Freshly Baked Gingersnaps

English Class Resources

2010-12-06T20:46:00.000-08:00

LESSON PLANS:

Decoding the Dystopian Characteristics of Macintosh’s “1984” Commercial -- Great interactive that walks through the commercial scene by scene - prompting about the meaning of the narrative and the relationship to visual (shot).
Audio Broadcasts and Podcasts: Oral Storytelling and Dramatization with War of the Worlds
The Year I Was Born: An Autobiographical Research Project
Making Connections to Myth and Folktale: The Many Ways to Rainy Mountain
From Dr. Seuss to Jonathan Swift: Exploring the History behind the Satire

ESSAY HELP:

Textbook Research for 2010-11

2010-07-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

A listing of Resources and Text ideas for various subjects revolving around a film/animation curriculum.

MYTH and STORY - BOOKS

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Edith Hamilton
Iliad by Homer
Odyssey by Homer
The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus by Margaret Atwood (Written from Penelope's perspective)

The Myths CD Collection: A Short History of Myth/The Penelopiad/Weight by Karen Armstrong, Margaret Atwood, Jeanette Winterson
Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold by C S Lewis (Cupid and Psyche)
The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun by J R R Tolkien (pre-Lord of the Rings)
Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
Metamorphoses by Ovid
The White Goddess; a historical grammar of poetic myth by Robert Graves

LINKS -

Classical Myth - the Ancient Sources - Univ of Victoria. Includes timeline, images and text

ANIMATION

Exploring Storyboarding (Design Exploration Series) Wendy Tumminello (Author)
Directing the Story: Professional Storytelling and Storyboarding Techniques for Live Action and Animation Francis Glebas (Author)
Cartoons: One Hundred Years of Cinema Animation Giannalberto Bendazzi
The Unseen Art Of Hollywood: A Retrospective Of Film Storyboards Trevor Goring (Author), Joyce Goring (Author)

ANATOMY and DRAWING

PHYSICS

BIBLE STUDY

The Bible: A Biography (Books That Changed the World) Karen Armstrong (Author)

2010 - 11 Field Trip Ideas

2010-07-04T06:16:00.000-07:00

2010-11 SCHOOL YEAR

Listing of field trip ideas by Subject

LANGUAGE ARTS - Mythology (elements of story) / Creative Writing

MOMA The Modern Myth: Drawing Mythologies in Modern Times March 10–September 6, 2010
Smithsonian Amer Art Museum Telling Stories - Norman Rockwell Collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg July 2, 2010 - Jan. 2, 2011

MATH - Algebra

SCIENCE - Anatomy & Zoology (emphasis on animation)

AMNH Since Darwin: The Evolution of Evolution September 12, 2009 - July 18, 2010

SCIENCE - Physics (with focus on electrical engineering applications)

Lighting a Revolution—Electricity Hall

Visit the Exhibit online

FINE ART - Animation & Drawing

Disney California Adventure at Disneyland to see PIXAR Toy Story Zoetrope
Corcoran - HELIOS Eadweard Murbridge: In a time of Change (April 10 - July 18, 2010) - see the Zoopraxiscope
MOMA Picasso: Themes and Variations March 28–August 30, 2010

MOMA On Line: Drawing Through the Twentieth Century November 21, 2010–February 7, 2011

PRACTICAL ARTS - Web Development (Typing, HTML, Photoshop at HCC)

MOMA Pictures by Women: A History of Modern Photography
May 7, 2010–March 21, 2011

PRACTICAL ARTS - Invention (Young Inventors at HCC)

Artifact Walls - Toys from the Attic NMAH Ongoing exhibit

Invention at Play NMAH Ongoing exhibit Visit the exhibit online

Invention Case: Hot Spots of Invention NMAH Ongoing exhibit

Invention Case: Toying with Invention NMAH Ongoing exhibit

SPANISH (1st year)

Smithsonian Folklife Festival featuring Mexico (July 2010)

HEALTH - general High School Health course

Key Ingredients - America by Food online & traveling exhibit

PHYS ED - Biking (DC to Pittsburgh Aug 2010)

DRAMA - Musical Theater (Jan-Mar 2011)

Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment NMAH April 23, 2010–August 29, 2010

Nat'l Portrait Gallery One Life: Echoes of Elvis January 8, 2010 - August 29, 2010

NEWSEUM Elvis! at the Newseum thru Feb. 14, 2011

JUST FOR FUN

NMAH - Paper Engineering: Fold, Pull, Pop & Turn
June 14, 2010–September 1, 2011

Got any ideas? Leave them in the comments section.

