Life In The Creek
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Aug. 3, 2009
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Curriculum for 2010-2009 (First Grade) Advanced Placement doing Second Grade)
We use:
MATH-Singapore Math 2A & 2B
SCIENCE-Jeanie Fulbrights: Creation Series as there are several books:
Jeannie's Journal: Jeannie Fulbright's Blog
http://www.jeanniefulbright.com/home.html
SPELLING-Rod & Staff Spelling 3rd grade
LANGUAGE ARTS/ENGLISH-Rod & Staff; 2nd grade
PHONICS-Explode The Code; Books - 5, 6, 7
READING- Rod & Staff Readers with added Classic Literature for independent reading or family read aloud.
HISTORY-Story Of The World (SOTW) with added bible scripture where needed or as applicable.
BIBLE- We will be doing a Bible timeline in addition to AWANA bible verses and scripture memorization with the reading w/ Rod & Staff.
Various other unit studies/co-op enrichment classes including ART/Music/Bible Studies.
We are also involved in KEEPERS AT HOME,
Keepers at Home Clubs for Girls
Which also can be done at home or large/small groups.
Madison also dances 2X a week for 1.5 hours taking Ballet, Competitive and Recreational dance classes. She attends church and is active in our AWANA program. Various other activities keep us busy with being involved in the Creation Nature Club and a Field Trip group and play dates too.
I try to stay involved so that she is with a diverse group of children both homeschooled/private/public schooled children.
**Remember, to do what is BEST for YOU and YOUR child. Each child is different and I am only schooling one... my other one is an adult so please don't compare yourself with me. Keep in mind that I also do a CHILD-LED type of schooling... meaning we go at her pace, it is often right on target for where we need to be... but I don't push... she will eventually get the work done and comprehension is what is important.***** |
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Jun. 26, 2009
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It's June Already!
Wow, it seems like June is just about over... already! We have had a busy month and I don't know if and when it will slow down. ;)
Starting out the first week of June, HFHG had a K Graduation that Madison participated in... although academically she is finishing the First Grade which was held Thursday, June 4, 2009
Madison's Graduation Pic's that were taken at JCPenney's.
Capt & Gown
Ballet Solo costume
Princess M's 'K' Graduation Pic's 2009
We went on to have Madison's Annual Dance Recital Saturday, June 13, 2009
This year the Ballet Performance was "The Lion King"
The week of June 22 she went to a VBS titled "Ramblin Roadtrip" and just loved it!
She learned a bit more about Salvation and Baptism.
We are counting down to our vacation in September (maybe that is why the summer seems to be flying by)
and made a paper chain to help pass some time away before we head to Walt Disney World in September.
We have done some day trips heading to Ft. Knox's water park with some HS friends, shopping and enjoying some girl time while Russ was away on a business trip, heading to another water park the week of June 29th...
Goodness, this time next week it will July 4th!
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May. 27, 2009
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Exploring Creation-Notebooking Journal
Well, it has finally happened! After years of searching for an elementary science curriculum that is truly God honoring, user friendly, and scientifically sound, we were introduced to two books by Jeannie Fulbright. It’s no wonder that we want to publish her books. As one of the parents who has already used Mrs. Fulbright’s astronomy book says, "It reminds me of Dr. Jay Wile's Apologia Science, only yours is on an elementary level while his is written for high school age." We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
The elementary series is designed for grades K-6.
Apologia is now producing notebooking journals that accompany each of the elementary science books. Both Botany and Astronomy are now available. You can see samples on the Apologia website here:
These journals are beautiful spiral bound notebooks that will save you time and money. You won't have to print and keep up with your child's notebook pages, buy and maintain page protectors, or purchase and compile binders...everything that makes notebooking time-consuming and labor intensive for mom. Also, your child will adore having their own notebooking journal.
Complimenting Exploring Creation with the Astronomy & Botany Notebooking Journal will provide everything your students need to complete their studies in astronomy. The Notebooking Journal serves as your child's individual notebook, providing a place for them to complete every assignment, record their experiments and display their work.
Included in the each of the Notebooking Journals is:
- A daily Schedule for completing the reading, activities and projects, utilizing a two-day per week plan.
- Fascinating Facts Templates for your student to record what they learned with both words and illustrations.
- Templates for completing the Notebooking Assignments.
- Review Questions, which can be answered orally or in writing as a written narration.
- Scripture Copywork, with both print and cursive practice - which is a valuable method for memorizing Scripture, teaching spelling, grammar and writing, as well as handwriting practice.
- Project Pages for the student to keep a record and log of projects they completed.
- Take it Further ideas for additional activities, projects, experiments, books or videos that correlate with the lesson.
- Beautiful, full-color, lapbook-style Miniature Books, which the students may wish to create, encouraging them to record facts and information they learned in each lesson. These are then placed on the Miniature Book Paste Page, to display in their notebook.
- Field Trip Sheets to document astronomy-related field trips they enjoyed during their studies.
- A Final Review with fifty questions the students can answer either orally or in writing to show off all they remember and know about astronomy at the end of the course.
These Notebooking Journals are a perfect compliment to Exploring Creation with Astronomy & Botany which are both available now.
