Archive by Author | Lisa McAfee

Kickin’ Cancer: A Tribute to My Mom

May7

Never in a million years would I have thought my mom would become a statistic of cancer, but she did. My mom had non-Hodgkin lymphoma and lost her battle nearly five years ago only 7 months after being diagnosed. It was an extremely difficult time because I was still praying and believing my mom would come out a victor when my dad called to say Mom had passed away. You never truly realize how much a person means to you until they are gone.

I have yet to meet anyone who had a relationship with God like my mom. She truly walked out her love for Him in a way that still amazes me. She didn’t have a dad growing up, but she KNEW God as her dad as no one else I have known. She inspired me, encouraged me, and always took me back to what God says in His word. Sometimes I would call her to whine about something and she would stop me and say, “Lisa, did you pray about it?”

“No, I didn’t. ” I would sheepishly and reluctantly reply.

“Well, talk to Him first and then we can talk about it afterward.” Not the response I was hoping for, but it came to be the response I was always expecting to hear. I can never tell her this now, but when I go through trials, those are the words that come back to me time and again.

Grammy's quilts for Ian and Malcolm.

She loved to quilt and garden and I have attempted to pursue both of these hobbies as a tribute to her. Although I must admit, I don’t find nearly the same joy in quilting as she did. She made beautiful quilts as well as baby quilts for countless children in the church and her own grandchildren. Her quilts were so well-loved by kids that they were worn to shreds. I even had to hide my children’s baby quilts after a while so  they could be preserved.  I wanted them to have it as a keepsake, but now they have part of  their Grammy’s love to share with their littles ones someday.

When I was wanting to find out how other people dealt with and helped those with cancer, I couldn’t find any information that was written by a cancer survivor that was upbeat. It would have been beneficial to have someone say they had come through cancer victorious and been able to give fresh hope to my mom while she was kickin’ cancer as best she could.

I am pleased to tell you that I have a friend , Julie Evans, who has recently written a book about her journey through breast cancer and being able to kick that wretched disease. Her book is called, Shaken not Stirred… A Chemo Cocktail: A Comedy about my Tragedy. If you have a friend or family member who is going through their own battle of kickin’ cancer I think this book would be a great encouragement to them. Julie has such an exuberant outlook on life that no one can stay down long while reading this book.

I am thankful I had a mother who supported me and led by godly example. May I point others to the Lord like she did for me.  If you still have the opportunity to call your mom and tell her you love her, do it.  If you have the opportunity to wish her a Happy Mother’s day, do it. You and she will be glad you did.

I hope you a wonderful Mother’s Day and know I appreciate you and the hard work you do for your family.

Proverbs 31

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Organizing Thoughts in Writing: the Idea Wheel

Apr30

Students of all ages struggle with getting thoughts on to “the paper”. I have found that organizing thoughts are a critical and necessary step to help writers in the head-to-hand process of communication. There are many ways to organize thoughts, anywhere from making a list; to writing uninterrupted for 3-5 minutes ; to worksheets that help corral ideas into a logical process. I have a few graphic organizer worksheets that I found on the internet that will be useful in assisting your writer.  As I show you the various types of graphic organizers I will give you instructions on how to use them so you have success in teaching. This week I am going to discuss the Idea Wheel.

The Idea Wheel can be used when you are trying to generate ideas for topics in which to write. This can be particularly useful for when you have a student that says they have nothing to write. The idea here is to give the student four broad categories at the beginning and then narrow it down to where they can write about one of them. As you can see from the photo, Malcolm has written several ideas for each section.

After we looked at each of these categories he decided he had enough to write more about a subject that he knows quite well, coffee. This is important for your student to feel confident they have enough to say about the topic they have chosen. If they do not, stop there for the day and come back to it the next day.

Below is a picture of the next step in this process. I gave Malcolm another idea wheel so he could write details about coffee, one of the topics he listed in his idea wheel. Your writer may need guidance and some ideas to help with the various categories. The upper left-hand quarter of the circle is Brewing Methods, the upper right-hand quarter of the circle is Types of Roasts, the bottom right-hand quarter section is Places to Drink Coffee.

This may take time so do not let the process become laborious. Set the timer for 5 minutes and let your writer know this so it keeps things moving along. You can adjust the time accordingly as you will have some students who need 1 or 2 more minutes.

If you have a beginning writer, do not have them write more than one or two ideas in each section. Adjust the time spent in writing ideas to 3 minutes instead of 5 minutes if necessary. Remember, the principle behind this is to help them see they have something about which to write.

Writing requires thought and may not come as easily as some other subjects. Be sure to remind your writer to: 1) write about something that interests them and 2) pick a topic for which they have a knowledge base. This makes the process of writing less difficult and promotes success.  I would advise you to sit down and go through the process with your student(s). You get an idea of how your writer feels and they can see that you have an interest in this too.  Have everyone share what was written after the activity has been completed.

The first few times you do this may be difficult, but continue because it will help your writer focus on what to write.  Just like anything new you try, it is feels awkward, but it will pay off and I think it will cause your writer(s) to create better papers.

