~August Update~

Hello all! I hope your summer is going well!

Yesterday we went to historic dance practice, which was lots of fun! :-) We learned four new dances and a new dance step. Yea! :-) The new dance step was the polka. :-) My mom, brother's and I practiced on that step some today, accompanied by our civil war dancing CD by Spare Parts. Doing the polka is a great workout! :-)

We have also started school around here, this month. :-) The other day, as I was reading history, I ran onto a quote by Benjamin Franklin that I thought was kind of humorous. :-) It read:

"He that riseth late must trot all day." :-)

I'm also taking a sign language class this year as well as choir. :-) Those should be fun! :-)

And in other news, our local library has recently purchased some new books! :-) Pictured on the left are some of the books that we checked out and enjoyed reading! The series is about Priscilla Mullins, Nan Harper, Dolley Madison and Sacagawea and how God worked through these women's lives. If you would like to know more about this series or perhaps purchase a copy for your own "personal library" you can visit www.visionforum.com . Here are a couple of the book descriptions from the site. Enjoy!

A Light Kindled: The Story of Priscilla Mullins

"After the first winter in Plymouth, there were only four women alive in the tiny colony. One of them was Priscilla Mullins. She had traveled to Massachusetts with her father and mother but both had perished, leaving her alone in the new world. Undaunted, Priscilla chose to stay rather than return to the “safety” of England. Priscilla trusted completely in her Savior and lived a long and fruitful life with her pilgrim husband. Together they were blessed with 11 children and an estimated one million descendants!"

Unfading Beauty: The Story of Dolley Madison

Dolley Madison was the most popular and beloved of our American first ladies. Her Christian character and natural hospitality made her a popular hostess and the perfect helpmate for her husband, who was rather shy and had a difficult time talking to strangers. Dolley is still considered one of the greatest models for American girlhood today

Have a wonderful day!
~Chloe~

"He who gives attention to the word will find good,

And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. "

Proverbs 16:20

~Homemade Play Dough~

Yesterday afternoon, while at my grandparents house, spending time with relatives, we decided to make some homemade play dough. Several of us enjoyed squishing, shaping and designing it and I thought I would share the recipe for other's out there who might like to make some. :-) It's pretty quick and easy to make. Enjoy!

Play Dough
1 c. flour
1/2 c. salt
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 T. vegetable oil
1 c. water
Food coloring

In a heavy saucepan, mix dry ingredients. Gradually stir in oil, water and coloring. Cook 3 minutes over medium heat, until mixture pulls away from side of pan. Knead it slightly and store in an air tight container.

Mom made some more play dough today. :-) This time we didn't add the food coloring until after the play dough was done cooking. After putting the dough on waxed paper, we divided the dough into four parts and then worked the coloring in as we kneaded the dough, that way we could have more than one color. :-)

Looking to Jesus,
~Chloe~ :-)

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Matthew 6:33

This week we celebrated my Dad's birthday! :-)

One of the gifts we gave him this year was the game "Apples to Apples"! Our family has played it together several times now and it has been really fun and enjoyed by all. :-) It will be a neat addition to our family "game closet"! :-)







For the birthday dinner we had mexican casserole, rice with veggies and chips. Quite good! :-)

And for dessert we baked a Strawberry Soda Pop cake (again with out the soda pop :-) ) with vanilla frozen yogurt on the side. Mmmm!

In this picture Mom was pouring the strawberry jello onto the cake before it went into the refrigerator to set up.



Here's a picture of the cake in completion!













Time for pictures!



























Cutting the cake. :-)













And then on to presents!


















My younger brother's put together a few "surprise gifts". When Dad opened this package he found a bright yellow balloon! :-)

Here is my wonderful dad and mom!














Blessings,
~Chloe~

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!"

Philippians 4:4