Anatomy Class links

2010-07-04T06:14:00.000-07:00

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY for ANIMATORS
(tracking links and resources for teaching anatomy)

WEB RESOURCES

Some of my favorite "Flight of the Conchords" tunes...all in one place!

2009-10-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

Flight of the Conchords Ep 8 'Foux Da Fa Fa'
by Just1Kiet

Politics & Mood - Is there a relationship between frequent mental distress and voting shifts?

2009-05-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

A recent National Geographic News article reports that a study in the upcoming issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows a county-by-county map with percentages of US residents who reported "frequent mental distress" (FMD). FMD is defined as 14 or more days of emotional discomfort, including "stress, depression and problems with emotion," during the previous month. Data in this map shows results from CDC telephone survey between 2003 and 2006. (NOTE: 3-days of emotional discomfort is considered normal).

The study found that you're most likely to suffer periods of depression, stress, or other emotional problems if you live in the United States' Appalachian or Mississippi Valley regions—or at least that you're most likely to admit it to government survey takers.

It is interesting to compare this geographic distribution with the shift of voting patterns in the 2008 election. This is what I LOVE about geography and data – show data visually and you can really see some dramatic correlations. Hmmmm, I think I see a research project in here ;-) Would be interesting to see a voting shift map from 2006 – which is closer aligned to the data collected on mental heath.

Countdown to Emerald Isle Vacation

2009-04-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

Countdown Clockgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Homeschooling the Women's movement

2009-04-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is definitely on my list for my kids history curriculum. We are starting with Seneca Falls Convention 1858 - to present. You've come a long way baby ;-)

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Jane Fonda and Gloria Steinem

comedycentral.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

NASA Name Contest

Ann Coulter and Al Franken at The Connecticut Forum

2009-01-10T06:36:00.000-08:00

Santa's Bailout, its about time!

2008-12-23T05:24:00.000-08:00

"...should have stuck to film, like Stalin!"

2008-12-18T15:21:00.001-08:00

Cookie Chemistry

2008-12-18T05:51:00.000-08:00

Want to make a better cookie? Ask a Chemist. Listen to Shirley Corriher talk about the Perfect Cookie on NPR.

What about how many cookies do you make for the season? Check out Food Blogga's Christmas Cookies from around the world.

Brian Williams on Ellen

2008-12-10T16:59:00.001-08:00

Prop 8, the Musical

2008-12-08T18:33:00.001-08:00

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

The Pro-hole agenda and Money-Hole Lobbyists

2008-12-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

In The Know: Should The Government Stop Dumping Money Into A Giant Hole?

Barack.....keeping it COOL!

2008-12-07T14:05:00.001-08:00

Alright, I didn't realize that John Malcovich was hosting SNL, so here is a little Christmas treat. John reading "Twas the Night Before Xmas"

NASA Simulator Prepares Astronauts For Rigors Of An Interview With Larry King

2008-12-04T01:41:00.000-08:00

I know some NASA scientists who have gone through Media Training and have heard their stories. Now NASA has created a training that rivals the rigors of astronaut training. This is beyond hilarious!

NASA Simulator Prepares Astronauts For Rigors Of An Interview With Larry King

Are you ready for Black Friday?

2008-11-24T18:39:00.001-08:00

Think before you buy...

Hannah's video about red blood cells

2008-11-21T06:51:00.000-08:00

Are you keeping an eye on your War Craft Avatar?

2008-11-14T15:07:00.000-08:00

Get the latest news satire and funny videos at 236.com.

Off Shore Drilling?

