Dec. 3, 2007 - The Homeschool Blog Awards

For those of you who are unaware, the voting has begun for The Homeschool Blog Awards.  There are soooo many wonderful blogs!  I have been browsing through all of them for quite some time.  Beware!  It's dangerous.  My Google Reader  is continually filling up with waaay too many homeschool blogs, but how can I deny myself the wisdom of other homeschoolers (most of which have been doing this much longer than myself!).  I just have to learn to limit my reading to a small portion of my day or I could find myself reading these blogs from morning to night, lol!

So, for the brave, the voting (and discovering) begins here:
The 2007 Homeschool Blog Awards

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Dec. 3, 2007 - Kindle

I discovered this today and think it is pretty cool.  As an avid reader (with Very little storage space for books!), this would be amazing!  Too bad it's so expensive.  I guess I'll have to wait for the generic brand, or until the price drops (a whole lot!) in a few years. 

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Dec. 2, 2007 - The Veggies of the Spirit??

We have been learning the fruits of the Spirit during our Bible time.  Since both boys love writing and copying words right now I write the verse out on big lined paper for Christian.  He copies the letters below mine and is getting quite good at doing this very quickly.  Caleb just writes out as much of the verse as we have learned each day (we're doing one or two of the "fruits" per day).  Well, on Wednesday I made the mistake of saying that we would be leaving for the beach as soon as the boys finished writing out the Bible verse.  This made them attempt to write faster than usual.  I looked at Caleb's work after we returned from the beach.  Here is what he had written:

Instead of "fruits" of the Spirit, it looks like he's got vegetables.  And apparently he accidentally left out the word "Spirit".  He realized it after and scratched a little scribble in it's place hoping I wouldn't notice.  (By the way, his writing is usually MUCH nicer than this and not all upper case, but as I mentioned, he was in a hurry!). 

  This is what they were looking forward to -  a beautiful Mexican winter day at the beach:

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Dec. 1, 2007 - Winter in Mexico

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Nov. 27, 2007 - Benjamin Franklin Study

Being Canadian, I didn't learn a whole lot about the Founding Fathers of the United States when I was in school.  So I was pleased to stumble upon this site which contains all of the writings of Benjamin Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin was not just a statesman, but also a writer, a printer, a musician, a scientist, an inventor (electricity, bifocals, lightning rod, etc.), a freethinker and a revolutionary.  And it sounds like he was an all-around likable kind of guy at the same time!  It is said he could make a king or a beggar feel at ease in his presence. He was a kind and generous man who even refused to allow a patent to be placed on the ingenious fireplace he invented so that many could benefit from the design.

I find the writings of this great man to be very fascinating as well as entertaining.  Some of my favorites (so far) are the epitaph for a squirrel (which was written for the daughter of a friend of his), his writings about Silence Dogood which he wrote as a teenager, his thoughts On the Providence of God in the Government of the World, the epitaphs he wrote for himself (the first at just 23 years of age), and his own autobiography. 

Benjamin Franklin was a very talented writer!  He was talented enough to produce a poem which could be read forwards or backwards - and still make sense - as well as rhyme (starting with the first word and reading to the last or starting with the last word and reading backward through the first):

Here are a few to get you started:

Wikipedia - Benjamin Franklin
Carnival of Homeschooling - Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin Quotes
Time Magazine for Kids - Benjamin Franklin
Social Studies for Kids - Benjamin Franklin
Ben`s Guide to Benjamin Franklin
Liberty`s Kids - Ben Franklin
Quick Bio of Benjamin Franklin
PBS - Benjamin Franklin

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Nov. 27, 2007 - Math-We-Love!

I finally have a few minutes to sit down and brag write about our new math curriculum.  I have wanted to buy this since we first started homeschooling, but because of the price, I was unable to until now.  We used the Christmas money my in-laws gave us for the kids to buy the curriculum.  But don't think my kids are feeling ripped off!  They are quite happy with our choice (and they certainly don't need any more clothes or toys!).  I think it is an excellent (early) Christmas gift!  It's not just about learning, it's about fun too!

The curriculum we purchased is called Math-U-See.  I'm sure you've heard of it.  If not, you need to should really check it out.

