tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83457171025376786652024-03-13T12:58:46.553-07:00Diaries of the Teacher MomBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-52548046714508758482011-02-20T16:56:00.000-08:002011-02-20T16:56:56.791-08:00Week of: LifeThis week has FLOWN by. Seriously, where did it go? We managed to do a few lessons almost every day but did nothing for our theme week. Even though it was fine and we accomplished what we "needed" to accomplish, I feel that I need to get more organized with our themes. We did start to read our next Magic Tree House book about Dinosaurs. Next week I have a bunch planned to go with our Dinosaur/Volcano theme. Perhaps that is an odd combination, but there are volcanoes on the cover of the MTH book, so of course Charlie wanted to study them as well. :)<br />
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The weather has been gorgeous here, 50 and higher. So, the boys have also spent a great deal of time in our <strike>mud pit</strike> backyard. We have also taken a few walks around the neighborhood. It has been such a welcomed change to get.out.of.the.house!<br />
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Besides our lessons, celebrating Valentines Day, doctors appointments and the girls over 2 days this week, we spent a good deal of time just doing everyday stuff around here. Organizing, throwing things out, playing, laughing, planning Tommy's bday party, and spending time together. So, this week our official theme was: LIFE.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-7240117528518676492011-02-12T06:59:00.000-08:002011-02-18T10:56:33.275-08:00Week 2 of ValentinesIt is kind of nice not having a "theme" per se these last 2 weeks. Instead we have been focusing on making Valentines Day crafts and cards for some of our favorite people. This year we are really trying to reinforce giving to others. Whether it is taking food to the food pantry at church, donating used toys and clothes to the Salvation Army, taking dinner to a neighbor in need, or making cards for our family and friends, we want our children to grow up with giving hearts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EtukNYV57UU/TVaZzivbhkI/AAAAAAAADdk/PsOaWOG0ctg/s1600/IMG_5646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EtukNYV57UU/TVaZzivbhkI/AAAAAAAADdk/PsOaWOG0ctg/s320/IMG_5646.JPG" width="294" /></a></div>The boys made 2 types of hand-print valentines. I added the wording "Happy Valentines Day, Love, Charlie/Tommy". I think they turned out so cute!<br />
We also painted the outside of the boys pinky finger and along the side of their palm to make the heart prints. They also made their Valentine card box to collect their cards in and prepared their Valentines for the Co-op friends on Monday.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8ocB2a58OQ/TVaZ88SqGUI/AAAAAAAADdo/66rLmL_nOpg/s1600/IMG_5645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8ocB2a58OQ/TVaZ88SqGUI/AAAAAAAADdo/66rLmL_nOpg/s320/IMG_5645.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Penny even made a <a href="http://ourhomeschoolfun.blogspot.com/2011/02/homeschool-weeks-27-and-28.html">cute butterfly Valentine card</a>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MgZ-UWRatrU/TVWL2EiBNZI/AAAAAAAADc8/n_8zn7MJj5U/s1600/party1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MgZ-UWRatrU/TVWL2EiBNZI/AAAAAAAADc8/n_8zn7MJj5U/s320/party1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On Thursday we had a small Valentines Day party with a few of our friends.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6eCl_JKtmM/TVWL4RuBBAI/AAAAAAAADdA/lT7i2e2kuCk/s1600/party2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6eCl_JKtmM/TVWL4RuBBAI/AAAAAAAADdA/lT7i2e2kuCk/s200/party2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">For our treats we had confetti cupcakes, brownies and strawberry milk. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiaHWqwRvbQ/TVWMAE6CXhI/AAAAAAAADdQ/9XYzHJa1IA8/s1600/party6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiaHWqwRvbQ/TVWMAE6CXhI/AAAAAAAADdQ/9XYzHJa1IA8/s200/party6.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>The kids decorated their cupcakes and made a valentine card to take home. It was a lot of fun!<br />
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Besides all our pre-Valentines Day fun, we stuck to our basic lessons as well. Charlie completed lessons in Phonics and Math, practiced his hand-writing by finishing up his Thank You cards from his birthday and we picked up his Explode the Code book.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=diaoftheteamo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0838817823&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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I had a conference call with Charlie's "teacher" from K12 this week as well. We went over his test scores from the AIMS web test he did a few weeks back. Charlie scored average or above average on all subjects. She was also pleased with the progress that he has made from the beginning of the year and feels that he is right on track in most areas and ahead of the game in some. She also said that if we continue to complete lessons at the rate we are currently working, then we will be done with his school in late April. The last day of school is technically June 3rd. We will most likely continue on as we have been, possibly taking a few days off for the boys to have a "free day" from school and for me to devote to planning their summer curriculum and Tommy's curriculum for next year.<br />
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What we were playing with this week:<br />
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<noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;</noscript><br />
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Linking up this week to:<br />
<a border="0" href="http://www.jdaniel4smom.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/jacquiblogger/JDaniel4sMomVdaysbutton400x600-WP.jpg" /> </a><br />
<a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2011/02/link-up-your-best.html">No Time For Flash Cards</a><br />
<a href="http://www.abcand123learning.com/2011/02/show-and-tell-44.html">ABC and 123 </a><br />
<a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2011/02/preschool-corner-packing-up.html">Preschool Corner </a>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-56651662673341650512011-02-07T12:25:00.000-08:002011-02-08T18:47:08.241-08:00Week of the Valentines<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUtYNtM-L4I/AAAAAAAADcM/Xt078itOFyk/s1600/heart3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUtYNtM-L4I/AAAAAAAADcM/Xt078itOFyk/s320/heart3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tissue Paper Valentines Day Hearts</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUtYQfhtnEI/AAAAAAAADcQ/Edi55lnxYy0/s1600/heart1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUtYQfhtnEI/AAAAAAAADcQ/Edi55lnxYy0/s200/heart1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUtYLxACp1I/AAAAAAAADcI/7YWx6lb0Fbk/s1600/heart2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUtYLxACp1I/AAAAAAAADcI/7YWx6lb0Fbk/s200/heart2.JPG" width="150" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This week both boys shared the same theme and we worked on our Valentines Day decorations and cards. We made tissue paper hearts with contact paper. They are so pretty on our front window when the sun shines (which isn't often these days!). </div>The boys also had fun buzzing around the house with the "love bugs" that they had made.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TVBU_9Vk3II/AAAAAAAADc0/8OUyCO3ZyMI/s1600/IMG_5599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TVBU_9Vk3II/AAAAAAAADc0/8OUyCO3ZyMI/s200/IMG_5599.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Charlie continues to do well with his daily phonics and math lessons. We learned about matter, solids, liquids and gases in science this week. We also made a weather chart and will be charting the weather for the next few weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUtYa2oBb0I/AAAAAAAADcU/RA3SJmCdxgg/s1600/math.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUtYa2oBb0I/AAAAAAAADcU/RA3SJmCdxgg/s200/math.JPG" width="150" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Charlie is using blocks to solve subtraction problems. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TVBTyj6hpHI/AAAAAAAADcw/oDs-qvHpdHo/s1600/IMG_5566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TVBTyj6hpHI/AAAAAAAADcw/oDs-qvHpdHo/s200/IMG_5566.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tommy is still enthusiastic to do "school" with us. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week he did a few sheets in his workbook and played on Starfall.com. He is also doing much better playing independently when I need to work solely with Charlie. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUtYrEUY9fI/AAAAAAAADcY/8Wr-KZsiGFI/s1600/king.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUtYrEUY9fI/AAAAAAAADcY/8Wr-KZsiGFI/s320/king.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun with dress up as Kings and Knights in their "castle".</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Our school year with K12 ends in May and won't start up again until August. I am planning a summer curriculum for the boys to do at least 2-3 days a week during those months. I am also gearing up to put together Tommy's Prek curriculum for the 2011-2012 school year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TVBTqJn1brI/AAAAAAAADcs/Mh1hu6MbCl4/s1600/IMG_5596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TVBTqJn1brI/AAAAAAAADcs/Mh1hu6MbCl4/s320/IMG_5596.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>And our last bit of fun over the weekend was making some yummy cookies for the Super Bowl.<br />
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Linking up to:<br />
<a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2011/02/preschool-corner-home-again.html">Preschool Corner</a><br />
<a border="0" href="http://www.jdaniel4smom.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/jacquiblogger/JDaniel4sMomVdaysbutton400x600-WP.jpg" /> </a><br />
<a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2011/02/show-us-your-best-link-and-share.html">No Time For Flashcards</a><br />
<a href="http://www.abcand123learning.com/2011/02/show-and-tell-44.html">ABC and 123 </a>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-21548790322369609482011-02-02T05:53:00.000-08:002011-02-03T17:30:02.398-08:00Preschool: Week of the The Penguin<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYTUSIKoOI/AAAAAAAADbQ/mIadoZNOtnw/s1600/ptom.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYTUSIKoOI/AAAAAAAADbQ/mIadoZNOtnw/s320/ptom.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy's Penguin</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I have done some tweaking on a curriculum for Tommy and have decided to focus on one theme for a few weeks. We will be doing different activities based on the theme we are learning about.<br />