Each student will cherish their individual notebook as they make it their very own with words and illustrations reflecting all they have learned in their pursuit of astronomy. Additionally, it serves as your record of your student's scientific endeavors throughout the year. When your child flips through their notebook, they will be reminded of the knowledge they have attained, reviewing the material as they peruse the pages they have created.
See the sample pages here:
Botany: https://apologia.securesites.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=128
and
Astronomy: https://apologia.securesites.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=127
Jeannie is giving away four Astronomy Notebooking Journals and four Botany Notebooking Journals to bloggers who post about this on their site.
Visit her blog to learn more about this contest: www.jeanniesjournal.com
The contest ends in one week on May 29th! |
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Apr. 24, 2009
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Princess M's Dance Recital photo's 2009
Princess M's Dance Recital pics 2009@ Smilebox.com
(I know that for some the amount of makeup might be way over board, we only use this for the stage and thus is it referred to as 'stage makeup' and is only used for recital or competition)
Just didn't want to be misunderstood here or for others to assume things that might not be true
This year the recital will be held on June 13 and she is dancing several dances
One is Rock n Roll Is Here To Stay and another Everyone Loves A Lover by the late Doris Day 1958, she will also playing the part of a lioness and some of her along with dance mates who will be leopards or lionesses in the Ballet Production "The Lion King"
Okay, after a long wait....
I think I have found a way without cluttering up the board for you to view M's pic's
I put them on Smilebox.com
Easy but not exactly what I wanted but it is nice and will do.
Let me know what you think.
There is music so you may want to mute it or turn it down.
Princess M's Recital Photos @ Smilebox.com
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Mar. 20, 2009
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Spring Shipping Special @ Discount Home School Supplies (website)
Discount Home School Supplies' website. Check it out!
Hey, Discount Home School Supplies' website has an AWESOME Spring Shipping Special from March 19- April 1st! I just wanted to share about this great savings website. Not only can you save $money$ but if you and a few friends place an order together you could save even more!
Join Discount Home School Supplies in celebrating spring with special shipping rates. The more you buy, the lower your shipping fees will be. You can read more about the special on the front page of Discount Home School Supplies' website.
Discount Home School Supplies' website. Check it out!
Hey, Discount Home School Supplies' website has an AWESOME Spring Shipping Special from March 19- April 1st! I just wanted to share about this great savings website. Not only can you save $money$ but if you and a few friends place an order together you could save even more!
Join Discount Home School Supplies in celebrating spring with special shipping rates. The more you buy, the lower your shipping fees will be. You can read more about the special on the front page of Discount Home School Supplies' website.
Discount Home School Supplies
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Feb. 3, 2009
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Ice Storm in Kentucky January 2009
Well, where do I start? On January 26th, we were told we would be getting an ice storm... ok we were prepared or so we thought. We got through the first night with our power on but we didn't sleep well as tree branches that were covered in heavy ice were falling all around our home and I was terrified that a tree would fall and land on our house... so it was a sleepless night but we were safe and still had power we also learned about many other counties in Kentucky that lost power... entire counties. Tues. January 27 I was very tired from a sleepless night but kinda listened to the news conference that our mayor had regarding the ice storm and the serious damage it had caused over night and how many people were without power, most without any heat, electricity or water add this too the roads that were covered in ice and were impassiable. The estimated time for restoration for power was 7-10 days! *YIKES*
Some counties are without food, water and of course NO POWER.
About 9:30 AM on Tues. our power went out. Well I immediately began to put layers on my daughter and myself... we started school to keep busy and prayed the power would be back on... despite what we knew by looking at the situation outside. There were downed power lines as they were covered in over an inch of ice and dropped because of the weight or tree branches fell and brought them down. So we decided since MIL and FIL had no power either that we would buncker in the for the night. What a night it was FREEZING!
I put Madison in 2 pairs of footie PJ's and I myself had on PJ's and a pair of sweats on. I had every available blanket, quilt and comforter on my bed even our dog was under the covers.
When morning came, we knew that we couldn't spend another day in the house the temp had dropped below the lowest number we could see on the thermostat.
I had planned to go to the library and head to a near by HS mom's house but we were blessed... as I heard from my DH that my inlaws had their power restored! So we headed back to the house to gather our things and head over to where it was nice and warm and plus my MIL is an awesome cook!
God is good all the time even when it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
After 7 days with no power... we are blessed as our power has been restored late last night (Feb 2 )so my wonderful DH come over to the house to turn the heat back on and turn the water back on (we had to turn that off so that the pipes wouldnt' freeze) It is so good to be HOME!
Although most of the schools were out for the past week (they returned today Tues. 2/3) We were busy getting our school work completed. We will be able to do more hands on learning out of the home come spring! That is at least a bit of motivation to get it done and work diligently. 
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Jan. 9, 2009
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January 2009
Well, we are plugging away with our homeschooling trying to get our book work completed so we can have more time to do unit studies and field trips. Madison is just loving learning and doing hands on learning.
Be back soon to update more. |
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Jan. 1, 2009
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Happy New Year 2009
Trying to start out the New Year on the right foot. LOL
My only resolution this year is to be more organized, that in itself can mean a lot of things.
Getting things done in a timely manner, planning ahead, which I often do but sometimes lack in others.
Needless to say, I think that if I keep this ONE resolution, everything else will fall into place. I guess we shall see... I am very optimistic. |
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Jan. 1, 2009
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December was a BUSY month!
