American Girl - Caroline

Studying Caroline was a little more difficult than the others.  With her being a newer edition to the collection, there was not much material out there.  With that said, however, we found plenty to do, to occupy the six weeks of study.  Listed below are the activities we did along with each book.

Book 1:
- Label the sections of a sailboat
- Build a sloop out of cardboard and wooden craft sticks
- Write a letter to a far away relative
- Draw and design own schooner
- Make a loaf of gingerbread

Book 2:
- Make homemade biscuits and honey
- Stew and molasses pie for dinner
- Embroider a map
- Learn to crochet
- Decorate a wooden box
- Make a burnt sugar cake or apple pie for dessert

Working with one of her great aunts

Book 3:
- Make a doll and dress for the doll
- Bake cornbread
- Try a new hairstyle
- Using a paper clip, make ice skates for the doll
-  Using foam, make a sled for the doll
- Have a big dinner of ham, peas, potatoes, and apple pie

Apple Pie with vanilla ice cream

Book 4:
- Fried fish dinner
- Create a marsh/creek diorama
- Make beeswax candles
- Make some salve
- Look at other herbal remedies

Book 5:
- Make a fort
- Plant something in the garden, or tend to one
- Bake bread
- Make an emergency plan

Planting more strawberry plants

Book 6:
- Write a letter and seal it
- Make butter
- Study what a cow SHOULD eat
- If available, cook asparagus
- Draw what Independence Day at Sacket's Harbor may have looked like

My "Broken Hallelujah"

Life right now is HARD!  Medical issues are causing heartache.  Surgery is imminent.  Having coded before due to a lack of communication when coming out of the anesthesia after a surgical procedure, surgery SCARES me!  Heart ache with loved ones and friends is running rampant.  I have friends that do not know what the future holds for them - where they are going to live or get their next meal.  I hurt for so many people and have cried so many tears for each of them.

But no matter what, I know my God rises above it all!  Romans 8:28 says "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose."  And in James 1:3-4, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (Both are NKJV)

Some how, some way, through all the pain and tears, I will continue to grow and He will use my journey for the good - for the glory of His Kingdom.  Is there any greater joy than to be used for His purposes!?!?

As I was pondering these thoughts, I was playing on you tube - and came across this song - "Broken Hallelujah" by the Afters.  All I can say is "Lord, hear my heart.  Use me Father.  Use these trials for Your good and the glory of Your Kingdom!"

Festival of Lights 2013

A few years ago, friends of ours got us started on going to the Festival of Lights on New Years Eve.  For those unfamiliar with this, the Festival of Lights is a driving tour to see thousands of lights, as well as the opportunity to park and see homemade gingerbread houses, giant greeting cards, a sand sculpture (umm yeah - that says sand and not snow), and more.