Little Women Home Companion-December 2002

Little Women Home Companion
December 2002
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2: 4-5
Christmas
People who hire all these things done for them, never know what they lose for
the homeliest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them, and Meg found proof of this,
that everything in her small nest, from the kitchen roller to the silver vase
on her parlour table, was eloquent of home love and tender forethought.
Lousia May Alcott
~*~
A Visit With Marmee
Sharing A Mother's Thoughts
Dear Mothers and Daughters,
The crackling of a warm fire, the scent of cinnamon, orange and spice in the air, a warm cup of cider nearby and my little ones gathered around the fireplace hearth as we read a Christmas story together. These are the kinds of times I wish to create with our children. These are the times I hope for them to remember....our times of togetherness, coziness and lots of love. However I often find myself busy and somewhat impatient as I try to do more than I really can get done in a short amount of time. This Christmas I hope to keep our times filled and focused more on Jesus Christ and the simple joys of homelife. Things such as making gingerbread houses, sledding in the snow, playing games, enjoying the old-fashioned Christmas movies, popping popcorn and roasting marshmallows over a campfire with warm mugs of hot chocolate and sharing the Word of God together will be our focus. I hope our children will remember and cherish these times and enjoy such times in their own families someday.
May you all find peace and joy in our Lord Jesus Christ this Christmas.
Christmas Blessings,
Jenny
This issue contains many links on the web.
Please use caution when visiting these links.
We have been only to the suggested links
and have not visited the rest of these websites!
A Special Note
Many of you may find this time of the year
difficult due to the loss of a loved one.
There is a message just for you at the very end of this newsletter.
~*~
Poetry Thyme
And Blessed is she that believed:
for there shall be a performance of those things
which were told her from the Lord.
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for,
behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
Luke 1:45-50
Christmas Carol
God bless the master of this house,
Likewise the mistress too:
And all the little children
That round the table go.
Love and joy come to you, And to you your wassail too,
And God bless you and send you
A happy New Year.
~*~
Little Women Companion
Chapter 5Meg was sitting in the parlour reading. Jo kept going outside. I think it was because she
wanted to get Laurie's attention. She finally got it! She went to his grandfather's house and explored the mansion. She even saw the scary grandfather who was not so scary after all.
Dictation by Caiti
Edited by Mommy
~*~
Tea Thyme
Apple Cider Mix
I love those packages of cider spice that you
can get at the gift type shoppe this time of year.
I have been working on my own version and thought
that you might want to try this one out. It is very spicy.
You can also put this is cellophane bags and make labels to include in your gift baskets.
2/3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2-1 teaspoon orange peel
1/2-1 teaspoon lemon peel
Instructions:
Pour cider spice and one gallon of apple juice or apple cider into a
large pot and simmer for 20 minutes on medium heat.
~*~
The Work Basket
Gingerbread ornament
For a beautiful gingerbread ornament use brown sculpy clay rolled out and then cut with a gingerbread man cookie cutter. Use a small straw to make a hole in the top of his head so you can hang him up. Use red sculpy clay to make buttons for his belly and bake according clay package directions. When it is cool paint on white icing trim on his arms and legs. Paint dots for eyes and glue a pretty bow to his neck. Enjoy!
Gingerbread
We love gingerbread houses and have tried several different ways of making them. We have used graham crackers and icing with little candies and have went as far as purchasing the premade kits (at this point I would recommend these for ease). However this year I found a wonderful link to a website that shows you step by step how to make them. We have not tried this yet. It seems as if the process will take several days but for those of you that are more adventurous you may want to try this.
http://www.epicurious.com/b_ba/b02_class/gingerbread/dough.html
And this is a history of gingerbread:
http://wwwiz.com/issue04/wiz_d04.html
And some gingerbread stationary, gift tags, recipe cards, lists and note cards from
Country Angels Graphics:
http://countryangelsgraphics.com/index.php?cag=printables
~*~
Thimbles and Threads
Teapot Ornament
You will need:
Sculpy white clay
very fine glitter
white glue
sponge paint brush
1/8 inch sage green satin ribbon
1/4 inch sage green satin ribbon
pink satin roses
teapot cookie cutter
hot glue gun and glue
You will need adult help with this craft.
Roll out Sculpy clay with a rolling pin till about 1/8-1/4 inch thick. Cut with a cookie cutter. Make a hole in the top using a small straw and place on a glass baking pan. Follow package label for baking instructions. Let cool and then apply a thin coat of white glue with a sponge brush. Sprinkle with fine glitter. Let dry for several hours. Cut a piece of 1/8 inch ribbon about 10 inches long and knot in one end. Run the unknotted end through the hole on the ornament and then run that through the middle of the ribbon in the back. Pull to make tight around ornament. Cut a piece of 1/4 inch ribbon and tie into a bow. Apply it with a hot glue gun to the top of the ornament. Apply a ribbon rose on top of the bow using a hot glue gun.
Enjoy!
~*~
From Jo's Writing Garret
Dear Mothers and Daughters,
My grandmother had made a lot of crocheted ornaments. We have some of these ornaments. They are so pretty. We hang them on the tree every year. They remind me of her. I am thankful to God that I had a grandmother who loved doing things like crocheting.
Caiti
~*~
Sparrow Post
A letter from Marmee to Father
Dearest,
It seems so long since we have all been together as a family and we all miss you so very much. Your dear little women are trying so hard to be brave for you while you are away. Each one carries their little burdens so gracefully. Jo continues to work for Aunt March. I do believe that they challenge each other in ways that will help them both to grow. Meg has found work watching children and I do not believe that she cares much for the work but I feel it is good preparation for the duties of motherhood that we both hope she will someday enjoy. Amy is studying at home. We have had some concerns with her teacher and decided that she would do well at home with Jo's help. Dear, dear Beth continues to practice her music and bring joy to the lives of sisters and friends. They all bring me so much joy dearest. We wish you peace as you help in this terrible war that has come to our nation. May God bless and keep you.
With love,
~*~
Our Window Seat
Book Reviews
We wanted to include the names of many of our favorite
Christmas books. We suggest that you read
these aloud with your children. As with any book
other than the word of God there will be problems
that you must discuss but we have enjoyed these all very much.
We hope that your family will enjoy these too!
The Bird's Christmas Carol
Kate Douglas Wiggin
This is a very special story of a little girl that through her suffering shares much with her family and friends. It is a bittrersweet type of story and very touching.
An Amish Christmas
Richard Ammon
We like to read about the Amish and have found this beautiful picture
book of their celebrations at Christmas time very enjoyable.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Susan Wojciechowski
I think we read this picture book for the first time
right after the death of my father.
I cries and cried over the change in this man's life.
It is a wonderful story to share with your family.

Jotham's Journey
Arnold Ytreeide
We read this Advent storybook several years ago as a family.
Some of the choices that Jotham makes
are not the right choices but we learn from his mistakes.
We learn about forgiveness and the love of God through his journey.
A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens
This is for your more mature reader. It is a wonderful classic.
I am sure that most everyone knows the story.
I would suggest that Mommy read this one aloud.
The Christmas Doll
Elvira Woodruff
We just read this one this year. A friend let
us borrow it and we liked it so much that
I bought a copy. The best way to describe it is
to say that it is a girl’s version of Oliver Twist with a very happy ending.
You will need to have discussions with your c
hildren about some of the things the girls must face.
I would also suggest that Mommy read this one aloud.
Jenny
~*~
The Rose Garden
Websites that you may enjoy. We may not agree with everything that you find on these pages!
This month I am including links to websites that have many nice
Christmas crafts to make. We hope you will enjoy these as much as we have.
Herb and Botanical Crafts
We especially like the pomanders.
http://www.save-on-crafts.com/florcrafproj.html
Country Cottage Homemade Christmas
http://www.thefamily.com/christmas/
Debbie Mumm
She has some great holiday projects.
http://www.debbiemumm.com/
Easy Dried Apple Crafts
http://www.creativehomemaking.com/articles/102701c.shtml
The Crafter's Attic
http://oldfashionedliving.com/attic.html
Crocheted Snowflake Patterns
http://home.teleport.com/~noelvn/snowflakes/pattern_links.html

~*~
Marmee's Nature Journal
I so much enjoy the little scenes that Thomas Kinkaid paints. I also enjoy those by Linda Nelson Stocks. Both paint old-fashioned homelife landscapes filled with cozy homeplaces and people taking care of their families. One of my favorites by Linda Nelson Stocks is of a church with the lights all glowing inside at Christmas time. There are families doing their activities such as sledding all around the church and one can imagine the people inside praising God. When we travel and pass homes along the way I wonder about the people inside. I wonder about their lives. I also wonder about the other cars filled with people on their way somewhere. Where are they going? What are their lives like? I pray that their lives are filled with the love of God and that they know Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Let us all do all we can to fill those little homes and those cars with the love of Jesus Christ. There are the things that the Little Women did to comfort and help those around them. They took their Christmas meal to a needy family, gave their friendship to a lonely boy and gave their time to an elderly gentleman. Let us all be aware of those around us and ask God to show us how to meet the needs of others.
Jenny
~*~
Till Next Thyme
We hope that you and your family enjoys this very
special time of year with your family and friends.
Merry Christmas
Jenny and Caiti
~*~
Little Women Home Companion is a monthly
newsletter for mothers and daughters.
Copyright 2002-2003 Little Women Home Companion
If you would like to share this newsletter with a friend you must include the entire newsletter (do not copy and paste parts of it). Please also include our address as follows so they can have the opportunity to subscribe.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LittleWomenHomeCompanion
~Blessings~
~*~*~*~
~*~
I know that many of you will find this time of the year bittersweet.
Perhaps, this is your first year without a loved one and you find yourself
hurt and struggling. I want you to know....
actually God wants you to know that He is there.
If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior; then pray to God asking, forgiveness for your sins. Believe and confess that Jesus is God's only son and that He came as a baby born of a virgin to this earth. He was beaten and hung on the cross and died for your sins. He rose from death, victorious over hell and the grave. Invite Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior. If this is hard for you to understand talk with a Christian friend about how to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you are shy about speaking to someone here is a website link that can help:
http://www.momof9splace.com/easyas.html
IF you already know Him, remember His promises. This is the one that I hold as my own:
Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them:
for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee;
he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deuteronomy 31:6
I am certain of this for he has not failed or forsook me.
My father died by his own hand a few days before Christmas a few years ago.
I have never felt so much pain or hurt. The Lord held me in his hands. He gave me peace beyond understanding, He gave me joy for sorrow. It was not an easy time. It was only few years later when my mother also passed away. My Lord is still with me. He careth for me. He will "go with thee;" too. Just ask Him.
May God bless and heal you.
Jenny