2008-11-13T12:13:00.000-08:00

How is it that off-shore drilling that won't produce oil on the market for 6-10 year going to lower prices today?

It is STILL about the Economy

2008-11-13T12:07:00.001-08:00

ReCAP - We need a $700 billion dollar Bail Out

What happened?

Stephen has a better analogy -

Lesson here: When things gets really bad, you need to understand that treatment may require repeat applications for several more months before you see signs of improvement.

Chris Matthews sums it up - your moment of Zen

George Carlin awarded Mark Twain Prize last night

2008-11-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

I had a great time at the Kennedy Center last night. There were some great guests! Jon Stewart, Bill Maher, Joan Rivers, Lewis Black, Lily Tomlin, and others. The show will be aired on PBS on April 1, 2009.

One of my favorite clips they played in honor George was him singing Cherry Pie on the Arsenio Hall Show, November 30, 1989. First 5 minutes is Carlin talking about Rhythm and Blues in the early 50's ... then his performance starts at about 5 minutes in.

Another tribute that will have you in tears is Stephen's Colbert's Tonight's Word "Bleep" - where his does a skit about the 7 dirty words....

Food Science - Splendid Table links

2008-11-10T04:39:00.000-08:00

Shirley Corriher
Several good features about cooking vegetables, Starch, Potatoes and more.

Susan Hassler, editor-in-chief of the science and technology online magazine IEEE Spectrum, decided to reach out to science and techno geeks who cook. Find out what happened.

Lynne talks with Harold McGee, the man who took food science from the laboratory into home kitchens. He recently updated his classic tome from twenty years ago: On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen. He fills us in on the discoveries contained in the 21st century edition. Listen

March 11: Molecular Gastronomy | Listen
This week we take a look at the new kitchen science that has haute restaurant chefs rethinking everything, taking foods apart and putting them back together in ways we can't imagine. The instigator is our guest, chemist Hervé This, author of Molecular Gastronomy: Exploring the Science of Flavor (Arts and Traditions of the Table: Perspectives on Culinary History.)

March 25: Umami | Listen
If you've always suspected that taste goes beyond science's big four of sweet, sour, salt and bitter your instincts are right. This week we're looking at umami. It's what food types call the "fifth taste." Our guest, David Kasabian, tells us how to use this wunderkind to make everything we eat taste better. Coq au Vin Nouveau, from The Fifth Taste: Cooking with Umami by David and Anna Kasabian, demonstrates the principle.

For the Homeschooling Mom -
Wine critic Matt Kramer, author of Matt Kramer's New California Wine answers the controversial question: can you actually get cheap good wines?

Picks from Speaking of Faith (American Public Media)

2008-11-10T04:20:00.000-08:00

Faith and Science
Science and Hope
Our guest straddles the worlds of cosmology and social activism. During a live audience interview in Philadelphia, he tells us
how he unites his convictions about faith, ethics, and cosmology.

Quarks and Creation
Science and religion are often pitted against one another; but how do they complement, rather than contradict, one another? We learn how one man applies the deepest insights of modern physics to think about how the world fundamentally works, and how the universe might make space for prayer.

Reimagining Environmentalism
Environmentalism and climate change are hot topics; yet they're still often imagined as the territory of scientists, expert activists, and those who can afford to be environmentally conscious. We discover two people who are transforming the ecology of their immediate worlds in Dunn, Wisconsin and New York's South Bronx.

Mathematics, Purpose, and Truth
As a theoretical physicist, Janna Levin probes whether the universe is finite or infinite. As a novelist, she explored the separate but parallel lives of two influential 20th-century scientists: Kurt Gödel and Alan Turing. Their work laid the foundations for computer intelligence while challenging fundamental notions about how we can know what is true.

Evolution and Wonder: Understanding Charles Darwin
We'll take a fresh and thought-provoking look at Darwin's life and ideas. He did not argue against God but against a simple understanding of the world — its beauty, its brutality, and its unfolding creation.

Food
Ethics of Eating
Kingsolver describes an adventure her family undertook to spend one year eating primarily what they could grow or raise themselves. As a citizen and mother more than an expert, she turned her life towards questions many of us are asking. Food, she says, is a "rare moral arena" in which the ethical choice is often the pleasurable choice.

