March in the Snow

We got about six inches of snow Tuesday, and the forecast is now predicting 8-9 inches for tonight. There have been several different weather advisories, and I’d venture to say the kids will be sent home from school early. After having the last two days off for snow, the school decided to give it a try today. Conditions aren’t bad at the moment, but if this storm hits earlier than expected, they’ll be on their way home. It looks a little threatening, so I’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice. I have lived here in the Ozarks for … Continue reading

If the Weather outside is frightful…

It is that time of year again. The weather can do some crazy things, and that’s even more true if you live in an area that is prone to drastic weather changes. We actually have days here that may be sunny and a nice, warm 75 degrees but drop more than 40-50 degrees by late that night. That’s a big difference in a 24 hour period! Sometimes, it’s even more extreme. Have you ever had the air conditioning on during the day and the heat running at night? I try to avoid such uses of energy, but there have been … Continue reading

The Snowman Conspiracy (1)

Is a snowman a fun loving holiday icon or a clever conspiracy? You decide. It finally happened, late last night. The kids fell asleep to the sounds of a cracking fire in the fireplace and the last lines “There’s no place like home” from “The Wizard of Oz.” As my husband carried the little ones off to bed, I padded through the house adjusting the thermostat, turning off the lights and cleaning up stray toys. As I headed back into the family room, I spotted something on the stair rail. Just another discarded sock, I thought, and sighed aloud. But … Continue reading

Home Week in Review: November 5 – 11

There are many different “rituals” families engage in throughout different seasons and occasions. For some of us, that first gust of chill wind in the fall brings on the nesting instinct. Mary Ann shared this with us in her Baking Day and Reaching Out to Nature articles. Don’t forget to check out the Home Blog archives for past autumn articles as well to see how other writers feed the need to nest. Or, check out past tips for preparing for the holidays and colder weather. I had to share my favorite ways to welcome cool weather too, and I’d like … Continue reading

What do You like to do when the Cold Winds Blow?

Mary Ann’s Baking Day article inspired me. So much so, that I think I’ll go to her house next time it’s cold! Of course, I’m kidding about showing up on her doorstep, because I’ll be busy at home doing similar things. I too tend to get that “nesting” thing going when the chill winds begin to blow. Do you? I have the urge to bake, like Mary Ann, and I have a couple of other “rituals.” Usually, I make some kind of bread or biscuits, and my kids know they’ll soon be sampling my homemade granola bars. I have to … Continue reading

Homeschooling Resource of the Day: 10/10/07

Welcome to another edition of homeschooling resource of the day. As always, if you see something you want changed, you have something you would like added, or know of something that should be featured please feel free to leave me a comment. Today’s website is By the Fireplace. By the Fireplace is an online library with thousands of books and short stories. As always, please visit this site on your own without your child before you allow them on the site. I would never be able to list this site if I tried to go through and read every book … Continue reading

Block Those Drafts

With the winter winds blowing, heating your home can get expensive. One of the simplest ways to help ease the burden is to block drafts, keeping cold air out and warm air in. Many people will simply place a rolled up towel in front of doors, which works, but there are some other options. You can find some nice draft blockers that coordinate with your décor or you can make your own draft stoppers. Doors aren’t the only issue, however. What about windowsills? You don’t want to stuff towels up by the window, so choose from an assortment of attractive … Continue reading