Little Women Home Companion-August 2003

Little Women Home Companion

Autumn 2003
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home,
good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2: 4-5
Autumn
~*~
A Visit With Marmee
Sharing A Mother's Thoughts
Somehow autumn always feels like a time of preparation for me. Our days are filled with schoolwork and the usual household maintenance but there are also the fun outdoor trips and campfires. Inside we do little things to began to prepare for Christmas. There are lots of crafts items to be made and planning to be done for purchases need for the season. It is nice to put an extra turkey in the freezer to be pulled out one cold February and roasted till we all are in a festive mood just thinking about the dinner to come. It is a time when we want to gather our families together and hold each member dearly and let them know how much we care for them. I truly hope that each of you are enjoying your family and your home and most of all treasuring your relationship with our Lord.
Jenny
~*~


Poems
November
November is a spinner
Spinning in the mist,
Weaving such a lovely web
Of gold and amethyst.
In among the shadows
She spins till close of day,
The quietly she filds her hands
And put her work away.
Margaret Rose
~*~
Little Women Companion
The P.C. and the P.O.
Just the name of this chapter was so interesting to me. I think every young girl at some point dreams of being a writer. That is just what we find that the young March girls doing on long evenings as the chapter opens.They have each taken the time to write a story or commentary. They have a little newspaper ( The Pickwick Portfolio) that they produce together the name of course being taken from Dickens. Every Saturday evening the girls dress as the men in Dicken's The Pickwick Papers would have. They all come together in the big garret which was their clubroom and share their entires for that week to the newspaper. What fun and what a jolly good joke Jo had when she introduced the idea of letting Laurie join their little group while he was all the time hiding within the room. Of course Laurie's gift of the Post Office for them to share secret notes with one another was greatly welcomed by all. Sometimes I would love to go back and share a few of those playful hours with these almost real fictional characters.
Jenny
~*~
Tea Thyme
There are so many lovely things that we can do to make our tea times cozy and relaxing. One of my favorite is the addition of calming music. The following list is a few of our favorite teatimes selections.
Carolan's Cup
Music of Turlough O'Carolan on the hammered dulicmer by Joemy Wilson Produced by Dargason Music
Winter in New England
Unison Music Produced by Daniel Fulton
Sense and Sensibility (Original Music Soundtrack)
Music by Patrick Doyle
Little Women (Original Music Soundtrack)
Music by Thomas Newman
~*~
The Work Basket
Cloth Pumpkins
These are so sweet. This idea is from a Debbie Mumm's Seasonal Samplers book 2 Autumn and Winter. I will give you the basic idea of how they are done if you do not have access to the book. You will need to cut a fabric circle about 9-10 inches in diameter. For bigger ones just add a few inches to this measurement. Gather the edges with a running stitch. Pull the threads to gather slightly and add some pellet bean bag fill, rice, beans, or flax seed. In your smallest one 1/4 to 1/2 a cup should be enough. add a little polyester fiberfill on top of this. Gather your edges around a short twig and tie. Use a hot glue gun to hold this in place. Bend some wire around a pencil and then cut to the length that you want it. Add this around the twig. I tear a strip of green fabric and tie it around the top to make it look like leaves. Make a whole pumpkin patch to decorate your home with. I think they would make great place card holder for your Thanksgiving table and a nice little take home gift for your guests.
~*~
Thimbles and Threads
Garters For Your Baskets
Recently I noticed little garters for baskets and decided to make some for my own. This is a fairly simple project and would make a great Christmas gift. It also dresses up your baskets for the holiday in a very lovely way. Begin by measuring the outside circumference of your basket and double that number. For example if your basket is 30 inches around you will need a piece of fabric 60 inches long. Just to let you know you may have to use 2 pieces and sew them together to get the length needed. You will need to make the width of the fabric 8 inches wide. Once you have your fabric cut fold it in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and press. Pin the edges together and then sew together the length using an 3/8 inch seam. This will make a long tube. You will need to turn this tube inside out so that the right sides show. Press carefully. Begin sewing 5/8 inch from the edge of the length. Sew another seam 5/8 inches from the seam just made. If you want a ruffle around the top do another 5/8 inch seam from the last seam. Cut 2 peices of elastic that same circumference as your basket plus one inch. Thread these through the top two channels if you do not desire a ruffle and did not make the extra seam or through the second and third channels if you made the extra seam. Secure the elastic on each end as you tread it through. When finished take the two ends of your long tube of fabric and sew them together.
Enjoy
~*~
The Cottage Pantry
Spicy Autumn Beef Stew
I like to put one onion chopped fine and one pound of beef stew meat into my crockpot with one can of chicken broth and cook till falling apart. I take ithe meat out and chop it fine, remove any fat and return it to the pot. I then cut and peel patatoes and cook them on my stovetop until they are just the right texture and then add them to the pot. I use the leftover hot water from the potatoes to defrost a cup of frozen corn, peas and carrots. These are then added to the pot. Now to spice it all up I add three or four beef bouillon cubes, one half a bottle of catsup, and one teaspoon of minced garlic. I also like to add Chef Paul Prudhomme's blackened steak magic and pepper. I usually throw in a little of any spice that happens to "smell" good to me that day. I sometimes will add 2 cups of water and a little cornstarch to get the thickness that I like with my stews. I cook a little longer and then serve. It does not usually last long. I hope your family will enjoy it.
Jenny
~*~
Sparrow Post
As the crisp autumn leaves crunched beneath her feet, Jo March gazed up into the sky. What a beautiful clear sky it was. She had all afternoon to enjoy herself and reflect on her day. Jo had expected to enjoy a wonderful day at home enjoying the autumn air. But to her disappointment, Aunt March had a sniffling cold and had requested for Jo to come and read aloud to her so that it might "calm her nerves." After much criticism about father joining the army, Jo walked out onto the street never wishing to see her aunt again. And now here she was standing in the woods. She sat down to lean upon a decaying log. Moss covered some of the trees. Jo felt herself calming down. She took a small blank book from her big coat pocket and quickly recorded her thoughts about the woods. Thoughts were always important for plays or stories. Words flowed from her mind onto the crisp, cream colored paper. Writing was comforting to Jo. She thought of what marmie might tell her if she told marmie what had happened. "Well," Marmie would say. "Aunt March is a rich old woman who does not have many friends. But it might not be that she wishes to criticize father, she probably does not realize that she is doing it. It might be an old habit of Aunt March. God would not want you to hold grudges against her but to love her as you love yourself." Loving someone as yourself, especially Aunt March would certainly be hard to do. "Dear Lord," Jo prayed. "Please forgive me of holding grudges against my aunt. Help be to love Aunt March as myself and more. Amen." And with the Lord's help Jo began to love Aunt March more than herself
Caiti
~*~
Our Window Seat
Book Reviews
I love sweet little books and thisis one that I think both mothers and daughters will enjoy. Let's Have Tea Together text by Paul Kortepeter is a collection of recipes and celebrations for every season of the year. I am sure you have all seen many tea books but this one is really special because of the illustrations that are done by Susan Wheeler. The watercolors of little rabbits having tea at Holly Pond Hill are a treasure. However, the information is truly wonderful too! And who can resist reading the little Holy Hill Gazette pages where intriguing questions about tea and manners have been answered by Primrose Lapin. I honestly feel this book is a must have for all young and older daughters. It will be a real help to them when they began homemaking in their own homes.
Jenny
~*~
The Rose Garden
Websites that you may enjoy. We may or may not agree with everything that you find on these pages!
Templates by Donovan
A place to get help with all those neat cards and labels we all make this time of the year. I think this had been a favorite link for everyone since it showns up on many email lists.
http://www.bydonovan.com/templates.html
Highland Heritage Home School
A great place to find lots of unit study helps.
http://highland.hitcho.com.au/
~*~
Marmee's Nature Journal
The weather is crisp and cool outside and I am enjoying the beautiful colors that God paints the world with each autumn. This time of year I pull out the warm, spicy scented candles that we have and burn them. We make apple cider and let it simmer on the stove. I add little colorful leaves to all our little shelves and to the mantletop for decoration. There are lots of stews on the crockpot and homemade bread fresh from the oven. I watch the geese as they fly overhead and I am so thankful to our Lord for the beauty around me.
Jenny
~*~
Till Next Thyme
Dear Mothers and Daughters,
We hope that your homes are filled with warmth and love, peace and joy.
Blessings
Jenny and Caiti
~*~
Little Women Home Companion is a monthly (when possible) bimonthly (when not) and occassionally quarterly
newsletter for mothers and daughters.
Copyright 2003-2004 Little Women Home Companion
If you would like to share this newsletter with a friend you must include the entire newsletter (do not copy and paste parts of it). Please also include our address as follows so they can have the opportunity to subscribe.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thimblecottage
~Blessings~
~*~*~*~
~*~

Crispy April Garden Salad

Crispy April Garden Salad

Clean, cut, chop, shred or slice the following ingredients and toss together. Spinach, red cabbage, white cabbage, leaf lettuce, cucumber, carrots, mushrooms, radishes, grape tomatoes, green peppers, bacon bits, and mozzarella cheese. Serve with Poppy seed Dressing (below).

