tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47826098134757491372024-03-21T07:29:28.666-07:00A Joyful MessHomeschooling BlogDonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-63708948912498196902012-11-08T09:28:00.002-08:002012-11-08T09:28:45.804-08:00When nobody to wants schoolWe have awakened to a very cold morning for our neck of the woods. Low 40's for NE FL, plus windows left open over night, and the heater left off leaves us....well....brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!<br />
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Nobody wants to get out of bed. Nobody wants to head to the school room. What to do??<br />
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Hot oatmeal, with a promise of hot chocolate after school time, was a great starting place for us this morning.<br />
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Next, I evaluated what do we really need to do, and what can we learn that isn't in the books?<br />
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Here's what we actually did today, and yep, it all counts!<br />
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<li>We cozied up on the couch while we read about groundwater for Science.</li>
<li>The boys each read from their current readers.</li>
<li>Thoughtful made a grocery list.</li>
<li>I went over special sounds (digraphs) with Spunk.</li>
<li>The boys worked on Thank-You-cards since they just had birthdays pass.</li>
<li>We played Rummy, Scrabble, USA Bingo, and put together our USA puzzle.</li>
<li>We looked up our new weekly memory verse, highlighted it, discussed it, and memorized it.</li>
<li>They had a pull-up contest and practiced their Tae-Kwon-Do forms.</li>
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When I told the boys that all of this counted as "school" they grinned.<br />
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"What?" <br />
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"Really?"<br />
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"But it was too fun and easy!"<br />
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Sweet! It's 12:24, and school is finished. Mission accomplished! I wonder how much more learning we'll squeeze in for the day?!?!?<br />
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Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-16975346214532750202012-11-05T05:51:00.000-08:002012-11-05T05:51:14.672-08:00In this season...In this season, I haven't been blogging. I've been enjoying my family instead of being worried about taking pictures at every turn of our days to add to a scrapbook or blog post. <br />
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In this season, we've had little family time in the evenings, but we are so proud of Hubs for venturing out to learn a new trade as he switches career paths.<br />
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In this season, I have had less sleep but more work (at home).<br />
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In this season, we've gotten "behind" in our Science and History in our school, but we are enjoying our relaxed days together oh so much more.<br />
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In this season, we've reminisced about the boys' younger days, as we've watched them grow another year older.<br />
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And in this season, we are counting our blessings. THIS, right now, happens to be my favorite season. Autumn is beautiful, even in Florida, where few trees have changing leaves, the weather is simply gorgeous! I love all things pumpkin and spice, reading on the front porch, chili for supper, breezy afternoons in the hammock with my giggly family, windows open, school at the park, and listing those things for which we are thankful.<br />
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Right now, I'm enjoying the tiniest of moments. I have those bittersweet feelings of watching our children grow, looking back and ahead all at the same time.<br />
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My top five "things" to be thankful for are:<br />
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1. Jesus Christ, my Lord, my Savior, my healer, my Redeemer, the Great I Am. His un-ending love, mercy, and strength flow freely to me. I am so undeserving, but He has named me an heir to His kingdom. Oh, how He loves me........how He loves me so......<br />
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2. Hubs. I've known him for half of my life, which means he has put up with me through so much. We've watched each other grow, and he's continued to love me through the trials of life. I pray that I can be the helper he needs to push ahead stronger than ever.<br />
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3. Thoughtful. He is the sweetest kid!!! He, of course, has his moments as a human being, but he truly has a kind, tender heart. I will always see him as my baby. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and I pray that I can lead him gently, with the patience he deserves.<br />
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4. Spunk. My silly boy brings such joy to our lives. He knows how to brighten any one's day, and takes great measures to help when he can. He's clever and intuitive and has no fear. I love that he'll try anything once.<br />
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5. My parents. Their role in my life can't be explained in a quick statement here. But their marriage is an honorable example of commitment for 30+ years. Have they always liked each other? Most likely not. Have they always LOVED each other - a resounding ABSOLUTELY! I am blessed to call them Mom and Dad.<br />
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And just like that, I see that my top five "things" aren't things at all, but people (and the Holy Spirit). They constantly shape me and mould me into who I am and who I will be. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says that for everything there is a season...and I'm thankful to have all of these folks throughout the seasons of life.<br />
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Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-612689694324320522012-10-15T07:18:00.000-07:002012-10-15T07:18:19.158-07:00ObediencePoo, I thought my kids' disobedience was something that I could conquer. No, I'm finally seeing it for what it is. Sin. Sure, they're great kids, but they're KIDS. As in people. Human beings, creatures with selfish desires, and wants, and they'd rather have fun doing whatever their little hearts desire in the moment, rather than be obedient to their parents.<br />
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This has been a season of disobedience. Me pulling out my hair in frustration, crying out "Why didn't you do what I asked of you?" or "Why do you think its okay to react that way?" and my personal favorite, "Do you hear me?"<br />
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And The Lord has slowly been nudging me. Did I see this? Nope. But hindsight is 20/20 as they say. He's been working on me, but I wasn't exactly listening. Why would I? That might be construed as me being obedient to my Father. He's been asking me, "Do you hear me?"<br />
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The answer has been a resounding "YES!! I hear you!" That sounds great right? You're wrong because that's not the end. It's more like "Yes, I hear you, but not right now okay? I'd rather ignore You. I don't have time for You. I have my own plans, Yours will have to wait, Okay? Now, please bless me, and I'll get back to ya when I can."<br />
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Oh my, how selfish I am. When will I learn to do what He says, when He says it? Perhaps until I do, I shouldn't expect my children to obey me immediately. A sweet friend shared something she heard (which I'd love to cite for you, but truly don't know where it originates), and it rings so true to my heart. <br />
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"Delayed obedience is the same as disobedience."<br />
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It applies to our children following us, but more importantly, it applies to all of us following Jesus.<br />
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I'm always amazed at what God teaches me through my children!!<br />
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So, I'm working on me, and I'm being more patient with my children. This last part is kind of big, as I'm not exactly known for my patience. I'm thankful for the undying mercy that Jesus continues to give me. His grace is enough, and therefore, my grace should be enough for my kids. He renews me daily, giving me more opportunities to hang up my sin. I should give my children the same.<br />
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Does any of this sound familiar to you? What is that area of your life that you know doesn't line up with God's word? What is He trying to teach you through your children?<br />
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-9257656024867383092012-10-14T04:41:00.002-07:002012-10-14T04:41:47.261-07:00Workboxes, updated.I recently posted about how we use Sue Patrick's Workbox System, but I've since received many questions. You can read the <a href="http://ajoyfulmess.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-workbox-system-for-us-that-is.html">original post here</a>, which is mostly a "how to" in setting them up. I'm going to attempt to fill in the gaps that I may have left out. So, this is how we work through our boxes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVudmg1VjpDZZcRJpxbI5WtvjmyA-U_hIN_JCu5C3kdfq7_BVKh4dfVVInrwt9OuQ1IR3JnTzQsnlnVBuSbgGr-5UMOqKesyoaQgkwbmiYSGoYiHWxQI2vUk6Hd6GwN6ouQGRnSvcmj97G/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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Here are our boxes for a day. They start out like this. They are numbered 1 through 9 with a taped picture of the child's choice. Next to each taped picture number, is an identical removable picture number. These are attached with Velcro.<br />
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And work cards start out like this. Empty blocks, also numbered 1 through 9. Note the Velcro here too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtNTbifiU02tYIFYpzokWseMDQBdCKWCPHGa68Qo8zYh6goXeleuSrw2g9yTjJPf0eBK_sYH5SxaQsRtAFjnmVxzkA60ZuKfpE3TfTuNj0s8CDdFMOE0HOsngTKoUVofH45VPaS3xUaIM/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtNTbifiU02tYIFYpzokWseMDQBdCKWCPHGa68Qo8zYh6goXeleuSrw2g9yTjJPf0eBK_sYH5SxaQsRtAFjnmVxzkA60ZuKfpE3TfTuNj0s8CDdFMOE0HOsngTKoUVofH45VPaS3xUaIM/s320/039.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The child opens box # 1 to find an assignment. After the box is complete, he puts the assignment in his letter tray on top. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO5I9ToK562rbMA0K_y5yRA-0XCfpVwJwihTrxiN0gI4iKDPJjN9zE0dYl2nMdbWQSjuJYwiqRqK8nqD-aw79GJduEEnAFZgM_4ZxQa09grG_OELvlLc-F5PU_l8mdanioIqmTRDxsoBr/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO5I9ToK562rbMA0K_y5yRA-0XCfpVwJwihTrxiN0gI4iKDPJjN9zE0dYl2nMdbWQSjuJYwiqRqK8nqD-aw79GJduEEnAFZgM_4ZxQa09grG_OELvlLc-F5PU_l8mdanioIqmTRDxsoBr/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Then he pulls the #1 tag off of box #1 and attaches it to his work card on block #1, signifying he's completed his first assignment.<br />
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Now, he'll move on to box #2, and do the same. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKldEhryvsA15itylAaxDPGJUJE2UUJfnKrM0qcQE7r6mBmqFittU4ZYBJSWtJdLbrTTwJ4sD2eGw_cGwhEXHNScdEp_QwlmZqeS_vQAr7zR9bfpZ7UbXmka9w_qV9AqZzU0oMXlO4zoa/s1600/workbox+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKldEhryvsA15itylAaxDPGJUJE2UUJfnKrM0qcQE7r6mBmqFittU4ZYBJSWtJdLbrTTwJ4sD2eGw_cGwhEXHNScdEp_QwlmZqeS_vQAr7zR9bfpZ7UbXmka9w_qV9AqZzU0oMXlO4zoa/s320/workbox+003.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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He works through all 9 boxes until they're empty and his full card looks like this.<br />
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His completed assignments get piled up in the letter tray on top of his workboxes. The kids see the quantity as an accomplishment, (and since they didn't see it in a stack at the beginning of the day, it wasn't overwhelming).<br />
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One other little tip, we use a lot of Post-It notes for instructions. Just stick it to the front of a workbook, telling the child which pages to complete.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7uhSuBiEn7SW2kHHIErbxkKut-4wKMW47JvhxQXlMmsVL0j0B_kEgD6QNqx7a43L5cfXzW34_bzV5_DEVZk3xlRLYwBVRYA81Mg4xf363EwnPPfrKItUbh2L9PwX42vvSO4uBD0hyzgT/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7uhSuBiEn7SW2kHHIErbxkKut-4wKMW47JvhxQXlMmsVL0j0B_kEgD6QNqx7a43L5cfXzW34_bzV5_DEVZk3xlRLYwBVRYA81Mg4xf363EwnPPfrKItUbh2L9PwX42vvSO4uBD0hyzgT/s320/043.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Questions that have come up:<br />
(1) How do you stagger work between your children?<br />
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Thoughtful's work with mom work goes at the beginning of his workbox stack. Reading (he needs to do this out loud with me still), math lesson, and LLATL, for example, might go in boxes 1, 2, and 3.<br />
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Meanwhile, Spunk is working through independent stuff in boxes 1 through 4. Then by the time he gets to box 5, he'll find his work with mom subjects while Thoughtful gets his independent boxes from 4.<br />
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The trick is this staggering, but also remembering not to bog them down too much. Clumping together all of their least favorite work will leave them feeling discouraged. So fun items need to be woven in too.<br />
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(2) How do you schedule which supplements they get in their boxes?<br />
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First, I look to my planner, which I've written notes such as "adjectives" or "multiply X 5," so I know what they're working on in their curricula. Now, I'll include games, connect the dots, worksheets, or other fun activities in the boxes to help enforce their lessons. <br />
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Sometimes, they'll find an activity that goes with one of our group studies, such as, a piece of a lapbook.<br />
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I also know what they're having difficulty with, and I'm able to continue reviewing that material until they've got it.<br />
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And there are the "extras." Spunk has a few Kumon workbooks that we rotate. Thoughtful gets a mapping workbook some days. Sometimes, Spunk gets cray-pas with blank paper and a note instructing him to draw a picture which tells about the story he read earlier. After Thoughtful finishes a book, sometimes he gets a book report outline to complete in one of his boxes.<br />
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Active boxes are necessary as well. "Practice your Tae-Kwon-Do form" or "soccer ball headers" are great ways to burn some energy from their reserves!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0m9ZADTmAxHrg-qmskoKtlhHmGuq4n5TT-q1T8KWpf08xe2MXM8EydEWNGe33VyzebE7tozohsS9Ui7InwAc3L65lgcW99IjGEL_U-GHl7KNq8pdCObVmms81EV6MJfWyZeNGEs7NiIy/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0m9ZADTmAxHrg-qmskoKtlhHmGuq4n5TT-q1T8KWpf08xe2MXM8EydEWNGe33VyzebE7tozohsS9Ui7InwAc3L65lgcW99IjGEL_U-GHl7KNq8pdCObVmms81EV6MJfWyZeNGEs7NiIy/s320/041.JPG" width="320" /></a>(3) How do you keep a record of what they're doing?<br />
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I have a separate notebook dedicated to each child within my planning binder. I number 1-9, and write a quick note as to what went into the boxes. Later, I record things like, attitude, difficulty level, etc. I'm hoping our portfolio evaluator will appreciate this piece of recording since she specifically asked for something more last year.<br />
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(4) Do you fill the boxes everyday?!?!<br />
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Yep! I know, this is the downside of workboxes. It truly only takes a few minutes, and in the big picture, this mundane job is completely worth it. My children aren't looking at a stack of books, and asking "How much more school?" This has caused many tears in the past, and since we incorporated this system into our days, they haven't even asked the question once!! <br />
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<insert my happy dance here><br />
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We do boxes Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday we have co-op in the morning, so they each read and do a page of math before we head out. That's it. <br />
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(5) How do you go through their work if they simply stack it up?<br />