When I first placed my order I was in Ontario, but knew I would be leaving soon for Mexico so I wasn't sure where to have it shipped.  I decided to have it shipped to a hotel my husband would be staying at in California (this actually saved us a lot of money in the end - ordering the curriculum in the United States instead of Canada).  However, this created some complications for the staff at Math-U-See (since our billing address and shipping addresses were in different countries and we were in yet another one), but they worked with us and made sure all of the details were in order before shipping.  I ordered Beta for Caleb since it seemed to be the right level for him.  I showed him (online) what the manipulatives looked like (lots and lots of wonderful blocks!) so he was VERY excited for the curriculum to arrive!  Then Christian (3 yrs.) started getting VERY excited for "his math blocks" to arrive too.  I started to think, "Hmmm... this might be interesting..."  I searched the Math-U-See Website  a little more and after studying the Primer a little more I realized that he was completely ready for it.  So, just a few short days before my husband would be at the hotel where Caleb's curriculum was being sent, I emailed Math-U-See to ask if I could order the Primer and have it sent there in time.  They worked out the details and rushed it to the hotel for me.  Their customer service was Excellent!!  And my boys were Thrilled to open the boxes that their Daddy brought when he returned!  Within minutes they were pouring through the books and playing with the blocks and begging me to play the instructional DVD for them.  (The DVD is really for the parent or teacher, but the boys love watching it with me.)  I found that, before we had even started our first lesson, they were using the blocks to do math.  They were comparing sizes of blocks and showing me how many different ways you could build "10" with the different blocks.

I LOVE this curriculum!  Even at the Beta level, I am learning things I didn't learn in school, lol!  Math-U-See is such a simple way to teach math to your children.  The concepts are explained in ways that really just seem to "click" and the blocks make everything so much easier to SEE!  You can actually visualize what's going on.  Both Caleb and Christian get excited to "do math" every day now.  Even on the weekends, they can frequently be found playing with their "math blocks" and building all kinds of "fun" equations.  Even Charlie likes to get in on the fun.
 

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Nov. 21, 2007 - Even babies know right from wrong

In a society where "right" and "wrong" are becoming relative and indistinguishable, this study proves there is still some form of moral standard programmed within us. 

Babies (aged 6 months and 10 months) were shown a series of "mini-presentations" in which a toy climber was trying to get up a hill, but unsuccessful on his own.  They were shown another toy "help" the climber up the hill and also another toy push the climber down the hill.  The two toys were brought to the babies so they could choose between them.  Nearly all of them chose the helper toy, instead of the hinder-er.

You can watch the toy mini-presentation if you CLICK HERE.  Or read more about this study HERE.

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Nov. 20, 2007 - Homeschool Girl

Or there's this one - which, apparently was a contest winner...  Not quite sure what to make of it yet...

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Nov. 18, 2007 - Educational DVDs - For The Birds!

So, I was surfing today (online, lol) and somehow stumbled upon this:

The Birdy Show DVD

It's a DVD for your bird to watch.  I am amazed!  I had no idea birds were even interested in TV.

Or, if you have a cat, there's always Kitty Goes Hunting & Kitty Goes Fishing (for the couch potato kitty who would prefer not to go hunting or fishing themselves). 

Both DVDs are reported to have "Excellent animal sound track in stereo".  In case your pets are particular about the quality of sound they must endure whilst watching their videos. 

These entertaining selections may be purchased individually for $16.99 or as a set for "only" $33.98.  What a deal!

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Nov. 17, 2007 - Thankfulness, Cookies and Babies singing the Hallelujah Chorus!!

This morning Christian was complaining about something which brought on a lengthy discussion about thankfulness.  I was impressed with all of the scriptures that were pouring out of me!  It's amazing how they come to you at the right moment (usually...). 

Fast forward to later in the morning.  We were playing at the park and a couple staying nearby came over and asked if they could share some cookies with us.  We went over to their place and had some cookies.  Caleb saved his for later (he wanted to eat it at the park for some reason).  After he finished his cookie we began talking about how nice it was of them to have invited us over.  Caleb said he was very thankful that they had shared their cookies with us.  He said he wanted to do something nice in return.  He decided we should bake some cookies to take over to them to show them how thankful he was.  So, after his brothers were asleep, we baked the cookies.  I completely expected that he would change his mind about giving them away and decide we should keep them - or at least most of them (faithless mother that I am!).  When the cookies were finished baking, he made a note to go with them and asked me to put them on a plate.  I told him he should maybe try one of them first to make sure they tasted OK (it was kind of a thrown-together, last minute,  homemade recipe).  He agreed to this and said I should try one too.  He also decided to save one for each of his brothers and his Daddy (who will be back tomorrow night - yippee!), but he packed the rest of the cookies up with the note and took them over again.  It was so sweet to see him walking over there, head held high, plate of cookies and his note in his hands.  Unfortunately they weren't home so he brought them back and waited until they were before taking them again.  He came back Beaming!  I wish I'd taken a picture!  He said, "Mommy, they LOVED them!!"  I asked him what made him decide to do such a nice thing for people he hardly knew.  He told me that he remembered what I had talked about in the morning (thankfulness) with Christian and that he was very thankful that they had given him a cookie so he wanted to show them that.  So, apparently some of what I say gets into their hearts.  Even though I wasn't talking to him about thankfulness (and actually had no idea he was even listening), he learned something great! 

