Ginger snap shots

If it's not fun, you're not doing it right

2011-10-25T13:45:00.001-04:00

This is on my refrigerator right now.

And I think about how true it really is in all of life. Isn't it?

I certainly have not been "Super Duper Homeschool Mom" these days. Especially by not using a consistent writing curriculum but, hey, that's the way I roll. I have been convinced lately though that my girls need some practice by way of descriptive writing. So....while I was (in the 11th hour) fervently leafing through a book of writing prompts trying to figure out what in the heck we were going to do for a writing assignment today, it hit me when I read this.

Well, "Booooorrrrrrrring" is actually what I first thought and what I was pretty sure my girls would think as well. It seemed more like busy-work to me and I'm pretty sure it would to them, as well. And I would surely have gotten some huffs, puffs, heads flailing on the desks, and subsequent hum-drum descriptions just to finish the laborious task.

So, I told them both to

Brainstorm, make a list and/or write out a description of a halloween costume
Once she was finished with the written description her sister had to draw it based on her description.

It was "game on" then.

In retrospect I would first have had them draw a costume, then use that picture to help her describe it in words, keep the original drawing hidden, then hand the written description, only, to her sister. I think this would have been better for several reasons (#1) it would have been something more concrete for them to describe and (b) they would have had 2 finished drawings to compare. Next time. And, oh there will be a next time because I can run something into the ground until it ISN'T fun any longer.

As you can see I was scribe for little bit (on the white board).

It was funny to watch their expressions and talk to them about what their sister had drawn. Both of them genuinely liked the others' drawing but they did admit it wasn't quite what they had pictured in their mind. I briefly talked with them about how they could have added details and what words they could have used to better describe their costume and explained how important it is to be as descriptive as possible when writing because we draw pictures in our minds of what we read. Blah, blah, blah...enough talking, Mom.

So there you have it, an otherwise lackluster writing experience they actually had fun with. You could use this for all kinds of descriptive writing exercises. Let me know if you think of more ideas!

Sorry that I have been kind of MIA lately. I was waffling about whether or not to hang up this blogging thing. But I think I am going to keep at it. I learn and glean so much online (and mostly off of other people's blogs) that I simply want to pay it forward. So, hope to see you soon!

And...Happy Fall, Y'all!

Help Shoo

2011-07-04T08:24:00.003-04:00

Sometime, I'd say about a year, ago I stumbled upon THE BEST blog around. Shoo Rayner's his name and drawing's his game. Well, this morning I got an email from him asking me to get everyone I know to vote for him on Youtube's Next Up contest. So click on the link and look for this thumbnail (you may have to scroll down to find him).

He says if he wins he will be able to do some AMAZING things. I can't imagine his drawing tut's getting much better. Here's the link again: http://www.youtube.com/youtubenextup

Oh and he has some GREAT Independence Day drawing lessons.

As Mark Kistler says...draw at least 8 hours a day. It's good for the brain.

Happy Independence day and don't forget to vote for Shoo!

Geogra-fun

2011-03-24T10:28:00.002-04:00

This year we have opted to do Geography studies in lieu of History. It has been "alright". Like everything else I guess it requires commitment. I was recently talking to a fellow blogger friend and we were discussing how we feel like we are always switching things up. Another friend said she was a curriculum schitzo. So Tracy...this post's for you. Since you asked about me (not) blogging. Here's you a new post!

We started out the year with AChild's Geography 1 and moved pretty quickly through it. It was pretty good - almost as much a science curriculum as geography. However, we started on A Child's Geography 2 - Explore the Holy Land and now my girls seem to loath and detest geography. It is not all that bad and we have gained a lot of knowledge but it is certainly written above 2nd and 4th graders' interest level (well, even a 39 year old's level). The text is very wordy. I have even started going through and pre-reading sections just so that I could move a little more quickly through. Then it always seems something's missing.

I needed a proverbial carrot to get them through it.

So I told my girls if they would get through the Israel material with me that they could make a salt map of Israel. They took the bait.

I am considering trying Sonlight's Core 5 next year. Hoping that will be a little more literature rich and less dry reading of geographical facts. I don't want to repeat American History with my girls so soon and I think it is a little too soon to do World History with my girls (especially Lil' Bit).

So, do any of you use Sonlight and if so have you used Core 5? I'd love to hear your opinions. Because I've searched high and low online for blogs of people using SLCore 5 and I certainly can't find them.

As for the salt dough maps...We got our general directions from reddie0890's youtube video. You gotta' love these good old boys...making salt dough no less.

First we sketched out a general outline of Israel onto a large piece of cardboard. Then they painted in the Seas and River.

Then they made the salt dough. Add equal amounts of salt and flour (we used 3 cups each).

Then add in a little cornstarch (3+ Tablespoons) we found that adding more cornstarch kept it from being so sticky.

Then measure the water. Err on the side of caution here. You can always add more water. Have your little sister start the mixing process while you do the laborious task of checking for good measure.

Pour in the H20.

Now, have at the mixing.

Plop it onto your painted cardboard.

Spread it around and start forming any mountain ranges.

You can use a knife to cut away any excess dough. They used the cut away part to add to the mountain ranges.

Let them dry at least overnight if not longer. Then paint (we used washable tempera paints) the land mass and label.

Here they are after they have dried completely.

Not bad, I think. I am so tickled my girls have a knowledge of Biblical lands and the places where Jesus lived and walked. I always felt like in Sunday School that I was completely in the dark about where they were talking about and we'd turn to some map in the back that had no point of reference. It was always frustrating. I think any time you can put learning into context everyone (teacher and students) are better off. But I guess it is like a sign I saw the other day, "The Bible: Great to read what's in it but better to know its Author."

Heart of the Matter Science quickie

2011-01-18T17:01:00.000-05:00

Ran across this great science magazine by Heart of the Matter and wanted to share.

http://heartofthematteronline.com/january-2011-focus-on-science

New year, new schedule, Ms. Priss' new post

2011-01-13T13:41:00.007-05:00

It's a new year and with it a new schedule. Recently I had a conversation with another Mom about workboxes and my worktag system. I have completely ditched the workboxes because they were just TOO much work on dear, frail, little me. Heck I even gave one set of drawers to my neighbor for her to use for storage.

I am all about letting the kids own whatever they CAN. Me filling up boxes with work for them as if every day is Christmas just wasn't fitting in with my Charlotte Mason philosophy of educating my children. I don't believe Ms. Mason thought spoon feeding a child was particularly the best way to educate them. (Me being the robot shown)

And that is kind of how I've come to think about workboxes. Don't get me wrong - I still think workboxes can be of benefit - to parents with many children particularly with young ones they need to keep busy or to parents of children with issues such as autism. However I simply do not think that for my able-bodied girls that workboxes are either a necessity or a service to them.

So, I have decided to simply use the worktags sans workboxes. If there is a task to be done there is a tag. No more cross referencing some drawers with some work, etc... My head wanted to explode every time I thought about the logistics of assigning them work. Every assignment/subject now gets its own tag. I just simply made sure I included at least some Reading, Writing, and 'Rithmetic for each day. Here is a sampling of Tuesday's, Thursday's, and Friday's tags.

I also used to try to stagger their "work with me" times and have everything "flow" perfectly. Gone are those days. Now, they're responsible for working with me when they want to and if I'm busy or working with the other one they have to find something else to do. Amazing...it just works!

Ms. Priss wanted hers to stand up on her desk instead of hanging from a hook with a book ring. So if you remember my post on altering notebooks, I simply used the chipboard spine of an old half size notebook/binder to hold them all together.

The way I figure it is if they are capable of opening a drawer and finding their work, they are capable of locating the book or item themselves. And guess what? They get to put the items away too! For things like Math, Spelling, Logic Books, etc... they know that we simply move on to the next lesson or page. It isn't a terribly complicated lesson planning system but it seems to work.

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out..."

-- Robert J. Collier

We had been using this laminated check-off sheet

However, I think the worktags will provide me the flexibility to be able to change their daily tasks if need be. I was forever telling the girls "just skip so-and-so" on any particular day. The laminated weekly checklist was making me feel like we were all terrible failures because we never sensed a feeling of accomplishment even though we were doing a lot and were all plenty busy.

For Ms. Priss' worktags I made a tag for her to blog on Thursdays. So today she has a new blog post... Do check out her recommendation. You can visit her blog here:

http://meandmybrilliantideas.blogspot.com/

If you'd like here is the pdf with the tags I use. Also here is the pdf with the blank grids. So that's it. Never forget: the best laid plans of mice and men sometimes go askew. And this system may too (hey, I'm a poet and don't know it).

Happy New Year!

14 Days until Christmas

2010-12-09T23:26:00.002-05:00

And as a little gift, I present The 14 Days of Christmas. I have no idea where these ladies are but they seem like one fun bunch. Enjoy!

Don't forget to keep checking Shoo Raynor's blog for great drawing lessons. This is what my girls did today. I apologize for the poor lighting in these pictures but I just quickly snapped a photo of it tonight because I wanted to show you what your kids can do. My girls were so pleased with their work today. It was thrilling to see them so happy about something they'd created.

I hope you're enjoying the Christmas Advent Season!

Thanks be to God!!!

2010-11-24T18:59:00.005-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving y'all! Here are a couple of goodies I've found and wanted to share.

George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.

Rush read this today on his radio show and I thought it would be fitting to print and put copies out on our tables.

And here's a little something fun to keep the kiddos out of trouble. Take time to look around Shoo Raynor's blog. Good stuff there.

Hope you have a great Turkey Day spending it with those you love!

Advent Season is nearing

2010-11-10T21:27:00.003-05:00

I usually have good intentions but I recall a saying about a road to "somewhere" being paved with good intentions??? Every year I really wanted to do Advent activities but we just always seemed to fall short. Thanks to the, yet again, shrewd and wonderful read-aloud recommendation of my good friend, Colleen, last year was different.

So, if you have experienced similar situations...I am imploring you, run don't walk to your nearest book store and get yourself a copy of one of these books in Jotham's Journey Christmas Trilogy. We started the series last year with the first book in the series, Jotham's Journey

One thing I do recommend is if you're going to use the advent candles (and I recommend it for the ambiance, alone) try to buy larger ones (and I mean large as in "thicker" than just the 10 or 12 inch regular taper candles). Otherwise they'll melt down before you're through because unlike burning them in church only on Sunday, you're burning them every night and they will melt down before the end of the Advent season. I am thinking this year we may try to make our own beeswax candles. If I can't find the materials locally, I may just order some from this site.

The candles just add to the whole experience. Last year my husband usually read the story each night and it was a special, wonderful time for all of us. I found myself looking forward to each night's reading. I'll bet you will too. What special memories our family now holds marking the coming celebration of the birth of our Savior King. And we all learned a little something along the way too. Thank you Mr. Ytreeide.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

So mark your calendars...Sunday, November 28th starts this year's Advent season.

Debut

2010-10-28T14:42:00.001-04:00

Recently, I happened upon a fellow homeschooler's blog, Jimmie's Place who shares many of my same views on all things homeschool related. On Jimmie's blog was a link to her darling daughter's blog, Sprite's Craft Corner. Well, that started the ball rolling and now Ms. Priss has debuted her new blog, Me & My Brilliant Ideas with her "pen name", Lizzy. (She wanted "Me & My Big Ideas" but that blog name was already taken so Li'l Bit suggest "brilliant" and it stuck). First order of business...she's describing how to draw a face.

Please stop by and leave her a comment. She'll be pickled tink.

Science bits and bytes

2010-10-23T11:27:00.005-04:00

As many of you know I was using My Father's World curriculum last year. But I just was not "feeling it" this year. So I mixed it up a little bit regarding curriculum.

Recently I have had several revelations and/or signals telling me that I, indeed, need to be teaching and inspiring my girls more scientifically. I firmly believe that this nation is in a mess and ONE of the only hopes we have for it is this homeschool generation. And if they're not scientifically prepared - well, that's just not good on so many levels. So, how do we motivate and prepare them? We've got to get motivated and prepared as their teachers.

