Jun. 9, 2008 - new to lapbooking

I've been trying to figure out lapbooking.  In the fall when we start our science, lapbooking will be a helpful tool.  So today we were working on American History, I read through the material from last week and made some folded papers.  I showed the children what I was looking for them to do.
This American History section was about the Native Americans and the Explorers.  So I started with a folder and one cardstock weight paper taped to the top.  Under that flap was a "tepee" like folded paper.  On the inside, they were supposed to write or draw some of the dwellings that the Native Americans used.  They kept asking me what to draw or write and I had to keep reminding them that they were supposed to look in the book for the information or pictures.  This seemed good to me as I feel like they were taking that first step of learning on their own.
When the cardstock paper was laid down, they were able to add pictures and information about explorers.  I wanted to give them the idea that the Native Americans were here first.  I didn't have help or ideas to work with and I thought of that on my own.  However, the folds and flaps were from a number of websites and links that I followed up on.
I made a list of the explorers, where they were from, what they found, and what year they did this.  The kids copied that.  I had asked, especially my oldest, to look for more info and add it to the flaps connected to the explorer's name.  Those were added to the sides.  Then in the middle on top of the main flap, the kids put a folded paper in the shape of a triangle or a sail and had them draw a boat under it.  The triangle/sail booklet was for them to write about Columbus' ships.  Again, the oldest only put in more info than just the names of the ships. 

I might try and get some pictures taken and posted in a place called lapbooklessons.ning.com
If I get around to it before we leave on our vacation and that begins tomorrow!!!
TR

May. 31, 2008 - Science Experiments with pict2

May. 31, 2008 - Science Experiments with pict

May. 31, 2008 - Science Experiments

  Right now, my husband is working with the children "growing crystals".  It is really neat to watch.  There are many details that he sees in the directions that I miss.  Also, I get all worked up if a mess is made.  I think it is better that DH does it with them.  I got the kit from Hobby Lobby and they're doing the quartz and amethyst growing crystals. 
  We started today and we're supposed to do some stuff next Saturday.  It should take a week.  We'll be going on a vacation after that, so I hope it works ok.

May. 25, 2008 - school is finished

We wrapped up our schoolwork on Friday.  I try to make our last day of school on Emmy Day.  This is a special day we celebrate for our daughter who was born on Dec 23.  We get her gifts and make a cake.  Only this year we made brownies.  Part of the present is the announcement that school is over for the summer.  There is always much rejoicing at that, I can tell you.  So Emmy Day is "our" holiday--part birthday, part last day of school--100% celebration.

Even though Emmy Day is our last day of school, I'm making plans to do some science, art and Amer.History during the summer months.  I realized that as we have focused on World History, the children haven't had a clue as to what the Civil War was.  I feel like I had too much American History growing up; in fact, it felt as if all the teachers were in some kind of conspiracy to NEVER talk about history that wasn't Amer.History.  I went too far.  Now when we visit a historic site such as a battlefield, the children seem so uninterested b/c they haven't a clue about American History.  Well, I figured that we have 8 Mondays in the summer available to work on American History.  I picked up an Amer. History Encyclopedia from the library and divided the time line until the 1900s (we'll have to do later than that next summer :).  I have a few other books to use with it.  I plan to take the whole day on Monday to talk about that period, read bios, look at pictures, or whatever can be done.  I think it will work, but it will be an experiment on my part.

Art will be on Wednesdays.  I plan to do about 3 or 4 lessons during the day using different forms (paint, drawing, markers, etc.).  I'm thinking about doing science lessons on Tuesdays or Thursdays.  I'm thinking about doing 2 or 3 lessons in the day and if we don't have the materials, we'll go out and get them and come back and finish the lessons.  Science we never got to during the school year because of math and reading.  I always meant to.  In fact, I mean to do all this during the summer and who knows if it will really happen.  Funny thing is, my son loves science and always "plays" science projects and knows a lot from the little bitty science Encyclopedia he has.  He knows more on his own than anything I've done.

Well, I hope all these plans work out.

