Back to School :: Back to Reality

Whew! It has been a busy week in the Norris household! We've diligently kept to our new school schedule and all seems to be going perfectly. We've had several organizational meetings this week including 4H Shooting Sports and Music Ensemble. We've even prepped two garden plots!

Today was Park Day with all of our homeschool friends for play and socialization (I dare to type that word) and we've got our last day of school for the week tomorrow. As smooth as this week has gone, I'm looking forward to the weekend.

For many of you, your children have begun the new school year. Whether your children attend public or private school or are homeschooled, I leave this quote from Charlotte Mason for you to mull over:

"Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire."

 

 

Wishing you all a successful year! - Michelle

Experimental Recipes :: Blueberry Tarts



So, I came up with this recipe all on my own...well, that's not entirely true. I came up with this recipe from watching my husband make a strawberry topping for crepes and I've adapted it to my use as Blueberry Tarts. Should we call it a joint effort?

Ingredients:

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1 cup blueberries, frozen or fresh
2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
1 tablespoon of butter
1 teaspoon cornstarch
an egg and 1 teaspoon of water for the wash
sugar to sprinkle (optional)

If frozen, allow the puff pastry to thaw 30 minutes.

In a small pan, melt butter. Add blueberries and powdered sugar. Stir well. Allow the blueberries to cook over medium heat until they soften and juice forms. Add cornstarch to thicken the juice and cook for 1 minute more. Cool.

Lightly dust your working surface with flour. Gently open your puff pastry into a sheet and roll it out just a bit. Using a knife, cut the sheet into 6 equal pieces.

Place an even amount of the blueberry mixture into the center of each square. Fold over the pastry to make a pocket; I made squares and triangles. Make sure to seal the edges well by pinching them closed.

Combine the egg and water to make a wash. Using a pastry brush, spread the wash over the top of the tarts. Sprinkle sugar on top, if desired.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown. Cool before serving.

Hint: I lined the baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking and for an easy clean-up.

These were an instant hit with the kids. I really enjoyed them too. I'm sure you can do the same thing with any type of fruit; I imagine strawberry tarts would be delectable!

Wekly Goals :: 8/27 - 9/2/2012

Last week I posted a few of my weekly goals. I've crossed out and added to the goal list. Did you get your goals accomplished? Did you set new ones?

Weekly Goals for 8/20 - 8/26/2012

Home:
1. Eldest to mow the yard; youngest and I to weed the garden beds. I'm starting to get a little fond of the weeds...maybe they should stay a week longer ; )
2. Laundry from trip.
3. Put away camping gear - clean it up too!
4. Go get groceries and cat food - we mustn't forget the cat food : )
5. Weekly cleaning chores

Family:
1. Get the first week of school ready for Monday
2. Set-up new piano lessons for eldest - This is up for debate in the house right now, that being said, I did find contact information.
3. Set-up swimming for both boys and myself - I have had a most difficult time finding a place for swimming during the week and during the day, without having to be on a swim team. I'm not sure this one will ever be met.
4. Order baby shower gift for Sister-In-Law
5. Cook a roast for the boys and husband
6. Boys to 4H leaders meeting
7. Fall Kick-Off Party at Church
8. Register for 4H

Volunteering:
1. Prep and plant JMG fall garden - We did a great job working on the first plot. This goal will transfer to the this week again.
2. Finish photo booth for Sunday
3. Confirm field trip for Thursday

Personal:
1. Get a haircut
2. Update blog with new affiliates
3. Begin reading Touching the Sky by Tracie Peterson
4. Start new workout routine to reach my five personal goals

Weekly Goals for 8/27 - 9/2/2012

Home:
1. Get the rose bed weeded
2. Clean out the gutters
3. Weekly chores
4. Place older toys in the attic, the boys aren't ready to part with them yet!
5. Plan menu for next two weeks

Family:
1. Use coins from the Date Night jar to go on a date with my husband!
2. Complete our first week of the new school year
3. Take the boys to a 4H Shooting Sports meeting
4. Take eldest to Music Ensemble practice
5. Reorganize youngest's room - We still haven't discovered the optimal organizing strategy for him
6. Set up a LEGO instructions binder for boys

Volunteering:
1. Complete 4H One Day set-up
2. Deliver signage for LongviewWOW
3. Homeschool group items
4. Take a meal to church friends
5. Work on grants for JMG project: greenhouse and garden
6. Continue prepping and planting the JMG garden

Personal:
1. Meet my weekly workout goals
2. Continue reading Touching the Sky by Tracie Peterson
3. Organize my school binder and cabinets

And just because I wanted to share yesterday's lunch conversation:

Me: "One of our missions (today) is to work on your room (speaking to youngest)."

