While we were in Dodoma, we got to learn more about, and watch, some of the videos in the new series "What's in the Bible."
We specifically got to watch Episodes 5 and 6 which covered Israel's first Kings (Saul, David, and Solomon) and then dealt with "A Nation Divided" into Israel and Judah.
Seriously, these videos were so creative, so upbeat, and so educational. We all laughed and gave each other that "knowing look" several times. Even, and especially, the adults.
The shows are mainly made up of puppets and drawings, with voices done by Phil Vischer, the creator of Veggie Tales. The premise is that Buck Denver, a reporter (also a puppet), is trying to do a show about what's in the Bible. He and Phil Vischer (the real person), play off of each other, a pirate puppet, a couple of British Safari brothers, the "Sunday School Lady", and several other minor characters. They show maps, timelines, give background history, do felt boards, and in every way teach the chronological story of Israel and their relationship to God. One of our favorite parts was the "Bentley Brothers," two very Elvis like singers, complete in their blue lounge suits and big hair, singing very silly and creative songs about Saul, Elijah, and the order of the Kings. It was such a neat way to do it, not just snippets of Bible stories with no context, which is the way we usually do things in Sunday School and when reading to young ones. It really reminded me of our Tapestry of Grace curriculum. I really, really enjoyed it. Our kids did too, as they've mentioned it every day since we've left Dodoma. Guess what's going on our Amazon Wish List for Christmas? :)
Pick one up, I think you'll really enjoy it! If you already have them, tell me what you think.
Here's the link to order the videos, or to find out more.
http://www.whatsinthebible.com/refer/?coupon_code=PKLCMR%20&tellapal.id=dd441fe6-faca-48ab-8164-cfb22489c468&e=stampclan%40msn.com&f=Alisha&l=Stamp&dist_src=facebook_js
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Review - Explode the Code
Another program that I found while doing pre-school with my second child, was "Get Ready for the Code" and "Explode the Code." They are an absolutely excellent introduction to phonics and basic letter writing, and reading!
My oldest, Krypto, started with book 3 of the "Explode the Code" series. He was already reading when I found the series and just needed to shore up his phonics rules. I had him complete the series, up through Book 8. We just did 2 pages a day, super easy.
For my second child, we started with the "Get Ready for the Code" series, Books A-C. They start off by teaching you each letter, the sound it makes, and how to write it. Gwangi is now in Book 4 of the "Explode the Code" series and should finish up all the books this coming school year, which will be the 2nd grade for him.
A page from the beginning of "Explode the Code" Book 4.
Another page from Book 4.
Sissi began the "Get Ready for the Code" series this year, around the holidays. She is about half way through Book B and will be in Kindergarten this next school year.
I have bought these books from Rainbow Resource, for the most part. Though, I'm sure you could find them through other homeschool resources. I also know that there is an online version of the workbooks that keeps track of your child's progress and reviews something more if they are struggling, or continues more quickly if they get a concept right away. I like this idea; but, really prefer the handwriting practice and mobility that we get with a workbook. I hope that one of the choices works for you and your family.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Milk - A How to Guide...
Here, in Tanzania, we are blessed to have a great source of farm fresh milk....and, most importantly, it's at a super reasonable price. We pay less than a $1 per liter! The Amish milk that I purchased in the US was much more expensive.
We get our milk on Mondays, from one of the gentleman at the school, that also has a farm in his free time.
We get 4 liters each week, delivered to us in 2 liter Coca-Cola bottles.
The first thing that I do is pour the milk into two large pots, ones that I would usually use for a soup or a roast. I put them to heat on the oven. I do have a thermometer; but, I'll be honest, I usually just eyeball it each week, as to when it's done. I am a low-vat pastuerizer. What that means is, I try to only heat the milk to about 120-150 F instead of up to over 200 F, or higher, as is the case with ultra-pastuerization. The difference is, that the lower temperatures will kill the bacteria; but, will not kill all of the natural pro-biotics found in the milk. I can tell when the milk is about this hot by seeing the top of it start to get a glossy film, or layer on it. This is the cream rising to the top of the milk.
Once I have it at this temperature, I turn the heat off and leave it to set for about an hour or more, covered on the stove. It will come back to room temperature naturally that way. I then skim off the top layer of cream to make butter, Laura Ingalls style. I put it in an old jar and shake, shake, shake it, until it's butter. You have to then "wash" your butter. Pour in some clean water and rinse the butter, drain off the water. You'll do this several time until the water comes away mostly clear. You can then salt it, or use it as it is.
If I don't have to time to make butter right away, I will put it in the fridge for later. You can always shake up your cream at a later time.
Now, what to do with all that milk! We usually drink about half of it, or use it in recipes, or on cereal. The rest, I make into other things....yogurt, ricotta, paneer.... But, that will be a post for next week. Enjoy your fresh milk!