Apr. 21, 2008 - Passover Festival Meal

My family and I shared in a Seder Meal last night.  We had participated with a smaller version at our church last year, but this year we went with some friends from the Simchat Torah of AR.   The symbolism is amazing.  We remembered the history of the Jews and what this means for us knowing that Jesus is the Messiah. 
  Before we went we  were supposed to find all the leaven and get rid of it.  Well, I started too late and didn't do this part right, but we did look for things with yeast--the obvious things, such as fluffy bread and packages that said "yeast."  I told the children about the story of Passover and how we aren't supposed to have yeast in our house now and how that reminds us to get rid of sin.  They found the bread and packages of yeast and threw them out.  Well, in the trash.  I didn't do this right either b/c I was supposed to take it off our "borders" but there wasn't going to be trash day before the meal last night.  Like I said, we didn't do everything just right b/c we didn't plan for this very well.  Next year I plan to try better and sooner.
  We were able to worship together with songs sung in Hebrew.  My husband was the servant for our family's table.  He brought us water to wash our hands and he filled the cups and took the plates.  He said he thought that was very neat.  The children sang songs and we all learned a few Hebrew words to recite in responsive readings.  My daughter ate the horseradish.  I told her it was going to be bitter and might make her cry, so she was scared but prepared.  Not me; I couldn't breathe, I had too much.
  Everyone had assigned recipes to bring.  We brought potatoes with rosemary and sauteed mushrooms.  Delicious.  All the food was. 
  It was all very wonderful and meaningful.

Apr. 10, 2008 - rain, rain go away

The rain won't let up--until this afternoon.  I don't mind the rain so much, but it has really caused a lot of trouble around the state.
I had signed up for the women's soccer team and I have only played once, back on March 1st.  We haven't played since because of rain, soggy grounds, tornadoes, etc.  And now Sunday is my son's 9th birthday and so I won't be here for the double header.  I wasn't looking forward to the double header anyway.
Since the time I played that game, I've been trying to run a little to be a bit better shape.  Well, somewhere along the line, I got some kind of shin splint in my left leg.  It hurts a little all the time and is horribly painful when I hop on one foot. (of course).  I really think there is a fracture there, but I haven't been to the doctor and if it is, what will he do to me, then?   put my leg in a cast, give me medicine, or perhaps say, "at your age, you shouldn't be running around on a soccer field."

Also I've decided not to do the co-op next year.  I hated for that to be the decision for our family, but I have been very overwhelmed since joining with them.  I don't guess I'm the co-op type, whatever that is.  I'm certainly going to miss the people mostly.  The children aren't bad either; I've actually gotten to like most of them.  That has surprised me because that was what worried me the most.  I am not going to miss the scrounging around Wednesday trying to pull it all together.  I never did get used to the rushing around on Wednesday and that surprised me because I thought that would work out and get easier--it didn't.

I really do enjoy staying home and doing school work with the children.  I like not having to rush and pacing ourselves at home.  I do want to include more art/history/science next year as that was the classes being taught at the co-op.  I have plans to do that.  The kids seem fine with it too.
I think it will all work out.

Mar. 4, 2008 - let's see how this works x 2

clip of bouncing baby boy

I'm checking to see if I can get video on my blog thru here.

Mar. 2, 2008 - soccer sore

I guess you could say I'm a sore loser.
But I'm so happy.
I got to play on a team today.  They started last week, but I signed up over this last week and
today I got to play with them.  We played 6 x 6 (that's all they had and we had one sub).  It was
very windy but warm.  I hurt all over.  I never made a goal (not even an attempt, :), but oh, how
I enjoyed myself.  The other team won, but we all played very well. 
  Of the 7 that came today, four of us are homeschooling moms. 
We all had our children out there which probably totaled
around 15 children.  The other team only had dogs which probably totaled about 8.  It was
actually a little fun to look at the sidelines and see half the field covered with children and the
other half with dogs on leashes.  I would be surprised if the park made up some rule that all
pets and children must be on leashes.  They could, if they wanted to be nice, is to leave stations
around with little poopy-diapers sacks (aka Wal-mart sacks) so we can pick up after our children :)
Well, I'm needing to rest after today's game.  I hope I'll be up and kicking by next Sunday.