Without skipping a beat and as serious as possible.

Eldest: "Mission compromised."

I hope you all have a GREAT week and that if yesterday was your first day back to school, I hope it went well!

DIY :: How to Make Felt Moustaches



If you haven't already noticed, moustaches are all the rage this year. I've seen them on various types of products: pencils, lunch bags, t-shirts, and more. I've even caught a glimpse of a moustache tattoo on a lady's index finger.

Since I'm in the process of putting together a photo booth for this weekend, I decided to create the timeless moustache-on-a-stick so often viewed in photo booths for any occasion.

I had opted to purchase them on Etsy, but they were a little out of my budget range and wouldn't ship in time. So, what's a girl to do? Why, make her own, or course!

If you're wanting to make a moustache-on-a-stick for whatever event, you'll need the following:



• a sheet of felt (A sheet will get you approximately 6 to 7 staches. I used both the sticky backed felt (black) and the plain felt (in colors) for my project.)
• 1/4 inch dowel rods (My craft store sold them for $2.49 per packet.)
• scissors
• pen
• black marker
• hot glue (if using the plain felt)
• moustache templates (I got mine here.)

Once you've got all of this together, you're ready to begin.



First, print and cut out your moustached templates.

 

Then, trace the moustaches on the felt. For the sticky backed felt, I flipped the felt over and traced on the white paper, which made cutting extremely easy. If using this felt, make sure to trace the stache twice. For the plain felt, I folded a section in half and cut out the stache while holding the template in place. By folding the felt in half, you can cut out two staches at once.

 

Take a dowel stick and color the top half of it with your black marker. Depending on the size of your moustache, you will color a half to a whole inch.



Now, it's time to put them together. For the sticky backed felt, simply peel the paper off both pieces. Place the dowel stick on a sticky side. (I like to angle the stick so it will not block faces when taking pictures.) Then, place the other piece, sticky side down (so that both sticky sides are touching) and press into place. If you use the plain felt, it is the same process as above, but your adhesive will be hot glue. Be careful not to burn your fingers! As an added tip, if you will add glue onto your stick before placing it on the felt, it will hold better.

Once the moustache is together, you will notice it may not be even. That is okay! Take your scissors and trim around the edges on both sides until everything is uniform!

Viola! Moustache-on-a-stick!

And you definitely want someone to try one out !



About Today's Posts

Today, I posted back to back book reviews. As a blogger and book reviewer, I participate in blog tours, which is when bloggers get together and review or talk about books, products, or whatever. Each blogger is assigned a certain date to post their review, and it just so happened, I had two reviews due on the same day: Live to Give and Aftermath. I hope you enjoy both books, while they are very much about different subjects, they both can impact your life in numerous ways. If you're interested in borrowing either book and you live in my vicinity, please let me know. If you want to purchase either book, there are links provided to the publishing sites. - Michelle

The Review is In :: Aftermath



Just as God's brilliant light streams through pieces of broken glass, His eternal love also shines through our broken hearts with His gentle gift of grace. - Margaret McSweeney



At some point in time, we will all lose someone we love; it is inevitable. Author Margaret McSweeney hopes to ease the loss and suffering we may feel through her newest book, Aftermath: Growing in Grace Through Grief.

McSweeney's book draws from and expands Carolyn Rhea's (her mother) book When Grief is Your Constant Companion: God's Grace for a Woman's Heartache, a book of 52 devotional poems written after the loss of Rhea's husband. McSweeney also includes other family writings she discovered when dealing with her own grief after the loss of her mother.

