We watched a wonderful PBS documentary the other day ~

Under Railroad ~ The William Still Story

 It’s excellent for ages 9 and up!   

Click here   to view the full episode online!

 

  

The Underground Railroad   is one of our family favorites from Adventures in Odyssey.  The story brings to life the journey of the Ross family as they escape slavery and run for freedom with the help of the Underground Railroad. 

I wouldn’t recommend it for children under the ages of 6-7 as the topic and some of the scenes can be frightening but it is all done with excellent acting and  in good taste.   

Another audio story my youngest loves is Passages ~ Darien’s Rise ~

 

This story is about a brother and sister, Anna and Kyle as they explore an old house in the outskirts of the town of Odyssey.  While there, the children are transported to the land of Marus–and the adventure begins!  

The Audio CD is based on the first book in the Passages series ~

My youngest fell in love with the story and is enjoying reading the other 5  books in this delightful series.

Click here  to find out more about these great audio and reading books!

I am somewhat nostalgic today as I sit and create a two-week meal plan for my family.  Lately I’ve been drawn to the recipes and food from my childhood. Food that was simple and satisfying, filling, economical and tasty.     

Growing up, my family lived on a tight budget but we always had everything we needed. My brothers, sister and I learned to work  for and earn the “wants” in our lives. I can honestly say that as a child I didn’t appreciate those lessons but looking back now, I am very glad for them and I value the impact they had on helping me to become who I am today.  

Back then, beef was expensive and poultry and fish, not so much.  Beef was saved for our Sunday noon dinner and for special occasions or holidays.  Our plates were loaded up with seasonal vegetables and sides of potatoes, rice or noodles.   Desserts consisted mostly of fresh fruit in season.

My mother was just being economical with what we had.  Who knew that years later it would be considered healthier to eat the way I did as a child?! 

I want to include more of the basics to our lives this year; experience and focus on the simple joys of life that are so easily missed and overlooked by today’s lifestyle.

I hope to work towards replacing as much of my commercially bought canned goods and pantry items to that of home canning and homemade pantry items. I want to provide my family with simple, wholesome, satisfying meals shared with laughter and love.

Simplicity is my word for 2012. My 2012 mantra? Back to the basics.

Visit Peggy  to see more daybook posts!

 

Tuesday

January 31, 2012

FOR TODAY …

Outside my window… the sun is shining and it’s over 70 degrees. Just a few days ago it was 32-40 degrees.  That’s our states weather ~ blink and it’ll change for sure! :)

I am thinking… how grown up my two handsome sons are. They both celebrated birthdays this past month. Time really does fly by. 

I am thankful … for my work at home job and the flexiblity of my hours. I am truly thankful.  

In the kitchen… For dinner tonight we’re having homemade pizza. YUM!

I am wearing… comfortable around the house clothes with soft fuzzy slippers on my feet. It’s been a quiet kind of day.  

I am creating… my library/office. I can’t wait to finish it and show you all some pictures. It’s been a dream of mine for such a long time and it’s coming along perfectly!

I am going… to have a lovely evening celebrating my oldest son’s birthday with pizza, a movie at home and a family birthday party!

I am wondering… drawing a  blank here. Just enjoying being here in the present experiencing a simple but productive day. 

I am reading…  well, I just finished reading this ~

Stop on over here to read the review. This book was fantastic!

I am hoping… that we’ll be able to build our backyard patio this year. We’re in a new house and have a fenced back yard. It’s really lovely. 

I am looking forward to… positive changes. I’ve dedicated 2012 to healing our family and building a better life for all this year.

I am hearing… the boys listening to music and playing around the house. 

Around the house… laundry, laundry and more laundry. :)

I am pondering… a few posts for February regarding  Black History month and the children’s books I’ve been reviewing. I’m excited about sharing them!

One of my favorite things…  a picture of my boys from a few years ago. It’s one of my favorites.  

 

Have a blessed week!

 Visit Peggy to see more daybook posts!

 

December 30, 2011

FOR TODAY …

Outside my window…  the sun is shining and it’s a seasonably warm day. I am really enjoying the moderate weather and that beautiful sunshine!

I am thinking… mostly about this past year and what the New Year will bring.  

I am thankful… for all the blessings in my life!  2011 has been an extremely hard year for myself and my family but through it all we have been blessed over and over again. I am so very grateful!  

From the learning rooms… We’re on vacation this week.

In the kitchen… For dinner tonight we’re having  King Ranch Macaroni and Cheese with a green salad on the side. Yum, comfort food!

I am wearing… comfortable clothes.  Friday is cleaning day at home as I get ready for a weekend at work. 

I am creating… my goal list for the New Year.

I am going… to do more laundry, organize my pantry and spend quality time with my family tonight.

I am wondering… how fast the holidays rolled by!

I am reading…

I am hoping… that we’ll have gorgeous weather for the holiday weekend.

I am looking forward to… getting back to our routine schedule. I have enjoyed the holidays but I am ready to get back to our regular routine. I’m not so sure the boys agree with me though.  

I am hearing… the boys enjoying their vacation.

Around the house… laundry, organizing the pantry and setting the house to right.

I am pondering… my menu plan for next week. Lots of left overs from the holidays to make into soups and  casseroles. My kind of comfort food!

One of my favorite things… Doran Beach in Bodega Bay, CA.

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year!