Feb. 20, 2008 - cabin trip

Here is Mountain Breeze near Ponca and the Buffalo River. 
We had a really good weekend.  My in-laws and my folks came.
My brother-in-law and his wife were going to come, but she got sick.
It rained a lot and was foggy all day on Saturday.
My dad and my husband and myself went out for a little hike (yes, in a little light rain/mist).  We started out following a horse trail.  Well, horses must not mind going over streams because the trail went right through the stream that was high b/c of the rain.  My dad and husband thought it would be a good idea to go up and around the river and meet back up with the trail.  Well, we climbed up and around a bluff looking down into the Buffalo River.  We "bushwacked" through the woods following some faint deer (or perhaps elk) trail.  I ripped my pants on the brush and brambles.  I was cold and wet.  I was very worried.  I asked to stop and pray.  We did and then not too long after that, we found the horse trail that led out to the place where we were going to meet my father-in-law and get back to the cabin.  We beat him by about 2 minutes.  It was scary and fun all at the same time.  Both my dad and husband thought it great fun and they said they were never worried.  I wonder if they only wished I hadn't come to discourage the great adventuresome spirit they owned.  I now think I wish I were more trusting, but into my mind came thoughts of search and rescue crews searching all night in the rain looking for us.
Well, all's well that ends well, I suppose.

Here's the clickable link from his comment:
Husband's map and description

Feb. 20, 2008 - today is my birthday

Today is my birthday and I'm really having a good day.
I went to exercise this morning and mentioned that it was my birthday.  There was a lady there who called later in the day to give me a gift--a massage.  I've never had a massage before but I'm so thankful that I took her up on her offer.  She has a business that she runs--just her--with a room with a table.  I got all my muscles worked on.  It was a lot better than I imagined. 
 I also took off the day from doing school.  My husband worked from home so we stopped in the middle of the day and had a birthday cake that he and kids had made last night.  It was cherry chip cake mix with from-the-can fudge icing; a bit like chocolate-covered cherry cake.  It was very good.
  I've been working on the newsletter most of the day and got it mostly completed.  That's always a relief when I put the last of the newsletter together and send it to the proof-readers.
  I've had well-wishers call here and there during the day; some were calling about other matters and didn't know it was my birthday and so it was fun to talk to them.
  Tonight, I plan to sent the big kids to AWANA and excuse myself and go to eat with hunny and pumpkin to a restaurant.  I'm looking forward to that too.
  The other friend who works with PE with me at the co-op has been unable to come for one reason or another, but tomorrow she's got the games planned and called today to tell me.  I told her that was one of the better birthday gifts given to me today.
  It has been a really nice birthday.
I'm hoping that I can write a post about our cabin trip we took last weekend and post a picture with it.  We had a special time.

Jan. 31, 2008 - finished a book

I've finally finished a book that has taken me close to a year now to finish.  Never mind that I've had a baby in the mean time.
The book is The Worst Journey in the World.  It is about an expedition to the Antarctica.  This team of men, some explorers, some scientists who got to the South Pole some 3 weeks after the other team lead by Amundsen.  On his way back,  he got 11 miles from safety and got caught in a blizzard and died.  You can check out this article from a year ago Explorer's Last Letter on USA Today
The book was very interesting and I really liked it.  I especially liked the summary chapter written by Cherry-Gerrard. It gave all these reasons why it didn't work and solutions to the problems, etc.  I learned so much about the South Pole and conditions there.
  The last time I brought the book to the library to recheck it, the librarian said that I wouldn't be able to check it out anymore since I've had it over 6 months.  (I didn't understand, b/c I don't see folks standing in line for this book)  Anyway, I had a few chapters left and really tried to get it read before the due date.  Well, the due date was the 30th of Jan.  For a little while I thought,  "I'm going to get 11 pages from the end and won't be able to finish."  But I got it done!! Yay.

Jan. 27, 2008 - Lake Catherine

We went camping/hiking this weekend.  Yes, it was cold.  Yes, but just my husband and I slept in the tent.  The kids slept in the RV with my folks.  Here's my dad going on a hiking trail with my two little ones.  The oldest kept the fire going while we were gone and the 2nd oldest did girly things with Nana in the RV like help clean up and crafty things.
It was a lot of fun.  Lost a pound of bacon to a raccoon in the middle of the night.  He's going to be so sick.

