Back to school

Good mid morning,

Well this is just the most beautiful day. Not only is the sun shining but the kids are back in school. I believe they have been out of school more than they have been in school since Christmas break.

Another day of just a smidge of information, nothing I hope to overwhelming.

Speaking of schools, the Amish run one room school houses and stop their education at the grade of 8? What an odd concept for us to reflect on. But they feel as though they have reached all the formal education they need by 8th grade.

The schools are run by teachers who are usually just a couple years older than their 8th grade students. They have not had any further education beyond 8th grade. They earn on average 25.00 a day.

The school has an all male school board usually consisting of 3 to 5 members.

Amish men are responsible for the heavy upkeep of the school. The Amish school does not accept any type of local or government funds to run their schools. Each school usually has 25 to 35 scholars.

The Amish school concentrates more on cooperation than competition. Their school year usually begins around September 1 and ends May 1. Their day begins around 9 am and ends around 3 pm. They are referred to as scholars instead of students. They are taught Reading, writing, arithmetic, spelling and English. Other subjects taught are geography,history,penmanship, health, German writing and reading and singing. Scholars usually do not receive homework due to all the chores they have to complete once they are home.

Each school has an outhouse for toilets, and hand pumped water. Each scholar is also to bring his/her own lunch.

For the Amish it is about learning the basics and being able to function, where would they perform on MAP testing and no child left behind? Amazingly enough the Amish seem to be surviving and growing just fine without all the pressures of making their children perform to someone elses standards? Is there something we can learn from this? 

Word of the day:  bensel-which means silly child.

Recipe of the day: Chicken Corn Soup

1 whole chicken 2 quarts chicken stock or broth 1/4 cup onion -- coarsely chopped 1/2 cup carrots -- coarsely chopped 1/2 cup celery -- coarsely chopped 3/4 cup corn kernels, canned, fresh or frozen 1/2 cup celery -- chopped fine 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 cup egg noodles -- cooked Combine  hen with chicken stock, coarsely chopped onions, carrots, celery. Bring the stock to a simmer. Simmer for about 1 hour, skimming the surface as necessary. Remove and reserve the chicken until cool enough to handle; then pick the meat from the bones. Cut into neat little pieces.     Add the corn, celery, parsley, and cooked noodles to the broth. Return the soup to a simmer and serve immediately. This is great served over mashed potatoes!!!!!!!

Happy Eating! Until tomorrow.

Knowledge is power

Good morning,

Who knew that something that appears to be so simple and easy would be filled with such complexities.

As I told my 16 year old son yesterday about this journey; he laughed saying isn't it kind of ironic how you are online blogging about a lifestyle that steers clear of technology. Good point!


Yesterday seemed to be the perfect day just to sit and read about how the Amish ended up in America. It is so amazing how every group of people in America have their own story and their own struggles.

 I decided yesterday I am going to have a word of the day and a recipe of the day as well as some basic daily knowledge to help us learn just a little more about the Amazing Amish.

Words of the day:  I have to admit this made me laugh a little so I am sharing it first: 

ab im Kopp- off in the head.

The Amish church began in 1693 by Jakob Amman.
 
Amman believed in stronger church discipline.

They mainly came from 3 places:
     1.  German speaking parts of Switzerland.
     2.  Alsace-now parts of France.
     3.  Palatinate of Germany.

 The Amish began migrating to Pennsylvania in the 18th century in a reaction to the wars, poverty and religious persecution.

The very first Amish went to Berks County Pennsylvania, but later moved to Lancaster County Pennsylvania.

The word Amish is not used for an Ethnic designation but simply to relate members of their faith community.

Recipe of the day:

Shoofly Pie
     CRUMBS


1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup brown sugar 
2/3 cup shortening

Combine all ingredients. Mix well. Reserve 1 1/2 cups crumbs to mix with liquid mixture.

     LIQUID:

1 cup molasses
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp soda dissolved in 1 cup hot water

Combine molasses,brown sugar,eggs and soda water. Add reserved crumbs and mix well. Pour into 3 unbaked 9" pie shells or 2 deep dish pie shells. Top with remaining crumbs. Bake at 350 for 60 minutes.

Until tomorrow 

Snow in Kansas City

Well, the snow actually did hit. So what to do now? Enjoy the blessings of a warm house and food to eat.

 I actually got to read a book from beginning to end yesterday. Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman.

I simply adore all Amish Stories, and really am fascinated with their views on life and how we all seem to think that because they do not have the same distractions and influences we have that their lives are just all roses and laughter.

I think about how I can try to live my life like the Amish, and change my mindset to live more peaceful. So this is my quest to find out can I go from being a stressed out, angry, agitated doubtful believer to a strong, grateful, and encouraging human being to everyone around me.

I am setting out on a journey to learn as much as I can about the Amish, and hope to find a better person inside of me along the way.

I understand I will never be Amish but I hope that in this journey I will have a better understanding on how their strong Bible beliefs make them exactly who they are.

First question to be answered who are the Amish, and where did they come from?