Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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She would like some input on this issue. Thanks!! I am wondering if you would help me. I have been working on my Girl Scout Silver Award and in the process, I have noticed that many of the elderly people I know are suffering in loneliness. I want to help them. On the other hand, the young people that I have seen do not notice the sadness of the elderly because our culture portrays the elderly as unimportant. The younger generations are missing out on the relationships with distant grandparents and could use the influence of the more experienced generation in their lives. I would like to help them notice and appreciate each other so that both groups benefit. I am thinking of starting a Secret Grandparent program, similar to a Secret Sister exchange or I would like to start an Adopt-a-Senior program at my church where kids like me would get together with an “adopted grandparent” and talk, bake, do crafts read and otherwise get to know each other better. I would appreciate any input and suggestions in dealing with this issue. Thank you.
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Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Well, OK, not quiet exactly, but *shrug* We are finishing up our first block of school. I think it went pretty well, considering. Bug (15yos) is coming along in math a bit (dreaded long division!!) and is voraciously reading about WWI. Occasionally, I see him go through his forensic study. i need to prod a bit more there. He started his bowling league this month and is doing well. He also went on his first local mission trip. Butterfly (13yod) is enjoying our AWOA study of Ancient Egypt and reading better than she thinks she is. She finished a lapbook on the Titanic and one on Amelia Earhart and is working on one for our Egyptian study as well as a group lapbook on desert animals. She has been volunteering a lot, as usual, and has earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Award - in gold!! Bunny (11yod) is also working on Ancient Egypt with us and the same 2 lapbooks as her sis. Playing soccer and reading lots, as usual. Also doing the "dreaded long division". Her sugar numbers are giving us fits and she is sick of this whole diabetes thing already. *sigh* Hurts my momma's heart to see her have to struggle with this. OH! And she has earned a bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Bee (9yod) is playing her first season of soccer (we bumped her up a level to keep her with Bunny) and is doing GREAT! Really holding her own out there. She is learning all about space in her free time, and doing AWOA along with the big girls. All three girls are enjoying Girl Scouts activities and patch requirements. Bear (6yos) is happily 'Rowing along with Five in a Row this year. We've worked on 6 titles - The Story About Ping, Lentil, Madeline, A Pair of Red Clogs, The Rag Coat and Who Owns the Sun? and he has loved every one. He's also doing a lot of Cub Scout activities (he's a Wolf Cub) and was the first in his pack to fill a popcorn order form! Kitty (4yod), Lamb & Puppy (2.5yoTWINs) are doing lapbooking for Letter of the Week and Before Five in a Row. They are just having a BLAST with the lapbooks and being kids. PoohBear (8mos) is trying to crawl, learning to stand, drooling a lot, and is in general the most contented baby I've ever seen! He's a PEACH! We were going to put the brakes on the unit after our break next week and have everyone follow their own interests (with my guidance, of course). But when the girls found out that Ancient Greece was next, and that Ancient Rome was after that, and that... well, anyway, we'll be sticking with AWOA for awhile! LOL Not sure now how to fit in a lion lapbook and a Beyond FIAR study for Bunny, more space activities and an African animal lapbook for Bee, a study of woman's history with Butterfly... Anyone got more extra hours in their day they want to lend me?? Loving Learning, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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Almost every night for a couple of weeks now we have heard a noise outside that sounds E-X-A-C-T-L-Y like a squeaky toy! It happens in the middle of the night mostly, for about 5-10 minutes then fades away as if whatever is making the noise moves off somewhere else. I have found a couple of references online to birds that make a "squeaky-toy" noise, but can't find anything definitive. HELP! It's driving us crazy!! |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Yesterday was supposed to be the first day of school. But Butterfly (13yog) had a volunteer opp yesterday from 10:30-1. Then the girls had a Girl Scout outing from 3-5pm. And Bee (9yog) almost broke her nose tree climbing and had to spend 2 hrs in emergicare. Uh, yeah. So TODAY was the first day. Sort of. Because FRIDAY, the 3 oldest girls are all going out of town with my mom for the weekend. And next week, they ALL dc are taking turns sleeping at my moms and doing fun field trips during her vacation. So... well, life goes on. Yes, I count all of the volunteering and FT as "school", but it was not on my lesson plan. Guess it was on God's though. So I don't sweat it. Today was good. All the dc sat in on the Bible, Social Studies & Science readings from Day 1 of A World of Adventure. Bunny (11yog) worked on her LA for Day 1 and read for an hour, Butterfly did remedial reading (Starfall.com) and Bear (6yob) will do The Story About Ping for the second day from Five in a Row in a few minutes. Bug (15yob) did a lesson from Spelling Made Simple, read his history books & The Book of God, and will do math when I am off of here. Butterfly will do some "B" school with the littles after naptime, and Bunny will read The Big Green Pocketbook to them and work on Before Five in a Row lessons. Off to do some more "school"! Loving Learning, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Sorry this took so long - we were camping! Here we go... SPELLING POWER - Kellie! LIBERTY'S KIDS CD-ROM GAME - Diane and Rebecca! (I have 2 of these to give away) DIANA WARING BOOK - E.M. Ack! I was going to add pics of my dc drawing names but my computer is giving me fits!! Congratulations to the winners! I will email you ASAP for your info. Loving Learning, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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If you would like to join in on the Curriculum Clean-Out! and have fun giving away the excess on your shelves, now is the time! Just go HERE to sign up! I just found a gently used OLD copy of Diana Waring's Ancient Civilizations and the Bible: Creation to Christ Activity Book for K-4!
You can earn up to 2 entries by doing the following: 1. Leave a comment on this post. Be sure to leave adequate contact information. 2. Twitter or blog about this contest and then leave an additional comment. DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2009 AT 11:59 PM MOUNTAIN TIME! Good Luck! - Katie |
(COVER IS DIFFERENT)Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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If you would like to join in on the Curriculum Clean-Out! and have fun giving away the excess on your shelves, now is the time! Just go HERE to sign up! I'm also giving away an unboxed Liberty's Kids CD-ROM. You can earn up to 2 entries by doing the following: 1. Leave a comment on this post. Be sure to leave adequate contact information. 2. Twitter or blog about this contest and then leave an additional comment. DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2009 AT 11:59 PM MOUNTAIN TIME! Good Luck! - Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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If you would like to join in on the Curriculum Clean-Out! and have fun giving away the excess on your shelves, now is the time! Just go HERE to sign up! I'm giving away a complete-but-very-well-used (as in some pages are loose) copy of Spelling Power. You can earn up to 2 entries by doing the following: 1. Leave a comment on this post. Be sure to leave adequate contact information. 2. Twitter or blog about this contest and then leave an additional comment. DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2009 AT 11:59 PM MOUNTAIN TIME! Good Luck! - Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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We never did get back to Creation Camp - though I still plan to. Instead, we've gone off on a bit of a tangent using a wonderful resource from Teacher Book Bag! We have thoroughly enjoyed the activities in the August Book Bag for 1st through 3rd grade! I love the fact that all of the components tie in together, but each subject can also stand alone. My kids had a terrific time learning about graphing with the worksheets included. And when it was time to make an "object graph", we tied it in to our chores and sorted the laundry as we folded it! Some of the questions on the worksheets were a bit beyond my new 1st grader, so we skipped those particular questions. My "graduated" 3rd grader had fun working the problems though. We graphed the ingredints in our trail mix snack and made a bar graph, plus compared our numbers on a line graph. We also worked on the Language Arts portion. Both children thought that making sentences out of the provided fragments was "cool". They loved the file folder games and both now have a great grasp on simple punctuation. The World Discoveries section ties in perfectly with our current study of animals from our Creation Camp. I especially appreciated that the information provided was just enough to complete the project, but that websites were included for further study. Each of my children did pick an animal to research and the websites were informative. All in all, we completely enjoyed our August Book Bag and can't wait until September! They have a lot of great resources, and they are very reasonable. Check it out! Loving Learning, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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We have been attending VBS this week. The kids are having a great time, but our trip to the fair last Wednesday derailed our Creation Camp. I'm planning to finish it this weekend. The Bigs are back from camp (YEAY!) and all had a wonderful time! Em had only one low blood sugar (55 at 3am!!) the night before she came home, and 2 highs (200's). The rest of her numbers were PERFECT! Of course now that she is home, she has been running in the 200's and even 300's all week. Except 2 normals. Have I said yet that I HATE the "honeymoon" period?? AHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!! School planning continues. We're planning to start up 8/17, although they have been reading voraciously, working on lapbooks, doing math workbook pages FOR FUN!! and studying various other things. So far, it looks like this: High Schooler (1) Various Bible studies, Teaching Textbooks 6, Spelling Made Simple, lots of history reading, computer Forensics class, some free online highschool classes, teaching science experiments with the PreK and 1st grader, writing a report on SOMETHING each week, menu planning/meal prep once a week Middle Schoolers (2) Various Bible/Character studies, Learning Adventures - A World of Adventure (Ancient History), Teaching Textbooks 6, Timz Attack, Girl Scout badgework, teaching Before Five in a Row and Letter of the Week to the Littles, remedial reading for the one who needs it, lapbooks, weekly reports on SOMETHING, menu planning/meal prep once a week (each) Upper Elementary (1) Various Bible/Character studies, Learning Adventures - A World of Adventure (Ancient History), math workbooks, Timz Attack, Girl Scout badgework, remedial reading, lapbooks, weekly reports on SOMETHING, menu planning/meal prep once a week Elementary (1) Five in a Row, Starfall, Family Math, Cub scout badgework, lapbooks, daily writing, menu planning/meal prep once a week, science experiment with Bug (15yo) once a week PreK (3) Before Five in a Row, Letter of the Week, Starfall, LOTS of fun PreK activities (Play Doh, Bubbles, Lacing Cards, Puzzles, etc) Baby (1) Brightly Beaming Babies and LOTS of cuddles I think I'm going to be VERY busy! LOL Loving Learning, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Still working on this one, but here are some highlights! Making a raw egg float got a lot of keen attention:
Thankfully, the experiment WORKED!! (a lot of ours DON'T)
Crayon resist ocean scenes:
We went bird watching, listened to a tape of bird calls and made origami owls and paper gliders!