I am so proud of him!  He's not the sort of child who usually takes a lot of time to think past himself (and his Mommy), despite the constant teachings I've been trying to administer ("Do to others what you would have them do to you", etc.).  I felt like this was a huge step.  We talked about how good it feels to do something nice for others. 

Tonight he decided he wanted to do something nice for Daddy so he made him a nice picture (which Christian promptly picked up and started writing his newest words on - Fat, Gas and Bum - Caleb was NOT impressed, lol).

Here is the recipe for our Rainbow Cake Mix Cookies (which actually tasted quite good!):
1 box Rainbow Sprinkles White Cake Mix
1 egg
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup water
1 tsp. almond extract (vanilla would work too)

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Mix all ingredients.  The dough will be very gooey / sticky.  Try to spoon the gooey gunk  nicely onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.  Bake for 12-15 mins. until bottoms are light brown and tops look "done".  Cool.  Taste.  Share.

And if you're looking for a little humor today, check out this video:
Baby Sings Hallelujah Chorus
It's hilarious!!  (At least I think so... but I'm easily amused at times!)

Have a great weekend everyone!

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Nov. 15, 2007 - A Word About Social Justice

Part of our motive in taking students on these humanitarian trips is to inspire them to make a difference in the world - to bring about change.  To "Be the change [they] want to see in the world."  (Mahatma Gandhi)

I pray that my children will really take to heart all of the things they see and learn on their travels; that they won't become indifferent to the needs of others as far too many of us have.  I hope to instill in them the knowledge that they have the power to change this world!  We ALL do! 
So I encourage all of you to take the time to teach your children about social justice!  Sponsor a child or a missionary or a family.  Visit a third world country.  Raise money for a cause.  Participate in the 30 Hour Famine.  Fill some Operation Christmas Child boxes.  Purchase fair trade items.  Consider your clothing, coffee, chocolate, etc. purchases - research to find out where these items are being made and who is working to make them.  Social justice is NOT a lost cause.  Even if you only make a difference in one person's life, you have made a difference!  Many of our students, in preparing to return home after being on a humanitarian trip, begin to feel overwhelmed and to doubt that they can make any difference when there are sooooosooooo many needy people out there.  We tell them they are already heroes!  They have already made a HUGE difference.  To the people who's lives were changed forever because of the work these students did in their short time with them, they will never be forgotten.  But their responsibility doesn't end there.  There is so much more that can be done!
So please, lets not forget how important it is for us to teach our children about the injustices so many people are suffering.  And while we're at it, be sure to remind them to count their blessings - then give them away!  I know many of you are already teaching this and I'd love to hear the methods you use to do so!

While still on this topic, I really want to recommend this book to all of you:

Some of the material in this book is not recommended for young children (some of the true stories deal with mature issues or are somewhat graphic), but it's a must-read for adults and much of it would be useful for teaching teens or children about social injustice.  It has been releasepreorderpreorderAmazon.caAmazon.caf ours, VadenVaden and his wife Christal are pouring their lives into making a difference in the world and inspiring others to do the same.  All proceeds from this book will be donated to charity (yes, ALL) and the price is excellent (on sale right now!).  If you order the book from Absolute's website, Amazon will donate a portion of their proceeds to support the cause as well (find out aboutVadenVaden here).  This would make a great Christmas gift for anyone on your list.  I am buying several of these and encourage you to do the same! 

Earle (and despite the fact that this makes me biased, I still believe it is a very good book - a great eye opener). 

rbs 31:8-9
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Luke 3:11
"The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."

Matthew 5:42
"Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."

Proverbs 19:17
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done."

Mother Theresa
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." 

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Nov. 15, 2007 - A Li'l Bit About Us

I just realized that I haven't said much about who we are or what we do.  Perhaps I should re-introduce us now. 

We are a Christian Canadian family, currently living in Mexico.  I am an at-home, homeschooling mom.  I love to read, write, learn, cook, sew, sing and much more!  But I espeically love spending time with my family!!

My husband has been a variety of things  driver, mover, upholsterer, educator's assistant, pastor and now... well, I'm not sure what you'd call him!  He has a very unique job.  He started a non-profit, charitable organization taking teams of people to developing countries to do humanitarian work.  He also works for another, larger organization as their director doing the same thing, but mainly with high school and university students.  Last year around 600 people participated in these trips.  This year there will be many more!  It is quite an experience for all of us!  He LOVES his work and we love being a part of it.  However, due to the nature of this work, he travels a LOT.  Last year he was away nearly two weeks out of every month.  We went with him on a few of the trips, but it was difficult because of the costs involved and finding someone to care for our home back in Ontario.  So last spring we put our house up for sale (we had owned it for a whopping 6 months!) and purchased the camping trailer we are currently living in.  Now we will be able to do a lot of the travelling with my husband, or at least spend more time with him.