December was a BUSY month that is for sure. I had so many things planned and yet not many accomplished as I got sick the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) and I was sick for almost 3 weeks with it lingering up until just about Christmas.
We did go and see the Louisville Ballet's production of The Nutcracker as well as Stage One's children's theater production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Madison also celebrated her 6th birthday with a few friends at A Mother's Touch. I happened to find a discount online for a birthday party which was 1/2 off.. well while waiting for payday to arrive the discount went even deeper! I ended up getting a birthday party for 5 girls + Madison for $30 as the discount took the party from $50 to $20 and that was for 5 attendee's plus I paid $10 more for 1 more girl. They made customized bracelets and enjoyed each others company. It was a good time for all. ;)
I will try to post pictures soon.
Enjoying the holidays with our family, friends and neighbors, we traveled to Bowling Green, KY and many here in the Louisville area. We sent packages to family and friends in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and South Carolina. We made chocolate candies and chocolate covered oreo's for our neighbors.
We ended December 2008 playing games with our family: Homeschool Monopoly, Trouble, Yatzee, Jr. Scrabble. Watching the ball come down in Times Square and doing the count down is a tradition in our home.
Have a blessed, happy and prosperous New Year in 2009 |
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Dec. 1, 2008
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It is December 2008- - -A Unique Advent Countdown
Unique Advent Countdown
I got this and thought it was something to pass on to all of you.
Advent Countdown
LIST OF GIFTS: (LISTED IN THE ORDER THEY ARE USED)
1. Quarter
2. Grape gum (or candy)
3. Smiley sticker
4. Gummy fish
5. Birthday candle
6. Bell
7. Fish crackers
8. Cotton balls
9. Piece of a map
10. Soap
11. Heart sticker
12. Cross
13. Packet of salt
14. Sand
15. Flowers(silk)
16. Raisins
17. Seeds
18. Christmas carol
19. Small rock
20. Crumpled foil
21. Mustard seed
22. Dove
23. Small scrap of woolly material
24. Blue marble
25. Picture of a baby.
December 1 - A quarter! That equals 25 cents. But 25 also stands for the number of days till Christmas, when God gave us His best present. Jesus told about one woman's gift and the way she gave it. Read: Mark 12:41-44
December 2 - Grape Gum! Grapes make jelly and juice, raisins and wine. But Jesus didn't need grapes to perform His first miracle. Read: John 2:1-10
December 3 - Here's a smile! A smile usually expresses happiness. Jesus gave us many instructions to keep us happy. Read: Matthew 5:1-12.
December 4 - Fish! Well, if you were surprised to find these fish, wait till you read the story today! Others were surprised to find fish, too. Read: Luke 5:4-7
December 5 - A birthday candle? As you know, we are getting ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday. However, Jesus talked about something else that is related to this candle. Light! Read: Matthew 5:14-16
December 6 - You could make some noise with this. But it would not have bothered a certain man--until he met Jesus. Read: Mark 7:31-37
December 7 - These would not go very far if you were really hungry! But Jesus could make much out of little. Surely He knew how to multiply! Read: Matthew 14:13-21
December 8 - These cotton balls would be helpful in a thunder storm, wouldn't they? We could use them for ear plugs to muffle the loud noises that thunder makes. But we know someone who doesn't need cotton. Jesus can control the weather. Read: Matthew 8:23-27
December 9 - People needing to use the other parts of this map are in trouble! Don't you get lost today! Read: John 14:1-6
December 10 - It's soap. Do you like to wash? Behind your ears? Washing turned out to be a happy time for a man who met Jesus. Read: John 9:1-7
December 11 - Hearts. Wordlessly, they speak of love, don't they? Jesus spoke some commands about love. Read: Matthew 25:17-41
December 12 - We use the cross as a symbol, representing Jesus. Do you know why? Read: Phillipians 2:1-11December 13 - Ordinary salt. Yes, Jesus related salt to us and our behavior. He also gave us some advice. Read: Matthew 5:14 and Colossians 4:6. (Notice that He doesn't recommend pepper!).
December 14 - Don't try to eat this! It's sand. It reminds us that Jesus knows something about architecture, about buildings--and building lives. See His instructions: Matthew 7:24-29.
December 15 - Flowers are pretty, aren't they? Jesus used flowers to teach us a reassuring lesson. Read: Matthew 6:28-34.
December 16 - Raisins! Many children are given raisins instead of candy for a snack. That's because they are a health-promoting and delicious fruit. Jesus told us how we can produce good fruit. Read: John 15:1-5.
December 17 - Jesus told a story about seeds that man planted. Then He explained it, revealing its deep meaning. Read: Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23.
December 18 -Christmas is just about a week away. And here is an appropriate song. Sing it loudly! Read: Psalms 100.
December 19 - A hard stone! Can you change this stone into a piece of bread? Do you think Jesus could? Jesus was asked to do just that. Do know how He handled it? Read: Matthew 4:1-4.
December 20 - Try to smooth out this piece of aluminum foil and use it as a mirror. It's hard to see your reflection plainly, isn't it? Many circumstances are hard to understand, but someday everything will be clear. Read: 1 Corinthians 13:12.
December 21 - The mustard seed is the smallest there is! When it sprouts, it grows into one of the largest plants! See what Jesus said. Read: Matthew 17:20.