So, over the next few days (because I just don't have a long blog post in me) I'm going to share some science links, ideas, tips, etc.. that I think are worthy of sharing. All of these are NAYY...

#1

Teresa Bondora of How to Teach Science is a phenomenal lady. I purchased and read her ebook, What We Must Teach Our Children In Science , and it has totally changed my outlook. Even as an engineer I have been somewhat reluctant towards teaching my girls in sciences. She forever changed that. Period.

#2

I have talked about this little jewel before but Ellen McHenry is a great resource too. She graciously offers so much free on her site. I can't say enough good things about her gift to homeschoolers.

#3 Greg Landry's Homeschool Science Academy offered a Mom's retreat in the NC Mountains this year. What a treat to spend a few days recharging with other like minded Christian homeschooling Moms.

Greg is a great resource especially if you have older homeschool children. Send 'em to one of his camps and let them do dissecting with him. Because I've realized Life Sciences really aren't my bag, baby.

#4

Science Jim is heavy into physics - something this applied scientist appreciates just a hair more than dissections. He has some really great stuff for teaching the young-uns.

#5

I mentioned earlier that I have chosen to not use My Father's World this year. However, I still wanted to include geography into our curriculum. We are using A Child's Geography by Ann Voskamp. It is really so much more than simply learning geography and cultures. There are a LOT of scientific terms and concepts covered as well. I will share some specifics on this later in this series of blog posts.

#6

While at the Mr. Landry's Mom's retreat, I found out about this gem of a book, Handbook of Nature Study. Can't wait to finally start REALLY scheduling and going on nature walks. Something I intended to do last year but never actually prioritized.

#6

Christian Kids Explore Science is the science curriculum I have chosen to go with. I discussed this with Greg Landry at the retreat. I had found another great curriculum that I absolutely fell in love with but he warned me not to go that route because they have an evolution view of science and even though that viewpoint is not covered in the lower level of their science curriculum Mr. Landry expressed concern of (mom and/or kids) being sucked into that fallacious line of thinking. And he didn't say this but given the choice I would rather support Christian curriculums/companies.

That's all for now but stay tuned...more ideas to come.

Capitol Tour with David Barton

2010-08-29T10:59:00.000-04:00

I got this email the other day and thought it was worthy of sharing.

Watch the whole 8 minutes. It is really interesting in telling historical and Biblical facts about the Capitol, presidents, and others.

I don't know about you, but I don't like being lied to.

How do you Do(odle)?

2010-08-23T15:15:00.000-04:00

Why must I feel the need to share my life story in every post? Dunno but here goes nuthin...

Some of you may recall I have talked about my dear, dear hubby taking a short term job out of state a few years ago. I won't share ed zackery where it was but it was not a "destination" locale that's for sure. Dry, dusty, desert is the name of the game and I'm used to coastal, fertile soil. Not 'dem parts. Not only was it dry, dusty and deserty (is that a word?) but it was also rural. Very rural. Pickins was slim for things to do. So, one day while shopping in the lovely local Wal Mart, I picked up a copy of an obscure little magazine, Homegrown Hospitality. Immediately I was hooked, snagged up that little jewel of a magazine and went home and visited the editor's blog. Lawsy me! I had hit the mother ship. Stephanie's blog just blew me away and I couldn't get enough of her doodles and cute stuff.

Well, recently she announced an online class she is offering, Doodle 101 Twenty Ten. This is the first week and lookee what I did.

Stephanie, if you happen to read this. I do read your blog. I know about your aversion to pink, but I'm sorry "pink, it's my favorite crayon" so my very first letter had to be in pink.

Ms. Priss saw me retreat from the classroom wielding 2 pink markers and immediately wanted in on whatever "action" was taking place... Can I just say that makes my heart want to sing... So I said, "C'mon in honey-bun."

I was amazed at how easy it actually was. Especially after Stephanie broke it down into the little steps but most importantly stressed to us to let go of perfectionism and crooked lines were OK. (BTW, I copied some of Ms. Priss' doodle ideas...I know I am a ruthless, unscrupulous mother) But...that's beside the point. Here's my finished product:

I am not 100% sure but I believe there may still be openings in the class. NAYY. If you do decide to take it let me know.

Timeline Folding

2010-07-31T14:28:00.006-04:00

I have had a lot of people ask me about my timeline and how I actually taped the cardstock together. Here is my very first youtube video explaining it. Don't ask me how I knew to fold and tape it like this. I guess you can attribute it to many years of DVR'ing and midlessly watching craft shows. So, Carol Duvall eat your heart out....

Below is a visual hopefully further illustrating my point in the video.

One thing that I didn't mention in the video (there were a lot of mistakes and slips of tongue...sheet of tape?!? I have new respect for people who are on DIY television shows..aaaaanyyyywaaaayyy....)

I used only 1 piece of tape per fold (in the middle of each index card) on the video. If you're taping a larger (8.5x11") sheet of cardstock you obviously want to use 2 or 3 pieces of tape (top, bottom and possibly middle) per fold. If you want to tape in 3 spots you may want to tape it at just the top and bottom, draw your line, and then go back and add that middle piece of tape because even a Sharpie or Magic Marker is not going to want to mark over a piece of tape.

Since we're on the topic of timelines you also may be interested in my book of centuries that I created. I have not really used it much with my girls since it is a little more abstract but plan to use it eventually when they're a little older and no longer need concrete manipulatives illustrating the consecutive dates in that of a real timeline. You will need to print this front and back and be warned it is A LOT of pages.

Sweet Potato Biscuits

2010-07-28T16:17:00.034-04:00

If you haven't figured it out by now I'm what you would call a good ol' southern girl. And when you're a southerner you fix southern food. Sweet Potato Biscuits fall into the southern cuisine category. My DH's grandmother used to make them and while I did like them they were very dense biscuits and required kneading and rolling them out which gets quite messy. And I'm not "into" messy. Not gonna do it...wouldn't be prudent...at this juncture.

When we lived in another city we had a Cafe Carolina near our home that made THE best sweet potato biscuits. Oh...my...good...ness. To die for. They served it with shaved smoked deli ham and cheddar cheese. Little sandwich biscuits of heavenly goodness. Well, low and behold lookie what I found? The Recipe. You gotta love the internet. You can find just about anything you're looking for on here.

But I've gone and changed it up because I'm gonna do everything I can to keep from washing a dish.

First off, I cut the recipe in half. You will be swimming in that many sweet potato biscuits. This is a good amount for a family of 4 for dinner...eh....supper. My Daddy'd have my hide if he heard me calling it dinner. In the south we eat supper around 6pm. Dinner's around noon.

#1 before you do anything else get out your trusted friend - the digital scale. That baby will save you dirtying so many utensils. Its a good thing as Martha would say. That is why I have put the gram weights in parenthesis.

Here goes...

1/3 c. (75 g) brown sugar (plus extra for topping)
2 c. (240 g) Bisquick
1 c. (~260 g) sweet potatoes (about 1 large)

Mix the brown sugar and Bisquick together until blended well. I found a wire whisk worked best.

Add in your sweet potatoes. About 260 g of sweet potatoes. (Don't mind the scale because I've just realized I didn't properly tare the scale so it is calculating the weight of the measuring cup too.) But I've done all the hard work for you. All you have to do is tare your scale and dump 'em in. No messy measuring cup sacrificed. You're welcome.

I used my magic bullet and puree'd or whipped the sweet potatoes. I did it the night before and skipped this step and the biscuits had a different texture and look - the texture was not bad but the biscuits did not look nearly as appealing. So I think this step is worth it.

Alright. fold in the potatoes

This is what your mixture should look like. The night before I used dark brown sugar in the biscuits and I believe next time I will try light brown because the color was darker than I remember at Carolina Cafe. Anyway make sure you get it mixed well because I had some dry spots...they were still edible though, trust me.

Scoop them onto the baking pan. (I couldn't bake without my ice-cream/cookie scoops)

Top them with a little additional brown sugar. Also, be sure to use parchment paper because baked on brown sugar is NOT a good thing.

Put them in the oven at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

And voila...sweet potato biscuits that were easy as...pie?!? Mmmm...did somebody say pie?!?

First night (without whipping the potatoes and using dark brown sugar)

2nd night (whipping the potatoes and using light brown sugar).

Let me know if you fix you some biscuits and if they were fit to eat or not. That's a little suthah-nese for ya...

I "heart" Television..hear me out

2010-07-17T10:49:00.001-04:00

I am not a perfect homeschooling Mom by AAAANNNYYYY stretch of the imagination. Let's just say I have my moments and leave it at that. One of my coping mechanisms at times is the age old baby-sitter, dear old tv.

Last fall, I went with a good friend to hear Steve and Teri Maxwell speak. It was a nice talk and Steve spoke at the very end. He described a box in our homes that sucked the life out of all of us. He was very convicted about this and while my friend pointed out they are the "real deal" as in they practice what they preach and the fruits of their labors are evident, I still can't give up my tv. (Not to mention the next day I had one of THE worst days in my homeschooling life because I felt like I just didn't measure up to the Maxwell's standards.) But I'm getting off point, here.

I am brought back to my mother's words to me as a child when I would (I'm sure) incessantly inquire whether any one particular thing was "good for you" or not. After being asked that question probably a couple of hundred times her reply has been a keeper. She said, "Ginger, too much of anything is bad for you."

While we try not to keep a lot of news and trivial television on in our house (especially when the girls are around) and we are VERY aware of the influence commercials have. However we still USE our tv. We use tv, Nintendo DS's, Wii, and the internet. But my girls also read books, knit, play board games, play outside, do arts and crafts galore, dance and so on.

This all leads me to the reason I am posting. I shared on a homeschooling forum a list of television programming that we DVR. My girls take some of these programs in phases but here is a list of our television repertoire (in no particular order):

The Electric Company (PBS)
Adventures from the Book of Virtue (BYU)
Peep (Discovery Kids)
Nest Family Animated Stories (TBN and BYU)
Animated Hero Classics (BYU)
Fetch (PBS)
Animated Stories of the New Testament (EWTN)
Animal Atlas (local Fox Affiliate)
Jack Hannah's Into the Wild (local Fox Affiliate)
Magic School Bus (Discovery Kids)
Children's Heroes of the Bible (HOPE)
Looney Tunes/Tom and Jerry (Boomerang) - Did I just type that?!?
Also ABC Family channel will often have a lot of good movies, etc...

I was watching O'Reilly on Fox news the other night (after my kids were in bed) and he had a guy on from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (....have you ever?!?) that wants to SUE McDonald's over Happy Meal toys. They claim the toys attract kids and make them fat. My kids have amazingly NEVER really begged to go to McDonald's and they certainly don't care about the 2-bit toys. As a matter of fact, we don't even eat at McDonald's because their workers are usually not the squeakiest of clean and I saw this video about an alleged 4 year old petrified Mickey Dees cheeseburger. Therefore we eat at Chick-fil-A 9 times out of 10 for obvious reasons and guess what? My girls usually TRADE IN their "toy" for an ice-cream. Gasp! (That is when I let them buy the kids meal and don't make them buy a sandwich and split it.) But far be it from me to tell someone else they can't take their children to McDonald's or anywhere else for that matter. I'm just sayin'...I think because I have limited my girls' television repertoire we don't have these marketing issues and hence the tv is used as an educational tool in our home. Boy...I am getting waaaaay off subject here....as in stepping from one proverbial soapbox to another...

I recall my husband's deceased grandmother telling how thankful she was when she got her first television. As a single mother of 2 children in the 40's and 50's she was thankful to have it to keep them busy when she was working. Isn't that an ironic point of view, especially today? I think about how hard she worked just to support her family. She was an independent woman for sure. A true conservative through to the bone, relying on her own hard work - not others - for just about everything she had. I am constantly reminded and thankful to the sacrifices that both my husband's family and my family have made so that now our family can be where we are today, particularly being afforded the opportunity to homeschool and hopefully counteract some of modern society's ills. Maybe one day I will be telling my children's children how thankful I was to have a DVR.