We have 3 precious boys who fill our lives with many great adventures!  Caleb is 5, Christian is 3, Charles is 25 months (for the sake of privacy, I am using their middle names for this blog).  They are very imaginative, very outgoing, fun-loving, adventure-seeking little guys!  It's quite hard for me to keep up with them at times, but I love every minute of it!!  I can't imaging what my life would be like without them. 

So here we are in Mexico for six months.  At least that's the plan.  Plans change frequently around here!  We are hoping to gain more cultural perspective by living here.  We're trying very hard to learn Spanish (if anyone has any recommendations for software, websites, etc.  we'd be happy to hear them!).

Our life is unique, but we love it!  Our boys have done a LOT of travelling since they were born (more than the average adult does in their life) so they are quite accustomed to it and are excellent travellers now. 

I made the decision to homeschool my children back when I was in high school.  There was a period of time where I begged my parents to let me do school at home, but since they both worked, they felt it wasn't an option.  I believed, at that time, that school was a huge waste of time.  I didn't feel like I was learning much, if anything, relevant to my future.  Class time was wasted by disruptive students and much more.  I just wanted to study at my own pace and learn things that I felt I might actually need to know in the future!  Since I couldn't homeschool, I worked really hard to complete grades 11 and 12 in one year.  Actually, come to think of it, I didn't have to work hard at all.  I just had to shift some of my courses around to complete the 3 required grade 12 courses and I was done!  My graduation was an exciting day!  I was so happy to be free!!  My high school student counsellor had warned me that I would regret my choice to complete school a year early, but he couldn't have been more wrong.  I never had a single moment of regret about my choice to leave that environment.  I went on to study the Bible and many other things I was passionate about.  I started a family and now have 3 wonderful, brilliant little boys!  My 5 year old already knows more than the average grade 2 student.  My 3 year old already knows more than the average Kindergarten student and my 25 month old is learning some things that public schools don't introduce until grade 1!!  How could I ever consider putting them in a classroom setting with 30+ students from ALL kinds of backgrounds and learning levels with 1 overwhelmed teacher, trying to meet the needs of FAR too many children, while expected to have them end the year with a certain ammount of required learning skills somewhere in their heads.  That kind of learning is just not for us!

Caleb and even Christian (who tries to keep up with Caleb on all levels) love homeschool.  It was a bit of a struggle at the start, figuring out what I should expect of them and what I should expect of myself.  I still struggle with this at times, but for the most part have become a very laid-back homeschooling mom.  By laid-back, I don't mean we don't learn anything.  Instead, I've been trying to focus on the things that interest them and we learn about those things together.  Perhaps I'm a bit of an unschooler.  I still haven't decided exactly which "category" of homeschooling we fit into!  I think we have one toe in each of them!  But my children are learning about ALL kinds of things and are developing an overwhelming LOVE for learning!  I'm a happy mom!

I've said this before, but I'll say it again.  I believe the BEST part about homeschooling my children is learning alongside them.  I love being able to see things from their point of view, to remember what it was like to be a child and look at things for the first time, to deeply explore things I would never look twice at on my own, to seek out the often simple solutions to many of life's very complex questions, to show them that this world is all about it's Creator - that nothing in it is separate from him, and to grow and bond with my children in a way that would be nearly impossible if they were spending several hours a day, 5 days a week, away from home.

Right now my boys are in front of me at a campground park in a foreign country, listening to the roosters crowing nearby, hearing the sounds of another language spoken all around them, watching stubble burn on a nearby hill (in a very unusal manner!), playing with an imaginary Word Machine, creating new words, having spelling races as they shoot down the slide, and learning how to get along with each other and the people around them despite their many differences!  This is our school.  This is our life.  We love it!

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Nov. 13, 2007 - Home Sweet Mexico!

We have arrived!  Hurray!!  I just thought I would post a quick update to let you all know we got here safely.  We have been pretty busy since arriving with setting the trailer up, unpacking and preparing to host a team of seniors who are coming next week to help build some houses.

My husband left last night to go get our bus from British Columbia and will be driving it to Los Angeles where he will pick up the group and drive them the rest of the way here.  So we are on our own this week! 

I'm trying to get back into a routine with schooling, but it's difficult!  Our sleep patterns are quite messed up because of time differences, the weather is soooo nice and warm (quite hot today actually!) so the boys are begging to be outside all of the time, and the washing machine I usually use here isn't working so I've been doing all of our laundry by hand (and we have a LOT of laundry right now!).  Hand-washing 5 people's laundry is quite an experience - especially when the boys are playing in sand and mud (it rained a couple of nights ago) all day long!  I'm building up some muscles, lol!  I've seen the local people wash their clothes by hand here and Wow!  They are amazing!!  They must have hands and backs / shoulders of steel!!  Maybe by the time we return to Canada, I will be able to get my laundry half as clean as they do, lol!

The boys are having a great time here.  They are so happy to be out of the truck!  That was a long drive!  But it was neat to see all of the different land types in the States.  I had never been to most of the States we passed through so it was an educational experience for me too!  After leaving Ontario, we drove through Michigan, to Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and finally, California!  I found the southern States to be especially beautiful - and so diverse!!  We've decided we'd like to visit all of the (Continental) United States within the next year.  We have been to all of the provinces in Canada (except the territories and I've never been to Prince Edward Island). 

Well, back to work!  I still have a ton of laundry to do - most of what's on the line is dry now.  So, until next time - Happy Homeschooling!

Tee
(I will try to post some pictures soon!)

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Nov. 6, 2007 - Tired in Tulsa

Well, we've made it to Oklahoma so far with no problems or setbacks!  Yippee!  Lots of driving.  Lots of long hours.  And lots of stopping for pee breaks, snacks, etc!  I'm exhausted because the first two days of our trip  I was editing a book for a friend of ours and on a VERY tight deadline so I didn't get much sleep, but I got it finished!  What a relief!  Now I can enjoy the beautiful scenery and play some games with my kiddos.

The boys are having lots of fun following along on our Markable Map as we pass through the various States.

I just wanted to let you all know that there's a Carnival of Homeschooling taking place at Principled Discovery.
Be sure to check it out!  There's TONS of good stuff there (including an article from yours truly). 

Until next time, happy homeschooling!

MamaTee

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Nov. 3, 2007 - "C" is for Cookie. That's good enough for me!

Anyone like to bake ... or eat... COOKIES??  I didn't think so.  So I guess you won't be interested in the following compilation of cookie recipes.    Just click on the type of cookie you'd like the recipe for and let the sugarfest begin!


1-2-3 Cookies 7 Layer Cookies Allie Nelson's Famous Snickerdoodle Cookies Almond Crescent Shortbread Amish Sugar Cookies Andies Candies Cookies Angel Crisps Angenets Applesauce Cookies Apricot Fold-Overs Aunt Edy's Molasses Crinkles Auntie Linda's Ginger Gems Bakeless Dream Cookies Banana Drop Cookies Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the World Biscotti Biscotti Blueberry Cookies Boiled Chocolate Oatmeal Drop Cookies Bronwnies Brown Sugar Shortbread Brownie Cookies Brownie Delight Brownies Buccaneer Snowballs Buried Cherry Cookies Butter Cookies Butter Nut Balls Butterballs Butterscotch Haystacks C.O.P. Cookies Candy Cane Cookies Candy Cookies Caramel Shortbread Cheesecake Brownies Cherry Buns Cherry Crowns Cherry Winks Chewies Chewy Noels Chinese Chews/Haystacks Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Chocolate Chip Cookies Chocolate Chip Meltaways Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies Chocolate Christmas Trees Chocolate Cream Cheese Squares Chocolate Crinkles Chocolate Mint Snow-Top Cookies Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (no bake) Chocolate Snowball Cookies Chocolate Streusel Bars Chocolate Sundae Cookies Chocolate Walnut Crumb Bars Choco-Scotch Crunchies Choose A Cookie Dough Recipe Christmas Crackers Christmas Crunch Bars Christmas Ginger Snaps Christmas Macaroons Christmas Mice Cookies Christmas Shaped Cookies Church Window Cookies Coconut Cookies Congo Squares Cookie in a Jar Corn Flakes Cookies Cornflake Christmas Wreaths Cowboy Cookies (oatmeal) Cream Cheese Cookies with Apricot Filling Crème De Menthe Chocolate Squares Crème Wafers Crescent Cookies Crispy Crunchies Date Nut Balls Date-nut Pinwheel Cookies Diabetic Peanut Butter Cookies Disgustingly Rich Brownies Doodles Double chocolate chip cookies Double-Chocolate Crinkles Eatmore Cookies Eggnog Cookies Elizabeth's Sugar Cookies Elves Quick Fudge Brownies Emily Dickinson's Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Emily's Best Brownies Famous Oatmeal Cookies Firemen Cookies Fluffy Shortbread Cookies Forgotten Cookies Frosted Peanut Butter Brownies Fruit Cake Cookies Fruitcake Squares Fry Pan Cookies Gems Ginger Cookies Ginger Crinkles Gingerbread Baby Gingerbread Cookies with Butter Cream Icing Gingerbread Men Gingerbread Men Ginny's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Glory's Golden Graham Squares Glory's Sugar Cookies Gramma Chapman's chocolate coconut drops Grandma Elsie's Zimt (cinnamon) Cookies Grandma J's Butter Cookies Grandma Olson's Parkay Cookies Great Grandmothers Sugar Cookies Gum Drop Cookies Gumdrop Gems Haystack Cookies Ho-Ho Bars Holiday Cereal Snaps Holiday Chocolate Butter Cookies Holiday Raisin Walnut Bars Holly Cookies Hungarian Cookies (Little Nut Rolls) Ice Box Cookies Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies Italian Cookies Jacob's Peppermint Snowballs Jam Bars Jessica's Famous Brownies Jessie's Chocolate Chip Cookies Jubilee Jumbles Juliet's Peanut Butter Blossoms Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies Kentucky Colonels Kiefle (cream cheese cookies with jam filling) Kifflings Kiss Cookies Lacy Swedish Almond Wafers Lemon Angel Bar Cookies Lemon Bars Lemon Cake Cookies Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Lemon Squares Linzer Tarts Log Cabin Cookies Luscious Lemon Squares M&M Cookies Magic Cookie Bars Melt in Your Mouth Cutout Sugar Cookies Melting Shortbread Meme's Cream Cheese Cookies Milk Chocolate Florentine Cookies Mincemeat Cookies Mincemeat Goodies Molasses Cookies Molasses Forest Cookies Molasses Sugar Cookies Mom Mom's Crescent Cookies Mom-Mom's Ginger Cookies Mom's Nutmeg Sugar Cookies Mom's Old Fashion "Puffy" Sugar Cookies Monster Cookies Moravian Christmas Cookies Nana's Famous Soft Southern Cookies Nitey Nite Cookies No Bake Chocolate Cookies No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies No Bake Cookies No Bake Cookies No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies No-Bake Cookies Norwegian Sugar Cookies Nut Balls Oatmeal Bars Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Nut Cookies Oatmeal Coconut Crisps Oatmeal Cookies Oatmeal Scotchies Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies Ooey Gooey Caramel Chocolate Dunk Ooey Gooey Squares Orange Slice Cookies Parking Lot Cookies Peanut Blossoms Peanut Butter Bars Peanut Butter Blossoms Peanut Butter Cereal Cookies Peanut Butter Chewies Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Peanut Butter Cookies Peanut Butter Cookies Nov. 3, 2007 - Hooray for Geography!

