Quiverfull Family

Sticky Post

Quiver Mamma — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:10:53 +0000

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Don’t forget to enter our current contest for a copy of SpellQuizzer’s spelling software. Contest closes July 12/09.

E-Book Review: Costumes with Character by Amy Puetz

Quiver Mamma — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:51:38 +0000

Homeschooling families with daughters of all ages, take note! Amy Puetz has written the quintessential dress-up guide for girls – Costumes With Character - who want to add a multi-dimensional, living element to their study of history. Through the use of a simple dress as a base (pattern not included, suggested resources listed in appendix), Puetz has developed a huge selection of patterns for accessories, head-coverings, and removable clothing pieces to use along with the basic dress to recreate historical costumes from eleven time periods.

Covering Christian apparel from the Pilgrims through to the turn of the 20^th century, Puetz’s patterns are simple enough to encourage even a bumbling seamstress such as myself to turn my hand to them. The patterns as written are designed to fit sixteen-year-olds, but a mathematical formula and variances are provided to alter the patterns to fit girls from four on up. The patterns themselves must be enlarged before using them, as only reduced versions are included in the text. For me, this does seem a bit daunting (but I’m an extraordinarily inexperienced sewer), but the patterns are so simple, but look so impressive when assembled together in an ensemble that it’s impossible to resist their appeal. The patterns themselves are clearly organized and are easy to understand.

The outfits Puetz plans are always modest, historically accurate and fun. Many of the pieces are versatile and are called into use in multiple time periods as appropriate. Purses, hats, fans, and parasols are included in several costume arrangements for example, decreasing the number of pieces necessary to build an entire historical wardrobe. The use of a simple dress with add-ons is also an incredibly economical solution to acquiring historical costumes, eliminating the need to purchase or make several complete outfits.

To effectively convey what a gem Costumes With Character is, let me share a few examples of how Puetz’s plan works. In the Civil War time period, the basic dress is paired with the following accessories: collar, hoopskirt, handkerchief, parasol and bow that you will need to sew from the provided patterns. A bonnet, fan, and handbag from other time periods are also called into service once again. Complete instructions are given for wearing and assembling the costumes, just in case you’re not entirely sure what to do with that hoop skirt you’ve just made. Other periods are simpler, such as the Puritan, which includes only a: collar, apron, cuffs, and a lawn cap (head covering).

Puetz’s passion for history is evident throughout with history trivia quizzes, quotes from primary source documents, and scripture verses that loosely embody the period. Suggestions for planning a tea party are also included along with patterns for fabric invitations, snack ideas, etc. Colourful photographs are included throughout, both of young women displaying the assembled costumes, and of other bright, inspiring images. Some of the images are somewhat pixilated, but in general the layout and quality of the book are highly professional.

Costumes With Character can be used as an ideal, hands-on supplement to enliven existing history studies, pull together home-economics and history, or serve as an outline for a course of study. Puetz’s list of books and movies (with an emphasis on primary sources and living books) in the recommended resources section could easily serve as a jumping off point into a unit study covering the included time periods. However family’s choose to use this wonderful resource, it’s sure to inspire as history is brought to life.

Costumes With Character is available for download through Amy Puetz’s website, CurrClick, or The Old Schoolhouse Store.

Dog Shampoo

Quiver Mamma — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:02:49 +0000

We own a big, hairy, outdoor brute of a dog. How about you? Is your dog itching, scratching and stinking beyond belief? Ours isn’t too stinky, but he sure is dirty, and itchy.

I’ve just heard of an all natural dog shampoo from Dinovite that looks absolutely wonderful! It really is incredibly natural - as folks with a background in organic farming we’ve seen a lot of ‘natural’ products that are anything but that, but this ingredient list is fabulous. Among it’s many virtues, the shampoo claims to remove skunk odor in one bath with their authentic essential oils (no more tomato juice!), and they have a formulation designed to eliminate fleas with the inclusion of carefully blended therapeutic grade essential oils!

Carefully designed to lather well, rinse out easily, impart a lovely natural scent to your pooch, and agree with the skin of sensitive puppies, I can’t think of a more promising product for dogs. An unscented version is also available for those who prefer no odor - though this shampoo doesn’t remove skunk odor. Lavender, peppermint/tea tree, and essential oil blend are the other scents available with both peppermint/tea tree and the essential oil blend offering natural flea and tick protection. I know that tea tree oil is great for lice on humans, so I imagine these formulations are fairly effective.

Dirty, stinky puppies with dry skin - watch out, Dinovite’s got your number.

New Plan for Family Devotions

Quiver Mamma — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:44:44 +0000

Larry likes to mix things up a bit with our family devotions, and we’re changing things up again! It’s a very exciting transition though, and very homeschooly - if there’s such a word! We’ve read through all of Genesis and Exodus over the past half-year, dug around in a story bible, drawn lots of pictures, and now we’re going to start again in the creation week with 106 Days of Creation Studies from Simply Charlotte Mason. I recently reviewed this title at Eclectic Homeschool Online here. We are all going through it together, and are looking forward to studying science through the scriptures (once I assemble some materials of course).

Needing Support?

Quiver Mamma — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:06:27 +0000

With communications becoming increasingly prevalent, many individuals rely solely upon the internet for their current events listings (myself included). New services are popping up all the time online to facilitate effective communication of current events, gatherings, and so much more of course.