I guess I just feel like maybe we need to lighten up and remember that too much of anything (including moderation or the lack thereof) is bad for you! I hope this list of television shows will help bless your family.

5 Make-Up Must-Haves

2010-06-23T05:10:00.004-04:00

Rene at Cottage and Vine recently posted her five favorite cosmetics and asked us to post what five items we would pack in our overnight bag. If you know me, you know I have an opinion.

#1. I was so happy to see Cetaphil on Rene's list. She had the lotion but I can't live without the cleanser. Years ago I read Paula Begoun's book Don't Go to the Cosmetic Counter Without Me and Cetaphil cleanser was one of her top picks. I have used it ever since. I buy it at Sam's or Costco in bulk and my girls use it to bathe with as well. Paula even claimed that if you need a little exfoliating action that you can mix in a little baking soda with the cleanser. I have done that in the past when I actually cared to exfoliate. These days I am doing good just to wash my face. I did not know however that the lotion would smooth your hair, so.

#2 If Cetaphil's cleanser makes my list then their moisturizer must be deemed 2nd place. I have never had any complexion problems using their moisturizer and it is relatively inexpensive especially when compared to department store brands. I especially like that they now have their moisturizer in spf 50.

#3. OK...its all about the hygiene. Because if I'm going anywhere overnight I'm gonna have my toothbrush. Beauty will just have to wait. I love these toothbrushes and I couldn't live without my plain Colgate toothpaste (none of those whiteners, total care etc... for me) with their oh-so-luxurious patented flip top. Can these 2 items technically count as 1?!? And oh yes, I forgot to mention my Reach flosser. I probably wouldn't floss every day if it weren't for this baby. The way I figure it is if you think the flossers are pricey, try having a cavity filled because you didn't floss. I'll guarantee the flossers will run you a little less.

#4 Now we get into the "beautimous" segment. I'll have to pick, hands down, MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. I love this foundation. It is so quick and easy to apply and since I tend to have slightly oily skin it does a great job of minimizing that. They also offer a huge variety of shades/colors. If you go to their site, sign up for their emails because they're always doing free shipping. However, the first time I recommend you go to a department store so that you can make sure you get the right shade because I'm not kidding when I say it comes in a HUGE variety of shades.

#5 Since I have long eyelashes I will forgo the mascara and stick with accentuating my lips. How does the saying go? "Just put on a little lipstick. You'll be fine." I love these Palladio retractable waterproof pencils (by the way I use their eyeliner too). I get these at Ulta. I hate it when the wooden encased pencils get worn down and while you're applying it the jagged edge of the wood tears into your lips (or eyes) like Excalibur's sword. Lots of times I will use this lip liner to fill in my lips completely and just smooth it all out with a little gloss. Heidi Swapp said on her blog (of all places) to wear gloss in a photograph that it would make you look 10 times better. Who couldn't use looking 10x better? I have also heard to pick the perfect shade of lipstick - match the lipstick to your tongue. It doesn't have to be the same color as your tongue just the same shade. Because nothing is worse than your lips entering the room 10 minutes before you get there.

So that's it. My beauty must-haves. Now, if I could just do something with my hair...

Salsa Chicken

2010-06-13T16:05:00.003-04:00

My good friend Colleen and I are always sharing recipes. She gave me a keeper recently and it has become a staple in our house. It is super tasty, pretty-darned healthy, and EASY. It also seems like a summery dish to me. The worst part of Salsa Chicken is making the taco seasoning but you can cheat and use a prepackaged taco seasoning. If I can avoid MSG though I try to. I don't know that any of us are allergic but it never hurts to avoid "danga" when you can.

So here's the recipe for Salsa Chicken. I use Harris Teeter's mild picante sauce and my children (who do not normally like chunky stuff) seem to like it.

Here is the recipe I use for my home-made taco seasoning. Like they say use more or less crushed red pepper flakes depending on your family's preferences. The thing I like about allrecipe's site is that you can change your servings and it will automatically recalculate the amounts needed in the recipe for you. I usually make about 100 servings of this at time just to have on hand.

We serve the Salsa Chicken over a bed of greens (spinach and/or romaine) with sour cream. We will also have some fruit (pineapple or strawberries) which seems to chase the heat a little. If I'm feeling real crazy I'll serve some tortilla chips too.

Let me know if you make it and if you enjoyed it.

And uh...Colleen how 'bout giving up some mo' recipes like this 'un.

Family Journal

2010-06-03T15:37:00.000-04:00

I told you I would post about our family journal. We've only written a few pages so far. But so far so good. Our Summer Bingo sheets are really helping us stay on task in that regard.

Here is the notebook I decided on. I was with a friend in Barnes & Noble and we happened upon these in their bargain book section. I snagged it up because it is all about what looks good in Mommy's living room, now isn't it?!?

It may say $17.99 but if you know anything about me you know I NEVER pay retail. I believe this little baby was only around five bucks.

Now, here's the segway. A couple of years ago my husband took a job out of state in a wretched awful place that was dry, dusty, and windy. Dry is ok. Dusty - I'm used to inside my home. Windy - fine at the beach (well not really - since that experience I have come to realize that I detest the wind). But, I digress. Combine all three of those elements while residing in a 2nd floor apartment? You're looking at some unhappy campers. Not to mention there was NO shopping in this little neck of the woods. So, we spent a lot of time at the library. And luckily that place was a gem. We happened to find a little book there called Dilly's Big Sister Diary.

It was such a cute little book, I decided to hunt it down and buy it , I believe on Amazon. The concept of doodling and journaling comes to life in this book. Dilly is a big sister expecting a new baby brother and her mother buys her a journal to write down all of her thoughts.

It really is a cute little book. Some parts make me want to cringe (just a little) but all in all it is a cute story.

I think there are some similar American Girl books in this style too but I am usually a little stand-offish from most American Girl material. Anyway, here are some samplings of our entries...nothing much other than just chronicling our daily lives. I usually try to date the entries because I know the girls usually won't. And oh yes, I like to make sure to include pictures. Can you tell that from my blog?

It is ordinarily (I say ordinarily like we've been doing this for years) just light conversation back and forth between us. We may or may not talk about what we've written. Most of the time that is the fun of it - not talking about it and reading what someone else has written.

It is living history in the making. Do this today. Like the Nike commercial says, "Just do it". Make it a habit. You will not regret this. Years later you will be so glad you did. I know it.

Summer Bingo

2010-06-01T10:56:00.003-04:00

Recently my friend Alicia and I were talking about our summer plans. She sent me a link to Stacey Julian's blog post from last summer for her Summer Bingo game. I fell in love and immediately set to work to create some more (different) Bingo cards. I simply used Stacey's template and just filled in with my own "tasks". Here are some of the "task" ideas I came up with.

Fun and Games

Play charades with your sister
Build something with only 25 Legos
Build something with only red and white Legos
Play Memory with your sister
Play school (in your room)
Play Mancala (in a closet)
Play any board game with your sister
Play a SMART computer game
Play the Tea Party game
Play a game from the yellow book
Play checkers
Play Calico Critters
Put a puzzle together
Build something with blocks
Time something out of your stopwatch book
Play with Fractiles

Outside Fun

Make an obstacle course in the yard and have a race!
Do gymnastics across the back yard
Lay outside on a blanket and play “I Spy”
Bury treasures in the sandbox and have someone find them
Jump on the trampoline
Play Uno outside on a blanket
Make a sandcastle in the sandbox
Play hopscotch
Jump Rope (How high can you count?)
Tap dance in the garage
Roller blade for at least 30 min.
Make lunch and take it outside to eat.
Throw the softball with your sister
Play jack rocks
Make a bike path in chalk and then ride it.
Take photos of nature
Get a blanket and watch the clouds

Writing

Journal - Is it more fun playing inside or out in summer?
Write a note or letter and mail it.
Copy a poem and mail it to someone.
Write a note with a question(s)and mail it (send a return env.)
Journal - Picnic or Restaurant? Why?
Journal - Family Journal
Make a “would you rather” list in the family journal
Family Journal -favorite ice-cream flavor
Write in your journal
Journal about something you did recently.
Copy a Bible verse in your journal

Serving

Call someone and read a short book to them
Call and talk to a family member.
Offer to help a neighbor
Call and offer to help a family member organize something
Make a bible verse bookmark for a neighbor

Chore related

Clean out under your bed
Clean out your sink
Go thru and put away things in your junk basket
Clean out the beackseat of the car
Swiffer floor
Straighten the shoes by the back door.
Clean out the dishwasher
Straighten a drawer in your room
Swiffer the baseboards downstairs
Help a Parent Wildcard (parent chooses)
Dust your shutters
Organize or decorate something in your bedroom.
Set the table for the family.
Check the mail
Water Mommy’s plants

Reading

Read a short book
Read a chapter of a book
Read a chapter of a book in Mom & Dad’s room.
Read a chapter of a book outside on a blanket
Read a book in a blanket fort
Read to your sister (or parent).
Read your book in a secret place.
Listen to a book on tape

Math

Play DS Math
Play a math game from the classroom
Write any math facts in chalk on the driveway
Write 8’s math facts on the driveway
Write 7’s math facts on the driveway in chalk
Water paint math facts on driveway
Puzzle– or Math– mania
Do any math puzzle or sheet
Timez Attack (or other PC math game)

Artsy Fartsy

Color a page in a coloring book (Drawer #3)
Do an activity book (Drawers 1 or 2)
Plan a tea party (invitations and guest list) next week (food and decorations)
Draw with Mr. Kistler (online or book)
Make up a scavenger hunt for a friend
Make up a dance routine
Put on a puppet show
Play dress up
Knit
Cut up magazines and make a mosaic
Sketch something from outside
Paint outside
Set up pretend horseback riding in your room
Play store
Make something with beads
Play with Model Magic

I also modified Stacey Julian's rules and prize options, slightly. Just something you may want to consider for your unique situation.

The Rules
1.   You must make your bed, pick up your clothes in your room and bathroom, and brush your teeth before playing Bingo.
2.   You will receive a new bingo card each week (on Sunday).
3.   You will get one FREE sticker to place on any square on your card.
4.   Be sure to tell Mom or Dad which bingo square you are doing or have just done.
5.   You earn one ticket for every bingo (5 squares in a row).
6.   If you complete your entire BINGO card (blackout) by Saturday night, you will get $3.00 toward something fun.

The Prizes
Redeeming BINGO tickets

1 ticket = Popsicle/ Home-made ice cream cone
= Stay up until 9:30
2 tickets = 1 hour of Wii (or TV)
3 tickets = redbox rental
5 tickets = sleepover
Finishing one card = $3 to do something fun (ice cream, $ Tree, Michaels, Putt Putt, toy store, etc…)

What I love about this idea is that it is a good way for them to independently experience a lot of different activities this summer. It puts them in command - they schedule what they want to do when they want to do it (within my limits in the design of the Bingo Card). Then they have to use some budgeting skills with the "loot" they've earned. Some of the tasks are super-simple and/or super-fast, some not-so-much, but that's the fun of it. It is all basically fun, not-so-hard stuff that is rewarded with just more more fun. Plus is uses down any over-stock supply of stickers you may have bulging at the seams.

Some of the tasks I will use over and over while others I will only use one time. Since it was important for me that my girls not forget everything they've learned this year, I made sure I incorporated some Reading, Writing, and 'Rithmetic but you may opt not to do so. Mix it up. And be sure to post any other ideas you may have to add!

Favorite Things #7 & #8

2010-05-24T11:56:00.002-04:00

One of the best inventions ever of all time has to be the timer. We use these ALL the time (no pun intended). This one is probably my favorite. But I have a "collection"....which I will share.

See...nice, new one (above) old one (below). We use the living tarnation out of these things.

Notice the broken ring, hence the strap won't attach any longer. But this one is my favorite because you can key in specific times to the second. Also, when they're new and chirrens haven't been beating it to death, you can wear it around your neck so if you need to go outside (when something is in the oven) or to another room or floor of your house, you've still got your audible reminder with you. I like to send these with my girls sometimes when they go next door to play at the neighbors' houses. I'd be willing to bet my neighbor is probably happy about it too. Either that or she thinks, "man that girl is anal". Which is true.