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After their boxes are empty and their cards are full, we go through each completed assignment together. I circle any mistakes, and ask them to try it again, looking for them to correct their own work. If they completely don't understand, then I know I did a poor job of teaching the material or they didn't fully absorb it. This needs to be addressed before we move on tomorrow. If they easily know what they did wrong, we discuss distractions and not taking our time.<br />
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We're currently beginning a reward system for our days, to include schoolwork, behavior, and other parts of our day. I'm granting them a credit for each properly completed workbox. <br />
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More on our credit system later, once we've tweaked it!</div>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-22604940795697885512012-10-12T05:18:00.004-07:002012-10-12T17:59:19.374-07:00Week 11, October 12, 2012<strong>In my life this week, </strong><br />
Hubs is working on a career change. This should be a nerve-wracking experience for me, but I'm really just fine following him on this. Not that its uncharted territory for me, but the ease of following him is sort of new. It must be right.<br />
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Also, Spunk's birthday was last weekend. We are celebrating with together parties this year, so I was afraid his day wouldn't feel like <em>HIS DAY!! </em> But I think he felt the love :)<br />
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This should've been breakfast in bed, but he awoke before I was finished cooking. So, breakfast on the couch will have to do. Please note the orange juice that we only ever buy for special days.</div>
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<strong>I'm cooking,</strong><br />
I've carefully planned meals, based on our schedule and weather. Also, I've been snacking on some Texas Caviar this week. Its designed as a dip, yummy with tortillas or pita chips, but I can eat it alone with a fork! I also threw it on my salad, and once, ate it with some cold grilled chicken breast for lunch.<br />
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Ingredients: 1 medium sweet onion - chopped, 2 avocados - diced, 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained), fresh cilantro - chopped, Italian dressing (OR a little olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and dried oregano), 1 green pepper - chopped. <br />
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Mix all ingredients and enjoy. Yumm! You could spice it up with other peppers if you wanted.<br />
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<strong>Places we're going, and people we're seeing,</strong><br />
We went to lunch one day with Gramom and Pop, so they could deliver the boys their birthday gifts. Here's Thoughtful. He's realizing that the Disney World gift card, must be spent AT DISNEY WORLD!!<br />
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This is UBER-exciting, ya'll!!</div>
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<strong>In our homeschool this week:</strong></div>
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<strong>Dinosaurs:</strong> We're reading through <em>What Really Happened To The Dinosaurs</em>, by Ken Hamm. The boys are adding to their lapbook-like folders, a little at a time. This week, our focus was on the fact that dinosaurs were animals, which God created at the same time that He created the other animals on Earth. I especially loved watching them put together the time frame facts; that is the young age of the Earth, and the fact that dinosaur fossils were only discovered about 150 years ago. It was like I could actually see the lightbulb come on over Thoughtful's head. Spunk will get there. His concept of time is still somewhat confused. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4782609813475749137#editor/target=post;postID=5261322845827018248">Here's a look at a part of the study from this week.</a></div>
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<strong>Earthquakes: </strong>We do Science with a cooperative learning group. This week's at home time was slightly boring, with lots of vocabulary. We supplemented with library books, but still, boring. If not for the IMAX movie that we visited last week, I don't think the boys would've retained much information. But they did remember a lot about that!</div>
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So, I was really counting on co-op to help me out with this lesson, and the Mommas didn't disappoint! Spunk's class created an earthquake out of Jell-O and mini-marshmallows which made a tasty treat afterwards. More on the seismometers that Thoughtful's class created, later.</div>
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<strong>Extra: </strong>We read about Christopher Columbus, not nearly as much as I would've liked, but enough to get the boys started. We were happy to read excerpts from his diary. Apparently, even though Columbus didn't know exactly where he was going, he felt that God was directing his path. Later, he wrote that he strongly felt that God's plan for him all along was to bring Chrisitianity to the undiscovered lands.</div>
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<strong>In Art class</strong> they finished up their Hanawi sculpting projects. They're off to dry out and and get fired before coming home. I can't wait to share these with you!</div>
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<strong>Thoughtful </strong>also learned about South Carolina, how to read through a literature passage to answer questions, Bats, multiplying by 9, and some All About Spelling Level 2.</div>
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<strong>Spunk </strong>also learned about grasshoppers, adding by 8, the suffix <em>-ing, </em>4 new digraphs, some syllabication, and apparently a mapping coloring book from the Dollar Store is currently a favorite.</div>
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<strong>I'm praying about/for: </strong>some family members. I can't elaborate a whole lot without airing their dirty laundry, but I AM praying for them. </div>
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Also, our lead pastor of 13 years is moving on to other endeavors. Our church is going to be tested a bit through this transitional period. I pray The Lord might continue to use our pastor in his new church, and I pray that He peacefully holds our home church together. I pray the body of our church will see that God is with us, and that He will provide!</div>
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<strong>My favorite moment this week: </strong>I bought the boys a Slip-N-Slide on clearance for $4.50. We're in Florida, so we'll have plenty of time to use and abuse this baby before we get our few weeks of cold weather. The new purchase alone was great, but we placed it at the bottom of the slide and added some cooking oil. THEY WERE FLYING!</div>
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How was your week? You can share at the <a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/category/Journal/">Homeschool Mother's Journal</a> or <a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/">Weekly Wrapup</a> too!<strong><em></em></strong></div>
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Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-52613228458270182482012-10-11T12:52:00.003-07:002012-10-11T13:01:06.062-07:00On this struggling day....Now, I know that you've never had a tough day schooling right? <br />
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<wink><br />
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Me neither.<br />
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I plan my heart out, carefully coordinating which reader goes nicely with our history. <br />
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Then my sweet, literature-hating Thoughtful decides that this book is just too hard! Forgetting the fact that his last three readers were leveled higher, he gave up. <br />
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tears included, free of charge.<br />
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Now, I know that this little story is pulling on your heart strings, and obviously, the Momma should compassionately and patiently help him work through the stumbling block.<br />
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I didn't want to.<br />
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We were barely into our schooling for the day, which began late by the way. As I looked at the clock, yet again, and my schedule, again, Thoughtful caught my eye. He was giving up on himself.<br />
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Fine. <deep sigh><br />
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Let's go for a walk. We have beautiful weather this week, so we might as well soak it up.<br />
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In the first few steps of that walk, I realized that my boy was sinking in his frustration. If I don't tread carefully, he's going to hate reading forever. Worse than that, I see him disappointed in himself, over reading. How dumb is that? Isn't this one of the main reasons that we wanted to home school? So that we could lovingly encourage our children in their studies, those desired and undesired equally? yes! <br />
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OK so, walk finished. All smiles re-entering the house! Yes, we can get back to it.<br />
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Roughly one assignment later, Perfectionist-Spunk's day falls to pieces because he can't draw the perfect grasshopper.<br />
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Oh my word!! Why are my children so dramatic? Everyone went to bed early last night. Nobody has had a behavior-triggering food this morning. What's the deal? Inside, I'm screaming that I just want to throw in the towel for the day!!! My fake smile is plastered on my face, while I explain to Spunk, that we can take a picture of his grasshopper, and he can paste it into his notebook. That is, of course, not the right answer, and tears spring up in his little eyes.<br />
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Lunch time. There are exactly four slices of bread left to fix two sandwiches. One such piece is the end of the loaf. Nobody wants it. In fact, we call it "the butt." Please don't judge, its a twisted family tradition. You know you have them too. Anyway, I make them flip a coin. Spunk wins, Thoughtful's day is ruined all over again.<br />
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After lunch, (we are normally done with assignments before lunch, but on this day, there's plenty left to do), we return to hopefully finish the planned work.<br />
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In this moment, I realize there is no saving the day. I look around, and decide there are still too many books to get to today.<br />
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This stinks!!<br />
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I quit. Not entirely, but no more books. What can we do to save the day? Just read-a-louds may do....no, we're past that point. A HA! A hands-on activity to the rescue!<br />
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So I dug out this 3-D puzzle that I wasn't ever sure we'd really get to, but it fits in with our current dinosaur study.<br />
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I buried some of the pieces in a bucket of dirt.<br />
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Then the kids had to dig them out with pain brushes and play dough forks. No hands aloud. No pulling out the bones until they were completely uncovered. <br />
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They had to work together so they didn't bury each other's found pieces, causing them to start again.<br />
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Then they read the instructions to put the whole thing together.<br />
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VOILA! FUN IN A BOX! And an hour and half killed, smiles return. School is done.<br />
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It almost looks like we had a good day, right?</div>
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What did Momma learn today? Well, I know what I was supposed to learn, but I'm sure to forget tomorrow. The Type-A thing stinks. If another Momma was telling me about this day, I'd tell her to CHILL OUT. Have some peace about your day, and don't sweat the small stuff. Enjoy your time together. </div>
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But me? Not so much. I thoroughly enjoyed our walk and watching my boys work through this activity. But I certainly didn't rejoice in watching my children struggle today.</div>
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What can I do? I will plan, its in my genes. I can't help it. BUT, I can set aside the plans when needed. It'll be okay. I know. I hope that next time, I remember this sooner.</div>
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But oh, how far I've come. I can rejoice in the fact that I showed patience today (even if I didn't feel it). I did not raise my voice. I know you're completely shocked that a mother might have yelled at her children out of frustration before, but I'm guilty. Not this year!</div>
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So, thank you, Lord, for holding me together today. For reminding me of your mercy and patience, that I might reflect your light, and be a better Momma for it!</div>
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<br />Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-38434034584928326062012-10-04T10:19:00.001-07:002012-10-04T10:19:59.682-07:00A week offWe are loosley following the "Sabbath Schooling" this year, and I think that if I followed it more closely, I'd love it.<br />
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Basically, its school 6 weeks, rest a week, as modeled by God's Creation of work 6, rest 1. Taking the time to chill out and not think for a while, resetting our brains, feels good. However, we've been schooling for 10 weeks, and yep, we could've used this break a month ago!! I will change this when I'm planning next year!<br />
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We had some fun together, but I know a planning space when I see one! I used this week to prepare for the next 6. My Type-A-self can't help it. Its a flaw, I know, but I'm a planner.<br />
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I cleaned out spaces in our home, making donations around town between friends and organizations. I deep cleaned those areas that haven't been super-scrubbed since June (you know, on top of the upper cabinets in the kitchen, YUCK!). <br />
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I caught up on work that I was behind on.<br />
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I planned dinners for the next month and a half, including loose grocery lists, so those needed ingredients will all be here, and I can just add to them on a weekly basis. This will be extremely helpful during this busy season of Tae-Kwon-Do belt-test prep and Baseball practices and games.<br />
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And I planned some school! <br />
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Ten weeks in, and I had zero papers pulled for the boys' portfolios and zero pictures printed as I would have liked. So first up, start putting those babies together. I am cropping with an online digital scrapbook company, Heritage Makers, and I couldn't be happier with it! I threw together some field trip pages first. Then, I went through all of those pictures that I take of manipulative-based school stuff. Spunk's <a href="http://ajoyfulmess.blogspot.com/2012/08/school-weeks-1-through-3.html">spider tangram</a>, or the like, can't exactly be inserted into a notebook. Science experiments and any other hands-on object lessons are documented by pictures in our home school.<br />
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Then, I looked at what we'd like to cover during the next 6-week block, and I planned away! Actually, I had already written this out during the summer, before we started school, but we are ahead or behind the original plan, (depending on subject and child), so this needed tweaking. Lesson-learned, only plan the six weeks at a time.<br />
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When this block is up, it'll be the week of Thanksgiving. We will take off from our traditional curricula from that point to News Years. We'll still school, but it'll be fun-filled lapbooks and holiday-themed stuff. We're also looking to try out Life of Fred during our "off" time, and of course, lots of reading!<br />
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What kind of schedule do you follow during the year? What have you found the benefits vs. drawbacks to be? I'm always looking to improve upon our own.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-63702121051416515372012-10-03T17:54:00.000-07:002012-10-03T17:54:08.398-07:00Old Florida Field TripLast week, we visited the Old Florida Historical Museum in St. Augustine, FL. The day was filled with scheduled, lesson-filled events for home schoolers like ourselves. Families were blocked together in order to go through four rotations. These are pages that I created for the boys' school portfolios.<br />
