Thursday, March 31, 2011

(Late) Wordless Wednesday Week 27

Sorry guys, Didn't really remember this until lastnight!! Here is my Late Wordless Wednesday Week 27. Enjoy...


This was during a storm - To comfort them, we made a tent under the table and they played!

This is some scary faces from our Pirate study! They was hollaring "ARRR"

My hubby and I.(no makeup - yuck)

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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Marriage Devotional

Marriage is something I have never blogged about however in my home its very important. A marriage is something that must be treated like gold, it needs to be polished so it doesn't get dusty! A few weeks ago my marriage had a bump in the road, however we are alright because God can do many wonderful things, It makes you question and wonder about "things" no matter how minor or severe the bump is. So with that in mind my husband and I have had a lot of long talks and lots of just us time and its been wonderful, I think God knows just everything he does works out wonderfully if you allow him to work threw you in that! A marriage gets so wrapped around daily life you just stop pampering the marriage. Your tired from work, kids, chores and so many other things that when you finally get time together your tired, cranky and not fun or caring!



My husband asked if there was a devotional we could do together for our marriage and relationship and I responded with "wow I don't know but I will find one", so my search started that day because I was so happy he wanted to do something to this nature, we have never done anything like this before however we have a very loving and talkative relationship.So after a few days of looking and searching and praying over what I wanted out of a couples devotional I decided on "The Love Dare Day By Day - A year of devotionals for couples". My husband and I watched the movie "Fire Proof" a few years ago and I remembered The Love Dare from that movie, so once I started talking to Kevin about this,  he done something so sweet. 2 days later a new Netflix movie arrived - Guess what it was... Fire Proof. I thought it was so thoughtful, so we watched the movie to refresh ourselves about the topic and the book and I have to say its a wonderful movie, weather you have a wonderful marriage or one that needs work. You should gather your spouse and watch it!


So yesterday I got my package with our new book and inside it was a few questions I wanted to share with you all. Just in case you want to talk to your spouse about some things, these are some wonderful questions just to understand their heart and mind. Remember to listen more than you talk, there is no wrong or right answer either!! Stay positive and happy because this is just for fun between you and your soul mate!

This set of questions are Personal Questions, I will post Marital Questions soon...

  • What is your greatest hope or dream?
  • What do you enjoy the most about your life right now?
  • What do you enjoy least about your life right now?
  • What would your dream job be if you could do anything and get paid for it?
  • What are some things you've always wanted to do but haven't had the opportunity yet?
  • What three things would you like to do before a year passes?
  • Who do you feel the most "safe" being with? Why?
  • If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
  • When was the last time you felt filled with joy?
  • If you had to give away a million dollars, who would you give it to?

My husband and I had a lot of fun with these! He has started coming home from Clinical every week instead of staying in the motel and it has really delighted my heart! I love my husband and God wants me to love him. My husband is wonderful, our marriage has always been everything I wanted... However nothing is perfect there will always be bumps in the road because we are of the world!

Have fun with these questions, I will post more soon!!

My husband also has been so thoughtful and the last 2 weeks on his way home Tuesday night has brought me gorgeous flowers... Tulips my favorite!!


 Last weeks surprise...

This weeks surprise!!!

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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Menu for Week of March 28

Well this week my husband will be home to enjoy supper with us every night. That makes me and the kids so very happy! He is normally not home for supper Tuesday & Wednesday because he is out of town until late. This week however we can enjoy our dinner time together every day!

This is something we value together as a family. We have always sat and ate breakfast, lunch and dinner together. I do not remember doing this often in my family growing up unless we was at my grandmothers house. We like to talk and be silly and we are considering doing a family devotional at this time together each day.

*Remember I do not like saying well we are eating Salmon on Tuesday because I like to make sure we are all in the mood for what I prepare!

Menu Week of March 28
Fish Sticks, Corn, Fries
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Chicken w/Rice and steamed veggies
Country Style Steak with Gravy and Potatoes, Green Beans
Salmon with fried potatoes and carrots
Pizza & Salad
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Monday, March 28, 2011

Week 27

This week I hope goes smoother than last week, I can honestly say that I think the completion of some of or subjects has been a bad thing! Never thought I would say that however we are going to focus on more Science/History Topics this half of the year. The first half was a large focus on Math, Phonics & Language Mechanics. So I think with this new focus it will be great. I am trying to still adjust to some of our life changes, You will learn I am not good with anything that disturbs my routine or life. It always throws me for a loop, So please friends pray for me. I am determined to get back on track this week. I however feel that out of all year long this is the best time for me to be weak. The reason for that is because we have completed so much of our yearly work and we are able to be more flexible now. So God knew all along what he was doing, I just have to understand that!

Hope you all have a wonderful school week!! I love you all and I promise I will get back posting daily!


Together:
Our large Unit Study for the whole 8 weeks is Geology. So this week we will start learning all kinds of rocks! Daily reading will be on this subject all week.

Bible Verse: F - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 6:23

Read Aloud: Soft Rain ( A story of the Cherokee Trail of Tears) One reason why I choose this book this week was because I just helped Kevin complete some of his history and in doing so we learned more of the the reasons behind the Trail of Tears and I thought since Kyle just learned of Lewis & Clark this would fit in wonderfully!