But here is another nice one. Flip it on one end and it is a timer and the other end is a clock. Convenient.

See a drawer (labeled - see my previous post on my labeler) with nuthin' but timers. Happy, happy, joy, joy...

See...analog, digital, orange-shaped analog that smells just like orange...just kidding. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention and actually reading all of my posts!

There's even one in there that is from the Dollar Tree. It is especially nice to let the girls have one of these to keep in their bathroom to time teeth brushing. But, don't ask me what bookmarks are doing in the timer drawer.

Having timers will afford you to do stuff like this. Which is another one of my favorites. It is a complete list of things I need to do to clean my house complete with approximate times to complete each task. It is one of Sandra Felton's ideas. With this list, I can clean the entire house systematically and most efficiently. However, the very thought of cleaning the whole house at one time makes me want to pass out. But if I only have 23 minutes. I know I can Vacuum upstairs. Which seems to make the task a little less intimidating. But let's be honest. I usually have more than 23 minutes to spare. I just choose to use them sitting here at this life-sucker.

Now, go bless your house and clean something!

Favorite Things #6

2010-05-22T16:35:00.002-04:00

Got coins? We always seem to be using coins for our Saxon Math lessons. I despise having to count out ed-zackery (translation: "exactly") how many we need. Dollar Tree pill box to the rescue...

I can count out 4 quarters, 10 dimes, 10 pennies and 10 nickles nicely in each slot. Then when it is time for our lesson - easy, peasy, lemon squeezy.

I used my little acetone removal trick on the day of the week labels and had my children assist me in the task. However, I think I may have ruined my children's health because my sister tells me that lead based paint is VERY tenacious. About halfway through the removal process (approximately 2.57 hours later), it hit me..."Hey! This cheap pill box may have lead paint on it!". But that may very well be what is wrong with me to this day. I grew up in a pre-1978 house and I'm pretty sure I remember biting on the window sills while gazing longingly outside.

But seriously if you know of anyone that is in the home construction and/or remodeling industry, thanks to good old Uncle Sam, you may want to send them to my sister's Contractor Training blog for lead based paint removal certification.

Favorite Things #5

2010-05-21T12:12:00.005-04:00

Got a reluctant writer? I would be willing to guarantee that these Staedtler markers will change that. NAYY (no affiliation, yada, yada...).

What I like about these is they come in wonderfully delicious colors although it seems the Germans forgot that purple is a basic color. They will wash out of most fabrics (think: all the benefits of a Sharpie but without the permanency). Also, they have a great tip that is virtually indestructable (I still like to have my own set though because I'm a control freak like that). The package even states that you can leave the lid off for days and they won't dry out. Hmmmm...may be a good selling point but I don't know that I'd go advertising that to children. Anyway, the IE in me loves that the barrel also has an "ergonomic triangular shape for effortless writing". At least that is what the package states but it IS true. Plus the design of the plastic box is ingenious and oh so loverly.

I plan to start a family journal this summer and we'll use these to write in it with. I have intended to do the family journal thing for the past 2 summers but we never seem to follow through. I am really going to try to keep at it this summer. I will even try to post about it in the future. When Ms. Priss was in public school, the counselor (who was an amazing lady) hosted a workshop about keeping family journals. The person presenting the idea said she got sick with some type of cancer and that became the only way she could communicate with her tween/teenage sons. That gave me chills and sold me immediately. She said it was her favorite thing to do to sit and leaf through those little pages of golden history. I challenge you to start and keep up your own family journal. Don't make it hard, don't overthink it, don't try to make it too structured or fancy. Just get a regular old spiral bound notebook (you can choose a pretty one, though) and have at it.

By the way today is the first day of our official summer break! Woohoo!!!!

Favorite Things 3 & 4

2010-05-19T11:09:00.001-04:00

A new revelation I've had is these magazine files from Staples. Staples is proud of these little puppies. But they're oh-so worth it.

First let me show you this:

Nice, but a bit messy and unweildy and UNLABELED. These are all of my foreign language materials. (They're sitting there on the shelf without a magazine file because I haven't gotten one to put these books in yet). See how they're just kind of hanging out in the bookshelf and there are even some smaller books that are trying their darndest to wedge themselves in the back of that bookshelf? They are bookshelf deviants. Bad, bad books. I just heard John Rosemand speak about disciplining kids..."Kids are bad." Hence they need controls and limitations - boundaries, so to speak.

Well, enter exhibit A. Staples' magazine file holders (except mine are in the lovely clear variety....available in the stores but apparently not online).

Language Arts and Geography all grouped nice and neatly and I intend for them to stay that way. I drive a hard bargain in my house.

See here...the items I use "Everyday" - nice, neat, and compactly stowed. Order is a beeeeeautiful thing.

Do you see the inferior predecessor to this lovely design?

While still nice and functional...they just don't cut the mustard. See how tall the fronts are? Retrieving items from these types of racks is a pain in the you-know-what.

And finally all of this leads me to one of my all time favorite tools (for applications that extend well beyond our homeschool realm), my label maker. I use it everywhere in my house.

If you don't think labels will make your life better just bet me. And I aint a bettin' kind of girl.

Favorite Things Series 1 & 2

2010-05-18T11:47:00.001-04:00

Pdub, which has become one of my new favorite blogs recently had Heather from Oh My Stinkin' Heck do a guest blog post on the Necessities of a Homeschooling Mom. It got me to thinking, I have a lot of necessities (that's a hard word to spell) so I thought I would start a series...one or 2 a day of my favorite things. You might recall I posted some of my favorite things a while back. Well, I realized I have a lot more. I'll post them not necessarily in order of my favorite (but somewhat).

So without further adieu the first thing would have to be my laminator.

But you must stock yourself with plenty of supplies to make it fun. Did I just type that? Can laminating be fun? I need to get a life.

I have found some of the best prices at Oregon Laminations.

Another of my fav's are loose leaf ring clips.

I use these for all sorts of applications. But I want you to note the difference here in how much bookshelf space a 3-ring binder takes up versus how much space the sheets held together with the rings. Amazing, huh?

They are great for holding together spiral-bound booklets. This is so much easier for photocopying purposes.

They can hold tags together. This is what we did with our Bible memory verse copywork this year.

Laminated too! Hey! That's 2 of my fav's used in one application. We call that a 2-fer.

More tags held together.

WHAT are those workbox tags doing sprawled all out on the floor?!? I get no respect....no respect...

Waste Not, Want Not

2010-05-17T09:00:00.004-04:00

We always have heels of bread left over and nobody ever seems to want them. Occasionally, I will eat a peanut butter sandwich on them but usually they just sit, all alone, helpless there in the little bread buddy. Do you have a bread buddy? I highly recommend them. The bread takes up less footprint in your pantry and the bread stays fresher.

And besides being frugal (that's a nice word for cheap) I tend to be a bit lazy. I got a whole lotta' quit in me. So, if it aint easy and/or able to be done neatly and tidily...well, forget it. So, in comes one of my favorite kitchen utensils...

Kitchen shears...or simply put scissors. I have about 10 pair in my kitchen that I strategically place in all different drawers just so I can grab them wherever I am standing and not have to expend extra steps to go to a particular drawer for them. (See? Lazy. I'd like to blame it on officially learned Industrial Engineering concepts - something to the order of analysis of increased optimal workflow processes - but in all honesty it's just lazy.) I know, I know...I'm getting to the bread issue at hand. Cut open your bread bag so you create a nice little disposable "placemat" on which to work. Use the shears and cut up your bread into bite sized pieces.

Next we're on to another one of my favorite little gadgets in the kitchen. It is my oil dispenser. I found this clearanced at Harris Teeter. Isn't it like a little work of art? Ok...I'm stretching that a little bit but it IS nice don't you agree?

Put all of your little bread giblets into a plastic ziploc bag and drizzle some oil over them.

Season with your favorite seasonings. Mine happen to be these 2:

And voila'! You have homemade croutons ready to be baked at a moment's notice. I store them in my freezer. Pour out a few onto foil lined baking sheet (because what lazy person wants to wash a pan?) and bake them for 6-8 min (or more or less to your liking) at about 400-425. I've even been known to hit toast on my toaster/convection oven if I was in a real hurry.

I met P-dub!!!

2010-05-09T10:31:00.003-04:00

Good friends are like bras...close to your heart and there for support. That's who Susan is. She is a friend that you can call up and pick up with right where you left off. She was a friend of my husband's before we met and then we became friends. She graciously allowed me to live with her when I moved to a city where I knew nothing and nobody. She introduced me to some of the best shopping and food places in the city. And ~10 years later...because we both have the same strange obsession (and no that's not sweater sets)....she got both of us VIP tickets to be one of the first in line to see P-dub at her book signing.

P-dub was so funny, warm and friendly that night. I know she must see a zillion fans and she is truthfully probably SICK of people. But she treated us with warmth and friendliness. AND that night I (like the idiot I am) learned what spanks are and I do believe I'm gonna have to get me some. And Susan also introduced me to the coolest stuff ( Mercy and Knock Knock) at the bookstore. Believe I'll have to invest in some of these too that is right after I buy my spanks. I have my priorities...

I hope you have good friends like I have in Susan and I hope you can find a way to let them know they're special to you. Thanks, Susan! Now, stop talking Ging.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T22:35:00.000-04:00

Let me start by saying I have never been much into dying Easter Eggs with my girls. I just don't get the whole dying of an egg only to have the shell ripped off then eaten. I know you'll argue, "But they're decorative." Isn't that what they make plastic ones for? And you can use them over and over and over again. Ahhh...plasticization. Usually I shirk at it but not when it comes to eggs. However, this year I broke down and dyed a few eggs...with a twist, though. I dyed the insides and made deviled eggs. They were a pain but turned out pretty good.

First, boil your eggs. I used Sandy's directions over at Reluctant Entertainer and believe me, she knows what she's talking about in the boiling-of-eggs department.

Next, peel all of the eggs and cut them in half. Pop out the yolks in a bowl to make your filling.

Then you need to prepare a hot/warm water bath with your choice of food coloring. I did a batch of red, added some blue and got some purplish (wanna be's). Then I did a batch of blue and then added yellow to make some green ones. After you let them sit for 5 or 10 minutes, take them out and let them dry on a paper towel. Mix up your filling (I used mayo, mustard, salt, sugar and sweet pickle juice) and you're done.

Now aren't these little peeps so cute you could just eat them? Well, I did. One too many. My sister made these. I keep trying to convince her to do a guest post on my blog but she won't.

I hope you had a lovely Easter day and best of all were able to spend it with those you love.

The Homeschool Channel

2010-04-03T08:33:00.001-04:00

I love AFA. I listen to AFR ALL of the time on the radio in my car, now. They now have launched a new internet site, The Homeschool Channel, and eventually you will be able to plug into your tv. Can you say bye-bye cable, tv.

We are pretty discerning about to what and whom we give donations. We believe in and as a result give to AFA.

Peregrina's Poem

2010-03-29T22:35:00.000-04:00

I just happened to visit Peregrina. I don't read her blog regularly but every time I go there I find myself lingering, soaking up her words of wisdom. It looks to me like she has stopped posting for a while. I'm not quite sure what that is about. I sure wish she'd publish a book because I'd snap that up in a second. Anyway, this little poem just struck me tonight. I think we'll use this one for our next dictation exercise and even memorize.

Let me be a little kinder,
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me;
Let me praise a little more;
Let me be, when I am weary,
Just a little bit more cheery;
Let me serve a little better
Those that I am striving for.

Let me be a little braver
When temptation bids me waver;
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be;
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother that is weaker;
Let me think more of my neighbor
And a little less of me.

~ Author Unknown

Tim's take on things

2010-03-28T23:02:00.003-04:00

I just couldn't help myself....

God Bless You Chick-Fil-A

2010-03-28T11:45:00.002-04:00

Ellen McHenry - You're my Hero

2010-03-27T10:56:00.003-04:00

Actually I think I have 2 heros this morning and no zero is not one of them. Do you think I have been spending a little too much time around kids since the lyrics to Multiplication Rock have worked their way into a blog post?

