Red Eyed Jack and Goblin in the Notch part 2

The adventure has continued...

The mailbox has been full with notes and pieces of the scavenger hunt.

First was a mailing that you see below with a note, 'money', and a map!

Shortly after was a note about a mysterious jade statue in Werewolf Woods.

Then today was a letter about RED EYED JACK.

As a family, we trekked out to look for Red Eyed Jack.  I even slid down to the creek to walk to Werewolf Woods!

First, we looked at one downed tree at the top of the ravine...this proved to not show anything.  I felt that it was probably the wrong tree (and I was right)!   The kids insisted on heading down the ravine and and down the creek.  A slippery muddy wet mess but full of giggles and memories.  Thank goodness for technology...mom (me) was alerted to return to the down tree.  Noises filled the woods as we returned to the down tree.   

With a bit of effort, back up the ravine we went.  We were greeted by Mr. S.

Time with Mr. S meant finding the correct tree...in the tree was a skull of Red Eyed Jack!  It was clear when we re-looked at the note!  The map matched the location very well.  That is one smart Goblin in the Notch!  No pictures of the finding of the skull since my phone was at 1%.

Here is today's prized treasure.

The adventure continued with fairy garden tours, sculpture sharing, and mysterious stories of 1906 trips to the moon (ie HG Wells).

The children were so intrigued.  I hope that they have fond memories of the real life scavenger hunt for years to come.

Everyone needs a neighbor like Mr. S to add some mystery and fun to summer.

New Year New Start 2021

 I know that most people are "over" or "done" with 2020 and the pandemic.  The NEW YEAR means new starts and new opportunities.  Shouldn't every NEW YEAR be embraced? 

When I wrote one year ago, I would have not predicted one thing from March 13 to today.  Nope - none of it!   Here is my post from 1 year ago 2019 Year in Review

I had picked my one word last year to be "engaged".  Well, when I pick a word, it always surprises me how it is fulfilled or carried out.  I never thought that it would mean being ENGAGED in teaching my children from home.  It didn't mean connecting with students over a chat on TEAMS.  It did not mean checking in with friends and family via zoom, text, etc...  I have had to find new ways to ENGAGE my students.  I think that the word fit the last year better than expected!

So onto 2021...my word that I keep coming back to is "ENOUGH".  It has a slightly negative connotation.  But I am ENOUGH.  I am doing ENOUGH.  I am good ENOUGH.  I have had ENOUGH of COVID 19.  But what is the real definition of ENOUGH?  From dictionary.com, it says "adequate for the want or need; sufficient for the purpose or to satisfy desire".  I think that this sounds good ENOUGH for me!

I am giving up on the 1 second a day app.  I actually figured out how to do my own montage using the video software on my computer plus I just cannot add to my list of daily "to dos".  I will share last year's when I catch up adding pictures to it from March - November.  

Here is a link to my 1 Second mash up for 2020     2020

I am going to try two podcasts about my faith.  I try to keep this blog focused on professional topics, but I am still human.  So you can either stop reading here or check them out below!

1. I have always wanted to read the Bible. I think that most Christians have tried to read the whole book or have good intentions to try it.  Well, I found a podcast by a Catholic Priest that I follow from time to time who is reading the Bible this year.  I usually listen to him on YouTube when I am driving alone and need something to listen to.  Well, the cool thing is that it follows the "Great Adventure" Bible.  I had not heard of it and could not justify buying another Bible. 

GOOSEBUMP STORY - Well, last week, I popped into work in a terrible mood, super stressed out, and ready to "lose it".  It was a BAD day in home learning (actually the worst in the past 9 months kind of bad day!).  A co-worker from the maintenance department whom I barely know other than a polite wave and facebook 'friend' approached me and asked if I wanted some Catholic books.  Sure...then he went on to say something like "I also have this Great Adventure Bible if you want it"  WHAT _ WAIT_ STOP_ SHUT UP.  I had not even told my husband that I wanted this exact Bible or was considering listening to this podcast.  It was like God was saying to me - here is what you NEED!
Here is a link if you are interested in the podcast -  Bible in a Year.  I honestly don't know where I will find 20 minutes to listen, but it is a novel goal and 2 of my children are super interested.  

2. I have a book that I borrowed from my daughter's book shelf in April and put on my "TO READ" stack.  I have honestly looked at it, moved it, hid it, etc... The other day it reappeared back on my nightstand and not by me!   Maybe hubby?  Then I saw another Catholic blogger who is going to tackle this book in 10 minutes a day.  BUT I already want to listen to another podcast that I do not think that I have time for.  How can I find time for a second?  Honestly, no clue...maybe while I get ready in the morning?  Maybe 1 day a week I can play catch up?  Maybe it won't happen.  It will be recorded for me and ready when I am ready.  
Here is a link to that podcast as well - St. Faustina's Diary

So here is to a NEW YEAR and a NEW START.  I look forward to trying some new science activities, new podcasts, and balance home and school.  I don't see an easy road ahead...but inch by inch it is a cinch is the old saying! 

Memories and traditions

This morning, I woke up early and scurried to the basement to help Santa's elves wrap a few packages for Christmas.  I started last night, but nosy curious children derailed progress.  Usually, we pick a fun outing for the kids to the YmCA or gymnastics for a Kids Night Out...but those are not really an option this year.  I know that it is only November 29th, but I do not like to wait until the last minute.  In our house, my husband buys 85% of the gifts throughout the year when he finds a special item or good deal.  I have no idea what is the totes until he reveals the items to me.  It like Christmas for me.  It is our family TRADITION!  As I wrapped in the silence, I had time to think and reflect and pre-write this post.

I know that this year will be different.  The mall Santa is "protected" in plexiglass.  There are fewer holiday events in our communities.  I know that people are stressing about who to invite to their holiday dinner.  But different can be a good thing too...it allows to find new traditions and create new memories. And I do not feel obligated to fill every weekend with running around...more quiet home time for our family.

In STEAM, we are celebrating the entire month with something that I am calling De"STEM"ber.  I totally borrowed this from other teachers, but made it my own.  The activities can be done at school, at home, or a combination!  I do not want to say too much, but I am SO excited to start them on Tuesday at school!?!? Often, the older students bring their laptops to STEAM and we code on Code.org and listen to instrumental holiday music in December.  However, I feel that we are all over screen timed currently, so I think that this will a good switch! 

At our house, we are keeping many items the same, but I am trying a new holiday/advent book with activities.  I try to keep my blog secular, but at times I do mention my faith.  The book is called "When Will It be Christmas".  I am excited for the activities, verses, and reflection.  

In the past, we have tried another book "The Advent Storybook", but it was deep and not always of interest to the younger children.  

We also have an elf that visits our house.  Each year, we have a theme.  Last year was "Games Reindeer Play" this year is "Creating" a Magical Christmas.  We will be making him a mask, "digging" into the holiday season (mini digging kits from the dollar tree), and a few other crafts along the way.  I might also use some of my pins from Pinterest.  

Look for updates on our De"STEM"ber adventures in STEAM and our family holiday traditions.

What are you doing to keep up with traditions or create magical memories this year?

Superheroes

 I left yesterday exhausted and was greeted by this sign as I left the parking lot!

This made me smile and feel appreciated.

Then today, I got a bag with an awesome "pick me up" note and a new mask!

I don't see myself as a superhero, but maybe I should add a cape to my attire ;)

Thank you to my fellow teachers, aides, administrators, school employees, parents, and students...together it will be a SUPER 2020 school year.

Scouting

Scouting has allowed my children to learn and grow as well as have some "normalcy" in these crazy times.  

When my son was in 3rd grade, he came home saying that he wanted to try cub scouts.  I was clueless, but went to the information session and ended up signing him up on the spot.  A bit of arm twisting, tear filled eyes (from him), and papers in my lap contributed to this decision.  It was not my choice, but he was adamant to try!  We stumbled through the first year.  New terminology, new activities, new experiences...but Ben and I did it together with the help of many new friends.  I was only expecting to keep him happy not make life changes.  I signed up for a meeting a week to teach him a few things that I couldn't living in a more urban setting.  