Poppy seed Dressing

Put the following ingredients in a bowl: 1/2 tsp. onion salt, 1/2 tsp. garlic salt, 1 1/2 tsp. dry mustard, 1 1/2 tsp. salt, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 cup Wesson oil, and 1/2 cup vinegar. 1 tsp. poppy seeds, Mix-beat all ingredients with hand held mixer until thick. Refrigerate.

Little Women Home Companion

My daughter and I began a newsletter in 2002 through yahoo groups. Little Women Home Companion was to be an encouragement to mothers and their daughters. The newsletter was a place to share recipes, craft ideas, our thoughts about the Book Little Women and other books of this type and just our thoughts and ideas in general. It has been awhile since I posted a newsletter on the group and in fact I changed the name of the group to Thimble Cottage. I thought I would post the old newsletter here so that others may have the opportunity to enjoy them.
Blessings,
Ginger

Little Women Home Companion-October 2002

Little Women Home Companion
October 2002
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their children,
to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,
that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2: 4-5
A Cozy Home
People who hire all these things done for them, never know what they lose for
the homeliest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them, and Meg found proof of this,
that everything in her small nest, from the kitchen roller to the silver vase
on her parlour table, was eloquent of home love and tender forethought.
Lousia May Alcott
~*~
A Visit With Marmee
Sharing A Mother's Thoughts
Dear mothers and daughters,
One of the most calming sounds that I have heard is the lullaby of ocean waves as they roll onto shore. I grow sleepy, tranquil, as I listen to this beautiful sound. I find it so easy to nap as I enjoy them. Equally peaceful to me is the sound of rain as it gently pitter-patters on the roof of our home. It invites me to lie down and be at rest.
Is it not interesting how sight, sound and scent affect one? As homemakers one of our most important tasks is to create in our homes a peaceful place of rest for our family and friends. We have opportunities to create cozy, inviting homes even if our budgets are limited (I do not know a homemaker with an unlimited budget). We can accomplish much.
The most important thing is our relationship with our Lord and Savior. Daily time spent in His Word (the Bible) and in prayer will create a heart willing to serve Him. Time with our Lord will refresh us and give us strength to perform those tasks that are useful and humbling.
Our next important task for a cozy home is to keep it tidy and clean. I am not speaking of keeping a home spotless for this tends to make mommies very disagreeable when our families do their normal "living" in the home. Just tidy and clean is a good beginning. Having a place for everything and putting it away when finished will make for a lot less work for mothers so train your little ones early. I will be honest with you and say that as a mother I also struggle with keeping everything in place but as time goes by I find that we are improving.
Our children are responsible for some home cleaning tasks. This means that things will not always be as I would have done them but I try to remember that the children are training for their own households. I often remind them that when they have their own homes that they need to make sure that they are kept clean and tidy. Ladies a messy, dirty home discourages the members of the family so. The longer that it is left that way the more discouraged they will become.
Start one room at a time and get it into order. One of the most important things is to get rid of what you do not use. I would like to suggest flylady to those of you that really struggle in this area. Use what ideas will work for your family. It is a good place to start.
Now we will go on to the fun parts of making our homes cozy.
Sound
If you can afford to please purchase a tape or cd of some calming, uplifting music. I love to listen to Beethoven. I find his music inspiring and peaceful. You may want to choose praise music, hymns or some other classical composer but make sure that it is something beautiful that will create an atmosphere of calm and peace in your home. Play it often.
Sight
Make calming and peaceful arrangements of items that you have around your home. Perhaps you could use an 8x10 picture of yourself as a child and place it on a doily and surround it with some taper candles, an old pair of baby shoes, a strand of pearls (fake), maybe a little pair of children's gloves, and some artificial flowers that match your decor. The arrangement is pleasing. The following is a link to a web page where this has been done.
http://www.geocities.com/trents4him/arrangement.html
Do many of this type of arrangement in your home. You can do them by themes such as birdhouses, teatime, nature, fruit, and seashore, ect. Let the creative mind that God has given you go to work. You need not purchase new items or expensive ones. Use those around your home or those you pick up at the thrift or dollar type stores. It is not the items that you have but how you use and arrange them that make your home pleasant. For those of you that do not like to dust a lot I would suggest doilies and tablecloths. Take them off every so often and wash and dry them.
I would like to also suggest that you take every opportunity to learn new craft skills such as crochet, knitting, basket weaving and woodcraft as well as others to enable you to create items for your home and gifts for family and friends.
Scent
How our homes smell really affects friends and family. A clean home needs no other aroma than bread or cake baking in the oven but I have to admit that I love the aroma of scented candles. Remember that they must be watched carefully especially if you have young ones in your home. May I suggest apple, pumpkin and cinnamon scented ones for autumn, cinnamon, peppermint, or Christmas scented ones for winter, lavender or herbal scented ones for spring, and melon or fruit scented ones for summer? How pleasant they make our homes smell.
If you have a fireplace make use of it often. How cozy and inviting to that dear husband would a bowl of chili or beef stew served with some fresh bread and a chocolate cake be when he arrives to a clean home with the gentle sounds of classical music playing in the background and a warm cozy fire burning in the fireplace.
God has blessed us as homemakers with the opportunity to create warm, inviting, comfortable homes. Let us take every serve Him by creating a pleasant home for the husband and family He has blessed us with.
From my home to yours,
Jenny
~*~
Poetry Thyme
Prayer For This House
May nothing evil cross this door,
And may ill-fortune never pry
About these windows; may the roar
And rains go by.
Strengthened by faith, the rafters will
Withstand the battering of the storm.
This hearth, through all the world grow chill
Will keep you warm.
Peace shall walk softly through these rooms,
Touching your lips with holy wine,
Till every casual corner blooms
Into a shrine.
Laughter shall drown the raucous shout
And, though the sheltering walls are thin,
May they be strong to keep hate out
And hold love in.
Louis Untermeyer
~*~
Little Women Companion
Sparrow Post includes a letter written from Jo about this same chapter so
Little Women Companion will return next month.
~*~
Tea Thyme
Teas
My daughter and I thought we would share some of our favorite teas with you. Here are some of them that you may want to try. We have included many herbal teas and some of the caffeinated ones are available in decaf now. We really like vanilla creamer in our tea but be careful with the herbal teas for the creamer will curdle in many of them.
By Celestial Seasonings: These are great on those cold evenings by the fire:
Vanilla Maple Tea...tea with vanilla and sweet maple flavoring
Nutcracker Sweet...tea with vanilla and nutty flavors with cinnamon
Bengal Spice...herbal tea with the flavors of cinnamon, ginger and cardamon with a touch of vanilla
Mandarin Orange Spice...herbal orange and spice tea
English Toffee... a nutty and vanilla flavored herbal tea. It is one of my favorites.
By Twinings: Nice for a formal tea
Earl Grey... has a light citrus flavoring
Lady Jane Grey...has bergamot and citrus flavoring (lighter than Earl Grey)
By Bigelow: Great for informal times with friends
Raspberry Royale...raspberry flavored tea
Constant Comment...tea flavored with oranges and sweet spices
Perfect Peach...Peach flavored herbal tea
Apple and Cinnamon...herbal tea with apple and cinnamon flavors
By Fortunes:
Blueberry Vanilla...Tea with the flavors of blueberries and vanilla
~*~
The Work Basket
Household Hints
Carpet Spots...Apply a little of Spray and Wash (the pump bottle) onto the carpet stain and use a wet, clean white washcloth to rub the spot well. Rinse the washcloth and try to get out as much of the cleaner out as possible. It is best to test this on your carpet first to make sure that it does not change your carpet color. We have used this successfully for about 5 years on tomato sauce, tea and other assorted stains.
~*~
Thimbles and Threads
Christmas Holly Basket
We wanted to give you a pattern for a basket that you could make and found this sweet pattern on the internet. Since it gives you a picture and complete directions we thought we would give you the link so that you can learn to make one yourself. In the future we hope to give you directions for a sweet little tea basket that we made up ourselves.
http://www2.justpatterns.com/weavers/patterns/christmas_holly_basket.html
This link is from the pages of
Mill Race Basket Guild.
~*~
From Jo's Writing Garret
Dear mommies and daughters,
Having a cozy home is such a joy. It is so nice to read a book or just sit down in a cozy room. Handmade little things can make a room more pleasant. Handmade wreaths and dried flowers are a wonderful addition to a room, but the very best thing for any room is a Bible. Reading God's word every day makes all things pleasant.
Caiti
~*~
The Cottage Pantry
Baked Beans (our family favorite)2-16ounce cans pork and beans...drained3/4 cups K C Masterpiece BBQ sauce1/2 cup brown sugar1/2 onion chopped1/2 cup green pepper chopped1 tablespoon vinegarMix together and bake in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.
~*~
Sparrow Post
A Dairy Entry by Jo
January 1, 18__
Dear Diary,
How I dreaded the dance at Mrs. Gardiner's tonight. Meg on the other hand was so excited. At first she was discouraged that she did not have a silk to wear but she wore her silvery poplin with a lovely blue velvet snood and lace frills. As for myself I would have preferred to stay at home and write but I went in my maroon poplin with a white linen collar and a white chrysanthemum to decorate my attire. Of course we had to wear gloves and mine were ever so soiled so Meg suggested that we each wear one of her nice ones and carry one of mine in the other hand. Poor Meg. I even burned her hair while trying to curl it with the tongs.
Meg danced with many of the young gentlemen but I kept close to the wall trying to hide the scorched backside of my dress. Although it had been repaired after one of my many close encounters with the fireplace it was still obvious. Oh how I would rather be out fighting with Papa than a lady attending dances.
I met that Laurence boy tonight. He was hiding inside a curtained recess. I found him there when I went to hide from a redheaded guy that I thought was going to ask me to dance. I was a little uncomfortable at first but we began to talk and I enjoyed his company. He told me about his travels and he can speak French. I can only read it. He does not want to go to college. How I would like to trade places with him.
Poor Meg sprained her ankle and the Laurence boy (Laurie) offered us a ride home in his carriage. Meg had little choice for she was not able to walk because of the pain. I saved some of the bonbons from the dance for Amy and Beth. Meg felt that I was in a "great want for manners" by doing this but my sisters enjoyed these very special treats.
Well it is time to rest. So much to think of and so many stories to write. Till we meet again my dear diary.
Jo
~*~
Our Window Seat
Book Reviews
Ester Ried by Isabella McDonald Alden
If you want to read a life-changing book the Bible would be my first choice. My second one would be Ester Ried. This is a fictional story of a young girl who works in her mother's home helping with the care of her brothers and sisters and the borders that her mother has taken in for income since the death of her father. As a Christian Ester has many chances to witness and to encourage her family and friends for Jesus. Sadly Ester lets these opportunities slip away. As the book unfolds we watch as Ester's conversion and what God does with Ester's life once she submits to His lordship. Please ladies if you have the opportunity please read this book. Have your children read it or better yet read it to them. It never ceases to amaze me when an author that lived so long ago speaks through their words to my heart today. I hope this book will encourage and change you and your family for His kingdom.
Jenny
~*~
The Rose Garden
Websites that you may enjoy. We may not agree with everything that you find on these pages!
Steph's Country Kitchen Goodness
Lots of great recipes.
http://members.aol.com/stephndon/recipe.htm
The 21st Century Homekeeper
Encouragement and ideas for the homemaker
http://www.christianhomekeeper.com/
Frugal Homemaker
Recipe, craft and decorating ideas
http://www.frugalhomemaker.com/
FlyLady
Get organized
http://www.flylady.net/
~*~
Marmee's Nature Journal
How relentless are the waves of the ocean. Constantly they roll in and out sometimes gently, sometimes pounding upon the shore destroying all in the way. How beautiful and terrifying it can be. Today I have been watching my little one pitter patter in a puddle of water on the seashore. A while ago this child stood close by concerned that the water would "get them". How like little children we all are. We are afraid to step out of our area of comfort to learn what is ahead. In many ways I find myself as shy as my child. I watch the waves of life afraid to reach out to those around me, to open my heart to someone, to speak to someone I do not know. Most of all I am many times afraid to tell them about my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I try to remember this verse:
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Psalms 56:3
There are so many people out there that are hurting and scared. Maybe the waves are pounding upon their lives. Maybe they need comfort and words of peace. Maybe they need someone to come beside them and hold their hand and walk along the way with them. Maybe they need Jesus. I hope that you will be in prayer that God will use you and your life to encourage others in their journey.
Jenny
~*~
Till Next Thyme
We hope that you have enjoyed this issue of Little Women Home Companion. It was fun doing this issue for you. We look forward to our next visit with you in November.
Jenny and Caiti
~*~
Little Women Home Companion is a monthly newsletter for mothers and daughters.
Copyright 2002-2003 Little Women Home Companion
If you would like to share this newsletter with a friend you must include the entire newsletter (do not copy and paste parts of it). Please also include our address as follows so they can have the opportunity to subscribe.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LittleWomenHomeCompanion
~Blessings~
~*~*~*~
~*~

