Must-have For Science Study

I'm excited to have run across this cute, affordable microscope which would be perfect for the kids! It's less than $10 on amazon.com. Plus it has good reviews! Carson Microbrite Pocket Microsope

I've been thinking about a microscope for a long time but but didn't think we could afford a good one. Someday I might still like to invest in a bigger one. For now, I think this would meet our needs very well. I'm excited to have found a way to open up the tiny microscopic world to the kids (and me... science geek, anyone?) Hat tip to Jen who mentioned it here as part of a really great science post.

I want one of these!

OK, two, if I'm being honest. What could be better than your own little fig tree in the back yard? Sounds like they're hardy, fast-growing and a good source of calcium. Yummy!

Need My Tea!

Well, I fell for Snapshots Around The World when the first post I saw was on the subject of tea! Unfortunately, the only photo I have handy is very plain, but it still makes me happy. This is my everyday stoneware called Grapevine, but I have a small collection of treasured china teapots and teacups as well. Tea things make me happy too.

 

Not much can make me feel better than a cup of tea, preferably with a scone or biscotti. My go-to flavor is ginger peach, but I like all kinds of tea! It really is a cup of comfort, and one of my favorite things to share with a friend or loved one.

Advent Trial and Triumphs

How are your Christmas preparations coming? Predictably, we've had our ups and downs already - the days are growing short and there is still much to be done, both spiritually and materially.

Notably, we are way behind on our Jesse tree, and the kids have been watching too much TV. But our focus on good deeds is helping everyone to put forth some extra effort, always a joy to see.

Here's a peek at some of our recent activities, successes and failures!

We made snowflake cookies with blue frosting for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8:

(Benjamin has since had a much-needed haircut!)

We had early Christmas with the paternal grandparents last week. New Lego and K'NEX sets and books are keeping small hands and brains busy while Mom has so much to do! Definitely a win in my book.

Another Christmas gathering is scheduled for this Sunday at our house. I hope I can figure out what to do with the tree before then!

You can't exactly see from the picture, but two of the three feet broke off the stand, and the tree is leaning against the blinds. It can't stand up at all. We never even made it as far as ornaments! Getting a new tree isn't really an option, so we are trying to decide between a bucket of sand, or looking for a used tree at the Goodwill that we can swap out the stand with. (The bucket of sand sounds like more fun for the "chipmunks", don't you think?)

Needless to say, this is terribly frustrating for an impatient person like me. I have come to realize that I already despise tedious Christmas tasks, including fancy cookie baking and tree trimming. I know, Scrooge!!  Then when things go wrong, I am really not so much fun to be around. I am trying to keep the Christmas spirit by remembering that these are minor things which are supposed to add to our celebration, not define it. And I love the results so much that I will go through the aggravation to enjoy them later.

Fortunately, I have drowned my sorrows in the most decadent, easy pumpkin spice latte from Sarah. I finally broke down after weeks of eying her sidebar photo, and I bought the requisite holiday ice cream. In seconds I had something that rivaled the costly lattes available at those places we all know too well. Oh, soooo good!!

It was even better with a chocolate biscotti from the homeschool moms' cookie exchange this week. Happy sigh. I am trying to shut out the little voice in the back of my head, from a Mass reading on the first Sunday of Advent: "Make no provision for the desires of the flesh." Hmm. Still have to work on that one.

Now on the agenda: getting family photo, finishing Christmas cards, more baking, cooking and wrapping. Some new treats I am hoping to try are these darling meringue mushrooms that someone brought to the cookie exchange and some cereal clusters that I would write home about. Yum.

So those are the kinds of things keeping me from my blog these days... An ice storm is headed our way tonight and we are wondering if there will be power tomorrow. Every day an adventure! Hope the last week of Advent is going well for everyone.

Etsy Love

Is there anyone who hasn't fallen under the Etsy spell yet? My latest searches: natural ornaments, children's clothing, holidays... etc.... etc. I would love to have myself a little shop there one day.

Today I found these adorable watercolor postcards with rhymes. Oh my. Love!

They remind me of Sarah's adorable paintings, which I also fell in love with. I think they could make her rich someday.

OK. Drooling done. Back to everyday life now...

Note To Self...

...always shop at the dollar store before heading to the Teacher Supply Superstore!

Our learning room is stylin' with these Fall leaf garlands.

Wall posters: Telling Time and US Map.

Cool math facts slide-y things to play with:

and a geography facts "Spin & Learn" with each state's capital, flower and bird.

For fun, some autumn window clings and a package of 14 harvest border pieces (about 20 feet).

I even got myself some giant calendars to fill in.

All from the Dollar Tree, where everything really IS a dollar! I was really thankful, only to top that deal the next day by ending up at a yard sale as they were cleaning up (occasionally, it pays to sleep late!) They GAVE us everything we wanted from the kids' toys and games that were left, so I scored several math games and learning activities from Discovery Toys, for free. Someone was looking out for me! I have bigger dreams for our learning materials than my budget allows for, so it feels like a blessing straight from God when I have a weekend this good. And of course, it strokes my inner cheapskate at the same time.

I'll have a picture of the whole space next time. We are having a lot of fun pulling it all together.

I Think I'm In Love!

Thanks to my sister-in-law Katie, who told me about this wonderful tea. Heaven!

I have been drinking it almost every night before bed, along with the kids (after Katie told me it feels like drinking wine, without the alcohol - sign me up!!!) It really is amazingly mellow and soothing. I promise I am not being paid by Celestial Seasonings. Yet.