Now that this process is completed the actual writing of the paper can begin. If your writer gets stuck, refer back to the wheel for ideas. Not every idea needs to be written about if your student is doing well.

An author always likes to have an audience! Share the stories at dinner or call Grandma to have your author read their story to an interested and doting family member.  If there is any interest, send me your author’s story and I will  post it. If you have a student who loves to draw, have them add pictures to their story. I am sure this will be a keepsake and you can use this as an example of writing for a portfolio review.

If you have a senior high student you can use the wheel without the cute pictures in the upper right hand corner.  If you think the wheel will be met with resistance, divide a paper into four sections. Guess what? I actually use this type of organizer sometimes when I am trying to generate blog topics. I like to see different ways to organize as there is something about doing things the same way all the time that gets to be mundane for me so I like to mix things up a bit. I even like the wheel with the pictures, but I am an elementary teacher by trade and at heart. 🙂

Okay, are you ready? Get set, write! If you have questions or comments please let me know.

Next topic of organizing writing: Venn diagrams for Comparison/Contrast Papers

Lunch Menu Ideas

Apr29

Do you get stuck in a rut when it comes to lunch ideas? Me too! A crock pot can be a wonderful “kitchen lady” (the term we affectionately called our cafeteria workers) in helping you to spend less time on food preparation and more time with your daily routine of school and activities with your children.

You can put all of the ingredients together the night before. Just assemble it the next morning if you are trying to save time or don’t want to interrupt your school day. Be sure and check to see how long the cooking time is for each recipe so that your meal will be ready in time for lunch.  ( I have had to go to Plan B before because the food wasn’t ready!) I hope you enjoy the recipes I have selected.

Creamy Crock pot Tomato Soup (food.com)

This recipe serves 8.

Ingredients:

  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sweet basil
  • 2 cups heavy cream (for less fat substitute half & half)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

  1. Combine the undrained tomatoes & chicken broth; still well and add oregano & basil.
  2. Cook on high for 4-6 hours. Strain tomato chunks and place in blender; puree until no bits remain.
  3. Add cream to the tomato/broth mix in the crock pot and stir well.
  4. Add the tomato puree back to the broth mix and heat through.
  5. Serve in bowls.

Serve carrot sticks and apple slices with your soup and if you have time make grilled cheese sandwiches.

Creamy Potato Soup (allrecipes.com)

This recipe serves 8.

Ingredients:

  • 8 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 2 cubes chicken bouillon
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • bacon, cheddar cheese, scallions for garnish
Directions:
  1. Place the potatoes, onion, butter, chicken bouillon cubes, parsley and water into a slow cooker. Set on low and let cook for 6 to 8 hours.
  2. At least half an hour before serving, stir together the milk and flour until no lumps remain and mix into the soup. Cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the soup is thickened.
  3. Ladle into bowls and add bacon, cheddar cheese, scallions for garnish.

Serve with a slice of bread (whole grain would be my choice, but necessarily your children’s!) and a salad or raw veggies.

Sloppy Joes

This recipe serves 6.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. hamburger
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 can Manwich
  • 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients and cook on high for 4-6 hours.
  2. Stir occasionally to break up the beef as it is cooking.
  3. Serve on hamburger buns.

Serve with chips, dill pickle spears and diced peaches or fruit cocktail.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese (food.com)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (an 8-ounce box isn’t quite 2 cups)
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stuck) butter or margarine, cut into pieces
  • 2 1/2 cups (about 10 ounces) grated sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed Cheddar cheese soup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Polish or turkey sausage, cut into serving sized pieces

Directions: 

  1. Boil the macaroni in a 2 quart sauce pan in plenty of water until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain.
  2. In a medium saucepan, mix butter and cheese. Stir until the cheese melts.
  3. In a crock pot combine cheese/butter mixture and add the sour cream, soup, salt, milk, mustard and pepper and stir well.
  4. Add drained macaroni and stir again.
  5. Add kielbasa to the top of the macaroni so only those who want a piece can be easily served.
  6. Set the slow cooker on low setting and cook for 2-2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Serve with diced peaches, Mandarin orange slices, or strawberries.

New Homeschool Co-ops in Greater Cincinnati

Apr26

I just received word that there are going to be two new co-ops this fall on the north side of Cincinnati. Here is some information for you to consider if you are interested. Sign up now as classes fill up early and it may be difficult to get in later.

Kingdom Builders Homeschool Co-op was established in February 2012 with a desire to provide enrichment and fellowship for homeschool families in the northeast Cincinnati area.  Our first year will begin next fall with the 2012-2013 school year.

We meet at Grace Bible Presbyterian Church, 12060 Lebanon Road (Rt.42) Cincinnati, OH 45241, on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Kingdom Builders Co-op provides homeschooling families an opportunity to extend their children’s learning experience one day a week.  We are an enrichment co-op, providing small classes and fellowship in a fun group environment.  The co-op is designed to compliment the instruction you provide at home.