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We started with Archaeology, which included a mock-dig. There are several archaeological sites around St. Augustine, and some of the real artifacts found were at the museum. The children were able to touch and inspect each if they chose to do so. They learned the difference between ecofacts and artifacts. Then each child was assigned a box to work in (as would be the case in a field-grid). They were given the proper tools turned loose to dig. Afterwards, they collected their findings and brought them back to the laboratory to be inspected and documented. These reports came home with us for the History Notebooks!<br />
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Then, we were sent to see Professor Snickelsnort at the pioneer-children's schoolhouse. Here, the children learned how different school was long ago, (not when I was a kid, as Spunk asked). For example, in the early settlements, the only book they had to teach from was The Holy Bible, and The Lord's Prayer was recited daily by the children. They practiced the alphabet and spelling skills by using lacing boards. Boys and girls sat on separate sides of the schoolhouse (this was the most astonishing part to my kids), and teachers were usually retired military men. Field Trip participants each got to write with quills, then go out for some real hard work. They planted beans, pumped water, washed Granny's dress, and ground corn into flour. </div>
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This was my favorite station of the day!</div>
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Next, we went to the Spanish Settlement area of the park. Besides the brief history lesson, the kids spent some time inside of a Spanish house, think box. Basically, its four walls, with a cooking are in the center, and one door. Everyone lived, cooked, ate, slept, and used the potty in the one space! We learned some of the games that the kids played, like pick up sticks and ring toss. We also practiced grinding corn, weaving, drilling, and candle-dipping. </div>
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Last stop, learning about Florida's Native Timuquan Tribe. This was by far, my boys' favorite area of the day! They got tattooed and war-painted, then got their hands on some replicated Timuquan tools, including spears, clubs, and arrow-heads. Then they ran around the re-created outdoor space to play a game, work on hollowing out a log for a canoe, target practice, gardening, and again, grinding the corn. </div>
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If you're ever in the St. Augustine area, I highly recommend touring the Fort Menendez Florida Historical Museum. If you're local, think about the annual Home Schooler's Day! We had a blast!!</div>
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<br />Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-27362580620586352192012-09-30T04:08:00.003-07:002012-09-30T04:17:07.368-07:00Week 10, Sept. 30, 2012<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">In my life this week:</span> Last Sunday, we woke up to find that our pig (being raised for meat), delivered five little piggies. They aren't for keeping! So, the plan is to hang on to Momma-pig until the babies are weaned, then we'll keep one to raise next. The boys are going to sell the other four to add to their savings accounts. (I know how cute this picture appears to you, but the Momma was trapped in the wild, and she's extremely mean. We are not attached.)<br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"> People we're seeing:</span> We had a friend and his one-year old brother over on Monday, to include school time. We did just the most important stuff, and the boys all played hard for the rest of the day. <br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Places we're going:</span> Tuesday, we had a field trip to the Old Florida Historical Museum in St. Augustine, FL, the oldest city in America.<br />
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This is Thoughtful's Native Florida Timuquan Warrior Face.<br />
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And then, Spunk, as the Pioneer child in the Old Schoolhouse.<br />
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Saturday, we had Thoughtful's first baseball game! He was so cute with the jitters in his new uniform. I was terribly nervous for him, but he seemed cool as a cucumber. He's learning the nuances of the game, but he's pretty good. He was at-bat only once, and he had a great hit straight out over first base. He made it to first, and the coach mistakenly told him to keep running to second base. Thoughtful ended up out, but he had brought another kid in for a run. Thoughtful listened well, doing exactly what he was supposed to. His team won!<br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">In our Homeschool this week:</span><br />
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<span style="color: lime;"><strong>In Science:</strong></span> Last week, we studied caves and caverns. Part of that study was about stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. We set up this speleothem on Sunday night, and by Monday morning we had a stalactite. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DIrCv45G3hd0xCjN41ORE29g8PRuLss9qW1JbO_yEqvNJo7cz9gGL7gv5AO2nwE702OwSP51ACr6AgtVOkUmjzc3d9IH1H4Xt2YHqOdk3voKJAVB-anhGKI9rt1PDN9bcyayh6pEcaFc/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DIrCv45G3hd0xCjN41ORE29g8PRuLss9qW1JbO_yEqvNJo7cz9gGL7gv5AO2nwE702OwSP51ACr6AgtVOkUmjzc3d9IH1H4Xt2YHqOdk3voKJAVB-anhGKI9rt1PDN9bcyayh6pEcaFc/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a>By afternoon, a full column appeared. We've watched it all week long, and it appears a little thicker everyday. The kids have been measuring the water level, and ooh-ing and aahh-ing all week.<br />
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This week, we studied volcanoes, and followed up the lesson with the oldie-but-goodie vinegar and baking soda eruption.<br />
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<span style="color: lime;"><strong>In Spanish:</strong></span> We played a Pictionary-style game with the list of words that we've recently learned. The boys against me. It was fun, and I was surprised to see how much they've remembered. We had lots of giggles playing this one and made memories.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: lime;">In Nature Study</span></strong>: We noticed some leaves falling around our neck of the woods. The kids each chose a few, and drew them in their journals. They each wrote an acrostic too! Here is Spunk's journal.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: lime;">Thoughtful is learning to/about</span></strong>: skip counting by 9, verbs, writing a paragraph, and North Carolina. He's also finished Level One in All About Spelling. He read a Magic Tree House book about earthquakes. This is nice since earthquakes are next up in our Science.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: lime;">Spunk is learning to/about:</span></strong> adding by 8, six new digraphs, rhyming words, opposites, and nickels. He read a K12 phonics reader, and a few other books from the library.<br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">My favorite moment this week:</span> Friday, some Mommas from our co-op came over for "planning." We discussed some plans, ate some super yummy food, had homemade pumpkin spice lattes <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4782609813475749137#editor/target=page;pageID=6517350326941090507">(recipe here),</a> and one sweet friend treated us to pedicures!! I was so thankful for the Mom-time, and the love for my feet! <br />
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<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm praying about</span>:</span> a friend who has much strife in her marriage right now.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime;">What's working for us</span>:</span> sticking to our routine when possible.<br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">What's not working for us</span>: too much running around, keeping us away from home. I also need a better plan for Bible teaching for the kids. I'd like something more than just our devotional time.<br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">I'm desiring:</span> Story of The World. I know that we don't need it, but I desperately want to give it a try. I do wish that it was in the budget. I really, really need to get over it!<br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Coming up next</span>: We are taking off this week from school. I'm hoping to each day wisely to catch up, prepare and plan, clean out, and just refresh before starting the next six weeks. I want to get all of those little things done, that I never seem to have time for. We also have another field trip!<br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">I'm grateful for:</span> date night with Hubs! It's a rare occasion for us that someone keeps our kiddos, especially over night. We didn't know what to do, and neither of us were hungry. We went shopping, picked up breadsticks and chicken wings, and came home early to just hang out and be together.<br />
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How was your week? You can link up at <a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/">Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers </a> .</div>
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Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-52866270950417880782012-09-23T10:44:00.002-07:002012-09-23T18:39:04.065-07:00I didn't know this<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's another Pinterest find (my super friend found and shared with me)!</div>
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I had no idea that a standard wide-mouthed mason jar will fit a standard blender attachment. But it does! So now, my smoothies require no blender and cup to wash, just the one jar. Yay!</div>
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Bonus!! Since we all like different flavors in our family, our milkshake nights will be way easier!! </div>
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Everyone can prepare his/her own, attach the screw-on blade, and blend.</div>
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Remove blade, and drink from the jar. I've tried all sizes of my jars here at home, and they all fit!<br />
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Happy Blending!</div>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-72522848564250726042012-09-22T05:38:00.000-07:002012-09-23T10:40:05.519-07:00I saw this thing on Pinterest.....<div style="text-align: center;">
I believe the phrase of the decade is going to be "I saw this thing on Pinterest...." </div>
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Wow, I wish I'd invented such a simple website!</div>
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Crafters, Mommas, Homeschoolers, Teachers, Gifters, Athletes, Bakers, Fashionistas, Brides, Mommas-To-Be, Party-Coordinators and so many more are flocking to the popular website for ideas.</div>
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I do know a few holdouts who refuse to join the site, but really, who hasn't heard of Pinterest?</div>
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My kids even ask if I can check Pinterest for ideas.</div>
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So, I saw this thing on Pinterest, and its turned out to be so practical, I wanted to share it.</div>
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Dry erase marker erasers.</div>
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Hot glue craft poms onto the ends of the markers, and</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Voila!</span> </h2>
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You always have an eraser! </div>
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Yes, we have traditional erasers too, but how inconvenient is it to use the corner of the eraser to remove one letter of a paragraph? ;) </div>
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Or, a greasy finger, as is usually the case in our school room?</div>
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The silliest little things bother me, I know you're laughing at me. It's okay, I laugh too.</div>
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But we love this remedy, and I hope you do too!</div>
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Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-25768696695926534452012-09-21T05:17:00.001-07:002012-09-22T04:52:38.172-07:00Week 9, September 21,2012What did we do this week? Let's just say it was a much better week than last! I'll just get started:<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><strong>In my life this week:</strong></span><br />
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Last weekend, I made a simple, but yummy cake. Marble cake, chocolate filling, buttercream icing. What's not to love?<br />
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The boys discovered wind resistance with a grocery bag, which led to tying many bags together. That led to me bribing them with garbage bags, which kept them busy ALL DAY LONG! These parachutes later became gi-normous water balloons to be thrown from the top of the play set. Genious, right?<br />
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I've officially started the Couch to 5K program to get my behind running again. The first two runs were tough, but the third was surprisingly easy. <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml">Here's a link</a> to what I'm using to help me stay injury-free. Bring on Week 2!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><strong>What I'm cooking:</strong></span> Chicken mostly. <br />
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I made a fabulous whole wheat pizza dough this week. It goes like this: <br />
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2 teaspoons honey, 1 1/2 cups warm water (107°-110°F), 1 packet of active dry yeast (or 1 Tbs), 1 Tbs olive oil, 2 tsp salt, 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, oregano or other Italian seasonings you like, 1/2 tsp garlic powder.<br />
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Pour hot water into large bowl, and mix honey in to melt and dissolve completely. Sprinkle yeast over top of the water, and let sit about 10 minutes, until foamy (we call it happy). Add olive oil and salt, gently mixing - you don't want to kill the yeast so no beating. Begin adding flour, about a cup at a time, gently turning over until most of the flour is mixed in. Sprinkle hard surface with flour and begin kneading flour into the dough. Knead for about 10 minutes, add in seasonings and garlic powder by sprinkling a little at a time, constantly folding them into the dough. Oil a bowl, coat dough ball with a light layer of oil, cover with a clean dish towel, and let rise in a warm dark place for about an hour, (I set ours on top of the dryer and let the dryer run for about 20 minutes, but let it sit for the whole hour). Uncover, dough should've risen to about twice its original size. Punch down, and knead for a minute, and its ready to use! Spread out dough, on a cookie sheet, bake at 450°F for 8-10 minutes. Remove, top with your favorite toppings, sauce and cheese, and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is all gooey and melty - Yum! Pizza is one my kiddos favorite things to make. This dough refrigerates wells too.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">I'm thankful for:</span></strong> My parents who keep worrying about me. I don't know what its like to have adult children, but I can't imagine that I'll ever stop worrying over Spunk and Thoughtful. My parents keep sending me work to do, (family business), when they could do some of it themselves, graciously extending me a way to earn my keep. I also linked up to a <a href="http://ajoyfulmess.blogspot.com/2012/09/thankful-thursday-92012.html">Thankful Thursday this week</a>.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Places we're going, and people we're seeing:</span></strong><br />
We had lunch with my parents this week, which we haven't been able to do in a few weeks. Afterwards, they took us next door to a used bookstore, which is going out of business and bought us a handful of readers. The boys got in the car, and promptly began reading. YES!! Another little stepping stone for this family....I just might have readers on my hands afterall!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><strong>At home:</strong></span><br />
We're rearranging our school room. It seems that we'd like a little more floor space to spread out from time to time, but our table sticking out is preventing that. I didn't have enough room to just turn the table sideways, so a whole switching around was in order.<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><strong>In our homeschool this week:</strong></span><br />
<strong>Thoughtful:</strong> <br />