A REAL Fish Story! I went to La Junta with my sister Bee and Nana and Granpa. We slept at a hotel and went to breakfast. I had pancakes and after that we went to the bank to put money in. We went up the road to go fish. We had worms to fish with. I casted my line out into the water and it went sixty feet away. And then I felt something pulling my fish pole. I rolled up the string then I saw a big fish. It was bluish-greenish and had a little white on his belly. I had to put it back in the water. We were done with fishing and went back to the bank to get our money out. Then we went the grocery store. Loving Learning, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Planet Earth krispie treats were a hit:
So were Pizza Planets!
They had fun making punched "tin" ornaments:
We're still a day behind from going to the fair. Ah, well. Good thing it's summer and we're relaxed hs-ers anyway! Bear has been writing every day. Here is his story for today: I want to go up in outer space because I want to walk on the moon. When I get there, I will pick up some rocks, put them in my rock bag and bring them home to show my family my souvenirs. While I am there, I will take video pictures and then I will moonwalk! After leaving the moon, I will go to Mars. I will scoop up some sand on the red planet. I’ll put it in bags to go home and show my family. Then I’ll walk on it for a little bit to see everything there, like rocks. Next I would go to Jupiter to look around, but not near the big tornado called the Great Red Spot. I wouldn’t be able to land on Jupiter because it’s made out of air (not the kind of air we can breathe). I would fly around and look down at the planet. I will take a video picture and a picture. When I get home to Earth, everyone will be very glad to see me and also all the video pictures, pictures and souvenirs. |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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As a departure from our regularly scheduled Creation Camp study (or more of a tie-in, if you will), we went to the fair yesterday! We were so tired when we got home, we never did get around to our "scheduled" activities. I think God's lessons are infinitely better anyway. Riding the amusement rides was fun:
But interacting with the animals was the big WOW - as usual:
Somebody's getting sleepy...
And one just because he's cute -
I'm hoping today, we'll ba back on schedule! |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Another great day, despite cloudy skies! Here we are making "dirt" from rocks:
Making trail mix (from things that grow on plants):
Nature Scavenger Hunt!
How flowers grow:
Playing Hot Potato - with a real potato!
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Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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We had fun with this one, too! We made windsocks (great day for it - there was a TORNADO up north!!):
AND we blew bubbles (can't do THAT without air and water!)
Even Baby had fun!
We also made Cloud Dessert, did 2 science experiments, discussed all kinds of things related to air & water, sang songs, recited our memory verse an Bear (6yo) wrote a story about living in the clouds: If I Lived in the Clouds If I lived in the clouds, I would have cloud toys to play with. They wouldn’t fall down out of the sky because they are made out of clouds and clouds stay up there. At night when it was time for bed, I would have a cloud pillow and cloud blankets. They would be soft and very, very sqooshy, I think. You couldn’t grab them because they are so big and floaty. If I lived in the clouds, I would play with my cloud friends. I would run around with them, and play hide and seek with them. It would be easy to hide because we would be made out of clouds, too. But we would have clothes on. I think it would be fun to live in the clouds.
Loving Learning,
Katie
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Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Here are a couple of camp kiddoes creating "magic milk" to go with our snickerdoodles:
And a couple of kiddoes creating "Light in the darkness":
And one little guy who was not too sure about the whole fingerpainting thing:
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Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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While the Big 4 are at resident camp, I'm doing Camp-at-Home with the 5 Littles! This year, I happened to get the book Genesis for Kids: Science Experiments that show God's Power in Creation by Doug Lambier and Robert Stevenson from the library on Saturday. GREAT book!!! I was inspired! So I used some of the ideas in the book for Science, Genesis 1 for Bible and added Language Arts, Field Trips, Art, Snacks, Songs, Handwriting and Social Studies. We're having a BLAST!! To make it less like "school" and more like "camp", we are sleeping out every night, cooking on the grill, having a campfire in the evenings, creating camp Tshirts for field trips & changing everything to "camp-ish" names. I'll post some pics from Day 1 - Light later. Off to blow bubbles on Day 2 (you need AIR for THAT, ya know!)! - Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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So here I sit, plugging assigments in to my Homeschool Tracker for first semester. Wondering if we'll get it all done. That's the trouble with schedules - I never get it all completed and then I FEEL behind. Even though I know there IS no "behind". But what's a gal to do? With 9 dc and 3 dogs, if I don't plan SOMETHING, we may never get around to doing ANYTHING. I am an unschooling wannabe. Anyway, as I'm sitting here growling at my computer after I had to input the same thing FOUR TIMES because I can never get HT to DO what I want it to DO - I'm wondering what you all use for your records? Do you use HTPlus? Or Edu-Track or something I haven't heard of yet?? I'd love to hear pros & cons of homeschool scheduling programs! - Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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Dh & I
Back Row: Lamb, Puppy, Butterfly w/PoohBear, Bunny & Bug Front: Bear, Kitty & Bee
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Posted in Family Life
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This weekend, dh took Bug (15yob) & Bear (6yob) camping. I'm sure they are having a WONDERFUL time! I hate camping. My children know this. I amuse them. Imagine their astonishment and delight when I announced that TONIGHT we are having a BACKYARD CAMPOUT!! *gasp* Yeah, I got Cool Mom Points. :o) We were going to have a fire and make s'mores, but the guys took the stuff. Good thing I baked Toll House Cookies today! Everyone is scrambling now to find blanket & sleeping bags (we keep a tent up all summer in the backyard). The plan is to clean up the house a bit, get comfy in the tent and have Mom read aloud & tell stories until dark. Cherish the days, Moms & Dads. They are not going to stay little forever - the days are long but the years are short as they say. The day to day grind of raising these presious little ones for God takes its toll on our relationships. Make a memory today! Peace, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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*Whew*! July has been BUSY!! Dh had a brthday, Lamb (2.5yo) had a urology appt to schedule surgery - WHICH HE DOESN'T NEED!! \o/, dh's family arrived for a visit from out of state, we celebrated the 4th at the campground with my Dad - swimming, minigolf, BBQ, ice cream social - DH & the three oldest girls went on a camping trip 4 hrs away for Girl Scouts, in-laws left, Bear (6yob) had Tball & he also went to a playdate/bday party, campers came home... and it's NOT slowing down! We have another bday in the house next week, more Tball, bowling league, Bunny (11yog) has an appt with the pedi. endo, church meeting, puppy vet appointment, the three oldest have a babysitting certification class - and that's just NEXT WEEK!! The following week, the FOUR oldest are going to resident camp, the rest of us are going to the fair, the older boys are going to a baseball game & camping with Cub Scouts when the resident campers come home, PLUS bowling league continues. The LAST week, I'm teaching a cooking class to elementary kids at church (Butterfly 13yog ) is providing childcare, and my 3 elementary dc are going to other classes (Drama & Basketball). PLUS - the regular day-to-day care of a family of 11, including 3 on the autism spectrum, one a Type 1 diabetic, Twin toddler boys and a 6mo!!!! Tired yet? *g* I'm NOT complaining! I love my life. God has so blessed us - beyond my wildest dreams. Oh, and I'm doing lesson plans for 1st semester. THAT'S another post! Peace, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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Our sweet 11yodd, Bunny, was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with type 1 diabetes. We have been very busy learning about finger pokes, insulin injections, low carb recipes, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and everything else related to this new challenge. "School" is on hold but certainly not learning! |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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This week, we're asking the opinion of our kids! Go to The Work of Childhood to see more! 1. What is your favorite thing about the workboxes? Bug-14.5: There is a variety of stuff to do. Butterfly-13: It's fun and there is a lot of cool stuff in them. Bunny-11: They are easy to do. Bee-9: You get to do a really lot of fun stuff with them. Bear-6: It's really, really fun and every day I want to go there. And I LOVE it! 2. What is your LEAST favorite thing about them? Bug-14.5: Math Butterfly-13: They have MATH in them! Bunny-11: I don't have a least favorite thing - I like it all! Bee-9: Doing the hard work, and I get stuck sometimes when Mom is busy. Bear-6: There's nothing I don't like. 3. Do you think the workboxes are helping you become a better student? Bug-14.5: Yes! Butterfly-13: I don't know, ask Momma! Bunny-11: Yes Bee-9: Yes! Because there are lots of math games and things that help me read