Read Aloud: The Boxcar Children and Boxcar Craft

Last year we saw The Boxcar Children movie a few times on Netflix. I hadn't heard of it before nor the books, but I quickly fell in love with the story of the four Alden children: Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. Since my kids have enjoyed the story so much, I promised them I would read them the book. Normally, I would prefer to show them the movie after reading the book, but even though it's the other way around this time, I have been able to see a few or perhaps one main benefit from doing it this way this time.  My kids have been noticing that certain events happen at different times in different chapters rather than in one scene like in the movie. In other words, they have been noticing that movies are adapted in order to try to get the most in while a book is more descriptive.

Personally, that's one of the things I like most about reading fiction. Writers have a way to convey ideas and describe settings, people, and events in a such a way that one is able to imagine it through their writing.

Since I began homeschooling, I'm usually looking for books to read to the kids and also to plan units/themes around them. The Boxcar Children is one of those books that makes it to pretty much every reading list I've seen on Pinterest and many homeschooling groups. We have read other books in the past like Stuart Little, Dolphin Adventure, and Charlotte's Webb before among other titles, but this one...has been fun and engaging to the point that each of my kids has picked a character. My oldest daughter is Jessie, my oldest boy is Henry, my youngest boy is Benny, and I get to be Violet.

Let me just briefly say how much my son has liked being Henry.  He really likes to act out Henry's lines from the book, which is shaping a sense of work, dedication, cooperation, and responsibility in him. My daughter who gets to be Jessie is excited because she gets to be in charge of the cooking (deciding the snack - which correlates to what's on the book), already a favorite pastime for here.    And my Benny, well, he is glad he gets to be Benny. :-)

We usually read in the mornings, other times we read in the evenings. Whenever it happens, I try to plan ahead with a snack or a time of the day that will coincide with the text. For example, one evening I read to them at dinner and guess what, the chapter happened to be taking place at dinner time as well. Their faces were full of smiles when we read that line on chapter 6. Another time, the kids made a pretend boxcar in the living room with chairs and blankets, where we ate bread there like the Alden kids. Another time, we decided to make one we could keep and look at while we read.

Materials to make the boxcar:

box,
bottle caps,
ink pad,
cardstock paper
tape
hot glue or glue of choice

Directions:

The very first activity was to make a boxcar. We used red cardstock paper which we distressed it with ink. Simply use cotton or pom-poms with ink and run it on the paper. We did this so we could make the paper look old. Then we used the paper and wrapped a box with it. Since we just celebrated Christmas, my wrapping skills were still pretty fresh. lol.  Then for the wheels we used plastic caps and hot glued them on the bottom.

Then we added the wheels with the plastic caps. 

The final product. 

We just found some more cardboard that we need to paint to make the grass and the brook. I'll post another picture when we complete it. 

What are you currently reading aloud? Let me know in the comments. If you are reading the Boxcar series, let me know what book you are in and what kind of activities you are doing.  I look forward to reading your comments. 

~ Fabi 

From Amazon (affiliate): 

The Boxcar Children (The Boxcar Children, No. 1) (Boxcar Children Mysteries)

Also available in Spanish: 

Los chicos del vagón de carga (Spanish Edition)

The prequel has been published by Patricia MachLachlan (author of Sarah, Plain, and Tall). 

The series book 1-12

DaySpring Sale - This Weekend

As a DaySpring affiliate, I have the priviledge to let you in on DaySpring sales before they are officially announced. There are many good things happening  this weekend! Great sales and great discounts.

1. Everlasting Light - Star Cluster Necklace - $50.00 -- Currently at $25 on sale at 50% off today until supplies last.  (Just got word they are getting really low on these. Get yours right away!)
from: DaySpring Cards Inc

Everlasting Light - Layered Shimmer Necklace

2. Everlasting Light - Stacked Ring Set - $36.00 -- Currently at $15 on sale at 50% off today until supplies last.
from: DaySpring Cards Inc 

Everlasting Light - Stacked Ring Set

Also, there is a 40% off coupon code available to use through Monday, Nov. 16 (2015). 
Code: 40DAYS

This sale includes the Nativity Hurricanes, the God's Heart for You Necklace (one of our most popular), and even the Ann Voskamp Greatest Gift Sculpted Ornaments!!! For more products, check here. 


Enjoy!

Fabi 

Crochet Books Wish List

I've been browsing crochet books to check out at the library with the intention of getting acquainted with the material to decide whether is one I want to add to my library. I mainly looked for books that would help me create more interesting designs for pillow covers, blankets, afghans, and accessories like hats. Everyone loves a crochet hat, right?

Some of these titles have been recommended through other fellow bloggers and others I've discovered through IG. There are so many more titles available, however, the following 8 have really stuck with me. Hope you find something useful.

Let me know in the comments what crochet books you like so I can look them up too.

(This post contains affiliate links.)

1. 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws, and Afghans: Crochet Squares to Mix and Match

2. Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs: 144 circles, hexagons, triangles, squares, and other unexpected shapes

3.  The Granny Square Book: Timeless Techniques and Fresh Ideas for Crocheting Square by Square

4.  The Big Book of Granny Squares: 365 Crochet Motifs

5. Mollie Makes Crochet: 20+ Cute Projects for the Home Plus Handy Tips and Tricks

6. Granny Squares: 20 Crochet Projects With a Vintage Vibe

7.  Cold Weather Crochet: 21 Cozy Garments, Accessories, and Afghans to Keep You Warm 

                                                              

8. Crochet Boutique: 30 Simple, Stylish Hats, Bags & Accessories

                                                               

Happy Crocheting!