The next school year, his brother was in Kindergarten and started the relatively new Lion program.  He has grown to love scouting.  This past weekend, he joined me on a family camp out.  He was the only cub scout, but LOVED being with the bigger "boys".  

Simultaneously, our daughter who is between these two siblings found and joined a Girl Scout group at our local elementary school.  This group of girls are super bright, creative, and fun-loving.  Meetings and events are the highlights that she looks forward too!

Over the past 4 years, scouting has becoming an integral part of our lives.  So when the pandemic hit in March and they declared - NO SCHOOL - NO SCOUTING...I was devastated for them.  March, April, and May were super quiet...no meetings, no running, nothing...

June came and we found that scouting was back in our lives in a variety of ways, but still awesome!

Girl Scouts had an outdoor challenge and then video taped activities for the girls to complete "fun" patches at home.  Bella has worked through about 5 of these.  They are designed for an hour, but she really works on them and adds her own unique details.  This is a positive use of YouTube.  She has done Duct Tape art, Fairy Houses, Pie Making, Upcycled Jewelry, and just started Ice Cream.  This has allowed her to challenge herself to watch a video and complete the steps!

Cub Scouts has returned virtually throughout the summer for TJ.  The regional group has had ZOOM sessions to watch and discuss and learn.  He has done fish, butterflies, bike safety, first aid, and even Zumba!  He looks forward to seeing a few familiar faces and learning something new.  These are like field trips from our kitchen table,

BSA (Boy Scouts) has been huge for our oldest son during this summer.  His small group of 12 has re-united and are having a blast.  They re-created a small summer camp, went canoeing, built cardboard boats, and even did a family campout.  Everything occurs outdoors and 6 feet apart whenever possible but full of FUN!  He needs to see other little humans like himself.  

I know that sports are on and off.  I know that some families are looking for human interaction for their children.  

This is just my personal journey and story...not a paid endorsement.  Everyone needs to find a place in the community to belong.  My family has found scouting!  

We each have to find our ways to survive the pandemic...here is one of the ways that we have stayed "normal".

Ben modeling his new scout shirt

Prizes last night at Peddle Paddle
He peddled 3 miles around Eaton Reservoir on his bike and did a canoe race across part as well! 

Picture from our family campout at Buckaloons

TJ modeling his new helmet earlier this summer

Paper airplanes were a super fun zoom meeting for him

This is how Bella figured out how to roll her pie crust dough out

A complete fairy garden from Bella!  

HERE ARE SOME LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION:

BSA and cub scouts - start with this website BSA

Here is the link for  Girl Scouts

Elderberry Jelly

Time for me to conquer ELDERBERRY JELLY!  I do not want to lose all this information - so I am putting it here for future reference.

So for 3 years, I have collected elderberries and froze the berries in my freezer.  When we first found them...my husband and oldest daughter dissolved into quoting "Monty Python"!

Here is a meme of the quote:

2 weeks ago - I found canning jars at a local thrift store (new in box). Bonus!  Then I bought pectin sure jell and cheese cloth.  It was time to try some thing new!  

STEP 1: Prepping the berries:

Okay - so I start processing the frozen berries...this means removing stems, sticks, and other bits.  It takes about 3 lbs or 4 quarts of elderberries.  An elderberry is small than an eraser on the end of pencil for comparison!  This was a bit painful since I had just shoved them in a bag over the past few falls since back to school and elderberries overlap.  My husband had tackled a large amount last year which was a great find.

STEP 2: Finding a recipe...

First, I do not have a fancy canner and have NEVER done this...so I reached out to my facebook family and friends.  Thank goodness for lots of great ideas and recommendations :)  I used mixed of many ideas out there!  Pinterest was overwhelming me!

Plus I found these two recipes online plus the ones my friend's posted:

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/elderberry_jelly/

https://www.myfoodandfamily.com/recipe/060866/surejell-elderberry-jelly

STEP 3: JELLY MAKING

First I brought about 3 lbs of berries to a boil from frozen.  I mashed with a potato masher (found that at the Dollar Tree yesterday) and then simmered as directed in the links above.   I used the bag of berries that my husband processed last fall!  I still have more in the freezer plus they are almost ready to pick this year.  So I am hoping for a second batch soon.