Math: Pre-algebra. Well, that's how I see it anyway. He's solving for the unknown, in Math-U-See, Gamma level. X5=30. He picked it up so quickly, missing zero on his worksheets and test!<br />
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<strong>Spelling:</strong> We have 2 lessons left in Level 1 with All About Spelling. We don't use this program everyday, so it is taking a while.<br />
<strong>Nature Journal</strong>: Squirrels. This child belongs outside! He loves the dirt, loves discovering little parasitic creatures inside of a newly found acorn, and he squirrel hunts in our neck of the woods. Yes, I know. Please understand that 50 years ago, many, MANY people squirrel hunted for their food. Anyway, lately, he's just been sitting watching them leap from tree to tree. Watching them with fascination as they bury acorns away for the upcoming cold season. So he drew a scene in his journal, then I asked him to label it. We found a picture online, printed it, and pasted it in his journal. I asked him to write what he knew about squirrels from watching them. Then we found library books, and I asked him to write something new that he learned from the books. I honestly expected a list of facts. That would be enough productive writing from Thoughtful. However, he surprised me with sentences, mostly written in his own words. SENTENCES! There was no complaining about writing. There are a lot of mis-spelled words here, but really, I don't care. He's writing, and he's enjoying it! He's talking about what else he can add in, and what critters he might like to write about next.<br />
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<strong>Language Arts:</strong> He wrote the sweetest friendly letter to Gramom and Pop. I forgot to keep a copy of it, but I'll snatch it away when she gets it in the mail. He also had a lesson in following directions and created an elaborate paper airplane. Language Arts is just torture, I tell ya! And he learned what a verb is. Tough stuff.<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><strong>Spunk:</strong></span><br />
<strong>Math:</strong> Adding by 9's. He's learning by seeing that every 9 wants to be a 10. So the 9's keep stealing 1 unit from their friends. 9+4 is seen as 9 takes 1 from his friend, the 4. Now we have 1 ten, and 3 units, or 13. It just makes perfect sense. He's calculating very quickly, rather than memorizing and regurgitating facts.<br />
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Did I mention that I love Math-U-See? You can click<a href="http://www.mathusee.com/about-us/demonstration-video/"> this link</a> to the curriculum website, to see what all the fuss is about. I, in no way, am compensated for any kinds of reviews. We just love it, that's all!<br />
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<strong>Phonics and Reading:</strong> I haven't looked at my teacher manual in 2 weeks. I'm just letting him read whatever he wants, and we're going over digraphs daily, adding in 1 to 2 new sounds a day. Reading is his niche, so we're going at his pace.<br />
Language: Complete sentences. He's learning to pick out complete sentences. He's written a few, but for the most part, his hand tires quickly. He always wants to push on though. I'm so proud of his diligence.<br />
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<strong>Nature Journal:</strong> Spunk loves frogs and toads. He drew a bull frog in his journal one day, with a full pond scene. Then, we found library books. He found the life cycle of a frog (which we've observed in the past, and I'm sure we'll have to do it again soon), and drew it in his journal. He also drew pictures of predators and prey of the bull frog. And look at his facts, "Some frogs are big. Some frogs are small." Cute!<br />
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<strong>Money:</strong> I bought a Counting Coins workbook from Kumon. <br />
Right now, he's counting pennies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EmhRxRh-gE31r9m84VoCj_IbgdXtZO_0RAjuJS3gWgappjmtos61i0uqoinmRNnZRt03Kw4mdy_uwGVzCUnPSIRLH7-d1Ig8N6nK9e3r8bIJWzmiUtGzu1QVCLuet74W_8vdLaZZQP-_/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EmhRxRh-gE31r9m84VoCj_IbgdXtZO_0RAjuJS3gWgappjmtos61i0uqoinmRNnZRt03Kw4mdy_uwGVzCUnPSIRLH7-d1Ig8N6nK9e3r8bIJWzmiUtGzu1QVCLuet74W_8vdLaZZQP-_/s320/012.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hDxKzjenDhX6k1mETKYDY8sKpajZ1FEpTiRlahrqmJ9d1nZC2Uz2F1LhhWwV0oGb_T2a98pIHBu8oYtMY2cInSiYSp9U3IfxEI3xhOptSfStH9Ks-tsvk244jyzL2nVu-5if5Ag1PSyh/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hDxKzjenDhX6k1mETKYDY8sKpajZ1FEpTiRlahrqmJ9d1nZC2Uz2F1LhhWwV0oGb_T2a98pIHBu8oYtMY2cInSiYSp9U3IfxEI3xhOptSfStH9Ks-tsvk244jyzL2nVu-5if5Ag1PSyh/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<strong>In Science</strong>: We learned about caves, with emphasis on caverns. The kids learned all about stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. I got to teach the 3rd and 4th grade class at Co-op. We reviewed what was covered at home, watched a very quick <a href="http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/visualizations/es1405/es1405page01.cfm?chapter_no=visualization">animated cave formation video.</a> And last, we made cave models. <br />
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Materials: a piece of clear, flat glass (I bought picture frames from the local dollar store and removed the backs), sugar cubes, spray bottle, food coloring, toothpicks, and modeling clay.<br />
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The kids each used 5-7 sugar cubes to build an area of limerock, pressed up against the glass so they can view the formation. The cubes must touch each other, and the glass. They each flattened a piece of modeling clay (a rolling pin helps), and covered their cubes with the clay. Next, they poked holes in the clay to create fissures in the harder "rock." Last, I added food coloring to the water bottle, and the kids sprayed the tops of their models, watching the rain water seep through the fissures, dissolving the sugar cubes, limerock, and leaving a cavern.<br />
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Then they completed notebook pages showing the steps taken to create their models, and answered questions as to what happened and what each material represented. I think it was a success.<br />
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<strong>At P.E.,</strong> they learned about fencing. They used foam swords, dipped in red paint, and fenced for 1 minute sessions. Most of the kids loved it! It was an active, educational exercise, and both of mine had a ball! They asked to continue fencing when P.E. was over.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXKmYVqoq8kUYL_vFB_-Lzg2lmPPI-IpvsmHFcexcer_3213w4UIvxb19WOGci32M-zCtKbhrSVkm8g5_s0aVx7r2UTqi4_1uNOG3v5S1jFRC5FUaAt8nrYWOdxjLv0ZHNFUHp64bJysR/s1600/thCAZC13NP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXKmYVqoq8kUYL_vFB_-Lzg2lmPPI-IpvsmHFcexcer_3213w4UIvxb19WOGci32M-zCtKbhrSVkm8g5_s0aVx7r2UTqi4_1uNOG3v5S1jFRC5FUaAt8nrYWOdxjLv0ZHNFUHp64bJysR/s1600/thCAZC13NP.jpg" /></a><br />
<strong>In art class</strong>, we didn't get to bring anything home. Students began working with clay this week, learning about Haniwa, or Ancient Japanese, horse-shaped tomb markers, and building their own horses. They'll continue this project during next week's class. This is an image found online, that they're using as their inspiration.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">I final thought, quote, or photo:</span></strong><br />
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School at the park!<br />
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We met some friends at the park, encouraging all of the children along in their work, so they could play with their friends. These are my favorite days!<br />
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This week, I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/category/journal/">Homeschool Mother's Journal</a> and <a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/">Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.</a> Clink the links to see others' weeks.<br />
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<br />Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-26031695211763705702012-09-20T08:02:00.000-07:002012-09-24T04:46:40.016-07:00Thankful Thursday, 9/20/12<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.firstdayofmylife.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="ThankfulThursday" src="http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab312/babypickel/ThankfulThursday.png" /></a><br />
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I AM THANKFUL!!!<br />
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For Hubs, who reminds me that I shouldn't worry what other people think. He is the perfect laid back ying to my uptight yang. or something like that. For his constant putting up with me and loving me when I'm being a brat. For his fixing supper last night when I didn't want to. For his hard work. I am thankful for him.<br />
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For Thoughtful, who gets a little crazy in public and reminds me to practice patience. For his sweet heart that will melt anyone into a puddle of nothing, especially when he takes a toddler by the hands to help them up, or down, or just to walk with them. Not many 8 year old boys are willing to do that, and my Thoughtful loves it. I am thankful for him.<br />
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For Spunk, who keeps me on my toes with his witty banter. For his enthusiasm to always learn more, even when I want him to stop. For his dramatic ups and downs, and for his always silly comments and questions.<br />
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For our freedom to home school, especially days like today. When Spunk has drawn the life cycle of a frog and Thoughtful has written a friendly letter. Real life stuff to be learned in this house!<br />
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I'm thankful for the ability to drop what we're doing to have lunch with my parents. And if we get no other school done than what I've already mentioned, then great. Its okay. But the boys are already planning to bring their frog and squirrel books for the car ride to town, for which I'm thankful.<br />
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For friends, who check on me and love me. For those special friends who encourage me along the way of life. For those special ladies who tell me things like, "you have more people who love you than complain to you." Oh Thank you!!<br />
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For my Heavenly Father, My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom without I would be nothing but an undeserving, narcissistic, ugly person. Oh yea, I am! But I'm thankful for His constant mercy and grace, to always take away a little bit of that ugly, and always replace it with a little more of one of His beautiful gifts. For His always knowing what I need, and for his forever understanding of who I am. And for preparing a place for me to meet Him!</div>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-60118723095328320372012-09-17T06:42:00.001-07:002012-09-17T06:42:51.703-07:00Smoothies, yum!I'm doing this diet thing, and well, I know the negative connotation associated with "diet" might immediately turn you off. BUT WAIT, its good, I promise!<br />
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I am the first person to say, "I like food." I actually LOVE food. I love that events revolve around food. I love good for me food, and bad for me food, equally. But I don't love the added pounds.<br />
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I am also the first person to say, "I don't want to drink my meals." I'm not into weight-loss shakes, or protein packed, meal-replacers. I want to eat, ya'll!<br />
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Enter the smoothie. <br />
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I have been making my own breakfast smoothies for 2 weeks. The basic recipe goes like this:<br />
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1 cup of frozen fruit<br />
1 cup of another frozen fruit<br />
1 cup of fresh fruit (or frozen if you like it really thick and icy)<br />
1/2 cup fat free, plain Greek yogurt - Oikos and Chobani are my favs.<br />
1/2 cup fat free, plain, unsweetened Almond Milk <br />
2 cups fresh spinach leaves<br />
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Blend well. Yum! Here are my favorite combinations:<br />
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(1) <br />
1 sliced banana, frozen<br />
1 cup of frozen blueberries<br />
1 cup of frozen strawberries<br />
yogurt, almond milk, spinach, blend.<br />
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(2)<br />
1 cubed peach, frozen<br />
1 cup of fresh pineapple chucks, frozen<br />
1 banana sliced, frozen<br />
yogurt, almond milk, spinach, blend. This one is tropical, for something different.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-10852955590946677802012-09-15T05:00:00.000-07:002012-09-15T05:09:57.434-07:00Week 8, September 15, 2012Oh my STARS! Can I call it "Week 8" if we only formally schooled for 2 days? This was the busiest week, EVER! Here's what we're up to:<br />
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In my life this week:<br />
I'm down another 3 pounds, total of 6 - woo hoo! I'm looking to get back to running, and I'm feeling great. (although tired with the busy season we're in)<br />
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I'm reading: Running stuff and The 5 Love Languages with Hubs.<br />
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I'm cooking: chicken, salad, smoothies...again. This weekend, I'm hoping to make some whole wheat, low cal pizza dough to put up in the freezer, I'll let you know! Also, I'm really craving some orange chicken, so I'm going to try to lighten that up.<br />
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I'm praying for: strained marriages for some of my loved ones, a friend's mom with cancer, and Hubs, who's currently trying to quit a nasty tobacco habit of his.<br />
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I'm thankful for:<br />
Work! What can I say? Our family real estate business has lots of it right now! We've seen the lows and the highs, and I've learned to appreciate the highs. I'm so thankful for the extra income, even when its difficult for us to do it all.<br />
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In our homeschool this week:<br />
We actually schooled, workboxes and all, on Monday and Tuesday. Here's a little of what we accomplished. The other days, not so much.<br />
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Thoughtful is working on Georgia, in his state study. </div>
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Spunk is working on "Solving for the unknown" in Math. He totally gets this, when reading word problems, and when asked the questions. He doesn't get it when he sees the math problems written on the page. He sees 6+?=8, and proceeds to add 6 and 8 together.</div>
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Other than actual schooling, we did this other stuff:</div>
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Caught and released a neurotic squirrel.</div>
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Check out what came out of art class this week!! Cave paintings replicated with charcoal sketches. We're going to frame these for their outdoorsey-themed bedroom.</div>
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We visited Daddy's job site. Watching the trucks and tractors come and go, dump, swing, etc., was so cool for the boys to see. I always find it a plus when children get to see what their parents do at work. This is going to be a new medical center in our county.</div>
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We also finished reading Charlotte's Web, which we all absolutely loved!! So we had to watch the movie of course. It was a hit all around, and the boys are sad its over. Hopefully, our next read aloud will be just as fun!</div>
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At co-op this week: Spunk's class found different locations where the continents may have fit together, with the theory of Pangea. Honestly, I remember learning this in school as a kid too. But I never thought to check it with the Bible. It turns out that Genesis does, in fact, leave room for the thought that Pangea possibly existed. We don't know, but its possible, and this is how we taught the kiddos.</div>
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Then, they did this awesome hands-on activity to see how it may have worked. See those green Lego plates? Those would be tectonic plates. See how they're all together? That's Pangea. The children in our K-2 class then added features to the continents. Animal fossils, human remains, gemstones, fruit trees, other plants, volcanoes, and so much more. </div>
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Then they pretended there was a flood, a Great Flood, as in Noah's days. The continents drifted apart. The waters receded, and the explorers set sail. Little men in Lego boats traveled the world and discovered some of the same fossils along the coastlines of different continents. AMAZING! Kudos to the wonderful Momma that planned this activity!</div>
