My Quivers Full

Saturday, November 21, 2009 - Little ballerinas

This was a very exciting week for Katie-Noel and Annabelle.

It was "parent observation week" at ballet class!
At the end of their class, the parents were called into the classroom to see all that the girls have learned up until this point. They even put on a 'mini-recital.' It was SO cute!

Of course...this would have to be the week that we forgot their shoes....

I love my ballerina girls!

• Post A Comment!

Nov. 20, 2009 - Weekly wrap-up

Fridays seem to come by so quickly. The week just flies by and it feels like we have not done much. But, I guess we must have done something.

We have been following a schedule for the past 3 weeks so as to give structure to the boys and that has helped us keep things on going and on track.

One of the changes this week was to put his violin practice first thing after breakfast and before school. This has definitely minimized the complaining about having to quit his play to practice and has added regularity. Practice have been a bit of a struggle for both of us for the past few weeks but that's for a totally separate post. Today was a good day though, which has a lot to do with having prayed before we started.

Math has been going well. I am very happy to see that Zach has been enjoying Math even though he is not very happy about all the work involved, but he really likes the concepts.

English is going along as well. We finished grade 1 of FLL and have moved on to grade 2.

For reading, Zach has been complaining a bit; he does not really enjoy fiction, so it is a bit of a struggle, but we are making our way through. e only do reading twice a week since he does read a whole lot of other stuff at other times. Narration is going well. I am still to actually add more variety, but that has to do with lack of organization on my part.

Science is on track as well, we learnt about amphibians, reptiles and fishes this week.

History has been passed over for the past 2 weeks. Zach and I have been feeling pretty tired. No playdate this week either, instead, you won't believe it, but I set up my christmas tree. I know, I know it's early, but I totally love christmas trees. Next week, the baking will start.

We have also began to read Prince Caspian as our read aloud. We had read The lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe a few months ago.

Joho has been busy with playdoh, Super Mind shape puzzles, Math games, worksheets of all sorts.

So, that was our week in a nutshell. Sorry not many pictures this week.

For more weekly wrap-up, hop on over @Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.

Have a great day,

• Post A Comment!

Nov. 20, 2009 - Featured Blogger ~ AmandaBennett

Why blogging is so great reason #5,287: You get to meet some of your favorite homeschool celebrities without having to attend a conference! Amanda Bennett has been blogging here at HSB ever since it started back in 2005. Blogging builds good business, but it also builds good relationships, and Amanda is very friendly and relational.

You may think that the author of numerous unit studies has her life perfectly organized and that all of her science experiments turn out with nary a problem. Not so! Even Amanda learns from her homeschool lessons.

This Christmas will be a meager one for many families. Yet we can still make it special. The first step is remembering what it is that makes the season so important to us, aside from Christ, it's family. Amanda shares a story about a tough Christmas she had as a little girl. Be sure to also read Christmas: A Study of Love.

As this week, and next, we are talking about Thanksgiving I thought this post, Thanksgiving Learning--Gratitude? would be of interest to you.

Next week there won't be a new Featured Blogger, so you get two whole weeks to explore Amanda's blog and wish her tidings of comfort and joy! (Such greetings aren't just for Christmas!)

Tia Linschied
Senior Editor of HSB

• Post A Comment!

Nov. 20, 2009 - Special Words for Special Needs ~ Thanksgiving is Changing Around Here

Welcome and soon to be Happy Thanksgiving! Are you like me and still in need of that last minute run to the grocery store? I have a list that is huge but I hesitate to get it. Why? After all the big day is just days away!

This year has been rough on me physically. I am spending most of my day in a wheelchair now due to possible MS. I am use to being up and cooking for hours on Thanksgiving day. I wake up early and cook through the day making all sorts of special side dishes, baked goods and of course the big turkey. This year I physically can't do it.

How many of you also deal with these restraints? Maybe not a mobility issues but a fatigue issue. How do we accomplish this grand plan without leaving us useless or not able to finish? For me Thanksgiving has highlighted a problem that I have been ignoring for a couple weeks now.

I need to realize my weaknesses and plan accordingly. I tend to plan with high hopes and higher expectations of myself. If I don't reach those I can get discouraged and guilty feeling. This is not how the Lord wishes me to be. Paul exhorts believers to be strong and run the good race.

I now realize that my race may be slower than others. I chose to keep running. I chose to not stop. I need to learn to pace myself. This Thanksgiving may not be like we have had in the past. I believe it will be better!

If you are dealing with physical problems stop blaming yourself for the differences between your family and the "normal" family. You are normal, for you!

So join me in being thankful to the Lord for where we are right now! Blessings to you and your family! Happy Thanksgiving

Heather lives in West Virginia. She and her husband have been homeschooling their 5 children for 8 years. Due to a genetic disorder their children have multiple special needs. Living life to the fullest for the glory of God is their goal! Visit Heather's page at www.homeschoolblogger.com/gfcfmomofmany/ or at Special Needs Homeschooling.

• Post A Comment!

Nov. 20, 2009 - The keystone cops chase

Around here things are always happening. Is it 5 kids? Is it curious homeschooled minds? No matter what it is I have children that must try everything for themselves.

That has meant gravity experiments off the front porch. 2kids+1gallon blue paint+not telling mom=blue foot prints through the house, streaks on the FRONT of my house and regretful but nonetheless excited giggling.

Recently I have had to spend most of the day in my wheelchair. Because my right leg and hip will go paralyzed at anytime, so I fall. It is safer in the chair. My house is two story and not handicap accessable at all.

Yesterday afternoon it stopped raining for a bit. The kids put on boots, jackets the works and all 5 went out back to stretch their legs. I had to walk out to check on them. I thought it would be a quick peek and done. When I went out the baby was in the garden playing in the dirt and holding the neighbors cat to her chest. The cat was not very happy about this. So I holler for the rest of the kids to help. Then the chase began.

The baby (okay she is going to be 2 soon so not really a baby) and the cat took off around the house. Then went the laughing 4 and 6 year old girls. I think they were actually egging Peanut on. Then went my 2 oldest trying to get to the baby. Last was me thumping along behind the mix trying not to fall over.

The keystone cops would have been proud. Secretly I thought it was a hoot and loved the happy laughing children.

When we caught the baby she handed over the cat. I am suspisous about that cat he stayed and rubbed all around Peanut's ankles.

• Post A Comment!

Thursday, November 19, 2009 - How's violin going?

Sometimes a picture says it all.....

• Post A Comment!

Thursday, November 19, 2009 - FIAR - Cranberry Thanksgiving

We thought we would take a break this week from our regular (CLE) reading curriculum to enjoy a week of 'rowing.' In honor of next week's holiday - we are rowing Cranberry Thanksgiving, by Wende and Harry Devlin.

This is a book that I have always wanted to row, for purely 'selfish' reasons.
(It is by the same authors as one of my all time favorite childhood books - one that I still have tucked away in my own box of 'special memories' from my childhood....) ;-)

But ...for this week...back to Cranberry Thanksgiving...
As usual, we found many wonderful resources at Homeschool Share

We learned all about cranberries -

And did you know that our home state of Wisconsin is the #1 producer of cranberries in the US?!
We found lots of great information - ( including a fun kids activity book!) - here at the website of The Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association.
We even had cranberries with our dinner one night this week - (2 out of 4 kids loved them!)

The rest of this week we have been learning about Thanksgiving,
and the history and traditions associated with it.

We made up a menu and guest list for a feast of our own
And discussed the true meaning of the holiday

We wrote 'Thank You notes'....to God

And we learned a traditional Thanksgiving hymn

I, personally, am very thankful for the opportunity to spend this time with my kids -
reading fun books, and making special memories. I am blessed.

• Post A Comment!

Thursday, November 19, 2009 - What to do with small children when you want to see a museum exhibit that is inappropriate for them

Ok, many of us have children of varying ages and maturity levels. When we are at the museums and see something we really want our teens to see or we really, really want to see ourselves, we generally have two choices: missing out or praying our younger children do not really get it. I have a solution that might work for you.

Here in SC, the state museum has an exhibit put on by the US Holocaust Memorial Museum called Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master Race. In their own words, “the exhibit traces the journey of eugenics from its start as a scientific concept in the late 19th century to its deadly use by Nazi Germany as a justification for the sterilization and murder of millions of people. Viewer discretion is advised. “ As a matter of fact, when I was at the museum picking up the info, the curator looked at my kids and pointed to the younger ones and HIGHLY advised me not to take them in to that exhibit. I told him I wasn’t I was just getting info.

Well there are many mothers out there who in the same boat. Here is the solution we came up with: tag team. Get a group or just one other mother and go to the museum (ps most museums have free or deeply discounted prices with current homeschool IDs) While some of the mothers are taking the kids through the other parts, the moms & teens can go in groups of two or more and go through the exhibit. This way, no one misses out but you do not expose kids to something you do not think they are ready for.

• Post A Comment!

Nov. 19, 2009 - Communication Corner~The Power of Thank You!

The Power of Thank You!

By JoJo Tabares

Did you ever notice how little kids show appreciation? My son comes to me several times a day and says things like "I love you! You are the best mommy in the whole world!" The conviction of his words and the look on his face as he utters them are what touch my heart! That's what true appreciation is.

