October 20, 2009 by krisvog
Originally this night gown was being made for Charlotte. When I tried it on her to hem it, it was really too big. I made it a “Size 5″ according to the pattern, but I don’t think it is true to size. I suppose this post could become a rant about sewing patterns. I am learning as I go. About 10 years ago I made 2 dresses and a blouse. Clothes sewing is not like quilting and these clothes patterns can be very difficult to follow. I measured the girls and their measurements were not even on the pattern envelope! Some people have told me that I need to measure the pattern itself. Perhaps I should be going to the thrift store or antique stores looking for patterns from the good ole’ days.
Recently the boys have asked me to teach them to sew. John is working on a doll dress for Charlotte’s doll. Kevin and I are starting work on dresses in identical patterns. His dress will be for MaryEllen and mine will before Charlotte. I am also working on a night gown for Charlotte and a dress pattern that I started years ago for MaryEllen, but Charlotte will end up with that, too, since they have both grown. Poor MaryEllen. In a way, I am so glad she finally got something made by me. She loves the night gown, but I still feel a little guilty because I used cheap, $1 a yard fabric from Wal-Mart for it. At least it looks pretty! When I am finished with Charlotte’s, I’ll make MaryEllen another using some nice flannel Angelina Ballerina fabric. Charlotte’s will be nice flannel Raggety Ann & Andy fabric. It is cute, not cheap (but I did get it on sale) and should last longer than that $1 a yard fabric. It certainly feels better. Perhaps I should be sewing instead of writing this scattered post!
Now, here are the pictures…

Posted in Family life, Sewing, homestead | 6 Comments »
October 19, 2009 by krisvog
We have had a little bit of fun with school this year. For our science we used marshmallows and toothpicks to help understand atoms and molecules. The first thing the children were instructed to do was to make any kind of shapes they wanted. After a little while of that, they were instructed to make models of molecules. They really enjoyed this activity. It was not an original idea, we have been using Real Science 4 Kids, and this was one of their planned activities.




Posted in schooling | 2 Comments »
October 19, 2009 by krisvog
My Dad, when he was alive, was always around when I had babies. As he got older he lived to see his grandchildren. When Kevin was born he said, “Kevin from Heaven.” Not wanting to hurt John’s feelings he added, “John and Kevin from Heaven.” Why am I thinking of that? Kevin from Heaven is now eleven! (I feel a poem coming on!)
As usual, Aunt Mary Lou sends the coolest gifts. (Thank you, Aunt Mary Lou.) We have some pictures of Kevin opening them. I won’t put too many other pictures up, but we had a playdate here for his birthday with a LOT of children, and two cakes even! Kevin enjoyed his birthday this year. Thank you to all who were there!


Posted in Birthdays, Family life, Kevin's stuff | Leave a Comment »
October 19, 2009 by krisvog
We are always grateful for the clothes people give us. Not too long ago, I passed on all the boy clothes from size 18 months to size 7. Some of those clothes were hard to give up. Not only did all three of my boys wear them, but I remember my 20-something nephew wearing them as well. Trusting in the Lord, Joe reminded me to “let the Lord provide” if we ever have any more boys. Typing that last sentence seems strange to me because I remember a time, not too long ago, when I wondered if we would have any girls. Here are some pictures of an outfit that Aunt Mary Lou bought for Mary Ellen about 6 years ago. We have pictures of MaryEllen wearing it. The neat thing about this is that I got Veronica dressed and put the hat on. She let me take one picture and promptly took that hat off. Then she had fun playing with it and putting it back on herself. Enjoy the pictures!





Yes, this is the old picture of MaryEllen! I just had to throw that in.
Posted in Family life, Misc., babies | Leave a Comment »
October 19, 2009 by krisvog
I am so far behind in blogging, in case you hadn’t noticed. I was going to try and take care of it this weekend, but here it is Monday already.
In September James found a very interesting flower. I don’t know what it is, and have not even had time to look it up. We did, however, take pictures. (You may click on the pictures for a larger view.)
Edited to ad: Thanks, Misty, for letting me know that this is a purple passion flower. We’ll have to go and find out more about it.



Of course, if there is a camera, flowers, and a girl around, that girl must get into the action!
Just so you know, she is in costume.
Posted in homestead, nature | 1 Comment »
October 1, 2009 by krisvog
If you need a little freshness and beauty in your homeschool, go check out Jen’s blog Wildflowers & Marbles. She has done a very inspiring post that should not be missed! My kids all want to go there for school. Have a great day!
Posted in schooling | 1 Comment »
September 28, 2009 by krisvog
We found a dog last week. Her name is Grace, which is the name she came with. I can’t remember that for anything. Every time I want to call the dog, I think Liga, Emma, ooohhhh….Grace.” By the time I think of it, the moment that I needed it is gone. The boys keep calling her Gloria. Oh well…Grace is about 18 months old. She is a mix of German and Belgian Shepherd and is pretty obedient, except when cats are around. She doesn’t want to eat them, she wants to play. The kittens don’t like that idea much so they hiss and growl until she goes away. Here are some pictures…

Here is Grace eating. She puts her nose in the bowl and lets herself plop down on the floor. I can’t say we’ve ever had a dog who ate lying down before…

I have to go get school ready for tomorrow. Hopefully some time this week I’ll have time to post some cute children pictures. Until then…so long.
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September 28, 2009 by krisvog
I know it has been a long times since the last post. I have a lot of pictures to post and notes to write. What has brought me here tonight for a quick post is this…the District Fair. Fair time is not usually anything specialsfor us here. I had been meaning for years to try and get my act together for the local County fair and for the last four years it has come and gone without us. For the last 3 years we have been out-of-town for the district fair. This year the Boy Scout troop was presenting colors before the demolition derby. We didn’t know that before hand. We just knew that Kevin had to be there by 5:30 in Class A uniform for a flag ceremony. Joe and I talked about it and we decided to go in because the demolition derby was included in the admission price. Well, let me tell you, it has been a long time since I was at a demolition derby. Back in the 80’s my brother raced stock cars in the Street Stock division at Wall Stadium in New Jersey. A few times a year they had a demolition derby along with a Street Stock race. I do believe that was the last time I was at one. As we approached we were all a bit excited. After all, this was my very first county fair!!! actually it was a first for all of us except Joe. Let me just tell you, I had forgotten how much I like demolition derbys. So much, in fact, that while I was screaming cheering for a station wagon who was nearly out of it, but then coming back to put on a great show, that I actually felt like a true hick. We’ll go back later this week to go see the exhibits of fruits, vegetables, animals, and (hopefully) quilts. I’m also thinking that a bull ride competition would be fun….but then again, a tractor pull sounds exciting. I haven’t been to one of them since the day Great Adventure was too crowded so we went to the mud hop at New Egypt Speedway in New Jersey! But, that is another story all together and this post is really not nearly as exciting as I had hoped. The kids were asking to go back next year before we even left the fair!
Posted in Fall days, Family life, Misc., field trips | 3 Comments »
August 24, 2009 by krisvog
Here is one of Kevin’s latest watercolors:
(Click on the picture to enlarge.)
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August 24, 2009 by krisvog
Posted in Misc., field trips | 2 Comments »