The first hero is Sheri over at What's in the Box. She is a workboxing maniac! Man, she makes me tired just reading her posts. But she really does have some great ideas. I was reading some of her older posts and she mentioned a brain hat. Well, I have recently fallen in love with a new writing program, Stack the Deck (I'm beginning to feel like one very underpaid - as in no pay - infomercial for all of these links). Herb Hrebic talks about our brain saying he believes the brain is the best computer of all and he even puts a brain hat on to illustrate. What kid wouldn't feel smarter and motivated to answer questions by just putting on a brain hat? Maybe it is just me but I think it is nothing short of genius. That's using your noggin (no pun intended...ok there was a very bad pun and it was intended). Go to about the 4 minute mark of Mr. Hrebic's video if you don't want to watch it all (although I highly recommend watching it all) to see him talking about it. I have been rolling around in my brain, "where could I find a brain hat?" - and if you know anything about me at all, you know "I don't want to pay a lot for this muffler". Aaaaannnnyyyyywaaaay... this all is going somewhere, trust me, and it leads to another one of of my new heros which is is Ellen McHenry (btw, Mr. Hrebic also needs mention on that "hero list"). Ellen's site is filled with free downloads and she also has curriculum for sale. We are using Adventures in My Father's World this year and we have just briefly covered atoms and molecules, etc. Even as an engineer, I always despised chemistry - as in hated, loathed, detested the subject. When Ms. Priss was born I made up songs for her to learn to spell her name and put as many things to tunes as possible. I have ALWAYS joked that we were going to have to sing and dance the periodic table of elements to help her and Lil' Bit learn them. Guess what? Ellen McHenry has already done that for me complete with a fairy tale about the periodic table. Just go peruse her site. You won't be disappointed.

Tata for now!

Have I mentioned I love math?

2010-03-24T12:15:00.002-04:00

One of the members of our local homeschool group recently gave a presentation on learning styles at one of our Mom's meetings. I was so interested in what she had to say I sought to find an online test for assessing children's learning styles. Turns out both of my girls are visual learners just like their dear old Mom. One is actually equally visual and kinesthetic which apparently a lot of younger children lean more heavily towards the kinesthetic (or hands on). Which is something I think a lot of homeschoolers should know. If I could stand up and shout out to all homeschoolers across America, I would shout this: DO NOT MAKE YOUR CHILDREN SIT ALL DAY AND DO WRITTEN SEAT WORK!!!!!!

Anyway, I also did another online test by Scholastic and guess what? Turns out my girls are also Analytical Learners.

As an analytic learner, your child thinks logically and numerically, and tends to discern patterns easily. An analytic learner does well in math or science, and often gravitates to board games. She uses a methodical approach to problem-solving and prefers black-and-white solutions to more amorphous ones....

Well imagine that. I love my sweet little analytical learners to pieces...every sorted (not sordid) and organized little piece of them.

So, I guess it goes without saying that we tend to really like Math. I love Saxon but left just as they present, well, sometimes leaves a little to be desired. So, I like to throw in some fun every now and then. Recently we covered the (idiotic, imho) English system of volume measurement (gallons, quarts, pints, cups).

Why, oh why can't the U.S. just convert to metric? I digress... If we MUST use the disgusting system it must be learned visually with a little kinesthetics thrown in. Hence Gallon Man to the rescue....

First of all I showed them a real skeleton so that they would understand our bone structure. I then showed them the picture of Mr. Gallon Man.

Then we made our own. For each gallon man you will need 4 pieces of construction paper in colors of your childs choice. (Hey I am listening to Love & Logic and I'm all about letting THEM have as much control as possible, these days.) We used a whole sheet of construction paper for the Gallon. Cut one whole piece into 4 strips for the Quarts. Cut another piece into the same 4 strips then cut them in half the long way for 8 pints. Cut another piece as for the pints except one making one more cup making 16 cups. Have them label each and voila.

Notice Lil' Bit called hers Mrs. Gallon. Not that there's anything wrong with that! I hung them on my math wall. This is my happy place. I know. I'm weird like that. I embrace it.

What can I say? We're visual, people!!!

2010-03-21T06:12:00.001-04:00

I just happened upon this blog with some lovely and meaningful ways to celebrate Easter.

(In)Courage

Creationism

2010-03-07T11:39:00.003-05:00

I recently received an email notifying me of a MSNBC (or MSLSD as Mark Levin refers to them) poll. The title of the email read, "Should Homeschoolers be Allowed to be Taught Truth: Vote!". I find the word "truth" here to be ironic.

Homeschoolers (in our state and many other states) are free to use any curriculum they choose - and that even includes "unschooling". Which, in my humble opinion, is as it should be. Our society has slowly and scarily drifted from "parent knows best" to "big brother knows best". It is funny that this poll refers to "homeschool textbooks", too. I am of the belief that "textbooks" are a big part of our societal ills, anyway. I am a huge fan of Charlotte Mason. She was a turn of the century teacher and advocate of early homeschoolers in England when, politically, much the same thing was happening there as is now in the US. Her philosophy was that the mind is a living entity that needs to be fed, not a container to be filled. She advocated the use of "living books" - books that inspire the reader, feed the mind, and spark the imagination. Rather than a textbook feeding "information" that came from some arbitrary source, the information in these books is presented by the character (or the author) as a person that is personally attached to the information. Information presented in this manner, she contends, will leave one wanting more information, being personally connected to it. Therefore, we tend to use many living books - not textbooks - in our homeschool and the Bible is the mack Daddy of living books.

Now as for Creationism vs. Evolution....I don't apologize for being a young earth believer. I believe that the Bible was written as a historical narrative. A science text? No. An accurate historical account? Yes - that is corroborated by many other secular historical records. I believe when we start doubting the validity or accurateness of the Bible we get into some murky water. Some people may call me a dumb Christian. I look at it as, "Why should I reinvent the wheel?". We have learned and studied a lot (not so much recently though, for whatever reason) on Creationism vs. Evolution. There is a series of children's adventure audios, Jonathon Park, that my girls literally eat up. Another book I would urge you to read is Ruth Beechick's, Genesis: Finding Our Roots. This book answered MANY questions I had and she has such a depth of knowledge and research on this subject matter. For instance, in the book she talks about dinosaurs. Genesis mentions the word "dragon" which many believe was synonymous to dinosaur. However many people have never seen this reference, because they read the English translation and the word "dragon" is only in the Hebrew text. When the Bible was translated into English (by King James) the word dragon was translated to "large beast". Well, the largest beast the English knew of at the time was a whale. Hence "And God created great whales, and every living creature that moves which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind; and God saw that it was good." (Gen. 1:21). And there are many more references to dragons throughout the OT. Anyway, it is things like that throughout that book that convinced me and my simple little mind that I don't need to go there. I think evolutionists have cleverly crafted and packaged their little "bit". I am saddened that there are so many people out there that have turned their backs to the Biblical truths, though. The thing that frightens me though is that this is a societal change (as evidenced by the poll results when I voted were about 2/3 voting "No"). I can try to teach my children truth but the fact is they ARE going to be influenced some by societal thinking.

What are your thoughts on this matter?

A Simple 6 Week plan

2010-03-01T11:36:00.000-05:00

I think I have mentioned Sandra Felton, the Organizer Lady, in a previous post. I just love her Flight Plan for Fledglilngs daily emails. Today, in her email she included a link to a simple 6 week plan that I thought I'd share.

Love this blog

2010-02-24T15:12:00.000-05:00

My parents were telling me about some lady on Fox & Friends this morning that was making some out-of-this-world sounding cinnamon buns. Anyway, lo and behold she is also a homeschooler. I checked out her blog and this little quote caught my eye.

Lots of people support our decision to homeschool. Some are quietly guarded. Others think we're mentally ill. I vacillate between all three myself.

-Ree Drummond, Pioneer Woman

Well said.

100th Day Revisited - 2010 Edition

2010-02-14T22:09:00.002-05:00

Well, it is that time of year again. Here's a quick run down of our Hundred day activities. I have a wonderful neighbor whose daughter is in the girls' dance class that used to teach 1st grade. She so graciously let me borrow her "box" of 100 day magic. Thanks Michelle!

We started the morning with our calendar activities.

Last day of the US puzzle and the unifix hundred line.

First thing, we read the 100th Psalm

Then, we read some cute books that I had checked out of the library.

Centipede's 100 Shoes by Tony Ross and Emily's first 100 Days of School by Rosemary Wells

Then it was on to our first set of activities. What can you do in 100 seconds?

How many bunnies can you color?

How many sets of 10 hearts can you circle?

How tall of a tower can you build?

How many hearts can you cut from squares of paper?

Now here's where the Industrial Engineer in me just couldn't let this one rest. I asked them if they thought they could do it faster and how. Ms. Priss immediately suggested that one of them do the folding and the other do the cutting (Mommy was beaming).

Look how many more there were!!! 17 to be exact (as opposed to their combined total of 11 from before our little job analysis). I even helped them figure out their time per heart. Hey, Ms. Priss utilized her new divistion skills here.

How many jelly beans can you eat in 100 seconds? (the caveat was they had to completely chew and swallow one before eating another.

How many staples can you staple in 100 seconds?

100 pieces of snack mix.

Then we were on to some fun stuff. We determined weight and volume of 100 things... I intended to have them graph these but by this time we were kind of running out of steam.

First the counting....

100 Nerds, teddy grahams, pompoms, marshmallows, m&m's (peanut AND plain)

100 droplets of water and 100 tablespoons of water

Next the measuring and weighing (which I guess you could still technically classify as measuring)...

Weighing 100 tablespoons of water...

The total volume of 100 tablespoons...

Weighing the pompoms...

the marshmallows, nerds, teddy grahams, and m&m's...

now to determine the volumes

Notice we changed measuring vessels for more accurate results and/or for verification purposes. All VERY official stuff here.

In case you're interested in our results...

Item (100 of…)	Weight (grams)	Volume	unit of measure
Peanut m&m's	283	2.75	c
Regular m&m's	95	0.5	c
Marshmallows	65	1.25	c
Teddy Grahams	67	1	c
Pom Poms	25	3	c
Nerds	20	1	Tbsp
Drops of Water	3	1	tsp
teaspoons of Water	567	2.5	c

Then it was outside for a little vitamin D for our mad scientists. They ran approximately 100 yds to the corner (and back)...I believe 3 times. Mommy didn't. She was on the porch with the camera.

And last but not least, our hundred glasses (from last year) but this time with a twist... with 100 googly eyes.

Hope you enjoyed our 100 day. It was 100 total immersion for us.

Call to Dunkirk

2010-02-12T09:06:00.001-05:00

Recently I have had several Christians ask me and in their questioning seem somewhat skeptical about our decision and practice of homeschooling. One even told me flat out that SHE WAS AGAINST IT. I really have not experienced this much until now and am a little bit taken aback by this Christian response. This little video sums it up, pretty much...

...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. -1 Peter 3:15

Cotton Pickin' Dinner Plans

2010-01-26T16:23:00.001-05:00

This week we have been studying Eli Whitney and the Cotton Gin. My parents had recently gotten the girls some cotton and I have saved it several months in anticipation. The teachers manual suggested using cotton balls and gluing green bits of paper then rolling the cotton so that the green paper is inside. Then have them pick those out but fortunately we had the real thing. Well, the teachers manual also says that this is tiring and the children will probably not want to do this for very long. Well, not my children. They were begging after school to do the REST of the branch we had. Far be it from me to keep them from it. (Perler beads comes to mind here - they'll stay busy with those things for HOURS).

I never realized how many things cotton seeds are used for, either. They were bigger than I expected too. Now, Ms. Priss wants me to find something so that she can card the cotton. She mentioned something about spinning it on a wheel. I guess she's got big plans for her Daddy to make her one. Hmmm...somehow I don't see that happening any time in the near future.