Throughout the novel, the author shares her own emotional experiences while processing the aspects of grief: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. At each chapter, McSweeney provides scriptures to comfort, counsel from grief experts, a section for readers to journal with use of guided questions, and poetry from her mother's book.
McSweeney also gives input on how to handle grief through the holidays and special occasions; as well as, how to capture a loved one's legacy  and to find grace in the wilderness.

Excerpt:
Margaret McSweeney lit a candle in loving memory of her father, Dr. Claude H. Rhea Jr., who died in Paris on 9/19/90 while on a business trip. The last thing he did before heading to Charles de Gaulle Airport was to come to Notre Dame to light a candle and to pray for someone who had wronged him in a business deal. His final lesson to give during life was that of forgiveness.

Aftermath  will comfort, guide, and aide those who suffer from grief or loss. I encourage you to use this book to help with your own journey through grief or to share with others who are facing loss. I will be recommending this title to members of our church.

Margaret McSweeney's previous titles include A Mother's Heart Knows and Go Back and Be Happy. Readers can keep up with McSweeney at Kitchen Chat or the Pearl Girls blog.

If you would like to purchase a copy of Aftermath, please visit this link. If you would like to see what other bloggers are saying about this book, please visit this link.

{I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher, New Hope Publishers.}

The Review is In :: Live to Give

If you combine what breaks your heart and what you are passionate about, you can change the world for God. - Austin Gutwein

Austin Gutwein is not your ordinary author. He's a teenager, as well as a non-profit creator. His newest release, Live to Give: Letting God Turn your Talents into Miracles, is his second published book. Austin has a gift.

After watching a video about African children losing their parents to the AIDS virus, a nine year old Austin felt called to do something. But what could a child do for others half-way around the world? Austin used his gift and love of basketball.


On World AIDS Day in 2004, he shot 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during his day of school. Through sponsorships from parents and friends, Austin raised over $3,000 that day to give hope to eight orphans in Zambia.

Over the past eight years, Austin's efforts have created Hoops of Hope, the largest free throw marathon in the world. With an estimated 40,000 people in more than 25 countries participating, Hoops of Hope has raised more than $2.5 million to build schools, medical clinics, dormitories for orphanages, and the only computer lab in Zambia.

In Live to Give, primarily written for those 12 and older, Austin engages readers in the idea that one person can really make a difference. His main biblical example is from John 6 - the famous story of Jesus feeding the masses with the loaves of bread and fish. Austin believes this story of the Bible shows more than just Jesus performing a miracle; it is an example of how the young  can be part of something bigger, for it was the boy's lunch that fed the many. Austin insists that if individuals would take the things that make them unique and focus on how to use those God given gifts or talents, than they too could make a difference in the lives of others.

"For me, it was shooting hoops to raise money. [God] wanted me to give my time and my favorite hobby. For the boy in the multitude of 5,000, it was his lunch. For you...well, this book is meant to help you discover what that is," Austin writes. "But there is one common theme throughout all of our stories: we all need to live to give because we were made for it. Nothing beats living this way! Nothing we could eat, drink, buy, play, watch, or win in life can compare to the feeling of giving ourselves away, using 'whatever gift we have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace.'"

Beyond just the idea of living to give, Austin also offers young readers ways to deal with social issues, such as bullying, peer pressure, comfort zones, confidence, and more.

Austin discusses how to live to give by exploring these four concepts with his audience and asking readers to discuss them with their parents: 1. What you passionate about; 2. The things that break your heart; 3. The way you want to serve God; and 4. What your praying and dreaming about, and what God has led you toward so far. Even as an adult, I see the relevance of these concepts in my own life.

As a parent, I would recommend other parents read this book before they share it with their children. Austin has several great points for parents; ideas/concepts we may sometimes overlook or forget. I especially found his letter to adults worth sharing.

Excerpt:
Dear parents, youth workers, and everyday heroes,
      Every time you say yes to a child or to a child's dream, you are having an impact. You are having an impact larger than you'll ever know. You may never know how big a story God is going to write through your child, and it all can start because you say yes. To have an impact, say yes. Be the parent or children's pastor or youth pastor who says yes to their dreams. Be the one who encourages them like none other. And never have doubts as to whether or not you are having an impact. You are.

