Costco Field Trip

Scenes from our Homeschool Fieldtrip to Costco...

Visiting Friends

During our trip to Williamsburg, we were blessed to be able to stay with our friends, Mike and Susan.  They opened their home to us and let us settle in.  We don't get to see them very much these days, since they live so far away; but they are very dear friends of ours and we cherish the time we have with them.

While we were there, we made mobcaps as a homeschool project.  The mobcaps were worn by women to keep smoke and dirt out of their hair, since hair was washed only three or four times a year.  Making the mobcap required the use of Geometry to determine diameter and radius for them. 

We loved spending the evenings with our friends! 

A thought on making a difference...

One of the challenges presented to each of us during our visit to Colonial Williamsburg was to remember the extreme risks taken by the colonists of that era.  In 1775, the year being covered during our visit, there was no plan yet to declare independence.  The colonists were upset because the British Parliament had (again) handed down a tax the colonists would have to pay.

To oversimplify the matter, Britain still had debts from the French-Indian War.  Since the people of Britain were already being taxed about 28% of their income (sound familiar?), Parliament decided they could not bear further taxation.  So, they decided to levy taxes upon goods imported by the Colonists.  The issue with the Colonists was not the amount of the tax, but the very idea that Parliament could levy those taxes against the Colonists without their consent and those levying the taxes were not subject to them. 

By defying the Crown, these folks risked being accused and convicted of being traitors.  They risked losing everything, including their very lives.  It's something to think about.

Colonial Williamsburg

Recently, Princess E and I took a multi-day field trip to Colonial Williamsburg.  King J wasn't able to join us for the trip, and for safety reasons, I didn't post anything about the trip until we returned from it.

Of course, Princess E didn't want to behave, so she was immediately subjected to some Colonial-era punishment.  I'm kidding, of course.


We saw the carriages going through town transporting passengers throughout the historic area.


One of our stops was at the Weaver's Shop.  It was raining on this particular day, so there were very few people there.  The guide spent quite a while discussing the weaving process with us. 


Each day, we explored a different tavern.  On this day, we ate at Chowning's Tavern.  Even though it was unseasonably warm, we decided on soup.  I had a hearty bowl of brunswick stew and she selected potato-leek soup.  Both were absolutely delicious!  We learned that our habit of drinking ice water (with lemon) at mealtimes would have been extremely unlikely during the Colonial period.  Such delicacies were reserved for only the most special guests. 

Each morning, we had the opportunity to hear an interpreter portray a patriot.  This particular day, we heard from Colonel George Washington in character from 1775.  After speaking on the concerns with the British Parliament's handing down of the tea tax, which was objectional because it represented taxation without representation, he opened the floor for questions from the audience.  Princess E was among many who asked questions of the man who would later become our president. 

He made one statement which was met with uproarious applause.  When asked by a child how much money he made as a member of the House of Burgesses, he replied that the representatives were unpaid, other than a small travel stipend which was not even sufficient to cover the cost of traveling from his home in Mount Vernon.  Furthermore, he expressed his belief that representatives should not be paid as it would lead to corruption of those in office. 

Well said, Sir.  Well said.

During our tour of the Governor's Palace, we had the opportunity to go down into the cellar.  It was rather dark and chilly. 

We made several trips to the Nursery, where the guide allowed the children to participate in various gardening tasks.  In this photo, Princess E is drawing a pail of water from the well, under the close supervision of the gardener. 

In this one, she is watering the English cucumbers.  I learned that the Colonials did not care for tomatoes as a food; but instead preferred them as ornamental plants. 


Princess E had the chance to learn about the pasttimes of Colonial children.  Here, she practiced rolling a hoop. 

As with the Weaver, there were very few people around and the guide was able to spend time teaching Princess E how to play Mancala.  The game is still around today, although we learned we could make it from supplies at home with just an empty egg carton, 2 small bowls, and 48 little stones, marbles or pebbles. 

At the Peyton Randolph house, the table was set for the first course of the dinner (mid-day) meal.  Notice the boar's head in the center of the table.  Apparently, this was quite the delicacy.  For me, personally, anything that can see me, taste me, smell me, or think about me is not edible.  Please pass the cabbage, asparagus and ham, thank you very much.