As I've mentioned before, this year we are focusing a great deal on geography since we will be exploring so much of it throughout the year.  Caleb is loving it and can't get enough.  We've been going through all of our boxes in storage this week and I finally found all of my missing homeschool materials including Sonlight's Markable Map.  This is an Awesome tool to have for geography.  It's a huge laminated map (so you can mark it up with dry erase markers).  It has the world on one side and the United States on the other.  Nothing on the map is labeled.  Caleb is loving it (as are his brothers).  I think the map was the part he got most excited about when his curriculum arrived last year.  I love it, but wish I could get one with Canada on one side as well. 

This week we will be exploring a lot of geography in our truck.  We are leaving tomorrow (from our "homequarters" in Ontario) to begin the long drive down to Mexico (where we will be staying until April or so).  We're taking a new route this time so we can experience several States we've never been to before.  I'm really looking forward to it as is Caleb (who knows a lot about several of the States we will be visiting already).  I'm also very excited because I get to see my best friend from high school on our way!  I haven't seen her in several years.  I've only met her husband once and have yet to meet her sweet little baby girl.  It's funny how it worked out.  We're both from Canada, but she married a Canadian man who was attending Yale and they have lived in the United States ever since.  They live in California, somewhere near San Jose, but we will be meeting up with her in Phoenix, Arizona as that's where she and her family will be on vacation.  The timing was awesome!

So this week has been very crazy!  We have had to do a LOT to get ready for this trip!  When our house sold in the spring, my DaddyC was in the Dominican Republic and the boys and I were visiting family in Manitoba.  DaddyC had 2 days in between the day he arrived home from the D.R. and the day he had to leave for Mexico and those 2 days were already booked pretty solid for him.  I was unable to fly back to our home to help pack it because of the cost so he had a few of his friends help him pack up all of our belongings and take them to a storage space.  This week we pulled EVERYTHING out of storage and sorted through it all, got rid of a lot of stuff, repacked and returned a lot to storage and kept a few things for the trailer.  I was VERY happy to see my slow cooker!!  I've been lost without it!  I'm really looking forward to all of those yummy slow-cooked creations I've been without for the past several months!

I'm also really looking forward to getting to Mexico where it will be quite a bit warmer than here!  Last night we had frost here (our poor trailer!).  At least it isn't snowing yet (which is a miracle of sorts)!  I think I'm going to enjoy my first ever snow-free winter.  Although I am Canadian born and have lived in Canada my whole life, I do not like the cold and have never been terribly fond of snow (although it can be very beautiful). 

I don't know if we will have internet access on our journey so it may be a few days before you hear from me.  So, until next time, happy journeys!

