Hello and Welcome! I am a homeschooling mom to 5 children ages 18, 13, 11, 9 and 6. Our blogs are our Sharing and A Documentation of our Homeschooling and Family. We live and serve Jesus and teach our children to do the same. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:27:00 -0500 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:27:00 -0500  Hello! My last Week In Review I said I would share about our "Reorganization For School" So here it goes.... Our School Room has stayed pretty much the same since last year just little changes here and there more organized...and labeled for the kids. The Hutch we use for our special "art collections" like sand art, pine derby cars and the such as well as little critters like the hermit crab we don't want our cats to try and mess with. Along with storage of sorts puzzles, things I don't want the kids to use right away or put out of sight so they don't know that I have it for them for a special day in school and many other misc items. The organizer holds stickers and misc items like rulers, protracter...Stencils, Odds and Ends (things that never seem to have a place)Supply tray/drawer with markers, colored pencils and the kids special painting markers...Math Manipulatives and Construction paper or drawing paper for free art time. (Beside the organizer is Steven's homemade Didgeridoo) This shelf we use as our "show and tell" and to store items as well. The top holds the kids shell creatures, ladybug habitat right now, the Scripture memory box, markers, crayons, colored pencils, and regular pencils, hospitality tray, butterfly nets behind...next shelf down Coloring/Workbooks box, Top Secret adv. box with our daughter's story Bible...bottom our wooden cars for camp be yon key right now. The big closet...From the bottom holds...a empty clear tote box that one shirt is on for the worms if needed, the next one to the left is the lapbooking box with t-shirt drying, and then last one on the bottom to left is the play dough tote. Next shelf up...Right to left sorry! Other school stuff for Phoebe, Phoebe's box, organizers from our home depot workshops that we have sorted our paper clips, rubber bands, staples that kind of stuff and one we used for dice and game pieces, our tissues for prayer and Bible time, Bibles and Devotions, more organizers and then to way left you may see in another picture is the lapbooks... Next shelf up...Math Books and Manipulatives, Index card tray,(the tray's are also from home depot workshops) Language arts, spelling game tray, science and history there to way left. Next Shelf Up...Art, Room decor tray (collage items) with stapler, Kids spiral notebooks, glue tray, Mom's basket for Phoebe. The next shelf up...Right to left sorry again! Paint Tub, SRA Reading and Hooked on Phonics, and to way left is audio entertainment. This is way at the top of the shelf from left to right...magnetic letters, dominoes, misc items, and the card box. (decks of game cards). The right side of the way top...Pattern blocks, Word Tiles and Room Decor, craft sticks-straws, extra crayons and markers. The left side of the big closet which I have already shared everything on each shelf for ya. The Book Shelf and Recycle tote that holds all our styrofoam trays and plastic bowls for when we might need them as well as our inflatable globe. Our hallway closet that stores two craft supply totes that I don't want the kids into when it's not specifically for school (less waste), next shelf down...my hammar and nails, misc summer toys not yet put away, and yellow tote has 3 units of language arts just in case. We probably won't need them though. Next shelf down rainbow place value game, microscope, and tinker toys. Last shelf are the cookbooks and the floor holds library tote and misc items like abacus, bird seed and library bag. The best thing we created this year was the study room aka the play room and kitty room...and before that Steven's room...Now it's a study room and it's great we have the fish tank in there(trying to get rid of it though), a desk (found in the trash), and our card table with chairs and the kids computer for school for educational games. Stay Tuned for the updated video (the rest of the changes will be in the video or organized even more I am always organizing the school room and house to better suit us) *~*Sheila*~* Visit our links in the right margin. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/716924/ Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:27:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/716924/ Our Current Adventures.... Ya all know about the Fostering puppy (was), Phoebe's 6th Birthday, Finishing up Vacation Bible Schools, Cleaning Organizing the House/School Room for the Upcoming First Day of School.... There has also been other Adventures; Our Camp Be Yon Key Lessons Being Completed Finally almost done with our second First Light Book! Along with Camp Be Yon Key Lessons there are OUR Projects: Wooden Cars--Sanding and Painting them. Our Red Wigglers (composting worms) arrived last Wednesday and they are doing great in their present habitat just need more peat moss.  A VBS picnic/cookout on Saturday... The rain was terrible so the kids didn't get to play any games it was just eat, balloon stand and the face painting for Phoebe. The Fishing Tournament was okay we didn't catch nothing--the rain was crazy...the winner did catch a 12 inch fish. The puppy that we called "Hailey" had to be returned to the APL due to many reasons...she wasn't working out here at our home. Our dog wasn't eating and was throwing up, we couldn't afford the cost as well as trying to train her she was already showing aggression and I just didn't want to have to deal with that right now my plate is so full. We are struggling a little bit here so hubby and I are posting things for sell on ebay and craigs list as well as going to try and have a mini yard sale this coming Saturday. The weather is extremely out of the ordinary right now in the 90's, little things have been breaking or not going right ugh! and the pool I can't seem to keep it blue. However, It was sad to see the puppy go but, knew it was a have to situation. While at the APL Steven had to visit the Kittens and Cats.. Ms. Mittens kittens 4 of them were still there..Steven's favorite "Charlie."   Aaron is doing well although him and sarah are no longer courting. He has managed to finish his driver's education and driver's test is soon. He paid for his Senior Year for school and getting ready to purchase his books very soon. He is considering the military as well it has always been a consideration for Aaron but, he has recently been considering it more seriously after graduation. He has applied for Walmart (again) he would really like a job change. A nice surprise this week was these free painted lady caterpillars. See we didn't receive our ladybug larvae again this year. I sent all information to prove we paid for them and still nothing so I was like forget it. But, to our wonderful surprise we received a coupon for our ladybug larvae for September and these *Free Painted Lady Caterpillars* the kids were excited because I couldn't afford to purchase them this year and we always do them so it was a nice surprise and hopefully we will receive our ladybug larvae in September with the coupon. (It's to hot to send the ladybug larvae now). The weather is supposed to stay this way for awhile so, I am not sure what all we will accomplish in days before school starts. Stay Tuned *~*Sheila*~* http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/716249/ Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:00:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/716249/ August 7th, 2003 Our One and Only Baby Girl "Phoebe" Was Born. Between 2003-2005 I don't have those pictures developed and it was long before we purchased our first digital camera. Happy 3rd Birthday Phoebe. 2006 Our Baby Girl at 3 years old. Happy 4th Birthday Baby Girl! Phoebe 4 years old... Happy 5th Birthday Phoebe Phoebe at 5 Years old... Happy 6th Birthday August 7th 2009! It brightens my heart to watch her grow but, it also breaks my heart.... Our Baby Girl is Now 6 Years Old! I love you Phoebe Girl! How I wish I could keep you this age forever!! xoxo Love Mommy http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/715606/ Sat, 8 Aug 2009 20:47:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/715606/ What's Knew Or New? The Kids have been in their Fourth and Last VBS this week...they either aren't excited about this one or they are wore out...  Either way they are not complaining but, not overly enthused either.  I do believe they are learning and having fun though for they are coming home exhausted and watching some of "Shark Week" on discovery.  I do believe we are happy it's the last VBS....and with the new schedule we are on and now with a puppy too. I thought it was especially sweet this week when Phoebe curled up on my side of the bed with Louie and he stayed.  On Tuesday Evening our Friend Linda from our Animal Protective League called me and asked me if I could possibly foster a puppy for about 3 weeks or so. I of course couldn't say No, I am such a Mrs. Dolittle when it comes to animals as well as kids so of course I agreed. Here is the darling sweety with Steven.  Here name coming into the APL was "Queen" but, the APL thought that didn't fit her and was kind of dumb so they asked us to please rename her while she was in our care. Well, it was kind of funny today Wednesday (the day to pick up the puppy) because our worms arrived today (I did not photograph them due to their stress and lack of oxygen from the post office) the mail man was rude to my husband saying I have another stinky package for you. (It was not stinking at all) He put the box in a plastic bag again (for 30 minutes they had been in there) My husband was like that's what killed them the first time. He was like what are you using them for anyway...UH none of your business. I told my hubby "You should have told him you were going to eat them." LOL Anyway, when my sons Steven, Jeremiah and Myself arrived home Wednesday afternoon with the puppy my husband fell in love with her he wants to keep her, I am like uh how? Uh No! We can't afford to adopt a puppy. She looks alot like our german shepherd we had to put down a little over a year ago now and he really loved that dog. So hopefully somehow perhaps the yard sale I will be able to afford her-NOT! If I only had a money tree to pay for the kids workbooks, our kitten churchie shots, hubby's mouth surgery, to fill in the gap when hubby has to take furlow days and.... money to adopt this puppy. Uh yeah right! LOL  After spending all day with this puppy, doing some training, walking on the leash, bathing, and playing....hubby and I came to a name... Meet "Hailey" She is a mix: lab and schnowzer --I see all lab.   