tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59554712272732825862024-03-20T15:40:13.559-07:00raising little rhodiesDanielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.comBlogger465125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-79817182296010668372015-09-08T07:39:00.001-07:002015-09-09T04:38:59.179-07:00Hi, it's me again! <div style="text-align: center;">
I know I have been MIA for ages.</div>
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Ages.</div>
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It's been so long that I can't perfectly articulate why I stopped blogging but I do know that my desire to be living alongside my family fully was an influence. </div>
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I've never blogged for money, though I was blessed for a time to review curriculum. Because I was never hoping to use this blog as a platform to support my family, I never had an intensive schedule to keep. And yet...I still felt like it was pulling bits and pieces of me away. And so I felt strongly that I needed to withdraw from the virtual world back into the real world. To be with my family for the sake of being with them and not for the photo ops and like collecting. </div>
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I hope that makes sense.</div>
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That said, I love looking back at my posts and reminding myself (particularly when those pesky self doubts that I never seem to outgrow assail!) that we have done some spectacular things along the way. Our homeschool has been growing and changing and becoming every day. Every year. <br />
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I can't help but smile when I remember being adamantly convinced that I would never homeschool my children. That I could never. It takes a special cloth and I wasn't cut from it. </div>
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Ha! <br />
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Isn't that like the Lord, though? </div>
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Not that it's all unicorns and cuddles, mind you. But it is <i><b>all </b></i>meaningful. <br />
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Trevor, my youngest, is still what I like to call blended-schooled. He attends the local public school half days for his therapies and reading and math. At home I work on the enrichment piece with picture & nature study, along with read alouds and simple piano lessons. I am in love with his Frog and Toad addiction! Bristel is now in 5th Grade and has an unwavering conviction that she's to be a doctor. And somehow I have a Freshman who, while daily creating "I could strangle" him moments, also takes my breath away with his rich thoughts and glimpses of the man he's growing into! <br />
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As for me, I've felt myself drawn more towards Charlotte Mason's approach more than ever. I've always been Charlotte Mason at heart but I find that it's reaching into more of how and what we do. Two of my favorite resources have been <a href="https://www.amblesideonline.org/">Ambleside Online</a> and <a href="https://simplycharlottemason.com/">Simply Charlotte Mason .</a> <br />
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I'm not sure how actively I'll blog (my FB page is more active). But I do expect from time to time to share thoughts and pictures, if for no other reason than to create a virtual memory journal for myself.<br />
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Anyway...<br />
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I hope and pray that your homeschool is filled with grace and peace and beauty today...and this year. </div>
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<i>...danielle</i></div>
Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-21631794937385625022014-08-13T08:32:00.001-07:002014-08-13T08:32:55.973-07:00his 8th grade curriculum<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">My ability to blog has become increasingly limited as life has become increasingly full. But a sweet friend shared the other day that she peeked at my blog hoping to find a curriculum list and I thought, well, gosh…I could do that. Before I share though…I want to make sure you know this list is my *ideal* list. Inevitably some things will work and some won’t as we move through our year. I’m experimenting with keeping our work in binders too. Hopefully that will help us stay more organized! Also, because I’ve grown to deeply believe that learning happens all.the.time there are many organic learning opportunities through out the day that aren’t listed with our curriculum. Like chores or helping make meals or caring for their brother. Or for instance, the kids have neighbors over playing a mad game of monopoly right now! Not in the lesson plans, but I’m happily nixing the Science I had on the agenda for today. Because I just really buy into the idea that organic learning is so very vital. Seize the moment, right?</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>Memory Work</u></p> <p align="center">Daily: 15 minutes</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.padgadget.com/ipad-app-details/501527692/100/2/1">Classical Conversations Cycle 3 iPad app</a></p> <p align="center">I love the idea of classical learning. If it weren’t so pricey I would definitely plug the kids into a local Classical Conversations group. But alas, it’s just not in our budget. Which is why I was over the moon to find the Foundations apps on iTunes! I have the kids listen and recite the memory work with the app every day. It’s a great (and affordable) way to infuse some classical into our daily routine! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>Bible/Character</u></p> <p align="center">Daily: 15 minutes</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Building-Excellent-Character-Step-By-Step-Weaver-ebook/dp/B00HFEBL5W">Building Excellent Character Step by Step</a> Kindle book</p> <p align="center">He’ll read the book above (along with Scripture) daily until complete and then move into something else. I love the Kay Arthur inductive studies. So maybe I’ll grab one of those. Or maybe I’ll just have him read through various books of the Bible.</p> <p align="center">Speaking of organic learning, I also include our family worship, church and his youth group involvement as part of his spiritual and character nurturing.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>Math</u></p> <p align="center">Daily: 45-60 minutes</p> <p align="center">We’ll continue through Saxon 1/2 as well as joining the Math Counts team. If he completes Saxon 1/2 before the year is over I’ll have him move on to No Nonsense Algebra…which I’ve had shelved for just such a time.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>Grammar</u></p> <p align="center">Daily: 15 minutes</p> <p align="center">We’re going to follow <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/grades/eighth/">Easy Peasy’s Grammar program</a> (FREE) which includes using the living book Grammar Land. We started reading Grammar Land two years ago and he really enjoyed it. Once he’s completed the Grammar Land unit study I’ll move him on to Easy Grammar. Because I already own it. Although I do have my eye on <a href="http://books.google.com/books/about/Sheldon_s_advanced_language_lessons.html?id=d6URAAAAIAAJ">Sheldon’s Advanced Language Lessons</a> (FREE) too. So maybe we’ll do that instead of Easy Grammar? I’ve become very go-with-the-flow in my homeschooling mommy old age. Wink.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>Spelling/Vocab</u></p> <p align="center">Daily: 5-10 minutes</p> <p align="center">We’re using the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wordly-wise-3000-vocabulary/id632074934?mt=8">Wordly Wise iPad app</a> (FREE). The idea is for them to listen one day, write the words in a notebook another day, definitions next day and use in a sentence the last day. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>Writing</u></p> <p align="center">Daily: 10-30 minutes</p> <p align="center">I’ve so dropped the ball on the writing thing. Every year I give myself grief over it and decide I’m going to sign him up for a class or a co-op or something. Because I’ve been an epic fail with the writing piece. But it just never pans out. Because of our youngest son’s profoundly complicated medical needs…we’re on a fixed income. This means we need to use serious wisdom and weeding out when we make financial decisions. Usually, we decide that we just can’t swing a class financially. But recently I feel like the Lord gave me another little bit of liberty in helping me understand that we’re on a fixed income in other ways too. Because Trevor’s needs are so intense it limits how much running around I can do too. He has daily therapy which is doing him so much good and also requires me to be present. I just can’t logistically or financially make a writing class work right now. </p> <p align="center">Which is why I’m using <a href="http://shop.apologia.com/35-jump-in">Jump In</a> by Apologia. I already own it and the format is very independent and easy to follow.</p> <p align="center">Annnnd…we’ll doing doing daily journaling together. Meaning mommy too! I’ve already gathered a couple of printable journal prompt calendars for us to follow.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>Reading</u></p> <p align="center">Daily: 60 minutes</p> <p align="center">He’ll do <a href="http://www.readtheory.org/">Read Theory</a> (FREE) daily. I love Read Theory because it’s independent little reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary building test prep. It tracks progress too! We’ll also follow <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/grades/eighth/">Easy Peasy’s reading program</a> for this year. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>History & Geography</u></p> <p align="center">Daily: 15-20 minutes</p> <p align="center">I was so sad and annoyed that Mystery of History changed their format from an all inclusive book to separate reader and activity book. Honestly, I was so disappointed that even though we loved Mystery of History I and II…I decided to move away this year. If we do go ahead and purchase Mystery of History in the future, it will only be the reader. I’ll just have to use Pinterest for activities. Part of the draw for me was having everything all together. Less to manage. Also, the price has now almost doubled. Sigh.</p> <p align="center">Anyway…</p> <p align="center">That said, the Lord provided a history curriculum for free! We’ll be using <a href="http://www.currclick.com/product/16690/The-Timeline-Project">Currclick’s Timeline Project</a> (FREE for now) to create notebook timelines. And a friend was giving away <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/exploring-american-history-second-edition/d-h-montgomery/9781932971453/pd/796501">Christian Liberty Press’s Exploring American History</a>. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>Civics</u></p> <p align="center">Daily: 15-20 minutes</p> <p align="center">Our homeschool day always starts with a morning meeting where we gather on the couch and watch <a href="http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/">CNN Student News</a> together. My kids have really grown to love this program! And the anchor, Carl Azuz is a really great positive role model. </p> <blockquote> <p align="center">He’ll be working through <a href="http://www.gavirtuallearning.org/Resources/SharedAmericanGovernment.aspx">Georgia Virtual Learning’s American Government course</a> (FREE) and reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0310734215/?tag=mh0b-20&hvadid=3487952432&ref=pd_sl_7u3eizvrce_e">Our Constitution Rocks</a> through out the year.</p> <p align="center">In the Spring I’m hoping that he can attend our local <a href="http://teenpact.com/">Teen Pact</a> workshop. </p></blockquote> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>Science</u></p> <p align="center">Daily: 30 minutes</p> <p align="center">Co-op once weekly 60 minutes</p> <p align="center">Some crazy friends convinced me to help coordinate and lead a co-op around Apologia’s Chemistry & Physics. Crazy me agreed! We’ll be meeting for an hour once a week at our church. Actually, I agreed because it’s much more likely that the experiments will happen in a co-op setting than in our home. It’s just too easy to let it slide! And experiments are something I missed out on when I was a kid…so I really want the kids to have this. </p> <p align="center">I’ll be having him follow <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/science-year-4/">Easy Peasy’s Physics & Chemistry</a> (FREE) course as well.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>Computer</u></p> <p align="center">Daily: 30 minutes</p> <p align="center">I signed the kids up for a beta HTML coding class because it’s free and I want them to learn as much programming skills as possible. That’ll run for the month of September.</p> <p align="center">After that, he’ll move on to <a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/cs">Khan Academy’s programming course</a> (FREE). He has expressed a keen interest in learning animation and coding.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>Foreign Language</u></p> <p align="center">Daily: 30 minutes</p> <p align="center">We’re using <a href="http://allinonehighschool.com/full-curriculum/spanish/spanish-1/">Easy Peasy’s Spanish 1</a> (FREE).</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>Fine Arts</u></p> <p align="center">Piano Daily: 15 minutes</p> <p align="center">Art/Music Study: once weekly 10-15 minutes</p> <p align="center">We’ll continue using <a href="https://www.hoffmanacademy.com/">Hoffman Academy’s Free Piano Lessons for Ki</a><a href="https://www.hoffmanacademy.com/">ds</a>. I have them watch and work on one lesson each week. I really can’t say enough about how much I love this program! Not only is it FREE…but Mr. Hoffman is an amazing teacher!</p> <p align="center">In addition, he’ll be following <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/programs-of-study/year-4-level-m/">Easy Peasy’s Year 4</a> (FREE) art and music. studies. </p> <p align="center">I do own <a href="http://www.seethelightshine.com/store/art-class-1-year-set.html">See the Light Art Class</a>. We’ve been through about half of the program and I’m hoping to squeeze in the next half this year. It’s really a WONDERFUL program if you can’t afford or have access to art classes taught by professionals. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>PE & Health</u></p> <p align="center">Once Weekly: 15-60 minutes</p> <p align="center">He’ll finish our <a href="http://cathyduffyreviews.com/science/total-health.htm">Total Health</a> Middle School curriculum for health.</p> <p align="center">Physical Education for him will include weekly ice skating at a local private school that opens their rink to homeschoolers for free! It’s such a wonderful gift! He’ll also be playing basketball for a local Christian school as well as a town team. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u>Logic</u></p> <p align="center">Once Weekly: 30 minutes</p> <p align="center">I purchased The Fallacy Detective this year and I’m hoping I can convince a couple neighborhood kids to join us at our place one afternoon a week for a Logic Club. </p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-5261587756493833342014-07-10T06:33:00.001-07:002014-07-10T06:33:22.979-07:00sharing happy<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I have often felt a guilty pang sharing the happy moments.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nJMgxrp-yTM/U76V8IvYVgI/AAAAAAAAPtA/BZ3qUms8PH4/s1600-h/Sharing%252520Happy%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sharing Happy 1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sharing Happy 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4zGafcu68xQ/U76V9NNL8bI/AAAAAAAAPtI/KEmH60k9tD4/Sharing%252520Happy%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="471"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Because of Trevor’s medical challenges I am very sensitive to those that are living some of the darkest moments of their lives right.this.very.moment.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5IYMKfDCbns/U76V9-xkVEI/AAAAAAAAPtQ/znUC5JfnM2Q/s1600-h/Sharing%252520Happy%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sharing Happy 2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sharing Happy 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sPs-ITQzPds/U76V-8YG1NI/AAAAAAAAPtY/ILTM-IFMuRw/Sharing%252520Happy%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="471"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I never want anyone to feel like I’m rubbing our “happy” in.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">If that makes sense.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-396vfoCq9gU/U76V_hbDCgI/AAAAAAAAPtg/by-OFyjysUg/s1600-h/Sharing%252520Happy%2525203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sharing Happy 3" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sharing Happy 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8kE4-gc31_M/U76WAV7E7xI/AAAAAAAAPto/vhhNIMf5LGo/Sharing%252520Happy%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="471"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">It also drives me bonkers that people see a snap-shot in time and so easily believe it represents the whole.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Trevor has many, many happy moments.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I cherish them deeply. He has taught me how to appreciate glimpses of beauty in a way that would never have been possible without him.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m1HSrsamWtk/U76WBTFyz4I/AAAAAAAAPtw/EVmb5hfIK8I/s1600-h/Sharing%252520Happy%2525204%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sharing Happy 4" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sharing Happy 4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qY0cDF6aO08/U76WCEAga7I/AAAAAAAAPt4/009IZjfcv3Y/Sharing%252520Happy%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="471"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">But our happy is <em>always</em> mingled with tragedy. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Brokenness.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">In so many of those happy moments we see glimpses of the boy he could have been…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">and our hearts smile-grieve.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">And long deeply for the day when Healing washes over him…and us all.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ziv55PHDY7s/U76WCwOLqZI/AAAAAAAAPuA/enInTRvC90M/s1600-h/Sharing%252520Happy%2525205%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sharing Happy 5" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sharing Happy 5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZeMQ2Dv9ADM/U76WDtzIhtI/AAAAAAAAPuI/YNv63UAlEr4/Sharing%252520Happy%2525205_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="471"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Snapshots…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">coupled with distorted perceptions…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">could never share the whole story.