Liebster Blog Award

Thank you Jennifer. I was a little surprised and blessed on Tuesday morning when I got a message and note from Jennifer over at Little Homeschool on The Prairie conferring the Liebster Blog award to me. 

Jennifer started her blog back in April this year and has just written a book.  I love taking a look at her Craft Monday's posts she has some great ideas for super easy crafts to enjoy with your children.

About the award

Liebster is German and translated means ‘dearest’ or ‘valued’ but it can also mean ‘favourite’ The award is given to talented bloggers who have 200 followers or less, it is a way to show appreciation for other blogs, bring attention to their work and encourage new connections.

This is what is needed to accept the award:

• Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.
• Link back to the blogger who awarded you.
• Give your top 5 picks for the award (I need to cheat on this one sorry)
• Inform your top 5 by leaving a comment on their blog.
• Post the award on your blog.

I would like to confer this award to:
I’d love to pass this honor on to some great blogs I've found that embody that description.  Will you join me in encouraging these homeschool moms and bloggers?

• Chelle from Last in Line.I really enjoy Chelle's blog posts, she loves to share her experiences and encourage other homeschool moms in the process.
• Nadene from Practical Pages Nadene has a heart for the homeschool comunity.  She is creative and loves to find beautiy in the world around her and encourages you to enjoy your family in your journey of homeschooling.  Nadene also has some great free resources available on her blog.
• Alecat from Serenades and Solace.Alecat is an encourager at heart and shares her journey with her two children and life at home..
• Erin at Seven Little Australians and Counting  I enjoy visiting Erin for her encouraging posts. Erin has practical advice and encouraging posts.
• Vicky over at Creating with Wisdom. Vicki's thoughts and insights encourage and inspire me daily.
• Collette over at The Art of Being Mama.  I first discovered Collette's blog via Pinterest.  I love her photographs and gentle words.  She shares some really practical ideas and encourages you as Mom and home educator.

Blessings to you all

Gingerbread House - Part III Construction

Part One - Making Gingerbread.

Part Two- Royal Icing

The number one rule is: PATIENCE  Allow ample time between each step to allow the icing to completely dry.  This will give your house the best possible structural integrity and help prevent collapses.

• Place a thick line of royal icing along each side of each side wall.
• Press sides together
• Hold up with tins from your pantry
• Wait till dry.  Approximately 2 hours 

• Fill the center of your house with something.  I filled this one with some little toys for the family.
• Place a thick line of icing along the roof line of the house.
• Place something to support the roof along the side of the house until the roof glue has set. I am using two Tupperware mini tumblers.
• Place the roof in place resting on the supports.
•  Do the same for the other side.
• Allow at least two hours to dry and set.

Completed House

To make the grass look I mixed some coconut with green food colouring and sprinkled it around the base.

Trouble Shooting

• I had a problem with a house roof collapsing and the cause was the environment was too humid. The gingerbread pieces had absorbed water and softened.  To correct the issue I put the pieces back in a cool oven (the lowest temperature my oven would go to) and dried the pieces out.  I then put a thin layer of icing on the back of the roof to fortify it before constructing the house.
• I had walls collapse once too.  I had used water icing to glue the grass (green coloured coconut) in place and the liquid had absorbed up the walls.  I now place a line of royal icing along the complete base of my house and use a runny royal icing to glue the coconut grass. 

If you have made a gingerbread house and blogged about it please leave a link in the comments section as I would love to see what you made.

Blessings

Gingerbread House Tutorial - Royal Icing.

Part One - Making Gingerbread.

Part Three - Construction

Patience and more patience is the key to making gingerbread houses.  Give yourself a generous amount of time to allow the royal icing (the glue) to set.

Making Royal Icing.

Ingredients.

• 1 Large Egg White
• 450 grams / 1 lb PURE icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
• glycerin (I don't use this)

** Make sure you use PURE icing sugar and NOT a icing mix.  Icing sugar mixes contain other ingredients and when used wont set.

Method:

• Make sure your bowl and utensils are dry
• Separate the egg.
• Beat egg white till soft
• Slowly add icing sugar and beat well between each addition.
• When you have a thick mix
• Add in the Lemon juice.
• Continue adding sugar until your icing holds it's peak.  It should be quite thick but not dry.  It needs to hold a stiff peak.

