Posted in MOMMY BABBLE
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Our newest little man was born by emergency c-section on September 6, 2008. He weighed in at 7 lbs 15 ozs and 20 3/4 inches long. He is named after our fathers. |
Posted in HOME SWEET HOMESCHOOL
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The Grammar & Composition Notebook (again, a binder) will be a place for all writing assignments to go, a reference for the future, and gives the student the ability to see how their writing has improved over the years. We will be using a 2 inch binder, so we may store their writing assignments from year to year. For me, this gives us a wonderful place to store our work...and no loose papers! THE BASICS
THE SET UP Put the tab dividers in the binder and label them: Reference, Goals, Work in Progress, & Completed Work.
A full description of the Grammar & Composition Notebook is available in Writing Aids by Marcia Somerville.
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Posted in HOME SWEET HOMESCHOOL
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Like I said before, we are heading into a new journey with Tapestry of Grace. They recommend, setting up Student Notebooks. I love this idea, it keeps down all the paper piles that I have to deal with all over my house. So here is my take on the topic! THE BASICS Setting up the TOG Student Binder (aka Student Notebook) can be done a few ways:
Some may purchase the dividers through Tapestry of Grace here Tapestry Divider Tab Set for $12.50, but with 5 students for this school year, that isn't going to happen here! I found these (Economy Tab Set at Staples) at Staples for less than $6.00 and if you have many students like me, it will just be a better fit financially. WHAT GOES IN THE NOTEBOOK Here are my "plans" for each of my students notebooks:
So, this is the beginning plan for our "Student Notebooks". Coming up next, the Grammar & Composition Notebook. Happy Homeschooling!
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Posted in HOME SWEET HOMESCHOOL
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Your TOG volume arrived, and with great excitement and anticipation you open the box and...WHEW...information overload! It happens to all of us! It is alot of information to digest...so much so, that some set it aside for a few days/weeks...not me, I dug in! After your nerves settle a bit, you will begin to look through your volumes and notice the need for binders. I bought 4-2″ binders at the Staples, and organized the TOG Units with the weekly tabs. So here’s my Let's-Get-Started list: Step One: Put the units in binders. Some TOG users are page-protector-"crazy", and while I see them as useful, they would be a HUGE expense for us, and I just keep my TOG units up away from the children. As for the binders, we like the presentation-type binder with the clear pockets on the outside of the binder. Step Two: Get out your Loom CD, and save the Resource List onto your computer. I played with the file a bit to make it more user friendly for me. Some edit and delete all but the info for the levels they are teaching at the time, to make it a tad less stressful, and then save it with a descriptive title, such as “TOG Year 1 LG-UG Resources”, for those with only Lower and Upper Grammar students. I chose to print it all off, with 7 (soon to be 8) children, we will hit all the levels soon enough! Step Three: The only books you absolutely MUST HAVE are the ones on the Left-hand side of the resources page in your TOG manual...aka Primary Page. The Right-hand pages are Alternative Resources: additional reading, additional projects, movies that tie in, etc. The Alternative Pages also can be used for alternate resources if you cannot find the books on the Primary Page list. For instance, we already own Story of the World Volume One, so although I am planning on using the other books, I also have this book to use either as a backup, additonal reading, or my spine if I think it would fit the lesson better. There are a few others which I plan to use, mostly the videos, which I think would be a fun thing to tie in when we can. The Primary Page list is VERY FULL and I doubt we’ll need much else. Many TOGGERS dot their books with colored dot labels (also available at Staples) that correspond with the TOG Year color...such as Year 1 is red, so they put red dots on the Year 1 books. I have become a dotter! Step Four: Finding books. Ohhh this is a big, multi-step project in itself. Print out your resources list and begin searching for the best deals on books. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your book buying:
B. Public and Church Libraries. Get online (if your library has their catalog online) and start typing in titles. We live in a small area, but with a couple larger libraries close by, we can check into them too. I put a small note next to the titles which I can get at the library, alerting me to which library carries the book. Keep in mind that if you need a book for many weeks or off and on the entire year, it is worth it to put on your To Buy list. Honestly, I buy all the Primary Page resources, must have books, and do the library thing for movies or Alternative Resource page additional reading. C. Online booksellers. For me, I checked Amazon.com first, and compared prices between Amazon and The Bookshelf Catalog at the TOG website. Then, I checked Rainbow Resource, because they generally have the best prices. Because The Bookshelf Catalog had comparable prices to Amazon, I ordered MOST of my books from the Bookshelf. Anything that I could get cheaper at Amazon, Rainbow Resource, or used, I did. When it comes to buying used, you have to factor in the shipping to the price, to see if it is worth it! Also, many of the "out of print" (OOP) books can still be found used online. Some suggestions for online book buying: Lampstandpress.com/bookshelf/ Coming up next, setting up the TOG student notebook. Happy homeschooling! |
Posted in HOME SWEET HOMESCHOOL
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CURRICULUM SELECTION 2008-2009 School Year Student’s Name: Boo Grade: 1st SUBJECT TEXTBOOK Bible Tapestry of Grace Year 1-LG Level (The Bible & Various Literature) History Tapestry of Grace Year 1-Lower Grammar Level (Various Literature) Math Saxon Math 1 Science Apologia Zoology 1 Language Arts Phonics-Phonics Pathways & Pathways Pyramid Spelling-Spelling Power Vocabulary-Tapestry of Grace Year 1 Composition-Tapestry of Grace Writing Aids Literature-Pathways Grade 1 Readers and Various Literature Books Fine Arts Tapestry of Grace Year 1-LG Level (Various Literature) Physical Education Daily activities and nutrition discussions Home Economics Daily activities & instruction in cooking, sewing, home cleaning, home care and maintenance, gardening, hospitality, family finances, marriage, and child training/development/care |
Posted in HOME SWEET HOMESCHOOL
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CURRICULUM SELECTION 2008-2009 School Year Student’s Name: Gogey Grade: 3rd SUBJECT TEXTBOOK Bible Tapestry of Grace Year 1-LG Level (The Bible & Various Literature) History Tapestry of Grace Year 1-Lower Grammar Level (Various Literature) Math Saxon Math 3 Science Apologia Zoology 1 Language Arts Phonics-Phonics Pathways & Pathways Pyramid Spelling-Spelling Power Vocabulary-Tapestry of Grace Year 1 Composition-Tapestry of Grace Writing Aids Literature-Pathways Grade 3 Reader and Various Literature Books Fine Arts Tapestry of Grace Year 1-LG Level (Various Literature) Physical Education Daily activities and nutrition discussions Home Economics Daily activities & instruction in cooking, sewing, home cleaning, home care and maintenance, gardening, hospitality, family finances, marriage, and child training/development/care |
Posted in HOME SWEET HOMESCHOOL
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CURRICULUM SELECTION 2008-2009 School Year Student’s Name: Sweet Pea Grade: 6th SUBJECT TEXTBOOK Bible Tapestry of Grace Year 1-UG Level (The Bible & Various Literature) History Tapestry of Grace Year 1-Upper Grammar Level (Various Literature) Math Saxon Math 7/6 Science Apologia General Science English 6 Grammar-Cozy Grammar Basic Spelling-Spelling Power Vocabulary-English From the Roots Up & Tapestry of Grace Year 1 Composition-Tapestry of Grace Writing Aids Literature-Pathways Grade 6 Reader and Various Literature Books Fine Arts Tapestry of Grace Year 1-UG Level (Various Literature) Physical Education Daily activities and nutrition discussions Home Economics Daily activities & instruction in cooking, sewing, home cleaning, home care and maintenance, gardening, hospitality, family finances, marriage, and child training/development/care |
Posted in HOME SWEET HOMESCHOOL
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CURRICULUM SELECTION 2008-2009 School Year Student’s Name: Tater Grade: 7th SUBJECT TEXTBOOK Bible Tapestry of Grace Year 1-Dialectic Level (The Bible & Various Literature) History Tapestry of Grace Year 1-Dialectic Level (Various Literature) Math Saxon Math 8/7 Science Apologia General Science English 7 Grammar-Cozy Grammar Basic Spelling-Spelling Power Vocabulary-English From the Roots Up & Tapestry of Grace Year 1 Composition-Tapestry of Grace Writing Aids Literature-Pathways Grade 7 Reader and Various Literature Books Fine Arts Tapestry of Grace Year 1-Dialectic Level (Various Literature) Philosophy Tapestry of Grace Year 1-Dialectic Level (Various Literature) Physical Education Daily activities and nutrition discussions Home Economics Daily activities & instruction in cooking, sewing, home cleaning, home care and maintenance, gardening, hospitality, family finances, marriage, and child training/development/care |