We get our milk on Mondays, from one of the gentleman at the school, that also has a farm in his free time.
We get 4 liters each week, delivered to us in 2 liter Coca-Cola bottles.
These bottle aren't totally full. That's because I had already pastuerized them, skimmed the cream, and used a bit in a recipe when I took the picture.
The first thing that I do is pour the milk into two large pots, ones that I would usually use for a soup or a roast. I put them to heat on the oven. I do have a thermometer; but, I'll be honest, I usually just eyeball it each week, as to when it's done. I am a low-vat pastuerizer. What that means is, I try to only heat the milk to about 120-150 F instead of up to over 200 F, or higher, as is the case with ultra-pastuerization. The difference is, that the lower temperatures will kill the bacteria; but, will not kill all of the natural pro-biotics found in the milk. I can tell when the milk is about this hot by seeing the top of it start to get a glossy film, or layer on it. This is the cream rising to the top of the milk.
Once I have it at this temperature, I turn the heat off and leave it to set for about an hour or more, covered on the stove. It will come back to room temperature naturally that way. I then skim off the top layer of cream to make butter, Laura Ingalls style. I put it in an old jar and shake, shake, shake it, until it's butter. You have to then "wash" your butter. Pour in some clean water and rinse the butter, drain off the water. You'll do this several time until the water comes away mostly clear. You can then salt it, or use it as it is.
If I don't have to time to make butter right away, I will put it in the fridge for later. You can always shake up your cream at a later time.
Now, what to do with all that milk! We usually drink about half of it, or use it in recipes, or on cereal. The rest, I make into other things....yogurt, ricotta, paneer.... But, that will be a post for next week. Enjoy your fresh milk!
Friday, July 20, 2012
1 Year Anniversary
It's been a year. Seriously... Can you believe it!?!
We arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on July 20th of 2011. My first thoughts were "Man, it's hot and sweaty in this airport" and "What's that smell?"... come to find out, it WAS a bit warm and sweaty as I've talked to others about that day, and the smell, well, it was burning trash!
It's been a long year, to be sure. Lots of growing and changing for all of us! Thanks so much to the Ness family for hosting us and helping us to acclimate a bit to life in Tanzania. Also, lots of thanks to the Devaisher family for running us all over town in those early days, to Jane and Amy for all the emails and advice, and so many others that welcomed us into the HOPAC and AG family with open arms.
On the US side of the ocean, thanks to the Boyd and Eiland family for getting us, and all those pieces of luggage, to the airport on the 18th. Thanks to all the friends and family that hosted us as we traveled around saying goodbye and hugging on everyone before we left. It started with the Bartons in Colorado Springs putting us up for 2 weeks while Indy retired from the Air Force, all the way to the Pryslaks, Eilands, and Boyds that took care of us in DC. I can't thank my parents and Indy's family enough for all they've done for us either during those in between weeks.
What have I learned in this year....hmmmm...how can I sum it all up into just a short thing, a simple catch phrase. Here's one, go listen to Twila Paris' "God is in Control" on YouTube...
We arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on July 20th of 2011. My first thoughts were "Man, it's hot and sweaty in this airport" and "What's that smell?"... come to find out, it WAS a bit warm and sweaty as I've talked to others about that day, and the smell, well, it was burning trash!
It's been a long year, to be sure. Lots of growing and changing for all of us! Thanks so much to the Ness family for hosting us and helping us to acclimate a bit to life in Tanzania. Also, lots of thanks to the Devaisher family for running us all over town in those early days, to Jane and Amy for all the emails and advice, and so many others that welcomed us into the HOPAC and AG family with open arms.
On the US side of the ocean, thanks to the Boyd and Eiland family for getting us, and all those pieces of luggage, to the airport on the 18th. Thanks to all the friends and family that hosted us as we traveled around saying goodbye and hugging on everyone before we left. It started with the Bartons in Colorado Springs putting us up for 2 weeks while Indy retired from the Air Force, all the way to the Pryslaks, Eilands, and Boyds that took care of us in DC. I can't thank my parents and Indy's family enough for all they've done for us either during those in between weeks.
What have I learned in this year....hmmmm...how can I sum it all up into just a short thing, a simple catch phrase. Here's one, go listen to Twila Paris' "God is in Control" on YouTube...
1 - Family shot at the Boyd's house, just a couple of days before we got on the airplane to head to Tanzania!
Did you listen to it? I hope so! Was it the older version, the one that I knew back in the 90's? I just love this song. It speaks to me on such a personal and deep level. The message is simple, it's true, and I need to hear it on a regular basis. Whether I'm concerned because of illness, bad tempers, the heat, no water, no electricity, financial concerns, HE has always come through and I have not been forsaken. I have grown in my character, I have grown more dependent on HIS will, HIS plan for me, HIS truth. I will not be deceived into worrying that He doesn't care for me or my family's needs. I hope that you find that truth in your own life. That you will NOT be shaken in your faith or in this truth. Because it IS true, God is in Control!
