shaking "yes you should" but a thoughtful answer to a question many families ask.

Urban Homestead: Book Review: The Green Beauty Guide by Julie Gabriel I hadn't heard of this book before. Based on this review it looks like a good read. I make all my beauty care products (except the Burt's Bees make up I rarely use) but I'm having problems finding/making a good conditioner for the girl's hair. I hope this book can help me.

Neighborhood: I'm stuck on this one this week. Our own family has been very community minded of late and I'm excited to share our Advent Conspiracy contribution on a future blog.

Gallery: I loved these light painting Christmas tree photos and tips from Laura at Dolce Pics. I tried it this weekend. Let's just say I need more practice.

Beeswax: we bought at Common Ground Fair this fall

When I set out to do this project my simple goal was to make our advent celebration candles and do a meaningful activity with the kids. It was so thoroughly enjoyable and yielded such lovely results it may become a new holiday tradition.

Basic Instructions

I found the instructions on this sweet crafty blog. Because I didn't have a large can we used a large mason jar and switched to a narrower jar near the end of the process to keep the wax level high enough. I also started with looped candles, as you can see in the photos, but ended up cutting the ends and switching to single dips. We cooled our candles laying down (not hanging) with no adverse effects.

I started with 2 lbs of beeswax (I got it for a steal at the fair for $8.00) and had 6 oz or so left when we were done. We made 18 candles, 4.5 - 5 inches tall. We also made a huge mess. I suggest using lots of newspaper (we didn't) and budgeting ample time for scrubbing pots.

The first dipping: we started on an evening and finished the next morning

baby beeswax candles: aren't they so cute?

Beeswax is the Best

Ok, so here's the really cool thing about making beeswax candles, actually there's many so I'll list them:

- Anyone can do this, you do not have to be "crafty". Can you heat water on the stove? You can do this.
- Burning beeswax candles cleans the air
- Homemade beeswax candles are gorgeous. The freshly dipped and still warm candles "are divine to the touch" (Celine's phrase) and are intoxicating to smell. Seriously, you will feel happier, healthier and calmer just sniffing these babies.
- This is a child-friendly craft that yields a beautiful result. It requires no hot glue, plastic do-dads, sparkles or any other fossil fuel derived craft supply. (I can't verify that no bees were harmed in the procurement of the wax so these aren't certifiably animal friendly).
- Should the power ever go out or you choose to turn off the electricity for a day, you've made something that is useful, not just pretty and decorative. Candle making is a practical art, like soapmaking, and produces something that will not clutter your home.
- Little fingers can hold and dip quite well and the wax, though warm and melted, does not burn (the boiling water though - watch out), making this an all family activity.

dipping demonstrated: I took the pan off the stove for this shot since the light was better by the window

almost done

- Beeswax, at least where I live, is locally produced (by the bees of course). These candles are truly Made in Maine.
- The candles take several hours to make. I see this as a bonus, lots to time to talk with my children and learn together.
- It's amazing how much science, math, poetry, history (any subject you wish) comes up while you are dipping.
- These would be a wonderful gift to give or receive.
- A few hours of "work", a small financial investment and some major clean up (it's wax after all) produces a lot of candles. How well they burn remains to be seen.

yummy: they smell good enough to eat but they don't taste so great
I could go on and on about how much I loved doing this but you'd get bored. The short of it is these were lovely to make and they will be lovely to use in our advent wreath, for lighting up the winter evenings or maybe to give a few as gifts.

Update

I'm disappointed to report that these beautiful to look at candles don't burn very well. Let me correct that, they burn too well. The wax closest to the wick burns faster than the outer wax which creates a crater that snuffs out the burning wick unless you tip the candle and drain it down the side (making a huge big drippy mess). I think I needed to use a thicker and slower burning wick. Any other ideas??

They still look beautiful when they burn, in a messy, drippy sort of way. I'm don't even want to show you what these candles have done to our advent wreath holder.

Today is my youngest child's 6th birthday.

Dear Brienne,

Don't ever lose the fire in your belly and the mischief in your eye. You are one tenacious girl and when someone, usually me, is on the receiving end of that determination you can be somewhat... challenging. But boy oh boy, when you set your mind to do something good, like setting the pace when we hike mountains, watch out.

You are strong and willful. Sometimes sassy but tenderhearted. Determined to win, deeply disappointed when you don't. You never want to be left behind.

You are affectionate and loving. Always wanting to be tickled, swung up and over my back. "Hold me upside down!"

You can make me cry and beg for mercy (someone. anyone. help me with this child!). But you also make me laugh, deep belly laughs of joy at your mischievous delight in the world. You like your food sweet and salty but I think you are sweet and spicy. Of my three, you're the child most like me in looks and disposition, no wonder we come head to head so often.

You are a rag a muffin princess. With messy hair, a dirty face and a love for all things pink and sparkly.

You still sleep with your blankie and find your way to our bed on weekend mornings and after scary dreams.

Part angel. Part spitfire. Wholly your own. Wholly ours.

Mommy