Thanksgiving

We're backing up to some Thanksgiving photos. 

 

We celebrated with my parents and sister the Sunday before Thanksgiving. 

In typical "Grandma Boat" fashion, my mom made us some potholders.  But these are definitely NOT Grandma's potholders.  A cute snowman potholder for our wintertime table. My Grandma made A LOT of potholders and we were given them for every Christmas from the time we were a teenager.  My cedar chest has a stack of them in it.  This snowman potholder is pretty cool.

"Do you want to build a snowman?"  Yes, they do!  Eden, Alyssa and Eliza had fun making their snowman.

Snow angel.

A cousin picture for Grandma's Christmas card.

And a game of Ticket to Ride.

 

We spent Thanksgiving Day with Seth's family and played games as well.  I must have neglected to take a photo, though :(

 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our "coop" to yours! 

We wish you the presence of God and the present of Jesus!

 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:11

4-H Awards

I am way behind in posting, but that's life.  Here we go, trying to get caught back up. 

 

4-H Awards Program in mid-November

 

Ephraim received several project awards:  Citizenship, Communications, Veterinary Science, and Other Ag/Natural Resources.  They have to have their record book completed in these areas and interview with a club leader to get these awards.  There is a limit of 4 that can be awarded. 

He received the Outstanding Junior Ag & Natural Resources Award.  You have to submit a record book and be interviewed by a panel of 3 or 4 adults for this award.

Emmet, on the right, has completed Clover Kids and received a certificate.

Ephraim was nominated for the Make A Difference Award and received it, along with several others.  This award is in recognition of excellence in trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship through involvement in Mahaska County 4-H.  

 

Great job, Ephraim.  All that work on his record book has paid off!

Science Center Trip!

 

We were able to enjoy a trip to the Science Center of Iowa with our homeschool group. 

 

They had some new exhibits from the last time we were there, which was over 2 years ago.  New exhibits keep it fun for the kids as they get older.

This was a geometric climbing gym that the children all enjoyed.

Of course, Eliza can't stay away from the animals.

Eden loved being on stage!

There was a great session for us on "Fire and Ice," complete with an explosion at the end!

Making paper rockets to see how far they can travel.

The hydroelectric station was popular as well.

Meanwhile, Eden was off by herself at the Ball Wall.  There were a few other people at the Center, but we mostly had the place to ourselves!

Emmet, Eden & Eliza made it on the news for 10 seconds, at the end of the newscast.

More green screen fun!

Then we had a great Geology class where we learned about rocks and volcanoes.

Safety goggles were required for the volcanic eruption.  Um, ok.  I didn't know baking soda and vinegar would require goggles, but I suppose they add to the experience!

One last picture before we head for home after a fun-filled morning and afternoon at the Science Center!

Pinterest Party

Our church was hosting a Pinterest Party in November.  We were able to view the possible projects ahead of time and I was excited--and so were the kids!  I was also thinking this would be a great way to get a couple 4-H projects done.

We  had to RSVP and sign up for our projects ahead of time.  The cost was free (sweet deal, if you ask me) and all the supplies were ready for us!

 

Emmet was making an Advent wreath for his first project.  Here he is painting the inside of a jar with glue so it will hold glitter. 

Eliza's first project was a Christmas card holder made from a hymnal. 

Eden and I made an Advent wreath together.  She is also painting with glue so it will hold glitter.

We tied twine around our jars for a rustic look. 

Emmet added Poinsettias to his arrangement. 

Eden and I added evergreen, white flowers and pine cones. 

Ephraim's only project was a Hymnal Christmas Card Holder.  Each page needed folded in, so it took some time.

Emmet and Eliza's second projects were wooden wreaths. 

They had to pick out their wooden pieces and then glue them to a ring. 

Almost finished folding!  The Christmas cards we receive will slip into the fold pages so they can be displayed. 

Eden made a Hymnal Card Holder for her second project. 

Her wreath is finished with a bow and pinecones. 

Eden's two projects:  An Advent Wreath and Hymnal Card Holder.

Eliza with her wreath and Christmas Card Holder. 

Ephraim's Hymnal Christmas Card Holder.

Emmet's wreath and Advent Candle arrangement. 

And I managed to squeeze in some time at the table where we made a Cookie Mix In A Jar, Sweet & Salty Mix, and a Caramel Apple treat!  All great gifts to give away or enjoy within our family!

 

Many thanks to the committee who made it possible for us to make these great projects. 

 We had a great time!