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">But nothing other than living IN the story can ever fully capture it.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q4Zs3ymD7-o/U76WEU74YGI/AAAAAAAAPuQ/H18hfB6qC9U/s1600-h/my%252520cuties%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="my cuties" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="my cuties" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yukFvA560Sw/U76WFDka9gI/AAAAAAAAPuY/Allx2cO-jZw/my%252520cuties_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="433"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">This past year in particular…I have been overwhelmingly drawn to embracing the happy moments. Cherishing them even more. And sharing them too.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Maybe it’s because Trevor could have died last year. Indeed, his sister still has nightmares that he did. So scary was that night.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Maybe it’s because we’ve faced some other real health scares this year as well. The kind that effect Trevor but don’t belong to him.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2vohpv6GAig/U76WF04a-zI/AAAAAAAAPug/Fm6KYI5bJnI/s1600-h/Sharing%252520Happy%2525207%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sharing Happy 7" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sharing Happy 7" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XnUUxOnjdW0/U76WGr2CJtI/AAAAAAAAPuo/U3Fc4TYBF2I/Sharing%252520Happy%2525207_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="471"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Maybe it’s because this world is so saturated with sadness and groady and bitterness on every side that sharing our happy moments with each other isn’t only sweet…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GCV0H0btGBU/U76WHatOahI/AAAAAAAAPuw/a09naZFckcM/s1600-h/Sharing%252520Happy%2525206%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sharing Happy 6" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sharing Happy 6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lhp9jk3sGKk/U76WIBOsplI/AAAAAAAAPu4/4GIpuE0vfBk/Sharing%252520Happy%2525206_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="342"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">it’s <font size="5"><strong><em>necessary</em></strong></font>!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right"><font color="#894384" size="5"><em>…danielle</em></font></p> <p align="right"><em><font color="#894384" size="5"></font></em> </p> <p align="right"><em><font color="#894384" size="5"></font></em> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><font color="#000000">These thoughts have been swirling in my heart for a while. Sharing them today was inspired by</font><font color="#9bbb59"> </font><a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/sharing-happy-pictures-on-the-internet/"><font color="#9bbb59">this post</font></a><font color="#000000">. Which you should totally read! </font></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-21707262343076864362014-05-15T08:44:00.001-07:002014-05-15T08:44:13.274-07:00How We’re Using All About Spelling Level 2: syllable marking<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I made the switch from Abeka to <a href="http://allaboutlearningpress.net/go.php?id=809">All About Spelling</a> this year and have zero regrets! Even though I was tempted to skip forward, I am SO happy that we started with Level 1. She sailed through the first book but it laid a great foundation AND helped us both develop our flow. Flow is important in our home.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">We aim to do AAS lessons four times a week. She loves AAS because it’s one of our subjects that she knows I’m with her the whole time. She does quite of bit of independent work these days…but is a sappy head like me and still enjoys our together time.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t34.0-12/10363651_10203761115891459_759266975_n.jpg?oh=7dcc3576f967dbde1a49b562be21791f&oe=5376B1B1" width="400" height="533"></p> <p align="center">While I glance over the lesson & prep anything that needs prepping, I’ll have her busy sorting and organizing all of our letter tiles in ABC order.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Typically, once I’m set, we’ll do a little review work. She’s a big fan of me letting her be “the teacher”! </p> <p align="center"><img style="display: inline" src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t34.0-12/10362482_10203761094970936_1282520739_n.jpg?oh=e9a620e0e04d5ea20b99aa3f0c6db61f&oe=5376A6E2" width="400" height="300"></p> <p align="center">I <strong><em>do</em></strong> have a full set of the tiles. I use and encourage others to purchase them! You really need them. And though there are ways to make your own (I’ve tried) the quality of the product is worth the investment! In fact, I’m planning to buy a second set this year! But now that we’re further along, I find myself utilizing her mini white board more often. The great thing with AAS is that you’re encouraged to be creative!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">In this lesson you can see I mixed tiles with whiteboard marker.</p> <p align="center"><img src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/v/t34.0-12/1654756_10203761095370946_1989169123_n.jpg?oh=dffeb00bcd1309d13bc722923efbe784&oe=5376D475" width="400" height="533"></p> <p align="center">This is a review of syllable division concepts she’s learned. She loooooves the little cards. They have really helped root the “rules” in her mind…which helps her spelling globally. It’s always so cool when you see your child generalizing (using what they learned in the real world) concepts that you’ve poured yourself into helping them catch!</p> <p align="center"><img src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t34.0-12/10370664_10203761101011087_835632415_n.jpg?oh=e2ca6ec0f0522d44470b2541f072969e&oe=53774BF1" width="400" height="533"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Because I’m such a HUGE fan of <a href="http://allaboutlearningpress.net/go.php?id=809">All About Spelling</a> I’m also an affiliate! That means if you purchase curriculum via my link – I make a small commission! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right">…<font color="#894384" size="5" face="Andalus"><em>danielle</em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-14342529934936786902014-03-26T11:22:00.001-07:002014-03-26T11:30:13.116-07:00Easy Peasy: his 7th grade language arts<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I’ve had quite a few questions about how I’m using <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/">Easy Peasy</a> with the kids. I’m sure there are a lot of moms like myself. Curious. But hesitant. Because it’s free. And anything that’s *easy peasy* AND free must not measure up, right? <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-Inlove" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="In love" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hHUz2NqWJjE/UzManLTg4uI/AAAAAAAAPoY/_Z4ml1smOCc/wlEmoticon-Inlove%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">So I thought I’d keep writing the occasional picture marathon post. I’m visual so pictures always make it better. Although, you’ll have to pardon the blurry photos. I love great photography but my new smart phone makes it waaaay too easy to snap & upload. My poor Canon Powershot SX20 is busy collecting dust.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rxks3Hrm-FM/UzMaoACV_wI/AAAAAAAAPog/odJXBu7_yo8/s1600-h/2-%2525281%252529%252520Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203262014%252520114509%252520AM%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="2-(1) Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3262014 114509 AM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2-(1) Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3262014 114509 AM" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jXtkviVojxk/UzMao2IbNYI/AAAAAAAAPoo/63I31smYf4E/2-%2525281%252529%252520Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203262014%252520114509%252520AM_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="377"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I’m still a fan of <a href="http://workboxsystem.com/">Sue Patrick’s workbox system</a>. We continue to use our <a href="http://www.raisinglittlerhodies.blogspot.com/p/take-nickel-tour.html">workbox totes</a>. I really like Sue’s downloadable grid (free, along with other printable when you purchase her e-book). </p> <p align="center">I’ve tried a bazillion other methods of organizing and tracking their work but this one just fits us best.</p> <p align="center">So the picture above is a sample of today’s work load for my 7th Grader. I write his daily tasks – he then highlights as completed. I’m not going to line item everything listed. I really just want to focus on Easy Peasy in general…and how we’re using it for Language Arts in specific.</p> <p align="center">On line seven of his list you’ll see: EP – 60. That represents Easy Peasy Day 60. We started using Easy Peasy late in the year. He knows he needs to navigate to the Easy Peasy website then click on Level 7th and find Day 60. I expect him to complete everything listed for Day 60 minus Math & Foreign Language. We <em><strong>are</strong></em> using Easy Peasy for our Foreign Language too but he is on a different level.