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This week we started our Winter theme of Penguins. When Penny was hospitalized for RSV, my dear cousin Amy from Montana sent us a copy of <u>Don't Be Afraid, Little Pip</u> by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman. Ms. Wilson is a personal friend of my cousins and therefore signed the copy for our little Penny. It was so thoughtful of both of them! <br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=diaoftheteamo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=0689859872" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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We started off by reading the book which is about a sweet little penguin named Pip who desperately wants to learn to fly but is told repeatedly that she must swim instead.<br />
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After reading our book we made penguins out of model magic. I told the boys what characteristics they needed to make or how to roll the clay etc, but they<br />
did everything else. Their creations could not be any cuter!!<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=diaoftheteamo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B00004UE4A" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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I had hoped to use the penguins to make snow-globes with, but we all agreed that they were just too cute. See, I am learning to go with the flow! :)<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYQAt0onVI/AAAAAAAADaw/8dZxKc57kk0/s1600/pshow.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYQAt0onVI/AAAAAAAADaw/8dZxKc57kk0/s200/pshow.JPG" width="200" /></a>While I was getting our supplies out I set the boys up with a<a href="http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/news/animals-news/penguins-count-video-missions-wcvin.html"> cute video</a> from National Geographic about penguins. They learned how scientist tracked and counted penguins by placing bar code chips in their feet and then having them walk over long pieces of metal that they disguised in the sand. The penguins were so cute!<br />
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Another fun activity was making snow cream. I got the idea from <a href="http://ourhomeschoolfun.blogspot.com/2011/01/homeschool-week-25.html">Susana</a>, who is my wealth of knowledge blog friend! Trent gathered some snow from the front yard (we had plenty to spare!), I added some milk, vanilla and a little sugar. The boys added sprinkles and ate away. Charlie said it was ok but too cold, Tommy accidentally dumped about half a tube of sprinkles on his and thought it was "gwoss" (gross) and Trent said it tasted like watered down ice cream. I think we will try it again next year when I can taste it and make it better (no dairy for me because of little Miss Penny). It was fun though and something we did as a family, can't beat that!<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYQZwyX8uI/AAAAAAAADbE/bXRq6FIe6mE/s1600/IMG_5363.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYQZwyX8uI/AAAAAAAADbE/bXRq6FIe6mE/s200/IMG_5363.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYQYS-J_2I/AAAAAAAADbA/A508LUSO3b8/s1600/cream3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYQYS-J_2I/AAAAAAAADbA/A508LUSO3b8/s200/cream3.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
Tommy also did some worksheets from Starfall.com on the number 3 and the letter C. Our neighbors had also given a ton of odds and ends preschool workbooks. I have given one to Tommy as<i> his</i> school book to do with us as Charlie finishes up his seat work. Tom loves it and it makes him feel <i>so <b>big</b></i>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYQfxocdaI/AAAAAAAADbI/_cfc7R_pc7w/s1600/tabc.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYQfxocdaI/AAAAAAAADbI/_cfc7R_pc7w/s200/tabc.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hammering his ABC puzzle<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=diaoftheteamo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B0040MIAH4" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYQhIsHLcI/AAAAAAAADbM/Sq-7Aq4UUzo/s1600/tcolor.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYQhIsHLcI/AAAAAAAADbM/Sq-7Aq4UUzo/s200/tcolor.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color match game I made him.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The boys also had some fun in the tub with a full bottle of shaving cream (our fake snow) and a few chunks of colored ice. I took different plastic containers and filled each of them with water that was different colors. I then just put them outside for a few hours and later that night brought them in when it was bath time. We let the boys play in the shaving cream with the chunks of ice and they loved it. Since they were in the bath it didn't matter how messy it got. In the end the boys had fun, they were clean and I had a squeaky clean bath tub! Win, win for everyone!!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYQKo-cK_I/AAAAAAAADa4/UNFi5AZhwFg/s1600/tub%2527.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYQKo-cK_I/AAAAAAAADa4/UNFi5AZhwFg/s320/tub%2527.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUm2Y4MpUrI/AAAAAAAADb0/GS8YwM0Nk14/s1600/penguin+foot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUm2Y4MpUrI/AAAAAAAADb0/GS8YwM0Nk14/s320/penguin+foot.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUm2eO1PDnI/AAAAAAAADb8/0KTp3E3OxL4/s1600/snowglobe1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div> We made these adorable penguin footprints and a snowman snow-globe out of more model magic.<br />
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</a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUm2eO1PDnI/AAAAAAAADb8/0KTp3E3OxL4/s1600/snowglobe1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUm2eO1PDnI/AAAAAAAADb8/0KTp3E3OxL4/s200/snowglobe1.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUm2f-ZbSLI/AAAAAAAADcA/lvI_VGeVSBA/s1600/snowglobe2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUm2f-ZbSLI/AAAAAAAADcA/lvI_VGeVSBA/s200/snowglobe2.JPG" width="150" /></a> <br />
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Linking up to:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/preschool-corner-bits-and-pieces.html">Preschool Corner and 5K too</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.jdaniel4smom.com/2011/01/readexplorelearn-snowman.html">Read.Explore.Learn</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.redtedart.com/2011/01/19/kids-get-crafty-penguins-boys-umbrellas-card-board-boxes/">Kids Get Crafty</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/search/label/Weekly%20Wrap-up">Weekly Wrap Up</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amommysadventures.com/2011/01/start-snail-trail.html">stART</a><br />
<a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2011/01/show-us-your-best-link-up.html">No Time For Flash Cards</a><br />
<a href="http://www.abcand123learning.com/2011/02/show-and-tell-43.html">ABC and 123 Learning </a> </div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-72502118246884875582011-02-01T18:52:00.000-08:002011-02-01T18:52:00.458-08:00Kindergarten: Week of the Mummy 3<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYbXSsQVMI/AAAAAAAADbg/7U3fPXhkznQ/s1600/mummy.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYbXSsQVMI/AAAAAAAADbg/7U3fPXhkznQ/s320/mummy.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy the Mummy</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We finished our study of Mummies this week. We read both Mummies in the Morning and Mummies and Pyramids from The Magic Tree House series. We all enjoyed reading these books during lunch or as a family before bed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=diaoftheteamo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=0375802983" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=diaoftheteamo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=0679824243" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Charlie participated in almost all of the Winter/Penguin themed activities that we did for Tommy's school.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYbJaVoFOI/AAAAAAAADbU/n4ldwMHotKg/s1600/snowman.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYbJaVoFOI/AAAAAAAADbU/n4ldwMHotKg/s200/snowman.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making his snowman and penguin out of model magic</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYbNGSzM_I/AAAAAAAADbY/NKX6C8vN3cU/s1600/IMG_5410.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYbNGSzM_I/AAAAAAAADbY/NKX6C8vN3cU/s200/IMG_5410.JPG" width="150" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYbO6YxxwI/AAAAAAAADbc/kNdU1WX6vb4/s1600/pchar.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYbO6YxxwI/AAAAAAAADbc/kNdU1WX6vb4/s200/pchar.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYbw3xYzGI/AAAAAAAADbo/Re7el_fZtAg/s200/school.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother's doing school together</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYb6US7u4I/AAAAAAAADbs/z8D_rleSwTQ/s1600/tub3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYb6US7u4I/AAAAAAAADbs/z8D_rleSwTQ/s200/tub3.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun with shaving cream and ice chunks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYcXEMz7mI/AAAAAAAADbw/HkstN8tpg1s/s1600/1st+day.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TUYcXEMz7mI/AAAAAAAADbw/HkstN8tpg1s/s320/1st+day.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The boys also started their Co-op this week. We all had a great time. Charlie is enrolled in a LEGO class and a Fun With Numbers class. Tommy had fun playing in the nursery and I enjoyed myself at the Bible study for one class and then volunteering in the nursery. There are about 100 other kids at the Co-op ranging from newborn to high school. <br />
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We are really getting into a groove with our schooling and it feels good. Life is settling down a bit and we are getting to experience our new "normal". I love each and every day that I get to spend with our boys, teaching them and watching them grow. I truly feel blessed!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-58274477170604364862011-01-30T18:00:00.000-08:002011-01-30T18:00:53.893-08:00Paper Mache Snowman Faces<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTzKLClPd_I/AAAAAAAADaQ/2ULuRcB5gh0/s1600/maskt2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTzKLClPd_I/AAAAAAAADaQ/2ULuRcB5gh0/s320/maskt2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy's Snowman Paper Mache face, with carrot nose and coal eyes and mouth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One of the books we read this week was The Biggest, Best Snowman Ever by Margery Cuyler.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=diaoftheteamo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=0545014840" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
A very sweet story with an even sweeter lesson, that you are never too small to accomplish big things! Nell, the little girl in the story, is told that she is too small to do much of anything. She sets out into the wintery woods where she meets up with her animals friends an together they build the Biggest, Best Snowman Ever! Proving that with a little help from her friends, she indeed "big" enough to do BIG things.<br />