On an unrelated note, I have been trying hard to get myself organized. I have fallen in love with Sandra Felton these days. If you don't get Free Daily Coaching from the Organizer Lady you are missin' the boat!!! I will try to post more about my schedules, etc. later but I wanted to share with you one of my organizational tools. Laurie at Tip Junkie has asked us to post organizing ideas.

So, I thought I would share with you my meal planning system. When used it is a beautiful thing. But apparently that is paramount with any organizing scheme...that is, the follow through.

I use a sheet protector that photographer's use for slides. The nice thing about these page protectors is that they are configured in a 5 x 4 grid so that you can plan for 5 days a week and up to 4 weeks at a time. I cut card stock in 2" squares. On the front of the card I write the main dish or title. On the back side I have listed ingredients, side dishes or "suggested servings". So, when you flip it over it can be used as a handy little checklist/shopping list for the week and/or month. Notice I also put notes on the fronts of my cards such as Kids eat Free on Tuesdays at Atlanta Bread and Footlongs are $4 on Fridays at Harris Teeter.

I don't plan for the weekends assuming that there will (a) be some slippage during the week and (#2) that we will eat leftovers and (III) that my dear husband will suggest that his darling wife has had such a laborious week that he should treat her to lovely meals out.

I usually hang it on the side of my refrigerator out of view just to reference. But the nice thing about it is that you could put it in a 3 ring binder or just slip it in your pocket book if need be. I haven't quite perfected storage of the extra cards but for now the little ziploc will have to do. Now, I've gotta go figure out what's for dinner tonight!

Christ's Bell

2009-12-23T23:11:00.001-05:00

My Mom recently sent me this email...I do believe it is a keeper.

Christ’s Bell
Someone took a lot of time doing this.

THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3 :20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13 )
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are?

Keep this bell ringing...pass it on
'The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
And give you peace...
Numbers 6:24-26

To love someone is Nothing,
To be Loved by someone is Something,
BUT to be LOVED by the one that YOU LOVE is EVERYTHING..

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas crafting with the kiddos

2009-12-19T19:15:00.000-05:00

I am always in search of something useful the girls can make that looks nice. Well, I found a couple of keepers. We started both of these projects 30 minutes before our neighborhood Christmas party. The girls made them for an ornament contest. Here's what we did....

Ms. Priss stitched this half eaten gingerbread man....

And Lil' Bit modeled the s'mores snowman out of Model Magic. (The blog, which I link to below suggested making it out of Sculpey but we like Model Magic in this household.)

You can find the gingerbread felt ornament here and the s'mores snowman here.

By the way the snowman s'more won first place. She got a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble! Woohoo...more books!!!

Clippies & whirly-gigs

2009-12-07T15:22:00.007-05:00

I promised I would post some of my clipboards and a brief tut on how to make them.

First it is not necessary but preferred to prime the metal clip on the board. You can get by without doing this step but the paint may chip off more easily. I have had reasonable success with using Gesso instead of the spray-on Krylon (or the like) primer. Then you will paint the wooden part of the board with regular craft paint. Lots of times I will let the girls do this step. They love it and they really can't mess anything up. It is a win-win-win situation.

In case you're one of THOSE (and I'm talkin' to you Coll) that has to know specifics...it looks like here I used Winter Blue for the board and Light Buttermilk for the clip.

Oh, I almost forgot...before you start take a twist-tie or florist wire or any kind of wire and twist it to hold open the clip. I find a set of pliers helps me. It allows you to get underneath the clip to paint the board and also doubles as a handy-dandy hanger for drying purposes... Which is especially nice if you're making a gift for an event that you were already supposed to have left the house to attend. Think I would do something like that?!?

Next is the fun part. Invest in a lovely set of alphabet foam stamps. You won't regret this purchase. Any other classic shapes (like flourishes, etc..) you will find yourself using over and over again too. These are Making Memories (Misunderstood font).

I used this flourish in a powder room in our first house. It has served me well.

I like to vary my stamp sizes and colors for interest.

Don't forget to grunge the edges (just dry brush with paint, ink, or both) See the difference in the before and after...

Before grunge

After grunge

(don't forget to grunge the clip too)

And go here if you want to tie the perfect bow.

Then you're done. (Don't forget to take off the twist-tie/wire holding the clip open.)

The possibilities are endless. They really do make good gifts for kids and adults alike. There is something about the wooden clipboard that kids especially LOVE though. I think it makes them feel grown up or something.

Now, wanna cute quick project for the kiddos? I'm thinking this would be cute done in Christmas colors of your choice and used as a garland. You could even deliberately space them so that you didn't have $400 caught up in felt.

You are going to need several pieces of felt about 4x6" (we cut the precut 4/$1 felt into 4 pieces).

Place 2 different colors of felt on top of each other.

Glue the 2 pieces together at one short edge and let it dry.

Roll it up and glue to hold (think sushi). We used Aileen's Tacky Glue. Let that dry.

Cut them into about 1" rounds, let the kiddos string them (with a needle). We did find that it was kind of tough to get through all that dried glue with a needle so I had to help them a little with that part.

Now get crafting...Christmas will be here before you know it!

Car Schooling

2009-12-07T12:12:00.001-05:00

My mother recently advised me to get out and do my grocery shopping first thing in the morning since it is less crowded, the store shelves are usually better stocked and my girls aren't tired and cantankerous. I usually resist because it seems to throw our days off kilter missing out on those prime learning hours. However this morning we did just that and went shopping for some needed groceries.

So anyway on the way home Lil Bit was chattering away something about the word "too" and quizzing Ms. Priss on how it was spelled. And it hit me! I told one girl to use one of the three - "two", "too", or "to" words in a sentence and the other had to spell it correctly. I was to be the official judge. They LOVED it. Language Lessons for the day - check...fine'...done. Score one for Mom! I'm thinking you could take a lot of ideas out of the PLL (Primary Language Lessons) book and use them in this way.

Learning that is fun and efficient too. Woohoo!!!

Altered Binder

2009-12-06T00:09:00.000-05:00

I just realized the last blog entry was over a month ago. I know it is a little late in the game but if you're looking for a unique and personal Christmas gift you may want to check this out. I got this idea from Amy Mowbry but I can't find her blog anywhere so I guess she dropped off the blogging radar. Her tut was wonderful and I recall she had even photoshopped captions on her photos. Here's my best shot:

Start with a old, ugly or just plain boring 3-ring notebook/binder.

Begin removing the vinyl covering by cutting an X ever so gently - especially if you want to deviate and somehow use the raw chipboard instead of covering with paper or fabric...

You'll be left with the spine still encased and 2 floppy sides.

This is one of the trickier parts. You are going to have to tenaciously seperate the chipboard spine from the vinyl covering. It sounds easier than it is. Its not hard though. You're just going to have to finesse it and put a little teeth in it at the same time. Begin by cutting away your floppy sides...

Then you're going to want to take your exacto knife and cut as close as possible to the little posts on the front and back sides.

This is where you just have to put a little muscle in it and just pull it away. I'm always afraid I'm going to tear something up here but I never have.

Then you will be left with bare naked chipboard. Ahh...a blank canvas!!!

Next you are going to want to use something to bind it back together with. You could get all fancy and actually use bookbinding tape. But I'd suggest a cheaper...ahem...less expensive route and use double sided carpet tape purchased from the hardware store. Eyeball the length needed. Peel off one side of the carpet tape and attach it to half of the spine.

Use another piece of chipboard (the other side or if you're good just eyeball the spacing) so that the cover folds properly. This is a tough part for me. I always seem to get mine caddy-whompus and one side wants to lay down more than the other. This is also about where the 80/20 rule kicks in with me and you can tell in the next few pictures. Remember there are NO mistakes in art. That's what I keep telling myself anyway.

It should look pretty much like this.. See that little space between the spine and cover?

Now cut a little notch out of the tape so that your tape will lay flat.

Repeat for the back cover. Then cut a length of fabric (you could use paper although I think fabric is a little more durable), remove the 2nd side of the carpet tape and adhere the fabric to cover the spine.

Cut a little slit down towards the middle of the spine so that you can work that fabric in. See where I'm gettin' REAL "whatever-ish"?!? Keep at it...it will all work out just fine and the altered-binder police aren't going to come and cart you off.

There you have it. I just folded the overlapping edge and put a little more double sided tape in there to hold it. Just do the best you can. It is the inside of the binder for crying out loud. Do not worry about the raw edge/selvages either. We're gonna address that later.

Now, trace and cut out a piece of coordinating scrapbook paper, cardstock or I guess you could even use some different kind of fabric here.

I glued it down with this Perfect Paper adhesive because I had it on hand. Use what you like. I've heard a lot of people like Tombo mono adhesive and also Zip Dry paper glue. The stuff I used was just so-so...

When you've glued the front and back covers down, run a bead of Aileen's Tacky Glue down the seam where the fabric and paper meet.

You are going to cover it with ribbon and for some reason I don't have a very good photo showing that.

You may want to dress up the inside with some coordinating papers. I cut the navy inside cover a little smaller just for interest. And I always ink/grunge up my edges with ink. Keeps things from looking too perfect.

These page protectors were in there and had some writing on them so I used some paper scraps and made it "artistic" (sorry about the sideways photos...not sure what's up with this blogging editor)

Use some alphabet stamps to personalize

And Voila...there you have it.

Tomorrow I will try to post how I alter clipboards. They make great gifts too.

Call Today about Healthcare Reform

2009-11-06T11:22:00.000-05:00

I usually try to keep my posts light but I feel like this is warranted.

I just called my local Representative's (D) office and this is roughly what I told the young lady... (I went under the advice to make it personal, serious and heartfelt).

I told him what city I lived in and that I am a homeschooler and we spend a lot of time studying history in our schooling. What is going on in this country right now is unprecedented and is frightening. I also told her that I was not an activist and have never really been involved in politics but if he votes for the health care bill, I and my husband will spend inordinate amounts of time and money to make sure that he does not go back to Washington.

I also asked her to assure me that this message would be delivered in full to him.

Just a reminder in case you feel led to call your Rep. The vote is tomorrow. You can find your Representative's contact information here:

http://www.house.gov/

pass it along

Cans

2009-11-02T11:08:00.000-05:00

Cans are good. Yes, cans are very, very good things especially for storage. And you can even make them shabby chic and pleasing to your eye. Plus you can impress all of your liberal friends by telling them that you are the "greenest of green". Actually, I do not like the idea of filling up our landfills but I don't like the idea of someone making huge amounts of money off of my raw goods (trash, recyclables, etc...) and charge me exorbitant rates to pick it up it in the process. But that is another blog entry.

You can use them to store things like paint brushes, colored pencils....

You likey the finish? Remember the previous post about the American Light Buttermilk and gold stippling over that? That's what it is...easy as pie!

Q-tips (for art projects)

Pliers and Rulers...hey! those rulers aren't trash!!! Guess I better change my tag.

But workbox tags? Cans are not so good!

Hence my solution? A clear notebook style case that I got several years ago on Target's Dollar Spot. (I'm getting my money's worth out of that bulk supply of velcro dots dontcha think?)

And look how nicely it stores on the shelf.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T11:12:00.001-05:00

After all of our colonial studies and travels this year it is only fitting that the girls would want to be Colonial girls for Halloween. And thanks to their fairy GRANDmother the wish that they wished came true.

Details, details...

All of the neighbor kids...

Thanks for all your hard work Mom (Meme)! We love you!!!

Make your own playing card holders

2009-10-26T23:56:00.001-04:00

Have you ever seen one of these?

In case you've never seen one, this is a playing card holder. A very ingenious device! However just a little too rich for my blood. If you've been reading my blog for long you will notice a recurring theme. I AM CHEAP. Enter exhibit A, my home-made playing card holder.

Wanna know how? Here goes... Gather 2 lids (one larger than the other) from old yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream, or butter containers.

You're also going to need a punch set (or something else like an ice-pick that you can make a small hole with). Like how I store my punch set? Before you go judging me...I made this a few years ago in attempt to win a contest for scrapbooking storage supply solutions. Because if you lure me with something free, I will spend inordinate amounts of time and energy in that endeavor. I actually won the contest (not with this box, though)...and got just what I needed: more scrapbooking supplies. This is one of those boxes from Costco that I just recovered with some shabby chic scrapbooking paper, tied some riboon around, and hot glued a silk flower on top.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming....Punch holes in the centers of both of the lids. There is usually a little raised bump which is helpful in centering.