Most of us teach our children to say thank you, but few of us really understand its power. Showing appreciation is not only etiquette, but it is a responsibility especially during the holidays.

I was privileged to have been in the audience when Florence Littauer was speaking on "Silver Boxes". It's what she calls her philosophy on appreciation and edification. She quotes Ephesians 4:29. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." She says that words are like a gift we give others that come in little silver boxes with bows on top. This is how we should show proper appreciation.

Many of us remember to say thank you when we get a gift, but often forget to show others appreciation for the things they do for us on a daily basis. And just how much appreciation does our "Thank You" show?

"Gee thanks" isn't much of a Thank You. "Gee thanks" is what is interpreted when you say..."Thanks for the gift Aunt Millie!" or even "I love it!" Even if your voice is excited and your face lights up when you say it, it can be empty. Why? Because in order for Aunt Millie to feel appreciated, she has to know what exactly you appreciate: The thought behind it? Money she spent? Time it took? Trouble she went to? And what exactly did you like about the gift: The features? The time it will save you?

A proper thank you is one in which you show as much time and trouble to give thanks as the person did in choosing your gift. Consider this: "Oh Aunt Millie! This is so generous of you! I can hardly believe it! This is a beautiful sweater and just the perfect color to go with the dress I was going to wear for my interview! Oh it feels so soft and I just love how it fits!" How much more appreciated does Aunt Millie feel now? Notice you haven't even said the words "thank you". It isn't the words you speak; it's the message it conveys that is important.

And how often should you thank Aunt Millie for this sweater? MORE THAN ONCE! I make it a point to wear my gift when I go visit the giver, call them on the phone when I am using it again, mention how I used it the other day and what a pleasure it was that I had it! NOW how appreciated does Aunt Millie feel?

What about all the thank yous that go unsaid to the people in our lives who do little things for us day after day? How many of us thank our mothers for raising us or our fathers for working so hard all those years we were growing up-not just on Mother's and Father's Day and not just a card or gift. How many of us have told our parents exactly what they did that we appreciate? Details! A Mother's Day card once a year is an obligation. A letter or conversation regaling them with the details of what you
appreciated about them over the years is true appreciation!

Is appreciation limited to our family? Many of us never thank our friends or associates for what they mean to us or do for us each day. How many of us belong to online communities? How many times have you emailed the owner of the list or site to thank them for all the behind the scenes work they do every day that allows you to participate, fellowship, and learn?

Take your appreciation public. How much more appreciated do you think Annie would feel if you posted a public message of appreciation for all her hard work behind the scenes at your favorite Yahoo group?:

"I want to thank Annie for all the wonderful articles she posts each week! I have really learned a lot and I have used many of these articles as homeschool lessons for my children. Annie must work so hard to create all these fun activities and I want to thank her for donating her time and all the prizes and certificates she has given away over the years! This group has been such a blessing to me and I have had so much fun as a member. Thanks Annie!"

A little thank you goes a long way! If Annie was feeling a little frustrated by the time the group takes to maintain, I bet she has renewed vitality after your post! On the job, employers can get more out of their employees by showing them a little appreciation now and again. You can create a closer relationship with your family and friends by showing them how much you appreciate what they do for you.

So this Christmas season, why don't you give the gift of true appreciation. The most appreciated gift is appreciation. It's free to give and priceless to get! Thank you for reading along with my thoughts today!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication. Her Christian and humorous approach to communication skills has made her a sought after speaker. JoJo's articles have appeared in various homeschool magazines and websites such as Dr. Laura.com. Her Say What You Mean curricula is endorsed by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and her eBook, Say What You Mean When You're in Business, has been used by direct sales leaders and small business owners alike. For more information, please visit http://www.ArtofEloquence.com or
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/CommunicationFUNdamentals/

• Post A Comment!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - A 'failed' crochet project

I have this book on loan from the library, but I am going to have to buy this one - because I am in LOVE with the patterns in it.

It is called "Get You Crochet On" - Hip Hats and Cool Caps
[image]
It is full of 'fun and funky' hat patterns :
reggae caps, hip-hop caps, visors, caps with ear-flaps,
and my favorite - a very pretty, lacy, turban-styled head wrap.
I just think they are all so fun!

But I thought I'd start with something easy just to get 'warmed up'...so I made the bun cover.
[image]
I like to wear my hair up in a bun quite often, so I thought this would be something cute.
[image]

But...um....it it obviously for women with very thick hair,
(which I do NOT have,) because it is huge.
[image]
I don't think I could ever have enough hair to fill it.

Not to worry though....Julie has promised to put it to good use....
[image]

• Post A Comment!

This site owned by Enter name here

<- Last Page • Next Page ->

Homeschool News