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And then, hurdles!</div>
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This was the lower level, everyone did it without too much difficulty. Very cute!</div>
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The higher level, however, was challenging, but fun too! Here's Spunk trying the 2-footed approach. It was a crash. </div>
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Thursday, the kids both went to friends homes while Momma attended a continuing education seminar for credit hours. </div>
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Friday, we attended a pinning ceremony for my brother, the newly recognized </div>
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United States Navy Chief!</div>
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We are blessed to have him stationed here, where his family is. Here, he is, being pinned by his wife, daughter, and our parents.</div>
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And then "covered" by his commanding officer, someone of importance to him.</div>
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Ah, there he is, Chief!</div>
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And our very proud Daddy!</div>
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This was a sweet, tearful, emotional ceremony, which I'm so thankful to have witnessed. Our chests swelled with pride for not only my brother, for the other Chief Selects, for the entire Navy, and other branches of military service, and for our Country. Hearing the national anthem sung, the invocation asking God to protect these men and women and thanking Him for allowing us to serve Him (a shocking and humbling moment all at once), the ringing bell, and the Sideboys' whistle as the chiefs were presented, oh man, it was all so awesome!</div>
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And truly, I think my boys learned this week. </div>
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A quote to share this week: </div>
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<em>By day the Lord directs His Love, </em></div>
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<em>at night His song is with me -</em></div>
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<em> - a prayer to the God of my life.</em></div>
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Psalm 43:8</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaFpGrt8x1FDrS7y2VaTsMS9a81zLwhoUSCCVdmI4azOzPnA7yDQKY0Eo24DSjpxUW9_hokpYyKLsH5kUXv8LA8HhK-YKhpnu57Rme5JyMKEuOv4BR3QyoAsPyAPIPLRcc0a7jepQMyUN/s1600/MothersJournalIHN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaFpGrt8x1FDrS7y2VaTsMS9a81zLwhoUSCCVdmI4azOzPnA7yDQKY0Eo24DSjpxUW9_hokpYyKLsH5kUXv8LA8HhK-YKhpnu57Rme5JyMKEuOv4BR3QyoAsPyAPIPLRcc0a7jepQMyUN/s200/MothersJournalIHN.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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I'm linking up to <a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/">Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers</a> and The <a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/category/journal/">Homeschool Mothers Journal</a> where you can read how other homeschooling families' weeks went.</div>
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Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-23303346335318680452012-09-15T03:50:00.000-07:002012-09-15T03:50:18.732-07:002 weeks into "The Challenge"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQrI2j5Q_1P-bO-En-OFVSMX3sDEqxinZhqfbC_0Xgl9cEum3kRtgzzC8bXZaFfMsBv0Qquo6ZbySuoZz5k9jBCk54sbDLSKlX9RrGpOdTQNGrq6Qfl2g6GHza7ntR-P87VarnG-OUmXp/s1600/scale.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQrI2j5Q_1P-bO-En-OFVSMX3sDEqxinZhqfbC_0Xgl9cEum3kRtgzzC8bXZaFfMsBv0Qquo6ZbySuoZz5k9jBCk54sbDLSKlX9RrGpOdTQNGrq6Qfl2g6GHza7ntR-P87VarnG-OUmXp/s1600/scale.png" /></a></div>
OK, so, I invented my own 30 day challenge, without a weight loss goal in mind, but only rules to follow, as outlined <a href="http://ajoyfulmess.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-next-30-days.html">here,</a> I was in a desperate state of "I'm a big fatty."<br />
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This week's fails: <br />
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I had a cookie. I know what you're thinking, "a cookie, big deal, Donna." But see, that's why I created these rules. I need black and white. I later found that the cookie was a whopping 57 calories!!! I could've created a much more substantial snack had I chosen a piece of fruit or veggie. <br />
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I also had a slice of pizza. I was hungry, it was there, smelling all gooey and doughy. My mouth watered, and I caved.<br />
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And then there's last weekend. I went crazy. I weighed myself, lost weight during the week, then lost my mind, eating cake, pizza, bread sticks, etc. blah. I vowed to not do it again.<br />
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This week's successes:<br />
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I'M DOWN ANOTHER 3 POUNDS (6 TOTAL)!!!!!!!! Wooooo-hooooooooooo! This makes me realize that I CAN have a treat with my family, and not go overboard. And I can still lose.<br />
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I'm inspired to get back to running. Yes! I'm ready to go, I do need some new shoes and a watch, but I'm going to start this weekend using what I have.<br />
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Our week was crazy busy and I didn't hit the drive thru, not even once. We did stop for Chick Fil A once (dining inside), and I had a salad with water. No lemonade, no chicken sandwich, no waffle fries. I should be shot for this one.<br />
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I made several good food choices this week when I didn't have to, particularly noteworthy I sat in a seminar one day for work. We never look forward to the seminar, but the spread they serve for lunch is always the highlight of the day. Cheesy, marinara pasta, pizza, tiramisu, turtle cheesecake, basically lots of calories!! I chose wisely, with salad, grilled veggies, and chicken breast. Go me!<br />
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I also found time to walk while my boys were participating in sports and group activities.<br />
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The bottom line...........down 3 pounds & more successes than failures. I'm a happy girl!Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-85701114185400410802012-09-08T19:42:00.001-07:002012-09-09T03:38:27.134-07:00Week 7, September 7, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaFpGrt8x1FDrS7y2VaTsMS9a81zLwhoUSCCVdmI4azOzPnA7yDQKY0Eo24DSjpxUW9_hokpYyKLsH5kUXv8LA8HhK-YKhpnu57Rme5JyMKEuOv4BR3QyoAsPyAPIPLRcc0a7jepQMyUN/s1600/MothersJournalIHN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaFpGrt8x1FDrS7y2VaTsMS9a81zLwhoUSCCVdmI4azOzPnA7yDQKY0Eo24DSjpxUW9_hokpYyKLsH5kUXv8LA8HhK-YKhpnu57Rme5JyMKEuOv4BR3QyoAsPyAPIPLRcc0a7jepQMyUN/s200/MothersJournalIHN.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2L84tTx4F_KzfSz1ex_ZhQM295GbfA-vH4rl0cvFpRMAD5fQfjBdVG7J_ywX_B4AbUm_NzGhuJF6JsMxkYbidMjLVfzTa4FULBkdXw21htIZsmvgfj2Q7ybcJeXeJSqdcFB7Knsos9gs/s1600/weeklywrapup300.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2L84tTx4F_KzfSz1ex_ZhQM295GbfA-vH4rl0cvFpRMAD5fQfjBdVG7J_ywX_B4AbUm_NzGhuJF6JsMxkYbidMjLVfzTa4FULBkdXw21htIZsmvgfj2Q7ybcJeXeJSqdcFB7Knsos9gs/s1600/weeklywrapup300.png" /></a>OK, we could've used a nice break right about now. I'm going to have to re-think our out-and-about schedule before baseball practices and games start up for Thoughtful.</div>
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<strong>In my life this week:</strong> I'm trying to get healthy. Yep, it stinks. I want to feel better, but I want to lose about 20 pounds. As it turns out, I can't eat whatever I want and be trim and healthy. This is a shocking admission, just so you know. I've written about this <a href="http://ajoyfulmess.blogspot.com/2012/09/im-not-on-diet.html">here</a>.<br />
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I'm super excited to start digital scrapbooking! The irony here is that I have this new great club membership and hardly any pictures taken this week. I'm learning how to crop using Heritage Makers, and I know its going to be so much fun! I hope to download some pages once I get moving along.<br />
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I've had so much work to do this week! It is a blessing for sure, but Momma is busy!<br />
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<strong>In our Homeschool this week:</strong> <br />
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<strong>Thoughtful:</strong><br />
Math: worked on his X5's all week. He says he knows them, but I still see him skip counting to get answers. I don't think I'm gonna let him move forward yet.<br />
Language: He learned what an adjective is. Somehow, this helped him pick out nouns. He also practiced writing a few sentences in paragraph form WITHOUT TEARS YA'LL! We're also practicing contractions with a homemade memory game.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHanvg2nUfv-Q_tnGr0RTQgMQBfigDjXEdI-_TFUaxUTugUUlzgCDyCngnrkwK4xIMwgCpi0N-jaa9ASPJNVBMzR8B-cRZ6qzKOHYsF2G01H7N4APz2i2-hR1XRnV-YuuNQf22t8c3cuau/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHanvg2nUfv-Q_tnGr0RTQgMQBfigDjXEdI-_TFUaxUTugUUlzgCDyCngnrkwK4xIMwgCpi0N-jaa9ASPJNVBMzR8B-cRZ6qzKOHYsF2G01H7N4APz2i2-hR1XRnV-YuuNQf22t8c3cuau/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a>Spelling: We're still on level 1 with All About Spelling, but we've made it through step 18.<br />
Reading: <strong>He's been reading like crazy!</strong> I don't know what exactly happened, but I keep catching him reading....in his free time, in the car, before bed. A little extra praise seems to have made his confidence soar!<br />
Mapping: He created a map of his own town, named after himself, with its own legend. <br />
States: He finished up Florida and is starting Georgia. He's been through the entire SE region now! Now, we can begin playing some of those state- and-capitals games I've had stashed away.<br />
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<strong>Spunk:</strong><br />
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Math: bar graphs, solving for the unknown, basic addition, and word problems. I'm giving him Tangrams to work with for spatial practice.<br />
Language: beginning sentences with capital letters and ending with periods.<br />
Phonics & Reading: He asked for a spelling list, and did great. We worked on 6 digraphs this week. I'm going to double up his phonics lessons to catch up to his reading. Or throw out the teacher's manual altogether, and just teach the sounds as they come up in his books. He's reading far passed what his phonics skills are. He can read the words in context, but doesn't know what the individual sounds "say." The bottom line is that I don't want to squelch his desire to keep reading, so all of his books are at his disposal.<br />
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Science: Spunk did a wonderful lapbook in his class at Co-op this week, and Thoughtful played a Jeopardy-like game with his group. We're in a review week, so these ideas were great! They seemed to both have a fun day. Now, we're moving on to Tectonic plates and the Theory of Pangea.<br />
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History: We started an archeology study. FINALLY! I've been trying to get to this one for two weeks now. This weekend we'll get to the first hands-on stuff........our favorite!<br />
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Bible: Just pushing through our devotionals. I'd like to start some kind of units to study. Your suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated!<br />
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We read a book about Labor Day, and learned about how 11 year old kids used to work in coal mines for pennies a week. We also learned a few other facts about Labor Day that we could've lived without, (I'm NOT going political here).<br />
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<strong>Places we're going and people we're seeing:</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVeOpWeyJvuYXCcnTvil2pGYgQEyBK0UaRzScC-iumqFPd5lC4HrEdw7DdxVyq-cqAku1HNhGOoCZ4v9L9mO-R0fYvDoo68_v983qoQuoPBpGG1HzVO3_aoeqS_QxB4HK8EbKSKFRbOnE/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVeOpWeyJvuYXCcnTvil2pGYgQEyBK0UaRzScC-iumqFPd5lC4HrEdw7DdxVyq-cqAku1HNhGOoCZ4v9L9mO-R0fYvDoo68_v983qoQuoPBpGG1HzVO3_aoeqS_QxB4HK8EbKSKFRbOnE/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last weekend we enjoyed having a friend over for just a short playdate. This is what my little engineers put together. Waterhose + playset slide + 2 boogie boards + a sloping yard = FUN!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozh5-A7H6TYAe-pndxLNuCEsaLZLUkh8yl11wQqLH4T7ZWoIcgj_b0JMJvB9YHylec-F5OaM8d_aNJFZft_upj_00GCBwUVxQDJdVZxozuo2B3CNAOH_oRkgi_ZifdXq1_q3B4L3ROPP7/s1600/Scan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozh5-A7H6TYAe-pndxLNuCEsaLZLUkh8yl11wQqLH4T7ZWoIcgj_b0JMJvB9YHylec-F5OaM8d_aNJFZft_upj_00GCBwUVxQDJdVZxozuo2B3CNAOH_oRkgi_ZifdXq1_q3B4L3ROPP7/s320/Scan.jpg" width="320" /></a>We rejoined park day, and we had our first formal art class. The latter part is super exciting! The kids are getting true lessons in artistic drawing and painting with a class of other homeschoolers. This week, they viewed and replicated cave paintings. The teacher taught them how to properly hold their "sketching tools" (markers), which was nothing like holding a pencil to write. Think claw.<br />
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Thoughtful had his first piano lesson since taking a summertime break. He jumped right back in, and didn't have to move backwards in his book. His teacher and I were pleasantly surprised. He's just happy to have something new to practice.<br />
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I got to make a cute garden-inspired cake for a sweet girl's third birthday party. What girl doesn't like a double chocolate cake with strawberry/choc. filling??<br />
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<strong>What's working for us:</strong><br />
An accountability system using stones and jars, which I stole from a friend. I've heard of the same using tickets or beans, etc. I'd like to post separately on this soon.<br />
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<strong>What's not working for us:</strong><br />
Spanish - I keep forgetting about it. I need a more formal plan I think. I would love a class for this, but I don't think that we could squeeze another thing in if we tried!!<br />
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<strong>What I'm reading:</strong><br />
Hubs and I just started a study with The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman. I was wrong about my own love language. Hubs and I obviously relate differently; however, we both answered correctly about each others'. That's gotta be good right? We haven't made it 15 years for nothing, people! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMqSPzaBbGbWGp9QWSLnDrXE1fS5YINwiWEVrBis-Y1qejy5JhT9f_hmATb3j8cfAK6ZIikR0Nd2rCkzNp_0BRJjwouK9nh-fa5U5M2wMezRShuGvkI5Ev9i_NAtdjV7QpXKPe0V-2Sw0/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMqSPzaBbGbWGp9QWSLnDrXE1fS5YINwiWEVrBis-Y1qejy5JhT9f_hmATb3j8cfAK6ZIikR0Nd2rCkzNp_0BRJjwouK9nh-fa5U5M2wMezRShuGvkI5Ev9i_NAtdjV7QpXKPe0V-2Sw0/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a><strong>I'm cooking:</strong><br />
Lots of smoothies and salads for myself. I'm trying to stick with leaner dinners, skipping the starch portion, and loading up on veggies. Yep, the diet. I did make pudding pops with some sugar free/fat free Jello-O mix. I don't think this qualifies as "cooking" though.<br />
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<strong>What I'm praying about:</strong><br />
Peace and patience.....for myself, for my children, for my husband. All to often, I pray about so many other people that I know who need it, cancer-victims, friends in financial distress, broken marriages, etc., but this week, I'm focusing on us. That's right, my household. The Lord has been pushing me this way, and truthfully, it felt a little selfish in the beginning. But now, I realize that my family needs prayer just as much as the next.<br />
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<strong>A quote to share:</strong><br />
This one is from Spunk, "Momma, Who was the first Native American?" <br />
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Have fun coming up with the appropriate answer!<br />
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This week, I'm linking up with Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers' <a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/">Weekly Wrapup</a> and I Homeschool Network's <a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/category/journal/">The Homeschool Mother's Journal.</a> Click the links to read about others' weeks! Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-69579199571511582002012-09-08T04:45:00.000-07:002012-09-08T04:45:09.680-07:00I'm not on a diet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here's my first update about my very own 30 day challenge. If you haven't already, you may want to read what I've previously posted <a href="http://ajoyfulmess.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-next-30-days.html">here.</a><br />