Just in case you couldn't find it :)
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Review - Rod and Staff Workbooks
Another very basic and easy (read no prep work for Mom) to use pre-school and Kindergarten resource are the Rod and Staff series of workbooks. They can be purchased as a set, for about $20, through Rainbow Resource or many other homeschool websites.
I didn't discover the Rod and Staff series until my second child was doing pre-school. We started with the "A" book and I bought an additional coloring book for the "B" Bible book that we could do together with his older brother. We would read the story, they would color the picture in their coloring book, and we would work on the memory verse and review all of the previous ones that we had learned. By the end of the year, they both knew almost every memory verse in the book. They were about 4 and 6 at the time.
Gwangi completed the series through the "E" book, and at that time, he began 1st grade.
I now know that they've extended the series, and from what I've seen of them at the NC Homeschool Convention last year, they look great! I had already purchased another A-E set for Sissi to begin when we moved to Tanzania, and so didn't pick up the extra books. At times, I wish that I had.
This past year, Sissi completed A, C and almost completed D. WOW, she's not even 5 yet. We'll do "B" again this year, all together. I have 3 coloring books this time around, and we'll all memorize the verses again.
I didn't discover the Rod and Staff series until my second child was doing pre-school. We started with the "A" book and I bought an additional coloring book for the "B" Bible book that we could do together with his older brother. We would read the story, they would color the picture in their coloring book, and we would work on the memory verse and review all of the previous ones that we had learned. By the end of the year, they both knew almost every memory verse in the book. They were about 4 and 6 at the time.
Gwangi completed the series through the "E" book, and at that time, he began 1st grade.
I now know that they've extended the series, and from what I've seen of them at the NC Homeschool Convention last year, they look great! I had already purchased another A-E set for Sissi to begin when we moved to Tanzania, and so didn't pick up the extra books. At times, I wish that I had.
This past year, Sissi completed A, C and almost completed D. WOW, she's not even 5 yet. We'll do "B" again this year, all together. I have 3 coloring books this time around, and we'll all memorize the verses again.
1 - The inside of the "D" workbook..."Do it Carefully"
You can see the previous page (on the left, below the cut out from the stop light craft) has some matching of words, there is cutting and pasting, matching colors, writing names and numbers...it covers it all!
2 - The "B" coloring book corresponds to the "Bible Stories to Read" book.
You can also see the cover of the "Do it Carefully" workbook.
Enjoy!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Menu Monday and a Recipe
It's been a few weeks since I've shared some of our menu choices, so, thought I would take a moment and update everyone! .... And, while I'm at it, share one of the latest "good" recipes I've discovered.
Enjoy!
Monday - Spaghetti and Meatballs with salad
Tuesday - Fish Tacos
Wednesday - German Schnitzel with Noodles
Thursday - Chicken Noodle Soup
Friday - Mexican Night at Verna's
Saturday - Brown Sugar Chicken over Rice
Sunday - Leftovers
Monday - Ziti Pasta with salad
Tuesday - Sandwich Night
Wednesday - Lentil Quiche (stay tuned for the recipe in a moment)
Thursday - Corn and Bacon Chowder with Dumplings (we're at the end of our corn season...so, the corn recipes won't be quite as prevalent)
Friday - Pizza Night
Saturday - Italian Meatloaf
Sunday - Leftovers
Monday - Chicken Pot Pie
Tuesday - Fish with a Coconut Sauce, Rice and Beans
Wednesday - 4th of July at the Ellis' - my contribution was deviled eggs and chips
Thursday - French Dip Sandwiches with Broccoli, Potato, and Cheddar Cheese Soup
Friday - Delectable Marinade Chicken over leftover Rice and Beans with Mchicha (local spinach)
Saturday - Fried Rice with bacon and veggies
Sunday - Leftovers
Monday - Pizza
Tuesday - Canneloni with Boerwors sauce and garlic bread with tomatoes, garlic, onions, balsamic vinegar
Wednesday - Aussie Chicken with steamed broccoli
Thursday - Soup Night
Friday - Mexican Night at Verna's
Saturday - Saturday Movie Night at the Stamps...Potluck style
Sunday - Frittata
Now...the recipe for the Lentil Quiche....
Remember, I never really stick with a recipe; but, I got the original idea from www.allrecipes.com. You can do a search there on Lentil Quiche to find the original.
Chopped Onion
Pressed Garlic
Olive Oil
Lentils
Water
Chopped Broccoli
Chopped Tomatoes (and any other veggies you have on hand)
4 Eggs
1 Cup of Milk
Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning
Cheddar Cheese
BACON :)
First, I put the onions, garlic, olive oil, and bacon in a pie dish and put them in the oven, at 375 F, to cook for about 15 minutes.
