Angels Of Heart

• Jul. 5, 2009
Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July!!!

It has been a full fun weekend. I missed
all of you and blogging but will be ready
On Monday to get back into the swing of
things. :)

Toad did make it in to visit with us. I didn't
get any photos of anything we were just all so
happy to seem him. He is doing well and we are
so proud of him. He will go back tomorrow
morning to finish up his training. We also got
to meet his new girlfriend. I just can't believe
how far he has come. When he first came to live
with us his Senior year of high school I wasnt
sure he was going to make it but he managed
to turn things around with trial and error. I
am so glad he is on the right path.

Yesterday we met with my mom and dad for
breakfast. Then we went to visit with them for
awhile. I had this interesting breakfast. I still
havent decided if I like it or not. It was scrambled
eggs, brown sugar, cream cheese and strawberries.
It was an odd combination. After our visit
(And mommies hair cut ) we
all came back home and dad made strombolies for
dinner. We were going to eat outside at the picnic table
but the kids have been watching the entire star
wars movies each evening this week. This was our
last. We ended up not watching the movie anyway.
(we have the last one on VHS) We went outside
and the kids rode bikes and looked for lightning
bugs while Daddy and I sat on lawn chairs
watching. We allowed them to also try some
poppers. That you throw on the ground. Spirit
absolutely loved them giggling each time they
hit the ground. We got out a bucket of water
and did a few sparklers too. Spirit didnt want
to hold one until later and I kept him beside me
to make sure he didn't get hurt. (I dislike those
things but daddy is always excited to get them
for them. They make me so nervous)

Superboy had an interesting day too. He came
up with some great ideas and some not so great.
While we were at my mom and dads. Pap gavehim a bag of balloons. Superboy blew one up
and stuck it to the end of some tubing he had. Then
he put a balloon to the other end. His idea was that
it should blow up the other balloon. Well it did not
but it was a great idea. :) He tried taping it on to
but the air just found ways of seeping out.

While doing the poppers. He decided if he put
some rocks in a plastic bag and threw it that it
would make the same sound. It did not again
But he saw that it fell right away and a little
lesson on gravity and why the rocks made one
big thud sound instead of crackling noises.

He can be such a funny kid. Spirit had a little
blister on his toe as I put him to bed I nocticed
that is was there . So I sent
Superboy down for a bandaid and the first aid
cream. I got Spirit all fixed up and the lights
were out. Superboy sneaks in and hands him a
stuffed animal, grins and walks out. 15 mins.
later he pops his head in and whispers.. Your
welcome. So cute.

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• Jul. 2, 2009
Preschoolers - Creating a Rich Environment and a Fun Place for Learning.

Posted in Reviews

Wait till you hear about this new Ebook coming
out soon in the Old school house store!!

Preschoolers-Creating a Rich Environment and
a Fun Place for Learning.

As most of you know playing with preschoolers is
one of my favorite things to do. So very often on
different yahoo groups and other areas I hear people
asking how much to do or how little . Most of the
time I say to allow your child to lead you. You will
see as you play what they need or want to learn. It
all happens naturally but no one said I couldn't be
creative about it. :)

This preschoolers Ebook is so wonderful because
it is written by moms. Moms just like you who
are willing to show you what they do with thier
preschool children. There are about 13
mom writers who have given you some ideas and
perspective into what their school looks like for
their preschooler. I was excited to see one of my
blog friends Carissa from 1+1+1=1 where she
also hosts Tot school in the ebook providing her
prospective. Always fun to hear what she is doing
next. You can see some of our Tot school activites
in my catagories on my sidebar. Another friend
that I went to high school with SchoolinRhome
is also featured. Carol gives us a wonderful list of
ideas to use everyday when we are busy to
pull out for our little ones to do. Carol I'll be
sneaking some of those for my little ones. I was
also so excited to be chosen as a contributing writer
For this ebook. In it I share some of my ideas and
games for learning with a preschooler. Not
only will you get to meet some of my friends but
there are other great articles about planning
Field trips, incoorporating music into your preschoolers
day, teaching one, giving preschoolers chores,
and mulitasking with multiple children. You will
be sure to find something in there of value. Most
of all you will come away with some really awesome
ideas and advice from moms like you. (oh
and there are a few photos of my little guy in there
too.)

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• Jul. 1, 2009
BIG NEWS AT homeschool blogger...!! and ramblings

Posted in Family life

Have you heard the big news. Homeschoolbogger is
changing servers. No more html. I was just getting used
to it. There will be 100s of templates available and drag
and drop features and much more . When will
This take place. That I am not sure but I do know they
are trying it out on the homesteaders first.