December 22 - We've learned that the cross represents Christ, but do you know what the dove stands for? Read: Matthew 3:13-17.
December 23 - The threads that compose this fabric came from the wool of a sheep. Jesus called Himself the good shepherd. Do you know who His sheep are? Read: John 10:7-18.
December 24 - A marble! Do you know what is sometimes called the "Big Blue Marble"? The world. God made the world for us. What does God continue doing to the world? And who is the world? Read: John 3:16.
December 25 - Isn't this baby cute? When he was born, he made a whole family happy. Jesus was born a baby, too. He came to make the whole world happy. Read: Luke 2:1-20. Enjoy your celebration today. Continue to learn about Jesus--and love Him forever!
Comments about Ths Craft:
We used the Advent Countdown idea using cardboard egg cartons in our recent Advent Rotation. First, I painted all of the egg cartons. This took some time, so plan ahead. Then I took circle-shaped labels from the dollar store and numbered them 1 - 24, and placed one in each holder. Finally, we set up an assembly line and had the children put each item in a holder. As we went along, we briefly talked about what story the item could be representing. I typed out the list of what the items represented and the scripture reference to take home. The kids all enjoyed the activity, especially trying to guess which Bible story was represented by the items. |
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Nov. 17, 2008
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Creasy Mahan Field Trip 11/17/08- Native American's
We are going on a field trip to Creasy Mahan to learn about.
1.Native American games: The objective for this session is to learn
what kind of games they played and what were their purpose
2.Native American dance: Learn a Native American round dance and learn
the cultural reasons why they celebrated with dance.
3.Native American Hunting and Tracking: Pre-contact Native Americans
were the Shawnee. Learn how the Shawnee hunted and what kinds of
weapons were used.
4.Native American Language and Culture: In this session you will learn
about the Cherokee. Their customs and language.
I hope to get a few pics... ;)
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Nov. 10, 2008
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An American Thanksgiving Cermony
An American Thanksgiving Ceremony
By Theresa Camoriano
It has become very clear that we have failed to teach our children the
lessons of America's history. Below is a ceremony to help us pass the
lessons of our early history on to our children and grandchildren, and, I
hope, to future generations as well. This ceremony is intended to take
place before the traditional family Thanksgiving feast but may be used in
schools or other settings. I hope you will make this a part of your
family's tradition and will spread the word and encourage others to adopt it
too. You have my permission to reproduce this script and to modify it to
suit your needs. I would appreciate your letting me know what changes you
have made or otherwise sending me comments to improve the script for the
future. Please send your comments to Editor@....
In addition to following the script, you may want to have children act out
more of the parts, maybe walking hunched over to get onto the ship with the
low ceilings, or pretending to shoot deer and turkeys or to haul nets of
fish, and so forth, in order to keep them involved and interested in the
story.
The following supplies are needed:
1. A pan of cornbread cut into one-inch squares
2. Dried kernels of corn, divided into unequal numbers, into small
paper or cloth bags, one bag for each participant. Some bags should have
only one or two kernels, while others should have five, others ten, and so
forth. (Dried corn kernels may be obtained at a feed store, or popcorn may
be used.)
3. Some cut up vegetables for dipping, such as carrot sticks or celery
sticks, and two different dips - one vinegar and one salt water.
4. A whistle
5. A bell
6. Candles for the table
7. Pens for signing the Mayflower Compact
The leader lights the candles on the table and says:
We are gathering together today to celebrate the real
American Thanksgiving!
Participants gather around the table and begin following this script:
1st participant: Who were the Pilgrims who celebrated the first
Thanksgiving?
Next participant: The Pilgrims were mainly extremely religious
Christian families who had rejected the official religion of England and
decided to practice their own version of Christianity. That was against the
law, and many of the Pilgrims had been punished and even imprisoned for
their religious beliefs. Some members of their group even were killed.
Let's dip a vegetable stick into vinegar and eat it to remember the bitter
experiences of the Pilgrims in England.
Action: Everyone takes a vegetable stick, dips it into the vinegar, and eats
it.
Next participant: The Pilgrims decided to go America and
establish a new settlement where they could practice their religion in
peace. In August, 1620, they boarded two ships to begin their voyage. The
ships were called the Speedwell and the Mayflower. Unfortunately, they had
many problems. They spent more than one month trying to repair their ships
and to resolve disputes with the investors who were financing the trip. The
investors planned to make a profit from the furs and dried fish the Pilgrims
would send back to them.
Next Participant: Eventually, the Pilgrims decided that the
Speedwell was not fit for the trip, so some of the Pilgrims gave up and went
back home, while others piled into the Mayflower with their supplies. On
September 6, 1620, 102 pilgrims left Plymouth, England for America aboard
the Mayflower. They already were tired after having spent a month on the
ship. In the "tween decks", which is the part of the ship where they lived,
the ceiling was only five feet above the floor, so many of the adults, and
even some of the children, could not stand up straight there. It also was
dark and damp and smelly. They already had used up much of their food, but
still they hoped for a safe voyage and looked forward to a better life in
America. Action: The participant blows the whistle and calls, "All aboard
the Mayflower! Next stop America!"
