Historical Fiction Review: Where Treetops Glisten

Sometimes I like a light, fun story.   



Where Treetops Glisten, 3 stories by 3 authors about the same family during World War II, is a collection of heartwarming stories.  The first story, White Christmas, introduces the family through the daughter, Abigail.  Although the story is interesting, the conflict in the story isn't always believable.  

The second story, I'll Be Home for Christmas, was my favorite of the three stories. 

Family Favorites Friday: Roasted Brussels Sprouts (and other veggies)

Brussels sprouts get a bad rap.  People think they don't like them.  I think they just don't prepare them properly.

A high school friend asked on facebook  how to cook brussels sprouts.  This recipe is for her (and you, because you need to know).

It's really very easy, so I have prepared you a photo essay:

Start with a package of washed, ready to use brussels; trim and cut in half; toss with a tablespoon or two of olive oil; add salt and pepper and/or other seasonings you like.  Garlic is good, or cayenne pepper, or whatever.

 

After tossing them with seasonings, put in single layer on baking pan (I use stoneware).  Bake at 400 degrees about 25 minutes, stir after 12 minutes.  (I roasted some peeled, cubed sweet potato on the same pan.).  Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.  Enjoy!

 

Yum!   We love these!

You can use this same method with many different vegetables:  asparagus, broccoli, potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage (cut in thick slices), green beans,onions, squash, whole okra- just about any veggie.  Change your seasonings to make it different.  Try Italian seasoning, chili powder, thyme, or your favorite seasoning.  I have used cinnamon and nutmeg on sweet potatoes.  Get creative.

What are you waiting for?  Go roast some veggies and let me know how you like them. 

What are your favorite veggies to roast and how do you season them?

Look at This Loan

"Tell your mom friends who are still homeschooling about that."

Such was the advice I received from a friend as we were discussing college and how our students are paying for it.

She was telling me about the Texas Be On Time Loan (or BOT).  How had I missed this no interest loan that would be forgiven if a student graduates in 4 years and maintains at least a 3.0 GPA? 

I probably discounted it due to the nature of its name:  loan.  We prefer our students not need to take a loan for undergrad.  However, this loan intrigued me.

What my friend Melanie wants you to know, however, is that this loan requires students to have completed a "Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program - Advanced High School Program or its equivalent."

Can I Write a Letter of Recommendation to Colleges for My Student??

 

Part of the college application process involves asking for letters of recommendation from school counselors, teachers, and other people who know the student well.

Homeschool students often run into the problem of who to ask for a letter of recommendation.  If students have been involved in co-op classes, dual credit classes, music lessons, or community service, they should have plenty of choices for letters of recommendation.

Can you, the parent/teacher/counselor write a letter of recommendation for your own child? 

Family Favorites Friday: Banana Wedding Cake

My second oldest got married in January.  She made her own cakes and did a fabulous job!  Not wanting the traditional white cake (who really likes white cake, anyway?), she made a tiered banana cake and two mexican chocolate cakes.

The cake in the middle is the Marvelous Banana Cake

College Applications: Now We Wait

Even though I have been silent lately on my son's college application process, it doesn't mean he hasn't been busy.

He has applied to:

Welcome to the Real World, Part 6 (final)

This class was taught during 10 class sessions at our local co-op.  I have combined some of the weeks into this 6 week blog series.  The tenth class period was spent making display boards to display during our afternoon of enrichment.

Last week, students were required to find a home they could afford to buy and research a little about home loans.

Some of the students learned that they didn't have enough savings for a down payment or didn't have enough income to afford to buy a house, yet.

In class, we discussed types of loans and some decisions that need to be made when purchasing a home.

Some of the in class teaching included: