I wanted to share with everyone a wonderful victory for Ana tonight. I worked at a book sale to earn free books for the kids. I let them come and pick some out. One book Ana picked was an "easy reader" (has less words on the page, easier words to read and sound out) about these toys she likes called Littlest Pet Shop. Here is the book: Well tonight we were out late but she wanted to read the book aloud to me (which is a real change-- she never wants to read!). She started in the car while I had the light on in the parking lot. I asked Jesse if she was really reading it or making up the words. She was reading! So I told her when we got home she could read it. And read it she did! It was nearly 11pm by the time she finished, but she did it without getting too frustrated-- sounding out words, accepting instruction/correction. WOW! What a change in attitude! I am so proud of her. |
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A couple of months ago I blogged about the Midwest Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati and how I wanted to go hear Susan Wise Bauer, Amanda Bennett and more. Imagine my surprise Friday night when in my email inbox was a message saying I'd won free registration! So just 5 days before the convention starts, I found myself yesterday rearranging my schedule, desperately looking for cheap (yet safe) lodging for me and the kids (my hubby could not change his schedule), and thinking about what I need to pack! I will have to share some of the lessons learned here when I get back (or maybe on the laptop while I'm there!).... |
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Wow! Very impressive! The Old Schoolhouse’s “WannaBe Series” is a very exciting addition to the e-books already offered by this publisher. “When I grow up, I want to be a Firefighter” gives a history of fire fighting in America, including the bucket brigade and why Dalmatians are the preferred dogs of firefighters. The language is easy for students to understand without talking down to them. There are many footnotes to further explain difficult or unfamiliar words. A real-life firefighter explains what his career is like, what happens in the firehouse, and more. He explains the equipment used as well as the ranks of firefighters in the firehouse in a way students can understand. Readers also get to “meet” a real firedog. Activity sheets help students to apply what is learned, such as using the information to create a bar graph of the salaries for the various ranks. There are also a quiz, writing prompts, science activities, math activities, a vocabulary listing, “fill in the story” to use the vocabulary words, a word search, a crossword puzzle and copywork pages in both print and cursive. For the younger students, there are even a couple of coloring pages. A bonus at the end has sign language finger spelling for some common phrases associated with the job. I really liked the end-of-unit Bible verse listing, activities and game ideas for pulling all that the student has learned together. An additional resource listing is helpful, along with some websites too. I am looking forward to seeing what other occupations are included in this series. Even if your child doesn’t want to be a firefighter, I believe this would be a great study for learning about community service workers, like policemen, etc. For more information, go here. |
Posted in contests
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I came across a neat website today, "Recipes for Moms: Easy recipes and printable coupons for moms." So cool! And she is currently giving away Rachael Ray's Kid Food cookbook! Looks cool. Check it out here. |
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Scott MacIntyre is a blind pianist who is currently in the Top 13 on American Idol. I just found out he is also a Christian and a homeschool graduate. Yay! |
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I love going to homeschooling conventions. I am always encouraged and refreshed after attending one. Last year was the first time I heard about the MidWest Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati, and I was so impressed with the line-up of speakers. However, I could not fit it into my schedule. This year I am drawn once again to this convention. It boasts a huge exhibit hall with over 100 confirmed vendors (see list here). There is an incredible line-up of over 60 speakers (see full list here), including the ones I really want to see-- Amanda Bennett, Carol Barnier, Dr. Jay Wile, Jim Weiss, and Dr. Susan Wise Bauer. And if that's not enough, the registration fee is extremely affordable! Individual registration is only $35 for three days, starting Thursday evening, April 16 and running through Saturday evening, April 18 in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am trying to work out my schedule to get there for the encouragement and teaching I would need right about now.... So go check it out! |
Especially when it comes to homeschooling.  Why should I have to pay a lot to teach my kids when there are so many resources out there that don't cost a cent?Well, Homeschool Freebie of the Day is a gem. The Erskine family collects wonderful print resources, as well as audio!, for you to download each weekday! Some are old, out of print gems. Others are amazing $12 e-books! Here's the line-up for this week:
The best way to make sure you don't miss them is to subscribe. Then when you get the email, scan it to see which days you need to make sure to be there. I flag the message so I don't miss out on the ones I want. Happy teaching!  |
