December Dash

After a wonderful Thanksgiving with most of our kids and grands, we made it home late Sunday evening. Sam was up early to work Monday, then this morning (Tuesday) is off to Jonesboro, AR to work several days. He is exhausted.
This is our busy season for birthdays. With family and friends, we have about 5 birthdays every week through the first week of January.
Mr C and I decided to try to use down the stockpile of groceries in the pantry and freezer. I may venture to the Neighborhood Market or Aldi for fresh fruit & dairy. I cleaned out the fridge and its freezer compartment.
(Note to self: Label things. Please. You are really NOT going to remember what that frozen blob is when you see it again.)
I have my huge stock pot full of bone broth from a variety of saved bones and carcasses. (Turkey, chicken, duck, and a few beef bones.) I started it yesterday afternoon, and began canning batches of the broth today. The bones weren't all cooked soft today. I added more water to the pot after taking out the first five quarts of stock. Several hours later, I removed five more quarts of stock and added a bit more water. I intend to simmer it overnight, and finish up the canning tomorrow. I should get about 17-20 quarts all together.

In our Homeschool lessons, we are still doing Atlas Adventures. Nickole is working her way through the South American pages. We have watched a number of videos on Peru, and on Machu Picchu. In the immediate plans, we are learning about what the Bible has to say about the birth of Jesus. (Today, Nickole learned that there were not (just) Three Wise men/ Magi. And they didn't come meet baby Jesus while he was in the stable manger. It took the caravan of wise men many months to get to Galilee. (Which is why Herod killed all the male babies 2 years and younger.) I intend to walk us through all the Biblical accounts of Christ's birth in the next few weeks. Our emphasis will be on Jesus, and how many things became seasonal traditions.
We have been doing various writing assignments, math, health, science, just so much of everything.
We will probably do some crafting items for Nickole to present to people.
Nickole is supposed to go visit her Mom and Poppo on the 21st to 29th.
In January, we are going to have to double down on learning Spanish- Peru awaits!
Besides learning Spanish, we will learn more of the Peruvian cultures. I need to get mine and Tom's passports updated, and get Nickole her passport.
Perhaps we should start a separate blog for travel, and all the trip details?
In all my lack of blogging of late, have I failed to mention that Tommy is getting married in Peru next year?
Blessings, Y'all!