homeschoolers, black friday is early for you

I’ve met some wonderful people through The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. They have terrific resources for homeschooling and their Black Friday sale is already underway. They also have a terrific subscription package that includes a planner (look for a couple of my recipes in the 2011 Schoolhouse Planner!), a tote and all sorts of goodies. Some freebies are also available. Enjoy!

hot stuff (the cocoa)

If you are still buying hot cocoa mix in those little foil-lined packets, I am about to change your life. Run, don’t walk, to Alton Brown’s Hot Cocoa recipe. Make a double batch. Trust me on this. Store it in an airtight container and scoop out 3 T. per steaming hot cup of water (or milk!) as needed.

Winter’s coming, people. Be ready.

curious vicarious volcano

I always wanted one of these, but I thought $15 for a plastic form and some sandy plaster (that I could get from Hobby Lobby for $2) was stupid. At Goodwill last week, I saw a complete, unused kit for $1.25. Score! All my earth building dreams fulfilled:

The boy had fun, too. I am hoping for some seismic activity and ash clouds today. (OK, so it’s baking soda and vinegar. Whatever.)

the everyday

I don’t update my phone enough. It probably has something to do with the fact that it’s only sort of a phone and more like a little computer that can be “bricked” (this is bad) if I screw up. In any event, I always find that my phone photos are a true glimpse at the norm around here.

Behold, I get extra dorky when we’re almost there:

I was amused by the giant cow at Whole Foods:

I am fortunate enough to see this every day:

I stopped in the middle of the road to take this. It was perfectly safe because I didn’t encounter another human being for miles. I also didn’t have cell service. It was both liberating and unnerving. Mountain roads always make me think some suicidal deer is about to take both of us out.

The boy got cold weather camping gear:

The girl got college mail:

And somewhere in the middle of it all, there was a bounce house:

this moment

(Scroll down for giveaways below…)

Participating in Amanda’s this moment project:

{this moment} - A Friday ritual - capturing a moment from the week.

(One more thing: Dog lovers, you really need to check out this post. Funniest thing I  have read in a long, long time.)

hey lady, it’s the last gasp before winter

(Giveaways below…)

You know it’s the end of fall here when we get the ladybug invasion. Some (my husband, for one) think they are a bit, um, odiferous, but I think it’s kind of pleasant to sit in the sun with ladybugs flying all around. No word on whether or not they were flagrantly violating the rules with little tiny skateboards.

prematurity awareness day

(Grocery giveaways below… Please scroll down and enter.)

(Great information below, but there are some sick little ones in this video. FYI.)

I have been privileged to help tell the stories of several families whose babies were born far too soon. The March of Dimes has made dramatic steps in saving these babies. (Surfactant, which helps tiny underdeveloped lungs inflate, is probably the single greatest advancement in saving the lives of preemies. Babies as young as 23 weeks gestation have a chance at survival now.) However, there is much to be done. Our state got a big fat F on the prematurity report card issued by MOD last year. 

Please watch the video, click over to the March of Dimes’ site and learn more about this. If you are pregnant, know the signs of preterm labor!