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This high school student spotted an error on a Kansas State Dept. of Education issued writing test. Oh I love it: So while taking his state writing test last week, the East High junior saw something that didn't make sense: The word "emission" -- as in "the emission of greenhouse gases" -- was spelled "omission." Brilliant! Not something spell check would catch, and many adults obviously skipped over it as well. Stanford, who prefers math to literature and plans to study mechanical engineering or sports medicine, said he doesn't consider himself a fabulous proofreader. "But when I edit my own papers, I'm a stickler for grammar and vocabulary and the correct use of words," he said. "It annoys me when I see mistakes." That is SO like me! I verbally edit billboards and other mistakes I find. Yes, it's a sickness, but it's me!In the interest of full disclosure to those who don't know: In my BK (before kids) days, I was an editor for a local newspaper, which was a life dream of mine. Unfortunately, I cannot edit all the papers in the world. *sigh* Wouldn't leave much time for homeschooling! ; P |
Posted in contests
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Yes, I am trying to lose weight but CHEESECAKE. **drool** "Thrift and Chic Mom" is giving away a cheesecake from Cheese Cake City and I totally want one! There is even a white chocolate pistachio! Doesn't that sound wonderful? So go on over to Ellen's blog and check out her contest. But if you win, save me a piece! |
Posted in ideas in action
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This poem was shared in "The Homeschool Classroom" email I received and I wanted to share it and keep it in a place where I can refer to it. The blogger, Michelle from "Pass the Flu Bug Please," said it was a framed poem she had with no author's name. I think I may print it out in a nice font and put it on my fridge as a reminder: Teacher's Prayer
I want to teach my students how
To live this life on earth
To face its struggles and its strife
And to improve their worth.
Not just the lesson in a book
Or how the rivers flow
But, how to chose the proper path
Wherever they may go.
To understand eternal truth
And know right from wrong
And gather all the beauty of
A flower and a song.
For if I help the world to grow
In wisdom and in grace
Then I shall feel that I have won
And I have filled my place.
So I ask your guidance God
That I may do my part
For character and confidence
And happiness of heart.
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Posted in contests
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Reading is one of my favorite things. I wish some days that I could do nothing but that! Lay on a beach and read... But I digress. My son LOVES to read, most of the time. He has taken to devouring chapter books above his "grade level," which is encouraging. Then there's my daughter who has fought me about learning to read. Just one more struggle between a strong-willed child and a mom. There are days when she surprises me and WANTS to read to me. So I make sure to listen! It's for this reason that I want win this book, Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment by Emma Walton Hamilton. And Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls is giving away a copy! Check it out! Also at the book's website you can register for a free report on "Five Keys to Getting-- and Keeping-- Kids Reading." I registered for mine and am hoping to glean some ideas from it. I also put a hold on the book itself at my local library. One way or another I will read this book!! LOL |
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A lot of homeschoolers are feeling threatened by a new law scheduled to take effect in February. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) is intended to protect our children: "Under the new law, children’s products with more than 600 ppm total lead cannot lawfully be sold in the United States on or after February 10, 2009, even if they were manufactured before that date. The total lead limit drops to 300 ppm on August 14, 2009." What about used items, resale stores, curriculum sales?? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), "Sellers of used children’s products, such as thrift stores and consignment stores, are not required to certify that those products meet the new lead limits, phthalates standard or new toy standards." There is a lot that is difficult to understand, but I do know that I did my part: I emailed my lawmakers regarding it and signed a petition. And I ask you to do the same. |
Posted in photos
 Back in the kitchen with something he'd been wanting to make for awhile, Jesse and I found this recipe on allrecipes.com for Baked Potato Skins.       This is a boy who said, "NO WAY!" when he opened one of his Christmas presents to find The BH&G New Junior Cookbook and The Spatulatta Cookbook (with a spatula!). These were FABULOUS by the way! Nice and crunchy. I used turkey bacon instead of regular and did not have the green onions to put on top. We also said maybe we could make pizza ones with pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and a little tomato sauce next time... |
Posted in ideas in action
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I guess it should-- it's in four days! Today we made some ornaments and Christmas presents. Remember I posted about wanting to make ornaments to remember some of the topics we studied this year? Well we made a couple of them! Ana and I went to see The Nutcracker yesterday. Here's a picture of us and one of the stars, The Sugar Plum Fairy. (She wouldn't be in the picture without me.) |
Posted in contests
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At church a few weeks ago the pastor showed a few technological "wonders" that are available for presents this Christmas. I had heard of the i-phone, but I had never seen the Flip Video cameras! They are so compact and relatively inexpensive! Amazing! I totally want one, I thought. Not anytime soon, my brain responded. Not so fast! At "I Never Grew Up," blogger Vanessa is GIVING ONE AWAY! HOLY AWESOME, Batman! So now I can actually possibly get one. You want a shot at it too? Just click on the link above and read more about Vanessa's contest and the benefits of this amazing video camera. With my husband's business as a performer, this would come in extremely handy, as the video camera we currently use to record his shows is big and bulky (and the tripod recently became a bi-pod). So here's hoping we win! |