You're also going to need a brad, decorative is always nice. See my collection of "pink" scrapping supplies? Now are you understanding the tongue in cheek above comment about needing more scrapping supplies?

Place the lids top sides facing each other and attach with a brad.

Give the girls a sheet of stickers and let them have at decorating. I helped them place a large butterfly to completely cover the back side of the brad.

Oh yes, I just have to mention. This kind of thing really bugs me.

So, if you don't already have some go today and purchase you some 100% acetone. Don't settle for any of that watered down Sally Hanson junk...get the full monty.

This stuff will take just about ANYTHING off. I have removed so many labels and repurposed many things thanks to a handy bottle of 100% acetone. Plus it is REALLY good at getting dark/bright fingernail polish off.

See that? Like magic!

And there you have it 2 pretty, inexpensive playing card holders...

Front side

Back side

We have been playing a lot of crazy eights in the evenings and I've been wanting to do something like this to help them hold their cards. Anyway, today Lil' Bit's Saxon math book, of all places, suggested playing a game called "Make Ten". You play by dealing 7 cards to each player. You lay out 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in a circle and each player tries to make a sum of 10 by laying a card on top of another. So you wold place an 8 over a 2 or a 6 over a 4, etc.. If you don't have any cards to play you have to take 2 cards from the stack. The first person to play all of his/her cards is the winner. It is actually a pretty fun game and it helps retention of those 10 facts.

My girls love playing cards with us, it is fun for all, and I think it is a great way for our family to spend time together. Go fish!

Layers of the Earth

2009-10-23T07:27:00.013-04:00

Associate something to be learned with food and I'm in like flint. I guess my girls got that gene, too. Anyway, we've been learning about the different layers of earth. I did some searching and couldn't find a whole lot that I thought tasted good by way of recipes so I kind of combined some different ideas that I found and made my own recipe. If you're looking for specific measurements/amounts in this post you may want to skip this 'un. Because we're not building a rocket here...just replica earths.

Step 1: Mix a couple of spatula globs of peanut butter, a scoop of graham cracker crumbs, and some powdered sugar to get a playdoh like consistency to your mixture.
Put them in the freezer for a few minutes so that they aren't quite so mushy.
Have you tried this ice-cream? Well, I can barely pull myself to buy Ben & Jerry's because they're so liberal but this ice cream tastes just like my mother's chocolate cake. Mmmmm...

Meanwhile mix up some cream cheese (maybe 1 oz???), a spoonful or 2 of sour cream, and some more, yes, powdered sugar...mmmm (don't you dare dirty another bowl...do it in the same bowl..remember, we're not building rockets)

After your earths have hardened a little take them out, do any necessary reshaping and then cut them in half with a sharp knife.

Scoop out little bits of each half. We used a grapefruit spoon.

Oh yes...eat the leftover pieces.

Spoon in the cream cheese mixture and pop a red hot in one of the 2 halves.

Press the 2 halves back together.

Pop them back in the freezer for a few more minutes.

After they have hardened just a little, take them out, reshape as necessary. Then roll them in graham crax crumbs and sprinkles. We used blue for water.

Voila! There you have it.

Mmmm....good.

See that yummy cross section?

Discuss with them that the

Red hot = Inner Core
Cream Cheese = Outer Core
Peanut Butter = Mantle
Crumbs and Sprinkles = Crust

Then go here, print one of these, and have them label (without you telling them if they can).

I have to wonder if this might be a little bit how God feels? Boy have I got a mess on my hands!

Brunswick Town

2009-10-19T17:32:00.011-04:00

Our trip to Brunswick Town was another great thing! Founded in 1726 this was North Carolina's capital until Governor Tryon built Tryon Palace in New Bern, NC in 1770. The girls' only cousin (their age) was able to go to this with us.

Here are a few games that colonial children played.

Marbles (made out of clay)
Graces

Whirly-gigs

Bilboquette and cup & ball

Jacobs' Ladder...they were all mesmerized by this.

Here they are making butter. How cool is that? Those of you that are doing MFW Adventures know that this couldn't be more fitting. I don't believe that the JIF containers were exactly "period".

This one is, though

He explained about all of the different types of cooking and eating utensils. Anything that was ceramic was called "Sad-ware" because if it fell it usually broke on the brick floors. They usually used wooden bowls (like the one he is pointing at) to avoid them being broken. We actually got one of these from my husband's grandmother. I don't know HOW old it is but I think it is neat to realize why it was preferred.

Here he is showing us the types of forks and knives that were used. The knife was very broad (and I don't believe very sharp) because they actually ate off of it instead of the fork.

This man was dressed as a British Loyalist that recruited for the royal army. Here he is showing a replica of Colonial currency.

The girls got to make their own hand dipped candles.

The final product

And then we got in our air conditioned car and drove home!

Tryon Palace

2009-10-19T16:54:00.013-04:00

We also have recently visited Tryon Palace in New Bern, NC. It was a WONDERFUL experience and I highly recommend it. This year's theme was all about period dress.

When we first arrived the girls decided to try felting. There were 2 lovely ladies at this booth. They were both seasoned homeschoolers, themselves. They were so friendly and conversational.

They made their own toilet water. Since bath's weren't as fashionable as they are today the ladies (and men) had to used water scented with essential oils to cover up the...ahem...smell. Somehow I don't think stickers and plastic bottles were involved back then, though.

Here they are stitching up workmen's caps.

The finished product

This cute little girl demonstrated for Lil Bit how to roll a hoop.

Here Lil'Bit is practicing her graces.

Miss Priss trying on a colonial dress that was just a tad too big. I'm sure the one that Meme makes for their Halloween costume will be muuuuch cuter.

After we returned from lunch we stopped at the the Robert Hay House circa 1805. Robert Hay was a Scottish-born carriage-maker who moved to New Bern about 1800. The dresses these ladies wore were quite a bit different in style from the earlier (1770s). The girls were fortunate enough to be able to experience the labors of washing clothes pre-Kenmore days.

Tomorrow, I'll think of some way...after all, tomorrow is another day. (Oooops wrong era)

Apparently they DID NOT have the internet to keep them busy back then, so they had to entertain themselves a little differently. Here is a game they played (usually for money). The trick is to keep your heels on the wall while you bend over to pick up a penny about a foot from the wall. Apparently my father claims he used to could do this and still thought he could. I think not!

The last highlight of the visit to Tryon Palace was a period wedding. We understood that these two actually were engaged to be married soon so a rehearsal should not be necessary for them!

What a great da. Tryon was top notch in my book!

Jamestown

2009-10-19T16:28:00.011-04:00

Where does the time go? I am finally getting around to posting some of our many field trip photos.

We did Jamestown's Homeschool days. Jamestown was wonderful. Homeschool days...well it was probably our tour guide...but let's just say it could've been better. Here are some photo highlights. To keep from going on and on...and seeming like I am complaining ad nauseam...who me?!?...my one bit of advice is if YOU ever go with your family...skip the tour and go at your own pace especially if you've read much at all about Jamestown.

This fellar told us all about the artillery used on ships back in the early 1600's and even showed some different types of ammunition. My, we've come a long way in that regard.

A shipmate

This lady showed us how indians burned and carved logs to make their canoes. My heavens, makes me thankful for the nearest Lowe's and their supply of power tools.

And here's what it looked like when we were all through. Just kidding. It took them weeks to carve this in real life.

The Blacksmith making one of MANY nails. He told us that was the primary job for the Blacksmith since they needed so many of them to build the houses.

Indian basket weaving...

A Wigwam

Inside the Wigwam

Grinding corn into meal...

Calendar Songs

2009-10-01T21:24:00.003-04:00

We are all about singing things in our house to remember things. I put the spelling of both my girls' names to tunes and they knew them by the time they were 3 or 4. I say I'm going to be singing and dancing the periodic table of elements. Can't you just imagine....2 taps+4 flaps, "That's Helium...atomic weight of 4". Anyway, here is a list of our calendar songs to help my girls learn to spell the months of the year. I got a lot of them from Ms. Meacham's website but some of them I came up with all by myself (betcha can't tell which ones I wrote!).

January
(Tune: Auld Lang Sine)
J - A - N - U - A - R - Y!
The first month of the year
Oh January you bring with you
A Happy New Year too!

February
(tune: Row, Row, Row Your Boat)
F-E-B-R-U-A-R-Y
February, February,
Spell it now with me:
F-E-B-R-U-A-R-Y
February!

March
(Tune: Old MacDonald Had A Farm)
In the spring there is a month,
M-A-R-C-H
And in that month we have some fun,
M-A-R-C-H
With a shamrock here…
And a leprechaun there…
Here a pinch, there a pinch,
Everywhere a pinch, pinch,
In the spring there is a month,
M-A-R-C-H

April
(tune: The More We Get Together)
Oh, A-P-R-I-L,
It’s April, it’s April,
Oh, A-P-R-I-L,
It’s April, my friends.
When green leaves are showing,
And flowers are growing.
Oh, A-P-R-I-L,
It’s April, my friends!

May
(tune of She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain)
M-A-Y spells May, can’t you see?
M-A-Y spells May, can it be?
M-A-Y spells May,
We can spell it everyday,
M-A-Y spells May, yes, sirree!

June
(tune of Baa, Baa, Black Sheep)
J-u-n-e, that spells June.
J-u-n-e, summer comes soon!

July
(tune: America the Beautiful)
J-U-L-Y
J-U-L-Y
That's how we spell July
Its summertime
and hot outside
July, July, July
J-U-L-Y
that spells July
Prime hurricane time
Let's hope that we don't
ever have a Category Five!

August
(tune: Bingo)
The month of August is so hot
We love the sunny weather.
A – U – G – U – S - T
A – U – G – U – S - T
A – U – G – U – S - T
Let's sing this song together.

September
(Tune: If You’re Happy & You Know It)
SEP-TEM-BER
SEP-TEM-BER
If you love the sunny weather,
Then let’s spell it all together…

October
(tune: Found A Peanut)
Spell October,
Spell October,
Spell October now with me.
OCT-O-BER
OCT-O-BER

November
(Tune: I’m A Little Teapot)
NOVEM-BER
That spells November,
the eleventh month.
NOVEM-BER
Won’t you spell it now just once?

December
(Tune: Jingle Bells)
DEC-EMB-E-R
December is the Christmas month
When Jesus Christ was born.
DEC-EMB-E-R
December is the Christmas month
When Jesus Christ was born.

I just sang a few of the ones that I wrote to my friend on the phone. She seemed more amused than anything else and mentioned something about her hubby could give me some help with the lyrics. How very impertinent!

Flip Calendar

2009-09-26T18:27:00.003-04:00

For me, usually after about four hundred times of doing something I finally have that epiphany that maybe, just maybe there is a better more efficient way of doing that particular thing. I may be a little slow but I usually deliver. That brings me to my new creation. This is what owning a binding machine will afford you...

You see the blocks are still good and we still use them but we were always having to rewrite the date in this format so that the girls could date their work...

Here you see I just printed 12 cards with "Month" and each number month "1-12". I did the same for "Day" (1-31) and Year (I think I went up to 2015)

See on the base where I printed two slashes. The base is just one larger piece of cardstock with holes punched at the top and bottom and scored to make the tent fold.

I am all about making things easy. So am I doing my girls a disservice by creating this "easy-way-out" instead of having them write this out daily? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Weeks 3&4 Jamestown Settlement

2009-09-19T10:35:00.021-04:00

It seems like ages since I have posted homeschool stuff. I guess we have been too busy with it all but we have slowed down a bit and taken 3 weeks instead of 2 for both our Jamestown and Indian studies. Part of the reason is that we finished Squanto early and I decided to read aloud Blood on the River. I can't say enough good things about this book. At first I was a little apprehensive and couldn't find many reviews online to find out if it was appropriate for my girls. I decided just to go ahead and read it and it is a great read! There are parts that get a little (unnecessarily) graphic. But all-in-all it is a wonderfully written living history book. The characters John Smith, Reverend Hunt, and Samuel Collier (the main character) all teach some great character values - channel your anger, you don't work you don't eat, act out of love not fear, and rely on others/have many legs. Although it is not a blatant Christian work it does have positive Christian elements and influence.