better. Bear-6: Yes. 4. If you could change one thing about the workboxes, what would it be? Bug-14.5: Candy in the last box! Butterfly-13: I can't think of anything. They are all perfect! Bunny-11: Nothing I can think of. Bee-9: Mix up the order (she means go OUT of order, not by the numbers) Bear-6: It would be - I love it! (no changes) 5. What is your favorite activity that you didn’t really get to do much before you started the workboxes? Bug-14.5: More history. Butterfly-13: More arts and crafts, and it helps me to remember to do my Barton reading lesson. Bunny-11: Science experiments! And I get to interact more with my mom. Bee-9: I don't know. Bear-6: More lapbooks. Anything else you want to add? Bunny-11: They are a lot of fun, and everybody that homeschools should try them!! Bear-6: It was really weird when we did it the first time, but now it is really fun. Because there are boxes with stuff in them! They help you be smart and help you read more. And there you have it. Right from the mouths of my older 5! |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Click on the "Thinking Outside the Box" button on the sidebar to see more wonderful blogs! (Or just click HERE) How many boxes do you fill? 6 per child Do you expect your children to go in order? Yes, all of them. I think it is good training. Do you use the schedule strips? Yes, and the children love them! How long does it take you to fill the boxes? TOO long! LOL I need to get more organized so that it won't take me 60-90 minutes every night Do you fill your work boxes EACH night with all new items? Usually, but I swap between 2 sets (ie Geography MWF switches to Science TTh) Do you have some boxes repeat each day so there is less filling/refilling? Some, like prayer journals, knitting, lapbooks, etc What do your kids do with the empty boxes? Some stack them by their work area, some put them back on their shelves. I left it up to the individual child. Do you put away the ‘supplies’ each night? or do your kids? Here is our problem. Usually, I leave things stacked up on my huge "staging area" table and the piles get higher and higher and HIGHER - until I get overwhelmed. :blush: Anything else you want to add? This system is FABULOUS if you keep up with it!! |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Hey there! Over at Cheeky Monkey PreSchool we are compiling a list of people who are using Sue Patrick's Workbox System. Come on over! (I'll write a real post soon. Really. I promise!) |
Posted in Workboxes
Posted in Workboxes
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Ok, I'll answer the questions in the comments as best I can. Essentially, the system consists of taking the dc's assignments for the day - including all those fun things you mean to add but don't ever seem to get to - and putting all the components needed for each lesson in a numbered, plastic shoebox. For example, if they have a DrawWriteNow page to do you would include the book, paper, pencil & crayons so that everything is RIGHT THERE when they need it. The dc are given strips at the beginning of the day with numbers velcro'd on. They simply move through the strip, match the number to the box and go to work! Those things needing mom's help have a "Work With Mom" card velcro'd to the front of the box. I am AMAZED at the reaction of my dc!! Bug (15yos) grabs his boxes early - right after breakfast and blows through his assignments before the rest of us even get STARTED! The Twinks are LOVING having "school" to do (playdoh, blocks, coloring, file folder games...). Everyone in between is soooo excited to do school! Dh is happy because we are finally using all of those games & "extras" I spent his hard-earned money on! :o) We started out small (well, as small as a family of 11 can anyway! LOL) with only 6 boxes per child instead of the 12 that Sue Patrick recommends. This system is fantastic for autistic, dreamer &/or ADD types! I highly recommend doing a Google search on "workboxes" and checking out some other blogs. The boxes for baby: So far I've put in rattles, a slip of paper to remind me to do tummy time on a play mat, massage oil, a board book and a texture board (wooden board with differetn types of fabric hot glued on) which I help him "feel" as I talk about the textures. Oh! I also have put in a portable CD player with classical, Bible or lullaby CD's. I just watch for his "alert" times" for some boxes and his "getting sleepy" times for others. As far as space issues are concerned, several people have modified Sue's system and used a file box/crate for each child with either ziploc bags (Sue insists on clear containers in her book - especially for LD types) or manilla folders. I would strongly suggest getting the book to understand the "why's" and ALSO because the system is explained more fully and clearly. There are other components to the system as well. I'm on the fly this morning, but I'll try to come back later and link to some workbox blogs and the Yahoo groups! - Katie |
Posted in Workboxes
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We have discovered Sue Patrick's workbox system and it has REVOLUTIONIZED our homeschooling!! LAST week, we did more school than in the previous MONTH! Bug (15yos) - who has been BORED to TEARS with school for MONTHS - thinks school is just great if you put his assignments in boxes! He's now doing all assignments without ONE SINGLE COMPLAINT! Butterfly (13yog) - who is severely dyslexic and reading at a 1st - 2nd grade level - is doing most things INDEPENDENTLY!!! I am getting TONS of fun stuff done with the preschoolers (AND olders)!!! Even Pooh Bear (2mob) has boxes!! We put in rattles, massage oil, books, texture boards... it just helps me to have a focused time with him. I'm so excited about this (hence the large amount of exclaimation points) - I'll be writing several more posts in the very near future!
All the children are thrilled and don't EV-AH want to go back to "boxless" school. Check it out! |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Well, our new little Muffin is 4wks old tomorrow and we're back at the books! I've got Bug (14.5yob) doing Above & Beyond FIAR, his high school DVD math course, Spelling Made Simple and a high school forensics unit. He's still bored. *sigh* Butterfly (12.5yog), Bunny (10.5yog) & Bee (9yog) are doing Homer Price from Beyond FIAR. We're almost done and will start Neil Armstrong in the next week or two. They are also all working on various math books, and Butterfly & Bee are working on the Barton Reading System. Bunny is doing Spelling Made Simple. I admit we get BY done more than the basics though. *blushing* I'm looking for a grammar program for Bunny. Any suggestions on something self-directed? Bear (6yob) sits in on most of the BY lessons, and is really "getting" a lot!! We are doing FIAR - Another Celebrated Dancing Bear this week - and lapbooks. Also working in some Family Math games. Kitty (3.75yog) is working on various lapbooks, and some Before FIAR units. Lambchop & Puppy (2yob) are wreaking havoc! LOL But will sometimes sit for a B4 book. And our newest addition - hereby known as PoohBear - is a PEACH!!! Very good baby - but HUGE!! He looks a few months old already. *giggle* I'm going to try to blog more often. I really miss it. Off to start the day! - Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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what to do for school! We need to start back up, but I'm not sure with WHAT. Everything this past year has fallen flat. Bug (14.5) is very bored and very unmotivated. Butterfly (12.5) is dyslexic and frustrated. Bunny (10.5) is very bright but easily bored. Bee (almost 9) is probably also dyslexic and a bit of a tornado, but she loves workbooks! Bear (almost 6) is FIARowing and lapbooking and LOVING it. Kitty (3.75) loves lapbooking and we'll be doing B4FIAR. Ape-Man & Monkey (2) are Twin Toddler Tornados!!! And Puppy (1 wk) will hopefully be a sling-baby so I can get everything done! Pretty sure we're going back to BYFIAR with the three oldest girls. Definitely FIAR & B4 with my K & under set. Lapbooks for all. But I'm LOST on my oldest. We've tried a few different curricula since we've moved out of Learning Adventures with him, but nothing holds his attention. He has very deep interest in certain subjects (namely, American wars) and little to no interest in anything else. He has a spelling program (which he hates) and a high school math DVD series (that he hates, and really doesn't understand very much). We've tried a few different unit study programs but he has retained a LOT from our years with FIAR and LA and frankly he knows all the info he really needs on most of the subjects covered. I'm THINKING: * Continuing his spelling & math ('cuz he HAS to), alternating days * Teaching kitchen & backyard science to Bee & Bear a couple of days a week * Reading LOADS of good history books (he does this anyway) * Continuing to play his computer games since they do have SOME educational value and computer time is the only motivational tool we have With the girls, I will: * Revisit BYFIAR * Keep doing workbooks for math with all three (every other day) * Bunny will keep up with her spelling program (every other day) * Butterfly & Bee will continue with the Barton Reading Program (for dyslexia) (every other day) Hoping this works! Be blessed, Katie |
Posted in Growing in the Lord
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Here's the first song Bunny (10.5) wrote. It came from a Sunday School lesson I gave last week. I Want to Be I want to be loved by You I want to be noticed in the crowd And I want to know what to do when I'm caught in a trap I'm gonna need you when I'm stuck in thought And when I'm having a bad day I will just sit down and pray! I want to be loved by You I want to be noticed in the crowd And I want to know what to do when I'm caught in a trap Why am I still trying to be perfect When the only perfect One is You You died upon the cross for my sins and now I've fallen in love with You And I'll say it again I want to be loved by You I want to be noticed in the crowd And I want to know what to do when I'm caught in a trap Now I know all I have to do is Turn to You I'll turn to You I'll turn to You I'll turn to You...