Next participant: The voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to
America was very difficult. It took over two months from the time the
Pilgrims left Plymouth, England on September 6 until they saw land at Cape
Cod on November 9, 1620. Along the way, there were strong storms that
damaged the ship. A main beam broke. The Pilgrims repaired it, but still
the Mayflower leaked, so they were cold and damp and miserable and had
developed coughs and colds. But there also was some good news. A baby boy
was born on the trip, and his parents named him Oceanus.
Let's dip a vegetable stick into salt water and eat it to remember the tears
of the Pilgrims as they left their friends and family behind in Europe and
to remember the salty ocean water on which they sailed to America.
Action: Everyone takes a vegetable stick, dips it into the
salt water, and eats it.
Next participant: The Pilgrims had planned to land in the Hudson
Bay area, which was in the northern part of the Virginia territory, but
instead they landed in New England, which was farther north. Since there
was no official government or law that applied to them in New England, they
decided to create their own government by writing the Mayflower Compact,
which was signed by the men on behalf of themselves and their families
before they set foot on the land. They also elected their first Governor.
Please read the Mayflower Compact and add your own signature.
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal
Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of
Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having
undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and
the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in
the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually,
in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves
together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and
Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid: And by Virtue hereof do
enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts,
Constitutions, and Officers, from time to time, as shall be thought most
meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we
promise all due Submission and Obedience. IN WITNESS whereof we have
hereunto subscribed our names at Cape-Cod the eleventh of November, in the
Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the
eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, Anno Domini; 1620.
Mr. John Carver Mr. William Bradford Mr Edward
Winslow Mr. William Brewster
Isaac Allerton Myles Standish John
Alden John Turner
Francis Eaton James Chilton John
Craxton John Billington
Joses Fletcher John Goodman Mr.
Samuel Fuller Mr. Christopher Martin
Mr. William Mullins Mr. William White Mr. Richard
Warren John Howland
Mr. Steven Hopkins Digery Priest Thomas
Williams Gilbert Winslow
Edmund Margesson Peter Brown Richard
Britteridge George Soule
Edward Tilly John Tilly
Francis Cooke Thomas Rogers
Thomas Tinker John Ridgdale Edward
Fuller Richard Clark
Richard Gardiner Mr. John Allerton Thomas
English Edward Doten
Edward Liester.
Add Your Signature
Below is a copy of the text of the Mayflower Compact that Governor Bradford
wrote in his diary. The original Mayflower Compact has been lost.
Next Participant: The Pilgrims continued to live in the cramped,
dark, and damp Mayflower as they sent out small groups of men to explore the
Cape Cod area. Their food supply was low. It was too late to plant any
crops, and the winter was very cold and difficult. Although they began
building shelters on land on Christmas day, and they were able to hunt wild
game during the winter, by the next spring, half of the Mayflower Pilgrims
had died. I will ring this bell five times, once for every ten people who
died. Action: Ring the bell five times.
Next Participant: The next spring (1621), they were able to
plant crops. The Indians taught them how to grow corn. They also planted
beans, squash, and other crops and hunted and fished. The Pilgrims had a
communal arrangement by which they all worked, and everything they produced
went into a common storehouse and was shared equally by everyone. Governor
Bradford wrote: They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and
to fit up their houses and dwellings against winter.
Now open your bags and count out your kernels of corn to see
how much your Pilgrim produced in the first harvest. Each kernel of corn in
your bag represents a bushel basket full of corn.
Action: Each participant counts out his kernels of corn. The leader goes to
each person and asks how many bushels of corn that person produced. He then
takes the corn, saying, "Thank you for your (insert the number)
bushels of corn", and hands the person his equally small-sized piece of
cornbread, saying, "Here is your cornbread ration for today. We hope, if we
are careful, we will have enough food to last the winter."
Next Participant: No matter how much food a Pilgrim produced, he
received the same amount as everyone else. The Pilgrims were thankful to
God for the harvest, and they invited their Indian friends to a Thanksgiving
celebration. Let's eat our cornbread in memory of the Pilgrims' first
harvest.
Action: Everyone eats the small piece of cornbread.
Next Participant: Shortly after the harvest, another ship, the
Fortune, arrived with 37 passengers, which nearly doubled the size of the
colony. The Fortune did not bring food, so now they had to feed almost
twice as many people with the same small amount of food. They knew they
would be going hungry that winter. The Pilgrims loaded the Fortune with
beaver skins, sassafras, and oak boards, and sent them back to England to
help pay off their debt to the investors.
Next Participant: Unfortunately, the next year's harvest also
was not very good, so the winter of 1622 also was difficult. Governor
Bradford worried how they would be able to grow enough food to keep everyone
alive in the future. He found that the communal arrangement they were using
did not work very well. People were unhappy to receive the same amount of
food, regardless of how much they produced. It did not make them want to
work very hard. Governor Bradford wrote in his diary: For the young men,
that were most able and fit for labor and service, did repine that they
should spend their time and strength to work for other men's wives and
children without any recompense. The strong, or man of parts, had no more in
division of victuals and clothes than he that was weak and not able to do a
quarter the other could; this was thought injustice. The aged and graver men
to be ranked and equalized in labors and victuals, clothes etc., with the
meaner and younger sort, thought it some indignity and disrespect unto them.
And for men's wives to be commanded to do service for other men, as dressing
their meat, washing their clothes, etc., they deemed it a kind of slavery,
neither could many husbands well brook it. Upon the point all being to have
alike, and all to do alike, they thought themselves in the like condition,
and one as good as another; and so, if it did not cut off those relations
that God hath set amongst men, yet it did at least much diminish and take
off the mutual respects that should be preserved amongst them.