Jan. 27, 2008 - study got canceled

Since the previous post, much has happened.  The Bible Study that I was going to start on Thursday night was canceled.  This ended up being a good thing because the other mom I work with on Thursday at co-op called with a bigger problem than me not having her there to instruct the children in PE activities.  It was her turn to lead the next morning and I had nothing planned.  Nothing (but her issue was really more important).   Then Wednesday, I threw together some games and then had an awful night at AWANA.  I suppose it could be worse, but it was very frustrating.  More on that some other time.
   I had to make the plans and ask for help at the co-op during the PE activities and thankfully they put me with a good friend and she really helped me, not just with crowd control but moral support.  However, that morning during "announcements", there was this "announcement" that was meant specifically for me b/c I was the only one who was early b/c my husband was meeting a friend for a ride into work (we were able to spend 10 more minutes together in the car and we prayed together--this is SPECIAL).  The announcement was that no one should show up before 8:15am as the kids get tired out quickly and might get into trouble before class starts.  AAAHHH..  Why not come to me and find out why I was early and ask if my kids could be given something to do?  I don't know.  I'm beginning to think I jumped this co-op deal and it's not working out.  I feel I'm over-worked and picked on.  Maybe it's just the way one of the leaders tries to work things out, but I'm already burnt out and we've been 3 times.
  I don't know how I'm going to deal with this.
But this weekend was fun.

Jan. 22, 2008 - all done with mopping

Usually the only time I get the chance to blog is after I've mopped myself into the office and need to wait for the floor to dry.  So does this mean, I've only mopped 2x this year.  Maybe, but sometimes I mop and don't blog--so we'll never know.

I'm supposed to be starting a new Bible Study this week.  I'm actually the "leader."  Since I came up with the idea, I get to be the "leader" oh, lucky me.  In all reality I'm very excited about it and was a little disappointed when the other organizer called and said the ladies who were planning to come (3 of them) all have sick children and won't be able to make it.  It wasn't going to be a big group, but the thinking behind starting this study was to get motivated to study Scripture for me/myself.  I had hoped this study would be used by the Lord to encourage some other young moms who might not feel that they have the time to do another kind of study.  The invitees are MOPS steering team members.  You know, very busy and has little children.

Here's what I've got planned even though I won't be able to meet with them until month.
It is a word study.  I'll assign a word for everyone to study, such as grace.  Then before the next time we meet, each person will need to look up the word in Scripture, find out how it is used, what the original words/words were and how they could be translated.  Also, find out things like how many times it was used and in what books.  Each person would also pick one of the verses they would like to memorize.  They could use the internet (easy way) or look up the word in concordances and dictionaries.  They could do as much or as little as they had time for. 
Then when we meet, we'll discuss what the word means, where it's found, and talk about other questions we can come up with like "How would you explain "grace" to your preschooler?"  We'll also have a prayer time and snack time.  I was also toying with the idea of having a sticker chart.  Mamas are always making sticker charts for their little ones, and we never get the chance to have an award.  I was thinking about giving stickers for attendance, memorizing your Scripture, and having brought with them a page of notes about the word.  After a time (maybe 6 months), whoever has the most stickers might get a gift card to McD or something fun like that.  I'm not sure about this last part--depends on how much money I have.  I guess we'll see.

When you go forward in an idea such as starting a Bible Study or Study Group, how much prayer time is necessary to devote to it?  Since it didn't work out to start this month, did that mean I haven't been praying about it enough?  I'm not sure.  I prayed about, but I just don't know to what extent I should go.  I have the church prayer ladies praying about it.  How would you pray about it?  What would you pray about it?  I just prayed that the study would be alright and go ok (be useful) and help me explain what I need to and help the moms with their sick children.   I want to know what more is required of me for the study to be successful (and how do you measure success?  I wouldn't want to waste anyone's time.)

Just some random thoughts--now that I've let my mind wander about.