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To go along with this story and our week long theme of Snow/Winter, we opted to make paper mache snowman faces. <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTzKl8DRmDI/AAAAAAAADaY/4EjdZWKA2aQ/s1600/tom.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTzKl8DRmDI/AAAAAAAADaY/4EjdZWKA2aQ/s200/tom.JPG" width="200" /></a>We started off by practicing writing our letters in flour, an idea I have seen all over the blog-sphere. It is great fun for little people and a wonderful exercise for little fingers.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTzKjrb5VsI/AAAAAAAADaU/i2QDKLuG1Uw/s1600/flour2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTzKjrb5VsI/AAAAAAAADaU/i2QDKLuG1Uw/s200/flour2.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
Once the boys were done <strike>making a complete mess</strike> writing their letters, we started to work on our snowmen faces. We used water and flour mixed together and then dipped bits of toilet paper into the mixture. I helped Tommy form some of his pieces because it was difficult for him to do so since it was so sticky. It was great fun, until I went to clean up! <br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTzKIWxthJI/AAAAAAAADaM/RyBFmZRuUJ8/s1600/maskt.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTzKIWxthJI/AAAAAAAADaM/RyBFmZRuUJ8/s200/maskt.JPG" width="150" /></a>We waited about a day for them to dry and then painted them. Orange for his carrot nose and black for his coal eyes and mouth. I think these turned out so great and the pictures don't show their depth. Tommy had so much fun to have complete control over his creation and I think that shows!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-46912983962808723282011-01-24T12:39:00.000-08:002011-02-02T11:44:38.964-08:00Ice Cube Sun-catcherThis was a very cool activity for the children and myself. It took a few days to complete but the end result was worth it! Isn't our <a href="http://mycharmingkids.net/2011/01/it-was-ice-blue-ice-cubes/">ice cube sun-catcher</a> pretty?!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTuis6vLqwI/AAAAAAAADZA/v5QQ7NCg1vc/s1600/suncatcher.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTuis6vLqwI/AAAAAAAADZA/v5QQ7NCg1vc/s320/suncatcher.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> We tied this project into Charlie's science lesson on measuring liquid. It also turned into a spontaneous art class when the boys mixed different colors of food coloring to make the colors that they wanted. We used our fun tropical ice cube tray from Grandma Candace for the ice cubes. We put the tray outside for a few hours to freeze them. Again linking into Charlie's science lesson on temperature. That is one of the cool aspects of homeschooling, that lessons over lap and the younger ones can be learning right along with the older children.<br />
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Once the ice cubes had set we filled a cup with water and placed it in the middle of the black flat bowl. The water in the cup keeps it from moving around when we filled the black bowl with yellow colored water. It also makes a smaller circle in the sun-catcher that we can use to hang the sun-catcher from a tree etc.We placed our sun-catcher outside again (I guess temperatures in the low teens are good for something!) and let it freeze over night.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTui5WvsUQI/AAAAAAAADZE/S4vQB_45wBg/s1600/IMG_5330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTui5WvsUQI/AAAAAAAADZE/S4vQB_45wBg/s320/IMG_5330.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
In the morning we brought it in and ran it under the tap for a few seconds to loosen our suncatcher from the mold. Our ice cubes did not hold their "tropical" cute shapes but melted into small round balls. Regardless, we all thought it turned out very pretty.<br />
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Daddy hung it from the playscape in the backyard and we will continue to enjoy it as long as the weather permits. This is one of those projects that we will certainly do again and the possibilities are endless!<br />
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Linking to:<br />
<a href="http://christinemosler.wordpress.com/2011/01/21/something-for-the-weekend-a-bit-of-a-yarn/">Something for the Weekend</a><br />
<a href="http://www.redtedart.com/2011/01/19/kids-get-crafty-penguins-boys-umbrellas-card-board-boxes/">Kids Get Crafty </a><br />
<a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/preschool-corner-bits-and-pieces.html">Preschool Corner and 5K too</a><br />
<a href="http://creativeconnectionsforkids.com/2011/02/welcome-to-the-himalayas/">Creative Connections for Kids </a>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-53989961734437498682011-01-22T20:08:00.000-08:002011-02-02T11:45:29.602-08:00Preschool Theme: Winter/Snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukquRxncI/AAAAAAAADZg/I5WjNaCjIkQ/s1600/IMG_5340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukquRxncI/AAAAAAAADZg/I5WjNaCjIkQ/s320/IMG_5340.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This week we focused on all things Winter/ snow for Tommy's school time.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We read a lot of fun books. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="200px" id="Player_cab6c507-52db-480a-855b-05ffb0b0a4e5" width="600px"> <param name="movie" value="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fdiaoftheteamo-20%2F8010%2Fcab6c507-52db-480a-855b-05ffb0b0a4e5&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fdiaoftheteamo-20%2F8010%2Fcab6c507-52db-480a-855b-05ffb0b0a4e5&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_cab6c507-52db-480a-855b-05ffb0b0a4e5" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_cab6c507-52db-480a-855b-05ffb0b0a4e5" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="200px" width="600px"></embed></object> <noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fdiaoftheteamo-20%2F8010%2Fcab6c507-52db-480a-855b-05ffb0b0a4e5&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;Operation=NoScript"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Amazon.com Widgets&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</noscript></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We made <a href="http://www.christmas-cookies.com/recipes/recipe74.snowball-cookies.html">snowball cookies. </a>Tommy loves to help in the kitchen. He calls me "Big Chef" and insists that I call him the "Little Chef". Oh, how I long for him to stay this sweet forever!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukmfdlecI/AAAAAAAADZc/w7rJo5quYYM/s1600/IMG_5344.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukmfdlecI/AAAAAAAADZc/w7rJo5quYYM/s200/IMG_5344.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukkmmOdzI/AAAAAAAADZY/B1ZmGDNmjHA/s1600/IMG_5335.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukkmmOdzI/AAAAAAAADZY/B1ZmGDNmjHA/s200/IMG_5335.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukmfdlecI/AAAAAAAADZc/w7rJo5quYYM/s1600/IMG_5344.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For a fun craft the boys made snowmen out of shapes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukLwXmyVI/AAAAAAAADZQ/CGIoVvs4j1c/s1600/snow.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukLwXmyVI/AAAAAAAADZQ/CGIoVvs4j1c/s200/snow.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukJeeLn3I/AAAAAAAADZM/ioJ9QsyZrXc/s1600/snowman.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukJeeLn3I/AAAAAAAADZM/ioJ9QsyZrXc/s200/snowman.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We also made an<a href="http://mycharmingkids.net/2011/01/it-was-ice-blue-ice-cubes/"> ice cube sun-catchers.</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We all had fun doing resist snowflake paintings. I used a white crayon and drew snowflakes on a piece of white paper. Then the boys painted with water colors over the paper to "find" the snowflakes. Tommy loved watching the colored water pull away from the wax on the paper. It was a fun project!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTuktp7J8AI/AAAAAAAADZk/5xYlKOl2d3s/s1600/IMG_5338.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTuktp7J8AI/AAAAAAAADZk/5xYlKOl2d3s/s320/IMG_5338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tom also did a few worksheets from Starfall.com focusing on the letter A and the number 2.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukDdmnW6I/AAAAAAAADZI/lfhq08bX9AU/s1600/IMG_5328.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukDdmnW6I/AAAAAAAADZI/lfhq08bX9AU/s200/IMG_5328.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">We practiced our letters in flour and then made paper mache snowman faces.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukUcEPWhI/AAAAAAAADZU/fBMP0MNk9c0/s1600/IMG_5351.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTukUcEPWhI/AAAAAAAADZU/fBMP0MNk9c0/s200/IMG_5351.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tommy continues to amaze me. We are just starting to do formal instruction with him with regards to the alphabet and number recognition. He can write his name and can correctly identify most of the alphabet. Yesterday at lunch I was reviewing the sounds that all the letters make with Charlie. Tommy knew every single one of them and answered with lightening speed. I was shocked but very proud of our sweet boy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Linking up to:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/preschool-corner-bits-and-pieces.html">Preschool Corner and 5K too</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.jdaniel4smom.com/2011/01/readexplorelearn-snowman.html">Read.Explore.Learn</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.redtedart.com/2011/01/19/kids-get-crafty-penguins-boys-umbrellas-card-board-boxes/">Kids Get Crafty</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/search/label/Weekly%20Wrap-up">Weekly Wrap Up</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amommysadventures.com/2011/01/start-snip-snipsnow.html">stART</a><br />
<a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2011/01/link-and-share.html">No Time For Flash Cards </a><br />
<a href="http://creativeconnectionsforkids.com/2011/02/welcome-to-the-himalayas/">Creative Connections for Kids </a><br />
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</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-15884308882552371402011-01-19T18:59:00.001-08:002011-01-19T18:59:57.149-08:00Happy Birthday CharlieOur independent, outgoing brainchild who loves to laugh, cuddle up with his lovey and kitty, who will offer you a bite of his donut because he is generous like that. Who thinks that anything about bottoms and stinky feet is hilarious. Who is obsessed with trains and LEGOS and prefers the color orange over any other. Who adores his little sister and is partners in crime with his little brother. Who stole our hearts and made us parents. Who continues to amaze us each and every day at his vivid imagination and inventive skills. Who can ride his bike (with training wheels), is learning to swim and can read. Yes, that boy is turning 6 today.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Can you believe it? We barely can!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTOw-JzhRvI/AAAAAAAADVo/vcDf3rnRR6g/s1600/country9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTOw-JzhRvI/AAAAAAAADVo/vcDf3rnRR6g/s320/country9.JPG" width="207" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday dearest Charlie. May you always know that we love you completely and may you always feel God's love and grace!</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTOw-JzhRvI/AAAAAAAADVo/vcDf3rnRR6g/s1600/country9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-68763478885389815602011-01-19T18:58:00.000-08:002011-01-23T12:10:13.270-08:00School: Theme of the Mummy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTOy3IrVHDI/AAAAAAAADV8/brdJnuihXSQ/s1600/IMG_5179.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTOy3IrVHDI/AAAAAAAADV8/brdJnuihXSQ/s200/IMG_5179.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys playing in the snow at the kitchen table</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">We are FINALLY back to our "normal" selves, thank God!! (Our 2 month old baby has been in the hospital with RSV. She is home and doing great now.) And even though this week has been a bit rusty around the edges, we still managed to get a lot accomplished and have some fun in the midst of it all!</div><br />