We believe that being involved in the education of our children is a unique ministry.  In keeping with this, Kingdom Builders families sign a Statement of Faith covering the basic tenets of Biblical Christianity.

Family Christian Homeschool Co-op, Formerly Mason Co-op, will meet on Friday mornings starting Fall 2012 at North Fairfield Baptist Church, located near the Bridgewater Falls shopping area near Hwy 129.

We are primarily an enrichment co-op, and rely on our members to share their gifts, teaching subjects they are interested in and have a passion for. Class offerings will supplement what the student is learning at home, either as a new “elective” or to support “core” subjects, with a once-a-week opportunity to gain a fresh perspective from the teacher and from positive interaction with fellow Christian homeschoolers.

Members must agree with our Statement of Faith and agree to follow the Policies established by the Board.

If you are looking for other local co-ops I have a list of them that you can click here.

Wondering what the benefits are to being in a co-op or if you should join? Here is a post that I have written that will help with your decision. Educational Co-ops: Do I Join?

Dirty Hands, Mud-Covered Toes: Gardening with Kids

Apr23

Isn’t it funny how as a kid there are certain things you hate and as an adult you find joy in doing those very things? That’s how it is for me and gardening. My mom was a member of the National Herb Society and had her own shop that sold live plants. She also taught classes, made dried floral arrangements, and gave tours of her gardens. My sisters and I were relegated to various gardening duties, almost all which I detested.

Now that I am all grown up 🙂 I have my own floral and vegetable gardens and find pleasure in the process. I still hate weeding, but I love the colors, flowers, and produce that are a result of what I have helped cultivate.

As an educator I am always looking for opportunities to teach from real life experiences and this is a fun way to do it. Little ones can learn their colors, and counting, older children learn responsibility, patience, life cycles, parts of plants, cooperation, harvesting, food preparation, and so much more!

If you haven’t tried gardening, why not begin this year? I will post pictures of my gardens once there is something to show you. Whether you are a veteran or a novice, send a picture to me of your garden and I’ll have a gallery for all to enjoy.

I have listed some books about gardening that you can use with your children. While these books are geared toward younger students, I find those to be the best when just starting out as they provide simple instructions and pictures.

The Ultimate Step-by Step Kids’ First Gardening Book: Fantastic Gardening Ideas  This is a book for beginning gardeners ages 5-12 that will help you get started. It has 120 projects that you can do with your children so you will never be wondering what you can do with that patch of plants you have growing.

Kids Garden! The Anytime, Anyplace Guide to Sowing & Growing Fun This book for ages 9-12 provides you with basic  gardening tips as well as vegetable plant that grow well together. Yes, plants can benefit being near each other, as is the case with corn and beans. Some vegetables can be grown together  in a small area if placement is an issue (corn, pole beans, and squash). If you have never seen the Kids Can series before they are fun and easy to understand with practical suggestions.

Green Thumbs: A Kid’s Activity Guide to Indoor and Outdoor Gardening, Laurie Carlson I used this book with my  children when we planted a small vegetable garden when they were young. It has great tips on how to plant your seeds, make homemade bug spray, and how to use items milk jugs to make plant markers, watering cans, and plant tents. It also has projects and a list of seed companies to help you get started.

Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening with Children, Sharon Lovejoy This is one of my favorites because I love the way Ms. Lovejoy writes and her illustrations are whimsical. This book reminds me of the peacefulness that I find when I am in my gardens. It is different from others in that each garden is thematic with one being a pizza patch, another a medicinal garden, and yet another being a garden for birds to enjoy. There are several more types of gardens that you can plant, but the theme for the book is that you and your child(ren) will garden together.

If you are interested in pursuing gardening with your children and want to start out small, I found an internet site that has several kits for you to purchase. No need to get the seeds, buy the soil, they have it all there for you! Gardening With Kids

If you are interested in purchasing heirloom seeds (non-GMO), here is a company that has been recommended. Baker Creek Seeds

For whatever reason you may decide not to have a garden of your own. If you live in the Cincinnati area and still want to be involved in gardening you can participate in this program.

 

Granny’s Garden School in Loveland is a wonderful resource for families, Boy/Cub Scout groups, AHG groups, volunteering, gardening (including shared harvesting), and they have a nice nature trail too.  She is planning another Homeschool series this summer (4 weekly sessions on weekday mornings) – let me know if you are interested in more details! Margaret.Burgdorf@grannysgardenschool.org  It was a great success last year for ages 3-15!Roberta (Granny) is very homeschool friendly and always welcomes parent/child groups to come together to learn in the gardens. Here is a schedule of events: http://grannysgardenschool.org/100-1-00-a-year-in-grannys-garden-school.htmlCurrent Fundraisers:$25 Family Garden Kit: http://www.grannysgardenschool.org/418-0-00-family-garden-project.htmlHUGE plant sale coming May 5-6, click here for details:http://grannysgardenschool.org/403-00-0-plant-sale-webpage.htmlCheck out the website at: www.grannysgardenschool.org – there is always something going on that you could be involved with.  The gardens are conveniently located on Loveland-Madiera Road just a couple minutes from I-275.