Jan. 10, 2008 - co-op

We started our first day at co-op today.  It went really well.  I was nervous being with those children, but I wasn't the main teacher in the class today.  In our PE class, we played mini-dodge ball and musical chairs.  Some classes shot basketballs, played "PIG", dribbled, or went outside for a game of tag.  Next week, I'm lead teacher and the plan is to do soccer drills and a scrimmage game (if time allows).  I hope it will be ok. 
  I'm glad I'm with other moms, that was very encouraging.  I'm not very excited about having to remember everyone's things and things to do.  I'm hoping this will challenge and encourage my own children to keep up with their assignments and expectations.  They all seemed to have had a really good day and learned a lot in history, economics, latin/greek, drama/music.
Now, I need to figure out when we'll do math, spelling, reading, writing, grammar, ..........  We'll probably have to do science on our own since they usually do science at co-op, but have substituted econ. instead.

Jan. 9, 2008 - Happy New Year

Happy New Year a few days (or weeks rather) late.
I'm trying very hard to get back into school.  KLOVE told a story about a boy who glued himself to his bed b/c he didn't want to go to school.  Oh, how I've felt like that the last few days.
My excuses: 1) I've got a newsletter to put out, 2) the Christmas decorations need to come down first, 3) the baby has a runny nose for the first time (ever), 4) the librarian won't let me check the book out anymore so I'd better finish up quick ("You've had it 6 months"--and?), 5) I'm starting a co-op and need to prepare (mentally), and 6) I'm hoping to do everything I've resolved to do last week.  Of course not to mention getting caught up on e-mail.
WAH, Wah
Well, in getting caught up on email, a friend sent me this link about a contest.  I never win, and only sometimes try.  (My mom also sent me something about a National Geographic photo contest which I'm sure I'll never win.)

So here it is.
  I'd really like a package about things I care about.  I need to be reminded to care for others and I'd like to know others care about me.  I actually have my eye on the stickers in the picture.  Go to Heart of the Matter to see what picture I'm talking about.

Dec. 21, 2007 - Almost Christmas Time

Well, I am at the half way point of one daughter's birthday and the other daughter's birthday.
  We had a simple, yet large party here on Sunday for daughter turning 4.  It was a "Little People" party.  We set up the girls room with the "Little People" barn, house, doctor's office and put out all the Little People to play with.  We had cake, apples, and cheese.  That was it.  Then about 30 people were here at the house.  We had homeschooling friends, church friends, and AWANA friends (some crossed over; some didn't).  One invitee was a 12 year old that my daughter asked especially for.  I had a good time visiting with these friends and hopefully the parents enjoyed their visit too. Instead of "loot" bags or goody bags, I opted for a "treasure chest."  There were little whistles, sunglasses, straw candy, etc. and the children could get out as much or as little as they wanted.  It was very simple and even though there were lots of people, it was very enjoyable and not too much stress.
  Now, my daughter turning 7 understands about even numbers and odd numbers.  Our birthday "policy" has been--when you are turning an even number, you can have a friend birthday party and when you are turning an odd number, you'll have a family birthday party.  Well, last year when she turned 6, she had a ballet birthday party and had lots of friends, presents, cake left over, games played.  This year we'll be traveling to see grandma, cousins, and an uncle who shares the birthday with her.  It will be fine.  I'm just trying to make it through this season.
  I've been thinking about how to make the season special.  I'd also like for the girls to have their special day too.  Someone told me that it'll be special just b/c it's at this time of year.  I don't know.  Already, everyone talks about how to slow down during the holidays and "how to de-stress the Christmas season."  Now, we've added birthdays to the mix.  I guess it will boil down to love--genuine, real love for each of the children and then accepting Christ's love for me.  Without love, I'm a clashing gong during Silent Night.

Merry Christmas.

Nov. 22, 2007 - at home

We are celebrating Thanksgiving right now.  We had a big breakfast and then listened to the Barbara Rainey Thanksgiving Book on CD and the Thanksgiving music which my grandmother LOVED.  The story was great and when you are in school (public) they don't tell you that the people who came over on the Mayflower praised God, even though they went through so many bad things.  I don't remember anything about them having gone through 2 or 3 years of famine and sicknesses.  I didn't know that they had to have a ration of 5 kernels of corn.  This was something I'd never heard before--it's not that I've forgotten; I've just never heard of this.  If you don't celebrate traditions and hear the stories, it'll be your kids that forget or your grandkids.

We'll be having a bigger feast here in a little bit.  I think I just need to have 5 kernels of corn and be thankful.