~ Fabi

Crochet Stars for Ornaments in Two Rounds

Christmas is around the corner, ho ho ho! I am just too excited for all the pretty decorations, all the red, all the cheer, the joy, the christmas tree, the lights, and the music. And holiday baking! can't forget that! Last year I made Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer (free pattern), this year I'm focusing on stars. We want to remember that the Wise Men followed a star that led them to Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12).

To make the stars from the picture you'll need:

Cotton Yarn such as Lion Brand Yarn 831-106 Kitchen Cotton Yarn, Blueberry

Size G hook - I use Clover 1045/G Purple Amour Crochet Hook, Size G, 4.0mm

Ribbon of your choice to tie and hang 

Needle to weave the ends such as Susan Bates Needles Bent Tip Steel #13 & #16 

The beauty of this pattern is that it only takes two rounds to complete the star.  

Begin with with a magic ring and tighten it after completing the first round. 

The pattern uses the following stitches:

P.A. = Punto Alto  = Double Crochet

P. Deslizado = Slipt Stitch

P.A.D = Punto Alto Doble = Triple Double Crochet

The excitement has been so much this year that I started making these stars for the Christmas tree back in September.  I have made several of them and I have to thank Ahuyama Crochet for the free pattern. It's in Spanish, but it's very easy to follow. Follow the information above to make the stars. 

Experiment with a larger hook to make bigger stars for a banner. 

What kind of ornaments are you crocheting? Let me know in the comments! 

Happy Crocheting!

~ Fabi

Crochet Multiples

Many times while browsing for a crochet stitch or pattern, you will notice it tells you to chain a multiple of X number. You will need the correct multiple to avoid having to frog your work (learn more Crochet Slang) because of chaining too few or too many.

A 'multiple' is the number you get as a result (or your answer) when dividing by a given number.


In other words, a 'multiple' is a number you get after the ‘ = ’ sign in the table of multiplication.


The good news is that crochet patterns are very specific. It will clearly say what multiple is needed in order to complete the stitch for the pattern.

Let's say, I want to make a really wide blanket where the instructions tell me to chain a multiple of 12. Then I would either think of what are the multiples of 12 or look up the handy table below and pick depending on the length of the chain desired.

12 x 1 =  12

12 x 2 =  24

12 x 3 =  36

12 x 4 =  48

12 x 5 =  60

12 x 6 = 72

12 x 7 =  84

12 x 8 =  96

12 x 9 =  108

12 x 10 = 120

12 x 11 = 132

12 x 12 = 144

Let’s say, I need a chain that will be long enough for a blanket and it needs to be a multiple of 12. I might pick 108. Okay, so 108 is a multiple of 12, like the directions of the pattern told me. I will chain 108.

Often times, it will also say, “chain a multiple of 12 (in this case) + 2.

That means I will chain 108, 2 more chains which will equal a total of 110 chains.

Hope this has been helpful to you. Let me know in the comments if it makes sense. Looking forward to hearing from you!

~ Fabi 




  

                                             

                                                        

Time for Tea

(This post contains affiliate links.) 

Tea time is one of the most relaxing times of the day or night when I get to just sit down with my mug and enjoy some quiet. My mug sets the tone for the kind of tea time I am having, ya know, whether it is for some fun, to relax, or to sit down and pray or have a devotional. My friend, that's the reason I have quite a collection of mugs. Do you collect mugs?

If I can't have tea at home, I make sure to take my tea bag with me in tea bag holder - get the free crochet pattern - so I can share some tea with a friend while out on a play date. Tea is better when shared, right?

I plan on expanding my collection with one of the 39 mugs available through DaySpring that are currently on sale for $5 (today only). I have several people in mind whom I know would like to have a new mug or perhaps you know a teacher or a good friend who could use one of these.

I'm especially fond of these mugs because of the uplifting message printed on each one. I'm going to showcase a few here:

There's a mug for everyone, be sure to get yours today and one to share.

Fabi

Lately in my kitchen - Blueberry Scones

It all started when I was pregnant the fourth time and all I wanted to eat were scones.

An insatiable desire to eat scones.

I was really overdue, so after my last few appointments, I stopped by the local bakery to pick up a scone to sweeten up my day.

Thought it would end once the baby was born.

Yet, even though I had the baby at 41 weeks and 5 days...

...scones were still at the top of my list.


...And still are!



(This post contains affiliate links)

One afternoon while the baby was napping, the older kids and I got in the kitchen and decided to try a blueberry scone recipe by Sally's Baking Addiction.

The list of ingredients is fairly simple, you probably have most things: flour,  frozen butter, cream, sugar,  baking powder, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and blueberries (strawberries, raspberries).



Something interesting about the recipe and other ones I have looked at is that scones only use baking powder, no baking soda.  Why?  Scones are meant to be puffy pastries/cakes. We don't want them to spread, just to puff up.

Her recipe is very thorough, great for a newbie like me.  In making scones we learned how to make homemade buttermilk (milk + cream). We also learned to put the butter in the freezer and then grate it right before adding it in.

Once the batter is ready, give them the desired shape. I like the triangles.  You can put the dough in a pie pan and then cut them out OR you can also use a shaped pan which will work great for scones or even cornbread. I'm considering getting one of these scones pan in the future to save me time.

Scones Pan - affiliate link 

All ready to bake!

Bake them at 400 degrees for about 22 minutes. 

The kitchen smells so good when I bake these yummy, super yummy, scones. You will love them too!

Have you made scones before? What kind? 

Enjoy!