Baby, it's cold outside....And we haven't even considered the wind yet! We got this thermometer just in time to peer out the back window and be amazed.

I woke to peace and serenity outside....
but inside is my own little terror, do not be deceived by his innocent looks!A week or so ago (seems much longer!) he learned to climb the kitchen stool, now he not only climbs but moves it to where he can get into whichever drawer has the most interesting stuff! So that's ongoing. As I'm doing math with Lily, R comes out with a broken glass which he'd taken from John! Yikes, so vacuum all the house because I don't know where it broke. Then back to school...John refuses to nap...back to school, building pyramids out of sugar cubes...thought I'd post pictures on the blog...what does John have in his mouth? Glue covered sugar cubes! There goes Gabe's pyramid.
Pictures of the pyramids pre-John are on Lily's school blog.

Why I love homeschooling

It's so wonderful to see Lily reading to the boys just before John's nap. The three of them are so good together, I love that they can spend so much time together.

Women's Group

I hosted women's group last night and it was so nice to have wonderful conversation and good food. We talked quite a bit about homemade things and so I'm putting a link to my post about yogurt here so you can find it easily! I've also been making bread from a Canadian Living recipe. I made bread just about every week and I double it to get 4 loaves. I couldn't find the recipe on their site but I'll attempt to post it later for those interested. Now it's time to get back to school with Lily...we're very slow this morning!

Gingerbread houses

We didn't get to this project before Christmas...but had lots of fun today!

Holidays

When I think of holidays at this time of year I'm thinking of Christmas and Theophany. I almost forgot that last night was New Year's Eve! I love this time of year but I'm tired! So just a few pictures for your entertainment. Or just one, since my camera is still at the church with most of our Christmas photos on it!

Preparing for Christmas

Come, all you faithful,
Begin the celebration:
Sing with the Magi and shepherds:
Salvation comes from the Virgin's womb,//
Recalling the faithful to life!

We sang these words tonight at Vespers. Our parish prepares for the Nativity with Vigil of the Prefeast every night until the Nativity starting on the 20th of December. This is the first time in a few years that I've been able to enjoy this preparation.

Christmas baking

I know its not as cute as the kids but looks pretty yummy, huh? This was our Christmas project for the day...sugar cookies and kringla. Left on the list: sour cream twists and Russian teacakes. We've also received some Christmas baking already so I abbreviated the list a little.

Christmas gifts for church school teachers - Done!

The kids had fun putting together gifts for their church school teachers. They helped with all aspects, making, baking and decorating. Can't tell you what's inside because I know you're reading Jessica!

Day with Isabelle

It was soooo nice to see Isabelle and spend the day. We played games, ate and Isabelle helped the kids do some painting.

Tinker toy Christmas tree

The kids made this Christmas tree from their tinker toys and then made ornaments out of playdoh . So fun.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Packing....

Grandma put together an awesome craft and Auntie Carol came over to help. Too bad I don' t have any pictures of the completed project

Building stuff in Grandpa's shop

Friends

Here we are: me, Rachel, Sarah and Megan with all our kids! Wow! The four of us grew up in the church together and now Rachel and I have moved away from Arlington and St. Andrew's but this past Sunday here we are all together again. (Grace Community Church started in 1987 and so did our friendship)

John John is One!

And here it is, the steak picture!

Birdhouse project

I'm not great at doing projects with the kids but trying to do better. Gabe spotted this kit for building a birdhouse at Michael's yesterday and at $1.50 I couldn't pass it up. They had so much fun painting and assembling today we'll have to watch for more $1.50 kits!

Birthday

Our parish had the nicest birthday party for me on Sunday. It was lovely: I didn't have to do anything or go anywhere (since it was at my house!) This awesome bowl in my favorite Polish Pottery was only one of the nice gifts that I received. Many thanks to all!

Lily's most civilized birthday part yet! A real tea party. So fun.

Lily and I got art lessons for our birthday! So neat.

Ahh, fall.

Busy Weekend

Grandpa and Grandma came for birthday celebrations. All the kids got new duds, John and Gabriel matching! I love that. John got to "open" his birthday present a couple weeks early. So exciting for the rest of us. He really likes the bell but it might be a month or two before he can really ride it.

the Quest

The quest for Cheerios is neverending and knows no bounds!

Homemade Yogurt

Quite a few people have asked me recently how I make my yogurt so here is what I do:

What you need:
1/3 c. yogurt with active bacterias ( I started with Lucerne 2% yogurt plain, of course)
1 quart milk (I have used both 2% and whole)

Heat milk to 180 degrees. Watch closely, I can't tell you how many times I've had it boil over on me! Cool to 110 degrees. Add milk to yogurt starter, stir to combine. Incubate the mixture at 110 degrees for 3-6 hours. (Mine is usually done in 3-4 hours) I mix the yogurt in my Pampered Chef 2 quart measuring cup and place it in the oven against the oven light. The oven light produces enough heat to keep the mix at the right temperature. I like using the Pampered Chef bowl because it has a lid and then I can store it in the same bowl in the fridge. That's all folks!

Remember to save 1/3 c. for the next batch of yogurt. Also I always double this. Another also, the texture is different with every batch sometimes its a little watery, sometimes nice and thick. When its watery just stain it or don't worry about it.

Have fun making yogurt!!