I have made some changes with regards to our schooling and plan to make more in the upcoming weeks. I have been longing to do more unit studies with the boys that both of them can participate in and also find other sources for Charlie's LA.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTOyuO5XmQI/AAAAAAAADV4/CGj_H-hRBJA/s1600/IMG_5164.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTOyuO5XmQI/AAAAAAAADV4/CGj_H-hRBJA/s200/IMG_5164.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys playing LEGOs together</td></tr>
</tbody></table> First change was with Charlie's Language Arts curriculum. I am not pleased with some of the content/activities that the K12 provides so I am picking and choosing what lessons we complete from them. Instead we are going to be using The Magic Tree House series books which we can also use to do unit studies of different topics. <br />
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We will read The Magic Tree House book and if there is a study guide book to accompany it then we will use that to do further research. If not, then we will use other books from the library. We will plan on studying one subject for a few weeks or until we are finished doing the projects/readings. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTOzUWrI5wI/AAAAAAAADWA/5N2PZLek9w8/s1600/IMG_5170.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTOzUWrI5wI/AAAAAAAADWA/5N2PZLek9w8/s200/IMG_5170.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using blocks for math</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also am starting to work on another curriculum for Tommy. He is eager to do "school" with Charlie...sometimes. I won't enforce school time with him until next September, but need to have some stuff ready when he does want to participate.<br />
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I bought the first four books from The Magic Tree House series and asked Charlie which one he wanted to ready/study first. He choose Mummies in the Morning. We read the book in about 3 days, during lunch and before bed. I was surprised that it held the attention of both the boys. Charlie was REALLY into the book and begged to finish it. Tommy was obsessed looking at the picture of the Mummy. Gotta love it!!<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=diaoftheteamo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0679824243&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TS4JcK2MkzI/AAAAAAAADSk/FoIaIruAQ1g/s1600/IMG_5162.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TS4JcK2MkzI/AAAAAAAADSk/FoIaIruAQ1g/s200/IMG_5162.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie wrote his name in Hieroglyphics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>To go along with our study of all things Mummy we made <a href="http://www.kidzone.ws/cultures/egypt/hieroglyph.htm">hieroglyph writings</a> just like the ones that were in the tombs of the great pyramids. Charlie did his name and the word train, of course :) We also made a bookmark with hieroglyph writings on it to use with our Magic Tree House books. <br />
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This week we started reading from our daily devotional book for kids. There is a short reading for each day and then activities you can do to go along with what you are studying. So far we are all enjoying it.<br />
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Charlie continues to work very hard on his phonics and math. This week he reviewed his sight words, reviewed the alphabet and made a letter train, identified vowel and consonant letters, built nonsense words and blended word parts. <br />
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He also started a dictation notebook. Every day he will be writing a few words in the notebook and we will keep track of any words/letters that he may need additional review on. We both really like the phonics program that K12 provides.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TS4JqYh1AOI/AAAAAAAADSs/f9xgoLCTmt8/s1600/IMG_5184.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TS4JqYh1AOI/AAAAAAAADSs/f9xgoLCTmt8/s200/IMG_5184.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy on Starfall.com doing math</td></tr>
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Both boys enjoyed the new Starfall.com website. We signed up for the members only portion which has math components as well. This is such a great learning tool and Tom enjoyed the numbers section.<br />
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We had a pretty great week considering that we were just getting off a 2 week holiday break and then 1 week of sister and mom being gone in the hospital. I love being able to teach our boys at home and feel so blessed to be able to do so. The time I am spending with them is priceless!!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-1132444050444814752011-01-19T18:55:00.000-08:002011-01-19T18:55:25.451-08:00Excuse Our DustWe are updating this blog and apologize to those of you that are being bombarded with posts tonight. Life happened and I have been unable to keep this blog up to date, until now.<br />
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Grab your coffee or your tea and sit back and see what we have been up to.<br />
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And please join us as we continue on with our Homeschooling adventures!!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-34455876194126006852011-01-19T18:52:00.000-08:002011-01-23T12:11:57.476-08:00Snowman Soup and Christmas candy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TS9XKyIbM_I/AAAAAAAADUE/VoMibjBH5so/s1600/IMG_4899.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TS9XKyIbM_I/AAAAAAAADUE/VoMibjBH5so/s320/IMG_4899.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TS9XMlV10LI/AAAAAAAADUI/-JIuiR6D4W4/s1600/IMG_4902.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TS9XMlV10LI/AAAAAAAADUI/-JIuiR6D4W4/s320/IMG_4902.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TS9XRsTj3EI/AAAAAAAADUM/JqC_KExP2as/s1600/IMG_4904.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TS9XRsTj3EI/AAAAAAAADUM/JqC_KExP2as/s320/IMG_4904.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>This year the boys made some cute little packages of<a href="http://www.countryheartdesigns.com/snowsoup.html"> Snowman Soup</a> for some of their friends and neighbors. As part of our Christmas preparations we tried to focus more on giving and doing for others like Jesus did, then the presents that they would receive on Christmas.<br />
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After washing our hands :), we let the boys stuff their little bags full of marshmallows, a candy cane, a packet of hot chocolate and a few Hersey Kisses. Tommy was MORE then generous with his bags!! We wrapped them up, tied on a recipe for <a href="http://www.countryheartdesigns.com/snowsoup.html">Snowman Soup</a>, and delivered them through out the neighborhood or gave them to friends when we saw them.<br />
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It was a fun project that the kids could have a lot of control in and a great family project of giving to others! Something we will certainly do next year!<br />
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Trent also made some of our famous candy cane bark for his boss and co-workers. He really went all out this year and experimented with different chocolates and what combination went well together etc. I believe that he settled on a dark chocolate base, then white chocolate and crushed candy canes on top. I have to say that I LOVE working in the kitchen with my husband and we seem to do a lot more of it during the holidays!!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-79418844340603245212011-01-19T18:50:00.001-08:002011-01-19T18:50:34.959-08:00Homeschool: Kindergarten & Preschool CHRISTMAS!!!!We are finally healthy, just in time to celebrate Christmas!!<br />
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Trent is on vacation for the next 2 weeks so we are enjoying our family time. We are having a very short week of academics, spending time with family and friends, celebrating some old and new traditions, and just trying to relax and spend time with one another.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTeieRbOqlI/AAAAAAAADY4/A93xRLIxq3E/s1600/IMG_4905.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTeieRbOqlI/AAAAAAAADY4/A93xRLIxq3E/s200/IMG_4905.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>Charlie worked on a few Science lessons this week. We learned about plants, what they need to grow, the different parts of the plant etc. Charlie made a sunflower and really took time carefully cutting out each piece and then gluing them to the "stem". He graphed different types of beans and did a few computer games about plants through his K12 online curriculum.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTeih7A97yI/AAAAAAAADY8/1jSvURkYEoM/s1600/IMG_4909.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TTeih7A97yI/AAAAAAAADY8/1jSvURkYEoM/s200/IMG_4909.JPG" width="200" /></a>We also revisited our Kidney Bean plant that we planted a few months back. The plant was doing great until it collided with some clean dishes and the stem broke :( So, it was perfect timing to harvest our 3 beans.<br />
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That is all the school we did. The rest of the week we have been finishing up all the errands we needed to wrap up before the holiday. The presents are all wrapped, the Christmas work party attended, turkey is defrosted, laundry is almost done, last trip to the grocery store has been run. We are preparing for Country Lights and then it is off to Nie Nie and Papa's house in the morning.<br />
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Merry Christmas!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-29034063107035074982011-01-19T18:46:00.001-08:002011-01-23T12:12:35.302-08:00Stained Glass Nativity Ornament<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ-A-BrugqI/AAAAAAAADOs/Keu29C2ERdY/s1600/IMG_4898.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552798668663194274" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ-A-BrugqI/AAAAAAAADOs/Keu29C2ERdY/s200/IMG_4898.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a></div>This was by far our favorite Christmas craft to make and one I will cherish always. It was so simple and yet, I think it captures exactly what we need to focus on at Christmas time.<br />