We are even thinking about going to Jamestown for a couple of days. They have homeschool days going on right now. Even if you can't attend I recommend virtually visiting their site. There's lots of resources there.

WWJD Bracelets

Jesus the Light of the World Candle

Paint with Glue and attach the "Jesus the Light of the World" label
Sprinkle with glitter
Voila

Enjoy!

We've been burning this at night for dinner. Simply wonderful.

Scripture memory verse - John 8:12

I made Ms. Priss' a little more difficult by cutting apart every word. For Lil Bit's I printed what I could fit on a 3x5 card and let her piece that together. By the end of the week they could say it and put it together no problem without looking at the white board with the written verse. So, as a little treat we decided to hone our sewing skills and make some room decorations.

Punch holes

String together with some of Mom's ribbon stash - if you've read much of my blog you know I have a little bit to spare!

There you have it!

Making Wigwams & Teepees
tip #1: Use Tacky Glue and clips

Tip #2: label the inside of your wigwam with two 1's, two 2's, two 3's, and two 4's directly across/opposite from each other to help the kids know where to place their strips.

Tip #3: Secure the strips around the ring with paper clips

Tip #4: Thin the glue with a little water

Could this be Powhatan Territories? I got this idea from Erica. I just love her blog!

We're moving on to the Pilgrims next. I have LOTS of books for that. I'm thinking we'll be through with this curriculum in about 4 years.

Pack Pride

2009-09-18T14:06:00.009-04:00

Thanks to my wonderful and generous sister (Auntie A) and brother-in-law (Uncle Fun) we get to see NCSU football games in a really cool way.

Tailgating: a thing of the past

Bring it on "all-you-can-eat-brownies"

Uncle Fun

This makes my heart go pitter patter

Moon Over Murphy

This is where Mommy and the girls usually end up (especially during the night games) although Ms. Priss is really getting into the games and probably knows more about what is going on than her Mother does. (refer to my pretty pictures of the moon and the marching band :-)

Here is Little Bit posing in front of one of the camera guys (who I might add was having technical difficulties). No lie, I actually saw him leave and come back with - get this - a hammer, of all things, to "attempt" to fix the camera with. I'm no film-school expert but I'm gonna say a hammer aint gonna fix camera problems, buddy.

GO PACK!!!

There's nothing like Breakfast at Big Ed's in Raleigh.

Newly Uploaded MFW and Workbox stuff

2009-08-31T17:10:00.003-04:00

Hello all! I have just uploaded the timeline pieces for the second half of the year.

Timeline Pieces 2

Also, I have uploaded the blank Workbox tag template too.

Blank Daily Worktag Grid

Here are some workbox tags I've made that I thought I would share. They are in no way, shape, or form organized in much of any way.

Workbox Extra Labels4

Enjoy!

If at first you don't succeed...

2009-08-28T14:10:00.010-04:00

...try, try again. I was going to attach this to the previous post but I felt like this warranted its own entry. This is my new workbox system I am going to try this year. I think I may have mentioned that I was an Industrial Engineer in my previous life. My mother tells me that I am always analyzing a process. I can't seem to help myself. Anyway here is my new take on workboxes.

There are 2 hooks with these hanging by the door. This will be where each child physically checks in and checks out of school. "Checking In" means taking your hang-tag set down and go to your desk to begin work for the day. "Checking Out" means hanging up your hang-tag with all the little cards for that day turned over (to the back or white side). Read on if you're thoroughly confused right now...

I have each page for each day already loaded and ready to go based on a master schedule I made up (I am using Adventures in My Father's World curriculum). I will use this grid to help me determine what to fill each child's 6 workboxes with. The most helpful thing with using a grid is so that I could see where I needed to stagger the "work with Mom" activities for each individual child. Most of the boxes will be with standard items each day but one or 2 each day I will just throw random and/or fun things. Here are Monday, Thursday, and Friday's daily pages...

Monday

Thursday

Friday

All Week

If you click on the above pictures you will see that there is a hard ("hard on the card" for any of you that have sat in on one of Sue's seminars) velcro dot on the front of the card and the back. This way everything is all self-contained which means no pieces to keep up with so hopefully none to be lost. All the girls have to do is turn the card over when they're finished with that activity.

Here they have checked into school for the day and both girls have completed their Calendar Activities (hence the first square which read "Calendar Activities" has been turned over)

I have re-labeled all of the drawers with permanent numbers. It was getting to be a huge pain for me to bend down and put all of those velcro'd labels back on each drawer. Sounds like I have real problems, huh? But there is another advantage because we found that the number tags were always falling off of the drawers and getting lost in other drawers, on the floor, etc...

Finally, when they have turned over all of the individual cards on their daily hang-tag they hang it back on their hook and they're done with school for the day. They have officially "Checked Out"

Now I'm checking out. Later!

Week 2 - Christopher Columbus

2009-08-28T13:17:00.012-04:00

Jesus Poster

I let the girls paint white foam core poster boards with watercolors then sprinkle on a little salt. They turned out really nice.

Coloring their "Jesus - The Lord Saves" - first picture to glue to the board.

Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria

The girls made their boats. We found it easiest to wrap the foil around some "boat shaped" object.

We may make these again to sail again next week. Next time I think we should skip cutting the excess off and actually try to shape a bow and "poop deck" (as the Beautiful Feet book called it!!!) I think it may ultimately make the boat more stable for sailing. Also, I read online somewhere to use model magic and/or drinking straws instead of play-doh and pencils. That did seem to help it float by making it as light as possible.

The finished product...

Sailing in the sink. We were going to take them to the pond this day but Ms. Priss said she didn't think that was a good idea if they were going to float them in the tub that night...so we'd better wait a day. I'm glad I have her so I don't always have to be the one thinking.

This doesn't really have to do with school but

Q: What do you get when you mix perler beads and audio books?

A: A mommy that can't keep up with her ironing...

(notice all the lightbulbs? I'm stockpiling. I'm not going to be left high and dry when Congress won't allow us to buy these any longer and all that is available is those wretched mercury filled lightbulb wanna-be's. Now if I could just get my hands on some merthiolate....)

Ms. England brought her 2 girls over on Thursday. Who knew science experiments involving air flow could be so riveting?

Yes, my child is trying to climb the column.

Some more ziploc math games....This afforded the Mommies time to chat about school stuff.

Bon voyage... The string tied on to the mast was Ms. Priss' idea too. Hmm...think somebody could have some control issues? Anyway, we found they worked best sans string and let the good Lord take it where it may.

The Santa Maria was the only one that made it the length of the retention pond and they found a grasshopper to put in it to make the voyage. I guess he was playing the part of Christopher Columbus. Could this be San Salvador?!? And look at those natives! They only have one huge arm with a claw on the end!!! (in case you can't see there were crabs roaming around).

What a great week!

Have I told you lately that I love you....

2009-08-21T00:03:00.006-04:00

Have I told you lately that I love you

Have I told you there's no one else above you
Fill my heart with gladness
take away all my sadness
ease my troubles that's what you do

For the morning sun in all it's glory
greets the day with hope and comfort too
You fill my life with laughter
and somehow you make it better
ease my troubles that's what you do
There's a love that's divine
and it's yours and it's mine like the sun
And at the end of the day
we should give thanks and pray
to the One, to the One

I recently heard on K-Love (Caleb - as Little Bit calls it) that this song sang by Van Morrison and Rod Stewart was originally written as a prayer. I think that is very cool. Anyway, have I told you lately how much I love My Father's World?

Here are our Friday boxes (should be Thu but we started on Tue this week).

Box #1
Both girls got the same thing in their first drawers - brownie mix.
How cool is that? Brownie Mix in a workbox drawer!!! I love it.
We will make brownies, then ice them and pipe all of our family's names on them. We are going to take some to my grandmother and have lunch with her after school today. I'm thinking since footlong subs are $3.99 at Harris Teeter that sound like a good idea.

Box #2
Handwriting practice
A, B, a, b
print for Little Bit
cursive for Miss Priss

Box #3
Exploring American History, Timeline, Lief Ericson timeline piece and the most important part: tape to tape it down with. Separating the tape and the timeline will insure they HAVE to work together on that 'un.

Box #4
Lief Ericson narration/dictation/copywork activity
(both boxes are the same)

Box #5
Science
(Experiment to follow - I didn't really want to put raw eggs in their boxes)

Box #6
Addition cards to be used with a set of 0 - 9 number tiles
I found these lovely freebies from The School Bell. Great site with lots'o stuff.

Book Of Centuries Timeline PDF

2009-08-19T10:50:00.003-04:00

Thank you Mrs. Cuddles for converting to a PDF for me!!! It is over 100 pages. Hope you enjoy!

History Book of Centuries

A great first day

2009-08-18T23:47:00.015-04:00

What a great day we had!!! Today was our first day of school and what a blessing it was. First things first. Usually I am a big flake and I always kick myself thinking...oh I should have done that - whatever that was that I didn't do. But one thing I can proudly say is that I have been religious in taking pictures of the girls on their first day of school.

Well, here it is...a clean classroom!!! Take a good look. It won't stay this way for long.

This is what I started with (and pretty close to what it normally looks like)

I read them this sweet book about the meaning of our Pledge of Allegiance, got up and looked back and seriously this is how I found them. We recited the pledge many times last year but I never had sense about me to explain it to them. I think this REALLY meant something to them.

Adventures in MFW starts out the year with having you discuss names and your child's names. They suggest you discuss their names' meanings. Well, one of my DD's name meaning has a negative connotation. I have NEVER shared with her what her name meaning is defined as. I have a bit of a problem with the whole name meaning idea, anyway. Anyway, my philosophy is that name meanings honestly are of little or no value. Rather name meanings have come about because of the personality traits or lives of historical individuals who had those names. (This may be a classic argument like which came first, the chicken or the egg too, I guess).

So I altered the dialogue a little bit. Instead of what is in the TM, I said this instead:

When you meet someone new, one of the first things you learn is their name. Everyone has a name. And names are very special. We remember people by their names. When you make an impression/memory on someone they remember you by your name. Even though you didn't pick your name it is part of what makes you, YOU. So how do you want your name remembered?

I wrote down some things that they and I thought about them and put their name at the top of the page. They WANTED to add to the list so it went in one of their workboxes to be completed later on. And the completed sheet? It will go in their notebook. Have I mentioned I love this curriculum.

Finally, our Red, White and Blue snack. I knew I was stretching it to get Ms. Priss to eat strawberries and I knew better than to even consider blueberries. But I figure, you can eat just about anything dipped in chocolate then sprinkles. Needless to say it was a hit.

Oh my gosh...this is soooo good!

Thumbs up!

Anywhooo...thought I'd share how I'm incorporating workboxes. At least for this week (and maybe even for a few more days) I am following the advice of MFW and using a gentle approach. And uh...making my life easier in the process. Therefore, some of the group activities I am going ahead and filling workbox drawers with. These are my filled workbox drawers for the 2nd day of week 1.

Drawer #1: My "Why You're Named..." letter to her.
(Oh yes, did I mention how much I love this curriculum?)

Drawer #2: Map/Geography Activity

Drawer #3: Science

Drawer #4: Read Aloud.
(This is a Beautiful Feet book - wonderful books)

Drawer #5: Pattern Block Activity Sheet
(the one extra thing that I threw in)

Drawer #6: Silent Reading - 10 min.
(they will choose one of the Book Basket books)

Both sets of drawers this week are pretty much identical. In future weeks I will post a schedule and we will probably do our Calendar activities, Bible, History and/or Science first thing. Then I will load up workboxes with Primary Language Lessons, Spelling Power, Saxon Math, Art assignments and any other extra manipulatives I'd like them to do.