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M1ni1KKKv9s/UzMapfhiKVI/AAAAAAAAPow/Vw5r8eQc2DQ/s1600-h/1-Seventh%252520%252520Easy%252520Peasy%252520All-in-One%252520Homeschool%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203262014%25252014553%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-Seventh Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool - Mozilla Firefox 3262014 14553 PM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Seventh Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool - Mozilla Firefox 3262014 14553 PM" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DER0eN3e_h0/UzMaqMZenlI/AAAAAAAAPo4/om41DTOXBWY/1-Seventh%252520%252520Easy%252520Peasy%252520All-in-One%252520Homeschool%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203262014%25252014553%252520PM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="304"></a> </p> <p align="center">So, for today he needed to read the second part of chapter 7. He’s looooving Call of the Wild! And then take the quiz. </p> <p align="center">He then needed to write for 20 minutes. He chose to write a story using five vocab words.</p> <p align="center">I consider Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Spelling and Grammar all part of his Language Arts program. All work related to any of those will live in this notebook.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wS5rFvO5ReQ/UzMaq6J-8JI/AAAAAAAAPpA/gkCoeIBZ_mQ/s1600-h/1-%2525281%252529%252520Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203262014%252520114329%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-(1) Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3262014 114329 AM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1-(1) Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3262014 114329 AM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MbEgv5DASTc/UzMas0Xw4xI/AAAAAAAAPpI/Nh5kz5c9M2Y/1-%2525281%252529%252520Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203262014%252520114329%252520AM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="349"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I quickly learned that using a notebook would help us keep his work organized & tidy. Some Easy Peasy students have a binder with tabs dividing their subjects instead.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jOXpfB2L_Qs/UzMat_uzbLI/AAAAAAAAPpQ/31VNn9T8eF0/s1600-h/8-%2525281%252529%252520Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203262014%252520114608%252520AM%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="8-(1) Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3262014 114608 AM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="8-(1) Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3262014 114608 AM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xVwbtS2Z5MQ/UzMavC7DqEI/AAAAAAAAPpU/pDkk0pa6knQ/8-%2525281%252529%252520Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203262014%252520114608%252520AM_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="360"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">When applicable, I have him type his work in Word and then print it out. We then cut and paste the page into his notebook. The effect is kind of scrap book-y. He digs it.</p> <p align="center">The first weeks of Easy Peasy’s Language Arts program is always poetry. After that the focus is more literature & writing.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JwEZNlOZvww/UzMav6sv15I/AAAAAAAAPpg/GDImLd8EGf8/s1600-h/6-%2525281%252529%252520Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203262014%252520114527%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="6-(1) Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3262014 114527 AM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="6-(1) Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3262014 114527 AM" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JcRa_NF2KiY/UzMawiMCaSI/AAAAAAAAPpo/xHJIe9r0ovU/6-%2525281%252529%252520Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203262014%252520114527%252520AM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="358"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">There is not always printable work or even written work to add to the notebook. And really, if you don’t want the expense of printing you don’t have to print at all. You can teach your child how to screen capture and then copy & paste the screen shot into a Word doc for you to review later. It’s just easier for me, personally, to have them print out their work and keep it in a notebook.</p> <p align="center">The Easy Peasy Language Arts program can be a little confusing at first. Spelling is only occasional and consists of vocabulary words. Vocab words are taken from the current book. Grammar is spotty. <strong><em>Where Easy Peasy excels is the quality literature choices and the writing requirements.</em></strong> </p> <p align="center">Because my 7th Grader struggles with grammar I do supplement. This year we’re using <a href="http://www.growingwithgrammar.com/1DID.html">Digging into Diagramming</a> every other day & <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/daily-grams-grade-7-wanda-phillips/9780936981307/pd/981307?event=1016EG|2025242|97288">Daily Grams</a> which we had left over from last year. I have him do his diagramming right in his notebook. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2_I1KuIiUdE/UzMaxmsFsEI/AAAAAAAAPpw/tHqypXM6hMY/s1600-h/7-%2525281%252529%252520Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203262014%252520114551%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="7-(1) Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3262014 114551 AM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="7-(1) Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3262014 114551 AM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fvdJeBxcZ8k/UzMayWfmmOI/AAAAAAAAPp4/MI1Hc0-b8Uw/7-%2525281%252529%252520Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203262014%252520114551%252520AM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="360"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">I am definitely an Easy Peasy fan! The more we use it – the more I’m loving it! I’m super excited for his 8th Grade Easy Peasy program which will include <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=iXgSAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false">GrammarLand</a>. We had started reading it aloud last year and never finished. He really enjoyed it though…so I know he’ll be excited to see it on his docket. </p> <p align="center">If you have any other Easy Peasy questions please don’t hesitate to ask me either via email or our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Raising-Little-Rhodies/189781467744294">Raising Little Rhodies facebook page</a>.</p> <p align="center">Happy Homeschooling!</p> <p align="right">…<font color="#894384" size="5"><em>danielle</em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-45259154701039526932014-03-26T05:43:00.001-07:002014-03-26T05:43:43.204-07:00<p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U-tc94JgZxg/UzLLcq-8onI/AAAAAAAAPoA/RlTJANRnPrY/s1600-h/1-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203262014%25252084150%252520AM%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3262014 84150 AM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3262014 84150 AM" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9vzN5oKSuhA/UzLLfIi9B7I/AAAAAAAAPoI/vM60LAaC-i0/1-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203262014%25252084150%252520AM_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="331"></a></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-3968027228924753582014-03-03T07:59:00.001-08:002014-03-03T07:59:11.258-08:00his easy peasy science notebook<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I5mo1SJaTT4/UxSml1gH5II/AAAAAAAAPeg/jecnLjd1V0o/s1600-h/1-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103147%252520AM%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103147 AM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103147 AM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RM0H-MpTn9o/UxSmnD0Gg4I/AAAAAAAAPeo/1q3RU5OBh7g/1-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103147%252520AM_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="378"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Recently I shared what <a href="http://www.raisinglittlerhodies.blogspot.com/2014/02/were-using-easy-peasy-for-science.html">her Science notebook</a> looks like while we’re following <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/zoology/">Easy Peasy’s Zoology</a>.</p> <p align="center">It’s only fair that I show you the 7th Grader’s notebook too.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9y0ecAQW2ng/UxSmn2fHp8I/AAAAAAAAPew/TcmXaekY1wk/s1600-h/9-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103219%252520AM%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="9-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103219 AM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="9-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103219 AM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e61i2uOb9XU/UxSmovycjqI/AAAAAAAAPe4/8taC8FU_W4Q/9-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103219%252520AM_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="406"></a></p> <p align="center">While there are less lapbooks for the older students…there are still some printables.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ys3zF1ipr3M/UxSmpLZg7XI/AAAAAAAAPfA/C44yw6w0sPo/s1600-h/2-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103151%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103151 AM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103151 AM" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FzLA7t-U1s0/UxSmp771M5I/AAAAAAAAPfI/V6Vy58ZiDZA/2-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103151%252520AM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="422"></a></p> <p align="center">My 7th Grader likes the look of layered lined paper. So he writes on loose leaf and then we cut & paste it in.