MamaTee

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Nov. 3, 2007 - Free Resource Friday... or, um... Saturday

I'm sorry - I know this is late!  It's been a crazy week.  And in case you didn't notice, I've changed the name from Freebie Friday to Free Resource Friday as it seemed more fitting.

Anyway, without further ado, on to the FREE!

First up is my new favorite learning website.  The Sheppard Software website is a great FREE resource with all kinds of tutorials and online games in a variety of different subjects and for a variety of learning levels.  I LOVE the geography games!  Caleb has been using them daily this week to practice what he's already learned about the continents, oceans, Canadian provinces and territories, and is now learning (with the help of the games) the provincial capital cities as well as the United States.  We didn't study much geography when I was in school so this is one of those times I get to learn alongside my children! The games are easy enough for Caleb (5) to play, yet challenging enough that they keep my attention (yes, I'm playing them too, lol!).  And the games aren't just limited to North America.  They have the same games for Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, Middle East, Oceania, Central and South America, the Continents and Oceans.  Just click HERE to check out the geography section of the website.  They don't just have geography though.  We've been trying out games in all of the different areas of learning they offer.  Caleb really likes the math games.  His favorite is Add Like Mad.  And if you like PacMan, then you'll love MathMan (or, ahem, your children will...).

If you're studying Spanish, you should check out RollingR's.  This website has free short Spanish lessons (in video!).  You can watch online or subscribe to the podcasts using iTunes (or any other podcast player).  For more information on iTunes and podcasts, and to check out some great FREE children's podcasts, read last week's Freebie Friday HERE.

This freebie isn't necessarily homeschool related, but I LOVE Google Reader.  It's a great way to keep track of all of your favorite blogs, websites, even podcasts! 

Enjoy your freebies!

MamaTee

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Nov. 3, 2007 - Homeschool on Wheels

If you have read my blog at all, or even just the description, you already know that we travel a LOT.  Our only home right now has wheels and uses them quite frequently!  I like to think of it as a Magic HomeSchool Bus, taking us on daily "field trips" as we explore this amazing planet God has placed us on. 

The traveling life is definitely an adventure.  I love it!  My boys love it too.  However, this doesn't mean it's always easy.  There are all kinds of challenges that come with living in a 31 foot long tin box!  Since my husband and I got married 7.5 years ago, we have lived in 9 different homes (and also spent a year without a home as we travelled together to high schools across Canada with a motivational presentation).  I have lived in an apartment, a couple of town houses, a tiny little 100-year old house, an enormous 3600 square foot house on 84 acres of land.  We have lived in town, out of town, on church property, with other families and in hotels.  Yet our current home is one of the most challenging homes I've ever lived in.

When we first discussed the idea of selling our home and buying a camper-trailer to live in, I was concerned about my boys and how I could possibly give them an education in such a small space.  I already believed that by homeschooling I would be giving my children the best education I possibly could.  This had been proven to me time and time again in the short time I had been homeschooling.  But I was concerned about the limits that would come with living in such a closed space.  How could I possibly give my children a complete education when we don't have a city to call home, we don't have the same people in our lives on a daily basis, we don't have access to a library, we don't have our own yard or even much space in our home for curriculum materials, books, etc.

After dwelling on this for a while I started feeling claustrophobic.  I had created a box, climbed in and was closing myself in it.  I had CLOSED my heart to what God was trying to say to me and I had CLOSED my mind to the possibilities that surrounded me.  I was looking at what I believed to be LIMITS and allowing myself to dwell on these.  I was getting stressed out.  Finally one day I realized that if I was going to succeed at homeschooling, I needed a big change of attitude.

In order to learn - in any environment - we need to be OPEN.  We need to OPEN our hearts to the leading of God's Spirit.  We need to OPEN our mind to His wisdom.  We need to OPEN the Bible and start discovering the TRUTH.  We need to OPEN a book and allow the knowledge of others to be passed on to us.  We need to OPEN a window and see the beauty of God's amazing creation.  We need to OPEN the door and explore this incredible planet we have the privilege of being a part of.  We need to be OPEN!!

Instead of looking at the limitations of homeschooling while traveling, I started looking at the possibilities.  There are sooooo many!!  I decided that this year I will not order a full curriculum, but rather use our experiences to educate my children.  This doesn't mean we won't be using any kind of guide along the way. We have a few workbooks we use and I recently ordered the Math-U-See math curriculum for my oldest son, but for the most part, we are following God's leading and the boys' interests and building on to what we know and love about our lives. 