Faith and Politics & Founding Fathers
The Religious Roots of American Democracy
Philosopher Jacob Needleman speaks on the spiritual and moral ideals of the American founders — and how these ideals resonate in our culture today. Democracy, Needleman says, is inner work, not just a set of outward structures.

Liberating the Founders
Americans remain divided about how much religion they want in their political life. As we elect a new president, we return to an evocative, relevant conversation from earlier this year with journalist Steven Waldman. From his unusual study of the American founders, he understands why 21st-century struggles over religion in the public square spur passionate disagreement and entanglement with politics at its most impure.

Religious Liberty in America: The Legacy of Church and State
At the center of our history of church and state is a troublesome irony. What began as an attempt to guarantee religious tolerance in the new world has at various times been commandeered by the most chauvinistic movements America has known. In spite of this, religious liberty has survived as an American ideal—one which we continue to test.

We live in a world of increasing religious pluralism—diversity beyond the imagining of our nation's founders—which suggests fresh nuance to the meaning of religious liberty. This much is clear: our modern conversation has few connections to the social, political, and religious impulses that led to the First Amendment.

Host Krista Tippett and her guests revisit the history and meaning of separation in thought-provoking and, at times, unsettling ways. Charles Haynes talks about his work in the American public school system—the arena in which our modern debates often center. Philip Hamburger describes his research into the surprising, and largely forgotten, origins of separation of church and state. And, Cheryl Crazy Bull speaks about the loss and reemergence of religious expression in tribal public life.

Evangelical Politics
A passionate discussion is unfolding in public and in private among Evangelical leaders and communities. Should Christians be involved in politics and if so, how? What has gone wrong, and what has been learned from the Moral Majority up until now. In this live public conversation, Krista probes these ideas with three formative Evangelicals.

Topics for Bible Study
Jewish Roost of the Christian Story
New Testament writings about Jews may sound inflammatory in modern ears. A New Testament scholar with ties to both Judaism and Christianity helps us put these writings in context and look for meaning in the Passion that Hollywood and popular culture can't convey.

Beyond the Atheism-religion Divide
In 1965, a young Harvard professor became the best-selling voice of secularism in America with his book The Secular City. He sees the old thinking in the "new atheism" of figures like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens. The either/or debates between religion and atheism, he says, obscure the truly interesting interplay between faith and other forms of knowledge that is unfolding today.

The Truth about the Electoral College

2008-11-07T12:46:00.000-08:00

Watch the whole thing - UMBC project about Democracy

Voting Shift

2008-11-06T14:17:00.001-08:00

Check out the shift of voting from 2004 to 2008.

Source: NY Times
For color key and more analysis see Daily KOS

Happy Election Day with the Best of the Best Election Videos

2008-11-04T03:02:00.000-08:00

"Mr. Puddles, I have snausages!"

Craig's Rant - If you don't vote, you're a moron.

Who are those undecided voters?

Back in Black - Negative Advertising

Ed Helms and the mysteries of the Voting Process

The Palin-Couric interview

David Gergen's Secret Admirer

Les Mis - a musical treat from Obama Campaign Office

Thomas Hayden Church as "Joe Six Pack"

See more Thomas Haden Church videos at Funny or Die

An ABSOLUTE must see - Ben Afflick as Olbermann

Senior Citizen's in FL watch the Debate

The Fonz speaks out on Sarah Palin

Ron Howard retro-endorsement for Obama

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

John Cleese on Sarah Palin

Vote to Cancel your neighbors

Why Vote Republican?

Farris Bueller's re-make

Now GO VOTE!

Our New Baby ... Puppy that is!

2008-07-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

Hannah and Family are enjoying their new puppy. A Chihuahua & Beagle mix...he is SUCH a cutie. Mellow but with just the right amount of puppy spunk. We picked him up in Baltimore this morning around 10:30am. We adopted from Maryland Animation Sanctuary & Rescue. He was rescued from a kill shelter in West Virginia.