Posted in HOME SWEET HOMESCHOOL
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CURRICULUM SELECTION 2008-2009 School Year Student’s Name: Tiger Grade: 8th SUBJECT TEXTBOOK Bible Tapestry of Grace Year 1-Dialectic Level (The Bible & Various Literature) History Tapestry of Grace Year 1-Dialectic Level (Various Literature) Math Saxon Algebra 1/2 Science Apologia General and Physical Science English 8 Grammar-Cozy Grammar Basic Spelling-Spelling Power Vocabulary-English From the Roots Up & Tapestry of Grace Year 1 Composition-Tapestry of Grace Writing Aids Literature-Pathways Grade 8 Reader and Various Literature Books Fine Arts Tapestry of Grace Year 1-Dialectic Level (Various Literature) Philosophy Tapestry of Grace Year 1-Dialectic Level (Various Literature) Physical Education Daily activities and nutrition discussions Home Economics Daily activities & instruction in cooking, sewing, home cleaning, home care and maintenance, gardening, hospitality, family finances, marriage, and child training/development/care |
Posted in WAIST MATTERS
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ABC Workout
I have done this workout, and it is awesome! HOWEVER, if you are overweight or out of shape, here are some tips to keep you from causing yourself some major pain.
You may not feel the result of the workout for a day or two, but if you don't listen to my helpful tips, you may not be able to get out of bed one day because you thought it was so easy on day one! The first time I did this workout, I did the full 26 letters, and then 2 days later I was feverish and sore and unable to move without screaming! LOL
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Posted in HOME SWEET HOMESCHOOL
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History: Tapestry of Grace Year 1 Science: Apologia Science Math: Saxon Math-Homeschool English/Language Arts: Tapestry of Grace Writing Aids, Cozy Grammar, Spelling Power, English From the Roots Up Vol. 1, Phonics Pathways, Pathway Readers, Handwriting Without Tears Bible: Tapestry of Grace Fine Arts: Tapestry of Grace Philosophy: Tapestry of Grace Government: Tapestry of Grace
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Posted in HOMEKEEPING
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Well, my husband did it again! Laundry and Sean are just NOT a good combination! The first time he messed up the laundry, he said "I just didn't see that red sock when I put the whites in." Everyones socks and underwear turned pink, and my eldest son Tiger would not wear pink...still won't. The second time Sean messed up the laundry, he shrank my Susan Bristol sweater down to doll size! GRRRRR! LOL The third time, Sean washed and dried bubble gum...ughhhhhhhhhh! Well, this time Sean washed and dried a bright pink, glittery crayon. I know he thought he was being helpful, especially since I am pregnant and tired...but, oyyyy! I love him, but if that man gets near my washer and dryer again, I will hurt him!!!! LOL
Instead of getting all our school work done, the children watched a video, "Keeping the Promise" (based on the book, "Sign of the Beaver"), while Mom surfed the net trying to find a way to get crayon out of 2 loads of jeans. We had planned to watch the video as part of our school day, but it became the only school work to be finished. This is the first time we ever had a crayon enter our laundry.
I ran to Walgreens to get the supplies I needed to battle the crayon, here is what I did:
1. Spray everything down with Shout Advanced Action Gel, then turn washer on using hot water
2. Put 4 scoops of OxyClean Powder in the washer
3. Pour some Clorox Oxi Magic Stain Remover into washer (no set amount)
4. Pour some Spray 'n Wash with Resolve Power Stain Remover into washer (no set amount)
5. Pour a capful of 2X ultra Tide with ColorClean Bleach Alternative into washer
6. Add stained laundry to washer and let agitate for 30 seconds, then turn it off
7. Soak clothing in the hot water for one hour, prewash, then reload with cleaners and wash normally
Everything came out clean!!!!! No crayon!!!!
While the laundry was soaking, I cleaned the dryer...here is the key to a crayon free dryer. Comet powder and an old, wet toothbrush! Make sure to wipe the dryer clean with a wet cloth and then run it with a wet towel in it. We had to take the dryer door off and the lint trap too, and it took a while, but it was ready for the jeans when they were finished.
Bubble gum and laundry do NOT mix...I have not found anything to get the gum free of the clothing. However, dried on gum in the dryer is no problem! Just spray down the gum spots (wait till the dryer is cool) with Goo Gone and let sit for a few minutes, then get out the trusty comet powder and old toothbrush and scrub away and wipe it clean.