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Posted in Baby News
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Baby born 1/22!! 9 lbs 1 oz, 20.5" Happy & Healthy! |
Posted in Baby News
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http://www.expectnet.com/game.php Game name Baby9 OK, here are the stats on the others to help you guess! #1 boy 8lbs 9.75oz 21.5" afternoon 7 days early #2 girl 7lbs 15 oz 20.25" afternoon 5 days early #3 girl 9lbs 5oz 21.5" morning 4 days LATE #4 girl 8lbs 3oz 20" nighttime 4 days early #5 boy 7lbs 11oz ??" nighttime 4 days early (induced) #6 girl 7lbs 13oz ??" evening 7 days early (Csec, but in labor) #7 boy 5lbs 18.5" evening 3.5 WKS early (TWIN, Csec but in labor) #8 boy 6lbs 1oz 18" evening 3.5WKS early (TWIN, Csec but in labor) The U/S on this one showed BOY! Official due date is 1/25 |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Last year, it seems I printed out the pages for 2-3 Christmas-y lapbooks that were circulating for free. I know for SURE that one of them is the Grinch. Problem IS, I printed only the minibooks and NOT the directions. My computer crashed so now I no longer HAVE the directions.
HELP!! |
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I have been reading this blog the past couple of days, In the Heart of My Home. And I think today's post is outstanding - even if you're NOT talking about the election. We are so quick to judge, aren't we? Peace, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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Just a quick update, in case anyone still wanders over. :o) I'm almost halfway through the pregnancy and FINALLY starting to feel better. *whew* We had an U/S at 9 wks - there's only one this time. :o) Our vacation to KS/MO was WONDERFUL!! Full of fantastic memories and fun times. We met some GREAT people (internet friends) and toured some interesting historic sites. And you CAN take a family of 10 on a 2000 mile road trip for 9 days and not only survive, but ENJOY it! (OK, well - minus the torrential rain, ticks and tornado sirens). Bug is 14 now and bigger than I am. He spent 1.5 wks in MA with the grandparents and had a BLAST. He took his CAT test after finishing 7th grade and did very well. He's using Further Up and Further In and is, sadly, bored silly. *sigh* Butterfly is 12 and continues to expand her horizons. She'll be going to ME/MA this fall for 2.5 wks with my mom. We have GOT to find something that works for her to teach her to read, though. She's still at about a 1st grade level and FRUSTRATED. Bunny is 10 and playing soccer again this fall. Loving all the new friends she is making! Bee is 8 and still as crazy as ever! She's very happy to have moved up with the "big girls" for school (we're using Prairie Primer with the 3 girls). Bear (5) is having fun learning to read and doing FIAR with me. He is still the Funny Man in the family and is very precocious! Kitty is 3 and is just starting to come out of that screeching-at-everything stage. Thankfully! She is talking more and really getting to be a lot of fun! Lamb (Ape-Man) and Puppy are DEFINITELY double trouble!! At 22 mos they are a BLAST! But I should have named them (Messy) Marvin & Dennis (the Menace) - names that fit them perfectly! OK, so we're off to the dentist. For all 8 kid check-ups. Pray for me if you think of it, will ya? - Katie |
Posted in Baby News
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No matter how many times it happens, it still floors me. When the world says one thing and God responds with another. It's humbling. Dh was told in 2002 that his type of cancer combined with the chemo he would receive would make him sterile. We had to sign papers acknowledging that we understood. Then we had Kitty in 2005. And the Twinkies in 2006. And now we are expecting again! I'm due in January. We are amazed and thrilled. Most of the comments so far have been very positive (only one exception, and I didn't have to hear the negativity directly). But we haven't told the "difficult-to-tell" people yet. I'd appreciate your prayers. I don't like the confrontations, accusations and negativity. I don't like being talked about behind my back. Who does, right? I just hate that this taints our joy and excitement. So... will YOU rejoice with us? Peace, Katie
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Posted in Growing in the Lord
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It was the last day of my mountain getaway. I had been struggling for a long time with some things and I wanted to get some direction from God. So far, my half-hearted attempts at getting His attention seemed to be going nowhere. I had come fully prepared to pray, fast and study the Word but had found myself sleeping, eating chocolate and avoiding quiet times with audio books.
© 2008 |
Posted in Family Life
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OK, not yet - but we will be! We are planning our first long family vacation since 1996! (that was 6 kids ago!!) We've gone on 3 day trips - fairly local - but this is a big'n! So how are we preparing to take 8 kids on a roadtrip? I've been scouting the food sales for travel snacks and stocking up on granola bars and trail mix ingredients for weeks now. Snagged generic poptarts for 50c a box! We bought several 32gal totes for $4 each. One is for clothes (matching/coordinating T's), one for food, one for goodie bags, one for media... I made goodie bags for each of the kids. Travel games, coloring books, sticker books, craft supplies, stuffies, cars, toys... I got most of them during after holiday clearance sales for well under a dollar each! Some are homemade games (license plate lotto, travel bingo, etc). I'll be passing things out one at a time every 200 mi or so. The media tote is full of books on tape and CD from the library. They also have these new "Playaway" things - self contained books you plug earphones into. They even give you earbuds to keep when you borrow the books! I got a few personal CD & tape players on ebay so everyone will have something. Plus, when we were blessed with this van, it came with a DVD and VCR so we've got movies to watch. I have tried to carefully plan our itinerary to account for bored teens and squirmy toddlers. And everyone in between! It is pretty detailed and I printed out a LOT of "to" and "from" maps. But we know enough to be flexible and won't be slaves to The Plan. I've mixed museums with playgrounds and indoor sites with hikes. We're dressing the kids before bed on the eve of our departure and leaving in the quiet stillness of the morning. The hope is that most of them will fall back to sleep for the bulk of that first day's travelling. Not sure how it will work, so I have a couple of nice stops planned that we could skip if they are sleeping. Good thing it's still a while away, though. I have a TON left to do! Make a grocery list & shop, prepare the frozen meals, pack the totes, buy more goodies for the Twinkies' bags, wash clothes, buy DIAPERS... Anyone have any Travel-With-Children tips that I missed? Peace, Katie
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Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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We had our 3rd class dinner tonight. It was (again) from Last Dinner On the Titanic. I printed up dinner tickets in four languages (copied from the book). We had Celtic music playing in the background and we got LOUD! LOL The menu was: Vegetable Soup Pork Roast with Sage and Pearl Onions, Boiled Potatoes and Green Peas (Mock) Plum Pudding with Hard Sauce, Oranges and Cabin Biscuits (hardtack) served with coffee After dinner, we all danced reels & jigs & pure craziness! Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE homeschooling??? - Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Bug (13.5b) had an assignment for Further Up & Further In to make a full afternoon tea. Butterfly (12g)has been wanting to make meals from the Last Dinners on the Titanic book. Since one of those is a Third Class Tea, we have combined and are having that for dinner at 4:30 (eating early since Bunny (10g)has a soccer game). Here's the menu: We are, of course, dressed appropriately and speaking with a variety of rather awful accents. Peace, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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SUMMER PLANS
OK, I just asked the dc what they want to learn about this summer (we tend to unschool for a couple of months - dh likes it to be a LITTLE more structured during the school year). Here are our plans so far -
Butterfly (12g) wants to do Titanic, Kansas, Oregon Trail & American Indians. We'll go to the Indian houses here in town, the Pioneers Museum, the living history museum, make a teepee in the back yard, cook appropriate food, we're taking a family trip to KS - AND we'll get to tour Independence, MO in a covered wagon - even over the Sante Fe Trail wagon ruts! We'll play Indian games, dress up, make shoebox covered wagons, camp out, go for long walks. Oh! we're making a sheet cake of the US from the Mississippi River to the West Coast. We'll use candy & crushed cookies, etc to make the mountains, rivers, deserts & mark the forts and different trails westward... Bunny (10g) wants to study plants and mountains. We'll learn about different flowers, make a photo journal, plant a veggie garden, compost, do flower crafts. We'll classify & eat roots, stems, flowers, leaves, seeds, & fruit. We'll make volcanoes in the back yard, make an ice cream cake volcano, study the different rock types, go on a rock hunt, hike in the mountains, study the flora & fauna, probably make a lapbook with all that info... Bee (8g) told me she wants to learn about "old fashioned people". Hmm... I think she may need to narrow that down some! :) Bear (5b) is interested in cowboys and Indians so we'll add in a couple of cowboy living history places (there is one in Wichita that we're planning on seeing), cowboy meals, fireside sing-a-long, watching the downtown trail ride and hopefully win tix to the rodeo!