I can only imagine what a mess it will create but once
I get used to it I am sure it will be fun to have all these
new features that I have been jealous of for years now,
but love Homeschool blogger so much and the friends
I have made that I could never leave.

Just wanted to pass that bit of information on. :)

I also wanted you to know that I may not be blogging
to much this week. Dont think I have gone anywhere.
Knowing me I'll blog anyway. I just need sometime to
relax a bit and get organized for Toad coming home.
Especially after all the baby excitement over the weekend.
I am just coming down from it all and getting back into
a routine. It really had me anxious and worried.
Yesterday we did a bit of cleaning and I did some
research on Alligators for Spirit this fall. Alligator
Stuff is hard to find. If you happen to have a preschool
Site available with Alligators as a theme please
let me know or if you have any ideas! I did find
several things that set off ideas for new things.
We also did several loads of wash and made my
shopping list. So today is shopping day. That will
take everything I have to get through as walking
is getting uncomfortable for me . I doubt I'll do
to much more in the cleaning area. Toad is bring
his new girlfriend home to visit and I am trying to
spruce things up. When you look at your home from
a perspective of a visitor suddenly your clean house
doesnt looks so clean. I also now have a stroller
and infant car seat. This I want to take apart and wash.
Along with some other things that famiy and friends
have given me. I know most of it is new but I still
like to wash it . That one I have had on my list
to do for several weeks now. I also think after this
weekend that it wouldnt be a bad thing to get
a bag together for the hospital. Even if I dont
us it for quite sometime. One never knows.

If you are looking for the preschool post please
be patient as its been a trying week. I am working
on a great Math post for you so hang in there. :)

Have a good 4th of July if I dont post sooner.

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• Jun. 30, 2009
Simple Womens Daybook /Baby update

Posted in Simple Womens Day book

For Today...

Outside my window-Dark at the moment. It is
actually 1 am on Tuesday. I had a interesting Monday
and will tell you in the next area all about it. Monday
was a sunny day but barely had time to notice.

I am thinking about ...
Sunday morning I had a few baby occurances that
lead me to believe there may be an issue. I'll save
you the details. I called the dr. this Monday morning
and they told me to come right away to Labor and delivery.
I am only 31 weeks so not ready for baby to come yet.
I had several tests done and they monitored baby for an
hour or so. I am dialated just a little bit but nothing to worry
about. Luckily everything is ok. So we are back to waiting
and monitoring again and truely glad we are. I have been
under quite a bit of stress lately and think this contributed
to some of my issues. I am trying to relax a bit but if
you know me I have to be doing something. :)

From the learning rooms...
Princess:

Math- On to graphing.

Grammar- Unit in Contractions

History- Finishing up Revolution unit.

Superboy-

Math-Heading into mulitplying with
2 numbers.

Reading what we like this week. Enjoying
books that superboy likes. This will be what
we do the rest of the summer.

Spirit-
Is playing this week and enjoying summer.
Especially with all the baby issues I have had
but he has been getting into some trouble lately
and I may have to organize a few play activities for
him to help him stay out of trouble.

I am thankful for...
* Baby being well

I am wearing...
PJs . Going back to bed eventually again.

From the kitchen...

Monday- bar-b-que sandwiches and cheesy
potatoes
Tuesday- Sausage, garlic potatoe wedges and
veggie.

The rest of the week to be determined. Wed. I
will be going grocery shopping. Wanted to take
Tuesday to breath a bit and get myself together.

I am reading...
Lies Women believe.
And Bible

I am hoping...
To get some cleaning done tomorrow.
Toad is coming home this weekend for a bit.
So want to get all chores out of the way to
relax. I also have a fun ebook to review.

I am creating...
Lesson plans, lesson plans , lesson plans
For the fall.

I am hearing...
The fan.

Around the house...

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Monday- Went to Hospital for some testing. All
Is well. Then my mom took us all out to eat and we
bought baby a few outfits, socks, etc.. Its so hard
to decide on a size since my babies are always so
large.
Wednesday- Grocery shopping
Friday - Toad coming Sometime in the evening.
Saturday- May see some fireworks not sure.
Kids have been asking for sparklers. Those things
always scare me.
Sunday- Church

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• Jun. 27, 2009
Homeschooling your Struggling learner

Posted in Reviews

At our local Homeschool convention this
year I was able to hear Kathy Kuhl speak
about teaching the struggling learner.
You can find her at www.learndifferently.com
I enjoyed the talk on struggling through math
so much that I stopped by her stand and picked
up her book. At her website you can find some of
these talks and purchase them for your listening
pleasure. You can also purchase the book that
I am about to tell you about.