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The American Heritage Dictionary, Third Edition, defines the term <em>diet</em> as <br />
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<em>1. One's usual food or drink. 2. A regulated selection of foods, esp. as prescribed for medical reasons.</em><br />
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Hmmm, How is it that we've turned a nonobligatory word into something so negative? We're always "on a diet." Its just not usually the healthier diet that people think of when they hear the word. <br />
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I've written this in journal form over the last week. Happy reading!<br />
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Day 1, Saturday: I'm thrilled to jump in feet first! I spent $65 on produce and smoothie fixin's last night. I've dusted the food scale. I'm chopping and cutting and cooking. I've ordered the Food Saver accessories required to do<a href="http://www.bigredkitchen.com/2011/07/how-to-make-mason-jar-meals-part-1/"> this</a> but I have to wait for them to ship from Amazon. I walked as fast as I could, as in I could've been in the walking Olympics, (which is hilarious by the way, but I digress), in the heat of the day, 2.5 miles. I did pilates for 30 minutes at night. I tracked EVERY morsel of food that touched my tongue. Negative: My family asked me to make cupcakes. Positive: I said "not today." I also didn't have any belly aches today for the first time in as long as I can remember.<br />
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Day 2, Sunday: I planned for my breakfast smoothie and froze most of the fruit overnight. I doubled the Greek yogurt to 1/2 cup, and made a delicious cup of thick creaminess. Go me! But I'm afraid that I'm eating too early, and I just hate when my belly growls during the church sermon.<br />
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At church: Ut-oh! I saw a lady who recently posted on Facebook about her trip to Olive Garden. This causes me to crave garlic Parmesan bread sticks. Curse your food posts, people!<br />
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Also, Hubs said we need to go to Firehouse Subs for lunch immediately after church. If you aren't familiar, Firehouse has the best hot subs in the history of creation. They steam my favorite sandwich into melty provolone with smoky peppered-turkey and sweet-honey-ham goodness. "What? I can't eat anything there!" I'm starving!! I begin to panic. We go in, I SEE SALAD!! YAY! How sad that I didn't even know they carried salad.<br />
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Day 3, Monday: I told myself that I'm finished feeling sorry for myself. My body feels really good which is somewhat motivating. I CAN eat the biscuits my family requested, but I'm choosing not to. I'm going to enjoy these thoughts as long as I can. I'm sure to revisit the "poor me" thoughts later.<br />
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Day 4: Tuesday: I'm really getting the hang of this. I'm beginning to feel that this is the more normal way of life. The kids and I all had healthy, protein-packed, fruit/veggie smoothies for breakfast. I love that they're asking for them too. I'm fielding many questions from Spunk such as, "Is this healthy, Momma?" I packed a picnic lunch and snacks for our afternoon out, and really, I did well. For dinner, I actually ate grilled chicken salad WITHOUT DRESSING, AT ALL!! NO LIME JUICE, NO VINEGAR/OIL COMBO., NO SALAD SPRITZERS!!! AND I LIKED IT! WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME? Thoughtful was my power-walking date tonight, which gave us some much needed one-on-one time that I am so grateful for. He really opened up to me during our walk, and later asked to do it again! Yay! He's not too cool to go walkin' with his Momma!! Happy girl tonight!<br />
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Day 5: Wednesday: It's our super busy day, running all over for co-op, shopping, and piano. My thermal lunch bag is L-O-A-D-E-D in preparation for hunger! I'm like a walking produce department! Actually, I'm making my third trip to the produce department this week. That's gotta mean something good, right?<br />
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The day was great, until dinner. I almost cried when I served Cole's garlic bread to my family, and I didn't even lick my fingers.<br />
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Day 6: Thursday: I'm baking a super chocolate cake for a friend's daughter's birthday. It is torture. I'm desperately trying to feel sorry myself today, but I just can't. Seeing a friend's Facebook post about how she's eliminated the need of her diabetes medications by solely changing her diet IN 10 DAYS, has me pumped again. I'm gonna go eat some veggies.<br />
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Day 7: Friday: Also known as Weigh-In-Eve, I just want today to be over with so I can cheat after I weigh in the morning. What 30 day challenge?<br />
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OK, OK, I weighed myself, then went a little crazy. I ate a bagel, there may have been some kind of wheat product in it. <br />
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I missed bread and Grama's homemade mac-n-cheese the most, and ice cream, and chocolate.<br />
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The results: I FEEL FABULOUS! For the first time in a few years, I didn't have a belly ache in the afternoon. This is a good change.<br />
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I've lost 3 pounds this week. I don't miss THAT at all!! I'm hoping to change more of my attitude towards food over this next week. <br />
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Thanks to many of you who've commented and messaged me with good wishes! I really appreciate your encouragement! I'll update again next Saturday.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-59995864761962085602012-09-01T10:31:00.000-07:002012-09-01T19:39:06.641-07:00The Next 30 Days.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ALpB-rRN5gVpJlnoWf2JZcZVanKr4rfYqj3eCEaKhEuO3TeLbglxyM9nnYXltEUh3IXw5kdmvzss8yqzz00fWFH7fsnTHb9NV8if1MZ8_VUgdeDolOhQzjAqDdNdv_Rp5RCjfHyLWR-P/s1600/calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ALpB-rRN5gVpJlnoWf2JZcZVanKr4rfYqj3eCEaKhEuO3TeLbglxyM9nnYXltEUh3IXw5kdmvzss8yqzz00fWFH7fsnTHb9NV8if1MZ8_VUgdeDolOhQzjAqDdNdv_Rp5RCjfHyLWR-P/s320/calendar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here comes a "messy" part of my life:</div>
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Yesterday, as I wheezed my way from the elliptical to the treadmill at the gym, </div>
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I realized that I was the most unhealthy looking person there.</div>
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I could almost hear every one's thoughts...</div>
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"What's the fat, old girl doing trying to run?"</div>
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"She should stop, the jiggling is out of control!"</div>
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Yes, strong, young, and limber-bodied over achievers who've had exceptional self-discipline. </div>
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I know. I'm not in your circle. But do I want to be?</div>
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Nope. I mean don't get me wrong, if came easily, and I didn't have to work for it, then Oh, heck yeah, I want in. But there's more to life than being a show-stopping hard body. Let's be realistic.</div>
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I want cake.</div>
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I want chocolate.</div>
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I will eat bread.</div>
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But I am certainly the heaviest that I've been in FOREVER. I am currently 10 pounds under my full-term pregnancy weight with Thoughtful. I had gained a considerable amount with him. It was grossly impressive. </div>
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I'm not really that vain, I promise. It's not that I care what people think of me. It only started with appearance and the fact that my clothes don't fit. </div>
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That got me thinking. I am in my 30's and I have acne. Why? I've been going to bed every night stuffed like a goose. This makes me feel less than desirable with Hubs (honesty here), and let's face it, that is a crucial part of a good marriage. I'm sluggish and tired every afternoon. My allergies are worse than ever. I'm in tears on my scale, down to fitting into 1 pair of shorts and 1 pair of jeans. This is just the stuff that I can see. </div>
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</div>
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What's happening inside? I recently lost my beloved PaPa to heart disease. What's going on with <em>my</em> arteries? And blood sugar? And everything else in my body chemistry? I know its all out of whack. This is why I can eat a full dinner and wake up hungry at 1:00 AM. I've messed myself up!</div>
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</div>
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I've looked at Weight Watchers, I know it works, but I've successfully done it before. I'm bored with that. I've looked at Visalus shakes. I sampled one this week, (finally, after having in the kitchen drawer for roughly 3 months). I don't like it. And I thought about HCG, but I refuse to take pills or drops to accomplish this job.</div>
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What am I going to do? </div>
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I'm going to change....</div>
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my thoughts about food (the addiction), </div>
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the sedentary life, </div>
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and what I buy at the grocery store.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
I'm making my own 30 DAY CHALLENGE!!</h3>
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Today is Sept 1. I've weighed, and measured myself. No before picture though, I can't bring myself to do it. I don't have actual goals of losing weight by certain dates. I've failed that way in the past. </div>
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</div>
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<strong>My goal is to do the following through at least Sept. 30:</strong></div>
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1. Exercise daily, even if its just walking and jumping jacks. Burn baby burn!</div>
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2. Faithfully track my caloric intake, using <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">www.myfitnesspal.com</a> .</div>
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3. Weigh and measure myself on a weekly basis. (Saturdays)</div>
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4. No candy, cereal, cake, cookies, muffins, crackers, chips, drive thru's, added sugar,</div>
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Diet Coke, sweet tea, mayonnaise, or fried anything. (seems stringent but its only 30 days)</div>
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5. Limited red meat (I have to be careful with this one as I tend to run slightly anemic), </div>
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potatoes, pasta, whole wheat bread, and coffee.</div>
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6. Only eat when I'm hungry.</div>
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Sounds easy enough right? Good grief, I wonder why in the world I am writing this post...I need the accountability. Plus, I want to prove that it can be done. I can lose fat in a healthy, natural way, getting my vitamins and energy from whole foods. </div>
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</div>
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<strong>My plan:</strong></div>
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1. Stick to the rules mentioned above.</div>
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2. Bring healthy food choices with me when heading out, preparing for hunger whenever it strikes!</div>
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3. Homemade smoothies for breakfast.</div>
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4. Salads for lunch, with chicken, and lime juice and cilantro, rather than dressing.</div>
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5. Lots of fruits and veggies to snack on.</div>
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6. Fat free/sugar free pudding pops for treats. Also yogurt, homemade hummus,</div>
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pudding, and sugar free jello.</div>
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7. Healthier suppers for the family / heavy on the veggies.</div>
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</div>
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That's it. I hope that I can do it for the next 30 days. Cheer me on, or leave me comment with a great recipe. My cookbooks are in dire need of a healthy makeover! Thanks for following along! I'll post again next Saturday!</div>
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Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-28526410810693565312012-08-31T04:26:00.001-07:002012-08-31T04:26:05.640-07:00Week 6, August 31, 2012<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPkoeP-q1E2MAyYq5sHIuFXllEbWDvpcSejGSO9srIAkcSLUVRD6mvrO4D9ux1ZK7npxug-3_gOow_RNn2zd8Ma84zZpZ1rzLSkLf7K7zykLqWlfOBIA6e_DzJIbW7R6cONDu1u1GtFji/s1600/MothersJournalIHN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPkoeP-q1E2MAyYq5sHIuFXllEbWDvpcSejGSO9srIAkcSLUVRD6mvrO4D9ux1ZK7npxug-3_gOow_RNn2zd8Ma84zZpZ1rzLSkLf7K7zykLqWlfOBIA6e_DzJIbW7R6cONDu1u1GtFji/s1600/MothersJournalIHN.jpg" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
What's that sound? </h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Why its the sound of angels singing down on me! <br />
<br />
We're at the end of our first stretch of school.<br />
<br />
We'll get all of next week's book work completed by Wednesday so that we can take off for a long weekend. By "off" I of course mean no formal lessons, but hands-on / project-type stuff. We aren't taking a full week off because we have one off in about a month (when we'll be off from co-op too). Our recent relaxed days have us pretty refreshed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Places we're going, and people we're seeing:</strong><br />
Saturday, the boys had their last of 6 bowling lessons, and they were given their very own custom-drilled bowling balls. Spunk bowled a 99 that day!<br />
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Sunday we went to church then returned to the bowling alley with friends. There was a special running all weekend long, that we all wanted to take advantage of. We had so much fun together, but I didn't snap any pictures - fail.<br />
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<strong>Monday</strong>, we had a trip to our local TCBY. Yay! There was a group of older kids who went first, and they were allowed to assist in setting up yogurt machines and run the cash register. It was a <em>cool</em> trip for sure!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcEcHZVSBKGcow55epVXU22JZHcB0Raq1EKIODqovYntakOM-UacXrDI_U8UR8lQ8Q-_dmoz7eQiTavsm_wrYjL2Zi62pba28rA1bXxz5XmqDskRgRxrbZ58sUmNpYNKwScHBMb8zeumR/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcEcHZVSBKGcow55epVXU22JZHcB0Raq1EKIODqovYntakOM-UacXrDI_U8UR8lQ8Q-_dmoz7eQiTavsm_wrYjL2Zi62pba28rA1bXxz5XmqDskRgRxrbZ58sUmNpYNKwScHBMb8zeumR/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a lesson about where the yogurt comes from, followed by a trip into the deep freezer!! Brrrrr!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_k9GqlJktvwhO7A41bfrRCuG7AY_BavhUAFG3cW67b99uQ2vpyfcSoZ8pDRngPolwmhFinAGDEA_Zk86_eMOpNKMnoND1LMBDx4Q0Tvs0splyShEIC1DRnfi3U1NGRXxNvfTYfY5_fh2R/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_k9GqlJktvwhO7A41bfrRCuG7AY_BavhUAFG3cW67b99uQ2vpyfcSoZ8pDRngPolwmhFinAGDEA_Zk86_eMOpNKMnoND1LMBDx4Q0Tvs0splyShEIC1DRnfi3U1NGRXxNvfTYfY5_fh2R/s320/015.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thoughtful's sample to be sure the machines were ready to dispense.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course our favorite part!!! Yogurt and candy with friends for lunch!<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Tuesday</strong> we went absolutely nowhere! It was my favorite day :) until Wednesday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Wednesday</strong> we had co-op, which we are loving. I taught the toddler class, which is so fun for me. I'm the only Momma in our group without a little one in our tot class. We had story time, finger painting the Earth, playdough time, show and tell, snack, and park time. I was so busy with them, that I didn't see my boys at all. Here's what they were doing:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1xVDyyLG9ZNZWsrNR8Wg62bsE3WwhuITI_fPkAinLAlhWHWB3qtZCnfWi50IKUBl2I639XMYJmTHOW8OSTN9oZ8L3vL5oyMdFV1KCwcAfkSKhU26JlOXsNJjOJZUCt-u9pqS5acesBtK/s1600/284708_10151075465901553_87457718_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1xVDyyLG9ZNZWsrNR8Wg62bsE3WwhuITI_fPkAinLAlhWHWB3qtZCnfWi50IKUBl2I639XMYJmTHOW8OSTN9oZ8L3vL5oyMdFV1KCwcAfkSKhU26JlOXsNJjOJZUCt-u9pqS5acesBtK/s320/284708_10151075465901553_87457718_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reviewing what they learned at home. <br />