Now, Princess E thoroughly enjoys playing with Lego's.  Here, at the Brickmaker, she learned about offsetting bricks to make them stronger.  The guide showed us how the brick is formed and then baked. 


One of the afternoons, we walked a different route back to the car.  The trail took us under the main road, through these arched brick passageways. 


This little squirrel sat on the fence and chattered at us.  I suspect he was protesting our presence near him. 


In all, we had an exciting, educational adventure in Colonial Williamsburg.

Warriors

During Waterfire this past Saturday night, there was a candle ceremony to remember those whose battle against breast cancer has ended their lives prematurely.  With thousands of people present, choosing pink lightsticks rather than burning candles was a wise decision. 

I want to use this post to honor those women who have been a part of my life and fought a battle with breast cancer.

My Mom, Norma - 6 year survivor

Aunt Rose - survivor

Aunt Glenda - survivor

Susan - survivor

Mrs. Phyllis - fighting the battle today

My Grandma, Lizzie - breast cancer survivor, but has been gone 25 years now

Sandra

Mrs. Pat

If there is a woman (or man) in your life who has fought the battle against breast cancer, I invite you to leave a comment with the person's name and any comment you would like to make about that person, whether a remembrance or a note of encouragement.

Image courtesy of Jon Sullivan

Waterfire

This past Saturday night, we had the opportunity to experience Waterfire in Providence, RI.  I'd heard about it, but had never been to experience it myself.  With great fanfare, a procession of torchbearers walked around the basin and lit the fires along the water's edge.  Then, torchbearers on boats lit the baskets of wood located in the water basin and along the canal.  The glow of the fire warmed the area considerably.

Here are a few images from Waterfire.

We were surrounded by pink as we walked around.  This night was sponsored by the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, which was founded for a mom of 9 who lost her battle with breast cancer. 

The Rhode Island State House was lit up in pink as part of the festivities. 

Bugaboo Creek

One of King J's favorite places to eat when we are in Rhode Island is Bugaboo Creek.  He likes the steak, which I admit is pretty delicious.  For me, though, it's the animated animals trees.  For example, this pine tree greets you as you come in.  Reminds me of Chewbacca for some reason.

Princess E worked on her kids' menu activities between announcements by the bison head.

Princess B worked on her menu too. 

King J was just a bit tired of my camera by this point.  This was the best photo I got of him.  I'm tempted to post the collection of shots I took of him using various barriers to evade the camera. 

Okay, I did manage to get this one picture of him. 

I'll call this one...

We'll be back...

Providence River - Pawtucket, RI

One of our stops this weekend was the Swan Point Cemetery, which is located along the Providence River.  While much of the area seemed to be past its peak for fall foliage, the waterfront area was still quite beautiful. 

This mausoleum looked almost like a mansion tucked into the side of the hill overlooking the river.

The cemetery was an active one, with many current graves; but it also was home to many older graves as well.  The oldest we found was an 1820 burial, but I have no idea if that was really the oldest one there.  The one pictured below was of interest because the face of it had worn away, leaving a collection of water that served as a small reflection pool.  How appropriate to reflect upon life in a resting place.

Pumpkin Apple Mixup

There seemed to be a little confuion at the apple orchard.  We found out when we arrived that apple picking season had ended already.  Once we visited the fields, we discovered the reason.  It seems that this year, the apple trees didn't produce apples at all.  Instead, the trees were laden with...

Pumpkins and Jack-O-Lanters!!

Hayride

King J took the his Princesses on a hayride in an apple orchard this weekend. 

They showed their appreciation by burying him in hay.  He got a laugh out of it, even if it did leave him a bit itchy.

Princess E posed for this shot in a display of mums.

Nice to Meet You

Today, I had a the pleasure of meeting two other blogging moms in real life.  I stopped in at the Providence Open Market and got to meet Kameron (left) of A Wrinkle in Time and Liz (right) of Loving Mom 2 Boys.  They are two really nice ladies and I am thrilled I got to meet them.