Homeschool Your struggling Learner
By Kathy Kuhl

I really wish I had this book when I first started
going through all I did when beginning with Princess'
struggles. If I had known all the information that
was given things may have gone differently for us.
Differently through evalutions and differently on
who we chose to do the evaluation. You can
find our story on the side bar. It was great to find
links to other resources on the web for farther
research. She also gives some curruculum
Suggestions that I may just try this year.

Toward the back of the book she goes over
each topic of learning. Reading, writing, and math.
Much of the math section was what I had
heard at the conference but is nice to have a
reference for future use. Many of her ideas could
be used for any child to make learning easier
and more fun. I can't wait to try some of these
things this year. If you purchase the book or
have read it you may notice a few of these ideas
on my blog as the year goes.

This book is for any parent who has a struggling
learner. You will be walked through each step
and find ways to find your childs learning style.
Well worth it for this mom to keep as a reference
and I was lucky enough to have Kathy sign my book!!
A wonderful resource..

Enjoy your weekend with family.
Nikki

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• Jun. 25, 2009
Thankful Thursday/Pregnancy update

Posted in God and Grace

It has been a wonderful week but tiring too. I
had a check up to see how baby is doing and
she seems to be growing leaps and bounds. I
lost 2 lbs from the last time I had a check up 2
weeks ago. Leaving me with a gain of 2 lbs
this entire pregnacy. The Dr. gave me a funny
look but I promise I have been eating my calories,
for whatever reason I am losing weight. I'll probably
weigh less than when I started . Strange
but possible at this rate. Her heart rate is normal
and when the Dr. looks for it she always
wiggles around. At this point she is breech
again. She changes position quit often. They
want her to be in position at my ultrasound in 2
weeks so hoping she complies. At that time
we will also determine her size since large
babies just seem to be the way it is for me.

So this week I am Thankful for ....

This wonderful blessing growing inside
of me. I am so grateful for this little one.

Heart is away at Creation fest this week
and will be home tomorrow. I am always
Thankful for her being able to go. It is so nice
to be able to spend time with others who have
the same beliefs and desires as yourself.

I am also Thankful that Princess heart has
seemed to soften a bit this week . It is almost
like she is a different child. I continue to pray
that this new attitude keeps going. In fact
just this morning she asked me to help
her with her hair. She hasn't asked me for
that in years and years.

I am also Thankful again for Superboys evaluation
It has really helped me to determine what he needs
to work on acadmically and what his NEEDs are.

I am Thankful we will see Toad a bit this coming
week. He will be staying overnight before
Shipping out again. It will be nice to see him.

I give prayers up for Spirit as he is soo moody
lately still trying to get over the illness he had
earlier this week. He is still quit stuffed. I cant
tell if his new found defiance is a faze he is
going through or from not feeling well. We will
soon see but are working toward nipping that in
the bud before it gets out of control.

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• Jun. 24, 2009
Doesnt anyone Sleep around here..

Posted in Family life

I can only imagine what this house will
be like when our baby arrives. I have enough
trouble finding time to sleep now. Sleep will
be gone to me. Last night the kids and I stayed
up later than usual watching funniest videos.
Spirit somehow unnoticed fell asleep on the sofa.
I didnt realize he was getting tired. I should have
Known since it was so late but didnt even realize
it at the time. Once the show was over we all
headed off to bed. Just as I lay my head down
and began to fall asleep I hear....in a whisper...
Mom are you awake...Heart heard from a friend
who was telling her about a big accident in their
area. Not a few minutes more and Princess and
Superboy came in. (Spirit soundly sleeping)
Jabbering away at honestly I dont remember what.
Finally I got to sleep.. for a little while.. Until
I hear in our bathroom someone crying. I think
Oh no who is sick. So I go in and find..
Superboy. He was all worked up because he
couldnt sleep. I calmly took him to his room
and told him he could draw for a bit or read
and then try again. I kept checking on him by
the time he actually fell asleep is was after midnight.
I went down stairs once to get a drink and
daddy was online with Toad. Toad was
chatting about military and his new girlfriend.
I went back to bed. You would think that was
all but noo... just as I start to sleep Spirit
begins to cry. I go to check on him and he
had an accident. So I clean things up and
tuck him back in. Then we have the rounds of
I need a drink of water and I need a tissue
before finally finally I can sleep.