Next Participant: After two disappointing harvests, and three
winters of hunger, they finally decided to establish a private property
system, giving each family one acre of land per person on which to grow
food, and respecting each family's right to keep the fruits of its own
labor. This made everyone much happier and more productive.
Next Participant: Governor Bradford wrote in his diary: "So they
began to think how they might raise as much corn as they could, and obtain a
better crop than they had done, that they might not still thus languish in
misery. At length, after much debate of things, the Governor (with the
advice of the chiefest amongst them) gave way that they should set corn
every man for his own particular, and in that regard trust to themselves; in
all other things to go on in the general way as before. And so assigned to
every family a parcel of land, according to the proportion of their number,
for that end, only for present use. and ranged all boys and youth under some
family. This had very good success, for it made all hands very industrious,
so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been by any means
the Governor or any other could use, and saved him a great deal of trouble,
and gave far better content. The women now went willingly into the field,
and took their little ones with them to set corn; which before would allege
weakness and inability; whom to have compelled would have been thought great
tyranny and oppression. The experience that was had in this common course
and condition, tried sundry years and that amongst Godly and sober men, may
well evince the vanity of that conceit of Plato's and other ancients
applauded by some of later times, that the taking away of property and
bringing in community into a commonwealth would make them happy and
flourishing, as if they were wiser than God."
Next Participant: When the ship Anne arrived that summer (1623),
bringing 60 more people into the colony, there was no worry about having
enough food, and there continued to be plenty of food for everyone from that
time on. Now, let's rededicate ourselves to carrying on the dreams and
traditions of the Pilgrims by singing "America", and then let's have our own
Thanksgiving feast!
Action: Everyone sings:
My country 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died!
Land of the Pilgrim's pride!
From every mountain side,
Let freedom ring!
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Oct. 21, 2008
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Children's Theater FT: Alexander & The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
We went to the Derby Dinner Playhouse to see the Children's Theater show of,
 Alexander & the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Alexander struggles with life’s daily dramas and learns that everybody has a bad day sometimes. A delightful musical based on the popular children’s book.
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Oct. 9, 2008
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Slow Poke Farm- Field Trip
We went to the Slow Poke Farm today and what a fun filled day it was!
Here is some history on the Slow Poke Farm
Slow Poke Farm History
 Hill & Anna -operators of the SPF
After a warm greeting by Miss Anna and Mr Hill we start our field trip.
Anna and Hill are great educators as we learn a lot when we visit the Slow Poke Farm.
Anna or Hill show the children how they used to have to take corn off the cob using a grinder
to make feed for the chickens and other animals on the farm. We collected it in small cups and they then
take us past Cupcake a Potbellied Pig and Dolly a Mountain Sheep on our way to the Hen House & yard house a variety of chicken all which produce the common white egg along with brown eggs and yet another color of egg a GREEN one! Yep, I am not joking. The hen yard also housed several goats whom I referred to as the 3 billy goats gruff and a little piglet named what else... but Wilber.
The children got to hold a hen, find a warm freshly laid egg and feed all the animals.
We then went to the pumpkin patch where we could chose our own pumpkin right off the vine.
They didnt' grow very big this year as there wasn't much rain but non the less the children had a blast picking and chosing until they found the next perfect pumpkin then they had to make a choice.
We then went to play some games, good old fashion ones great for fall.
We rolled pumpkins down a little hill into these huge buckets that were placed on their sides sorta like bowling but with pumpkins. The children also had a wheelbarrow race where they took some corn and had to take it to the other side dump it and then return the wheelbarrow.
The children also got to go through a hay maze which they enjoyed so much that they did it several times.
Then it was time for lunch as lunch was included in our price. :)
We had delicious hot dogs, chips, a beverage and cheese crackers along with a surprise from Miss Anna as she baked us chocolate cupcakes and Mr. Hill shared some of his home grown watermelon with us. YUM!
After lunch we all got on the wagon to take a hayride out to the corn maze where the was a fun maze with a sculpture of a cow in the middle of the maze! The kids got a kick out of finding it and then finding their way back out of the maze on the other side. Another thing we got to do was to feed the BEEF cattle. Slow Poke Farm has a nice herd of beef cattle and although they didn't bite their tongues were rough like sandpaper and a lot of slobber! Thank goodness for for wipes and hand sanitizer until we could get some hot water and soap. 
Oh, I almost forgot on the way to the hen house, Mr Hill took a pitch fork and dug up a huge peanut plant with real peanuts attached to the roots. He gave us all a huge piece of it and we all took a sample home.
It was a fun filled long day but so educational with all of the hands on learning.
We look forward to returning to Slow Poke Farm next year! |
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Oct. 4, 2008
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WOW, it is October already!