OK, got to run. I need to get off of here and actually DO some of this stuff!
 I'll try to post more later.Peace,
Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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And life goes on. The four Big B's played basketball this season. Bunny has her first soccer game tonight. Bug started doing his own curriculum with minimal supervision (Cadron Creek's Further Up and Further In Narnia study). Butterfly got braces and 6 teeth surgically removed. The Twinkies are DEFINITELY double trouble!! Lots of travel plans in the works for the family, and for various dc. Both Bug & Butterfly are going back East this year (different g'parents taking them at different times using different modes of transportation and visiting different places! LOL). Bee will be going on a long weekend with g'parents, too. We are all going to KC, MO this year. Can't WAIT to hook up with some friends and see some GREAT historic sites. And... th-th-th-that's all, folks! |
Posted in Family Life
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Well, if you would have told me what the dc were still playing with/using/loving a month after Christmas, I'd have saved a bunch of money! Bug (13b) is L-O-V-I-N-G the DVD's we got him. Gooood GRIEF if I'd have known he'd like it so much I would have bought more! Oh, Crum! Now this means I need to find more for his birthday. Anyone know what I'm talking about? Hmmm??? :o) Need more hints? Butterfly (11g) is really enjoying her Monopoly-type Titanic board game. I've only gotten to play once, but it was fun. Bunny (9g) LOVES her AG doll. Nikki sleeps on her bed. Bee (7g) has been playing with her 2 sets of twin baby dolls. Yup, Joseph & Josephine and Martha & Mary have a lot of fun accessories. Bug's (4b) biggest hit (that is still around *rolleyes*) is his Jonah Paint with Water book. Go figure! Kitty (2g) has decided that clothes are the best fun and that puts her dress-up dress & princess tiara on the top of HER list. Boo & Puppy (15mb) LOVE their ride on toys! One is Winnie-the-Pooh (we got for free) and the other is a Sesame Street one I got for $13 at a discount store! Not that they DIDN'T like and enjoy their other gifts. Far from it, this was one of those rare years in which EVERY gift was a hit. I just always think it's funny to see which gifts are "Hey, Cool!" but don't survive the test of time and which ones are the "keepers". Isn't that right, DM? (hint, hint!) Peace, Katie |
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My good friend Kelly is having a contest on her BLOG The Rules: 1. Tell a funny story (embarrassing ones are GREAT!) in the comments section on her blog. 2. Mention it on YOUR blog with a link back to HER blog, Laughing Always Helps The prize is a Family Life Organizer and Planner from professional organizer Pam Socolow! You can visit her online at www.family-facts.com. |
Posted in Growing in the Lord
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*sigh* It's disheartening to realize that I am not where I thought I was in my walk with the Lord. I've been gently rebuked about my attitude on two separate issues this week. By two different sisters in Christ. And OH! it hurts! "Faithful are the wounds of a friend" Proverbs 27:6a It's made even more difficult by the reactions & attitudes of those closest to me. They mirrored my own and were even MORE intense than mine. But that has just helped me to see how wrong I was and how ugly my attitude. Unfortunately, it also gives me a "good excuse" to wallow in my own shabby righteousness. "For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want... Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Romans 7:19, 24-25a I have every "right" to my reactions to these situations! I have every "right" to be offended by the "calling out" I received! Or I can be right in Christ's righteousness. "All discipline for the moment seems not joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." Hebrews 12:11 I hate the conflict raging today between my head and my heart. |
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Posted in RambleRambleRamble
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Here are the last lines from the first post of each month in 2007: January: HAPPY NEW YEAR!! (gee, THAT'S original - NOT) February: I just love this pic - it shows my "big boys" at their best! March: So I'm getting myself off this computer now and sharing the joyful news with my brood that today is a holiday. We will play games & color & bake & laugh & love & live together today. Thank God for homeschooling. Happy Heartschooling Day. April: OK, got to skeedaddle. Too much time on here and my 8 cuties toss stuff bombs all over the house! May: Wow, and this started off as just a catch-you-up-on-our-little-lives post. Go figure! I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. ROMANS 1:16 June: * Puppy... got colic. Life got put on hold!! July: OK, I need to run. Lots to do!! Abiding in His love, August: E-mail me for an evite and I'll send you the link to the catalogue!September: THANK YOU for thinking of me! October: Please reveal, my SS! :o) November: Isn't that what we all do sometimes? Make things too complicated, too technical. Maybe it's because we try to control things, I don't know. Like a little child, moms and dads. We all must be like a little child. December: Well, OK. Enough ramblin'. Dh is so sick he's home from work & I need to go take care of him. Wow. OK. Ummm... I've been pretty boring this year. I'm going to be praying about the direction of this blog. Am I being real? Helpful? Encouraging? Is it worth my time - and yours? Am I glorifying God? Hmmmm... In His love, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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Greetings to friends both far and near! We pray you had a blessed year. We want to share some of what we did, Just a little bit about each kid We’ll start with the new teen, our firstborn, Bug: He played basketball for a little while, Helped fire victims, volunteered on Pikes Peak, Caught enough fish to feed us for a week! Played baseball again - though he struggled at bat, Loves to read books now, imagine that! Started a business selling photo note cards, Helped out at church raking the seniors’ yards. Moving on to Butterfly, our eleven year old: She helped with the homeless when they came in from the cold, Won a poetry contest, then recited on stage! This year, the Titanic was her current rage Stayed overnight at the museum with her Dad, At her tea parties, a great time was had, Joined the youth group and girls’ Bible study, Serves lunch to the seniors, now she’s everyone’s buddy. Bunny is the next child in line: She’s friendly and outgoing and loves being nine! She also played basketball; helped fire folks, too; She has lots of friends, some old and some new. She’s learned to ski now like her big bro & sis, And her singing at church you just won’t want to miss! At a local school show she did a country line dance, And learned about Africa whenever she had a chance. Bee is seven, a real big girl now: While skiing with Dad she learned the “snowplow”. She played basketball and scored points for her team, Becoming a veterinarian is Bee's latest dream She still loves Spiderman, pirates and such But lately she’s gotten a gentler touch. She takes care of the babies, both real and toy, And cooking with mom is time for great joy. Who plays in the dirt whenever he can. He loves pirates and trucks and playing with Bug. Whatever he does, he does it with style! He loves to “do school” and is learning to read, And he helps us all out when he sees a need. He loves the babies and can’t wait ‘til they can play And he wants to grow up and be a cowboy someday. Next comes the Princess, our sweet Kitty Grace Whose smile lights up her whole pretty face. She loves to play babies and make meals with me, Dress up and sit while the big girls have tea She’s talking more now and learning to sing And calling up Nana’s a favorite thing She screeches a lot and can sometimes be naughty And lately she just wants to learn to go – potty! :o) Lamb is the Chunky-Man, very laid-back: His favorite things are his cup and a snack! He’s crawling quite well, and cruising around, Smiles a lot though he makes hardly a sound Puppy's the youngest (by only a minute) If something is happening – he’s right there in it! Walking and talking - his new word is “buh-duh” (brother) It’s great fun to watch them play with each other! So there you have it – the family in rhyme I’m running short now on paper and time We pray you are blessed and your new year is great Here’s wishing you all Happy 2008! |
Posted in Family Life
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We made 11 kinds of cookies yesterday! The assembly line was a huge success. The only problem? Deciding which ones to bake! We ended up with: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons Gumdrop Swirled Mint Candy Cane Gingersnaps Maple Walnut Cranberry Walnut Butterscotch Cornflakes (No Bakes) I wonder how long the dough will keep in the fridge? I'd like to avoid the hassle of freezing/defrosting them. Hmmm... I'd still like to make Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbreads, Sugar Cookie Cutouts and Frosted Pumpkin Cookies. YUM YUM YUMMY! On a different note, what do you think of a church that leases out space in an indoor amusement center? We heard yesterday that our old church will be doing just that and I guess we're glad we changed churches. The distraction for our special needs dc would just be horrible. And what if you can't afford to buy them passes to play every week, even at a discount? Sure the attraction for kids would be huge, but I can't picture going to a church with a bowling alley and a bar. *shrug* Call me old-fashioned. Anyway, I'm not wanting to badmouth the church. The pastor there has a HUGE burden for the lost of our city and for youth. We certainly wish them well and are praying for them. I was just curious if we're missing something here. *shrugs again* Peace to you all, Katie |
Posted in Holiday Happenins
To celebrate, we're setting up an assembly line for making the dough. You lay everything out, make one type of dough at a time (milder flavored first & progressing to stronger) and package the dough in balls wrapped in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until all doughs are done, THEN clean up the bowls/measuring cups all at once. Now your counter/table is ready to roll out the dough AND your dough is chilled enough to roll!  We're making Sugar Cookies, Gumdrop Bars, Swirled Mint Cookies, Candy Cane Cookies, Maple Walnut Cookies, Pumpkin Cookies and maybe a couple of others.  I love Christmas School! It's Home Ec, & Math, & Kitchen Science, & Community Involvement (if you give some away) & ... Anyone got any fav cookie recipes?? |