I did have one horrible mishap with the laundry a few years back, that I will share. I put a load of towels in the dryer and killed our sweet cat! He never made a sound...my eldest found him in there. It was horrible! Cats and warm places! No cleaning will make you feel good about that dryer ever again! I now am very diligent about looking in the dryer first.
So, share your laundry mishaps and cures!
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Posted in MOMMY BABBLE
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First things first! We are expecting a new baby. This little one will be due in mid-September. I am 16 weeks along with our 9th child. I would have been 36 weeks along with Jaden right now...20 weeks apart...1/2 a pregnancy. Yes, it still causes me to cry. Something new, something different, something exciting! Happy parenting!
This year has been the hardest for me so far. Homeschooling became a real struggle, and I had to cut back...ALOT! God has set something new before me...He has put it in front of me for a couple of years now, and I finally heard Him...ok, it took hitting a brick wall, but at least I hear Him now. Next year we will be using Tapestry of Grace. We will begin with Tapestry of Grace Year 1 Redesign. Everyone will be learning the exact same thing, just at their own level. This will be a real blessing after the school year we have had. Something new, something different, something exciting...and a little scary! Happy homeschooling!
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Posted in MOMMY BABBLE
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Ting, Shing, Shy, Socks, Spooky, and Star...we love and miss you!
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Posted in Angels
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ELLEN MARIE ATHANSON VALPARAISO, IN
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Posted in Angels
http://www.netpoets.com/poems/death/0319006.htm
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Posted in Angels
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Posted in Angels
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We didn't know it at the time, but these were to be our last moments with this wonderful man...my Dad, Mike.
Friday afternoon, I took the children up to the hospital. Shortly after we arrived, my sisters Shannon and Debbie, and Debbie's children showed up. The room was full of people and noise. I had called the nurse in when we got there, to give him some pain meds, so he slept through our visit. We spent some time there with him...washing his face, putting lotion on his head, hands, and feet, and cleaning up his mouth.
Despite our religious differences, we prayed together, and then I read the 23rd Psalm. We all told him that we loved him and kissed him. Hours later he passed from this world, into the arms of God where he will not suffer from cancer...no more pain, no more tears.
We love you! Rest in Peace Dad.
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Posted in Angels
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Saturday, October 6, 2007. I started spotting after feeling a really bad cramp. I called the doctor on call and was told it was probably nothing and to get in the bed and stay there until Monday when they could see me. He said if anything gets worse to call him back and he would talk me through it. Hmmm...7 other pregnancies and never had to stay in the bed before. I usually have horrible morning sickness, but this pregnancy it hasn't been bad, and I should have known something was wrong when the morning sickness disappeared a little over a week ago.
Sunday, October 7, 2007. Still spotting. After lunch, the spotting gets heavier and I start cramping. I try to stay in the bed, but end up running back and forth between the bedroom and the bathroom....this goes on ALL day. The cramping gets worse and at about 5pm, I realize it is labor pains. The pains get worse and are coming at about 3 minutes apart. At about 7:30pm, the pains are constant and I know it is coming. I can't walk, sit, or lay down comfortably. At about 8:15pm, I ran to the bathroom and delivered the amniotic sac. I put the sac in a container and then called the doctor on call. He told me he was sorry but sometimes these things happen and he will see me tomorrow in the office. (Ohhh that was helpful!) The bleeding gets worse and so do the clots. I am stunned...shocked...in disbelief. Of course I do not sleep well.
Monday, October 8, 2007. I was still holding it together. Still clotting, and bleeding heavy. Nobody tells you about the after-birth pains you feel after a miscarriage. I see my doctor at 2pm and between he and I, the tears are flowing! They do an internal ultrasound and say the miscarriage was complete...no D & C. Charmin (sonographer) says she is sorry for my loss and that the cramping and heavy bleeding will continue until I pass the lining. I do this a few days later in one big clot. My doctor says that I will go on to have more children...and I had beat the statistical odds of 1 in 5 miscarry. So I go home...and I cry, and cry, and cry. We has already started planning for this child...we had hopes and dreams. Jaden, you are loved and will be missed greatly! Sean is home this week as we are going on vacation to Florida for the last family trip with my parents and my sister and her family before my Dad passes away from lung and brain cancer.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007. This is |