Where does time go? I can hardly believe it is OCTOBER....We are moving along, enjoying all life has to offer us this fall season. We went to the Forest Discovery Center in Indiana
Forest Discovery Center Video by Shanna Clark
Our leader Shanna was so nice to post this info on her blog with huge THANK YOU to Shanna on the Video :)
We started our day at the Forest Discovery Center where we walked through an indoor forest. The animals you see on the slide show are not real...at least not anymore. We watched a short video about forest regeneration and took a tour through a large wood manufacturing factory (no pictures allowed). Then we headed upstairs to the activity area where we saw the world's largest wood mosaic mural (1,000 square feet). An artist was there demonstrating the process of wood mosaic. Also there was a large tree that we could walk through and the kids could sign there names. Shanna's Hubby left a message for her ;)
After eating a brown bag lunch, we then headed over to Huber's Farm. We took a tour called "What happens to apples after they're picked." Apparently they are stored in a 'cold room' where they are kept at 32 degrees. Apples will stay fresh at this temperature for six months. We also saw how the apples were cleaned and sorted.
Afterward, we headed out to the pumpkin patch where the children each picked a pumpkin. We walked through the rope maze, the corn maze, and the bamboo maze. The kids had fun jumping on some sort of large inflatable and walking through the petting zoo. Madison loved a race we did with riding tractors.
We went to Huber's store and purchased some fresh apple cider, fresh apples and cheese for a snack on the way home.
We had a fun filled day!
**Thank you Shanna for a GREAT field trip for the Creation Nature Club.
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Oct. 4, 2008
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The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's Fall Special.
Hey Homeschool Mom's.. and Dad's too...
Don't miss out on the FALL SPECIAL at The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's Fall Special. You can get two years of the magazine, AND 6 fabulous physical gifts (no downloads!) worth over $120, PLUS the current issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine that is full of ideas for the new school year. I love how the magazine is so packed with articles that are pertinent to homeschooling and families. One great article after another!
This is one of their BEST Offers yet. They also have a really adorable Homeschooling with Heart tote bag (valued at $13.95) for the first 1000 to subscribe. You should still be able to get one if you hurry! (They will remove the info from the subscription page when the bags are all gone.) The total value is over $212, but you RECEIVE IT ALL for only $39 (US)
That's 50% OFF the cover price! Also, subscribers will receive their invaluable online monthly Teacher's Toolbox which focuses on a different topic each month, offering you words of encouragement, hands-on teaching ideas, curriculum & book recommendations, great field trip ideas, and a bonus download item each month.
I have been subscribing to TOS for the past 2 yrs and I am amazed that I still learn something new each time I receive the magazine. So are you still sitting on the fence... trying to decide? Don't wait a minute longer! This AWESOME deal won't last long.
Head on over there now and check it out for yourself http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/US_Promotion.php. |
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Sep. 13, 2008
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Moving Right Along...
Here is an update on Madison and our homeschooling journey.
Here it is the middle of September and Madison is 3/4 of her way through her first semester books in her Singapore Math and Explode the Code. We still have plenty of work and have incorporated doing History
(BJU Heritage Studies) and Science (Christian Liberty Press and some other life science unit studies) Of course we have Bible and AWANA as well as handwriting and copy work.
We are really enjoying schooling this year. When asked what her her favorite subject is "ALL OF THEM" but then goes on to name Reading, Math, Science and History and of course Art/Crafts.
Got to love a girl who  school.
We have begun another year with Keepers At Home Keepers Of The Faith and we are off to a great start.
Madison is already working on a few badges Decoupage, Ceramics and a Friendship currently. Some badges take time to master the recommended skills.
We also are getting ready to start HFHG Co-Op (One day a week for 4 hours) and quite excited for another semester.
The classes which Madison will be taking
- Spanish (History,Culture & Language)
- PE (Physical Education)
- Penguins Unit Study/Lapbook
- Dinosaurs (A Creation Perspective)
Madison has been invited to participate in the Competitive Dance Team Mini Rockettes at the studio where she attends. She is also taking an additional Ballet class as well as a Combined Class that is mixed and has 1/2 hour Ballet, Jazz and Tap class combined so we are at the studio 2 days a week for an hour and a half each time.
We have begun our Field trips already as well, as we are headed to a farm to learn about farm life, harvesting and animal life.
We have quite a few field trips lined up this year with several going to see theater productions and hands on activities. Nothing like a well rounded child.
We have a very exciting year and loving every minute of it as well.
I recently ordered some Homeschool Tee's to be worn when we have to go out during the day during school hours. Great Homeschool Tshirts
Below are some of our favorites as there are so many to chose from are:
We already have the first two listed the the ones that follow are the new ones we ordered.
 Until next time...................................Have a Great Homeschool Kind of day! |
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Sep. 1, 2008
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The Old Schoolhouse Magazine FALL 2008 Special (US Promo) Lots of extra goodies!
Homeschooling's Best Kept Secret Is Out!
If you're like most of us, you're usually on the lookout for ways to
help your home and homeschool run smoothly. You want suggestions,
encouragement, and practical how-to information. You need a
storehouse of helpful articles for those days when you yearn for a
fresh idea, a little boost, or facts to share with potential critics
all from a solid Christian perspective. That's where The Old
Schoolhouse Magazine comes in.
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has just launched their fabulous Fall
Special for new U.S. subscribers and you'll want to respond early.
It's a 50% savings off of cover price and they even have a
homeschooling tote bag for the first 1000 to respond!
Right now, during their Fall Special you can subscribe
for only $39! You'll receive 2 years of The Old Schoolhouse
Magazine (8 large quarterly issues), the current issue (so you get a
quick jump start!), and 6 fabulous Bonus Gifts (for the first 3000).
