Recommended Reading: Tom Sawyer

I have already mentioned liking Mark Twain here.  I grew-up near Elmira, NY and my grandma took me to the "Mark Twain Musical Drama" at least 3 times. I loved it. I can still remember some of the quotes that made me laugh like, "I never let schooling get in the way of my education".
I also remember watching the Disney musical version of Tom Sawyer when I was a kid, which I enjoyed.
The book is similar to what I remember of the film and musical, but with a lot more of Mark Twain's witty narration. I am glad I read it. Although, I will admit that I still have a hard time understanding some of the dialogue.  Mark Twain lived in Hannibal, Missouri when he was a boy and I think the language must be very authentic for the time period.

Reuse Recipe: Big Jars

Reusing Costco animal cracker containers

I am always on the look-out for food that comes in a good container. Like the Costco animal crackers -  delicious, organic crackers, that come in a jar witha a label that suggests you recycle it. What could be better? I have all kinds of little toys and whatnots organized in them, as well as many of my pantry items.

I spray painted the blue lids to make them match my kitchen better.

And how about those big Vlassic pickle jars from Costco too? So inexpensive - about 3.79$ for the pickles and a beautiful jar.  Just for kicks I photographed some of them in use around my house. 

Reusing Vlassic pickle jars

I also tend to search out and buy things that come in mason jars (standard size - so I can reuse them for canning).  The Classico spaghetti sauce jars are excellent.  Trader Joes sells a number of things that come in the small pint mason jar size, like the thai green curry sauce and the cookie butter.
I'd love to hear other suggests for yummy things that come in re-usable jars/containers. Any ideas?

Garden Progress: Welcome Rhubarb

Despite 3 inches of snow this week, the broccoli, cauliflower, and onions are still going strong. And the rhubarb is back! I am so happy to see it.

Sew Special: Knits

This is a recommendation for a favorite EASY knitting pattern. It's called Puerperium. It is available as a free download from Ravelry in the newborn size. Or you can buy the newborn to 2 year old pattern for only $5.50.  I had no trouble making a 5 year old size based off of this pattern as well. It is very flexible. Try it - it's addicting.  I ended up with 6 sweaters, all stashbusters (using up yarn I already had) - 2 for each child.

puerperium sweater varations

Baby S wears the grey one almost every day - like a coat. A's favorite is the short sleeve cotton one (green and white).

An important note - I am not superwoman. These were made over the course of the late summer - fall before Sammy was born, not all this week! I am stalling for a little more time to finish a new slipcover.

Home Schooling Summary for Last Week

I was in charge of teaching Joy School this week and my daughter had her gymnastics session finale.

Showing her stuff at gymnastics 

It was a rather unsuccessful week for "school work". We continued the phonics train game (per this book). My daughter is excellent at making word trains these days. The USA puzzle continues to be in constant use.  The best part of the week education wise, was our day trip with the cousins to the Natural History Museum. They had tons of fun and were pooped afterwords.

Up close with the dinosaur bones

The Insect Zoo

In the butterfly dome - feeling some trepidation

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Reading	Phonics “F” + vowels	Joy School	Phonics “H” + vowels	Phonics “N” + vowels	Library Day
Writing	X	X	Copying sentences	Copying sentences	x
Math	X	X	X	X	X
Science	X	X	X	X	x
History/Geography	USA map	USA map	USA map	USA map	USA map

Recommended Reading: Pride and Prejudice

I have seen every film version of this book. I began reading it, certain that a few pages in I would realize that I had already read it. Nope. In the words frequently employed by the author herself: it was delightful!  As with most books, I enjoyed the extra plot details that were left out or misrepresented in the movies.  I still love the films too - the period clothing and decor are so fun to see.

Reuse Recipe: Guinea Pig Fodder

I have had all kinds of rodent pets over the years. I can't believe that it took me this long to finally try out a Guinea Pig. We got "Hello" for free from a family on Craig's List that had had her for 2 years already.  She is by far the best small animal pet that I have ever had.

Reasons Guinea Pigs make great pets:

1. They NEVER bite. They just don't. My kids have handled her roughly, put fingers in her cage, fed her all kinds of treats -- never a pinch.  They do nibble things a little curiously, but it does not hurt or frighten the kiddos. 
2. They are soft and furry- like a short haired dog. You can brush them and cuddle them
3. They make cute little noises. A whole range of different sounds, from the "whee-whee" that gives them their name to something a little like a purr. 
4. They are too big to get lost very easily and don't run too fast. We used to let ours roam around the basement a little bit... the kids loved playing with her that way, but then she chewed some printer cords.
5. They like healthy veggies - a good example for the kids and fun to feed them. 
6. Rats, mice, turtles, hammies, all have different types of bacteria in their intestines that can be harmful to kids (of course, it is fine if they wash hands carefully etc.),  but guinea pigs are very clean and are unlikely to have any harmful bacteria to transmit to kids. 
7. Since they are herbivores and very clean  - you can use their poop, bedding, etc in the garden!  FREE FERTILIZER!