Hannah meets the new puppy and our 3yr old Simon gets a chance to meet him too. Simon still doesn't think much of the new puppy. He kinda stays out of his way and is basically indifferent. I think I caught him sulking in the playroom. We need to make sure he gets his fill of attention.

We went to PETCO today and got all the basics. Picked up a nice collar and a lime green harness and leash.

"Custard" - Hannah's first name pick - just loved getting out and walking in the front yard. He comes right up to you and rolls in the grass. A real outdoor guy.

Hannah and her new puppy.

This little guy is just a ReAL cutie - that is all there is to it! Hope to post more fun picts in the morning.

Poppa Chris and Puppy taking an afternoon siesta.

Sponge Bob is officially adopted!
Cheers!

Our very own Wood Fire COB Oven

2008-07-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

More details coming soon, but here are the pictures.

Some good links:

Malaspina

Brick Oven Tampa

Traditional Oven

Heat Kit

In Memory of Sgt. Richard Findley

2008-07-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

A number of stories and videos from Richard Findley's funeral today.

News Channel 8 / ABC Video and Text.

News Channel 4 video report LIVE at 11am
And the 5pm video report - with our Beltsville Girl Scouts

Just a fabulous story in today's Post about Richard and the kind of guy he was.

Washington Post Article covering the funeral today

Dean Martin & Bob Newhart - A CLASSIC!

2008-06-17T17:40:00.001-07:00

Gas Tax Holiday - talk about putting your vacation on your credit card

2008-04-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, the next time someone asks me why I like Obama, I have a good one for them. Besides his 'inspiring speeches', there are just some things that make sense and this is one. Hilary and John McCain BOTH are lining up for the gas Tax holiday. But did they think it through?

Well, Obama said something about this, and even put the issue upfront in a campaign ad. But I what drives me crazy and contributes to those days when I am "on the fence" is this... WHY did he stop short. WHY didn't explain to people the repercussions. It would not have taken too much more time to add "lower prices mean people would buy more gas. And if people buy more gas it increase DEMAND. And increased DEMAND would increase price PERIOD." SO, tell them Obama. Yes, people would save $25-$30 over the course of the summer, but in the end, the price of gas could go up beyond what you saved, and STAY at that price!

NPR Story on Can Washington deliver Lower gas prices. And Would the Gas Holiday Work? Like, hmmmm, do you know where the tax money on gas goes anyway? What impact is your 'holiday' going to have on our infrastructure? Think about it!

This COVERS is ALL!

This is Economics 101 people!! We rely on our elected officials to be informed!

Pluto - the Music Video

2008-04-28T17:12:00.001-07:00

Ok, so here is the back story - Alan Stern and his "Pluto Underground" !

Cory McAbee on Judgement Day

2008-04-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

Cory singing Head of a Cat

Feynman Describes Electromagnetic Waves

2008-04-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

Stop motion recreation of 300

2008-04-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

This is great. Just think of the things you can do with a computer, a weekend to burn, and a few good friends.

Google Pigeon Ranking

2008-04-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

The truth about Google's technology.

Pigeons and Ping Pong

2008-04-23T18:04:00.001-07:00

Ben Stein - WTF

2008-04-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

Knitting for gadgets

2008-04-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

When you have too many sweaters from Aunt Martha, one could never go wrong with this little cozy. For warmth, privacy AND concentration in public spaces. Knitted Enclosure for a Laptop Photo by Sternlab

Engineers and Cats

2008-04-15T17:32:00.001-07:00

Urban Bee Keeping

2008-04-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

For those of you who want to give 'hand made' gifts from the heart...but don't have much of that Martha Stewart skill...perhaps this is the hobby for you. (BTW, I love the first shot. In a tie, just off work, drinking a few beers ;-)

NASA Science web site live!

2008-04-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

The site I have been working on for MONTHS (some might say years) has just launched. Visit NASA Science !