One of the impressive things about each of them is that they are both wives, moms, career women, and they have artsy side businesses.  I would love to take my daughter on a field trip to follow either of them around for a day at work.  Today, my girls got to see some of these ladies' handiwork. 

Kameron makes the cutest baby and toddler clothes!  The little dresses and onesies are so super adorable!  I got a close look at some of them and they are beautifully made and the fabrics are so nice!  The colors are so cheerful.  She has a site for them, Punchkin Wear.  You should definitely go check out these outfits.   

Liz had aprons and tote bags and belts and key fobs and blankets...and, oh my goodness, they were just so colorful.  The tote bags really jumped out at me.  I like fabric bags, and her totes just had so much personality.  My daughter kept checking out the belts.  (If only I could keep on one her.  Ha!)  Anyway, her website is It's All In the Bag.  Please go visit.

Ladies, I am so glad I got to meet both of you in person!  

Down time...

We've had a very busy couple of weeks! I'm visiting as many blogs as I can right now, but I haven't been updating my own. Stay tuned...I'll be back really soon.

Show Us Your Life Friday - Favorite Dessert Recipe

Okay, this isn't my absolute favorite dessert recipe.  I don't have just one.  If it is dessert, there's a good chance I'll like it.  LOL!  Anyway, here is one of my favorites, and it's a cinch to make, too.  If only they were all this easy to make. 

I wish I had a picture to share.  Trust me, these are so worth it.  Give them a try sometime.  Oh, and head on over to Kelly's Korner to see what other dessert recipes are being shared.

Easy Cream Cheese Danish

Ingredients:


8 oz. pkg refrigerated crescent rolls

8 oz. cream cheese (or Neufchatel), softened

1/2 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 egg, separated


Directions:

Unroll dough to create a 9X12 rectangle. Press seams closed. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and egg yolk. Spread filling over crust. Roll the dough on the long seam to create a log. Slice into pinwheels, about ½” thick. Arrange on baking sheet. Brush pinwheels with egg white. Bake at 350F for 15-18 minutes, until brown. Serve warm.

Creamy Shrimp with a Kick

I made this yummy dish the other night.  It was a hit with the family, so I thought I'd share the recipe here.

Ingredients:

1 lb raw shrimp, shelled and deveined. 

1/2 cup white wine

1/2 cup sour cream (I use light sour cream)

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

tabasco sauce

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons cornstarch

water

Directions:

Melt the butter over medium heat.  Add the garlic and saute a minute or two.  Reduce the heat to low-medium.  Add the white wine and let it simmer for 15 minutes.  Dissolve the cornstarch in a little water, just enough to make it pourable.  Pour the cornstarch mixture in the pan and stir it up.  Add the shrimp.  Keep stirring until the shrimp is cooked and the sauce it fairly thick, about 5 minutes.  Add the sour cream and stir.  Lower the heat to make sure it doesn't boil.  Add a few shakes of the tabasco sauce.  I used about 10.  That gives it a little kick without making my ears burn.  Add more or less to your liking. 

Serve with pasta or rice. 

A Welcomed Visitor

I wonder what it thought of me when it was watching me watching it...

Happy 8th Birthday, Princess E!

Princess E turned 8 this week.  We had quite the celebration!  We gave her the choice of a birthday party with friends or a family trip to the Lego store where she could pick out her own present, with cake and ice cream for just family.  She chose the latter.  (Smart girl!)  So, several days before her birthday, we took her (and her cousin who was also having a birthday) on a trip to the big mall where they have a Lego store.  They each filled a "Pick-A-Brick" bucket with whatever bricks they chose from the big wall of Lego's.  Here she is, sorting through her collection.  

We also bought her a flat board to build upon and let her pick one kit.  Being a bit of a tomboy, she chose the tractor trailer, motorcycle and helicopter kit. 

This past Saturday, we had her little cake and ice cream party for the family. 

On her actual birthday (September 14th), she had a special surprise from Daddy.  He took off work to spend the day with her.  We had a few errands to run in the morning; but then the fun began.  First, we visited one of her TeamKID leaders at home.  They recently moved here from Alaska and were gracious enough to show us many of their treasures from their former home.