Next 

• Gather your ideas.  I have kept photo's of past houses, magazine cut outs, Christmas cards, Advertising mailers etc and Google has some great images.

Ready to decorate

• I used to use a material icing bag but don't anymore.  The egg white tends to ooze through the material and make your hands very sticky.  I now use a plastic icing bag with my icing nozzle.  
• When setting icing aside cover it with a damp tea towel or else it will dry and set.

Making roof tiles.

• 1 pack of wafer biscuits.
• Cut the wafer in half 
• Separate the wafer to make thinner tiles.

• Cover the roof section with a thick coat of icing.
• Stagger the tiles on the roof section.

Completed roof sections

Decorate:

• Stock up on lollies and decorate the side panels
• I used mini M & M's

Now wait for the icing to set rock hard.

Blessings

Ginger Bread House Tutorial (PT 1)

Part Two - Royal Icing.

Part Three - Construction

I first made a ginger bread house about 15 years ago and had so much fun doing it !  Since then I have made a few for friends and family.  I have also had a few disasters.  So I decided I would share a few of the things I have learned along the way.

If you don't have a pattern you can go to Gingerbread House Heaven there are some fantastic templates available from their site.  Start simple and once you get the hang of the basic method move to something more complex.

My recipe and templates are from this collection.  I photo copied the patterns for long levity.

One day I wanted to make a smaller house so I used a photo copy machine and downsized the pattern.  This is the result.




Ingredients:

• 75 grams / 3 oz  butter
• 4 tablespoons treacle
• 4 tablespoons syrup
• 100 grams / 4 oz soft brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 450 grams / 1 lb flour
• 1 tablespoon bicarbonate of soda
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground mixed spice
• 1 beaten egg

Method

• Combine butter, treacle, syrup and sugar in a pan over LOW heat.
• Stir till butter melts and sugar dissolves.
• ** Do NOT boil or over heat this makes a soft toffee which in turn makes your dough tough.
• Set aside to cool
• Add water and beaten egg.

• Combine the dry ingredients.
• Make a well and pour in the melted butter mixture.
• Mix well.

• Use your fingers to gather the dough into a ball.
• It should be a soft pliable ball.
• Let it stand for 15 min
• If it is too soft or sticky work in a little extra flour.

• I roll my dough straight onto the back of a cookie baking sheet.
• A lot of recipes say roll onto baking paper then place on baking tray.  I tried this and found that the pieces warped and never lay flat.
• I sprinkle flour straight onto the back of my tray and roll
• ** Do NOT use spray and cook or butter or oil !  This makes your ginger bread soft and it will not crisp up and in turn not retain it's structural integrity.
• It needs to be around 3 mm / 1/8 inch thick

• Preheat over to 190'C / 375'F / gas 5
• Bake for 8 - 10 minutes until puffed up and dry.
• Leave till cool enough to handle.
• If my pieces stick I use a sharp knife to lift them off.
• Cool completely on a rack.
• Cook like size pieces together.  If you cook large and small bits together the larger pieces will be undercooked and smaller bits over cooked.

As you can see I managed to chip off a corner.  I will "glue" this back with royal icing when putting it together.

With the left over dough I made gingerbread men for Sir N to decorate!

Happy Baking
Blessings

This post is linking to:

• Food Friday at The Singing Sparrow,   
• My Christmas Breakfast at Comfy in the Kitchen, 
• Christmas Cookie Swap at Our Simple Country
• Home Made for the Holidays day 6 over at Luv Laughter & Happily Ever After.

If Mary and Joseph had Facebook

Homeschool Mothers Journal {4}

The Home school Mother’s Journal began as a single post on a Friday morning over at The Homeschool Chick, and turned into a link-up for homeschool mothers across the blog-O-sphere to share a piece of their journey with one another each week. The link party is open from Friday to Monday so join me in The Homeschool Journal and lets encourage one another on our homeschool journey.