Here are the berries after I boiled, smashed, and simmered.  Hanging out in the strainer/cheese cloth!

The elderberry juice

Next was the "scary" part.  I had to follow the recipe and work with jars and actually "can" the jelly.  

To make the jelly, I began by combining the pectin, juice, and lemon juice in a stock pot.  They warned me that this can get frothy.  These were brought to a BIG boil then we added the 4.5 cups of sugar from the recipes and a bit of butter.  Again get it to a BIG rolling boil for 1 minute.  We then moved it to our table to make it easier.  

My friend, Jamie, gave me directions on canning without a canner.  Here is what she said "We did not do the Water bath any longer when we make jelly. Follow the recipe on the Sure-Jell package for sugar lemon juice pectin and berries bring to a boil skim off the foam. Keep jars hot in oven set at 200°. Pour hot jelly, into hot jars. Sanitize lids, dry, put on jars, put on rings, tighten, flip upside down on towel. Leave set for 15-20 minutes. Flip over and check for the seal by pressing on center of the lid. NO NEED FOR COLD PACKING"

So here is what we did!  Hot jelly on the table on a towel still in the pot...jars in the oven on a cookie sheet...lids in a deep skillet in boiling water.  I grabbed a hot jar out of the oven carefully.  Handed that to my husband at the table. He added the jelly.  While he did this, I got the seal part out and DRIED (it is the flat part of the lid).  Handed it off then I went back for the ring and dried it off.  He put on the seal and lid then flipped them over. 
Repeat....

Here are the cute little jars!

YUM!

Tips that we learned.  Fill the jars fuller than you think.  Okay - I am corrected - you have to lead some "head" space.  There is a "neck" on the jars to fill up to.  I think that we guessed about right! 
Two adults working together worked well.  Any that don't seal, you put those in the refrigerator first and use them up!  Mine all seemed to have sealed!!!

So hopefully, I inspired you to try a new recipe or process.  It seems to have worked! Even my non-jelly liking husband tried a bit.  

Updates:

My grandmother made jelly with me when I was 5....I wish that I had a memory or a picture of this experience!

Plus I noticed that it was time to start the process over again - back to picking!  I decided to not just freeze a mess but actually process after picking.  I am up two out of the need three pounds already and the trees are super full of more berries.  You want berries to be closer to a deep purple than a light green!

Some of them off the branch!

Clipped off tree

Project Fun!?!

It is  July and summer is half over!

Ha ha...I started this post a month ago.  Now August is coming to a close.  Summer is almost over, but I can say that I stretched my comfort zone.  My husband will be thankful for the end of my projects.  It was kind of like Phineas and Ferb every day.  I still think their summer adventures might be more "fun"!  My children helped as you will see below.

Look for STEAM posts soon!


Here are the top 3 that you might find of interest:

1. We cleaned out a overgrown scrappy patch to create a garden.  This was heavy and messy, but we do have a small garden growing.  Beans and tomatoes are doing best!

The "before" picture of the garden 

Just planted in June...look for a current picture soon

2. Build a bench from the blocks from the garden project.  Thanks Pinterest for ideas.

Cleaning the blocks before my 7 year old got the power washer out!

Scraping off moss, mud, and more!

Bella sealed the boards with a clear coat.

The bench!

The beautiful backyard 

3. Barn demolition - well more of a cosmetic face lift before construction begins. There is a great old horse barn that we hope to turn into a meaningful space eventually.  This was a huge project including filling an 11 yard dumpster with debris and old build material and animal feces.
We did salvage an amazing picnic table in the process.

Barn condition 

All cleaned up

Loved eating dinner, visiting family and friends here, and watching my children explore.

THE BARN

Removing old paneling and styrofoam "insulation".

The ugly ceiling that needed ripped down.

These are the sheets that were on the ceiling then covered in white tiles seen here.

The ceiling is solid, dry, and, beautiful without the ugly tiles!

Attic was next

Digging through history!

Found on 7-8-19

We can see potential now!

Mostly cleaned out

The 11 yard dumpster

Epic box burn pile