Morning surely came to soon. Daddy touched
by leg as he was getting dressed. I have to take
Heart to a youth pastors house to head off on a
trip this morning. I sort of moan... Is it morning
already. Its going to be a long day...

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• Jun. 23, 2009
Tactile Play

Posted in Tactile Play

Planning for Preschool: Tactile play

Hi everyone. Thank you for coming back and
finding out some of the other things we add
to our preschool days. As you are planning
and creating activities you may want to add some
tactile play. This is my son Spirits favorite
play. It serves as two purposes. One your
child learns. (fine motor skills, pouring and
the beginning of measurement etc..) Of course
they have no idea they are learning its just
plain fun. It also serves as a keep your preschooler
busy tool while you are working intently with an
older child. I usually keep out tactile experience
available for a week depending how messy
it is. You definately have to have a high tolerance
For messes if you plan to use these activities.
I also only allow them access to them at certain
times through the day . Usually morning hours
till lunch time. This helps with cleaning up in
the afternoon and quicker prep for dinner.

What you need: You will need a low storage tub.
I have also used a large bowl, pie pans, or even
a plastic dish pan. Under your pan you will want
to place an old table cloth or towels. Possibly both
if you are dealing with water or something that
can spill. When I use messy items I keep them
in the kitchen so that the mess is easy to wipe up.

What items to use for Tactile play: Many
things work as tactile play. Just about anything
that is safe and you have multiple of them.. Here
are some of the items we have used in our home.
The old stand bys sand and water make for
great fun. Add in the box spoons, measuring cups
tongues, cars, toys to be washed the list is endless.
Other items we have used... fake leaves, flowers
and plastic vases, small rocks and insects, christmas
bows, cotton balls, small erasers, marbles, beans,
corn, rice, shreaded paper, shaving cream, cut
grass (best outside), gloop or slim, and the list
can go on and one. Use your imagination.

Website with more ideas:
You might also want to check out Joni Crafts
website. It is geared more toward a child care
center. The site is trying to sell their Sensory Tables
But if you view the ideas to the slide show and skip
through the sales pitch you will find some really
great ideas. I plan to use a few of these next year.
If you'd like to keep this as a source you can even
get a CD for you personal library. If I had the
space I might have even invested in a sensory
Table. I still might purchase a small one. It
would keep the mess in a central location and I
wouldnt have to clean it up as often.

If you have any sensory play ideas please
share them in the comments box.
Next week.. beginning math skills.

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• Jun. 22, 2009
Simple Womens Daybook June

Posted in Simple Womens Day book

For Today...

Outside my window- It is sunny and grey if that makes
sense. It has been like this all weekend. One
Moment the sun is shining bright and the next moment
the clouds roll in and it rains and pours.

I am thinking about ...
What a waste this weekend was but sometimes
this occurs. My little guy was sick but at the same
time at times seemed well. Sort of like the weather
Good and bad. So we sat around with him much
to the older children shagrin. Tomgirl showed
up too to give Dad his favorite strawberry jelly and
we watched on TV ladies who didn't
know they were pregnant. I dont know how you
couldnt know. Very odd.

From the learning rooms...
We arent stopping with our lesson over
the summer but doing a real modifyed version.
Some days when we are busy not doing any
work and others only math.

Princess:

Math- On to graphing.

Grammar- Unit in Contractions

History- Finishing up Revolution unit.

Superboy-

Math-Heading into mulitplying with
2 numbers.

Language- Reading Peter Pan

Science-
Some fun experiments on electricity.

Spirit-
Is playing this week and enjoying summer.

I am thankful for...
* The rain, chicken corn soup,
Sunny days, computers, Long heartfelt
movies that have a deeper inner meaning.

I am wearing...
Black shorts and green shirt.

From the kitchen...

Monday- Golash
Tuesday- Barbque chicken, pototes
and beans
Wednesday- pork chops, mac and cheese and peas
Thursday- Hot dogs and hamburgers and fries
Friday- leftovers
Weekend is dads

I am reading...

Homeschooling your struggling learner.
Lies Women believe.

I am hoping...
Clean as usual, school a little ,plan
a reading rules lapbook, and begin
plans for youth group next year, maybe
work a bit on preschool plans as well.

I am creating...
Lesson plans as usual and a cozy
place for baby.

I am hearing...
The TV and the boys being way to
Rawdy. I need to go break it up....
Hmm seems as thought its just Spirit being
fussy sinces hes been sick he quite moody.

Around the house...