If you would like to purchase Live to Give for the young reader in your life, please visit this link. To view what other bloggers are saying about Austin Gutwein and his newest novel, please visit this link. For more information on Hoops of Hope, Austin's non-profit, please visit this link, where you can get involved and make donations.

Win and Kindle Fire and have $250 donated to the charity of your choice!
Enter Today - 8/9-8/25!

{I was provided a copy of Live to Give by the publisher, Thomas Nelson.}

A Texan Travel Destination :: Destin, Florida

Destin, Florida



I'm sure you're wondering why I'm writing a travel post about Florida on a blog targeting Texas audiences, but if you were in Destin last week, than you were either a local or a Texan.



Eroding Beach





It seems like Texans constantly flock to the Luckiest Fishing Village from Spring Break to the last weeks of Summer. With pristine, white beaches and clear, blue water, Destin beckons the hearts of Texans year after year. While Texas has it own natural beaches, they simply do not compare to the sheer beauty of the Florida Gulf Coast.
 

Morning Fisher



Oddly enough, our family began travel plans with Corpus Christi and South Padre Island in mind until we mapped it out and discovered Destin was the same distance from us as our Texas coast. Decisions, decisions.



Footprints



Destin quickly moved to the top of the list; but with rising gas prices, hotel costs, and not enough ample time to budget, how could we afford a trip?

We started by having a garage sale. Actually, the boys had a garage sale, and they made quite a bit off of things they had outgrown or no longer found interesting.

Then, we cut eating lunches and dinners out, including my husband's office lunches. The boys and I skipped Starbucks a few times. The last two weeks before the trip, we ate mostly out of the pantry and avoided the grocery store except for milk and bread. I even added my birthday money to the vacation fund. To round out the budget, my husband had a brief business trip compensated before we left.



Beach Oats



 Jake and I planned to have the family stay for 4 nights and 5 days, but hotel costs would have been a minimum of $800. We decided to camp at Henderson Beach State Park for right at $125 for the week. We planned on cooking our own meals from the fresh seafood found at Sexton's and from groceries purchased at the local Wal-Mart.

Our itinerary for the week included a scalloping trip to Port Saint Joe (South of Destin), a two hour snorkeling tour, kayaking a river (East of Destin), and visiting the Butterfly House in Navarre. However, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.


Storm on the Horizon

We knew the weather had rain in the forecast; originally, there was a 20% to 30% prediction. What we didn't know about were the back-to-back lightening storms we would experience on Monday and Tuesday night (in a tent!). Monday night wasn't too bad, but Tuesday night scared Jake and I. I kept thinking please don't move Jake so we won't get electrocuted! When Wednesday morning rolled around and we were all still alive, we opted for the Holiday Inn, especially since more storms were on the way.



Jake and youngest building sand castles





The Holiday Inn at Destin is very much a family orientated hotel. They had a program every evening for the boys to partake in (family trivia, a magic show, a birthday party, etc) as well as a kid's discovery room, arcade, game tables, beach front access, and free ice cream and popcorn. What kid wouldn't love that? In our hotel room, we had a queen size bed and then an enclosed section of the room for kids that included a bunk bed set, a TV, playstation, and a child sized table and chairs. The boys could also check-out games and movies for free. The hotel offered an indoor and outdoor pool, a cafe, bar, restaurant, and more for guests. Best of all - it was extremely clean and the staff was accommodating and friendly, especially those engaging children through the Buccaneer Program. (Next year, they are adding a lazy river and a zero entrance pool.)

We did, however, have a lovely time camping. We had a splendid tent site and the beach was nearly vacant. The facilities and showers of the park were immaculate and when we get a camper, I'd love to stay there again.



Toes in the Sand



Now, most of the time when we are on a strict budget I'd start sweating every penny we spent. Yet, on Monday night, when we were buying groceries, the boys decided instead of a snorkeling tour they would rather purchase their boogies boards, sand toys, snorkels, and goggles and have them for the entire trip than for only two hours. I budgeted for all the beach toys and some were on sale due to the end of the summer clearance, so by cutting out the snorkeling trip we saved 4/5 of the cost of one hotel night.