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I had bought some <a href="http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2009/10/beckys-newest-kit-glass-etching.html">vinyl Nativity </a>scenes last year. I had no idea what I would do with them but I loved them the minute I saw them.<br />
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I had the boys take small pieces of tissue paper and lay them down on contact paper to give a stained glass effect. We covered that piece with another piece of contact paper and then laid the vinyl Nativity on top of that. Then I attached some simple ribbon we had in our craft drawers to hang the ornament from the tree or in the window.<br />
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I just love them! and the kids really enjoy making the stained glass.<br />
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Merry Christmas!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-53536220750988293812011-01-19T18:45:00.000-08:002011-01-23T12:13:47.752-08:00Homeschool: Kindergarten Getting Ready for Christmas part 2<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgyB5vJ_OI/AAAAAAAADMs/LL3Ijh-qfSQ/s1600/a1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550741548994002146" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgyB5vJ_OI/AAAAAAAADMs/LL3Ijh-qfSQ/s200/a1.JPG" style="height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Penny watching Charlie do school)</div><br />
The last 2 weeks we have all been kind of "off". It all started with a migraine for me, followed by nasty head colds for all the kids and I, ear infection for Charlie and tummy bug for Trent :( There was a lot more fighting and whining going on and far less patience on my part. LOTS of prayers were said :)<br />
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So, some days we simply have been in survival mode and others have been better and more productive. We did manage get a lot of school done and do some fun projects along the way. I did scale back our Christmas curriculum that I had planned and I am thankful that I have not tried to push things and get it "all" done. Instead we have been able to spend a lot of quality family time together focused on the true meaning of Christmas!<br />
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Charlie is starting to work on graphing in his math and he LOVES it! We did a bunch of graphing last year so he has a good idea of the process and is doing more complicated problems.<br />
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He also continues to plow through his phonics and is doing really well. He is spelling words and reading up a storm! I do need to set aside time each day for him to do more independent reading. I also need to find more beginner readers for him to work through.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgyCFmVMDI/AAAAAAAADM0/Ittu5NXH9H8/s1600/spelling.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550741552178212914" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgyCFmVMDI/AAAAAAAADM0/Ittu5NXH9H8/s200/spelling.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
(Charlie making words)<br />
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We are also working on following instructions and listening carefully. He sometimes has a hard time focusing on things if it isn't something he 100% wants to do or isn't something that he choose to do. If it was his idea to do it then he has NO problem giving all of his attention to it. I am sure that this is something that we will continue to work on for a.long.time. with all the children! :) (Thanks Aunt Susie for the advice and encouragement! It helped us a lot and he is doing SOOO much better!!) It is obvious that he is really trying.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TPcOfOsPO9I/AAAAAAAADKM/IlivKaoYn7s/s1600/102.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545917395812432850" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TPcOfOsPO9I/AAAAAAAADKM/IlivKaoYn7s/s200/102.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">(Learning about muscles, the brain and your heart)</span><br />
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We did a really cool science project (despite my migraine) and managed to have fun doing it too! We reviewed about bones and joints and learned about muscles in our body. We made a neat model of an arm with a paper towel role, deflated balloons and tape. The balloons represented our muscles and how they work to make our arms move. Charlie enjoyed this project and even added veins and drew bones on the paper towel roll.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TPcOcjMJNNI/AAAAAAAADKE/VO2iSXBOay4/s1600/101.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545917349775357138" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TPcOcjMJNNI/AAAAAAAADKE/VO2iSXBOay4/s200/101.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />
Charlie showing me how his "arm" bends with the "muscles"</span><br />
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We also learned about our teeth and the boys watched a video about Molly Molar on the computer.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgyBatkrXI/AAAAAAAADMk/jZRxI9ry0fA/s1600/a3.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550741540665863538" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgyBatkrXI/AAAAAAAADMk/jZRxI9ry0fA/s200/a3.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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The boys made some homemade peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. They were super yummy and no one even noticed that I used whole wheat flour :) Charlie made his cookies "mystery" cookies and hide chocolate chips in the middle.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TPcOcBxa3bI/AAAAAAAADJ8/IDygJtI85XI/s1600/10.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545917340804898226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TPcOcBxa3bI/AAAAAAAADJ8/IDygJtI85XI/s200/10.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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Then we started working on our Christmas crafts. The boys made pine cone glitter ornaments and Christmas trees out of pine cones that Grandma Candace brought from Whidbey Island.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgvFVVsXUI/AAAAAAAADMM/wdb0KpmkKeM/s1600/pine3.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550738309408120130" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgvFVVsXUI/AAAAAAAADMM/wdb0KpmkKeM/s200/pine3.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgvF6jhUaI/AAAAAAAADMU/eQkL9GrCD8E/s1600/pine2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550738319398228386" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgvF6jhUaI/AAAAAAAADMU/eQkL9GrCD8E/s200/pine2.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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We also assembled our Gingerbread Train. Trent hot glued the cookie pieces together and the boys and I decorated with royal icing and lots of candy. It was really nice to work together and a fun activity for all of us.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgvES0wGHI/AAAAAAAADL0/LYAC-a7EpcA/s1600/ginger.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550738291553212530" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgvES0wGHI/AAAAAAAADL0/LYAC-a7EpcA/s200/ginger.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgvFE-XVyI/AAAAAAAADME/TzzISWdKRzU/s1600/ginger4.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550738305015306018" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgvFE-XVyI/AAAAAAAADME/TzzISWdKRzU/s200/ginger4.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgvEkw1zoI/AAAAAAAADL8/Cluy6yjcDW4/s1600/ginger2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550738296368647810" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgvEkw1zoI/AAAAAAAADL8/Cluy6yjcDW4/s200/ginger2.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Tommy worked on counting and number recognition using one of our Leap Frog games.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgyCpp4drI/AAAAAAAADM8/JJs4s_BPS9w/s1600/tcounting1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550741561856784050" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgyCpp4drI/AAAAAAAADM8/JJs4s_BPS9w/s200/tcounting1.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
And despite all the sickness, we still managed to have some fun.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgyBLCq9bI/AAAAAAAADMc/XyKtxxA9uYw/s1600/silly.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550741536459388338" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQgyBLCq9bI/AAAAAAAADMc/XyKtxxA9uYw/s200/silly.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
Honestly, I am really looking forward to next week. I pray that we will all be healthy and getting back into our new groove!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-31620375886286150852011-01-19T18:43:00.000-08:002011-01-23T12:14:43.055-08:00Homeschool: Kindergarten & Preschool Getting Ready for Christmas<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0GTN26uDI/AAAAAAAADOU/jSo9ySSeaEc/s1600/school.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552100842824972338" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0GTN26uDI/AAAAAAAADOU/jSo9ySSeaEc/s200/school.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>The germs were still lingering but we managed to get A LOT of school done. Charlie is flying through his phonics and is doing great! He is reading new words everyday, spelling words and eager to read books. We still need to get caught up on our Science lessons, but I am not concerned. I know that once the holidays are over we will be able to start our new schedule and will quickly get caught up.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0F-eEppaI/AAAAAAAADNM/H1-IfSJrxq8/s1600/beans.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552100486400288162" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0F-eEppaI/AAAAAAAADNM/H1-IfSJrxq8/s200/beans.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
Tommy under the dining room table playing with beans and cars and asking me for "sum pivacy pease, Mama."<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0GSkrWuPI/AAAAAAAADOE/MOsxj7IF2Pc/s1600/tomschool.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552100831770622194" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0GSkrWuPI/AAAAAAAADOE/MOsxj7IF2Pc/s200/tomschool.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
Tom tracing letters.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0GSz6FM0I/AAAAAAAADOM/2Y-ZpRl76sI/s1600/abc.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552100835858920258" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0GSz6FM0I/AAAAAAAADOM/2Y-ZpRl76sI/s200/abc.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
Tom doing the magnetic ABC puzzle.<br />
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I spent more time this past week working with Tommy on his ABC's and number recognition. We had fun working on his ABC puzzle, recognizing letters and placing them in their correct spot, talking about different words that start with letters etc. He is READY to start a full on school curriculum. I had backed away from a curriculum that I had planned because I thought it was too advanced and not that engaging. Come January though I will have a new curriculum for him so that he can "really" do school right along with us.<br />