In my life this week…

 
In our homeschool this week…

• This week we have started learning about Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)(this site has some interesting fun facts about Picasso.)  and I was surprised to learn that he was still alive when I was born.  Sir N was intrigued with the comparison of two of his paintings. We looked at The Altar Boy 1896 and Boy in Sailor Suit with Butterfly Net 1938 and he could not believe that when Picasso was younger his paintings looked more like that of an older more mature person and his paintings when he was older looked like a primary school age child had painted them.
• Making animal foot print casts this week with Sir N.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

• Are you feeling under pressure ?  If so have a careful slow look around you and see what unwritten code of life you are being subtly influenced to live up to.  Sometimes the homeschool groups we are involved in can be the boulder that is drowning us.  

I am inspired by…

• Our Simple Country Life hosted by Esther.  I especially enjoy her blog host Hearts for Home Thursdays where I have found some great posts from other bloggers. Esther is currently hosting a Christmas Cookie Swap.
• Growing Home hosted by Jacinda.  Jacinda has a passion to encourage and build up woman at home.  She hosts a Teach Me Tuesdays blog hop which has inspired and encouraged me often.  She is also currently partaking in 31 Days of Generosity.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

• This week has been a quieter week for us which is good because I am feeling very tired.  We visited my mother who is in hospital recovering from surgery. 
• Later today we are going to pretend we are postal delivery workers and secretly drop Christmas cards into peoples post boxes.
• Driving 3 hours north of Melbourne to fetch my dad's car which has been repaired.

My favorite thing this week was…

• Watching Sir N delight in wrapping Christmas gifts for his older siblings and father.
• Making a Christmas card for his Grandparents without any prompting from me.
• Walking 10 km in the Sussan Women's Fun Run 2011
• Being award with the Versatile Blogging award.
• Making magnetic Jesse Tree
• Watching Sir N colour in his own Jesse Tree ornaments.

What’s working / not working for us…

• Cuddling on the couch reading stories together.
• Doing math first thing after breakfast and not waiting till after lunch.

Questions/thoughts I have…

• I am constantly amazed at the goodness of our God and His timing in our lives.  I have been thinking about what I want to do with my blog and where I want to take it.  I ♥ blogging.  I really enjoy the digital challenges it presents.  I love to find information and thrive on finding positive information and passing it on to my friends.  But I am struggling to find balance.  The balance between family, blogging, house work, schooling etc.  
• I have been really blessed over at Sarah Mae's blog Like A Warm Cup of Coffee where she is hosting a guest blogger by the name of Laura.  Laura has written a thoughtful series titled:  Social Media Behave.  I have really enjoyed these posts as she has taken something so pertinent to where I am at and given me positive steps to set healthy boundaries. 

Things I’m working on…

• Finding a healthy balance in blogging, motherhood, friendships and spiritual walk.

I’m reading…

• Social Media Behave 

I’m cooking…

• Gingerbread Houses this afternoon. (Tutorial this Sunday)

I’m grateful for…

• Healthy Children 
• Encouraging friendships.

I’m praying for…
Please stand with me in prayer for:

• My Mom who is recovering from surgery and is in hospital
• Our application to immigrate to Australia and become permanent residents.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Blessings

This post is linked to: The Homeschool Mothers Journal Blog Party

Making Animal Footprint Casts

One of the things I enjoy about being married to a handy man who is a Zoo Keeper is that he comes up with some really interesting things to do.  Here is something that his dad taught him.

Cheetah Footprint

I was surprised at how easy this is to accomplish.

Firstly make sure your cast kit is ready.

• Strips of cardboard about an inch in width.
• Plaster of Paris (store in an airtight container, 
• A container to mix plaster of Paris in, 
• Water, 
• Mixing tool.
• Old toothbrush

Make strips of thin card stock

We used a Manila folder and cut a strip on the diagonal.  

The black dotted lines are where we cut the strips to join with a slide fold.

Make your cast

Choose your print to cast 

Carefully place the card stock strip around your print and slightly embed it into the soil.

Next mix your plaster of Paris. You will need a relatively runny mix.

Slowly and gently fill each separate impression first. 

If you pour too quickly you risk the print being damaged.

Continue pouring in the mix till you have reached a good depth.
A depth of  about 1/2 inch. (10 - 15 mm) is good.