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-671HR29Nz2k/UxSmqhrlK5I/AAAAAAAAPfQ/ixTGk-RQN60/s1600-h/3-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103156%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="3-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103156 AM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="3-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103156 AM" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6mRiWHCSzqE/UxSmre0oKwI/AAAAAAAAPfY/5KQi_Jcp-lI/3-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103156%252520AM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="404"></a></p> <p align="center">We also like to find google images to match what we’re studying and print them out to add a little color to our pages.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zvmaPFhbKtI/UxSmsG3aMeI/AAAAAAAAPfg/hSuESLn_QOs/s1600-h/4-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103200%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="4-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103200 AM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="4-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103200 AM" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9NaQgv2M2Xc/UxSms6yOLNI/AAAAAAAAPfo/fl6CSh-ljCM/4-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103200%252520AM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="426"></a></p> <p align="center">He is really enjoying this curriculum. Some of the things I’m loving are watching his face light up as he learns new things and watching him develop study habits as he’s encouraged to research independently.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-47_2cLYqJeI/UxSmtinj2lI/AAAAAAAAPfw/76J9TPpTTJA/s1600-h/5-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103203%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="5-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103203 AM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="5-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103203 AM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s01bHR3Zh9c/UxSmuUhxxZI/AAAAAAAAPf4/ZtAtwJ32v4E/5-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103203%252520AM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="400"></a></p> <p align="center">For instance, with the habitats he had to search a lot of the info out on his own. He was SO into it too! Annoyingly into it! He’d stop and give me the play-by-play with each habitat! <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-Inlove" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="In love" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9bLFp6G-Z_A/UxSmu9WLWvI/AAAAAAAAPgA/9i4m-JKdgNQ/wlEmoticon-Inlove%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w6aETx4CgSo/UxSmvt3yBAI/AAAAAAAAPgI/WdK31782wU4/s1600-h/6-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103207%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="6-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103207 AM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="6-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103207 AM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5C0miicBNl8/UxSmwVFpWBI/AAAAAAAAPgQ/FY291oduP4M/6-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103207%252520AM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="374"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eSehXg6dKzo/UxSmxLpYBxI/AAAAAAAAPgY/buI2Eq9xcE8/s1600-h/7-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103210%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="7-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103210 AM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="7-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103210 AM" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wPnahws8BXc/UxSmx6Oh31I/AAAAAAAAPgc/pfExyTri0k8/7-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103210%252520AM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="444"></a></p> <p align="center">A great supplement to go along with this course would be any of the Apologia zoology books.</p> <p align="center">We’re reading Swimming Creatures for our read aloud time and it’s a great addition.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G_EIDjm9nNk/UxSmyov2ITI/AAAAAAAAPgk/0AiSCz5CL98/s1600-h/8-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103214%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="8-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103214 AM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="8-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2282014 103214 AM" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3LG6D5grN8I/UxSmzJLnZ0I/AAAAAAAAPgw/sXbGF8bKFyA/8-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202282014%252520103214%252520AM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="411"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">The more Easy Peasy we incorporate into our homeschool…the more we love it!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right"><font color="#894384" size="5"><em>…danielle</em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-34116968577467700672014-02-27T08:50:00.001-08:002014-02-27T08:51:36.259-08:00Play-Doh Geography–a twist on map blobbing<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-quZf_b2N2wA/Uw9spyzg2rI/AAAAAAAAPdY/Bb6eq850p4w/s1600-h/2-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202272014%252520112740%252520AM%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="2-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2272014 112740 AM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2272014 112740 AM" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gt4_I1BstQQ/Uw9sq6r7VDI/AAAAAAAAPdg/XxgTto_RchA/2-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202272014%252520112740%252520AM_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="439"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">My daughter has really struggled retaining the names of the 50 states. We’ve tried music and workbooks and iPad games and trivia during dinner.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LlR48sjhjVg/Uw9srWq4HQI/AAAAAAAAPdo/Ojta38XGKVc/s1600-h/1-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202272014%252520112729%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2272014 112729 AM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2272014 112729 AM" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3BXglEJVnM8/Uw9ssSTfuUI/AAAAAAAAPdw/h3bgedGhdOo/1-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202272014%252520112729%252520AM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="394"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">But I think it was all just too abstract for her.</p> <p align="center">Enter <a href="http://www.halfahundredacrewood.com/2013/03/continental-blob-maps.html">map blobbing</a>. I love love love the idea! We’ve been using the idea to learn the continents. One day the idea popped into my head that we could modify the idea to help her learn her states too. And she doesn’t need to draw it to retain it! Why, she could play-doh blob the states instead! Everything is more fun with play-doh!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lISm0LgacRo/Uw9ss-ek3nI/AAAAAAAAPd4/rZ61tc_ym3M/s1600-h/3-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202272014%252520112744%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="3-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2272014 112744 AM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="3-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2272014 112744 AM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8iA_uOK0dVA/Uw9stq-hcRI/AAAAAAAAPeA/w400-ro0cB4/3-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202272014%252520112744%252520AM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="396"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">So I searched Pinterest for the cutest FREE USA printable I could find. Hands down it’s <a href="http://www.mrprintables.com/map-of-the-usa-jigsaw-puzzle.html">this one</a>. I printed & laminated & added magnets to the back so it can hang on our white board. We just pull it off the board for geography lessons. I have her shape play-doh over 5 (gradually increasing the number) states of her choice. She then has to tell me the names of the states she’s play-doh blobbed.</p> <p align="center">You can make it as intensive as you’d like. My goal right now is just helping her learn the names of the states and where they are geographically. The natural connections, like places we’ve been or have family help make it more concrete too. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JQ739oVge6o/Uw9suKttupI/AAAAAAAAPeI/B9Qilsz07fU/s1600-h/4-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202272014%252520112747%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="4-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2272014 112747 AM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="4-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2272014 112747 AM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9bacCF6Ma-g/Uw9su4eoe8I/AAAAAAAAPeQ/jrBnlMpKajk/4-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202272014%252520112747%252520AM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="406"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">This is so much fun even the 7th Grader can’t resist helping when he happens to find her state blobbing!