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We started our Christmas study activities last week. We brought out our Nativity and let each boy take turns unwrapping each figure and placing them in the stable. They LOVED doing this and it is something we will make a yearly tradition. Then we read our new Christmas book, I like to buy a new one each year. This year I found a great little book at Michaels that is simple enough to keep both boys interested in the story, and yet nicely tells the story of Jesus' birth.<br />
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We have also been doing a lot of fun activities.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0GnPd2IcI/AAAAAAAADOc/gaIVtTN4EjI/s1600/trees.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552101186854068674" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0GnPd2IcI/AAAAAAAADOc/gaIVtTN4EjI/s200/trees.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
The boys decorated ice cream cones with green frosting and different candies to make Christmas trees.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0GSUYtQPI/AAAAAAAADN8/sHOUX8w91PI/s1600/tea.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552100827397439730" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0GSUYtQPI/AAAAAAAADN8/sHOUX8w91PI/s200/tea.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0GSN7ScfI/AAAAAAAADN0/padxpccP4A8/s1600/tea2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552100825663435250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0GSN7ScfI/AAAAAAAADN0/padxpccP4A8/s200/tea2.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0F-xK7DmI/AAAAAAAADNc/KAuFI60hX5w/s1600/tea3.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552100491526868578" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0F-xK7DmI/AAAAAAAADNc/KAuFI60hX5w/s200/tea3.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
We had a fun Christmas themed tea party.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0F_ns5ClI/AAAAAAAADNs/JF-gO_vbYpk/s1600/playdough.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552100506164857426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0F_ns5ClI/AAAAAAAADNs/JF-gO_vbYpk/s200/playdough.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
I made the boys Candy Cane<a href="http://ourhomeschoolfun.blogspot.com/2010/12/discover-christmas-days-1-5.html"> play dough </a>with silver and red glitter in it. They had great fun playing with it. This is the second time we made homemade scented play dough (the first being our pumpkin spice for Thanksgiving). We all really enjoy the fun scents and glitter in it!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0F_QEP4xI/AAAAAAAADNk/zAYHZVfgPDc/s1600/painting.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552100499820372754" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0F_QEP4xI/AAAAAAAADNk/zAYHZVfgPDc/s200/painting.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
The boys had fun painting a Christmas picture with water paints and q-tips. I remember doing this type of thing at my Granny's and loved it. They did too until the paper started tearing from the water.<br />
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The boys also made wreath ornaments to give as presents.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0PLwW6sHI/AAAAAAAADOk/lKNsbdNVp70/s1600/IMG_4896.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552110610251690098" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TQ0PLwW6sHI/AAAAAAAADOk/lKNsbdNVp70/s200/IMG_4896.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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I am praying that we are at the end of our sickness and that we can all be healthy before Christmas. Trent is on vacation for 2 weeks and I hope to do some fun projects with him around and really focus on the true meaning of Christmas :)Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-45710960217146756802011-01-19T18:40:00.001-08:002011-01-23T12:16:06.867-08:00Homeschool Kindergarten and Preschool: Week 10Thanksgiving!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TPEQ3ShcldI/AAAAAAAADJU/XIMqRYltjAg/s1600/IMG_4544.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544231158320764370" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TPEQ3ShcldI/AAAAAAAADJU/XIMqRYltjAg/s200/IMG_4544.JPG" style="height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TPEQ3uho0tI/AAAAAAAADJc/Ul7e55l-NGo/s1600/school4.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544231165837759186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TPEQ3uho0tI/AAAAAAAADJc/Ul7e55l-NGo/s200/school4.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TPEQ5qqSu8I/AAAAAAAADJk/h0EQPBI6k_I/s1600/school5.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544231199160056770" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TPEQ5qqSu8I/AAAAAAAADJk/h0EQPBI6k_I/s200/school5.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a>One of the easiest and our favorite craft for this time of year was the Give Thanks banner we made from a variety of beans, glue, yarn and construction paper. I wrote out the letters on the construction paper, the boys and I covered the letters with glue and the boys went to town placing the beans on the letters. We will definitely do this again next year.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3L4SiqGuI/AAAAAAAADJM/dfHFbauQPK4/s1600/boxes2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543310884273265378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3L4SiqGuI/AAAAAAAADJM/dfHFbauQPK4/s200/boxes2.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
The boys and I went shopping for our <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/">Operation Christmas Child</a> boxes a few weeks back...and Penny went to. That is going to take some getting use to, I am so accustomed to saying just the "boys" :) The boys picked out some toy trucks, stickers, harmonicas etc as well as some fun toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap etc. We did this last year and Charlie really remembered the meaning behind what we were doing and was excited to pick out the different things to send to his "friend".<br />
We had a lot of fun last week and did a BUNCH of school work and lots of fun activities gearing up for Thanksgiving.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3Gvc9VXuI/AAAAAAAADHM/B2_6_BDN4QY/s1600/kisses.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543305234892545762" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3Gvc9VXuI/AAAAAAAADHM/B2_6_BDN4QY/s200/kisses.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
There was also a lot of loving going on. Both boys are still smitten with their little sister :)<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GuyFpyoI/AAAAAAAADHE/gUzFDVILVl0/s1600/playdough.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543305223384713858" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GuyFpyoI/AAAAAAAADHE/gUzFDVILVl0/s200/playdough.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
Tommy had fun playing playdough.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GuoZjyUI/AAAAAAAADG8/gYtsygGQKLY/s1600/school.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543305220783851842" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GuoZjyUI/AAAAAAAADG8/gYtsygGQKLY/s200/school.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
Charlie concentrated on Math and Phonics again this week. His teacher gave us permission to skip through a lot of the lesson since most of them are review for him at this point. I am carefully going through the lessons to make sure that we aren't overlooking any concepts that he does not know. I am excited to see him be a bit more challenged!<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GuahCedI/AAAAAAAADG0/RXqHNHxunag/s1600/sensory.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543305217057126866" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GuahCedI/AAAAAAAADG0/RXqHNHxunag/s200/sensory.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
Both boys had fun with our Fall sensory bin. I added plastic gourds, paper leaves, crystal pumpkins, pine cones from Grandma Candace and a few trucks. I gave the boys some measuring cups, spoons and containers and let them go to town. They really enjoy these sensory bins and it really holds their attention.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GB3EWfjI/AAAAAAAADGs/Z1XhCo1oHlU/s1600/cookie4.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543304451627318834" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GB3EWfjI/AAAAAAAADGs/Z1XhCo1oHlU/s200/cookie4.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GBP3ZDcI/AAAAAAAADGc/tuUy6qlYti0/s1600/cookie1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543304441103977922" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GBP3ZDcI/AAAAAAAADGc/tuUy6qlYti0/s200/cookie1.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GBWz4p0I/AAAAAAAADGk/BY1AGWy7__I/s1600/cookie21.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543304442968319810" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GBWz4p0I/AAAAAAAADGk/BY1AGWy7__I/s200/cookie21.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
We had fun making these Turkey hand print cookies. The boys helped with the entire process and had just as much fun eating them as they did decorating them ;)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GAwEJMHI/AAAAAAAADGU/SHkuKUTj1zU/s1600/turkey.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543304432567529586" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GAwEJMHI/AAAAAAAADGU/SHkuKUTj1zU/s200/turkey.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
They also completed some foam Turkeys that I picked up either at the art store or at the dollar store.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GARWfIOI/AAAAAAAADGM/a7IPFyOcqD8/s1600/turkey2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543304424322965730" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3GARWfIOI/AAAAAAAADGM/a7IPFyOcqD8/s200/turkey2.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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I also made a<a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/2010/11/bread-cornicopia.html"> Cornucopia out of dough</a> for our table centerpiece. It turned out ok, but I have bigger and better plans to do it again next year.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TPcNe2YH81I/AAAAAAAADJ0/20G3s-3ixbw/s1600/horn.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545916289773990738" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TPcNe2YH81I/AAAAAAAADJ0/20G3s-3ixbw/s200/horn.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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We read a few books about Thanksgiving and why we celebrate. I had wanted to make a Mayflower ship with Charlie but we didn't get to it...maybe next year.<br />
