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Thursday, January 21, 2010

Brewing some Rootbeer

The boys have been studying the American Revolution this year and we picked up this really great book at the library.


We use this for our read aloud time and we have a few historical fiction and nonfiction books for them to read on their own. As well as some nice educational videos for when I just need some quiet time. :o)
Anyhoo, to get to the point of this post...The first activity we dove into is brewing rootbeer. Samuel Adams father was a brewer and this is probably similar to the rootbeer he would have made.

Here is all the supplies needed.
(note: the mixer isn't needed, just happened to be there on my counter)


Add yeast to the warm water


Stir it up really well



Pour the ingredients into the jug






Shake to mix and place in the widow for a few hours


Put in the fridge overnight and enjoy the next day.

I have to add that ours did not taste very good. The first glass was excellent, but each subsequent cup was to yeasty tasting. Most likely to the yeast I used (regular dry yeast I have for bread making). If I were to try this again I would definately get some brewers yeast or whatever is really used in homebrew rootbeer.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Catching Up and Birthday Pics...

Oh, wow it's been a long time since I've posted. We had a good holiday season this year. Other than coming down with a stomach bug the week before Christmas. (I got it on my birthday(12/22), yuck!) Spent Christmas Eve at my mom and dad's. Christmas day kids opened gifts. Rachel, Leah and Shayla came over for breakfast and brought gifts for the kiddos. Then I cooked dinner and Faith, Becca, my mom and my dad came over for that. Trish, the girls and Jacob came up and visited the following Monday, to make sure Maddy didn't get exposed to our stomach bug. Spent New Years in Auburn and had a little birthday party for Jacob (12/30) and Maddy (1/13) while family was in the area.  We've started up school again and Awanas. Church classes start up soon, as well. It's a busy season of life, but I love it! We had a little fun day for Joshua's birthday (1/14). We took the kids out bowling (we had free passes saved from a summer kids festival), then out for dinner at Mi Mexico and then back home for birthday cake. My mom, dad, grandpa Lyle (from ID), Cheyenne, Ocean and Lizzie joined us for the bowling and dinner. Rebecca and Leah came over for dessert. Here are some pics of the evening....

Playing Arcade Games Waiting For Everyone

I don't know what's up w/ this, but I asked him to pose and this is what I got. BTW my mom got him that shirt for $1.49!! Is that an awesome deal or what?

Now, Zaccheaus will give a lesson in bowling. 4 year old style....

Wait for your ball and pick it up....

Throw it down the lane

and finally, watch for your score on the tv.

It's been a busy month of celebrating, sicknesses and new beginnings.

Happy New Year!!!