I then took a frying pan and put the lentils in some water and set them to steam for a bit. When the lentils seemed to be done, in about 15 minutes or so, I drained most of the water and put the broccoli on top to steam a bit as well.
I then added the lentils, broccoli, and tomatoes to the dish with the onion, garlic, and bacon (after taking a moment to tear up the bacon into bite size bits.) I also threw in some chopped up carrots and zucchini that I had on hand. You can use whatever veggies you have to supplement and chunk up the dish.
On top of this, I put the seasonings, about a cup of milk, the 4 eggs and the shredded cheddar cheese. I then put it back in the oven for about 45 minutes.
It was firm at this time, and I left it on the counter for a few minutes to cool before serving it to the children. It was a hit, all around!
Enjoy!
Monday - Spaghetti and Meatballs with salad
Tuesday - Fish Tacos
Wednesday - German Schnitzel with Noodles
Thursday - Chicken Noodle Soup
Friday - Mexican Night at Verna's
Saturday - Brown Sugar Chicken over Rice
Sunday - Leftovers
Monday - Ziti Pasta with salad
Tuesday - Sandwich Night
Wednesday - Lentil Quiche (stay tuned for the recipe in a moment)
Thursday - Corn and Bacon Chowder with Dumplings (we're at the end of our corn season...so, the corn recipes won't be quite as prevalent)
Friday - Pizza Night
Saturday - Italian Meatloaf
Sunday - Leftovers
Monday - Chicken Pot Pie
Tuesday - Fish with a Coconut Sauce, Rice and Beans
Wednesday - 4th of July at the Ellis' - my contribution was deviled eggs and chips
Thursday - French Dip Sandwiches with Broccoli, Potato, and Cheddar Cheese Soup
Friday - Delectable Marinade Chicken over leftover Rice and Beans with Mchicha (local spinach)
Saturday - Fried Rice with bacon and veggies
Sunday - Leftovers
Monday - Pizza
Tuesday - Canneloni with Boerwors sauce and garlic bread with tomatoes, garlic, onions, balsamic vinegar
Wednesday - Aussie Chicken with steamed broccoli
Thursday - Soup Night
Friday - Mexican Night at Verna's
Saturday - Saturday Movie Night at the Stamps...Potluck style
Sunday - Frittata
Now...the recipe for the Lentil Quiche....
Remember, I never really stick with a recipe; but, I got the original idea from www.allrecipes.com. You can do a search there on Lentil Quiche to find the original.
Chopped Onion
Pressed Garlic
Olive Oil
Lentils
Water
Chopped Broccoli
Chopped Tomatoes (and any other veggies you have on hand)
4 Eggs
1 Cup of Milk
Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning
Cheddar Cheese
BACON :)
First, I put the onions, garlic, olive oil, and bacon in a pie dish and put them in the oven, at 375 F, to cook for about 15 minutes.
I then took a frying pan and put the lentils in some water and set them to steam for a bit. When the lentils seemed to be done, in about 15 minutes or so, I drained most of the water and put the broccoli on top to steam a bit as well.
I then added the lentils, broccoli, and tomatoes to the dish with the onion, garlic, and bacon (after taking a moment to tear up the bacon into bite size bits.) I also threw in some chopped up carrots and zucchini that I had on hand. You can use whatever veggies you have to supplement and chunk up the dish.
On top of this, I put the seasonings, about a cup of milk, the 4 eggs and the shredded cheddar cheese. I then put it back in the oven for about 45 minutes.
It was firm at this time, and I left it on the counter for a few minutes to cool before serving it to the children. It was a hit, all around!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Borrowing Breakfast from a Friend
A friend of mine, Danielle, posts some pretty good recipes :)... Today, I borrowed one for breakfast for my family. Of course, I made my usual changes; but, it turned out great and the family really liked it. Took less than 5 minutes to have it in the oven, too. I made mango/banana/pineapple smoothies while we waited for it to cook. Oh, the smell in my kitchen this morning, yummy!
1 - This is called a Dutch Baby, and it was puffy, buttery, and very much like a pancake
Here is what I did with the recipe.
Put some butter in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish and turn the oven on to 425 F.
The butter will melt while you combine the rest of the ingredients.
Start with 6 eggs, use a whisk and beat them up for several minutes...my arm was about numb after 3 minutes of this beating.
Add to that 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 1/2 cups of milk, a pinch of salt, a bit of sugar, a splash of vanilla, and some cinnamon.
Pour the batter into the melted butter and put it in the oven to cook for about 15 minutes.
It will rise up, right out of the pan.
Next time I will back off on the butter, there was a bit much...
We covered it with some Lyle's Gold Maple Syrup...oh, it was good, and there were no leftovers!
Enjoy!
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