Each week during the winter I dump the contents of the guinea pig's cage out in one corner of the garden or another.  It works great!  I am a tiny bit concerned that the squirrels spend a lot of time eating Hello's leftover bits of food out of the garden.  I am hoping that it will keep them from eating any of my veggies though.

Guinea pig bedding and hickory nut shell mulch

Garden Progress: Sturdy Starts

Sweet onion starts

I planted some sturdy starts this past weekend: onions, broccoli  and cauliflower.  It is still pretty early, but if I don't get a jump on the cold weather loving veggies they won't have time to grow before Maryland heats up.

Cauliflower start

My parsley plant has overwintered beautifully.  It's been great to have at least one fresh herb through the cold winter.

Parsley plant overwintered

Sew Special: Baby Goodies

Cowboy quilt is done! I will show it off in a future kids' bedroom post.

My previously mentioned friends (see last week's sew special) have an adorable new baby boy!!   I sent them some handmade goodies for new baby Z.

Baby Gifts: Harper Vest, Gnomey Hat, and my own pants pattern

Home Schooling Summary for the Week

We found a fun vintage puzzle map of the USA at the thrift store this week - circa 1968- for a buck!  I have been looking for one of these for a long time and was trying to convince myself to buy the 14$ Melissa and Doug one. Good things come to those who wait. I am thrilled and the kids have been playing with it non-stop.

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Reading	Phonics “R” + vowels	Phonics “L” + vowels	Library Day	Phonics “N” + vowels	X
Writing	X	X	X	X	x
Math	Mapping	Mapping & Directions	X	USA Map	USA Map
Science	X	X	X	X	x
History/Geography	X	X	X	USA map	USA map

Recommended Reading : Mark Twain

This week I listened to a compilation of short stories by famous authors: Mark Twain, Stephen Crane, Ambrose Bierce, and Jack London.  The stories they included were: Mark Twain’s "The One-Million Pound Bank Note," "A Visit to Niagara," and "A Mysterious Visit;" Stephen Crane’s "The Blue Hotel;" Ambrose Bierce’s "The Eyes of the Panther;" and Jack London’s "The Love of Life" and "To Build a Fire."
The stories were all well written and chosen because they are enjoyable to hear read aloud. I enjoyed the first 2 by Mark Twain, since they were both well written and funny.  The others were less funny, well-written, but sad.

Reuse Recipe: Newspapers

I think I could write an "Ode to Newspaper".  Oh newspaper how I love you!  In our little community we get a free newspaper 2-3 times a week. I hardly ever take the time to read it, but I do use it for all kinds of things. Anytime when you might reach fo a paper towel, you could pretty much substitute newspaper. For soaking up the water under my my milk jug greenhouse construction project yesterday - see the newspaper?  For cleaning the oven (and windows)- newspaper!  It soaks up all the gunk and it  is disposable, even recyclable!

Here is my organic oven cleaning method: (I learned this from from Martha Stewart)

Organic Oven Cleaning

1. Make a paste of baking soda and paint it all over the inside of your oven (avoiding heating elements and window) 
2. Let it sit over night
3. Scrub with a brush and bowl of water
4. Wipe out with newspapers

Recycling newspapers

Vintage Finds to Garden Progress

I have been struggling with these "vintage finds" posts.  Honestly, I don't go to the thrift store THAT often... unless I am on the hunt for something specific. I think I will occasionally post my finds, but for the spring and summer I want to switch this to gardening updates.

So you saw the snow pictures from last week -and yet things are starting to warm up a bit, enough that I am starting my milk jug greenhouses for the cold weather plants and planting the peas (according to almanac for our area) out in the garden.  What a relief to have my hands in the dirt again! and the kids are happy to play in it too.

Sew Special: Surprises and Quilt Progress

I did quite a bit of sewing this week, but I can't show it to you yet. Some of my favorite people are expecting a baby at any moment and I don't want to reveal the surprise before they get to see it in person!

Cowboy Quilt "stitch in a ditch"

In the meantime, the cowboy quilt made some progress.  I am stitching it "in the ditch" and the vertical rows are all done. Horizontal quilting and binding to do next!

Home Schooling Summary for Last Week

My brother is moving to my area and his family stayed with us last week. Unfortunately, they all caught the same flu bug that we had the week before!  It was pretty miserable for them.  We did a few phonics exercises (the train game), but not much schooling was accomplished amid family visiting and sicknesses. We did get to play in the snow though :)

Recommended Reading: Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife is a single story, part of a 3 part series actually, but each chapter or couple of chapters could be read like a short story. It is set in London's East End in the 1950s and is the story of a young midwife in training.  I am always hesitant to read books like this. The harsh realities that face women, especially poor women, make me so sad it can be overwhelming. This story was mostly joyful with only 2 notable exceptions. It made me grateful for modern conveniences, like bathrooms and family planning, but also for my babies, that I get to be their "Mama".