Draw Write Now - Book 6

Tuesday Friend Meet: Character Study

Kyle
Math - We are using Math Mammoth sheets since MUS is complete.
AAS3 - Step 1
AAH - Not sure how the pace of this will go just yet...
Mad Libs
Cursive Copy Work(Farm Life)
Since our break Kyle has 1 letter to write to his pen pal this week.
ASL
Daily Reading (topic rocks/minerals)

Lexi
Math - Using Math Mammoth sheets since MUS is complete.
AAS3 - Step 1
AAH - Same as Kyle, not sure the pace of this just yet...
Capitalization
Copy Work(Farm Life) Just workin to improve appearance.
Lexi has 1 pen pal letters to write also.
Daily Reading (topic rocks/minerals)

Zac
Math - Math Mammoth and other worksheets since MUS is complete.
AAS1 - Step 1
AAR Pre - Step 1 - 5
Copy Work (Farm Life) trying to get neater looking words.
Zac needs to write to pen pal.
Working on money still & reviewing time!

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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Sensory Bin for March


I know I have been behind with our break and then with life demanding more of me than I want to give lol... However better late than never!

For the month of March this is our Sensory Bin or as we call it
"Our Fun Box"...



Ok, so whats in there you ask?? 

Colored rice (yes I did it and wow it was simple)
Glittery clovers
Slick clover beads (Zac loves the feel of this type of bead)
Gold coins (not candy)
2 little Rainbow Buttons
ABC beads

The kids look so forward to knowing what the box is for the month, I am so glad I started this in February. I let them have 15 mins with it 3 times a week and even Kyle, my oldest really loves playin with it. I have a tray that sits on top of the bin with a few different tools. Measuring cups, spoons of different sizes, tweezers and small medicine cup.

Its wonderful for fine motor skills! Doesn't seem to matter the age either! My husband really cracked me up this month. After I added the rice to the tub I found him playing with the rice!!!!!!!! So it doesn't matter what age!! Just have fun with it!!

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Monday, March 21, 2011

Week 26 - Getting Started Again

Well this week is Week 26. My oh my how my time is flying! We have completed so much for this year already and I have also posted my plans for this 8 weeks. So this is what we are working on this week.

Together:
Our large Unit Study for the whole 8 weeks is Geology. So this week we will start learning all kinds of rocks! Daily reading will be on this subject all week.

Bible Verse: W - We love Him because He first loved us.1 John 4:19

Read Aloud: Soft Rain ( A story of the Cherokee Trail of Tears) One reason why I choose this book this week was because I just helped Kevin complete some of his history and in doing so we learned more of the the reasons behind the Trail of Tears and I thought since Kyle just learned of Lewis & Clark this would fit in wonderfully!

Draw Write Now - Book 6

Tuesday Friend Meet: Character Study

Kyle
Math - We are using Math Mammoth sheets since MUS is complete.
AAS3 - Step 1 - 2(maybe more not going to push it)
AAH - Not sure how the pace of this will go just yet...
Mad Libs
Cursive Copy Work(Farm Life)
Since our break Kyle has 2 letters to write to his pen pals this week.
ASL
Daily Reading (topic rocks/minerals)

Lexi
Math - Using Math Mammoth sheets since MUS is complete.
AAS3 - Step 1 - 2
AAH - Same as Kyle, not sure the pace of this just yet...
Capitalization
Copy Work(Farm Life) Just workin to improve appearance.
Lexi has 2 pen pal letters to write also.
Daily Reading (topic rocks/minerals)

Zac
Math - Math Mammoth and other worksheets since MUS is complete.
AAS1 - Step 1
AAR Pre - Step 1 - 5
Copy Work (Farm Life) trying to get neater looking words.
Zac needs to write to pen pal.
Going to start working on money!!


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Sunday, March 20, 2011

Menu Week of March 21-25

First off I would like to say how sorry I am for not posting as much as normal. My daily life has been a little out of whack for the last 2 weeks, please pray for my schedule to get back on track! The ones of you that know me personally understand why this is going on and understand that I hate for my routine to be different! Yes I am OCD but that's alright! LOL...

The menu for this week is as follows, Remember I do not plan anything for a certain day because I like to know that we are in the mood for the right thing that day! I purchase all my groceries for these items to have on hand when the proper day comes!

Sloppy Joe Bake

Fish, Hush puppies, Fries

Roasted Chicken, Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli

Stuffed Peppers

Mexican Hamburger Bake


If you want any of the recipes as always just email me! Hope everyone has a wonderful week!!

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Saturday, March 19, 2011

New Recipe

I just wanted to share this wonderful new recipe that we tried this week!!



What You Need
1 pkg. (12 oz.) VELVEETA Shells & Cheese Dinner
1 lb. ground beef
1 green pepper chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (8 oz.) pizza sauce
1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese

Make It

HEAT oven to 375ºF.


PREPARE Dinner as directed on package. While Macaroni is cooking, brown meat with peppers and onions in large skillet; drain. Stir in pizza sauce.