Then, it was off too lunch.  She chose T.G.I.Friday's.  The food was yummy, as always, and they brought her a hot fudge sundae to celebrate her big day. 

After lunch, we hopped over to Chuck E Cheese.  What child doesn't love that place?  It wasn't a surprise when she made a bee-line for the horse.  If she had her way, we'd have a horse in our back yard.  Somehow, I think the neigbors wouldn't be too thrilled about that...nor would the county. 

Chuck E. Cheese himself made an appearance to greet the birthday girl. 

For dinner that night, we met up with Grandma and Grandpa for dinner at Cracker Barrel.  She picked the restaurant.  At the end of the meal, they allowed her to select any dessert from their menu.  She chose the Double Fudge Coca-Cola cake.  Oh my, but was it yummy!

How did she get to be eight years old?  Time has flown by so fast.  She is growing up too quickly. 

New Blog Design

For the last few weeks, I've been learning about redesigning my blog.  I found a great design from Free Blogger Skins and modified it for this blog.  I'd love to hear what you think of it!

Remembering...

I've received several emails in the last few days asking me to share my story from September 11, 2001. 

My phone rang about 10 minutes before 9:00 that morning.  It was my aunt.  "Are you watching the news?", she asked.  "A plane has crashed into the World Trade Center in New York."  I hadn't been watching the news.  I had been asleep.  We had a big day planned and were up until 2:00 am that morning.  I flipped on the TV and watched, assuming it was a freak accident.  Somebody was traveling too close the city.  Moments later came the news that a second plane had crashed into the other tower.  I remember exclaiming "That's not an accident!  We're being attacked!"  I woke my hubby, who had already started to stir when the phone rang.  We continued to watch the news unfold. 

Jim Miklaszewski was reporting from the Pentagon.  He said there was a loud noise and the building shook.  Later, we learned it was another plane crashing.  For a while, we sat and watched, dumbfounded by the events.  I don't remember when I heard about the plane crashing down near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.  That part is a blur.  I remember watching smoke and flames shooting out of the twin towers and the Pentagon.  At some point that morning, my Dad called.  He was at home in Florida.  Mom was here, helping us prepare for our big day.  Like so many, he just needed to talk to his family.  I woke Mom to tell her he was on the phone.  Not too long after, the towers fell.  They were saying the death toll could be as high as 100,000 people.  My heart was breaking.  We turned off the TV.  I had to get away from it.  (I'm sure Mom and King J continued to watch elsewhere in the house.)

We both struggled with guilt over not being able to go help.  We were active in EMS at that time, and our squad was asked to send crews to assist.  We couldn't go.  We had to be selfish and stay here.  Guilt.

We prepared for our big day with a heavy heart.  We had been so excited.  It was going to be Princess E's birthday!  What better day could we have chosen for a birthday for her.  Two EMS providers with a daughter born on 9-1-1.  We called my OB for guidance.  I'd been on modified bed rest for a while, trying to hold on until 37 weeks.  Pre-eclampsia threatened to bring her too early.  We were scheduled for induction that day.  Since no one knew what the day would bring, whether hospitals would be attacked too, or if local hospitals would be needed for patients from the crashes, all elective procedures were cancelled.  I was seen by my OB to weigh the risks of waiting another day.  Princess E and I were deemed stable enough to wait another day...but I was instructed to stay away from the TV and radio in the meantime.  I did just that.  We would not have done anything to stop her from coming on her own that day; but we really didn't want to induce that day. 

The next day, labor was induced.  Over the next few days, I caught very little of the news.  King J continued to follow during times I was asleep.  I knew there were memorial services planned for Friday, September 14.  Princess E arrived early that morning.  Exhausted, I slept most of that day, when I wasn't nursing her.  I do remember wanting to attend a memorial service. 

We finally did...a year later, on the first anniversary.  Actually, we attended two of them.  In the morning, there was a service for the community.  That evening, we attended a smaller memorial service at a local church, where people were invited to share their memories of that tragic day.  It was our first visit to that church.  Today, we call it our church home.

Eight years later, my heart still breaks for the families of those lost that day.  I don't want to ever forget.