Homeschool Resources – Page 4 – Pollywog's Place Blog

Special Holiday Meals: Good Luck Meal

Published on October 22, 2025October 5, 2025 by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog1 Comment

Sometimes we feel that we just need a little extra luck, or maybe it is the superstitions of a day like Friday the 13th that makes us a little weary… truth be told, we just need to pray about it. However, a good meal doesn’t hurt either… just for fun, of course!

This is a semi-traditional menu plan that we came across somewhere, and we tweaked it to fit with current-day dishes:

Good Luck Meal

for Friday the 13th or any ‘unlucky’ day

BBQ Pork Ribs

Black-eyed peas, Greens, or a Good Luck Salad ** see below

Hoe Cakes

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

**Good Luck Salad

Pick your favorite salad greens and veggies, arrange them in the shape of a horseshoe, and serve… lol 🙂

Good Luck Meal Download

A Hobbit Day Celebration with Pictures

Published on October 7, 2025October 8, 2025 by Susie @ Pollywog's Place BlogLeave a comment

Our first Hobbit Day went well even though we had to postpone it once. We had planned to start with Breakfast at 7:00 on Saturday but we had overnight guests and a late night so it ended up being more like 7:45ish.

“Good morning! I’m not quite sure what you mean,” said Bilbo, “but my meaning was that I wish you a good morning, or rather, that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?” – Bilbo Baggins

Mr. Awesome got up early and put some meat on the smoker. He put a couple of lamb quarters on too as those would be used for the pot roast later on.

Hobbit Day Menu Plan

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Biblical Feasts: A Sukkot Menu & Activitities

Published on October 3, 2025October 8, 2025 by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog2 Comments

If you’ve been around here for a bit, then you probably know that we have been on a journey to learn more about the Biblical Feasts. Well, Sukkot/The Feast of the Tabernacles is almost upon us, and I decided that being prepared makes it more likely that I can follow through with the intentions of celebrating this year. Definitely ask for help from your family if this time seems overwhelming, as Sukkot embodies the theme of unity, and we all need to come together as one to make this a special time of the year.

We will be trying to incorporate some of the garden harvest into our menus during this time, as this is a type of ‘Harvest Festival’ and we plan to eat by candlelight whenever possible. Please note that I am not an expert, and most of these ideas are just ideas that I have, and I can not say that they are traditional or ‘allowed’ for a traditional Jewish celebration.

The Challah bread is usually round by tradition. Wine is normally served with meals as well, although we will probably opt for sparkling wine, apple cider, or juice.

You can change whatever recipes you need to make this work for you… you can even buy premade foods and make this work. The idea is to celebrate your BLESSINGS and show THANKFULNESS to GOD.

DON’T FORGET TO INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY! Click below for FREE printable invitations:

Biblical Feasts: An Invitation to Attend

Biblical Feasts: Celebrating Sukkot as a Christian

Here is the menu that we have come up with:

1st Day

Breakfast

Make Ahead Breakfast Quiche, Toast w/Jelly

Lunch

Cold Plate Lunch

Dinner

Baked Salmon or Mississippi Pot Roast w/rice – We’ve been making this with smoked lamb and it is so good!

Lentils, Rice, Salad, Seasonal Veggies w/Dip

Stuffed Mushrooms w/Dipping Sauce – can be prepared ahead and heated before serving

Challah or Sourdough w/honey butter

Dessert

Apple Pies, ice cream

SNACKS:

Fresh fruits and veggies

Beverages:

Sweet Tea, Lemonade, Apple Cider, Hot Cocoa, or Coffee – I might even set up a Hot Cocoa Bar for everyone

Notes:

You may choose to read Scripture during breakfast, or you may also choose to do a special Bible Study during this time.

You should already have your Sukkah or outdoor living space prepared. We will be using our back porch area. Set the table with some pretty festive fall decor, if applicable. Add candles too!

Say a prayer before sitting down to eat.

Read Scripture and/or say a prayer of Thankfulness after the meal.

Free Party Planning Printables!

Grab your FREE printables so you can make your menu and grocery list right now!

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Biblical Feasts: Celebrating Sukkot as a Christian

Published on October 2, 2025October 8, 2025 by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog3 Comments

Please note that I am NOT an expert on the BIBLE or on any of the BIBLICAL FEASTS, but I know others are feeling led to celebrate the FEASTS as we are, so I am just sharing what we have been learning. This post, like many of my posts, is a helpful reminder for myself and a place to put links that I might otherwise forget about.

Who should celebrate the Seven Biblical Feasts?

Well, that is a debate among many, and I have been doing TONS of research. During that research, I read somewhere that we are not commanded to celebrate them, but we are invited to celebrate them as Jesus did. How would you feel if you had invited someone to celebrate with you and they didn’t show up?

First and foremost, I would say that you need to pray and see if GOD is leading you to celebrate… you should pray about any big changes in direction before heading down a path that life may be leading you down.

Holy Days vs. Holidays

I have read some theories that Thanksgiving may have actually been based on the Sukkot Celebrations… it lasted three days while Sukkot lasts for seven, so there may be some truth to this. They both occur around harvest time, and Thanksgiving was a harvest celebration when it first started. The Pilgrims were well versed in the Bible and Hebrew, so they may have adopted this celebration as a time to remember all they had been through.

Why celebrate Sukkot?

Secondly, you should do your own research about Sukkot. Find out the who, the what, the when, the where. the why, and the how… all of it! Then you can decide if and how you want to celebrate it. You can start by reading through Leviticus 23.

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My Kids Surprised Me With Their Knife Skills!

Published on September 23, 2025September 18, 2025 by Susie @ Pollywog's Place BlogLeave a comment

I used to think letting my kids near sharp knives was a recipe for disaster. Turns out, it’s the exact opposite.

When kids learn real knife skills, they actually become safer in the kitchen. They gain confidence, take ownership of meals, and (bonus!) start helping with dinner instead of just asking when it’s ready.

That’s exactly what this free knife skills class for kids delivers: practical instruction, real safety techniques, and fun activities that make kids excited to cook. My kids surprised me and so will yours!