Little Women Home Companion-November 2002

Little Women Home Companion
November 2002
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their children,
to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,
that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2: 4-5
Blessings
People who hire all these things done for them, never know what they lose for
the homeliest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them, and Meg found proof of this,
that everything in her small nest, from the kitchen roller to the silver vase
on her parlour table, was eloquent of home love and tender forethought.
Lousia May Alcott
~*~
A Visit With Marmee
Sharing A Mother's Thoughts
Dear Mothers and Daughters,
Ahhhh...Autumn. I so enjoy the crisp air, the sound of the leaves as they crunch under my feet and the sight of the beautiful reds, golds, and orange of the tree leaves. Autumn also makes me think of familiy and the coziness we enjoy in our homes together.
Thanksgiving was always a special time for my family as sevarl generations would gather together for big dinners and lots of conversations and sharing about our lives. My grandparents homes would nearly burst with all the mommies and daddies, aunts and uncles, children and babies and good food.
Grandma would make egg custard pie that all of her children would hide from each other. There was warmth and love overflowing in these homes and a thankfulness to our Lord for his gracious care and love for us.
I hope that love and thankfulness to our heavenly Father overflows in your home this Thanksgiving.
From my home to yours,
Jenny
~*~
Poetry Thyme
Grace and Thanksgiving
We thank thee, Lord, for quiet upland lawns,
For misty loveliness of autumn dawns,
For gold and russet of the ripened fruit,
For yet another year's fulfilment, Lord,
We thank Thee now.
For joy of glowing colour, flash of wings
We thank Thee, Lord; for all the little things
That make the love and laughter of our days,
For home nad happiness and friends, we praise
And thank Thee now.
Elizabeth Gould
~*~
The Work Basket
Bring in the Light
This is a sweet idea for a way to add a little light into your home. We have made these for years and really enjoy them but must add a word of caution that they must be watched carefully because the raffia and potpourri could become too hot from the flame and could burn. Also care must be taken when buring candles around little children. The hot wax can make for a very bad burn.
Fill a quart canning jar most of the way with colorful potpourri. Use a small glass votive holder that looks like a small flower pot to place in the jar opening. Tie a raffia bow around the jar neck down below the votive holder. Add a painted star or heart to the bow and plave a votive candle inside the votive holder. When your candle burns about 3/4 of the way I would suggest blowing the candle out, waiting for it to cool and replacing with a new candle.
This is a great gift idea for those that like to make their gifts ahead of time. We always begin our gift making early.
You might want to get those Christmas cards addressed early in November!
~*~
Thimbles and Threads
Victorian Dried Flower Wreath
My daughter and I made these lovely little wreaths out of flowers that we have grown and dried. You can do the same with those that have been purchased.
You will need:
3 inch grapevine wreath
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Bay Leaves
Spanish Moss
These dried flowers:
Lavender
Goldenrod
Statice
Globe Amaranth
Start by gluing the spanish moss onto the bottom and one side of your wreath. Add bay leaf to the top of this. Add golden rod and lavender to the top of this. To cover the stems of the golden rod and lavender glue on the statice. To hide these stems glue the globe amaranth on top. Add a ribbon to the top of the wreath to hang it with . These would make nice Christmas gifts or look lovely hanging on the wall or on a tree.
~*~
From Jo's Writing Garret
Caiti
~*~
Sparrow Post
A Journal Entry by Beth March
November, 18__
My Blessings
I am blessed by a marmee and father that loves me so.
I am blessed with my dear sisters; Jo, Meg, and Amy.
I am blessed with dear friends.
I am blessed with the strength and health to help others.
I am blessed with a warm home and food to eat.
I am blessed that God watches over Father so far away at war.
I am blessed with good neighbors like Laurie and Mr. Laurence.
I am blessed with a love for music and a piano to play my music on.
And Father I thank you for these blessings.
Beth
~*~
Our Window Seat
Book Reviews
A Time To Keep
The Tasha Tudor Book of Holidays
By Tasha Tudor
If you long for the simple joys and life of the past you will enjoy this sweet children's book by Tasha Tudor. It begins with a little girl asking her grandmother to tell about her mother's childhood. Back we go in time, month by month enjoying the special activities that this family enjoyed through the years. From bonfires, sledding, and maple sugaring to the lighting of the advent wreath we learn more about the lives of those before us.This little treasure is illustrated with Tasha tudor's lovely folk type illustrations and is one of our favorite books. We hope it will become one of your favorites too!
Jenny
~*~
The Rose Garden
Websites that you may enjoy. We may not agree with everything that you find on these pages!
~*~
Marmee's Nature Journal
I love the beautiful autumn leaves, russet, gold and pumpkin brown, falling slowly to the ground.
In the distance I hear the honking of the geese as they make their journey where they please.
The little squirrels and chipmunks gather their proveisions for the winter months,
And I sit watching, thankful to the mighty God who made it all.
Jenny
~*~
Till Next Thyme
We hope to have the December issue of Little WOmen Home Companion out by Thabksgiving. It will be filled with links and ideas for Christmas crafts and for making and giving.
We hope that you have enjoyed this issue. We look forward to our next visit with you.
By the way we would love to hear from you. Just hit reply and we will get your messages. Your response will not go to the entire group. Only the moderators of the group recieve it.
Blessings,
Jenny and Caiti
~*~
Little Women Home Companion is a monthly newsletter for mothers and daughters.
Copyright 2002-2003 Little Women Home Companion
If you would like to share this newsletter with a friend you must include the entire newsletter (do not copy and paste parts of it). Please also include our address as follows so they can have the opportunity to subscribe.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LittleWomenHomeCompanion
~Blessings~
~*~*~*~
~*~l