Phoebe's Birthday is Friday so this puppy couldn't come at a better time and hubby was home today so he was helping with the puppy and spent time with the family and took this great photo with Phoebe.  Of course if we can't keep the puppy it's going to be hard on probably everyone but, if it's meant to be it will be right!?! Right!?!  Hubby also spent time finishing Phoebe's room stripping wallpaper, patching holes from previous owners they covered with wallpaper...and began the painting...hubby found a deal a week or so ago on the paint 2 gallons pink and purple for 8.00 for both so this is her Birthday present her room being turned into a adorable girly room...although we will have to get her a twin bed perhaps craigs list. (right now she still has a toddler bed). The kids have two more evenings of VBS (Friday Night) Before VBS we will do a cookout with Phoebe for her Birthday my mom is supposed to visit then after VBS her room will be done for her--A surprise when she gets home plus cake and ice cream. Saturday we have a Fishing Tournament and A Pig Roast Picninc So I will post again soon. *~*Sheila*~* http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/714740/ Wed, 5 Aug 2009 20:41:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/714740/ Hello There, We have had the most Educational and Fun Busy Week. We had our 3rd VBS (vacation bible school) this week and the theme was: "Direct Connect Prayer Lines" It was in the morning from 9am-12pm July 27th-31st They had songs, skits and Hero of the Faith Helen Cadbury Story I will never look at this chocolate bar the same way. Every morning for a hour skits, songs and stories it was a blast!....It was a family that put on the VBS-evangelists for kids--The Wyler's On Wheels It was really wonderful...Direct Connect VBS.  One day while they were at the VBS after the hour beginning.. I went and took these Photography Art I am not a professional of course but, I just thought these were so lovely. The kids finished their Summer Reading Program at the Library this week and  Phoebe received a 10.00 coupon for Pat Catan's she bought paint and model magic, some airplanes 1 wood, 1 paper like one, and foamie for her and her brothers to take back to the VBS for points each day they had the kids do a project at home and bring it back for points. The two boys chose 10.00 Border's bookstore coupons (Steven already received and spent his about two weeks ago and bought a really nice Rocks and Minerals book). They also had a "Be Creative" Art Program at the Library   Art Program Photos. Due to the kids great job at the VBS this week as best as they could do for starting a new schedule and all.... As a treat I Surprised them with a picnic lunch at the Beach On Friday Afternoon.. (Their daddy did get to join us thankfully). On Saturday.... The kids had their Home Depot Workshop they made Message Centers.. Later On Saturday...I was reorganizing the school room and the kids spent time in the Yard with their dad...and I also caught some Sibling Kindness and today Sunday we did some of our Camp Be Yon Key and spent the day cleaning the upstairs the kids bedrooms were a mess and our daughter's room we are strippping the wallpaper and going to paint it finally!! For her 6th Birthday on August 7th. It's been a Fun Week!!!! Starting tomorrow Aug. 3rd the kids start their 4th and last VBS at their Awana church. Oh! We received our red wigglers this week or composting worms and the post office killed them they arrived stinky and dead, so they are reshipping them tomorrow Monday Aug. 3rd and hopefully they will arrive live--their habitat is of course ready...will get back to you on those. *~*Sheila*~* http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/713704/ Sun, 2 Aug 2009 21:18:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/713704/ Hello, Sharing a Overview of our Textbooks and Curriculum: Aaron 18yo Senior Year: (He is purchasing his own books this year) English 4 Creative Writing  Math-Algebra 2 Health Civics/Government Interpersonal/Essentials of Communication Home Economics Driver's Education is Complete driver's license test taking is next. Steven 7th, Jeremiah 4th, Benjamin 3rd, Phoebe 1st: Science/Health Resources for all 4: Exploring Creation Zoology 2 Christian Kids Explore Biology w/Lab with Dissections www.hometrainingtools.com Otter's Science Curriculum at www.losbanos.com --free at the website. *Library Resources as needed* History/Geography Resources: Mystery of History --Volume 2 complete (will review volume 1 