The Jesse Tree–Day Four
Today we read about Abraham and Sarah, (or to me more particular, Abram and Sarai, as they were called in the Bible reading, before their names were changed), packing up and leaving for Canaan at God’s command. This was a good chance to talk about Abraham being the start of the Israelite people, even though it would be his grandson that would actually bear the name Israel. We also talked a bit about the similarities between Abraham setting off for the unknown land of Canaan, and the Israelites leaving Egypt with almost as much uncertainty to go back there, (that discussion will continue in a few days when we learn about Moses and Joshua).
The camel on the ornament did cause a bit of confusion initially, because the children’s assumption was that we would be learning about the Magi. Once I explained Abraham’s caravan, however, they understood why such a beast would be necessary!
1,000
Exactly one year ago today, on November 30, 2010, after almost three years of somewhat sporadic blogging, I published my 500th blog post.
Apparently, in the last year, I’ve had a lot more to say, because today marks my 1,000th blog entry. Yes, that’s 500 posts in one year’s time, the same amount I had previously written in almost three years!
Ironically, my very first blog past, way back in January 2008, had a similar topic to my most-read blog post of all-time. I don’t know, maybe that just means I can’t come up with anything new to write about! Or I’m just incredibly single-minded–maybe I should work on broadening my horizons…
At any rate, I hope that I’ve shared some helpful information over the years, (and especially in the last year). I’ve tried to share a lot of homeschooling ideas, to provide inspiration and encouragement for those who are interested. I’ve also shared a lot of our daily lives, for pretty much the same reasons. I hope I’ll continue to have new ideas and stories to share, and maybe provide people with a laugh at some of our misadventures, if nothing else!
The Jesse Tree–Day Three
In today’s reading, we learned about Noah. We talked about the sad state the world was in, and how God saved faithful Noah and his family, (along with the animals), from the flood. We also discussed the covenant God made with Noah after the flood, and how the rainbow will always be a symbol of that covenant.
The Jesse Tree–Day Two
Today’s reading focused on Adam and Eve, and the Fall. What better way to preface the coming of Jesus, than talking about why He needed to come in the first place?
Still a Girl!
Today I had a follow-up ultrasound, because they couldn’t get a good look at Chickadee’s heart last time. I had the tech double-check and make sure we’re really having a girl–not because I thought anything had changed, but because I’m always paranoid that there was some kind of mistake, especially once we start buying baby things.
I’m happy to report that she is “still” a girl, and everything looks great! She already weighs almost a pound and a half, and every time we see her, she has a tiny hand up by her face. We’ve never actually seen her sucking her thumb in utero, but I’m wondering if that’s what she’s been up to.
After the somewhat rocky start this pregnancy got off to, I’m just happy that everything is just the way it’s supposed to be!
The Jesse Tree–Day One
The children were very excited to start our Jesse Tree today. I got a small, pre-lit Christmas tree on clearance last year, so instead of sticking the ornaments to a poster board tree on the wall, we get to actually hang them up. For some reason, this makes it an even more exciting activity!
Today’s reading started at the very beginning–literally. We read the account of the sixth day of creation, and talked about how Jesus was present even then. In the coming days, the readings will focus mostly on people, starting with Adam and Eve, and ending with Jesus Himself.
This is still a relatively new tradition for our family, but it’s one I hope we’ll be enjoying for many years to come!
Hymn of the Day
Savior of the nations come,
Virgin’s Son, make here Your home!
Marvel now, O heav’n and earth,
That the Lord chose such a birth.Not by human flesh and blood,
By the Spirit of our God,
Was the Word of God made flesh–
Woman’s offspring, pure and fresh.Here a maid was found with child,
Yet remained a virgin mild,
In her womb this truth was shown,
God was there upon His throne.Then stepped forth the Lord of all
From His pure and kingly hall;
God of God, yet fully man,
His heroic course began.God the Father was His source,
Back to God He ran His course.
Into hell His road went down,
Back then to His throne and crown.For You are the Father’ Son
Who in flesh the vict’ry won.
By Your mighty pow’r make whole
All our ills of flesh and soul.From the manger newborn light
Shines in glory through the night.
Darkness there no more resides;
In this light faith now abides.Glory to the Father sing,
Glory to the Son, our king,
Glory to the Spirit be
Now and through eternity. Lutheran Service Book # 332
A Stroll Down Main Street
Last night, we went to the town tree lighting, and, as always, I loved walking up and down Main Street, looking in all the store windows. Between the gingerbread houses and the store decorations, everything was beautiful and festive. It makes me happy to live here!
The Leftovers
Of course, no Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without meals carefully planned for the leftovers in the following days. Here’s a list of what we’ll be having, (in addition to the requisite turkey-on-Rye bread sandwiches!):
- Turkey Soup
- Turkey Curry
- Turkey and Stuffing Casserole with Stir-Fry Vegetables
- Pioneer Woman’s Turkey Tetrazzini
- Pioneer Woman’s Turkey Pot Pie
- Southwestern Turkey Soup
These dinners are almost as exciting as the big meal itself!
Quote of the Day
“What is with everyone today? It’s Thanksgiving not truth day!” David Schwimmer as Ross Geller on Friends (“The One Where Ross Got High”)