Little Women Home Companion-March 2003

Little Women Home Companion
March 2003
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at
home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2: 4-5
Goodness and Modesty
Having or showing a modest or humble estimate of one's merits
Webster's Dictionary
There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long; even if it is, the consciousness of possessing and using it well should satisfy one, and the great charm of all power is modesty.
Lousia May Alcott
~*~
A Visit With Marmee
Sharing A Mother's Thoughts
Dear Mothers and Daughters,
Even as a young child I longed to be good and pleasing to my family. I remember doing little things like picking flowers and putting them beside my mother's bed hoping that this would please her. Looking back, I realize that my intentions were not only to be pleasing but to be noticed by the person that I was trying to please.
In this chapter of Little Women we find Amy trying to please the girls in her class; but her motives are not pure. She wants to please them to bring honor to herself. She even refuses to share her precious limes with a few of the girls in her class. How like Amy we all can be. We want to be noticed. We want to bring honor and glory to ourselves. Our focus is not on our Lord but on ourselves.
As my walk with God deepens I realize that I need not feel my days with "works" to try to please Him. Jesus paid the price for my sins by his death on the cross. I am to believe upon Him, repent of my sins, ask Him into my heart as Lord and Saviour and to follow Him. The good things I do now are through His strength and to bring honor to His holy name. I am to use the gifts and talents He has blessed me with to glorify Him. I hope that we will all remember that our goodness and talents come from Him.
Jenny
~*~
Poetry Thyme
My Gift
What can I give Him
Poor as I am;
If I were a shepherd,
I would give Him a lamb.
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part.
But what can I give Him?
I will give my heart.
Christina Rossetti
~*~
Tea Thyme
Tea Time Manners
Dear Young Ladies, Teatime is a very special time for young ladies and I thought I would share with you some rules of etiquette to consider when having tea with a friend.1) Dress appropriately for the tea. Usually this will mean a dress and perhaps a hat. Keep in mind that dirty clothes and hands are not appropriate.2) Arrive either slightly ahead or on time for the tea. Do you best not to keep your hostess waiting.3) Dispose of gum before arriving. Should you forget find a waste basket to dispose of it in as soon as possible.4) Be on your best behavior: no loud talking, joking or horseplay.5) Handle the china very carefully so as to not damage it.6) Make sure that you speak with all the young ladies so that no one feels slighted.7) Always try a nibble of everything withholding any comment of not liking something.8) Eat only in areas set aside by the hostess. If in doubt, ask.9) Always thank your hostess for their invitation.I hope these rules will help you to better enjoy your teatimes.Blessings,
Jenny
~*~
The Work Basket
I am forever looking for things to help me with being organized. This wonderful site has many free printables for homeschoolers. There are pages for schedules as well pages for all the subjects that you teach. I especially love the lined paper pages for beginning writers. This is a wonderful site and I know you will enjoy it.
http://donnayoung.org/index.htm
~*~
Thimbles and Threads
A Simple Apron
Use an old twin size sheet to make an apron.1) Measure 32 inches from the bottom of the sheet up and cut across the width. This the main part of your apron.2) Cut a 5 inch wide strip across the width of your sheet.3) Fold the strip in half and press.4) Open the strip up and fold and press the edges toward the center of the strip on both sides.5) Now fold the strip in half again with all the edges inside and press.6) Gather the top of your main apron piece.7) Measure 14 inches from the middle outward of the 5 inch strip and place a pin. Do this on both sides.8) Beginning at one pin and finishing at the other, pin gathered edge of main apron piece inside of the 5 inch strip making sure to adjust gathers carefully. Pin all in place.9) Now begin sewing as close to the edge as possible on the 5 inch strip all the way across. Enjoy your new apron.

~*~
From Jo's Writing Garret
Dear Mothers and Daughters,
A few weeks ago I read With an Everlasting Love by Kay Arthur. It is about a half Jew and half Gentile young woman. Christiana has a hard life because of her blood.
Joshua the son of the richest man in the city loves Christiana. His father agrees and the young man starts sending her letters asking for her hand in marriage and telling her to constantly read the letters he has sent her. Christiana was surprised How could someone she had never seen before love her? After much thinking upon the matter she accepts his proposal. Joshua has a friend take his place when taking vows and sends a message telling her he will come soon. But what is so wonderful about this is Joshua tells Christiana he loves her, "With an Everlasting Love." Nothing she could do would make him love her less. Through the many years Christiana waits for her Joshua to come her. The excitement some what drifts away. The letters that were sent her are not being read as they should and she does something that would seem to stop Joshua from loving her. When Joshua does come Christiana is so happy. Later when Christiana tells him what she had done, he says he loves her with an everlasting love and that he wishes she had waited. This book portrays the lives of Christians and their walk with the Lord. Sometimes in our daily walk with him the road can get tough. But just to think of all God has done for me and what God will do for me helps me to hold on. We should read God's word and pray to him or else, like Christiana, we will drift away.
But Lord truly loves us with an everlasting love. Nothing in this world we could ever do would make him loves us less.
In Christ,
Caiti
~*~
The Cottage Pantry
Oven-fried Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 9x13 casserole dish. Peel and cut into bite size chunks 6-8 medium size potatoes. Sprinkle these generously with Lawry's seasoning salt and parsley. Put into your casserole dish and cut 3 tablespoons of margarine into chunks and place on top. Cover tightly with foil and bake till desired tenderness (30-45 minutes).
This idea was from watching my dear sister in law in her kitchen. The parsley was an extra idea that I had to make it look pretty.
Jenny's Egg Salad
Hard boil, peel and dice 8 eggs. Add 3/4 cup of Miracle Whip, 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and serve on fresh homemade rolls.
Enjoy!
~*~
Sparrow Post
Dear Young Ladies,*Today I want to share with you a sweet letter from a dear friend. She expressed in her letter the importance of being careful about how we use words. I wanted to share this with you my dear friends. It is something we should all think carefully about.Lady Jenny Anne
Dear Lady Jenny Anne,It has been so long since our last letter. I want to share with you and your friends a story about using words. I am grieved about my behavior sometimes. One morning I awoke very tired and grumpy. There were chores that I was asked to do and I complained about them. My sisters asked questions and I snapped at them. I was grumpy with everyone and everything. That afternoon my dear friend Patience come by and asked for me to have tea with her and her dear friend Endurance. I have to admit that I felt feelings of jealousy at having to share my friend with another and I am afraid that I said unkind works that hurt my dear friend. I ran off to my room crying. After awhile I calmed down and felt convicted of my sin. I began to read my Bible. I found these verses:Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.Proverbs 13:3He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.Oh Jenny, I went before the Lord on my knees and asked forgiveness for how I had used my mouth. I had not considered what I had said to anyone. I had been unkind. The Lord forgave me and I went to my mother and sisters and asked their forgiveness. After asking permission, I went to Patience's home. I found her on the veranda with Endurance. I felt a little shy but went before my friend and asked her forgiveness. Oh Jenny, she forgave me and also asked me to join them for tea. It was a lovely afternoon and at the end of it I had found a new friend in Endurance too.! Oh what I had almost missed because of my words.With Love,Miss Amy March
~*~
Our Window Seat
Book Reviews
PollyannaByEleanor H. PorterIf you enjoy reading encouraging books with optimistic characters then this is a book that you will enjoy. Pollyanna, our main character, has been taught by her parents to look for things to be glad for. When her parents pass away she comes to live with her aunt. Pollyanna's bright and sunny outlook on life begins to touch everyone in the little town that she lives in. She visits the sick, forgotten and orphaned bringing love and comfort into their lives. Unfortunately her love does not bring changes into the life of her dear aunt until something tragic happens.This book and it's sequel Pollyanna Grows Up are wonderful additions to any young girl's library. I read them as an adult and very much enjoyed them.
Jenny
~*~
The Rose Garden
Websites that you may enjoy. We may or may not agree with everything that you find on these pages!
I love clothing from the past and thought that some of you might too. Here is a website with beautiful patterns for clothing from the past.
http://sensibility.com/

~*~
Marmee's Nature Journal
Recently I enjoyed a beautiful day outdoors with my family. My daughter and I pruned some of our greenery while the men dug holes for some trees that we will be planting. I had made a large work apron with large pockets for gardening earlier that week. How handy those pockets were for holding my gloves and gardening shears. Once finished my daughter and I made some egg salad sandwiches on homemade rolls for a little picnic. We sat outside with the sun shining on our faces and enjoyed the beauty of God's day. These moments in time are so very special to me. To many they would seem mundane but I like our times at home.
Jenny
~*~
Till Next Thyme
Dear Mothers and Daughters,
So many times as mothers and daughters we look back over our days and feel discourages about what we have accomplished. I had an idea to help rid myself of these feelings and think that some of you might find this helpful too. Make a list of what you do all day long each day for a week. List everything, leaving nothing off your list. At the end of your week look back over your list. I think you will feel pleasantly surprised at all that you did accomplish. We look forward to our visit with you next month.
Jenny and Caiti
~*~
Many of the articles in this issue were used by permission from my daughter. They originally appeared in her magazines Follow Your Heart and An Old Fashioned Girl Gazette which she writes and publishes for a few friends.
~*~
Little Women Home Companion is a monthly
newsletter for mothers and daughters.
Copyright 2003-2004 Little Women Home Companion
If you would like to share this newsletter with a friend you must include the entire newsletter (do not copy and paste parts of it). Please also include our address as follows so they can have the opportunity to subscribe.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LittleWomenHomeCompanion
~Blessings~
~*~*~*~
~*~