Bird Tracks

On Tuesday, we drove to Port St. Joe which is about an hour and a half South of Destin. An amazing drive filled with a different view of Florida (mostly dense woods encroaching upon beach), Port St. Joe was an interesting day trip. Although we were on a mission to find scallops, we were informed this was the year for the creatures to be nearly non-existent. Never to be too upset, we turned towards the beach and had the boys ride  some spectacular waves on their boogie boards. To cap off the adventure, we spotted dolphins a mere thirty feet from us.



Wednesday was our day to take the snorkeling tour and I am so thankful we did not. We spent most of the morning and early evening diving and snorkeling in the surf. We were delighted to see such a plethora of fish species; it was like swimming in an aquarium. I even found a gigantic hermit crab.



The Crab



Thursday was our kayak trip to the Blackwater River - Florida's only sandy bottom river. We didn't go. We enjoyed the day before so much that all we wanted to do was swim! (That saved money for the rest of the first hotel day and a little on the second.)



Jake and eldest ready for snorkeling



The scariest part of the day occurred when Jake and I were in fifteen to twenty feet deep water diving to the bottom. He surfaced and yelled, "Something just bite my ear." I looked under the water and saw a two and a half foot remora circling his torso and swimming with him. If you're not familiar with a remora, they eat the parasites that attach to sharks, sea turtles, and rays. The bigger the remora, the bigger the host. We didn't stick around to see what else was swimming nearby!

When Friday rolled around, we were tuckered out and headed for home. We stopped off at the Panhandle Butterfly House (free admission) and let the youngest explore all the state's native species. They also provided a great collection of species from around the world - I think the Blue Morpho is my favorite.



The Butterfly



This was our first family vacation together. We have gone on vacations before with our extended family and we've also taken weekend trips here and there, but never anything like this. It was fantastic, and I felt the stress of the past year melt away. It was encouraging to know the boys enjoyed themselves as much as my husband and I did; and we look forward to next year's trip.


The Brothers Norris

Just for those of you whom are curious: we went over budget only $25 due to us eating out once we got home Friday night.

I also wanted to tell Jake THANK YOU for taking us on a family vacation I will never forget! Thanks, babe.



Jake

Weekly Goals :: 8/20 - 8/26/2012

Last week I posted a few of my weekly goals. I've crossed out and added to the goal list. Did you get your goals accomplished? Did you set new ones?

Weekly Goals for 8/13 - 8/19/2012

Home:
1. Have eldest son mow the yard.
2. Weed the garden bed. This seems to be an ongoing chore this year with all the rain (Let it be known, I'm not complaining!) The yard got neglected while we were away on vacation, so it's moving to this week and will be completed tomorrow :  )
3. Laundry
4. Weekly Chores

Family:
1. Enjoy our family time together this week.
2. Take the boys on an adventure each day, since we start our last two weeks of summer!
3. Help plan out a baby shower (not mine)

Volunteering:
1. Finalize One Day plans
2. Lay out fall garden design
3. Email 4H food challenge participants

Personal:
1. Take it easy this week!

Last week was amazing! Our family went on a vacation to Destin, Florida (more on that tomorrow) and got a chance to play and relax together! I can't wait to share it with you : )

Weekly Goals for 8/20 - 8/26/2012

Home:
1. Eldest to mow the yard; youngest and I to weed the garden beds.
2. Laundry from trip.
3. Put away camping gear - clean it up too!
4. Go get groceries and cat food - we mustn't forget the cat food :  )
5. Weekly cleaning chores

Family:
1. Get the first week of school ready for Monday
2. Set-up new piano lessons for eldest
3. Set-up swimming for both boys and myself
4. Order baby shower gift for Sister-In-Law
5. Cook a roast for the boys and husband
6. Boys to 4H leaders meeting
7. Fall Kick-Off Party at Church
8. Register for 4H

Volunteering:
1. Prep and plant JMG fall garden
2. Finish photo booth for Sunday
3. Confirm field trip for Thursday

Personal:
1. Get a haircut
2. Update blog with new affiliates
3. Begin reading Touching the Sky by Tracie Peterson
4. Start new workout routine to reach my five personal goals

I have a feeling August is going out with a ROAR!!! I'm hoping my September is a little tamer, at least during the week.

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