SPOON Dinner into 8-inch square baking dish; top with meat mixture and mozzarella. Cover.

BAKE 20 min. or until heated through.


This was so great! Hope you enjoy. The recipe is not my own but Krafts. XOXO

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Monday, March 14, 2011

3rd 8 Week Plan

Today was our first day back so here is what we will be learning this 8 week period!!

So this is our 3rd 8 Weeks, meaning we have completed 120 school days. This year has been so different, using the workbox system  has truly changed and saved our homeschool. I can't go on and on about this enough... I have several times so just search workbox system on my blog :)

Ok... our large study this 8 weeks is GEOLOGY.... We are incorporating Earthquakes, Tsunamis and Volcano's into this as well. I have rocks and minerals coming from Dragon Mountain Treasures. This lesson will have lots of hands on activities, which is something I have been needing more of, so I pray that I do this well because as I have posted many times this is a downfall of mine!

Kyle will be studying the following lapbooks this next 8 weeks:
Pirates
Detectives
American Indians
Life in Colonial America
Cowboys
Pioneers
Grand Canyon

Lexi and Zac will be studying the following the next 8 weeks:
Aesop's Fables
Johnny Appleseed
Months of the Year
Growing Vegetable Soup
Hippo's
Stone Soup
The Grouchy Ladybug
Pirates(Ahoy Matey)

--------------------------------------
Above is only Lapbook/Unit Study Plans.

Math U See is complete so we will be supplementing with some samples from Math Mammoth to see if that is a good fit, we will continue to use MUS just trying something new since we completed it for the year.

All About Spelling Level 3 is new to us starting back. Lexi and Kyle will be doing Level 3, Zac is still on Level 1.

All About Homophones will be started since we are starting Level 3 as well. Zac will not do this.

All About Reading is new to Zac!!! I haven't even gotten in the mail yet - however I should have by Monday!! I can't wait for this, the sneak lessons he loved!! Begged for, so I just can't wait to get started on this with him!!

History - I do not feel that I need to continue with Mystery of History right now, however with all the topics in Kyle's Lapbooks he is getting a large varitey. Zac and Lexi are still small enough to not need any. However Lexi loves anything to do with the presidents and reads biographies on them almost daily.

Writing - I will be working with each on copywork starting this 8 weeks. Zachary is going to be working more so on me saying something and him being able to write it(abc's and #'s). The 2 olders are going to be working on neatness.

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Monday, March 7, 2011

Week 2 Break(last week)

This week is week 2 of our break. We have been very laid back on our break. No plans this week until Friday. Friday we will go to the state zoo and we have been looking so forward to this for a month! Kids are very excited! Just hope the weather is nice!! It will take us about 2 and half hours one way so pray for our trip this week please! We had fun last night - We went to the local Skate Ring to play, the kids haven't been in almost a year so it was shaky at first but they soon was on there feet lol.

I will post school plans some time this week for our next 8 weeks.

I have many materials coming this week. All About Reading should be here along with AAS level 3. Also ordered some rock/geology items from various places. My Dover order actually come Saturday!! Their books are so awesome!

I am left with needing something this 8 weeks for English/Language. I am leaning toward First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind, however I have many mixed feelings about this since I am straying from the way I have always taught. Praying God will help me make a decision!!

Hope everyone has been doing well. Since no school this last week I have been trying to spend time with the kids if not working, so I honestly haven't been on the computer much. I have missed you guys! Missed reading all your wonderful posts, however my craziness will start back on the 14th lol...

Happy Monday All.

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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

All About Reading Update - 2 Freebies!!!

We're going to be releasing the first level in our new All About Reading program tomorrow, Wednesday, March 2! Level Pre-1 teaches preschoolers and kindergarteners a very specific set of skills that we call the Big Five Skills. These five skills help young children understand the basics of language and how it works, preparing them to learn to read.

With All About Reading Level Pre-1, your child will play special games, enjoy little crafts, and engage in charming storytime activities--all the while absorbing these all-important Big Five Skills.

To celebrate, I'd like to give you two fun activity e-books that you can use with preschool and kindergarten children who are ready to start learning the Big Five Skills. Feel free to pass this information on to friends with young children. They will thank you!

Free e-book #1
Free E-Book #1: In the Kitchen with the Zigzag Zebra ((THIS IS THE ONE WE HAVE BEEN USING AND ZAC LOVES IT))

The Zigzag Zebra is in the kitchen cooking up a storm, and your child can help! And while your child is helping Ziggy, he or she will be absorbing critical pre-reading skills. The activities in this e-book focus on rhyming, identifying the first sounds of a word, oral blending, and clapping syllables--all designed to reinforce phonological awareness.

Free e-book #2

Free E-Book #2: Safari Stories with the Zigzag Zebra

We're on safari with the Zigzag Zebra, and your child can come along! The activities in this e-book focus on listening comprehension, which is a precursor to reading comprehension. You can foster listening comprehension by discussing stories and characters, expanding vocabulary, and exposing children to a wide variety of activities. Sequencing activities--such as those found in this activity book--are also great for improving comprehension.
Enjoy!

To get the free ebooks just click right here!!! 

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