Little Women Home Companion-February 2004

Little Women Home Companion
February, 2004
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home,
good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2: 4-5
Valentine's Day
~*~
A Visit With Marmee
Sharing A Mother's Thoughts
Valentine's Day is a wonderful time to let your family and friends know how much you care for them. There are so many beautiful ways to share your love. Little notes left beside their beds so that they find them when they awake is a loving way to start the day. A few years ago after watching the movie Little Women I asked my husband to make me a little birdhouse on a stand with a top that opens so that the children and I could share little notes from each other. We called it Sparrow Post from the Tasha Tudor books that we had read. We did this for a while and then forgot about it. I suppose I will have to remember to start this sweet tradition again. I remember making little treat sacks when I was in school as a child. We all had a small grocery bag that we decorated with hearts, dolies, and glitter. I did this when my children were younger and will do it once again this year so that my little one can enjoy it too. One of the sweetest things that I remember doing with the children was a surprise for Daddy. We cut out hearts in all different colors and taped them to the bottom of the garage door while it was shut. What a surprise awaited Daddy when he opened the garage door upon his arrival from work. Roses and Chocolates are nice but the sweet little things that we do for one another are what I treasure the most.
Jenny
~*~
Little Women Companion
Camp Laurence
Each new chapter of Little Women opens with a touching scene and this one is a favorite for me. Dear Beth is acting as postmaster and delivering the mail that posted in the sweet mailbox/birdhouse that Laurie gave the family for this special task. There is something special for everyone. Marmee has a sweet little posy that Laurie has left for her. Meg has one of her gray gloves returned and a German song that had been translated into English. Jo has a really special letter from Marmee. The letter encourages Jo in her efforts to control her temper and lets her know that although "no one sees them (her efforts) but the Friend (our Lord)whose help you ask daily" that indeed Marmee has noticed. There is also an invitation to attend Camp Laurence which is very much like a day long picnic with a boat ride, games, and lots of food. The rest of the chapter describes their wonderful picnic.
Jenny

~*~
Tea Thyme
Have you had an interest in beginning your own tea group? Here is a great site with information about how to begin your own.
http://www.seedsofknowledge.com/teaclub.html
Another great way to share with other mothers and daughters is to begin a Homekeepers club. This idea had been on my mind for many years. I prayed a lot about some way to share time and interests with other mothers and daughters. I began to talk with other mothers about it and we began our own little HomeKeepers group. We meet once a month and discuss a book (Beautiful Girlhood) that we are reading together. We have a time of prayer requests and prayer, fellowship over snacks, tea time or a meal and do some kind of craft or homemaking skill. Our group is a blessing to me. I think that if you form your own group you will find it to be a blessing to you too.
~*~
Thimbles and Threads
Valentine Treat Ideas
A box of chocolate is a wonderful idea for a person. However, it can become quiet costly when you want to do something for everyone in your family! Thinking about what to do for your family might end up giving you a headache. So here are some ideas.
At Walmart they carry packs of 10 candy bars of different varieties for around a dollar. Buy a few of these. You might want to buy some hard or soft candies too. A pack of gum could be an option. Divide candy out for each of you family members and place in cellophane bags. For a wonderful touch, add a homemade valentine!
Buy a couple of bags of M&M’s, Skittles, and so on. Open candy bag and pour into cellophane bags. Tie bags with jute and add a valentine note.
A Hershey’s chocolate candy bar would be a wonderful Valentine to friend. Also, you might want add a label around with the words: “Happy Valentine’s Day!”
Caiti
~*~
The Work Basket
Cake Stand
For a while I have been looking for a small cake stand. Basically it is a small plate on a pedestal. While on my last trip to Walmart I saw a glass sorbet type glass and some small glass plates. Well the inspiration hit me. I turned the cup upside down and put the plate on it. Perfect! I purchased 2 ofthe plates in different sizes and 2 of the sorbet cups. I found some E-6000 glue in the crafts section and added it to my cart. When I arrived home I washed and dried the glasses and plates and followed the glue instructions to put the two together. I now have two different sizes of cake/dessert stands for the total price of about $7.50 plus tax. If I count only the price for the stands and not the glue the smaller one was $2 plus tax and the larger on was $3 plus tax. I hope that you will enjoy making these for your tea thymes too!
Jenny
~*~
From Jo's Writing Garret
Dear Mothers and Daughters,
This year instead of giving my family store bought Valentine cards I decided to make them. First I took a pretty rose stamp and stamped it all over some white paper with variations of different ink. Then I took some complementing colors to go with it. I bent some cardstock in half and cut it (then bending it again and I had two incomplete cards). I cut the complementing colors and glued it on top of the card-stock. I did the same with the printed paper I made, except I left an edge so the other paper could be seen. To add a finishing touch I glued half a doily at the top of the card. These were quite simple to make. Even if you choose to give store bought Valentine cards you still might want to make these for a different occasion.
In Christ,
Caiti
~*~
The Cottage Pantry
For Valentine's Day you might want to do something neat for your younger children/siblings in your family. Maybe you have a favorite sugar cookie recipe. You have no icing to decorate them with but you still want to add a little something to them. Why not sprinkle pink sugar over the cookie dough before baking them in the oven? (Pink sugar can be made by putting sugar and a drop of red and yellow food coloring in a ziplock back, then shake.) Think of ways to dress the table up. Maybe make hearts out of red paper and set them under the dinner plates. Make pink lemonade and serve in clear glasses. Valentine ideas could go on and on! And to top the night off, read a Bible story to you child/sibling before you go to bed.
Caiti
~*~
Marmee's Nature Journal
One of my favorite things to do this time of the year (beside staying in and staying warm) is to watch the little birds that collect outside our window to eat the birdseed that we have left for them. The cardinals are so beautiful, their bright red feathers stand out so boldly against the white of the snow. The little, round, sparrows that sit in the holly trees always brighten my day. I have a real fondness for these sweet little creatures. Perhaps it is because our Lord mentions them in His Word. Maybe it is because I have seen them so close up with their young in the ferns that we place on our front porch. It seems they think the ferns are housing for them for it is there that they always build their nests. I think the main reason I like them is because it reminds me of my Lord's love for me.
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Luke 12:6-7
~*~
Our Window Seat
Book Reviews
This review has been taken from Caiti's magazine called An Old Fashioned Girl Gazette. More information about the magazine and a website address will be sent by email in the next couple of weeks.

The Little Colonel Report
Written by Annie Fellows Johnston
Report written by Caitlin Trent
If you have seen the movie The Little Colonel, starring Shirley Temple, and have also read the book, then you will automatically know that the book is many times better than the movie. However, the movie still follows the book fairly well. The Little Colonel or Lloyd Sherman is a four or five-year-old girl. When she speaks it is not always grammatically correct, Lloyd speaks as a girl her age would. She is sweet and forms her own ideas. When the Sherman's begin to have financial problems Mrs. Sherman, Lloyd, and Momma Beck (a faithful servant), move to a small house that Mrs. Sherman's mother left to her when she was still living. Lloyd started going to visit her grandfather, but the Colonel never would come to visit Lloyd because of family troubles that went on ages before. Around twenty years before, during the Civil War, the Colonel lost his arm and son because of his beliefsWhen Jack Sherman comes home ill, Lloyd stops going to see her grandfather. The Colonel is terribly upset and is beginning to wish for the worst. Lloyd overhears her mother tell their family doctor that their money is running low. Although this greatly worries her along with other burdens Lloyd keeps most of her burdens to herself. Lloyd begins getting embarrassed over her clothes because they are old and worn but to help her family save money she does not tell of her needs. A lot of surprises await us near the end of the book. Hard feelings are forgiven and the Sherman family finds their way out of financial problems. When I read The Little Colonel I kept picturing Shirley Temple as Lloyd Sherman. It was a delightful book for young readers and a great story to read aloud to youngsters. However, there were a few things I did not like and agree with in the story. Please keep in mind that this was written in the late 1800s.
Caiti
~*~
The Rose Garden
Websites that you may enjoy. We may or may not agree with everything that you find on these pages!
Pamela Spurling who created www.achristianhome.com has began a page of ideas for Valentine's Day.
http://www.achristianhome.com/HOLIDAY%20PAGES/Valentine'sDay.htm

On Mrs. Spurling's Valentine page she mentions a valentine paper basket to put all the goodies in you recieve. Here is the website:

http://www.fabulousfoods.com/holidays/vday/vdaycraft/hrtbasket.html

Perhaps you would like to try a Tea. Here is a website with some lovely recipes and ideas for a Valentine's tea.
http://oldfashionedliving.com/valentine-tea.html
~*~
Till Next Thyme
Dear Mothers and Daughters,
We hope that you find some lovely ways to share your feelings of love with your family and friends. I would also like to thank Caiti who did a lot of the writing for this edition of the newsletter.
Blessings
Jenny and Caiti
~*~
Little Women Home Companion is a monthly (when possible) bimonthly (when not)
newsletter for mothers and daughters.
Copyright 2003-2004 Little Women Home Companion
If you would like to share this newsletter with a friend you must include the entire newsletter (do not copy and paste parts of it). Please also include our address as follows so they can have the opportunity to subscribe.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LittleWomenHomeCompanion
~Blessings~
~*~*~*~
~*~

Little Women Home Companion-May 2003

Little Women Home Companion
May 2003
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home,
good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2: 4-5
Mother's Day Issue
~*~
A Visit With Marmee
Sharing A Mother's Thoughts
We would like to take this time to welcome all the new readers of our newsletter and would like to thank Sandy who told so many of you about us. We have been reading about you and your families and look forward to sharing with all of you. We hope that you will find much encouragement here.
I also want to thank Suzy, who is one of our readers. I had not read the chapter of Little Women that this newsletter will focus on when I received her email. It was so very encouraging and with it she included part of the quote from Little Women that is below. There is not anything more helpful or powerful that we can teach our children than to trust and believe in the Lord. What an awesome responsibility this is for mothers....and fathers too.
I struggle so much with self-control as did Jo and Marmee. I think it is so special that Marmee chose to share her struggles with Jo. She could have continued to let Jo think that she was the only one that ever struggled. Have you ever felt that way? You feel so alone thinking that you are the only one that has a certain problem. Is it not so refreshing to have someone comes along side of you and share that they struggle too? I try often to share my struggles with my children. I try to let them know that I struggle with the same things that they do and that I too am still learning to control myself and that we need to ask help from Our Lord for we cannot do it on our own. I hope that you are sharing these things with your own children. May God bless you as you raise them to glorify Him.
Happy Mother's Day
Jenny
~*~
Across the Miles
Correspondence from our readers
First of all I wanted to thank you for your wonderful Little Women Home Companion. I also wanted to share that my dd (11 next mth) read aloud a passage to me that touched her. (She was reading to herself on my bed while I worked on the computer.) I'm sure your familiar with this :) Mother is speaking to Jo...