and 2 as needed until we have money in school funds to afford volume 3). World History w/maps and mapping By: Dr. Ian Barnes --own bought last year at borders on sale. Classical World w/maps and mapping By: Dr. Ian Barnes--own bought last year at borders on sale. www.losbanos.com --also has a free history curriculum if we need it. Physical Education Resource: 1st Quarter-Swimming/Walking/Biking/easy terrain hiking 2nd Quarter-Ice Skating/Bowling/Darts 3rd Quarter-Ice Skating/Sledding/Bowling 4th Quarter-Hiking/Power Walking/Biking *as cost permits for ice skating and bowling* Music Resource: Music Ace 1 and 2 (or deluxe version) Art Resources: Making our own Art Curriculum by using the web, books, other homeschool moms and art teacher's for their help. Math Resources: Saxon Math 76 --Steven Making Math Meaningful levels 1, 3, and 4--Phoebe, Benjamin and Jeremiah. Hooked on Math Addition and Subtraction--Phoebe Language Arts: Learning Language Arts through Literature levels blue, yellow, orange and tan--Phoebe, Benjamin, Jeremiah and Steven. Painless Grammar--3 Boys. Hooked on Phonics, Spelling, Handwriting--Phoebe SRA Reading Power--3 boys Sign Language--4 kids Possibly maybe Spelling Power (if can find cheap) or Spelling Connections online. *Resources/Supplements from Library, Library Booksales, Garage Sales, Thirft Store and or friends that no longer need the resources.* *~*Sheila*~* P.s. Next post from the homeschool mom's desk: Reorganizing for School http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/711702/ Mon, 27 Jul 2009 01:41:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/711702/ Hello, I thought I would drop in to share some of our homeschool happenings, preparations for homeschool and educational things we have been up to. First I want to share that the kids just finished up their Second VBS with the Boomerang Theme. They have another VBS starting tomorrow July 27th. It's a morning one though and we have never done a morning one before so this will be new to us. I am hoping if the kids do enjoy it that it will help us adjust our summer schedule to a school schedule for school starts for us Aug.31st. The Vacation Bible Schools they have attended have been helpful for me in searching for possible churches to visit and for getting things done for my kids occasionally drive me crazy but, I have been able to get to accomplish writing for writing school, homeschool papers to turn in, cleaning, and errands. The kids will have one last VBS at their Awana Church Aug.3rd-7th. August 7th is Our Daughter's Birthday so I am also hoping to pick up a few things while they are at VBS for her Birthday. ( Just her Brothers, her dad and me will be celebrating her Birthday with her.) August 8th Their Summer Reading Program ends but, they should have their last slip turned in way before that. We have our Home Depot Workshop-Saturday Aug.1st.  I have been writing the Kids Art Curriculum this year. First I want to say I was inspired to do this By: It's a Boys Life KinderArt Deep Space Sparkle-Out Of This World Art Lessons Teach Kids Art  From the researching and learning I have accomplished on Art,I really love art now take a glimpse at another side of me. We will begin our Art lessons the week of Aug.31st and I hope to share lesson results of what the kids learn with you perhaps give you ideas or inspire you.  Our Mini Yard Sale we hope to have very soon to put that money into school funds however I had some money for school and we are waiting to see our painted lady caterpillars arriving soon we do them every year just doesn't seem right not doing them and the kids "Red Wigglers" Composting Worms. I dont' know if anyone remembers that blog, we discovered these great composting worms at The Earth Day Festival We never received our ladybug larvae last year so I emailed and contacted the customer service and I sent a letter and information so hopefully for the 3 big bucks I sent last year they will send our larvae's. I am also checking into Girl Scouts again this year last year something happened and our daughter wasn't contacted with information for a group so hopefully this year that will be different. I am also checking into 4H Clubs, we have 4 numbers of 4 different clubs so hopefully one of the 4 groups we will be able to join and it's not to late. Next Blog From Homeschool Mom's Desk- A Overview of Textbooks and Curriculum *~*Sheila*~*   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/711692/ Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:18:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/711692/ Our Summer Time Fun.... (click links to learn more information and pictures) Has been the Library and the Water Playground last week and this past Thursday. A Ice Cream Social  and more sponsored by the Friend's of Library. A VBS Picnic at this lovely Swim Club. A  A Second VBS with the Same Boomerang Express Theme That Started Today Monday July 20th... Phoebe received her very own Boomerang Express New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs. Oh there is more but, you will have to click the links to get the whole