Homeschooling while traveling is an amazing opportunity for me to teach my children things they could never learn while sitting in a classroom or at the kitchen table.  While we travel we have the incredible experience of discovering geography - not just reading about it.  We learn about land types, environment, culture, and so much more, all without leaving our vehicle!  During our travel times we also spend a great deal of time exploring the wonderful world of books and audiobooks!  When we stay in other countries our children learn life lessons they could never learn back home.  For example, my oldest son asks why so few people in Mexico have washers or dryers.  This could be a lesson in economics, weather, work ethics, or even evaporation!  When you open your mind, any situation can become a stepping stone to greater education!

One of my favorite parts of homeschooling is that I get to keep learning!  My education has not ended, nor will it until my life here on earth has.  Then I will begin a greater education - one my body and mind has been longing for all these days on earth!  I love learning alongside my children and I love traveling with them.  I can't imagine living the life we live without having these awesome children along to experience it all with me!

"I am not a teacher; only a fellow traveler of whom you asked the way. I pointed ahead–ahead of myself as well as of you."
    George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) British dramatist, critic, writer.

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Oct. 29, 2007 - Green Spinach and... Sugar??

Having no other quick-cooking vegetables to serve with dinner tonight, I opted for the bag of spinach in the fridge.  My husband and I both love spinach.  Our kids... not so much.  Caleb has especially sensitive tastes and will actually gag and throw up if a food tastes strong to him.  So in a desperate attempt to disguise the bitter-tasting spinach, I sprinkled a little sugar over the steamed leaves to see what would happen. 

After trying a small piece, Caleb announced that he still doesn't like it at all.  I was disappointed and asked, "Are you sure it doesn't taste any better with the sugar?".  He looked at me and said very seriously, "I do not like it in a box.  I do not like it with a fox.  I do not like it in a house.  I do not like it with a mouse.  I do not like it in a car.  I do not like it near or far.  I do not like it in a train.  I do not like it in the rain.  I do not like it far away.  I do not like it any day!"  I laughed for a long time and let him go.  I can't argue with Dr. Seuss!

I guess a spoonful of sugar doesn't help the vegetables go down.

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Oct. 29, 2007 - The Frustrations of Early Learning

As happy as I am that Christian (3yrs) is starting to learn how to read and write, there are some downfalls that come with having an early learner. 

Friday evening I was invited to a Stampin' Up party.  I've never done stamping before and was really looking forward to trying it.  It was nice to have an evening out with just girls as well (having 3 sons, I almost forget that I'm a girl sometimes, lol!).  At the party we got to make a Christmas card.  I was really impressed by how nice they looked - for a bunch of beginners!  It's the nicest thing I've made in a long time!  I really enjoyed the card making.  I think I'm going to start doing it more regularly.  Not only would it be enjoyable for me, but I love writing letters and this would be a nice way to encourage or bless people.  There's just something about getting a homemade card that makes you feel good inside.    The Stampin' Up supplies are all very nice!  Some of them are quite decently priced, and some are more expensive, but I have no doubt that all of their supplies are of excellent quality.  I know also that you can buy a lot of cardmaking supplies at Dollarama or other dollar stores as well as use many items from around the house.  I think when I get back from Mexico I'd like to order some of the Stampin' Up inks though.  The lady who did our party has been using hers for over a year (and using them LOTS) and hasn't had to replace any of them yet.  And they come in a very child-friendly design (hard for little ones to open the cases!). 

Anyway, I arrived home after the party feeling relaxed and refreshed and quite proud of my little Christmas card.  I joked that I was going to display it in the trailer all winter because it's likely the only Christmas card we will "receive" this year (as we won't be able to get mail in Mexico).  It was fairly late when I got home and the boys were still awake.  Charles was quite tired because he hadn't had a nap in the afternoon so I decided to put him to bed first.  I was in the bedroom for no more than 5 minutes.  I came out to the living room to find Christian with a pen and my lovely homemade card writing his ABCs all over it!  Even the envelope was covered with letters!

A little bit of background here - since Christian has been learning to read, he has become Obsessed with writing letters and short words.  He probably spends around 3 hours a day, if not more, writing letters on paper.  I'll give him a coloring book to color in, but find letters written all over the pages instead.  He has written the alphabet all over my grocery list, my notebook, a children's story I've been writing, my prayer journal, some costly photo printer paper, Caleb's math notebook and even the wall beside his bed.  I can't escape the ABCs, they are taking over the house!!  He has had more than a few lectures about what is okay to write on and what is not, but it seems to escape him quite frequently.  He even has several notebooks of his own that are designated for ABC writing.  But sees any kind of paper and seems to forget everything I've told him in his excitement to write his letters yet again.

So, while I'm very proud of what he has learned already and pleased that he is so excited about learning, I am also a little bit frustrated at this point!

God, give me grace to survive Christian's love for the alphabet!!

Front of the Card

Back of the Card

Front of the Envelope

Back of the Envelope

(I apologize for the poor quality of the photographs.  They were taken on my mobile.)

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