Posted in Family Life
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Ummm... ahhhh... well, lessee here... Some of us are recovering. Some are not. We were chosen to speak at church yesterday and light the Advent candle. It was nice (then the sickies all went home). We finished up our last Learning Adventures for the calendar year, but I've been too sick to plan Dec school. And my printer broke, so all the lapbook units I purchased and diligently searched for are a no-go. Asperger's + Holidays = Meltdown Nuff said. I'm almost done shopping for the dc. I have Butterfly (11g) & Bunny (9g) all done and just a couple more each to get for the others. No clue what to get for the twinkies other than what I got already. Sleep lessons for Puppy (13.5mb) would be nice. *sigh* Speaking of, he has a new tooth! They have both had 6 for months now (4 upper, 2 lower) and Puppy's got another lower. They both have swollen gums from molars, poor things, but those are a long way off methinks. Oh, and on presents - I'm doing something different this year. I'm taking ALL of their gifts and wrapping them in tissue paper, then putting them in one big wrapped box per child. You should have seen their eyes pop when I put the 2 huge (think Sam's club-sized diapers or larger) boxes under the tree. With no labels, no less! They are crazy to know who they are for! *giggle* Well, OK. Enough ramblin'. Dh is so sick he's home from work & I need to go take care of him. - Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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There. I said it. Someone in our house has been sick with one thing or another since the end of SEPTEMBER! I think I can MAYBE count on one hand the number of days we've had everyone healthy at once. I've bleached everything I can think of. I have the windows open every day that it's warm enough. We are handwashing so much that we all have chapped (sometimes bleeding!) hands! AAARRRGGHHH!!! But it's not just us! The neighbors have been sick just as long, and we haven't been interacting much. My mom & step-dad as well, and they are only here if we're healthy. My dad & step-mom have had a bad run of it this month as well. Someone make it stop!!! Please? Last week, I took all 8 dc to get their checkups. Wouldn't ya know - they were pronounced healthy. Every single one! I thought we were done with it! But starting Friday, we all (save 2) have nasty head colds/coughs. And last night, 2 of the littles started with yucky dipes again!! I want to just sit and cry. Maybe I will. 'Cept we're out of tissues. Peace, Katie |
Posted in Growing in the Lord
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The Joy of Christmas
I can still see the four of us sitting around the kitchen table. Three generations of women - though I was just a girl - making Christmas memories just as surely as we were making popcorn and cranberry garlands for the tree. "Joy to the world! the Lord is come!" we sang out together as we worked. Little did I know what the words meant, what they would come to mean to me in later years. I only knew that singing all the verses to all the carols was a feat envied by many of my friends. I didn't know they envied me the time with my family as well.
My Nana would get up to make more popcorn while my mom and my aunt would argue good-naturedly about which verse came next. I would simply concentrate on the pattern - two popcorn, one cranberry - and on not poking myself with the needle. I always thought that my strand was the longest and prettiest. It took me years to realize that my aunt would tie hers to the end of mine when I wasn't looking! "Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ!" These songs would stay with me, long after my family was separated by miles and more. We went through some dark times.
I was not raised in a Christian home - far from it. Seeds of rebellion were planted early and blossomed into unhealthy fruit. Although it was many years before I walked with the Lord, He always walked with me. There are so many moments I can look back on and see His hand directing, shaping - patiently waiting. "No more let sins and sorrows grow!" It wasn't until I had a family of my own that I went searching. Oh, at first I was not searching for Christ, but only for the echoes of those warm Christmas memories. But where else would they lead but to Him who is at the center of it all?
It was a blustery December day when I stepped into the waters of the baptismal. Into the darkness of my cold November heart, the warmth and light of the Savior had come shining. On that second Sunday of Advent, as I professed Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I couldn't help but think back to those earlier Christmas seasons. "He rules the world with truth and grace!" I am so thankful that even though I had not known it at the time, the Lord had spent years preparing my heart to receive Him.
This Advent season, as you are making memories with your loved ones - or reliving memories of those that have gone on - never lose sight of the joy of the Lord's coming! |
Posted in Family Life
The older 5 had physicals yesterday. No surprises on Butterfly (11g) down through Bear (4b). But my Bug (13b)?? I about fell over!! He's 137 lbs and 5'8"!!!!!! Um, I'm only 5'6". Yeah. Now he's calling me "Shorty".  Everyone is healthy, though. And the younger 3 go today. Which means I need to take the Stay-Pufft Marshmallow Van out in the snow. Yuck! I love snow, but only on days when I can stay home. I have to go out THREE TIMES today! Dr, Salvation Army to drop off Butterfly's pies & to pick my mom up from work. Oh, well. Thank You, Lord, we have a van!! Thank You, Lord, we have snow to combat the water shortage! Thank You, Lord, my mom lives in town! Thank You, Lord my sweet dd wants to help others! OK, nothing like puttin' yer praise on to change an attitude headed south!  Need to run. Our appt is E-A-R-L-Y!! Peace, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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No doubt about it now. I asked Bear (4b) if he knew why we celebrate Thanksgiving. We've talked about being thankful to God, but I wanted to add a little history so when he didn't know about the pilgrims I said, "Well about 400 years ago..." At which point he interrupted me and sweetly asked, "Mommy, is dat when you yived in Massa-tu-setts?" Uh, yeah. Gotta love 'im. In other news, dh decided this morning that we would be joining our new (since March) church so I ran to gather (almost) all the kids and we went down front after service. The congregation's response was overwhelming! So many dear people came up to hug and welcome us afterward. We really feel like we belong here, which is not always easy for me to say with autistic dc. We are grateful for the love shown to our family at this church. They are so willing to try to meet our needs, and we've already found numerous ways to serve and give back. I'm actually looking forward to attending on Sundays - something I had lost with our previous churches. Peace, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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You know, when I just relax and don't push - I LOVE HOMESCHOOLING!! Bug (13b), Butterfly (11g) & Bunny (9g) are busily studying about Texas, Mexico & reptiles using Learning Adventures Westward & Onward unit (Year 3). Last night we had a Tex-Mex Fiesta with Nana & Granpa and it was a BLAST! Mexican Fruit Salad, Taco/Burrito Bar, Mexican Wedding Cakes, Sombrero Cookies, Cinnamon Crispies... flags, flowers & streamers... the Hispanic radio station playing in the background. Bug is reading on his own about WWII. Butterfly is still learning lots about the Titanic and has started studying some famous American women. Bunny is crazy about birds and missionaries. I've also started putting them in charge of doing things with the littles. Butterfly has a tea party with all the girls on Tuesday with a Bible study and a manners lesson. So far, she has done an excellent job with lessons on love. We'll be moving on to "joy" soon and then working our way through all the fruit of the Spirit. Bug is in charge of planning an adventure for the boys. So far he has orchestrated a treasure hunt, taken them stargazing and gone on a nature walk. Bunny is having library-style reading time with all the Middles & Littles. I pick the theme and she runs with it - books, games, songs, puppets, etc. She's done farm animals, monkeys & turkeys so far. Bee (7g) is having a ball with her Five in a Row lessons. We're working on The Pumpkin Runner from Vol 4, then we're moving on to the new unit, The Bravest of Us All. Sometimes, Bear (4b) joins her in her lessons but mostly he's doing lapbook activities and some Before FIAR. Bee & Kitty (2.5) are also enjoying the lapbook activities - and even Bug, Butterfly & Bunny have a few going. We've done FIAR Fold 'N' Learns, Hands of a Child holiday packs, Knowledge Box Central units, Live and Learns from Live and Learn Press, Bible ABC's and some other activities from Little Blots of Faith! PLUS the lapbooks that are in the Learning Adventures curriculum. Whew! A lot of these were freebies, and those that aren't are worth it if you and your dc enjoy lapbooking. We've been enjoying nature walks and using our FIAR Fall Nature Study Guide. We have particular trees and plants that we are watching change through the seasons. Our nature notebooks are filling up! Oh! By the way, have I mentioned the fabulous backpack we got from Nature Backpacks?? It is a high quality backpack filled with all you need for a nature hike - colored pencils, drawing pads, binoculars, magnifying tweezers, collection containers, Fun With Nature guide... the greatest thing is, we can keep it by the door and when we want to go on a nature outing, we just grab & go!! This would make a great family gift for Christmas. Our family read aloud right now is Missionary Stories with the Millers and the dc are really amazed at the way God saves His people. We've also started scheduled Bible readings at breakfast & lunch, followed by singing a couple of worship songs. The girls take turns picking the songs, while I pick the readings. We're not hitting it all everyday but I'm refusing to do my usual - throw up my hands and throw it all away because it's not "perfect"! Kind of how I am with this blog - all or nothin'! *grin* OK, enough for today. I've got to go spend my 1-on-1 Friday "dates" with my crew. Be blessed, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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Bear (4) just had so much to say today! This morning before church he came to me with 28 cents and we had this conversation: "Mama, dis is a quarter! I's got yots of money!" "Yes, you do! Maybe you should think about giving some of that money to