Story. Hugs, *~*Sheila*~* http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/709896/ Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:52:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/709896/ Hi There Fellow Visitors, Friends and Homeschoolers... I have Learning at the Edge.... It's Finally been warm enough to actually swim frequently as well as enjoy the pool, backyard and sunshine the last week or so. We spent some time doing a Camp Be Yon Key Craft. We haven't kept up with our lessons as we should but, busy has been in our forecast alot this summer so our Camp Be Yon Key Crafts have been a nice pleasure or relaxation. Our Shell Creatures turned out very cute, we had a blast until I burned my finger with the glue gun pretty good but, we did have fun making them. We discovered this bug looking similar to a ladybug but, definitely was not. Anyone have any idea? We found it very lovely but, didn't touch it for we weren't sure what kind of bug it actually was. I went grocery shopping one night and when I came home I discovered that Phoebe and her daddy had made this cute little dollhouse for her little babies out of pizza boxes. We made guacamole the one night and took the pits as we have learned and put them in water to watch them grow into a lovely unfruitful avocado tree. Simple Science Experiment for the kids right now they are having fun waiting for it to sprout and begin to grow. We visited the further library to continue with the kids 1 summer reading program and the park near by has this water play ground Being the weather was finally Sunny and Warm I allowed the kids to play--they had a blast. Next time we will take a picnic lunch with us. The Last exciting learning on the edge lately was Phoebe.. She loves music and she is trying very hard to copy what her daddy and brothers teach her on the guitar unfortunately her fingers are to small for daddy's guitar yet but, she tries. She looks so cute trying. Well, the week isn't quite over so I am sure I will have more Learning to hang out there...things have been a little out of sorts lately but, hopefully soon it will all come together. Our 4 younger kiddos start school officially August 31st, due to my schedule, happenings etc. this year--We usually start earlier but, this year it's absolutely impossible. Our oldest Aaron has 5 credits or his 12th grade year to finish this year and he will be beginning Sept. 8th again due to books purchased, arriving and schedules as well as issues we are having with him. More On Homeschool Year Coming Soon! *~*Sheila*~* http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/708113/ Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:08:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/708113/ My Friend Sarah over at It's A Boys Life has been doing a harvest challenge  and her and her family are vegetarians, I am trying hard to work more vegetarian into our family (at this time we are partial vegetarians)  It's hard when hubby still loves meat so much, but the change will come. Hubby is more accepting with the great vegetarian dishes that I have found over at Sarah It's a Boys Life she has some wonderful great recipes for Zucchini and many others but, this  One is so delicious..Zucchini Pancakes. Please visit Sarah's blog and recipes. I wanted to share how I tweeked them for our family. Our 11yo Jeremiah renamed ours to: Zucchini Patties. (Pancakes) We made them exactly the way Sarah taught us in her recipe. Except We added: Sauteed Portbello Mushrooms which gave them a really nice flavor. We also added a little shredded cheese. We used ketchep, hellman's, dijon mustard and ranch for dips. We also made Sarah's Chocolate Zucchini Bread We changed the recipe slightly for our family. Instead of 2 cups of sugar I used 1 cup of splenda although if you want a little sweeter I would use 1 1/2 cups. (we did when we made a regular loaf without chocolate-2 of our kids liked it without the chocolate 4 of us liked it with and 1 liked it either way. When I made it without cocoa I used 1 cup splenda and 1 cup brown sugar which could also be done with the chocolate. We omitted the salt and used self rising flour. We did use 1/4 cup of oil and applesauce. I personally choose to omit the oil totally and just use the applesauce which also has cinnamon in it but, using the cinnamon called for also. These recipes are wonderful I made over 30 Zucchini Patties for my family and not a one of them was wasted. I made 4 loaves of Zucchini bread and they were all gone in two days. :) Sarah Thank You I look forward to more of your vegetarian recipes. I am so excited about the great zucchini recipes from Sarah's blog that we have decided to plant some zucchini plants, I don't know how well they will do we didn't do a garden this year due to really poor growing in our area so we will see. Thank You Sarah for the inspiration!    Two Zucchini Plants and Two Tomato Plants We planted them here for the only place that receives great sunlight. Thank You *~*Sheila*~* http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/705685/ Mon, 6 Jul 2009 19:39:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/705685/