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right"><font color="#894384" size="5"><em>…danielle</em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-55146312121281566602014-02-26T10:39:00.001-08:002014-02-26T10:41:36.698-08:00we’re using Easy Peasy for Science<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nBsYMhNLePs/Uw405FZQIFI/AAAAAAAAPcA/OXx2n7tweeY/s1600-h/5-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202262014%25252010151%252520PM%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="5-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2262014 10151 PM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="5-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2262014 10151 PM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_Y3RIonubow/Uw4052uVPHI/AAAAAAAAPcI/3al8xfgYzNQ/5-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202262014%25252010151%252520PM_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="321"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">If you’ve been homeschooling for a bit by now then I’m sure you’ve heard rumblings about <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/">Easy Peasy</a> or <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/">All in One Homeschool</a>.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bAT_4exQQRk/Uw406WVqqBI/AAAAAAAAPcQ/SzkX4gVkFVc/s1600-h/1-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202262014%25252010132%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2262014 10132 PM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2262014 10132 PM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R5kPfW_pd3I/Uw407H4QVQI/AAAAAAAAPcY/WiHaERuluP4/1-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202262014%25252010132%252520PM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="336"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I’ve slowly been replacing other curricula with Easy Peasy. Science being one of them.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jEweaNS7L38/Uw4073xpMaI/AAAAAAAAPcg/F-R1dzdoDhw/s1600-h/2-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202262014%25252010139%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2262014 10139 PM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2262014 10139 PM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TM4I3Y-f4-U/Uw408sFWNaI/AAAAAAAAPco/PzVQYKUmTjQ/2-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202262014%25252010139%252520PM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="349"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Honestly, there is so much to love about this program. It’s well laid out and easy to follow. It promotes independent learning. It’s written to be aligned with PA homeschool standards. PA is among the more stringent states which helps me feel confident that what they’re learning is robust. Also, <strong><em>my kids are having fun</em></strong>! That’s not my guiding light when making educational choices for them…but it <strong><em>is</em></strong> a nice perk!</p> <p align="center">Learning is a blend of both online activities, readings, games and printables. Click <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/scope-and-sequence-zoology-level-l.pdf">here</a> if you’d like to peek at the full Scope & Sequence.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qOol6Mob73o/Uw409BuD4SI/AAAAAAAAPcw/pCGVb3jrOgU/s1600-h/3-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202262014%25252010143%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="3-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2262014 10143 PM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="3-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2262014 10143 PM" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3sRLGn4xsDM/Uw4097onw_I/AAAAAAAAPc4/GlJIZjqCcPk/3-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202262014%25252010143%252520PM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="336"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Printables, like lapbooks, are linked in the daily schedules. This makes it SO easy to implement! I’ve always wanted to incorporate more lapbooks but I’m the girl that drools & thumbs her lips in the big box stores because there are too many choices! Too many choices paralyze me and trigger my “second guesser” instinct! That’s how I’ve felt about lapbooks. Easy Peasy makes it so…well…easy. And peasy!</p> <p align="center">I have found that for us using notebooks (rather than file folders) works best for our lapbooking. This way I can include other projects right into the same book. Plus, we’re enjoying the scrapbook-y feel. And it looks so neat and tidy! I have a thing for organized and tidy. This year I’m using composition notebooks. I like them best. Maybe it’s nostalgia? </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kcF-iY2sfa4/Uw40-aWKmnI/AAAAAAAAPdA/UJ-7yd51czY/s1600-h/4-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202262014%25252010147%252520PM%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="4-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2262014 10147 PM" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="4-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 2262014 10147 PM" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SEUUU8RXGUo/Uw40_CniusI/AAAAAAAAPdI/BnQYgrV3x_4/4-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525202262014%25252010147%252520PM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="319"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">The only thing I’m adding to our Easy Peasy Zoology studies is using Apologia’s Swimming Creatures as a read aloud. And that’s really only because a friend offered to let me borrow it.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Overall, I’m really enjoying this program and we will definitely continue to use it next year!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right"><font color="#894384" size="5"><em><strong>…danielle</strong></em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-73147131307323926902014-02-05T16:14:00.001-08:002014-02-05T16:14:07.634-08:00my favorite curriculum choices this year<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/"><font size="5">All About Spelling</font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cEyFnVb7ZM8/UvLTrgDqOVI/AAAAAAAAPY4/1P22x55FF0s/s1600-h/1-IMG_3601%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-IMG_3601" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1-IMG_3601" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9dmVXzm8iIc/UvLTsUl6XZI/AAAAAAAAPZA/PXn5I-peoG8/1-IMG_3601_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="236"></a></p> <p align="center">If you’ve been homeschooling for any length of time, chances are you’ve heard of All About Spelling.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I decided to buy the first two volumes (pre-owned) to use with my daughter this year. Also, to have on hand for my youngest who has special needs. I’ve heard so many special needs mommies rave about the program that I thought it would be a good investment.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XkcSpEpaH2g/UvLTtHdwBXI/AAAAAAAAPZI/9I-3dd-LpUo/s1600-h/3-IMG_3604%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="3-IMG_3604" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="3-IMG_3604" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gYyy5T5MEpc/UvLTtwpuRfI/AAAAAAAAPZQ/KSh6p6K1-wg/3-IMG_3604_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="317"></a></p> <p align="center">And I have NOT been disappointed when it comes to my daughter. We used Abeka for her first two years at home and while she did okay…it wasn’t easy. Especially with the spelling piece. If had been keeping grades she would have flunked every spelling test.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">This year has been SO much better!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I love that AAS doesn’t have weekly memorized lists and focuses instead on learning spelling rules. Each lesson is fully scripted and organized. Each lesson includes review…review…review…and lots of practice! And the best news is…she’s successful! In today’s lesson she wrote two sentences with a total of 15 words (we counted) and made ZERO mistakes! She rolled her eyes at my excitement. But I’m pretty sure she was feeling proud of herself too. We’ll definitely be sticking with this curriculum next year!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">**********</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.mathusee.com/"><font size="5">Math U See</font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CJLL46CKs-U/UvLTufCXnVI/AAAAAAAAPZY/c9diWb2N95A/s1600-h/1-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%252520232014%25252014742%252520PM.jpg"><img title="1-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 232014 14742 PM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 232014 14742 PM" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ms5MHmELfd0/UvLTvC3ifMI/AAAAAAAAPZg/NTwQaj9Zt_4/1-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%252520232014%25252014742%252520PM_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="274"></a></p> <p align="center">My 3rd Grader was actually doing wonderful with Abeka’s math program but I decided to switch her over to Math U See this year anyway. A friend was giving away a couple teacher’s manuals and dvds. All I had to buy was the student workbook and manipulatives. I couldn’t resist! This was another program I’ve been eyeing with Trevy in mind.