PLUS, the first 1,000 new subscribers will also receive their
Homeschooling with Heart tote bag!
View the full details and subscribe online at
The Homeschool Magazine
As a homeschooling parent, do you sometimes feel overwhelmed with all of the curriculum choices, not knowing which one will work for your family? Do you wonder if other homeschoolers struggle with difficult children or getting through the material by the end of the year?
Do you wonder what style of teaching you should use, or if you'll fail your children if you don't teach them every little thing in the "right" way?
Do you ever feel like giving up because you feel you don't measure up and that everyone else must be doing a better job?
Well, homeschooling's best kept secret is out!
Despite popular opinion, most homeschool moms feel the same way! They juggle the stack of textbooks, the laundry basket, and the cereal box all at the same time. But they keep going, just like you do. Because keeping your kids Home Where They Belong TM is not just a choice, it's a conviction.
At The Old Schoolhouse Magazine we don't just support your stand, we stand with you! Our staff of writers consists of homeschool moms and dads who are experts in their field as well as everyday home educators sharing how they do it. In each issue we offer a myriad of product reviews by independent homeschool families to help you decide what is best for your family.
Here's just a taste of what we give you:
- Practical tips
- Encouraging articles
- Homeschool success stories
- Information on important current events
- Real-life homeschool experiences
- Unit studies
- Honest Product Reviews
We take our job of supporting, encouraging, and informing homeschoolers seriously.
And our readers tell us that we're making a difference in their homeschools. |
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Aug. 27, 2008
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Celebrating the Life of Little Christian "Dozer" Drews
Heaven just got another beautiful angel to sit at Jesus' feet.
On Friday, August 26, 2008 fellow blogger, Marsha Drews, lost her sweet boy Christian (aka Dozer) in a tragic accident, when he drowned in the pond behind their home. There are no words to express the deep sorrow that we all in the homeschooling and blogging community feel right now. Christian is safe with Jesus tonight, but his family will never be the same. Please pray for Marsha, her husband, David, and their 2 boys, Austin and Noah, especially for peace during this unimaginable time.
Let's face it - Marsha and David have some handsome little boys and Dozer is no exception. That bright eyed "Korean with blonde hair" sure knew how to make his mama's heart melt whether he was talking about his "two foreheads" or outgrowing his lost blanky. Marsha is such a good mama and boy did she ever dote over this little one. And who could blame her? The little cutie was so musically inclined that he could play a guitar AND an egg slicer. I guarantee that he is making some sweet music up in heaven tonight!
Yes, Jesus has one more sweet little angel to bounce on his knee. Christian, whom Marsha lovingly referred to as Dozer, passed away on Tuesday evening. He was a three year old boy wonder who was so excited to begin school in the coming weeks. He had only been a spectator to his brother's lessons so far but he was a quick learner...
"one, two, fwee, foh, fiiive, sixteen, benineteen, fowteen, nineteen. I count fo you mommy!!!"
I know his mama, daddy, and his two brothers miss him deeply. They know he is in God's loving arms but that doesn't stop the pain they are feeling. I ask that you please, please pray for our friends. Marsha and David are amazing people and my heart is simply broken because this happened to them.
Your prayers are coveted.
If you would like to to send a card or letter, please mail to:
David and Marsha Drews
c/o Rachel Harris
12830 N. Cypress Lane
Tomball, TX 77377
She will be sure to get them all to Marsha and David.
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Aug. 12, 2008
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The Old Schoolhouse Magazine goes DIGITAL check out Summer 2008
Wow! Have you checked out the Digital version of TOS?
Did you know that you can now get The Old Schoolhouse Magazine in a digital format?
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is the only homeschool magazine that I have subscribed to for the past 2 years. I devour each page of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine from the moment I receive it.
Now with the NEW "digital version" I find it invaluable. I personally enjoy downloading the PDF format if I need to come back to something I was reading or needing to refer to something I can it also includes options for both Mac and PC.
One of the convenient things you can do is you flip through a real online magazine. One thing I found was the great search ability, I can put in my favorite TOS author and it will bring up every page that has that person's name on it.
I really enjoy the view of the pages, where there are thumbnails of each of the pages.
With the new "Digital Edition," you will enjoy all the great content from your favorite homeschool magazine, but in the "digital format!"
One of the invaluable tools is the clickable links within the "digital format." The ability to print or email articles up to 5 of your favorite homeschool moms, that includes the same bright and colorful high quality format that is expected from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.
The "digital subscriptions" saves you on the average of 32% of the print version in the United States those outside the United States save a considerable amount on subscribing to the "digital version" and there is an option for every homeschool family the "digital subscription" is only $16.95. If things are being stretched a bit in your home this might be an opportunity for you to subscribe via the digital subscription.
If you like what you have heard so far, check it out for yourself at
The Old Schoolhouse Store. The Old Schoohouse Store
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About Me
My tidbits as homeschool my daughter and general "Life In The Creek".
I have 14 yrs. between my children. My 1st blessing, my adult son Z-4/89. My 2nd blessing, my daughter, M-12/02, I am homeschooling 2nd grade this year (2009-2010) and pray that God will grant my hearts desire to continue this journey of homeschooling as this marks my 4th year.. Yes, we started when she was 2.5 to 3 years old, that happens when you have an accelerated learner. |
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