Wait for 30 - 60 min for the plaster to set.

Gently lift your cast

Brush away excess sand.

An old tooth brush works the best.

Allow the cast to dry for a couple of hours.

Paul used a sharp craft knife to shave off around the print to give it a smoother finish.  This also helps to make a contrast of texture allowing a visual enhancement of your print.

You can also use a nail to engrave the date, name of animal and place of your print.  Don't forget to engrave your initials on the back.

Allow your print to dry for about a week in a safe place.

To seal your print use Mod Podge.  You will need to paint it with at least four coats. 

Try this with your dog or cat in your sand pit / garden

Blessings

Versitile Blogger Award

Thank you so much to Erin from Seven Little Australians and Linda over at Pillars of Pine for awarding me The Versatile Blogger award.





Rules for the Versatile Blogger are:

• Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.
• Tell your readers 7 things about yourself.
• Give this award to 15 recently discovered bloggers.
• Contact those bloggers and let them in on the news. 

7 Things about me ...

1. My first born and I share a birthday.  
2. My first born arrived on a special birthday .... my 21st.
3. I was engaged at 18
4. I married my best friend when I was 19
5. I enjoy Hillsong Simply Worship CDs
6. I walked 10 km in the Sussan Women's Fun Run 2011 in 1 hour and 45 min. Anyone want to join me next year ?
7. I enjoy making beyond the page things.

Here is my list of recent blogs I have been reading

1. Heart of the Matter on line.  This is a co op blog written by and hosted by encouraging Christian women.
2. Princess Warrior Lessons. Jo is a down to earth honest encourager. She is an Australian blogger who homeschools and loves the Lord.  Her writing is inspiring.  Take a cup with you and sit in Jo's company for some encouragement.
3. Our Jewish Homeschool Blog. I have always had a desire to know more about the Jewish way of life and their traditions.  I love the practical ideas that Mommzy shares.  Great insight into the culture of our Lord.
4. I discovered Delightful Learning this morning via Pinterest. Michelle has six children and has been homeschooling for six years.  She has some great homeschool posts to inspire you.
5. Becoming a Strong Woman of God.  I enjoy Sonja insight and honesty.
6. Like a Warm cup of Coffee. Is hosted by Sarah Mae the author of 31 Days to clean.  Laura is guest posting and has written a rather thought provoking series on blogging titled: Social Media Behave. Let’s Get Started! Social Media, Behave! Day 1, Day 2 The Other Woman, Day 3 At what Cost ?? Day 4 If Everyone Else is doing it  Day 5 Get a Manifesto.
7. Women Living Well. Courtney has a gentle heart and passion for woman.  She is a great encourager and loves to call woman to the Lord to live life well for His glory.
8. Raising Mighty Arrows.  Heathers passion is seeking to encourage women in their roles as women, wives, mothers, daughters, homemakers, teachers, and minister’s wives from a Biblical perspective. She uses her blog to strengthen & inspire other women, and as a place to build relationships with other like-minded Christians
9. The Common Scents Mom is hosted by Staci.  Over here she shares her thoughts and recipes for your home using essential oils.
10. A Second Generation of Homeschooling.  This blog is encouraging and insightful.
11. A wise Woman builds her home.
12. The Three Thinking Mothers.  This is a co op blog of three Mothers who share insights from their day to day and encourage other Moms to keep growing.
13. Learning all the Time.  I found Susans blog via Three Thinking Mothers.  Susan hosts a book blog hop and shares some great resources.
14. Our Simple Country Life is hosted by Esther.  I especially enjoy her blog host Hearts for Home Thursdays where I have found some great posts from other bloggers. Esther is currently hosting a Christmas Cookie Swap.
15. Growing Home is hosted by Jacinda.  Jacinda has a passion to encourage and build up woman at home.  She hosts a Teach Me Tuesdays blog hop which has inspired and encouraged me often.  She is also currently partaking in 31 Days of Generosity.

These are a few of the ladies whom I enjoy visiting. All that is left to do now is notify the lucky winners that they have been awarded the Versatile Blogger Award and I hope that you too will be encouraged and inspired in your walks as mothers, wives and daughters of the King.

Blessings