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We have so much to be thankful for! It was a great week!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-36497407886091389332011-01-19T18:39:00.001-08:002011-01-19T18:39:04.860-08:00Published<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3LK1XCbjI/AAAAAAAADJE/FCC005zP_Kg/s1600/lego.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543310103345786418" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3LK1XCbjI/AAAAAAAADJE/FCC005zP_Kg/s200/lego.JPG" style="height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a></div>Charlie wants to be published in the Lego Club magazine. He made this super cool mobile crane and we are going to send this photo off to Lego. He thinks it is super cool that Lego actually publishes kids pictures and their creations. I think his imagination and mad Lego building skills are even cooler.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-46948985867824835062011-01-19T18:37:00.001-08:002011-01-19T18:37:15.499-08:00Penelope Jane<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNWek2K_TDI/AAAAAAAADAE/SteuUUuLNNY/s1600/penny4.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536505672775978034" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNWek2K_TDI/AAAAAAAADAE/SteuUUuLNNY/s200/penny4.JPG" style="height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a></div><br />
November 1, 2010<br />
11:04 AM<br />
8lbs, 21 inBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-1093374522540525352011-01-19T18:36:00.001-08:002011-01-19T18:36:09.079-08:00Halloween 2010<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdlOJfGbJI/AAAAAAAADBk/HKZCejDRVzg/s1600/h8.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537005560614251666" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdlOJfGbJI/AAAAAAAADBk/HKZCejDRVzg/s200/h8.JPG" style="height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a></div>Charlie wanted to be a robot and Tommy wanted to be a "Scary Skeleton and I am going to eat you up" for Halloween this year. <br />
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Trent and Charlie made his costume together. It was AWESOME and Charlie LOVED it!! It had all kinds of wires and lights, gadgets galore. The had a lot of fun doing it together and Trent was so cool about allowing Charlie to place things where he wanted them.<br />
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Tommy wore his skeleton pajamas and a skeleton sweatshirt along with some glove we found at the dollar store. But his favorite part of his costume was his face paint. After I put it on him he looked at himself in the mirror and started running around the house like a crazy "scary skeleton". He was so funny!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdlNxxxIsI/AAAAAAAADBc/CfEUFvBBcys/s1600/h4.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537005554250097346" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdlNxxxIsI/AAAAAAAADBc/CfEUFvBBcys/s200/h4.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
We stopped by our friends house to take a picture with Miss Mags, the Monarch Butterfly.<br />
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Tommy and Daddy carving a scary face on the pumpkin.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdlNLw8AiI/AAAAAAAADBM/F9W0v9QeV_Q/s1600/h2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537005544046068258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdlNLw8AiI/AAAAAAAADBM/F9W0v9QeV_Q/s200/h2.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdlM9k5XnI/AAAAAAAADBE/DWSdkiCMWh8/s1600/h1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537005540237467250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdlM9k5XnI/AAAAAAAADBE/DWSdkiCMWh8/s200/h1.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
Charlie took control of his pumpkin this year.<br />
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We went trick or treating on our favorite street in Mayfield and Grandma Candace came along too. The whole street decorates and participates in trick or treating. One house pulls their pick up truck up on the front yard and has the car and yard decked out in scary garb. They don't just hand out candy but actual Halloween toys that glow in the dark etc. They also have a "scary chain saw guy" who runs around and chases the older kids with his reeved up saw (with chain removed). The boys are fascinated, scared to death but LOVE it and ask to go to that house first.<br />
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It was a great Halloween. We had so much fun trick or treating and watching the boys. It is amazing how much they change from year to year. It was so fun to watch how involved they wanted to be in putting together their costumes together and how brave and excited they were to get their "treats". I just love spending these moments with our boys, together as a family.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-7901897142896839852011-01-19T18:34:00.001-08:002011-01-19T18:34:55.794-08:00Lake Farm ParkOur last family of 4 field trip was to Lake Farm Park, one of our favorite places to visit. We have a yearly membership there and never grow tired of all they have to offer. We decided to go the day before I was to be induced with Miss Penny.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdgn_UbhaI/AAAAAAAADA0/r4vWeqeX7Ck/s1600/lf5.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537000507003602338" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdgn_UbhaI/AAAAAAAADA0/r4vWeqeX7Ck/s200/lf5.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdgoM8KC1I/AAAAAAAADA8/GkkchFZMdkM/s1600/lf7.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537000510659890002" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdgoM8KC1I/AAAAAAAADA8/GkkchFZMdkM/s200/lf7.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
Charlie and the big shovel, Tommy and the great tomato<br />
We visited the green house, looked at all the plants and played a few games about bees and pollenation.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdganwmN3I/AAAAAAAADAs/8e1PnXWe0TI/s1600/lf6.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537000277340993394" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdganwmN3I/AAAAAAAADAs/8e1PnXWe0TI/s200/lf6.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
The ponies were out and the boys both wanted to go for a ride.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdgaUZehCI/AAAAAAAADAk/rYy9nJCkyf0/s1600/lf4.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537000272143746082" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdgaUZehCI/AAAAAAAADAk/rYy9nJCkyf0/s200/lf4.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
(Tom)<br />
Tommy was a bit nervous but once he saw how much fun Charlie had on the ride, then he was eager to have his turn.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdgaLN7itI/AAAAAAAADAc/hORUk6YDB2I/s1600/lf3.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537000269679397586" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdgaLN7itI/AAAAAAAADAc/hORUk6YDB2I/s200/lf3.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
(Charlie)<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdgZ1bUI2I/AAAAAAAADAU/oEYRU_uImI4/s1600/lf2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537000263829955426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdgZ1bUI2I/AAAAAAAADAU/oEYRU_uImI4/s200/lf2.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
(Trent showing Mommy pig who was boss)<br />
We also stopped by the barn and saw the new born piggies. They were about 2 weeks old and so cute. The boys loved petting them. Their mommy piggy was being a little aggressive and was kind of charging the gate (which I happened to be kneeling down by to pet one of her babies). <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdgZqv6VeI/AAAAAAAADAM/9r-JezObzfY/s1600/lf1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537000260963554786" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TNdgZqv6VeI/AAAAAAAADAM/9r-JezObzfY/s200/lf1.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
Charlie petting baby pigs<br />
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It was great cool Fall afternoon with our boys. We had a great time just taking our time and being together.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-48499030517337635942011-01-19T18:33:00.001-08:002011-01-19T18:33:53.146-08:00Charlie's Natural History Museum Classes (Monkey & Spiders)I thought it would be fun to sign Charlie up for some classes at the Natural History Museum to do with Daddy, once a month on Saturdays. Not only do they offer some supplemental hours for his K12 school, but most importantly they give Daddy and Charlie to spend the morning together, just the two of them.<br />
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Charlie's first class was in September and they studied Monkeys. They made a monkey mask, looked for Monkey's through out the museum, learned about different kinds of monkeys like the spider monkey and had different monkey themed activity centers set up around the Discovery Room.<br />
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Last weekend Charlie and Daddy went to his October class that was on spiders. hey learned different facts about spiders, listened spider stories, had themed spider activities<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TMXksttZPAI/AAAAAAAAC9c/LSK-RvLDWqc/s1600/IMG_4017.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532079174129892354" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TMXksttZPAI/AAAAAAAAC9c/LSK-RvLDWqc/s200/IMG_4017.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a>, looked at a real spider and made a fun spider and water spout craft<br />
.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TMXkXk7zDTI/AAAAAAAAC9U/icabEX6l63c/s1600/IMG_4067.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532078810997132594" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TMXkXk7zDTI/AAAAAAAAC9U/icabEX6l63c/s200/IMG_4067.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-83238426457886127282011-01-19T18:32:00.000-08:002011-01-19T18:32:27.645-08:00Apple Picking<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz9EEUbOWI/AAAAAAAAC8s/JLkrhl-DBWI/s1600/IMG_4010.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529572688824842594" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz9EEUbOWI/AAAAAAAAC8s/JLkrhl-DBWI/s200/IMG_4010.JPG" style="height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>Every year we have wanted to go apple picking but haven't gotten around to doing so. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz9D2QfyII/AAAAAAAAC8k/QkgskvuDBuI/s1600/IMG_4008.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529572685050267778" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz9D2QfyII/AAAAAAAAC8k/QkgskvuDBuI/s200/IMG_4008.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> This year we made out way out to Eddy's Orchard and picked apples to our hearts content.<br />
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It was such a nice Fall day, cool, crisp air, slightly overcast with a mix of brilliant blue skies and warm sun rays.<br />
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It was so relaxing, not busy at all with crowds of people, and just a great family outing.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz8j_YzBuI/AAAAAAAAC70/44zBPUSbrjQ/s1600/IMG_3986.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529572137745188578" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz8j_YzBuI/AAAAAAAAC70/44zBPUSbrjQ/s200/IMG_3986.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> Not to mention that we never want to buy apples at the grocery store again!!!<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz8kzeiqAI/AAAAAAAAC8M/mM_wx0r1FRM/s1600/IMG_3999.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529572151727925250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz8kzeiqAI/AAAAAAAAC8M/mM_wx0r1FRM/s200/IMG_3999.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