Just a short post....now back to work ;-)

Little Brown Bat video

2008-04-05T06:11:00.001-07:00

Robert Fripp and the League of Crafty Guitarists

2008-04-04T17:45:00.001-07:00

Fireworks in Boston

2008-03-30T05:10:00.001-07:00

NSTA in Boston - a photo story

2008-03-28T13:38:00.000-07:00

One back breaking weekend

2008-03-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

What better thing to do on a Saturday morning than to get a large shipment of compost...mmmmm! We found a source on Craigs List for some PRIMO compost. Combination of horse and sheep manure that was mixed with shredded yard waste. Then drawn out into 'wind rows' to cook. Yes, comes up to 160 degrees on its own. It is turned multiple times and finally sifted into the wonderful compost. A year old and doesn't smell bad at all.

We got over a dozen strawberry plants in - will probably transplant some when we build the 2nd strawberry bed. Then we got the potatoes and onions in the vegetable raised bed.

The online calculators said we needed 16 cubic yards to fill three 4'x8' raised bed for the veges, and three 3'x3' raised beds for the strawberries. Well, three beds are full and one of the strawberries and doesn't even look like we made a dent in this pile!

Needless to say, I am still laying on a heating pad on Tuesday!

We didn't get to the cold frame project yet - but I picked up the windows. Geez, we have enough windows to build a greenhouse! Not sure the coldframe will happen this spring. It might just become a Fall project. We used all the wood on the raised beds, and I probably maxed out my honey-do list for the yard. Chris will be on to other projects like a shed. We also got our delivery of mulch from the Boy Scouts - so I guess our spring yard work is just beginning ;-)

Spring Fever

2008-03-13T03:10:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it has been 3 weeks since my trip to Williamsburg. All you need is one nice day in February where the temperature hits 60+ degrees, and you've caught Spring Fever. So how can one treat the symptoms so early in the season...well...we might learn a few tips from history.

Even in February, you can see colonial technology in use to extend the growing season in Williamsburg. In fact the Romans would force vegetables and extend their growing season by placing mica over boxes like mini-greenhouses. For me, I was inspired by these classic coldframes in the colonial city. And thought THIS was the cure for my Spring Fever.

I began plotting immediately. But where can I get some old windows? When we got home, I made a post to my homeschool yahoo groups and BAM...I got a reply in 15 minutes from a mom getting her windows replaced in just a few weeks. Awesome!

So tomorrow is the big day and I can pick up the windows any time. We have some old lumber left over from our deck project and I have cleaned out the prefect 'south facing' spot for the cold frame. There are some great resources on the internet to build your own cold frame. University extension centers rock! A pdf on constructing Hotbeds and Coldframes was my favorite as it talked about using manure for heat.

Now one other detail that I just loved was the twig weaves and hay surrounding the cold frame for insulation. My husband wants to reuse some chicken wire...but this looks SO much better. Perhaps we can use the tops of the bamboo we plan to use for the tomato cages.

So, what to plant? It is amazing that we all don't have some basic knowledge of gardening. I mean, it should be as common as reading and simple math. But unless you lived on a farm, had parents who gardened, or joined a 4H club, you more than likely didn't get an education in gardening.

It amazes me how much research I need to do about WHAT I should plant in a cold frame and WHEN I should plant it. Most seed packets, of course, give you the best time to starting outdoors after frost or indoors. But a cold frame? From what I gather, it is a good place to grow cold crops like lettuce and radishes (those are on our list). Spinach is another...but we aren't big spinach eaters.

This weekend is the best timing for building the cold frame - we have a plan, a location, and materials. Unfortunately, the forecast is for rain through Saturday night.

Still gotta get an iPhone?

2008-01-07T23:52:00.000-08:00

Some days you wonder if you aren't quite keeping up with the Joneses. I mean, it must be so much better over there with their MacMansions and iPhone gadgets. But then David Lynch is there to set the record straight.

The Advent Tree

2007-12-11T16:54:00.000-08:00

I don't know when it became tradition to open small gifts every morning leading up to the BIG present day...but somehow our family succumbed to this annual ritual. I suppose for our family it started the year I found that Playmobil Advent Calendar on sale at a Zany Brainy. As a grown adult, I can't help but to think back and wonder how many of those traditions I remember so fondly came about by some odd event of consumerism.