InTheRooms Meetings has an easy to navigate and incredibly comprehensive listing of recovery support groups, the most comprehensive service I’ve seen of this kind. Their current listings include meetings for Overeaters Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Gamblers Anonymous. Unlike many directories, the site includes state by state listings in the U.S., provincial listings for Canada, and a wide variety of international listings by country. The listings are then further broken down by city. The clean, clear Wiki-style site is incredibly easy to use and navigate. It’s easy to see why this is one of the top recovery sites currently on the internet. Members in recovery groups can log-in and add or edit listings for their group’s meetings resulting in accurate, up-to-date listings for these organizations.

The associated free support community, InTheRooms, allows participants users to join discussions, and participate in the person-to-person support available through the online community. Their total member recovery time is 112,987 years, so if you could use a bit more accountability and sharing time, check it out.

Pic(k) of the Day: In the Morning

Quiver Mamma — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:01:16 +0000

Here we all are! Larry is SO outnumbered! Four to one :). This is the female majority of the family in the morning. Yawn - I’m not at my best in the a.m. - it takes me a few hours to get going!

Watch Out Little Laptop…

Quiver Mamma — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:10:52 +0000

…here comes baby! You know how children learn through modelling? Well, when my little girls see mamma on the computer, they think that they should be able to type and click and mouse and…you get the idea. Unfortunately our youngest at one year, is still largely lacking in impulse control and fine motor skills. Sadly my laptop has hit the ground a couple of times due to her fascination with pulling its cords! While I’m diligently working to teach her NOT to touch the computer, I do feel a bit nervous about its continued health and well-being. We have an extended warranty, but I’m hoping we won’t be needing a powerbook repair anytime soon!

Contest: SpellQuizzer Spelling Software (Free Trial Available)

Quiver Mamma — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:00:44 +0000

SpellQuizzer is an easy to use software program for computers running Windows that allows parents and teachers to create their own customized spelling lists for automated practice on the computer. While we have a Mac, and can’t use the program - I know from experience in other subjects that my six-year-old is always eager and anxious to practice her skills if she can do it on the computer. Working on the computer always equals fun to her, regardless of the subject and I know many other children feel the same!

With spelling such a difficult subject for many children, an independent method for review might be just the thing your children need. I still recommend a comprehensive spelling program that teaches intensive phonics through parent/teacher involvement, but supplementary educational resources for review and further instruction are always helpful!

SpellQuizzer features an easy to use interface that allows parents and teachers to design customized spelling lists to target the needs of their students. The program even features audio recording so that the spelling words are read to your student along with an example of contest in your own voice! An extensive list of videos and clear screen shots are available to see how the straight-forward software works.

Interested in taking it for a spin? You can download the full version of the program for a 30 day free trial and see what you think! Then if you’re interested in purchasing the program, the cost is $29.95 for a downloaded version, and you can add another $7.50 if you’d like the software on a CD.

Thanks to SpellQuizzer I have one (1) free downloadable license to give away to a blessed winner!

CONTEST DETAILS:

To enter visit SpellQuizzer and leave a comment letting me know how you feel this program would add to your educational program!

For additional entries:

1. Subscribe to this blog for updates - see the left hand sidebar. Leave an additional comment letting me know you’ve subscribed (or if you already subscribe).

2. Write a post on your blog promoting and linking to this contest. Leave an additional comment with a link to your post.

3. Add the Quiverfull Family button (see the code box in the right hand sidebar under BUTTON UP!) to your blog’s sidebar, or let me know if you already have the button displayed. Leave an additional comment with a link to your post.

4. Digg, Stumble or otherwise share this post on a social networking site. Leave an additional comment indicating how you shared this post.

5. Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/quivermamma or let me know if you are an existing follower.

Each additional step taken counts for 1 additional entry. A total of 6 entries are available if you complete all of these steps.

The contest will close at 12 a.m. MST on Saturday, July 11th, 2009. One winner will be randomly drawn for the software on Sunday, July 12th, 2009 and notified by email. Please fill your email address in the comment form when you are completing your comment so that I can contact you. The winners must respond with a mailing address within 72 hours of my email, or new winners will be chosen. This contest is open worldwide.

I look forward to seeing God bless a reader with this software. Thanks for entering!

A Famous Brand Amongst Farmers

Quiver Mamma — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:33:15 +0000

If you live in the country, chances are you’ve heard of carhartt clothing. You’ll find their overalls and work duds at pretty much any local store that caters to farmers. Their clothes can also be found online at Hanks Clothing, which has been selling outdoor wear since 1949. Carhartt themselves have been around for even longer - 120 years - no wonder rural dwellers are so familiar with the brand. Not only do they offer the classic brown work overalls, but they have jeans, shirts, shorts, vests, socks, and more. I think I’ve even seen their clothing for sale in the big hardware stories in the city - even construction workers are impressed by the durability of the clothing. As an industry standard, I imagine we won’t be seeing their clothing disappearing from store offerings any time soon.

Happy Canada Day!

Quiver Mamma — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:25:36 +0000

For over a decade the UN ranked Canada as the world’s best country to live in. I think we’re currently fourth on the list, but I wouldn’t live anywhere else (unless God led our family there, of course).

We’re blessed with a universal health care system, benevolent democratic government, freedom to homeschool, freedom to homebirth, freedom to work for ourselves, and most importantly - freedom to follow Jesus.

Canada is now 142 years old as of yesterday - a very young country, but one where Christians can live peaceably and openly practice our faith. I pray our country remains safe and free for many years to come - God keep our land glorious and free!