Wow, it is amazing the difference FRESH off the tree apples taste!<br />
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I think we all ate about 3 apples in our 30+ minutes that we picked, they are that good!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz9DsV1mbI/AAAAAAAAC8c/BIa3wUIhiFU/s1600/IMG_4006.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529572682388314546" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz9DsV1mbI/AAAAAAAAC8c/BIa3wUIhiFU/s200/IMG_4006.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
We will definitely be apple picking in the future. In fact we had to tell Tommy we would go back as soon as we ate all 18lbs of apples that we picked.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz9DaGU3KI/AAAAAAAAC8U/sX-nW1zvQEw/s1600/IMG_4003.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529572677491416226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz9DaGU3KI/AAAAAAAAC8U/sX-nW1zvQEw/s200/IMG_4003.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a>Which will probably be next week :)Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-5651740062238032562011-01-19T18:30:00.000-08:002011-01-19T18:30:18.998-08:00Spooktacular Halloween 2010<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz2mcOs-WI/AAAAAAAAC7E/Mha_SLMLUWc/s1600/IMG_3957.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529565582777448802" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz2mcOs-WI/AAAAAAAAC7E/Mha_SLMLUWc/s200/IMG_3957.JPG" style="height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a></div><br />
We usually have a Halloween party each year but this year because of everything going on we opted more for a Halloween "playdate" with 3 of our friends instead. The season of slow, remember :)<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz1kGI-bYI/AAAAAAAAC6c/56WeixVZrUc/s1600/IMG_3930.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529564442976480642" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz1kGI-bYI/AAAAAAAAC6c/56WeixVZrUc/s200/IMG_3930.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz1jBZqM8I/AAAAAAAAC6M/U8v4NBYO5y4/s1600/IMG_3928.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529564424524411842" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz1jBZqM8I/AAAAAAAAC6M/U8v4NBYO5y4/s200/IMG_3928.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz1jXFhjaI/AAAAAAAAC6U/99DMIM_PMA8/s1600/IMG_3929.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529564430345538978" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz1jXFhjaI/AAAAAAAAC6U/99DMIM_PMA8/s200/IMG_3929.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
Charlie was very involved in the "planning". He wanted things SCARY and creepy. Gone are the "cutesy" Halloweens for this boy...I think. So skeletons and graveyards are now part of our decor.<br />
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He wanted a pumpkin hunt but settled for "skeleton bone" hunt (dog bones)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz3BQ01JFI/AAAAAAAAC7c/CJpqEPI8aRc/s1600/IMG_3952.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529566043572610130" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz3BQ01JFI/AAAAAAAAC7c/CJpqEPI8aRc/s200/IMG_3952.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
and Daddy threw together a scary graveyard. The graveyard had a walkway (boards for the kids to balance on) and they had to try and walk through the graveyard without falling into the graves. Tommy LOVED this and did it over and over again.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz1kkdDEfI/AAAAAAAAC6k/Wm4BQAMZ_aQ/s1600/IMG_3931.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529564451113734642" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz1kkdDEfI/AAAAAAAAC6k/Wm4BQAMZ_aQ/s200/IMG_3931.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz2lA-NzLI/AAAAAAAAC6s/f0A_j19d3q8/s1600/IMG_3932.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529565558280670386" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz2lA-NzLI/AAAAAAAAC6s/f0A_j19d3q8/s200/IMG_3932.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz2mp-RmYI/AAAAAAAAC7M/V29iBebU98g/s1600/IMG_3962.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529565586466642306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz2mp-RmYI/AAAAAAAAC7M/V29iBebU98g/s200/IMG_3962.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz2lY9vEVI/AAAAAAAAC60/kSTUYDiNZBo/s1600/IMG_3937.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529565564721107282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz2lY9vEVI/AAAAAAAAC60/kSTUYDiNZBo/s200/IMG_3937.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz6Tm2rmQI/AAAAAAAAC7k/oiPb_cjPsmg/s1600/IMG_3963.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529569657258481922" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz6Tm2rmQI/AAAAAAAAC7k/oiPb_cjPsmg/s200/IMG_3963.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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We kept it simple and let the kids play, ate Halloween donuts from Pattersons, apple cider and ghost covered lollies as a going home treat (per Charlie's request). We opted not to wear costumes but scary Halloween shirts.<br />
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Charlie and Tommy had a great time with a few of their friends. It was a nice afternoon and reminded me that it doesn't take much to make things special for little ones. I am so happy that Charlie had a part in planning everything, he was really proud of himself. The only thing he complained about was that none of his friends wanted to play chase the skeleton, they all thought it was too scary :) Our boy is growing up!<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz3BOWp8SI/AAAAAAAAC7U/6YWFyVmP6P4/s1600/IMG_3965.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529566042909176098" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TLz3BOWp8SI/AAAAAAAAC7U/6YWFyVmP6P4/s200/IMG_3965.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345717102537678665.post-44044483788400326422011-01-19T18:27:00.001-08:002011-01-23T12:18:04.267-08:00Homeschool: Kindergarten & Preschool weeks 8 & 9 Letter I<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TOHnO7ZQwxI/AAAAAAAADE0/RKCWNRCT-vY/s1600/charlieturkey.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539963260290253586" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TOHnO7ZQwxI/AAAAAAAADE0/RKCWNRCT-vY/s200/charlieturkey.JPG" style="height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a></div><br />
We have done a little bit of school the last 2 weeks. We started back to our school lessons a week after Penny was born. I have had Charlie concentrating on the basics, Phonics and Math. I also had Charlie do more independent work on the computer for the Study Island portion of his curriculum.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TOHnQGgTt0I/AAAAAAAADFM/NMenI93V-58/s1600/school3.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539963280452466498" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TOHnQGgTt0I/AAAAAAAADFM/NMenI93V-58/s200/school3.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> This is a testing portion that K12 offers to help practice different concepts that he is learning. He did really good and I think it is a great exercise for him to do on his own. It really is sharpening his ability to follow directions and computer skills.<br />
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I have given Tommy a break from his weekly curriculum but realized today that he needs more structure so I am starting to incorporate more of his work back into our daily routine.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TOHnppnqksI/AAAAAAAADFU/F5q186sMhOY/s1600/school4.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539963719375295170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TOHnppnqksI/AAAAAAAADFU/F5q186sMhOY/s200/school4.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3HfJsjpEI/AAAAAAAADHc/2BHj1mjWsc4/s1600/school1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543306054355625026" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TO3HfJsjpEI/AAAAAAAADHc/2BHj1mjWsc4/s200/school1.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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Besides the basics we have tried to do a few fun things as well. We made pumpkin playdough from scratch. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TOHnPWcPKkI/AAAAAAAADE8/2ennXg6_LiA/s1600/pumpkin.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539963267550489154" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TOHnPWcPKkI/AAAAAAAADE8/2ennXg6_LiA/s200/pumpkin.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> The boys really liked doing this and it was super easy to make. We then made turkeys out of the playdough.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TOHnOlqAybI/AAAAAAAADEs/qZM5sAt9UGw/s1600/tommyturkey.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539963254454929842" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TOHnOlqAybI/AAAAAAAADEs/qZM5sAt9UGw/s200/tommyturkey.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> I think they turned out really cute. With the extra playdough and materials we had we made up 2 packages for our friends Luke and Elizabeth and sent them in the mail. We talked about Thanksgiving and how we are thankful for things and people in our lives. We got the idea from my friend Susana, who did this last year.<br />
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We also did our crafty ABC for the week, the letter I. We made Iguanas.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TOHnp7R9u6I/AAAAAAAADFc/R5qiP0XOL24/s1600/school5.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539963724116114338" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TOHnp7R9u6I/AAAAAAAADFc/R5qiP0XOL24/s200/school5.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> Tommy is REALLY into writing the letter "I" lately and even though he knows how to write his name he is much more excited to write "I, I, I" over and over again :) Charlie got creative with his Iguana and added his name and his initials to it. If you look closely at the bottom right corner of his picture you will notice that his Iguana has "pooped"....so typical of my little fella :)<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TOHnqciR0FI/AAAAAAAADFk/NX4fZ2dlO60/s1600/school6.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539963733042909266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zRjC3qPK-hU/TOHnqciR0FI/AAAAAAAADFk/NX4fZ2dlO60/s200/school6.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Charlie had a great time making a paper bag city. One of his magazines had a few sheets of store fronts, houses etc that he could cut out and then glue to paper bags and make a city. He loved this project and did it over 2 days.<br />
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Tommy had a fun week doing projects around the house, helping me do laundry and washing the dishes.<br />
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First 2 weeks back at school went slowly, as to be expected. But we had fun doing our studies and projects and starting to figure out a new routine.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03530920615259170825noreply@blogger.com0