Superboys room is done!! Whoo hooo.
I thought it would never happen. Cleaning up
the rest of the house. Doing some deep cleaning
in our living room and school room. Maybe kitchen
If I get to it. Want to catch laundry up so I can wash
curtains. Things have gotten dusty over the winter months.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Monday- Staying home another day since
Spirit has been sick.
Tuesday- Free movies at Regal (possible
depends on Spirit) and Hearts Dr.
appointment
Wednesday- Heart leaving for creation fest
and Creative mess at the library
Thursday- OB appointment and
evaluation meeting
Friday - Free day
Saturday- Baby shower for cousin
Sunday- Church and family reunion
Pick up Heart

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• Jun. 19, 2009
TOS Crew REVEIWS-- Top 5

Posted in Reviews

Well I am finally at an end of my Tos
Crew journey. This will be my last post
with the crew. It was difficult at times to keep
up but overall I enjoyed the products and learned
a lot about homeschool products and what I want
from those products for our school.

Thank you to TOS and to Heidi for all Your
hard work!! Today I thought I'd just show
You my top 5 favorites in review. These
my children really enjoyed and probably will
purchase more of their products in the furture..

1. My top favorite item was the lapbook from
Homeschool in the Woods. I absolutely love
their hands on approach. My dyslexic daughter
gave that a number one on her list of keepers.

2. Would be Knowledge quests ABCs of home
schooling. Wonderful classes for the beginning
homeschooler and seasoned as well. I found
much of the information valuable and plan to
reread it and take my time through one more time.

3.Before Five in a Row Five in a Row
Beyond Five in a Row

My 9 year old was able to try the
five in a row and beyond. I really enjoyed
these but thought they would work best for
my younger son. So we purchased
the before 5 in the row series for the fall
so you will have to stop back and see how its
going.

4. Trigger Memory System
Learning our muliplication tables has
been a stuggle but with Trigger memory
we are working toward faster facts..

5. Last but not least for me was the old
school house planner. I am still using the
one from last year and plan to purchase the
new one for this coming year. It has become
a valuable tool for planning. Even if I didnt
use all of the forms I had an idea from their
design of what I wanted to create on my
computer spreadsheets.

I did really enjoy doing the reviews just not
so much at a fast pace. However I will continue
Posting reviews of products that our family tries
Every Friday. So come back and peek. I also will
review a few Ebooks here and there with Tos

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• Jun. 19, 2009
Future Christian Homemakers

Posted in Training up a child Thursday

This morning in my inbox ,I tend to get
a lot of ezines, I was sent this wonderful
website. I don't always open these ezines but
this one caught my eye for some reason and so
glad it did.Future Christian Homemakers

No matter what my children grow up to be
one day . It is soo important for
them to be able to handle their homes. Many
things I just teach them but wouldnt it be
fun to have some home ec classes in our
home. I am even thinking of Heart who
will be a Sr. next year. I keep thinking this
would be a fun summer project.. You will
find Devotionals and instructions. There
are 12 cooking lessons and handful of
home cleaning skills plus sewing.

I think some of those lessons (baking bread)
Might be helpful to this mom.

Happy Homemaking.
Nikki

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• Jun. 19, 2009
Thankful Thursday (I know its not Thursday shhhh)

Posted in God and Grace

I am thankful for Gods Grace. His
amazing Love for us, So strong and
powerful. We give Thanks for his great
glory. Who could love you more than
a Father who gave his only son for our sins.

"For God so loved the world that he gave
his only begotten son That whoever believes
In him will not parish but have everlasting life"
John 3:16

I am thankful for feeling much better after
taking iron pills to boost my iron levels.
At the beginning of the week
I felt bad for days but my body is getting used
to them and I only feel bad for about an hour
after taking them.

I am thankful for Superboys Clean room.
Praise the Lord it took an entire week but
will be done today. It took me from all
other duties but is worth the smile on his
face and the organzed space.

I am thankful for Toad coming home over
the 4th of July.(From National Guard)
He will only be able to visit for a day
or 2 . We can hardly wait to
see him!! Daddy wants to make him steaks
on the grill. We will see.

I am thankful for Heart. She has been
so busy preparing for her Senior year
this year. I can hardly believe it is almost
finished. It pulls at my heart and I know
we are in for more life changes as she moves
past High school.

I am Thankful for Spirits energy and
speech. He talks so much that at times
he stutters but he is such a bright light .
You can tell he really things about things around
him.