I didn't think it stuck with them,<br />
but look at my Spunk ready to answer questions. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvvaM5duHaM-pZxet3nB5oHx2BqToSPv80UW6VfxASKuvqr3VQ2d9ose8ruR2mCKcSMc0USpn3zcklIqZqVLxnItmKsl07Nc9xXURvcHMdsXjNDd49B3NjbmJMX-X5TrrQ5chQFL7YcCW/s1600/206006_10151075472081553_788705311_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvvaM5duHaM-pZxet3nB5oHx2BqToSPv80UW6VfxASKuvqr3VQ2d9ose8ruR2mCKcSMc0USpn3zcklIqZqVLxnItmKsl07Nc9xXURvcHMdsXjNDd49B3NjbmJMX-X5TrrQ5chQFL7YcCW/s320/206006_10151075472081553_788705311_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thoughtful's class creating a human revolution and rotating Earth.<br />
Thoughtful is the Sun.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Then they did this playdough model of the Earth's layers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Step 1, make 5 balls of playdough, using different colors, each in a different size.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Step 2, smash all balls, except the smallest. Wrap the second smallest around the smallest.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Seen here, it would be wrap the green around the yellow. Continue this with each color, until you're left with only a big ball of playdough. You should only be able to see the outer layer.</span><br />
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AND THEN CUT! Use dental floss or string to get a good cut.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_gMmIktlUznjom0KQhFsXrSXx0jOYc6tLXh0Fvh6dLhnHAssSEqcq66LOEr54IQ2jPm0vT9VpeZGr1R2KRuOo9puzQMKhU5pDY1w0z2dJ6biU70gU9WWwl9dzXYin1RudeSM057J0geO/s1600/424624_10151075471956553_1011845232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_gMmIktlUznjom0KQhFsXrSXx0jOYc6tLXh0Fvh6dLhnHAssSEqcq66LOEr54IQ2jPm0vT9VpeZGr1R2KRuOo9puzQMKhU5pDY1w0z2dJ6biU70gU9WWwl9dzXYin1RudeSM057J0geO/s320/424624_10151075471956553_1011845232_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Thoughtful did this one in his class too, and he came home and named each layer for us. Books are not his friend. He struggled for three days about the names of these layers. We read, used flashcards, drew pictures, used the white board, etc. It wasn't working, but THIS tactile activity made it click for him. <br />
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Did I mention that I'm loving co-op?<br />
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Then they had PE time inside, as our park area is currently more like a swamp. They learned about relays in the Olympics, then had some fun!<br />
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Egg race!<br />
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Oh no!! Quick, get it!<br />
<br />
After co-op, I took the boys to the bank as they've been begging me to deposit their saved money. They have done extremely well with their tithe, save, spend. <br />
<br />
And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't very prideful today! They neatly completed their own transaction tickets, Thoughtful properly added, and they patiently waited for the change machine while the mean old man jumped in front of them. They used manners with the teller and even spoke up!! <br />
(this last one is kind of huge)<br />
<br />
And then off to the library where we picked up books for Labor Day and our upcoming archeology study. More on that to come later!<br />
<br />
<strong>Thursday</strong>, I had a lunch date to catch up with a friend, which we happened to have at McD's. This is so that I had a play place for the kids. They of course believe that they earned the privledge of McD's. Judge if you will. <br />
<br />
Whatever, manipulation works for me, okay?<br />
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<strong>Friday,</strong> I'm thinking another nothing day. <br />
As much as I loved everywhere we went this week, I really love home. <br />
<br />
<strong>What's working for us:</strong><br />
Workboxes, for sure, and our new reward system which I hope to post about once I see it working.<br />
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<strong>What's not working for us:</strong><br />
I thought that NOT having a formal history curriculum was not working, but I think we're okay. I'm gonna stick with the unit study thing. They are in elementary school grades afterall. This just takes extra planning on my part ;) And you know planning makes me a oddly happy. <br />
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<strong>What I'm cooking:</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kUOmuXmiBZQF2yoGA1goB6sAg5tL8_z3DtYu27D5-iqQMxyqu18ESTG-5cU-Bs7jCi4EmNv1XE88u8yEXlBZDzruseSvO13QcUo9io2AcmGAC08TjYxhhq-AGYR9GL1aNDyX7gvwpVYe/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kUOmuXmiBZQF2yoGA1goB6sAg5tL8_z3DtYu27D5-iqQMxyqu18ESTG-5cU-Bs7jCi4EmNv1XE88u8yEXlBZDzruseSvO13QcUo9io2AcmGAC08TjYxhhq-AGYR9GL1aNDyX7gvwpVYe/s320/035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yep, bacon on the waffle iron. It wasn't done yet when I snapped this picture, but rest assured, we fried, and we ate. The grease dripped down in the grooves, I pretty much felt like a genius.</div>
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We also baked a large cookie in honor of both boys getting 100s on their math tests. They only had 2 days of working the new concepts, so I was uber-impressed!!</div>
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<strong>Thoughts I have:</strong><br />
I believe that my younger will eventually catch his big brother, academically. He's such a smart kiddo, and I shouldn't suppress his desire to always move on. He truly grasps each concept quickly, can teach it back, etc. But his brother, Thoughtful, moves along at just the right pace always doing just enough to get by. He's not behind by any means, but he lacks self confidence. I don't want to see him throw in the towel, and I'm afraid that he will if he and his brother are doing the same thing.<br />
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I already see him competing for reading rewards, desperately trying to stay ahead of his little brother.<br />
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Any help out there for this situation?? I'd love to hear your thoughts.<br />
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<strong>I'm praying for:</strong><br />
Those experiencing Hurricane Isaac and its remnants. There are millions of people affected by this storm. PEOPLE, His people, and He hears our prayers.<br />
<br />
I'm linking up with<a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/category/journal/"> I Homeschool Network</a> and <a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/category/weekly-wrap-up/">Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers</a> this week. Read about more homeschooling families' weeks by clicking either link. <br />
<br />
Happy Labor Day weekend!</div>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-33897961916090036382012-08-30T18:30:00.001-07:002012-08-30T18:30:23.183-07:00Pollo Perfecto<div style="text-align: center;">
We don't know much Spanish.<br />
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Santa Fe Chicken and Rice, or</div>
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Southwestern Something or Other </div>
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sound way to normal for our home.</div>
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<em>Perfect Chicken</em> became <em>Pollo Perfecto</em>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEime_wZoCoft6XPGGsYFr1iYJWX7khgly813kHHS0GFxIj19-kbEQXAlDJ4ujDJY1dkR_7sc0t2idUmnXHX8V9Fj7KglezPHS-xSOpQ6iNZxtqp2B6jnZiyfXAOu-RYUHOz1Ss1u3dp_knq/s1600/recipes+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEime_wZoCoft6XPGGsYFr1iYJWX7khgly813kHHS0GFxIj19-kbEQXAlDJ4ujDJY1dkR_7sc0t2idUmnXHX8V9Fj7KglezPHS-xSOpQ6iNZxtqp2B6jnZiyfXAOu-RYUHOz1Ss1u3dp_knq/s320/recipes+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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"What's for dinner?" </div>
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"I don't know, I didn't plan this week."<br />
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(Shudder)</div>
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Enter my beloved Crock Pot.</div>
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After a quick scan of the kitchen, and a FB friend's status asking for ideas, I came up with this:</div>
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<br />
"What's in it?" (This is always the first question from my picky eaters.)<br />
<ul>
<li>Frozen boneless, skinless chicken breast, I guess it was about a pound? I don't, a normal sized package from Publix.</li>
<li>a small jar of salsa, any heat you like</li>
<li>a can of Rotel tomatoes, drained</li>
<li>about a cup and half to two cups of frozen sweet corn</li>
<li>a can of black beans, drained and rinsed</li>
<li>1 cup of dry rice, already cooked (it was leftovers for us)</li>
<li>some cilantro, just put some in</li>
<li>sour cream and cheddar cheese, to top as you wish</li>
</ul>
How'd you do it?<br />
<ul>
<li>throw in the chicken, still frozen </li>
<li>cover with salsa, Rotel tomatoes, and cilantro</li>
<li>cook on high for 5 or 6 hours.</li>
<li>shred chicken with 2 forks, still in the pot</li>
<li>dump corn, beans, and rice on top. Cook for another hour</li>
<li>Mix well, serve it up with toppings, VOILA!</li>
</ul>
Enjoy!<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-58285493665009408182012-08-30T06:13:00.001-07:002012-08-30T06:17:12.970-07:00Memory Verses<div align="center">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiiWrrYdtRuIVpY2vrqC-T5Tc_SfykxV-zX4kv6iYqLmeOcjHzJpg7dQSiauwXDuHG9HUXXHjllEMhbnzjmmikcbMMIhggdT1Un4QjR8tnFGefR2lox7Zn3MDzL-gGlkWTXUojpAQfM8w/s1600/148637_f260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiiWrrYdtRuIVpY2vrqC-T5Tc_SfykxV-zX4kv6iYqLmeOcjHzJpg7dQSiauwXDuHG9HUXXHjllEMhbnzjmmikcbMMIhggdT1Un4QjR8tnFGefR2lox7Zn3MDzL-gGlkWTXUojpAQfM8w/s1600/148637_f260.jpg" /></a></div>
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Our Science curriculum comes with a memory verse for each lesson. We've memorized Scripture in the past, and obviously some are more difficult than others. <br />
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We've used hand motions, songs, and pictures. But last week, we had one with big words:<br />
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<em>Where were you when I laid the foundation of the Earth. Tell Me, if you have understanding, Who determined its measurements? Job 38:4-5</em><br />
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<em></em><br />
There were tears.<br />
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Momma's solution:<br />
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I typed the words, cut them out, and glued them onto index cards. Then, I marked them using the colors of the rainbow, in order, since the boys already know them. <br />
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We laid them out, in order, revealing the verse, <br />
and the boys could see the columns formed by the colors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19GJiZemRC2cmHrHct2eTiRrqlPwqVbCYTIpCiVMUiZictr5OO6Hjx53Z8h-7yN60R78xY5Npgolr4ewwackIw11BojL8Dg42nXGA6476cPKt5Pn6-sateoAEGKUa015l-yg6poPzV2ED/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19GJiZemRC2cmHrHct2eTiRrqlPwqVbCYTIpCiVMUiZictr5OO6Hjx53Z8h-7yN60R78xY5Npgolr4ewwackIw11BojL8Dg42nXGA6476cPKt5Pn6-sateoAEGKUa015l-yg6poPzV2ED/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCuaD24a5CPLk3Muw1Flyzzn7JxhxIRzqrnJE-9csSZ1cSHYxgkNrlOU3ygFGvJk4top6noEHESu_6-jvi_h6quW9jdY3Qa2xt_KfRgkH0Y0co7GGswTh33HUt_nJFMma4VuFiVGzZikt/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCuaD24a5CPLk3Muw1Flyzzn7JxhxIRzqrnJE-9csSZ1cSHYxgkNrlOU3ygFGvJk4top6noEHESu_6-jvi_h6quW9jdY3Qa2xt_KfRgkH0Y0co7GGswTh33HUt_nJFMma4VuFiVGzZikt/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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See? Red, orange, yellow, green blue, indigo, and violet.</div>
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We started reading the verse. After a few times, we removed a card here and there. Next, we removed all of the green cards, then all of the violet cards, etc. After about 10 minutes, we all knew the verse. Just like that! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LG8XVzK-99t9sGLd-Bwh-KB0LxEoob492hu-m5oU9jZ6IEZjxj2mF67db-j5Ukfr3pBWzzkb5t9TFybAYVM5qp_iFuWl2-kfE1Yxoknlr7wG6M7NPe3yb6Ca-f2urO7RaDbSFZD5p9wt/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LG8XVzK-99t9sGLd-Bwh-KB0LxEoob492hu-m5oU9jZ6IEZjxj2mF67db-j5Ukfr3pBWzzkb5t9TFybAYVM5qp_iFuWl2-kfE1Yxoknlr7wG6M7NPe3yb6Ca-f2urO7RaDbSFZD5p9wt/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We'll definitely use this trick again! I hope this helps you too. How does your family memorize Scripture?</div>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-73181595305951852642012-08-29T04:56:00.000-07:002012-08-29T05:01:33.245-07:00Wordless Wednesday - They're growing up too fast!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRJmW1hgGZdPC-DlGVYZEARuC9S_jH5CjQX3kUjiGEXs3C9cZpUL6b9t3sgZfvnWgU1681kDGWQR-3AV9noEBCNZHec5aQA9g7Yoo31s2I6a0FxkHLD9ePhLmmXsEze5qDYKdqctvM2_l/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRJmW1hgGZdPC-DlGVYZEARuC9S_jH5CjQX3kUjiGEXs3C9cZpUL6b9t3sgZfvnWgU1681kDGWQR-3AV9noEBCNZHec5aQA9g7Yoo31s2I6a0FxkHLD9ePhLmmXsEze5qDYKdqctvM2_l/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yesterday, they were my babies!<br />
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I'm linking to 5 Minutes for Mom, click the button for more Wordless entries and enjoy!</div>
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<a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/"><img alt="5 Minutes for Mom" src="http://www.5minutesformom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/5-minutes-for-mom.png" title="5 Minutes for Mom" /></a></div>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-54946387377916231452012-08-28T12:00:00.002-07:002012-08-28T12:05:01.920-07:00Ahhhh, This is the life! Just like you, we have extremely hectic days, and then we have our <em>nothing</em> days. I like both for different reasons. But we also have our "normal" weekdays, my favorite days, when all goes according to plan. We have chores, school, work, playtime, and our extra curriculars.<br />
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Here is how my favorite day goes:<br />
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Morning Routine:<br />
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I am the early riser. Can't help it. I'm up by 6:30 most days but some days earlier. I get my quiet time with my Bible and coffee first, followed by checking emails, reading blogs, and work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD3rSoCPaPxNnmfmpTFdDQIyWVC4F9DzC26l_JPazkeH-2rQjLh0ofRyVdhjeC0435CFjjOm5wd3TwataeF68seqo3C21jLONJxqgKkRR2YKN5CwMJvj7up0BptKLUXh3zg_wgRgcYtej/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD3rSoCPaPxNnmfmpTFdDQIyWVC4F9DzC26l_JPazkeH-2rQjLh0ofRyVdhjeC0435CFjjOm5wd3TwataeF68seqo3C21jLONJxqgKkRR2YKN5CwMJvj7up0BptKLUXh3zg_wgRgcYtej/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a quick calendar check, I glance at our school planner. I set up the whiteboard for the boys' boardwork and fill their <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4782609813475749137#editor/target=post;postID=8190253191603637372">workboxes.</a> <br />
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If there is time before my boys need to get up, I'll do some general light pick up around the house, or whatever chore I have slated for that day. I get myself together, and do a "swish and swipe" as taught by <a href="http://flylady.net/">The Fly Lady</a>. If you aren't familiar with her or her household cleaning program, I encourage you to check her out!<br />
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Thoughtful and Spunk get up, ideally at 7:30, while I make breakfast and tidy the kitchen. We have our Bible Devotional time during breakfast with discussion and prayer.<br />
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Morning responsibilities are next, and if they finish quickly enough, the boys will often go ahead to tackle their chores. We have 10 minutes of quick clean up time every morning and every evening so that our home is never out of control messy.<br />
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Then free play for a bit. Breakfast, Bible, chores, and free play total about an hour's time.<br />
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School:<br />
