Scripture Sunday

My friend Devotion Mama started Scripture Sunday.  A scripture that you or your family will work on for the week.  I like the idea and am entering her linky. 

Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous.

Proverbs 27:4

A Mommy Leap of Faith

Last week my 5 year old and 3 year old daughters decided to play scribble.  Scribble is a game that they made up and all you need to do it scribble on the wall with marker and the other player ( ie sister)  comes behind you and scribbles on top of that.  Now we have been through what markers are used for and never have I said to color a room, in fact when I give craft stuff to the girls I make sure to say "For paper only".  Who knows how or why this game came into their heads?
Tonight they got their art sets out and wanted to make something.  So I cleaned off the kitchen table and set it up so both had room.  Then I did something that may shock you, shocked me too, I gave them the scissors that had come with the set and also the glue.  I had removed them promptly after they opened them so that we wouldn't have any hair issues if you know what I mean. I have known too many stories of scissors and impromptu barber shop games.
Even during the craft period of story time at the local library I never let them try and cut out stuff.  Partly because I didn't want the project ruined, didn't want them to get hurt, and again didn't want them to think of other things they could do with scissors. This has hurt them though.  My oldest, Katherine is in Pre K this year and she excels in every area (seriously, I'm not just a boasting mama) except for cutting.  She still needs help from an adult and there is a lack of control over them. Now Ava, the 3 year old, is enrolled for Pre K next year. 
So here I am, trusting that they will listen and allowing them the chance to play using the scissors and glue.  Hoping that Katherine will master them next year and that Ava will not have the issues with scissors that Kat has had.  It's not easy but it is for the best.

                              My Ava.  I do believe this is the first time she used scissors.

My Katherine.  She needs work so I need to get out of my comfort zone and let her practice more.

Making Retro New

Today at my local MOPS group we had a speaker in to teach us about canning.  Several of us had been talking about learning it which is how the speaker came about.  It made me wonder though, why is canning almost a thing that was once done?  The speaker herself seemed shocked that we were interested.  Why?  It allows us control over what we add to it, uses items from gardens or allows us to take advantage of great deals at Farmer Markets.
  Food safety has been an issue for the past couple years with many recalls on what was once considered "healthy, safe foods".  I know I feel better knowing that I canned it, that the foods were washed, that I know where they would be grown, what was used to grow them (Farmers Markets are great for finding organic foods cheap), and exactly when the foods were canned. 
Another plus is cost.  As we are all aware the increase in gas prices has caused an increase everywhere else food it no exception.  Yes, to get started the jars, lids, and rings may be expensive though sometimes even those are on sale at hardware stores. (I know this because my Father in Law works for a local Ace Hardware and stocks up at those sales).  In the picture you see a boiling method which you can get for under $20 at Walmart etc.  Pressure cookers will be more expensive but may be found cheap online or at flea markets. 
My point is that in times like now where money is tight for many, especially people with children, why don't we look to the "old fashioned way"?  Maybe if you can green beans you could trade a few jars with a friend who canned carrots. 
I guess my love of the past makes a soft spot for these things.  I would just hate if it became a lost art, a thing that was once done way back when.  Especially when it could really be helpful now.  Our group has great fun doing these things together.  I can imagine a couple friends in the kitchen canning and talking while the kids play in another room or even outside.  These images are the ones that I hope to create in my home and life.  To show my children that in the midst of the crazy now now now world, simplicity is beautiful.