Susan, Author at The Sparrow's Home

Rejection hurts, no matter how you spin it

August 21, 2017 by Susan 2 Comments

Even though rejection hurts, can’t we find joy in the pain? Can’t our hurt be beautiful too?

Rejection hurts. No matter how you try to spin it, it leaves a wound. When it is someone else being rejected, we are quick to share our platitudes, as genuine as they might be.

Maybe next time.

It’s not you.

You did great.

There’s something better out there for you.

Someday it’ll all make sense.

All potentially true. Yet none heals the sting of not measuring up. Don’t misunderstand me, I am a firm believer that we need people to speak truth into our hearts when the truth doesn’t feel true. But sometimes…it’s also ok to just say, “That sucks. I’d be hurt too.”

Freezer Friendly Scones

August 17, 2017 by Susan 4 Comments

Freezer scones. Scones are best fresh from the oven, & this makes that possible even on the busiest morning. A basic recipe ready for you to make your own.

People have opinions about scones.

Should they be dense, like a compact, sweeter version of a biscuit? Tall and cakey? Buttery and shortbread-like? Round? Triangular? Free-form?

Regardless of how one describes their perfect scone, one thing is agreed upon: scones must be enjoyed fresh from the oven. Scones are notorious for going stale, becoming heavy and doughy. Gone is the crisp, buttery exterior…the tender crumb.

We don’t have to stand for that! We can have perfect scones whenever we want!

These scones are equally delicious baked immediately, or flash-frozen to be individually baked up for a warm, fresh treat anytime.

No-Fuss, Cheap Copies: Serious Savings on Money and Hassle

August 14, 2017 by Susan Leave a Comment

I love getting the best stuff. And I love a deal. Almost never do those two loves come together. Before I tell you about my new favorite thing, let me ask you a question:

Do you know how much you pay for copies?

I did some research, and found that each black and white page printed on a home laser printer can cost an average of 5-8 cents, and 12-15 cents for a page with color. Pages with solid color graphics can cost even 50-60 cents per page.

And that’s printing at home. The office store nearest me charges 11 cents for black and white prints and 59 cents for color. One sided. And you have to drive there to have them done.

Food for Thought #27

August 9, 2017 by Susan 4 Comments

Why did the millennial burn his mouth on the coffee?

Because he drank it before it was cool.

We love a good pun around here. I can’t promise to make you cool, but I can share the latest things I’ve been reading. These are the articles that have been open on my desktop recently. Hope you find something of value!

Help for Your Struggling Reader: A Review of Nessy Learning Online

August 7, 2017 by Susan 8 Comments

Have you tried to find new ways to motivate your struggling reader? If so, the phrase, “wit’s end” has probably come to mind.

I tutor students each week who need a little extra help. Right now my clients include kids from kindergarten through 7th grade, and I am always looking for new tools to benefit them. I find that anytime I pull out my tablet or laptop, the kids are more engaged.

The problem is, although I’ve found some useful games to work on sight words, spelling, and math, none of them are targeted to my individual students. Nor have I found anything that seems to be designed specifically with struggling students in mind.

Until now.

This summer I’ve been using Nessy Learning with 5 of my students, and I am head over heels!

Quick Chewy Breadsticks

August 2, 2017 by Susan 6 Comments

These chewy breadsticks are so quick and easy! With hardly any rising time, they come together super fast. The perfect, dippable, complement to your meal.

Are you often caught like me at meal time trying to come up with quick sides to go with your dinner? I’m not what you would call a ‘meal planner’. I plot a general menu in my mind for the upcoming week before grocery shopping. Planning main dishes is one thing, but I usually end up just picking up a variety of what looks good in the produce section and figure it’ll work itself out.

After all, I’ve always got pasta and rice on hand, and my easy reference bread recipes hanging inside my spice cupboard. I’ll tell ya what…these quick chewy breadsticks have come to the rescue more than once.