Reuse Recipe: Veggie Tops

Can you tell that I am thinking of spring and my garden?  Beet tops, turnip tops, lettuce thinnings, onion tops, and even carrot tops. They are all so yummy in salads and sauces.  I love growing beets and turnips because the whole thing is edible! 

Alas, I must own to not having been able to personally try this recipe yet. I love the idea and will try it as soon as I have some carrots grown in my garden or see some in the market with the tops on???  I heard about this on NPR's All Things Considered, click the recipe link to go to the original story.  

As shown below, this recipe is an excerpt from a book called:  Roots: The Definitive Compendium with More than 225 Recipes.  Another book to add to my reading list!

Carrot Top Pesto

I serve this as a dip with crudites and often add a dollop on top of bruschetta that has been smeared with fresh goat cheese. It's also perfect simply tossed with pasta.

Makes about 2/3 cup

1 cup lightly packed carrot leaves (stems removed)

6 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 large garlic clove

1/4 teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt

3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (see below)

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano

To Toast The Nuts

Toasting pine nuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews and pumpkin seeds brings out their flavor. Spread the nuts or seeds in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, place in a preheated 350-degree oven and toast until fragrant and lightly browned, 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the nut or seed. Alternatively, nuts and seeds can be browned in a microwave. Spread in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high power, stopping to stir once or twice, until fragrant and lightly browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Watch them closely so they don't burn.

To Make the Pesto

In a food processor, combine the carrot leaves, oil, garlic, and salt and process until finely minced. Add the pine nuts and pulse until finely chopped. Add the Parmesan and pulse just until combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Recipe reprinted from Roots: The Definitive Compendium with More Than 225 Recipes by Diane Morgan. Copyright 2012 by Diane Morgan. Reprinted with permission of Chronicle Books.

Vintage Finds: For me!

This might be cheating, but these are two recent vintage/vintage style finds that I purchased from my fellow Etsy sellers.

#1. This gorgeously simple ticking is going to be slip covers for my living room chairs - for those who know these chairs already - I am talking about the bold red floral ones that I am so sad are falling apart. I love knowing that this fabric was made in the 1920's or early 30's.  I think that that means it must be better quality than most fabrics available today. It certainly feels that way.  The weave is very solid and the pattern goes all the way through (same from the front or the back).

 Note: Rubisco's shop, where I bought this ticking, is closing and everything is 50% off.

#2. This new watch. I went from very skinny girly watch to an over-sized grandpa style watch. The band is made from recycled leather! I love the design.  The shop is called GypsyStitch and Arias the owner was super helpful - made me a custom size and then kindly exchanged the watch for a new one of the same design when the first one mysteriously petered out.

Sew Special: Pleated Skirt

This is the skirt from the lisette pattern that I used for my blouse in January. I have had it cut out and ready to sew for awhile.

I made a size 10 according to my measurements, but it is a bit large in the hips, will probably try an 8 next time. I also made it about 2 inches longer than the original pattern, so that it is knee length.  I used this lovely linen blend fabric that I scored at the thrift store not long ago.  It seems to hold the fold well, but also has a the typical linen tendency for wrinkles. I am hoping it will be a perfect summer skirt... I just need to remember to hang it up promptly. Otherwise I will need to iron it - as I admittedly should have done before these pics.

Pleated Skirt Lisette #2211 (simplicity)

The belt loops were very easy, but these special touches are what make Lisette patterns so great.  Her instructions are also very clear for any level of seamstress. 

I used my own homemade bias tape for the waist edge and bottom hem.   That is another  great thing about Lisette patterns -- the finishing is always nice and tidy.

Home Schooling Summary for the Week

This is our geometry mobile from the Family Math book. We started with several square shaped pieces of paper. We folded them in different ways and then cut them up and put them back together.  We are learning to see what shapes combine to make a square. 

We passed around the pukie flu bug this week- like a plague - we each took a turn being very sick. Uggh. Spring cannot come soon enough.  Still we managed to do a few things before Abi got sick. We read about George Washington and also watched the next disk of the Liberty Kids series (several times!).

Home Schooling Summary for the week ending March 1:

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Reading	Phonics “S” + vowels	Phonics Combinations	Library Trip	Sick	Sick
Writing	X	X	X	X	x
Math	Geometry Mobile	Make-a-puzzle	X	X	x
Science	X	X	X	X	x
History/Geography	Liberty Kids 2	George Washington	Liberty Kids 2	X	X