Prayers
And lastly I pray for Princess. She seems so down
lately. She is going through something . We have
had a few conversations about it but not sure
that is really what is bothering her. I pray
my preteen finds her way. I was pretty
depressed as a teen if it keeps up I'll mention
it to the Doctor.

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• Jun. 17, 2009
A Moment....

Posted in Family life

Taking a break and trying to breathe...
Would work better if I'd stop coughing.

Today the kids and I went to the library
to get a few more books. Some of Hearts
friends the KOA players were doing a special
show there for the kids. We laughed more than
most simply because we know them.

We came home then and cleaned, cleaned, cleaned.
You would not believe it but I am still working
on Superboys room. I think one more day and
we will finally have it. That boy ... Thats all I can
say. He had bags, inside of bags, inside of bags
Stashing little goodies here and there. From now
on I will be doing a room check for him until
I can see he is able to take care of his belongings
because that was nuts. (actually still is a bit nuts)
He absolutely is a saver. While I am doing
all of this cleaning my other work
is piling up again. I honestly don't feel
Like there is enough time in the day to complete
everything. Tomorrow Heart has her Sr.
Pictures. I expect that to take about 2 hours
then home again to do more deep cleaning.
I do this every summer and usually finish
the end of June. Sometimes later but since baby
is coming in Aug. I have a lot to do yet. Like
washing baby clothes, Putting together a
crib and buying supplies for baby. On top
of that I have planned for the books we are
going to use next year and need to get around
to ordering those as well. It would help if
I had them early for planning purposes.

I also have started this Bible study with friends
and have made sure each day I spend in prayer and
study. I am enjoying it so far very much. Some
of the things I am learning about my self is
truely enlighting and somethings I see more
after I have done them. I have become more
aware of what I am doing. Scary really.

Thanks for giving me a break to chat. I have
to head off now and start supper. I plan on
making garlic potatoes and hamburgers.
Nice and easy with all this work going on.
I may just crash tonight. Spirit already has.
We were looking and looking for him since
He suddenly got quiet amoung the cleaning
and there he was right in my bed sleeping
away. Sweet little one.

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• Jun. 16, 2009
Preschool Links

Posted in Preschool links

Now that you have your themes picked
out to go along with the ABCs. Check out
some of these websites to elaborate on you
plans. If you have a link to share please leave
it in the comments sections.

Childcare Land is one of my favorite sites
to visit. There are tons of free resources for
a budding preschooler to get into. I also love
checking out the different teaching ideas on
her side bar. I noticed today she is up to 7 pgs.
of goodies. Some are new to me.

Christian printables is great for fun
Orginal printables by the site owner Valerie.
There is a lot of variety here and all
biblically based.

Also check out Preschool Post. This one
has topics listed by theme. My favorite is
The moon theme.

Mrs. Shahans Kindergaten class
Themed ideas for each month.

Toddler Village
At you can make and
play with all sorts of fun learning toys.
You'll never know you are learning
anything with these games.

Mrs. Meachams class site has great
Resources for mom in starting up
different areas of learning. They are
Geared toward a classroom setting but
some look like fun to use at home.

Math Centers
I love these I printed
out the sheets for the lego patterns
For my little guy to play with. Since
we already had those here.

sparkle box used to charge a fee for
their resources but now they are free
and up for grabs. Check out all the fun
printables to use in your school room.

Renees Kindergaten pad Set up by theme
as well. My favoite is the Thankgiving theme
that I have you go to at this link. Lots of
fun ideas. You might also want to click
the alphabet antics link to find more ideas
to go with your topics.

Little Giraffe is also theme based.
check out their abcs section as well.
Under that section there are letter recognition
games, songs and chants for letters and sounds,
crafts, charts and books by the month. Much more
to much to name.

Young Toddler themes
themes including Veggie
Tales and Noahs ark.

Mrs. Levins preK pagesalso
great for those themed ideas we talked about.

Pre K templates
for practicing those ABCs

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• Jun. 15, 2009
Simple Womens Daybook

Posted in Simple Womens Day book

For Today...

Outside my window- Sort of gray and hazy this
morning. Not sure if it's supposed to clear off or not.
Hoping it does I have some wash I'd like to hang out.

I am thinking about ...
All the things I need to do today or would like to do.
I am finally getting to organizing superboys room.
This could take awhile.

I am also thinking about my bible study
Lies women believe. There are so many deception
that I have been telling myself that I dont know where
To begin.

From the learning rooms...
We arent stopping with our lesson over
the summer but doing a real modifyed version.
Some days when we are busy not doing any
work and others only math.

Princess:

Math- Learning about measurement.