So it is, the tradition of opening a tiny box every morning to reveal the wonders of a Christmas landscape of plasitc toys only to culminate with a Santa equiped with a brown burlap sack and a stick - oh yes, did I mention Playmobil comes from Germany. Oh what an America we would be had we instituted that Santa-wielding-a-stick tradition to all those bad little boys and girls. I mean really, coal? A swift whack of a stick while bound in a itchy bag would be so much more memorable, yes?

It was well into the first week of December and the rattlings of my youngest was getting louder and louder. "When are we going to start the calendar? When do we get to open the presents? Huh, mom...Huh....When!?"

My husband, being genuinely helpful, found a playmobil advent calendar online. And for only $50 we could have one delivered this week!! Somehow I saw all my best efforts for catching sales, combing advertising inserts, plus all my best attempts of being fugal this Christmas were just about to go out the window. Apparently my sentiment wasn't reciprocated amongst the family and I knew I had yet another item added to my holiday todo list.

We have all been there. Festering in the orthodontist waiting room - waiting only hear how it will be yet another few months before THIS ritual will come to an end (somehow this story seems to lose its appeal the 4th time you hear it). You sift through the odd sports magazine, some book about "How I lost my retainer" stories then settle for a holiday issue of Better Homes and Gardens. Ah, just what an over-tasked mother needs the first week of December - MORE IDEAS!

Combing through the pages too exhausted to actually read the articles - I am totally into this for the pictures. Then I see it. The perfect picture! I don't even have to read the text...I could just tell from the photo. Tiny little boxes with numbers on them. They could only mean one thing - An Advent Calendar!

"I could do that" I think to myself. I have some small jewelry boxes I would wrap in fancy paper. I surely have small trinkets in my 'secret closet' that could fit in these boxes. Certainly, this MUST be the answer to my advent calendar woes!

Upon driving home my mind wastes no time in escalating this simple task in the Martha Stewart of all tasks. "I could have theme....like the purpose of Advent itself...preparing for Christmas. Each little gift could have some basis for what we do to prepare for the season. Cooking, Entertaining, Giving, Decorating. Oh, this is going to be great!" Again, famous LAST words of a mother who wonders why she drinks so much.

I was convinced that just a short trip to Michael's and an evening of wrapping, I could have everything ready for my daughters to regale in the wonders of this tradition by morning. LIttle did I know what was in store for me. Did anyone ever tell me that 24 was really a BIG number? Especially when you need 24 boxes...and wrap 24 presents...some of which were tops and bottoms...so it is like wrapping 48 presents!

The first night I got the shopping done. And despite my best attempts at keeping the idea a secret from my little one... it was leaked. She was so excited. This translated into the constant questioning about when the presents will be ready. "Huh, mom...Huh....When!?"

Fast forward to Saturday. Ok. Now it is the 8th day of December and the girls are getting antsy. I thought I had best take my morning coffee downstairs and start on wrapping. Not even an hour into my 3 hours of wrapping that day when Hannah hollers down the stairs - "WHAT DAY ARE YOU ON?" All I remember was thinking that this is going to be a LONG day.

After 3 hours of wrapping - did I mention how LARGE the number 24 is! - I was ready to come upstairs to set out the gifts. Being the NUT that I am, I didn't want them opening them until I could get a picture...and they still just had the pink post-it notes on them indicating the date. That would be another 2 hours to add ribbon & adorn them with the 'perfect' Martha Stewart tags.

So, a full week and 8-10 hours later, I have finished my perfect vision I had when sitting in that orthodontist office. One has to think - WHO do these magazine people think they are?! Sucking us in with their pretty pictures and fancy ideas. Who has the freakin' time for this stuff?

In the end, I must admit, I am really proud of myself on this one. The pictures are adorable and the girls LOVE the idea. Perhaps I have created a monster tradition that my girls will try to obtain year after year with their kids. For me, I paid my dues. I will be using the same wrapped boxes next year!

Welcome to the baked world of Freshly Baked Gingersnaps!
-Ginger