Posted in Homeschool Memoirs
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This week I want to invite you to share one of your favourite winter treats. A treat you look forward to making when the snow falls and include the recipe for it so others can try it out. I just posted a couple of my favorite baking recipes here. You'll find my quick (and easy and cheap!) peanut butter cookies-- be careful not to burn them! Also there is the recipe for chocolate pretzel treat things that EVERYONE loves. Seriously. You cannot go wrong with those. My favorite cookie recipe that I get requests for as well, and it wouldn't seem like Christmas without, is Mint Spritz. From: "Christmas Cook-Ease by Pat Giocacchini" Makes: 72 Cook Time: 8-10 minutes INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:
FOOTNOTE:I didn't divide into thirds and do this. I just made two halves with color (didn't add the flour).Yield 72 cookies. 65 cal, 4 g fat, 3 mg cholest, 40 mg sodium And yesterday I made the cake mix spritz that Pampered Chef consultants make at shows. Turned out well! If you still want more recipes, check out what these other bloggers have to offer.... |
Posted in ideas in action
Lately I've been entering a bunch of contests on blogs because it's fun and I'd love to win something (and since funds are tighter than tight here, it's a great way to get "extras"). Well I actually won something! TC Moms was giving away a Dr. Seuss Grinch ornament and we won! Yay! I say "we" because the kids and I studied Dr. Seuss this fall, which is why I wanted to win it in the first place. So I wrote 2008 on the bottom so we will always remember the year we learned about Ted Geisel. This got me to thinking about making ornaments for the different studies we complete throughout the year. My husband and I used to collect ornaments from trips we went on, but we haven't gone on many trips that haven't been Renaissance faire-related in recent years. This will be a good way to celebrate our learning. This past year we studied The Iditarod, The Summer Olympics, Greek mythology, and Plants (among other things). Ana and I met a sled dog racer at the library this summer, so I could take a picture from that and put it on an ornament. We could make some rings for the Olympics. Greek mythology may be tougher, as we don't want to glorify any of their false gods. Maybe a pegasus or something from the Odyssey. Oh, and we studied dinosaurs too! I remember that Dinosaur World was just this spring. I think my daughter has a cute dinosaur toy we could hang on a ribbon and use as an ornament. The wheels are turning now... LOL! An ornament for plants is easy-- we collected acorns, pinecones, leaves... I can turn them into some kind of ornament. Now I just have to DO it! That's always the hard part for me. I always have LOTS of ideas.... One idea that I DID manage to put into action was to create a homemade advent countdown. I got the idea from dltk-kids.com. I just LOVE that site! If you haven't checked it out yet, what are you waiting for?  Additionally, we use the Adornaments from Family Life, which appear to no longer be available for purchase. That is sad because I think every Christian family should have something like these. Each ornament is a nicely drawn name of Jesus, complete with the Bible reference on it. The ornaments depict the following: a baby in a manager with Matt. 1:23, a door with John 10:9, a candle with John 8:12, a lamb with John 1:29, a lion with Rev. 5:5, a star with Rev. 22:16, a vine and grapes with John 15:5, a loaf of bread with John 6:35, a crown with I Tim. 6:15, a cross with I John 4:14-15, a pitcher of water with John 4:10, and a shepherd's staff with John 10:11.  Jesse looks up verses in the Bible to read aloud. Some of the verses the kids realized they knew from AWANA. That was exciting for them!  Ana puts the baby Jesus ornament on the tree, which we later moved up toward the middle so it wouldn't be knocked off so easily! I did end up getting a litte frustrated because they kept putting the ornaments on the same branches, close to the ends and if someone bumped the tree, three things fell off. However, I hope I was able to teach them better for next year...We enjoyed looking at ornaments we created last year at our homeschool group or at library events. There are photos of them as babies, as toddlers, and from last year. It was a nice trip down memory lane. And here they are with the finished tree.  |
Posted in contests
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When it comes to clothes for my children, I have truly been blessed. The majority of their clothing is hand-me-downs from my cousins' kids or from a friend's child. We also get some things from freecycle (check it out-- it's a great way to give and get items). Occasionally I will buy something at Once Upon a Child (a children's resale store), Goodwill, or on clearance at a store. Paying full price for children's clothes is unimaginable to me. It's for this reason that we don't always have the right season/size when we need it. This is why I would love to win a gift certificate to The Children's Place. It would be great to buy each child a pair of jeans in his or her size for this season. Five Minutes for Giveaways is offering a $30 gift certificate for one lucky person. I hope it's me. But if not, I hope it's you! |
Posted in ideas in action
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I realize that many who read this will be homeschoolers and want to check this out for their own homeschool. Please do so! If you don't have a homeschool to support, please consider ours. Today I sent this to our family, posted it on my LiveJournal and on my Facebook. It's something that can help us and so I am going to try it. A friend of mine is already earning money for her homeschool! Hi family and friends!