Grammar- Unit in Contractions

Science- Animal classification

The Rest of her assignments are on
hold for now. There were two units in
Science I wanted to complete yet so we
will do them and then work more on our history.

Superboy-

Math-Heading into mulitplying with
2 numbers.

Language- Reading Peter Pan

Science-
Some fun experiments on electricity.

Spirit-
Is playing this week and enjoying summer.

I am thankful for...
* Summer so glad its here.
* Monday bible study
* spending fun time with children

I am wearing...
Jean shorts and pink shirt. (barefeet as usual)

From the kitchen...

Monday- Roast beef gravey and fries
Tuesday- Fried chicken, corn and potatoes
Wednesday- Hamburgers and hot dogs
Thursday- Fish and mac and cheese
Friday- Pizza
Weekend is dads

I am reading...

Homeschooling your struggling learner.
Lies Women believe.

I am hoping...
To pay bills, clean up, go to bible study ,
relax with family, play some games and have
a little fun water play this week.

I am creating...
Clean and choas free home. :)
Can I laugh now. lol

I am hearing...
Pbs and kids playing

Around the house...
Working on our usual management binder
Finally working on Superboys room did a little

over the weekend but gets hot in his room by
Midday. So then we stop and reconviene later.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Monday- Bible study in the afternoon.
Steven Courtney concert this afternoon . Not
Sure if we are attending yet or not
Tuesday- Free movies at Regal
Wednesday- AOK players at the library
and carnival
Thursday- Hearts Senior pictures photo shoot.
Friday - Free day
Saturday- Baby shower for cousin
Sunday- Church ,No youth FATHERS DAY!

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• Jun. 15, 2009
Baby Update

Posted in Family life

Its been a little but since I updated everyone
on how baby and I are doing. I did get my
results backs for the gestational diabetes test.
If you missed it.. I do not have it despite having
to go through the three hour testing.

I have been experienceing a racing heart beat,
dizziness, and shortness of breath. All of which
I have come to find are related to low iron. It
must be really low since I am to take iron in
the morning and one in the evening. The vitamins
actually right now just starting on them are
making me feel icky. Hopefully once I get
used to them I'll feel much better.

I have a history of having large babies.
Heart- 12lb13 oz. , Princess 9.7 oz., Super
boy and Spirit were both 10lbs and a bit over.
So we were really careful with this one. I have
only gained 4lbs so far this pregnancy. Yet
When measured I am measuring large again.
Apparently this must be a hereditary thing.
Not sure where in the family tree it comes from.

I also started gathering things for baby. We
already had a crib, a bouncy seat, and some sheets
and blankets. My mom just bought baby a
mattress , sheet and baby blanket. All were
needed as the old sheets are wearing out. I
also have collected some clothing but want to get
a few things as of yet...

Bottles
Bottle drying rack
onsies
a few sleepers
carseat and stroller that snaps
together
socks
some diapers
and baby soaps

The list isnt to large. My biggest item
will be a carseat. We thought we were done
Having children so we gave the seat to a family
In need. Hopefully we will get shopping for
one in July. :)

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• Jun. 13, 2009
Stuck Under the Bridge AGAIN......

Posted in Valley Bridge

Well, it is that time of year again..
When families are ready to get out and
go camping but ohhh whats this the dreaded
Valley bridge snags one again. As I was
making dinner I heard a loud crunch and
all at the same time we said... Someone hit
the Bridge again. Sometimes people just bump
it because they arent sure if they will clear or not.
Those times I can rarely get a photo but then
There are those times when the driver is completely
oblivious and slams into it wedging itself
Under the bridge and well this was one of those
times.

The complicated things is that there is really
only one other short way out of our town to get to
the other side. Since we had all that flooding well
the bridges are flooded out and that particular
road is still closed. So if you find yourself
with an RV stuck in your way you will be driving
about an hour out of your way. This man was
out in front of our house the rest of the evening.
I have never had to see an RV towed before
so the kids enjoyed that a bit. I hope the
RV was insured and oohh if it is rented.

Usually just the Air conditioning unit flies but
this time it actually peeled it open like a can.
If you would like to view more Valley Bridge mishaps
Look down my sidebar in topics of interest
for Valley Bridge under Home

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• Jun. 13, 2009
Homeschool in the Woods

Posted in Reviews

Homeschool in the Woods is one of my
favorite places to shop. My children absolutely
love their hands on appoach to learning. If your
family is a project family then this is something
you should try. I highly recommend it. I asked
My children as we finished our things for the year
what was their favorite activity we did this year
and The Homeschool in the woods American
Revolution unit study was at the top. Amazed
as I was that they loved history so much and
excited to try the Civil War package. This is
Not the product TOS crew was to review but
I wanted to show it to you anyway. Princess
did such a great job on her lapbook and notebook.
She chose to do both even though you really
only needed to choose one. This is her and her
display at our end of the year homeschool party.
Several moms decided after seeing her project
to give it a try too.