church." "Not my quarter! I never had one of dese before!" "Well, why don't you pray about it? Ask God what He wants you to do." So he goes to the DR table, sits and bows his head. Then, "You has to be very quiet, Mommy. God is way far away up in Heaven and I need to hear Him good!" *giggle* (BTW - God had him give his 3 cents! LOL) Later he was on the phone with my mom. They must have been talking about his money, which led to talking about Christmas presents. He gets off the phone and stage whispers, "Hey mom! I is getting both of you BIG flowers - but don't tell anybody!" ROFLOL After Sunday School during worship, he stage whispers, "Mom! Tell Daddy I need to talk to you when we get home!" but obviously couldn't wait because 5 minutes later it's, "Mommy! I REALLY has to talk to you!!" So we go out in the narthex and sit in the chairs there. Here's THIS conversation. "Mommy. Mommy! you know there is poor peoples?!? They has NO FOOD! And they's houses - they has no houses. They sell houses and they costes yots and yots of money! So they has none. And I don't ever want to do that to our house, OK? But they needs yots and yots of food." "OK, honey. We can give them some food. What kind of food?" "How 'bout a peanut butter sandwich? No, that would get squooshed. How 'bout cereal?" "Sure! What else?" "And pizza! No. That needs a fridge. Maybe sumping from the cupboard!" So now we have FOUR GROCERY BAGS packed up and he's asking everyone he knows! Aparently, all the little guys in class (or most, anyway) really want to help so they are having a food drive and will go down front with their food next Sunday. Too cute! So before bed (last one, I promise!) he's cuddling with me and he says, "Mommy, I want to write to the President of these a-mighty States!" *snort* "Why, honey?" "So I's can tell him dat I yuv him and thank him for sending the soldiers to the war to keep us safe." OK, now don't get political on me! But out of the mouths of babes, huh? This kid cracks me up!! In Him, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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We are studying Australia and NZ and were wondering if any of you out there would like to trade packages? You know postcards, brochures, maybe small food items or toys. Nothing bigger than a standard shoebox to save on shipping. We made pavlova last night - YUM! We love that. You could SKIP the vegemite though, 'K? Just leave a comment or email! Peace in Him, Katie |
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My friend Kim just called. Her mom is in the hospital,ICU on a ventilator. They are giving her 48 hours to wean off, then... Kim is asking for prayers for a miracle! |
Posted in Growing in the Lord
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We've been working on Fall things with the Littles, of course. So as they were making paper & rafia scarecrows and painting leaves today I planned on giving them a gentle intro on the science of the changing leaves. I asked them, "Do you know why the leaves change colors?" Bear (4) replied, "Yes, because it's Fall!" "That's right, honey. But do you know why?" Bee (7) said, "God made the trees turn all kinds of pretty colors so that we would remember Him and enjoy His creation." Ummm, yeah, so I scrapped that however-watered-down technical lesson. "That's right, sweetheart. That's exactly right." Isn't that what we all do sometimes? Make things too complicated, too technical. Maybe it's because we try to control things, I don't know. Like a little child, moms and dads. We all must be like a little child. Peace, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Have you seen the new Five in a Row digital products??? You should - they're not just for 'Rowers either. I've mentioned it before, but the new Fall Nature Study download is a beautiful, well written guide to getting out and studying God's creation during the autumn months. There are checklists, ideas, tips, poems, photographs - really something for everyone! It has sparked many great nature walks and talks with my children this past month. How about the Timeline resource? OK, I'll admit I haven't gotten it yet. But it LOOKS fantastic and if I didn't already have one actively in place I'd grab it! AND - I'm very excited to say that they have just announced an ALL NEW digital book unit, comparable to a FIAR Volume 4 lesson plan! Using the book The Bravest of Us All by Marsha Diane Arnold and illustrated by Brad Sneed (the same team that did Pumpkin Runner, a Vol. 4 title), it's complete with story disk, Bible supplement and cookbook recipes! I downloaded it last night and we all can't wait to dig in. Plus there are several lapbook-type projects to download called Fold 'n' Learns. My kids are having a great time with these! OK, so I'm off to plan our Bravest unit in my handy-dandy FIAR planner!! Peace, Katie |
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Kim at InAShoe is having another contest!! This time, you can win $250 in Vision Forum exclusive merchandise! Just post your wish list, link to Kim's post and Vision Forum, then leave her a comment linked to your wish list post. The entry deadline is this Friday, 11/2 at 11:59pm Central and there will be THREE winners!! So here's my list: Raising Maidens of Virtue - $20 Cross Shield & One Sword - $20 Sabers, Spears & Catapults - $25 Pouch of Ancient Coins - $18 Sergeant York & the Great War - $16 Women & Children First - $24 The Birkenhead Drill - $8 Nan Harper's Titanic Dress for Girls (Lg) - $49 Modesty Slip (Lg) - $10 Nan Harper Doll Dress - $19 Prairie Bonnet (pink) - $12 Women & Children First - $10 Passionate Housewives: Desperate for God - $16 TOTAL - $247 GOOD LUCK!!! |
Posted in Growing in the Lord
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God is amazing. I'm very tired tonight but I just had to write this entry before I turn in. First off, I went to my homeschool support group meeting tonight. Sally Clarkson from Whole Heart Ministries was the speaker. I've wanted to hear Sally speak for years. Her book, Educating the Whole Hearted Child is one of my three must read homeschooling motivational books each year. Of course, the talk was just for me and God is so gracious in reminding me of the things He's been trying to teach me. Then there was a friend who gets day old Panera Bread goodies once a month for homeschoolers. I came home with wonderful breads, bagels, cookies and AMAZING pastries!! Such treats - wow! What a blessing. But to top it all off, a dear lady there had offered 12-24m boys clothes on the e-mail loop. Because I'm on digest, I'm usually too late for offers like that. This time though I was the first to respond. Good thing I'm typing because the Lord has left me speechless this time. There was 1/2 trash bag full of size 5 diapers. We just this week noticed that Kitty & Lamb were growing out of the size 4's but still had too many in the house to justify a purchase. WOW!! Just yesterday I told Mark that I wanted to try some no-spill sippy cups with straws because Puppy won't drink from a regular sippy. Not one in the bag - but three!!! A Winnie-the-Pooh plate for Kitty, who has been wanting a plate of her own and LOVES Pooh! And the clothes? Well, I like to dress the Twinkies in matching clothes. Generally you don't get that with blessing bags, you know? In this case, not only did 90% of the clothes coordinate (as in there are 2 similar style outfits of each) but there is one outfit in the bag that I own one of already because it was Bear's so now they have IDENTICAL outfits!! I am constantly amazed that God cares so much about the little things. Wow. Why do I fret and worry so much? Why do I forget that He has a plan? Lord, forgive me when I stress and strive for things when You know already what I need and are so ready and willing to provide. Keep me focused on You, Lord, and on praising You in all things. Help me to expect the unexpected! Be blessed, Katie Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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Well, hello. Is there anybody out there? Sorry I'm so scarce. I never thought having twins would take so long to adjust to! I rarely have a moment to collect my thoughts, much less type them out. The new schedule (the one that is supposed to give me writing time) looks great, but we have yet to implement it. Illness, International Day, tea parties... Ah, well. One of these days! I'm thinking about moving the computer back into the kitchen. That way, I can type in between chores & cooking. Lamb & Puppy are officially toddlers! Well, in age anyway. Only Puppy is living up to the name right now. Lamb can sure go like anything behind the push toy now though! All the children are well. Here's a bit of insight into their personalities - their choices for costumes this year: L&P (1) are Thing 1 & Thing 2 Kitty (2.5) is the Cat in the Hat Bear (4.5) is a ninja Bee (7.5) is an angel Bunny (9.5) is a movie/rock star Butterfly (11.5) is a woodland fairy Bug (13) refuses to be anything We don't trick or treat, but we were invited to a party at the neighbors. I made all of the costumes and probably laid out under $20 for everyone. They looked great though!! We are not planning to do Christmas Around the World again this year. We've run out of countries that interest the children. Not sure now WHAT we'll do. We may even - GASP - just keep on with our FIAR and Learning Adventures! Off to clean up the Twinkies from lunch! Peace to you, Katie |
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Howdy! Kim over at InAShoe is hosting Vision Forum product giveaway! You could be one of FIVE winners who will receive their Vision Forum wishlist items - up to $150!! Here's my VF wishlist (Christmas gifts for my Titanic crazy girl!): 1. Woman & Children First CD - $10 2. Passionate Housewives: Desperate for God book $16 3. Nan Harper Doll Dress - $19 4. Nan Harper's Titanic Dress, Large - $49 5. Modesty Slip, Large - $10 6. The Sinking of the Titanic and Great Sea Disasters - $24 7. The Birkenhead Drill - $8 8. All-American Boy's Spy Cipher - $12 Total - $148 9. Winning Kim's contest - PRICELESS!! Entry deadline is this Friday, 10/26!!! |
Posted in Secret Sisters
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... and Who oh Who can she be?? Please reveal, my SS! :o) Blessings, Katie |
Posted in Autism Corner
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Some of my dc are on the autism spectrum. I hate it. It can be gut-wrenchingly difficult. It can also be eye opening. Relatives of people with autism sometimes display similar characteristics with the diagnosed individual, but they are not impared enough in their daily life to have a clinical case. Such mimicry is called shadow syndrome. I wrote this after researching the world of autism to try and get a correct dx for my girlie.