"...If I don't seem to need help, it is because I have a better Friend, even than Father, to comfort and sustain me. My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many. Go to God with all your little cares and hopes and sins and sorrows as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother."

She is reading the modern abridged edition that I received as a young girl from my Grandmother, but I had to pull out my unabridged copy to read this with her. The unabridged version of this paragraph is longer and just beautiful and is found in the chapter "Joe Meets Apollyon". What a perfect passage for her to read today, during such troubling times. I have not been reading this book along with my daughter, but now I'm reconsidering that :)

Just wanted to share. :)

Blessings,
Suzy
~*~
Poetry Thyme
This month I have included a very special quote from the chapter that we are reading.
If I don't seem to need help, it is because I have a better friend, even than father, to comfort and sustain me. My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many; but you can overcome and outlive them all, if you learn to feel the strength of your Heavenly Father as you do of your earthly one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of life-long peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hope, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother.
Lousia May Alcott

~*~
Little Women Companion
These were written by Cate a couple of years ago as part of her school work. She was to read the book and write letters to a friend telling about each chapter. We hope you will enjoy them
Chapter 8
Joe Meets Apollyon
Amy was laying in bed sleeping. Marmie and Jo were having a conversation about self-control, but they were worried. I will set you straight on the whole matter. Meg and Jo were going to the theatre with Laurie. Amy wanted to go and Jo would not let her. Amy was sick. In her anger Amy burnt the book that Jo had been writing. Jo had wanted to have it done before father got home. You can imagine Jo's anger. She would not talk to or forgive Amy. When Jo and Laurie went skating Amy trailed along behind them. Laurie skated on the ice and said not to skate in the center. Jo heard, but not Amy. The ice cracked when Amt skated onto it. Amy went into the cold water. Laurie and Jo got her out. They took her home and put her to bed. When Amy woke up Jo hugged her.
Cate
~*~
Tea Thyme
Here is a link to some lovely teabag printables.
Just print these out and fill with your favorite teabags for Mother or a dear friend.
http://alenkasprintables.com/teabags.shtml
Jenny
~*~
The Work Basket
Altered Composition Books
These sweet little books were an idea from a list that I am on that is moderated by my dear friend Paula. I have included a link for you to see what they look like and a picture of one that Cate has made. These would also make a very nice prayer journal for mother for Mother's day.
Basic directions are that you use pretty papers, button, ribbons, ect., to cover a composition book. These are the hardback kind that are spotted black and white like a cow. They are wonderful little gifts and brighten school work.
http://www.scrapjazz.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=695&thumb=1
~*~
Thimbles and Threads
Jar Lid Covers
Cut an 8 1/2 inch circle out of your pretty country print material. Gently press a small 1/8 inch edge over onto the right side of your fabric. Using a zig-zag stitch sew lace over the top of this edge. Cut a 7 1/2 inch piece of narrow elastic and backstitch it to hold in place 1 1/2 inch away from edge of fabric (this includes lace). Using a zig-zag stitch sew over the elastic (be careful not to catch it) all the way around the edge using 1 1/2 inch from the edge as your guide. You will need to stretch it as you sew. Fasten it off. Sew a piece of 1/8 inch satin ribbon in place over the elastic. Tie a bow and enjoy.

Another way to make an interesting one is at Debbie Mumm's website as follows:
http://www.debbiemumm.com/potm/march/crafts/marchpotmcrafts.asp
~*~
From Jo's Writing Garret
Dear Mothers and Daughters,
Mother's day is coming up and the roses are blooming. We have our own roses so usually we pick a rose for mommy out of our rose garden for Mother's Day. Sometimes different roses are in bloom when Mother's Day comes so mommy has a variety to choice from.
I have my own little garden with a rose in the middle of it. Surrounding the garden there is some Lavender. In the front of my flower garden is some Tiny Rubies. Tiny Rubies is a small pink/purple flower, so it adds a little color to the front of the garden. Earlier in the spring my mommy and I transplanted some Grape Hyacinths to my garden. Last year mommy planted some tulips in it also. Flowers were already blooming when spring came.
Gardens are such a joy and so is the knowledge that God made each flower in it!
In Christ,
Caiti
~*~
The Cottage Pantry
Chocolate Delight Cake
One German chocolate cake mix prepared as directed on box in a 9 x 13 pan. After it comes out of the oven (and while still hot) poke holes in it and pour one can sweetened condensed milk on top. Top this with 1/8 cup Hershey's chocolate syrup. On top of this you will add 2 individual servings sizes of apple caramel dipping sauce that has been heated slightly in the microwave. Let all cool and then top with Cool Whip. Drizzle Hershey's chocolate syrup on top and add pecans.
This is very similar to a cake that I had at a dear friend's house (her name is Jane). There is nothing like making baskets with dear friends. I did not have an exact recipe but I came home and made this version for my family. It is wonderful!

~*~
Sparrow Post
Amy March was lying on her bed with a pillow under her head. She was thinking over what she had done to Jo. There had been no need to burn Jo's manuscript just because she would not let her go to the theater. Amy felt terrible for burning it. She wished she could go back and fix what she had done. More tears were shed just thinking about it. She looked over at the doorway to find Marmie there. Amy lifted up trying to dry her face a bit so it did not look so obvious that she had been crying, but it was of no use. Her face was was red and her eyes were swollen. Marmie came over to Amy's bed and sat at the end of it. "Amy," said Marmie in a soft clear voice, "I know you must feel terrible for burning Jo's book. You never thought of how you would feel after you did it nor did you think of Jo. Even though you were mad at Jo for not letting you go to the theater you did not have to revenge. Dear this is the age you must learn to control your anger. You must try to control yourself now of anger so that when you are older you will not have a hard time trying to overcome it. And Amy it is easier to let the Lord help you with self-control or anger. Trying to cure the problem with your own will not make the problem any better." "Oh Marmie," Amy said as she reached over to give her a hug. "I will try."
In time Amy was able to overcome many things in life. And in days she was forgiven by one of her sisters for burning her manuscript.
Caiti
~*~
Our Window Seat
Book Reviews
Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit
by Nicole Savy
F. Warne & Co.
I treasure small books and this is one of my favorites. It is the story of Beatrix Potter and the sweet Peter Rabbit books that she wrote. Like her many books for children it is very small 4 1/2 x 6 inches. There are black and white pictures of Beatrix and color illustrations from her books. This little book is not only interesting but looks beautiful sitting on a small shelf. We hope you will have the opportunity to share this one with your little ones.
Jenny
~*~
The Rose Garden
Websites that you may enjoy. We may or may not agree with everything that you find on these pages!
We enjoy reading books written by authors from the 19th century. Annie Fellows Johnston is one of these. She wrote The Little Colonel and many others that are the sequels to this. These are hard to find at your local library so we have included a link to them online. Remember these were written at a very different time in our history. Shirley Temple played the role of The Little Colonel in 1935. It is a very tender story of a little girl and her family during the Civil War.
http://www.littlecolonel.com/Default.htm
~*~
Marmee's Nature Journal
May has always been one of my favorite months. I love the beauty and fragrance of the many flowers that bloom during this month. I love the budding trees and the cheerful sounds of chirpping friends outside our window. There is the beauty of the little birds and their nest full of eggs and young to enjoy. They make their nest in the ferns and bushes around our home. We search for them and share them with our youngest child. I take so much pleasure in the cool evenings with the breeze gently blowing through my hair and my husband gently holding my hand as we take an evening walk together. I hope that you are also finding much to enjoy in the beauty that God has blessed us with.
Jenny
~*~
Till Next Thyme
Dear Mothers and Daughters,
We both enjoy sharing with all of you and want you to know that you are special. We thank you for the encouraging comments that you send our way. We plan our next issue to be a special one about Hope Chests. We look forward to it and hope that you will too. May God bless you.
Jenny and Caiti
~*~
Little Women Home Companion is a monthly (when possible) bimonthly (when not)
newsletter for mothers and daughters.
Copyright 2003-2004 Little Women Home Companion
If you would like to share this newsletter with a friend you must include the entire newsletter (do not copy and paste parts of it). Please also include our address as follows so they can have the opportunity to subscribe.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LittleWomenHomeCompanion
~Blessings~
~*~*~*~
~*~

