Be nice to them....

Let me begin with this confession: Walmart stresses me out. Shopping there is not ideal for my mental health or for my community.
That being said.

I went to Walmart tonight. We had a few things we needed, and I took the opportunity to buy some treats for Easter baskets. As I was checking out, I was visiting with the checkout lady. I told her I was surprised how easy it was to spend money for Easter baskets - but because I really like my kids I guessed it was okay.

I don't know how we got there, and it didn't feel inappropriate at all. But she ended up sharing with me how much more stressful her job has gotten over the past year. How everyone gets so keyed up with their own personal stress of financial difficulty and that this stress gets played out against the people that make barely minimum wage themselves at Walmart (and I imagine nearly other place we shop.)

I had honestly not thought what times of recession would mean for the folks that work with the cash register in our stores.

So be nice to them. Just be gentle, be kind, give a smile, say a prayer.

Resurrection Story Cookies

Lori, over at allyouhavetogive.com shared this Easter cookie recipe that I think I will try with the kids later this week.

Thanks Lori!

Resurrection Story Cookies

You need to preheat the oven to max degrees (this is important–don’t wait until you are half done with the recipe!)Ingredients: 3 egg whites; 1 cup whole pecans/peanuts; 1 tsp. vinegar; A pinch salt; 1 cup sugar; 2 tsp cornflour; A zipper baggie; A wooden spoon; tape; Bible

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3

Beat egg whites to soft peaks. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1: 18 and John 3: 1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. (add two teaspoons of cornflour at this stage – whisk until just combined). Read John 19: 28-30

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. (leave large spaces between because they e-x-p-a-n-d!) Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.

"Give each child a piece of tape and “seal” the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20, 22

On Resurrection morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1-9

Playground

We are blessed to have a really fun playground just 2 miles from our house. Sofia began working on me YESTERDAY morning about going to the playground today. I agreed 'if it isn't raining'. Well, it wasn't raining, but it was quite cold. But I kept my word, and we went. I got some great photos of kids happy to be outside.

And a great cup of gold coast coffee for myself.

first playground trip 2009

Hyancinth

In our glee of finding crocuses today, I also spotted a couple of wee hyancinths waiting to burst out with the joy that I felt today. My guess is that this photo is about 200x magnification of what was in our garden.

Quilt

I don't know why it is, but whenever I have started a quilt for the kids, it takes me years to get the project to completion. Yesterday, when I had the house to myself yesterday, I did a burst of sewing on Sofia's quilt-top. Here is a sneak peak of what it is going to become her quilt... hopefully sooner than later.

Random Updates

Well, life is running along here.

I wanted to let people know (if you read my blog - hi sister Lisa) that in our Christmas letter we mentioned that I was hoping to go back to school this coming fall. While I still have my sights on a higher degree, the time-frame and the direction have again changed. No sour grapes here. Just wondering about the path that I am on.

We optimistically watched more snow melt today. We have many green shoots pushing their way through the soil in our back yards. And the kids are enjoying bikes, scooters, and mud-puddle swings. Anna is even trying to get the courage to use her roller-skates.

So, there is my little newsie update.

Twice in one day

This quote has come across my path twice today: on a blog and in Sunday school.

Vocation... the place where our deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.
-Frederick Beuchner

Research Paper for Homeschool

We are entering a season of research papers in our homeschool.

I had intended to do this with 9yo Caleb, and 6yo Anna has expressed interest in doing one too. I decided that I would also do a research paper, so that not only will I be telling Caleb what to do, but will be able to show him and walk through the process.

In a rather random way, I've ended up with a homeschool buddy whose son is also going to do a paper. What is most perfect is that she will read Caleb's work and I will read her son's work.

There are some phenomenal resources online to help with writing research papers. The primary source http://www.studentsfriend.com/aids/curraids/reports/report.pdf

Other resources that I have found:

http://www.infoplease.com/homework/t1termpaper1.html

http://www.crlsresearchguide.org/00_Introduction.asp

http://www.ipl.org/div/teen/aplus/

http://www.factmonster.com/homework/t2picktopic.html

http://homeworktips.about.com/od/paperassignments/a/writing.htm

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/research-papers/writing/2123.html

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/writing/index.asp?topic=Research

I'm hoping to keep posting on our progress as we go along. Our next stop on our journey will be a visit to my favorite local library.

from church this morning

During Lent at church, we are remembering some of our legacy as Methodists by studying John Wesley's Three Simple Rules. Pastor Arlene included this Wesley quote this morning, and I dolled it up to print out and keep it in front of myself and our family during our pre-Easter season.

Sofia turns four

Here is the cake that I made for Sofia's birthday... Can't quite get my head around the our 'baby' being four years old.