As you probably know, we homeschool our children. Jesse is now 7 and in 2nd grade. Anastasia is almost 6 (next month!) and is in first grade. I was recently made aware of an awesome fund-raising opportunity for our homeschool. We are registered with My Homeschool Rewards, a site where you can purchase gift cards and magazine subscriptions, and a percentage of your purchase goes to our fund for curriculum! How wonderful is that?! My friend who told me about the site said she buys Jewel (grocery store) cards and uses them herself, which earns her school money! So even if you don't need a gift for someone else, you could buy yourself a card for something you're already going to spend the money on and help our homeschool in the process. Every little bit helps! There are even gas station and pharmacy gift cards you can get. If you're looking for something fun, there are Blockbuster cards, movie theatres, and more. And don't forget those magazine subscriptions! Here's some information from the site: How it Works * Purchase gift cards through MyHomeschoolRewards.com, auto-order, or phone. * With each purchase, we'll add a donation to your account. * Gift card orders are shipped directly to your home. * Your earnings are tracked and a check for the amount earned will be issued directly to you each quarter. Be smart with your money. Use gift cards for all of your gas, groceries, entertainment, and restaurants -- the donations really add up! Important Note: The cash back is provided by MyHomeschoolRewards.com, not from a reduction of the gift card value. You spend the full value of the gift cards, just like cash. The gift cards we offer are the same gift cards that you would purchase at the store with one important exception: only MyHomeschoolRewards.com gives you cash back on every purchase! Here's the site: http://myhomeschoolrewards Thanks for considering supporting us in this way.  Here are the kids on our recent field trip to Chicago Botanic Gardens to collect leaves and study plants for science.
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Posted in Homeschool Memoirs
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Oh how often we either say it or hear it … “Too much to do, not enough time!”? I hear it and say it quite often. How do you manage all the tasks you have to complete in just 24hours? There are a lot of different methods on how to get chores and organizing done. Some have a strict schedule others just kinda wing it.
This week I would you to share how chores are done in your home. How you order your day with school and getting housework done. How do you decide which chores should be done by which child, of which age? I’m looking forward to hearing them!
Okay, this is a CONSTANT struggle for me. My parents were never consistent with this for us, probably due to their busy work schedules (my dad owned his own businesses-- yes that's plural, my mom worked with him plus outside jobs), and thus we never had a clean or organized home. Don't get me wrong-- it wasn't a health hazard or anything. I just never learned how to cut down on clutter (my mom and dad are both pack rats), how to clean and do household things-- except the basics like dishes and laundry... So my seemingly neverending struggle is to get SOME sort of housework routine that works for our family. Daily after breakfast, if we aren't rushing off to an appointment or church or co-op, the kids are supposed to empty the dishwasher. Any dishes they cannot reach to put away (they are 5 & 7 after all!), they leave on the kitchen table for me. They are also responsible to clean up their toys and put away laundry. Occasionally I have had them clean the bathrooms with supervision, but we have not found a routine time to do that so often it gets to the point where I just do it. I know there are things they can be doing-- and that I should be doing-- but I will say that the important things get done. We enjoy our family life. I just wish I were better at putting into practice all of the books I have read on the topic! (Too numerous to list here!) |