Half-Life It’s dark in the dimness where no one can see Living in the shadows, as it were, Just normal enough that they think I’m crazy when I tell them who I am And what is it you’ve done with your coming? Brought me out into the light – or driven me down deeper? For without you, I never would have found myself And where am I? Questions within questions Spiraling downward into the half-life of shadows – Into nothingness Because the truth is, nothing really matters Truth hurts. And which of us is the shadow? Did you evolve from me, or am I a reflection of you? Either way, it’s a complex dance and I’m unsure of the steps But the music compels us on Flickering between light and shadow Never quite belonging, Never really alone. © 2003 For Mimi. |
Posted in Family Life
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Hello there - 'lo there - air-air-air.... That's the echo. Sorry I haven't been around. LOTS going on! I really thought life would slow down a bit after the summer - it usually does. But it seems there is more going on than ever!! So here I sit, with writer's block - of all things! OY! School is going well. The girls (11, 9, 7) are all getting ready for our homeschool group International Day so we're spending a lot of time on projects. The twinkies are getting big, big BIG!! Only a couple of weeks until their birthday - how did THAT happen? Puppy is walking - well he still looks like Franken-baby, but he's getting there. Lamb is cruising behind him. My teenager, Bug, is getting that deeper voice. Sometimes when he's talking out in the other room I panic, thinking a strange man is in the house! LOL I'm doing well. My weight loss has stalled (grrrr....) but that's OK. I'm sure when I wean the twins, the rest will go! Looks like I may have a publishing deal for my devotional book. THAT'S exciting, 'round here anyway. It'll be an e-book and available for download sometime in November. I'll keep you posted. Hey speaking of new e-books, did you know that Jane Lambert (FIAR) has written a new one? It's a beautiful book about doing fall nature study with your kids (AND yourself!). The pictures are wonderful and it's full of tips, ideas, journal pages, poems (ahem - I've got one in there) and more! You should check it out at the Five in a Row digital store. I'm redoing our schedule and planning to include an hour of writing time per day. I'm hoping to use some of that time to blog. I KNOW I keep telling you I'll write more, but maybe it'll really happen this time! OK, off to check on lunch!! Peace, Katie |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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I love contests. Can you tell? Life in a Shoe is hosting a giveaway of Vision Forum's exciting new adventure series, Ballantyne books. Just add that to your blog and go on over and leave a comment for Kim at her blog. Ends Friday 9/28! |
Posted in Homeschool Hijinks
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Coming to Homeschool Authors Jane Lambert and Amanda Bennett If ever the saying "been there and done that" had genuine meaning, these two women are living proof. From the "am I doing enough?" fears which nag every homeschool mother to the joyous benediction of "thank you mom for all you did," Amanda and Jane have walked where you walk! Between them, Jane Lambert and Amanda Bennett have more than 35 years of homeschooling experience. Amanda has a daughter through college and Vet school, a son through college and well established in his own business and she continues to homeschool her youngest son through high school. Jane has two daughters through college, both happily married, and she plans to keep an active hand in homeschooling with her five grandchildren. After meeting as homeschool curriculum authors nearly 15 years ago at a convention in Florida, these two women have become close friends, sharing their victories and their trials with one another in person, on the phone and by email on a weekly basis. They know the ins and outs of learning styles, teaching techniques and student motivation. More importantly, they also know the power of prayer-- to complete the homeschooling marathon, to strengthen homeschool marriages (Jane has been married for 36 years and Amanda for 28), to persevere through both the terrible twos and the terrifying teens, to walk through health challenges and to live with the financial stresses of being a single-income family. Today, they speak to 1000's of homeschoolers each year and really do live to help and encourage others through their books, their words, their prayers and their love. They look forward to blessing Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to sit and hear from these two remarkable women in a small, intimate gathering. When: October 13, Where: Grace Point Community Church, 90 E. Orchard Rd., Littleton, CO 80121 Registration Fee and RSVP: Send $20 to Paula Anderson, by October 6. Email her at mpskra{at}comcast{dot}net for her address. A pre-reserved, pre-paid lunch is available for $6 each from Chick-Fil-A. Please send your luncheon fee to Paula with your registration fee. You may bring your own sack lunch if you prefer. Please contact Paula Anderson for further information at mpskra{at}comcast{dot}
To learn more about Jane or Amanda, visit their websites: Jane Lambert, Author of Five in a Row
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Posted in Family Life
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Hey there! We will be walking as a family on Sept 30 to raise money to fight world hunger. The thing I like about this program is that 25% of the money raised stays here in our community. You can check it out at CROP Walk. If anyone feels led, you can sponsor us by donating to my paypal account using my e-mail addy. The goal for each team is $500, and for our city it's $20,000! WOW! You can also go to the website to see if there is a CROP Hunger Walk happening near you. Blessings, Katie |
Posted in Secret Sisters
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I received your package today, dear Sister. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness! I love, love, LOVE the bracelet! My kidlets went ga-ga over the pencils, and I'm using the notecards already! You are a great SS. :o) Blessings to you! - Katie |
Posted in Secret Sisters
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Thank you, Secret Sister for the "pamper me" package! Last night, I sent everyone to bed early, ran the tub, lit my new candle & had a nice bath with my yummy new soaps! Then, after a long soak, dh gave me a pedicure - well, did his best anyway! LOL It was wonderfully relaxing, and something I look forward to doing again soon. THANK YOU for thinking of me! Peace to you, Katie |
Posted in Family Life
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you've no idea. Really, I compose multiple blog entries in my head. But I never have the time to actually blog. *shrug* I also cannot keep up with my blog feeds, so I'm missing reading friends' blogs as well. *sniffsniff* Life is FUN here, but very busy. Bug (13yob) is busy with our schoolwork (Learning Adventures - Westward & Onward) and his Ancient Civilizations CD-ROM. He's also reading about Stonehenge & working through the book of Psalms. He just recently volunteered with Dad in a marathon (handing out drinks, fruit & encouragement). Butterfly (11yog) Ditto on the schoolwork, getting involved with the church youth group this year. She just volunteered with the church serving lunch to the local school teachers for their work day. She's having a blast helping me can & freeze all this zucchini & some nectarines I got on sale! Bunny (9yog) Ditto on the schoolwork plus reading a ton of library books. It's so hard to keep her in good books. She reads WELL above grade level, but most of those books are too mature in content. HELP! She spends time playing with her 2 best friends (separately) and she's on a watercolor painting kick. Bee (7yog) She's L-O-V-I-N-G school doing FIAR with me! She just came back from a camping weekend with G'ma & G'pa. It seems she became a yound lady almost overnight! Of course, she just spent her mony on a Ninja Turtle... *sigh* At least we seem to be moving away from Spidey, but *shrug* Bear (4yob) is VERY eager to "do school" and wants to learn to read. I've got some Rod & Staff workbooks he's doing (because he wants to) and we're having fun with B4FIAR. He is still SUCH a card and keeps the whole family laughing with his jokes & general sweetness! Kitty (2yog) What a handful! She is VERY "2". Angel-faced, but very demanding with a fierce temper. I'm trying to give her more cuddle time and she's been asking to be read to a lot lately. Might be time for some special "Mom & Me" B4FIAR time. I wish she were a bit more verbal, though it' coming slowly. Lamb (10mob) is a CHUNK! 21 lbs, marine crawling, rolly-poly boy. Just the last couple of days he's getting his belly up more to crawl and he's even pulled to stand a few times! He LOVES to eat, sleeps through the night (7:30-6:30) and is a big cuddler. Very easy-going baby. Puppy (10mob) is 18 lbs and almost walking. He cruises all over and stands without help. He is not as interested in "baby" food, but loves things he can feed himself. He is very vocal and using words already. The boy "never" sits still!! He's still getting up 3-7x/night and does not sleep well. It is a BALL to watch them interact. They pull on each other to get to toys, or play tug-of-war with the toys. Right now, although Lamb is bigger he is not as coordinated and generally loses. He's so easy going it doesn't bother him much. OK, off to make lunch! |