What I like the most about homeschool in
the woods is how organized the lessons are.
Many times with a new product I find myself
having to read almost the entire curriculum before
I really know what is going on, but with
homeschool in the woods the lessons are marked
by day and project sheets are clearly marked with
assignments. Most of the time Princess did them
on her own. (my dyslexic child by the way) I
did on occastion add stories to read or other
Book resources to go along with the reading
already present. Just to dig a bit deeper.

The graphics for the lapbooks and notebooks
were so clear and had much detail to them.
Princess isnt one to color often but there were times
She wanted to color these figures. One
Of her favorite pages was the history timeline.
I have always wanted to try the timelines but
was lacking in how to begin. Our timeline opens
to about 7 pages of history. Fun and really
easy to do. Another aspect I really liked was
the copywork that went along with the lessons.
Princess has been stuggling with cursive writing
for sometime. We had never tried copywork but
after trying for 3 years to get cursive down I believe
she has it just from the copywork in the study.

Another aspect we enjoyed were the lap games
that you could print out. Princess and Superboy
still play the currency game over and over again.
There were several games involved. Princess
stated that she really likes to learn with games.
There are also many hands on things to create.
Such as a model of Jamestown, candle making,
and many many other items. Our favorites were
the cooking exercises since Princess loves to cook.
There were a few recipes she put in her recipe box.

Take a peek at a page of our lapbook..

Since we were so immursed and knee deep in
The American Revolution pack and enjoying it so
much you can imagine our excitement when we
were able to review the New Testiment Project pack.
We have just begun to work on this so I dont have
to much to show but... I have to say
that homeschool in the woods isnt disappointing me.
We will probably work on this for sometime.
Take a peek at whats involved...

When we completely complete this lapbook
I will post a link for you to view the entire
project . I really enjoy these project paks and
think they are well worth the cost and investment
In time to complete them. Your children will learn
a lot. !!!

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• Jun. 11, 2009
Fully Rely on GOD... FROG

Posted in Training up a child Thursday

These adorable frogs were made from patterns found
on Daniellesplace.com. A fun summer activity
to create with children to remind them to give all
their worries to God. This is sometimes even
harder for us adults to do........

I just joined a bible study with some friends through
our homeschool group Called Lies Women believe.
I have only gone through the Introduction and first
day of devotionals, already I feel the weight of my
worries and failures .These lessons are not easy. I
am beginning to face realities about myself that I
didnt realize exsisted. God is making me take a look
at how I feel about me. Which I find of theme
of Failure all over each thing I try to work on or
gain, Failure and Fear. I was up some of the night
on and off thinking about these things. Why I
see myself this way and why do I keep punishing
myself with guilt and fear. I think that it may just
be easier to tell someone to Fully Rely on God
but to actually do that . To Pray and give it to him
is sometimes harder than it sounds. I know that
if I want my children to then I must first
do it myself. Trusting in Him and allowing myself
to be Free and unburdened through His grace.

Please try with me to Fully Rely on God.
F.R.O.G. and help your children to make that
step of trust and faith by example.

God is so good.

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• Jun. 11, 2009
Thankful Thursday

Posted in God and Grace

Thank you for all of your prayers last week
for the results of all that testing. I am
still awaiting the gestational diabetes test. I
have a Dr. appointment today so I am
assuming we will discuss that then. Hoping all
is well though. I have had some trouble breathing
lately with baby pressing and the humidity so high.

I am so Thankful for my children for all the help
they have given me this week. Carrying groceries
and doing chores I am struggling to do.

I am Thankful for all the fun free things the kids
and I have found to do this summer or
inexpensive. Despite having to stay near home
I think we will be able to find some fun things to
do this year.

I also am Thankful for God. A bible study with
friends came my way. From the book Lies
Women believe. Just reading the introductory
has already opened my eyes to the things I tell
myself. (more on this in my next post. :) I dont
want to give anything away.

I am Thankful for all the baby clothing that
a friend bought the baby. It was so nice of
her to do that for us. She went way overboard
with all the lovely Pink.. but much
appreciated ..Thanks so much.

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