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8:30 / 9:00-ish, or roughly an hour after the boys awake: When I call "school time," the boys sit down at our school table and begin on their workboxes. I alternately interrupt their box time to give them each a daily lesson in phonics, spelling, and language. New math lessons only come at the beginning of the week, and I stagger those within their workboxes so that I can watch their Math U See DVDs with them.<br />
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I would like to give the boys 45 minutes with their workboxes then let them have a break. However, most days, they continue through their boxes until finished. This takes about an hour and half, max. <br />
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We break for a snack and playtime.<br />
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Many days, we do read aloud time during snack. Our "break" often includes a walk or bike ride. We usually finish chores, play educational games (or just games, because let's face it, they're always learning something when we play), go fishing, ride the 4-wheeler, shoot bb guns, or some other way to play outside.<br />
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We usually have lunch sometime between 11 and 12. <br />
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This is where it gets a little crazy. Our home days are Monday, Thursday, and Friday. When we're home, we hit group studies after lunch, which include Science, History, Spanish, Nature Study, and whatever Unit Study we're working on. This goes no later than 2 or 2:30. <br />
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Afternoons are for playing or random running around our little town, library, grocery, .... boring stuff like that. TV comes back in the afternoon. We have quiet time for a bit, for all of us to rest our brains and calm our bodies. I don't mind the TV being on during quiet time, in fact I like it. Usually, they choose an educational show anyways.<br />
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Extra curricular stuff & my cleaning schedule:<br />
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We go go go Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings, and Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.<br />
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Tae Kwon Do Monday and Thursday nights<br />
Baseball Tuesday and Thursday nights<br />
Park day with homeschooling friends on Tuesday<br />
Art class on Tuesday<br />
Co-op on Wednesday morning until lunch<br />
piano lesson on Wednesday<br />
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We'll hopefully go nowhere on Mondays and Fridays.<br />
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I break up house cleaning to do a part everyday so that its not an overwhelming job. I do all of the laundry on Mondays, starting when my feet hit the floor. Then I give the house a once over on Fridays, scrubbing bathrooms, etc.<br />
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Weekends:<br />
I use it as my "catch up" time for the stuff that got missed during the week. Thoughtful should have baseball games coming up on Saturdays too. We relax and play, have lazy time, swim, fish, and enjoy each other on our weekends. And of course, Church on Sunday morning!<br />
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Our nights:<br />
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In my perfectly scheduled mind, the kids would get showers and a snack at 8:30 and be in bed by 9:00. Some nights, we aren't even home until 8:30, so realistically its quiet time at 8:30, then bedtime is usually 9:30 with lights out by 10:00, (and lately, more like 11:00, but Hubs and I vowed to break this TONIGHT!).<br />
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ALL OF THE ABOVE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE, WITHOUT ANY NOTICE, AND FOR NO GOOD REASON. Sometimes, Hubs comes home during workbox time. We all drop what we're doing to excitedly love on him. Sometimes, my office calls with an emergency "Can you do it today?" request, and our afternoon studies get pushed aside. <br />
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And then there are sick days, or tired days, or I'm-having-difficulty-with-this-assignment-so-I'd-like-to-make-your-day-harder-Mom days and field trip days. I truly dislike the disruption that these "sometimes" moments cause. I wish that everyday would go without a hitch. A girl can dream right? But I know that we're all learning, even in those moments.<br />
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What's your day like? I am really, REALLY excited to read all about it! Perhaps I can get some ideas to make the glitches transform into smoother days.<br />
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I'm linking up to I Homeschool Network's Not-Back-To-School Blog Hop. Click the button below to connect with other homeschooling families! <br />
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<a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/category/not-back-to-school-blog-hop/"><img alt="Not Back to School Blog Hop" height="125" src="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/nbts-blog-hop-2012.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782609813475749137.post-17314758335389931012012-08-24T04:14:00.000-07:002012-08-25T05:02:23.580-07:00Week Five, August 24, 2012<div style="text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Another week down!</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong>In my life this week:</strong></div>
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Cooking! I'm preparing a bunch of make ahead freezer meals.</div>
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I'm also back at the gym thing. I've gained a whopping 20 pounds since we started homeschooling 2 years ago. Yucko! And to top it off, Hubs has decided that he needs to lose weight. This is true, but my man must be larger than me. :) I miss running, so I will try my best to get back. I'm using <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">www.myfitnesspal.com</a> to help me track and count calories in/out. Try it out, we can be friends and motivate each other through the website!</div>
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<strong>Places we're going and people we're seeing:</strong></div>
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Let's see:</div>
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Saturday - Bowling Lesson, Swimming at Gramom's & Pop's, Grocery</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">practicing their snorkeling</td></tr>
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Sunday - Church (nothing more, nothing less)</div>
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Monday - Tae Kwon Do<br />
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Tuesday - a "Not Back To School Party" with friends at Jump Zone!<br />
Our little homeschool group packed out the place with over 100 kids - Wow! Great fun for them!<br />
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Followed by lunch with Grandparents.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spunk's Flat Stanley rode down the slide for a pic.<br />
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Wednesday - Co-op, which we think is awesome! Then we hit the library.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spunk reading in the children's section at the library.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Thursday - An impromptu playdate with friends for pizza, cookies, and great conversation.</span><br />
and the neverending <span style="font-size: small;">Tae Kwon Do & Baseball practice</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Friday - hopefully nowhere!!</span></div>
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And I'm going to add in piano and art class next month? Crazy Momma here!</div>
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<strong>What I'm cooking:</strong></div>
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Besides the freezer meals, see my meal plan of the week <a href="http://ajoyfulmess.blogspot.com/2012/08/menu-plan-august-20-2012.html">here</a></div>
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also baking chocolate chip cookies and bread. Is there anything that warms the heart more than homemade bread? I think not, people.</div>
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We made these cute taco salad bowls out of tortillas baked on the bottom side of a muffin tin.</div>
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<strong>In our homeschool this week:</strong></div>
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<strong>Thoughtful:</strong></div>
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Language - Thoughtful is learning to how to read and access a telephone book. I have mixed thoughts on this. Is his generation ever going to need such a tool? I haven't used a phone book in a decade. Then again, it is part of his curriculum, and there must be a reason for this lesson.<br />
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Math - He's begun multiplication with X's 2. He loves it and wants to move faster! We'll see how it goes as we progress. I'm not getting too excited yet.<br />
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Reading - FINALLY finishing the longest chapter book ever! He has struggled his way through a Berenstain Bears "Big Chapter" book, and it truly was 13 long chapters. It has taken over three weeks for Thoughtful to finish this one. Lots of big words, lots of slang conversation, and just lots of difficulty. But he kept pushing through, and its finished! Fun reading now.</div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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<strong>Spunk:</strong></div>
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Phonics: Its quite boring with him. He has a lot of decoding assignments, which he doesn't need. </div>
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I'm thinking of jumping forward with some tougher blends/sounds to challenge him a bit more. He's reading like a champ. He'll at least try to read anything he can get his hands on, and most times he gets it. </div>
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Language - Complete sentences - beginning with capital, ending with punctuation.</div>
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Math - adding +1, time, patterns, introduced to word problems with adding - DISLIKE!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixf8HauUEeG0_2emELoJDL0aGy2aec7LOX791PY-vCMbe0t5fHND7J2OtJ9VYzt8Tznb3SjOEiCD2J6Rz0rCn2hp9D5J1Q6YBGYqHbhDPLFiQ7fplg__qBSX5Ueh-Jxom6qUdju65mQX71/s1600/August+17+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixf8HauUEeG0_2emELoJDL0aGy2aec7LOX791PY-vCMbe0t5fHND7J2OtJ9VYzt8Tznb3SjOEiCD2J6Rz0rCn2hp9D5J1Q6YBGYqHbhDPLFiQ7fplg__qBSX5Ueh-Jxom6qUdju65mQX71/s320/August+17+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Understanding when to use KE or CK at the end of a word.</td></tr>
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<strong>Group:</strong></div>
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Bible - We are learning the Books of the Bible, and we're always moving through our devotions.</div>
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History and Science are very close together right now, both based around Creation. We've finished our Creation lapbooks this week. In Science we learned all of our continents and oceans.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE1raWvpAK3Lt3QlWToJpk8d41g-ptQQdefPdXDBpsNbqNqwMx8ur0_wXEhl2ROeKrEXo26WgcvBa-WPfUrp_2MmIjQwrYV8hOeEGKY3siz_30hhAgJlPH8W7bXVqsVzc4hos-dGSxgNJ/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE1raWvpAK3Lt3QlWToJpk8d41g-ptQQdefPdXDBpsNbqNqwMx8ur0_wXEhl2ROeKrEXo26WgcvBa-WPfUrp_2MmIjQwrYV8hOeEGKY3siz_30hhAgJlPH8W7bXVqsVzc4hos-dGSxgNJ/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thoughtful's labeled map.</td></tr>
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They also learned that God separated the dry land from the seas on the third day of creation. Yep, that would include continents and oceans.</div>
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<strong>In our "spare time:"</strong></div>
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yeah right.</div>
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No really, children do play. They've been shooting bows a lot lately. Hubs is getting ready for hunting season, and you know the old saying "Monkey see, monkey do..."</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If we ever run across a legless deer in the woods, he's goin' down.</td></tr>
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And as we endure our rainy season here in the Sunshine State, we have a lot of runoff water. We also have many different types of soil around our property, including an area with clay near the surface. The boys have discovered that clay, and they've been working hard to harvest it for later modeling.<br />
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I love to see these little boy hands in the raw ground.</div>
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<strong>I'm reading:</strong></div>
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Sunday School material. I co-teach with a great school teacher, but neither of us are very experienced in the first grade Sunday School classroom. Last week, we discovered that we really should be better prepared since the crazies out-number us.</div>
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<strong>Thoughts/Questions I have:</strong></div>
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I'd really like to discover what is the appropriate age to learn keyboarding and computer skills. Thoughtful has dabbled a bit in typing, until we were left without a desktop machine. Can he learn on a laptop? Should we wait?</div>
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Also, I'm seriously considering buying the kids tablets for Christmas or birthdays this year. Why would I do such a silly thing? They keep stealing my laptop! Also, I keep reading about a ton of great apps that YOU are using to supplement learning. It would be cheaper than a handheld gaming system as I'd otherwise have to purchase all of those games. But I want to hold onto their ambitious imaginative play for as long as possible. I'm afraid too much technology will squash that. I'm so unsure on this one!</div>
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<strong>I'm praying for:</strong></div>
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Linda, who has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and started chemotherapy this week.<br />
Her daughter and son-in-law are some of our closest friends.<br />
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<strong>A final thought:</strong><br />
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I'm also praying for the homeschooling Mommas that need encouragement. <br />
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These thoughts follow a conversation I had with a friend this week, <br />
about our shortfalls in motherhood. <br />
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We try so hard to balance all parts of our lives: our husbands, households, children, souls, friendships, service duties, and even jobs. We try to do it all with a smile, and when we happen to slip with a frown or frustration, we feel we've failed. Well, you, my friends, haven't failed. Do not let the enemy get in your heads. Sure, life would be easier if you sent your children to school, but would it be as memorable? Would it be a life lived to the fullest? Would you be following what you know in your hearts to be right and good for your families? <br />
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So, close the books if you need to, and go outside. Learn to love the small moments with your children. They are passing by ever so quickly, never to return. Hold close to the Lord, staying in His Word and prayer. And know that you're not alone in the trials of this season of your lives. I am praying for each of you out there! <br />
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<em>All (have sinned and) fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23</em><br />
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If we got it right everyday with every task, then He would be finished molding us, and we wouldn't fall short, right? We are a work-in-progress!<br />
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What about you? How did this week go? What little moments can you savor?<br />
I look forward to reading about it!<br />
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This week, I'm linking up to The Homeschool Mother's Journal at <a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/">http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com</a> <br />
and<br />
Weekly Wrapup at<br />
<a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/">http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com</a><br />
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Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10650383162321669796noreply@blogger.com15