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">My daughter is thriving with the program. We both love the dvds and manipulatives. We’re in Gamma this year and she’s getting the hang of multiplication. </p> <p align="center"><img src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t34/1797044_10203061760288006_659213176_n.jpg?oh=accaf5b9f3af06e7e7c116d9502668d7&oe=52F4679F" width="450" height="600"></p> <p align="center">I’ve loved it SO much for her that I bought a used Primer set to use with him too! I consider my youngest blended schooled. He attends a wonderful public school program in the mornings. And we do a lot of work at home evenings and weekends and snow days. We’ve had a lot of them this winter!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Below is a sample of the Math lesson I did with him for today’s snow day! I love how he added the 10 to the number line. <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-Inlove" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="In love" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B6vCgpzUyZY/UvLTwLrvq1I/AAAAAAAAPZo/wiLlJjc0gec/wlEmoticon-Inlove%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p align="center"><img src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/v/t34/1620099_10203061790528762_1409087389_n.jpg?oh=6986d67cf23b23bdd8942bf13b134d4b&oe=52F46F15" width="450" height="600"></p> <p align="center">We will definitely be sticking with Math U See!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">**********</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.homespun-school.net/"><font size="5">Homespun-School.net</font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kyHhgdBxZo0/UvLTwz_7oXI/AAAAAAAAPZw/8Atc9CGFD0o/s1600-h/1-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%252520232014%25252015400%252520PM.jpg"><img title="1-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 232014 15400 PM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 232014 15400 PM" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RQGccBg6El0/UvLTxmgT25I/AAAAAAAAPZ4/4M5D6P-WhkY/1-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%252520232014%25252015400%252520PM_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="499"></a></p> <p align="center">I stumbled on Homespun-School in a FaceBook forum. There was an ad sharing a <a href="http://www.homespun-school.net/courses.html">free 6 week digital learning cl</a><a href="http://www.homespun-school.net/courses.html">ass</a>. <em><strong>Psssst…the next one starts on February 10th!</strong></em></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I was sold on the idea of a FREE computer class taught by someone other than me.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I wasn’t super sure what to expect. And to be honest, in the beginning both my 7th Grader and I were quite overwhelmed. But we stuck with it and went from overwhelmed to in love. My son is learning SO much. More than that…he’s LOVING what he’s learning! It’s one subject he doesn’t complain about how much time it takes to complete. He’s created his own website and is now learning how to create animations like the cartoon below. </p> <p align="center"><img title="The match:" alt="The match:" src="http://www.toondoo.com/public/r/e/e/reedneed/toons/cool-cartoon-7104532.png" longdesc="toon description.."></p> <p align="center">He’s totally proud of himself. I couldn’t be more happy we stumbled on HSS. In fact, we’re enrolling in a Spring course!</p> <p align="center"><img src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/v/t34/1620133_10202939430949849_200261460_n.jpg?oh=ac7fa1bc99a602016b4932cba1afa874&oe=52F4CBE5" width="450" height="338"></p> <p align="center">**********</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.drawyourworld.com/draw-write-now"><font size="5">Draw Write Now</font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zVbY7eQMGDY/UvLTyWzGbpI/AAAAAAAAPaA/VYQ92U6igY8/s1600-h/2-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%252520232014%25252014949%252520PM.jpg"><img title="2-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 232014 14949 PM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 232014 14949 PM" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QyujcevWDbg/UvLTzPiH9rI/AAAAAAAAPaI/0frQNUxS4Ow/2-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%252520232014%25252014949%252520PM_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="528"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I love Draw Write Now because it combines art with penmanship/copywork! Genius! I’ve been borrowing the books from our library and perpetually renewing. I should probably think about buying these!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">**********</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.americangirlpublishing.com/advice/bodyandmind/CareAndKeepingOfYou.aspx"><font size="5">The Care & Keeping of You</font></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><img src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/v/t34/1616569_10202962052675378_2015174197_n.jpg?oh=617c74cbf0475b69d122f9982d224464&oe=52F43FD9" width="450" height="600"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">A girlfriend mentioned how much her daughter was loving this book. I thought it looked like a good choice for “Health”. I had NO idea how addicted she was going to be! She really doesn’t put it down except to hide it from the boys’. We’ve had a lot of <em><strong>interesting</strong></em> conversations. The topics range from hygiene to puberty to relationships. Gotta hand it to American Girl on this one. A great book for a tween-y health choice!</p> <p align="center">**********</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/"><font size="5">Easy Peasy Homeschool</font></a></p> <p align="center"><img src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t34/1781552_10203053468840725_538491903_n.jpg?oh=584248b23405bf11454d1b43655d485c&oe=52F4FB20" width="450" height="600"></p> <p align="center">We’re using Easy Peasy for a number of things this year!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Science. Reading. Grammar. Writing. Spanish. Thinking.</p> <p align="center"><img src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t34/1779483_10202997074870911_624199471_n.jpg?oh=614a4ab37a98318c71e9dc5ff6056de5&oe=52F50B5E" width="450" height="600"></p> <p align="center">Easy Peasy is so great because it’s FREE! But not just that…it’s quality. Lee Giles, the developer, has spent a LOT of time & energy making these lesson plans available to moms like me for FREE. It’s such a beautiful gift and I appreciate it to my toes.</p> <p align="center"><img src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t34/1608677_10202941237955023_1649377984_n.jpg?oh=8679b9b3f7b4875d966dac2aaea64d1a&oe=52F56A87" width="450" height="338"></p> <p align="center">A little sample of some poetry (above) and Spanish (below) that they’ve been working on with Easy Peasy this year.</p> <p align="center"><img src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/v/t34/1085235_10202940220529588_396491095_n.jpg?oh=45361083cdf6ed210e1ad13156aeca0f&oe=52F540DE" width="450" height="338"></p> <p align="center">We will definitely continue using Easy Peasy next year!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right"><font color="#894384" size="5"><em>…danielle</em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-30238148952683569472014-01-27T12:33:00.001-08:002014-01-27T12:33:26.835-08:00A for creativity<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><em>“Watch! Puppet! Heh-whooooa!”</em> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="" src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t34/1781520_10202990348862765_1279506935_n.jpg?oh=62363ec49d0bf8441d8f4ffb3979af74&oe=52E8AE9C" width="400" height="533"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">This is what he said as he stuck a hand up his shirt and pretended it was a puppet saying "hello". </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="" src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t34/1779619_10202990348582758_570610868_n.jpg?oh=dc484ffe2083fee4200e9b23096b3e12&oe=52E8D792" width="400" height="533"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">There is NO limit to his creativity when it comes to getting out of ABA lessons. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right"><font color="#894384"><font size="5"><em>…danielle</em></font></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-39745561159167230042014-01-21T10:29:00.001-08:002014-01-30T04:52:35.009-08:00why is choosing a notebook SO hard?<p> </p> <p align="center">I started the year by having my 7th Grader do his <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/foreign-languages/spanish/">Spanish work</a> on loose leaf paper. He quickly drove me bonkers because he'd lose them! Or they'd get all crumpled. The whole thing was just a hot mess.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I’d tried different ideas and had been wracking my brain for a solution for weeks when such a simple idea finally clicked. It was actually kinda embarrassing that it took me so long to think of it! <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-Inlove" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="In love" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KaxCg-51bi8/Ut68g88AqzI/AAAAAAAAPYo/u_wvMhS7q_o/wlEmoticon-Inlove%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/v/t34/1085235_10202940220529588_396491095_n.jpg?oh=437f9c7878f9f80272f60f3d649f2f61&oe=52ECAF1E" width="500" height="375"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Buy a notebook and have him paste in his work! What we could salvage and/or find anyway. As a side note…I make everything SO complicated! I must have spent a good 20 minutes trying to decide WHICH notebook to buy! LOL</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Because by this time I was already quite annoyed with him, I decided to go ahead and get the project started by pasting in all the pages I could find. Rather than put him in a position to further irritate me! But I just knew that I knew he’d glue all the pages on upside down or the whole darn thing would be sealed shut. Is it a boy thing? Or just an almost a teenager boy thing? He’s SUCH a slob! He has many wonderful qualities that I need to focus on. But the slob thing…ugh!