Little Women Home Companion-September 2002

Little Women Home Companion
September 2002
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their children,
to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,
that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2: 4-5
Nature
People who hire all these things done for them, never know what they lose for
the homeliest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them, and Meg found proof of this,
that everything in her small nest, from the kitchen roller to the silver vase
on her parlour table, was eloquent of home love and tender forethought.
Lousia May Alcott
~*~
A Visit With Marmee
Sharing A Mother's Thoughts
Dear Mothers,
I am sitting on the screened porch in the cool of the evening thinking of you. As I write one of our children plays in the backyard. An older child and my husband are working on our vehicle and I
suspect that my daughter is trying to find a quiet moment at the computer. I have had "one of those days". The kind that is so discouraging to me. There have been a lot of emotional ups and downs and I am not pleasant to be with. During these times I get a case of the "want -to -bes. I want to be a better wife, mother, friend. I also tend to feel so unworthy during these times. I have been praying to my Lord to forgive me for my attitude, for encouragement, and women to mentor to me.
As I grow older I realize the importance of women mentoring to one another. I was near thirty
when we began to have children and many of my mentors are and have been women younger than myself. They have had more experience and wisdom than I. I also try to mentor to them from the
experiences that I have had. This newsletter is one way that my daughter and I hope to mentor to you and your daughters. We hope to encourage you in your roles as keepers at home and in homemaking skills. Especially now as so many women work outside the home it has become increasingly important to pass these skills from mother to daughter....from one generation to another. Homemaking skills are so very important to the home and to home life. We need women and young ladies devoted to making their homes a pleasant place for family, a place of comfort and rest for their husbands. We need to teach them what the Bible teaches us in Titus 2 and Proverbs 31. Our Lord will not fail us in these tasks. Just as He knows my discouragement today (I have been talking with Him about it ), I know that "I can do all things through Christ who strenghteneth me". Phillippians 4:13
So can you!
I hope that in some way that opening my heart to you will encourage you to share yourself and your time with your daughter and other young ladies.
Jenny
~*~
Poetry Thyme
Afternoon on a Hill
I will be the gladdest thing
Under the sun!
I will touch a hundred flowers
And not pick one.
I will look at cliffs and clouds
With quiet eyes,
Watch the wind bow down the grass
And the grass rise.
And when the lights begin to show
Up from the town,
I will mark which must be mine,
And then start down.
Edna St. Vincent Millay
~*~
Little Women Companion
Dear Young Lady,
This is what chapter two of Little Women is about.
Joke woke up on Christmas day and found under her pillow a guide book. All the girls received the same book but with different covers. The girls began looking at their presents for Marmee. Amy had exchanged the cheap perfume for a bigger bottle. Beth put some roses on her gift. Marmee came home and opened all the gifts. Marmee told the girls about the Hummels (a family that had very little food). So they took their breakfast to the Hummels. The March's had bread and milk for their breakfast. Later the girls did a play. At the end of it Hannah told them that their mother wanted them for supper. They were all surprised but went downstairs to find a wonderful feast and they guessed where it had come from. It came from Mr. Lawrence who knew Marmee's father. Jo thought that the Lawrence boy (Laurie) had given Mr. Lawrence the idea. The Lawrence boy brought over four hot house bouquets of flowers. Marmee liked the roses from Beth the most. Marmee had not invited Laurie in, but one could tell that he wanted to as hearing the sounds he walked away. Jo wanted to get to know him and maybe let him act with them. Beth wanted to give her bouquet to Papa and was hoping he had a merry Christmas too!
Written narration by Caiti
edited by Mommy
~*~
Tea Thyme
Birdhouse Theme Centerpiece
In the center of your table place an arrangement of birdhouses that are different sizes. Around this arrange Spanish moss or excelsior. Carefully place artificial ivy across the top of the birdhouses and on top of the moss. Take a handful of moss and shape it into a bird nest shape. Place it against one of the birdhouses and fill it with a few wooden eggs painted to resemble real ones. You may want to add some feathers from an obliging bird or some artificial flowers that coordinate with the color of your china. If this centerpiece is to be placed to the back of the table and up against a wall that has an electric outlet you could add some tiny Christmas lights within the moss and ivy. This would really be pretty if your tea was planned for evening hours.
~*~
The Work Basket
How to begin your own nature journal
Needed Items:
Some type of sketchbook ( you can decorate the cover if you like)
Heavy unlined paper in a notebook will do a fine job too.
Pencils
Colored pencils
Watercolors
A nature journal is a very simple thing to start. All one needs to do is to observe and record what they find in nature. An example would be if you were to fins a flower on your lawn. You could draw and then paint or color your sketch. Write down the common and Latin name for the flower. Include the date of your observation and perhaps a poem, quote or hymn about your flower. It is that simple. We hope you will be enjoying your nature notebook soon.
~*~
Thimbles and Threads
Nature Wreath
Needed Items:
Oval or round grapevine wreaths
Spanish Moss
Dried fern, lamb's ear, thyme, and other assorted dried flowers
hot glue gun (remember to help your child with this for they will burn your skin)
Use a hot glue gun to attach Spanish moss to the lower third of your wreath. Carefully glue sprigs of dried fern, lamb's ear, and thyme over the moss. On top of this add your dried flowers.
If you would like a more victorian look then glue a doily on top of the moss. Add the dried items and then lace, string pearls, and buttons. These would also be pretty if you use tiny three inch wreaths and make them into ornaments by gluing a ribbon to the top to hang it with.
~*~
From Jo's Writing Garret
Dear Mothers and Daughters,
About a month ago a couple of doves came to live in one of our front porch ferns. One of them was so tame. My family and I were able to get very close to it. After two baby doves were born they soon left. It was sad. They had been there for awhile and were like friends. The Lord has surrounded us with so much beauty in nature.
Caiti
~*~
The Cottage Pantry
Toffee Cookies
Two sticks of margarine, softened
Three-fourths cup sugar
Three-fourths cup brown sugar
one teaspoon vanilla
Two eggs
One teaspoon baking soda
One-half teaspoon salt
One cup pecans
One-half cup coconut
One-half bag almond toffee bits
Three-fourths cup quick oats
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream together margarine, sugars and vanilla. Add eggs beating well.
Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix it well. Stir in other ingredients. Drop by small spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake 8-10 minutes.
My daughter and I made these using part of a recipe from a Hershey's Homemade cookbook and then adding our own variations.
~*~
Sparrow Post
Sparrow Post will continue next month.
~*~
Our Window Seat
Book Reviews
Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Anderola is an inspirational book that is an encouragement to the homeschooling mother. I have spent the last few weeks enjoying my little visits with Carol the fictional mother in the story. Carol share with her homeschooling experiences during the 1930's. She like many of us is unsure about how to homeschool but knows that this is God's direction for her family. Carol begins her homeschooling experience by reading Home Education by a Miss Charlotte Mason. She is encouraged through Miss Mason's writings that she can teach her children and begins by incorporating nature study into their school activities. All of these experiences she share with us through her journal.
We learn about nature through her nature walks with her children. They draw what they observe and name each with both their common and Latin names as well as many poems and hymns. Carol share a year's worth of her homeschooling and nature experiences.
I really enjoyed my little visits with Carol and feel that you would too! I hope that you will take the opportunity to read this book and learn and grow from it.
This book would be very good for both the new and experienced homeschooling mother in learning about how to begin nature study with their children.
Jenny
~*~
The Rose Garden
Websites that you may enjoy
A Christian Home
This website is filled with encouragement, ideas and recipes for the homemaker.
It is one of my favorite places to visit.
~http://www.achristianhome.com/~
A Source of Joy
A lovely website by a faithful young lady that loves the Lord.
~http://soj.hwmagazine.org/~
Literature Admist Roses
This review was submitted by Cay who has developed this website for parents and children that love literature. We feel that you will really enjoy her site.
A literary website that seeks to encourage and support parents and children who have a love for literature. Its purpose is to develop the art and excitement of using great living literature in a learning lifestyle. This site will offer information on different literature study methods, building a book club program, how to develop and organize a home library, use living literature with lapbook learning, make beautiful notebooks and journals and much more! Free forms, book wish lists, and essays will be available soon! A literary book is being developed to help implement and develop these ideas. For more information, go to:
Live a Learning Lifestyle with Living Literature~ http://www.geocities.com/gibsevengang/literature_study.html ~
Find out how to make a cherished book into a living book.
~*~
Marmee's Nature Journal
I have had the opportunity to observe the most fascinating occurrence this month and would like to share it with you. I have been observing a mother at work. This particular mother is a gray dove. She spent many days trying to build her nest in a fern on our front porch. Although I hate to admit it I spent the same amount of days trying to discourage her by pulling it out. I must have missed one day for when I went to check it again she had managed to build her nest and lay her eggs before I caught her. I decided to leave her alone and watch her. At one point this mother even let me and the children touch her tail. This is the first time a wild bird has ever let me touch them so of course she had already won my affection. I would come out and talk with this dedicated mother every morning as I watered my ferns. She was always there. I have never observed a bird that stayed with their nest this way (I suspect it may have been daddy bird at times). When her babies were born she continued to stay with them. I Think daddy helped a lot with either feeding her or the little ones. Alas one morning I awoke to find them gone. I was sad for I had so enjoyed watching this little family that God had created. Later that same day my daughter noticed the young in our landscaping. They are still there with mother and father nearby. I think of that dedicated mother every time I hear the cooing of a dove. I hope that your family will spend some time observing the world that our Lord had made.
I also pray that we will all be as dedicated to our little ones as this mother.
Jenny
~*~
Till Next Thyme
We hope that you have enjoyed this nature issue of Little Women Home Companion. We also hope that this Autumn will find your outdoors with your family learning more about God and this beautiful world that He has made. Maybe He will bless you with the opportunity to meet someone that does not know Him so you can share your love for the Savior with them.
Jenny and Caiti
~*~
Little Women Home Companion is a monthly newsletter for mothers and daughters.
Copyright 2002-2003 Little Women Home Companion
If you would like to share this newsletter with a friend you must include all of the newsletter (do not copy and paste parts of it). Please also include our address as follows so they can have the opportunity to subscribe.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LittleWomenHomeCompanion
~Blessings~
~*~*~*~
~*~