Hannukah Party

We were unvited to our first Hannukah party ever.

Our host read the story of Hannukah to us, taught us the symbolism of the menorah, and taught us some traditional songs. It was fun and we learned so much.
From a homeschooling perspective, we covered history, literature, world cultures, music, fine arts and math. Yes - math! The kids were asked to figure out how many candles were needed total for the 8 nights of Hannukah.

Traditional latkes were prepared by our hostess and served with sour cream and applesauce. One of the guests asked about the significance of the sour cream and applesause and was told that they have no signigicance except as toppings for the latkes. By the way - the food was delicious!

Our hostess also made sure there were enough menorahs so that each guest had an opportunity to light a candle or two. As we lit the candles, her daughter recited a blessing in Hebrew then in English. It was the 6th night of Hannukah.

Learning the dreidle game.

Thanksgiving Travels to Tennessee

We have arrived in Tennessee to spend time with my husband's family this Thanksgiving. We are having a great time going out and exploring the surrounding area near Fayetteville, Tennessee. Fayetteville itself is a great little town. There are no metered parking spaces and when you step into the shops you are usually greeted by a very friendly shop owner with a charming southern drawl.

Although the girls forgot to bring along their math and language arts books like I requested, learning continues. (It never really stops as far as I'm concerned.)

The same old stories that are told to the children about their parents are a vital part of history that will stick with them for years to come.

Part of the family bonding includes an eccentric aunt recording a video of all the cousins to be sent to The Kalembo Mission in Africa. (Talk about a geography lesson!)

Yesterday we visited the Jack Daniels distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The tour included a lot of information that helps us to cover American history - America in the 1800's to prohibition and beyond.

The distillery itself provides an excellent example of work ethic and not taking shortcuts to manufacture your product.

Some pictures:

A quote from Mr. Jack Daniels.

Picture taken outside the cave that contains the natural spring that Jack Daniels used to make his product. The picture doesn't do justice to the beauty that surrounded us.

Visiting the souvenier shops in Lynchburg.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day for us was pretty quiet. We did get up a little earlier than usual to get to the parade in the next town over. I'm so glad we did because it was a very nice parade. After the parade, we went to the store to pick up a couple of things then came home.

We cooked some hamburgers on the grill and the kids blew some bubbles and that's about it.

This evening at bedtime, we will begin writing in our summer journals. They are poised and ready in a little basket in the living room. Each evening from now to Labor Day, we will write in the journals about the day's activities. We did this in 2005 and really enjoyed it. The last couple of years, we tried, but somehow didn't follow through the whole summer. This year feels different and I look forward to seeing what the kids will be writing about.

Mir Bojzi

Mir Bojzi!!!
or
Merry Christmas!!!
Today, my mother's side of the family celebrates Christmas in the Serbian Orthodox Church. My family is about 4 hours away from us in McKeesport, Pa and this year we won't be able to make the trip. I'm a little sad about that, but am hopeful that next year we will be able to go.
I am not an expert on the Serbian Orthodox religion, but here I will attempt to put down in words my understanding and experiences of this blessed event.
Orthodox Christmas is celebrated according to the Julian calendar on January 7. It starts on January 6, Christmas Eve, with a yule log burning ceremony. During the procession, walnuts and coins are scattered on the ground for children to pick up. The badnjak, or yule log, is from a young oak tree representing the Christ Child. The log is sprinkled with red wine representing Christ's blood and burned representing his crucifixion. The smoke rising reminds us of Jesus' ressurection.
On Christmas Day, the family gathers. There is a fire burning in the fireplace and a table spread with many meat dishes because this is the end of a 6 week fast from meat. The main dish is lamb. Under the table is straw representing the manger and on the table is wheat growing in a vase representing Christ, the bread of life.
My daughters' favorite part of the meal is the Chesnica, or Christmas Bread. This is a mildly sweet, yeast bread with a coin baked inside. Whoever gets the coin will have good luck for the upcoming year.
This celebration is dear to me and I am glad that I am able to share it with my children. Last year, my 9yo dd made a notebook and my 8yo dd made a lapbook on this event. This year, we will take them out and look through them and be with our family in McKeesport in spirit.