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">My original idea was to have him write right into the notebook but he thinks the pasted in look is "cool". Can I call it art too? Also, he's a lefty so writing on just a single sheet of paper works better for him. Plus, when he does screen shots we can print them and paste them right in. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right"><font color="#894384" size="5"><em>…danielle<br></em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-65854678664078297312013-12-02T11:17:00.001-08:002013-12-02T11:17:32.494-08:00randomnings<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I (occasionally) *heart* <i></i>Speech Delay </p> <p align="center"><br>Like when Trevy calls his high <strong>tops</strong> high <strong>heels</strong>. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">*****</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Bristel and I had some alone time in the car after dropping Tobin off at his engineering class. The conversation inevitably went to romance. Because clearly that's what 8 year old girls think about. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <blockquote><i></i> <p align="justify"><br>Bristel randomly broke the silence with a sigh: <em>Sometimes I think I may never find a husband.<br></em>Me: <em>Well, honey, it's better to wait for the right guy rather than settle for the wrong one.<br></em>Bristel:<em> That's a good point.</em> (pause and then giggle) <em>Daddy looked so silly in those circle glasses he used to wear! Did you think he looked silly even though you married him?<br></em>Me: <em>They were pretty silly! Buuuuuuut...your dad made me laugh. So that balanced that out. <br></em>Bristel: <em>I have really high expectations, I think.</em><br>Me after choking on the fact that she's EIGHT: <em>Well, what are your top five expectations?<br></em>Bristel: <em>He has to love Trevor. He has to love God. He has to love me. And he HAS to love my sense of humor! Also, he needs to be funny too.<br></em></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I thought that was a pretty good list.</p></blockquote> <p align="center"> <p align="center">***** <p align="center"> <p align="center">Evidently a 5 day vacation just wasn't cutting it for Trevor. When it was time to go to school he flopped on Bristel's bed and started incessantly crying, <strong><em>"Not enough time!!!" </em></strong> <p align="center"> <p align="center">***** <p align="center"> <p align="center">Trevor was chasing the dog around with a pair of play-doh scissors saying,<em> "I doctor! I doctor!" <br></em></p> <p align="center">She was NOT amused. Even if the rest of us were.</p> <p align="center"> <p align="center">***** <p align="center"> <p align="center">Jonathan schlepped our tree up from the basement and is in the process of trying to get it all set up. Trevor has been fascinated. <br></p> <p align="center">He just came up to me and asked, <em>"Little People?"</em><br></p> <p align="center">We have a Little People nativity set that we bring out with all of our Christmas gear. He hasn't seen that thing in a year!!! <br></p> <p align="center">That boy has an amazing memory!</p> <p align="center"> <p align="center">***** <p align="center"> <p align="center">I just told Trevy to open his mouth and when he obeyed I surprised him by spraying whipped cream into it. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><br>The face he made was PRICELESS! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><br>Now he's following me around with his mouth hanging open like a little baby bird.</p> <p align="center"> <p align="center">***** <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Bristel loves FaceTiming her friend, Jamie. Trevor didn't quite catch her name once and called her "James" instead of Jamie on accident. It was cute but the girls tried to correct him. Big mistake. He thinks it's funny when he says things wrong and it annoys people. And when you correct him it only makes it that much more fun.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><br>So now, every time Bristel is on FaceTime he's always hollering, JAAAAAMES! And Bristel always hollers back, "IT'S NOOOOOT JAAAAAAMES!" </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><br>This situation happens dozens of times a day and always ends in Trevor laughing hysterically. LOL</p> <p align="center"> <p align="center">***** <p align="center"> <p align="center">Random Bristel</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><br><em>I'd rather be bitten by a vampire than be surrounded by spiders.</em></p> <p align="center"><em></em> </p> <p align="center"><em></em> </p> <p align="right"><em>…<font color="#894384" size="5">danielle</font></em></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-18324273318922211532013-10-27T16:21:00.001-07:002013-10-28T06:15:49.274-07:00my beloved my friend (a book review)<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="My Beloved and My Friend - Book Review" src="http://sherigraham.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/mybelovedandmyfriend.jpg" width="300" height="447"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4">“If love is something you can do, it is something you can choose to do.” </font></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="2">-- Hal & Melanie Young, <a href="http://mybelovedandmyfriend.com/">My Beloved and My Friend</a></font></em></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">There are so many things to love about <a href="http://www.raisingrealmen.com/ourstore/marriagebook/">My Beloved and My F</a><a href="http://www.raisingrealmen.com/ourstore/marriagebook/">riend</a>. The very first thing I fell in love with was the tag line “<strong>How to be Married to your Best Friend <em>Without Changing Spouses</em></strong>”! In our throw away society this resonated deep in my soul. It’s getting harder and harder to find marriages that stick to look to for inspiration. It’s heartbreaking to watch marriages crumble. Not to mention, there have been times in ours that were a rough go. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I immediately was drawn in by the laid back personal tone of the writing style. I don’t know about you, but I have a deep longing for spiritual nurture. A desire for older, wiser believers to wrap their arms around our family. Who are willing to talk about the highs, lows and everything in between in this crazy life. Who remind us to look to Scripture as we filter decisions. Who after spending time with them, leave our hearts craving more Jesus. That was this book for me.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I never expected to be so addicted but when I curled up on the couch I found that I just couldn’t put the book down. Well, except to go grab a highlighter anyway. There was just SO much great advice ranging from Leaving and Cleaving to How to Fight so you Both Win and more. And it’s written in such a homey style that I felt like Hal & Melanie were right there in the room. This isn’t just a bunch of fluff n’ stuff. It’s clear that Hal & Melanie have opened their hearts and given us a peek into their real life. I got the sense that they’re kinda “old school”. I grew up in a very fundamental environment and the minute I was free I ran for the hills. Figuratively speaking. Both my husband and I have spent years figuring out where we fit spiritually. I confess, the older I get the more “old time religion” appeals to me. So even though their ideas may be considered a little old fashioned to some…I appreciate the wholesome sweetness of their presence. They are charming and honest. And my heart knit with theirs a little more with every passing page.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">If I had to choose a favorite chapter it would have to be chapter 3, In Sickness and In Health. While the sickness that invaded their marriage is different than ours (our littlest has catastrophic epilepsy and the lifetime developmental struggles his disability brings) – the truths they learned and shared can be applied no matter the health crisis. In fact, I probably should have just highlighted the whole chapter! There were SO many rich wisdom nuggets in there for me…for us. I know there are several people who connect with my blog because of our special needs common link. I’m sure this chapter will make you cry too! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Chapter 3 was particularly practical for our family but I bet there’s a chapter for yours! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">A sample of the topics you’ll find to explore include:</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">How to be Married to Your Best Friend</p> <p align="center">Fidelity and Loyalty are Not Mutual Funds</p> <p align="center">Money – Yours, Mine or Ours?</p> <p align="center">Being of One Mind</p> <p align="center">and</p> <p align="center">How to Fight So You Both Win</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Coincidentally, my hubby moonlight’s as a pastor and I’m tempted to have him use this book when we do pre(and post)marital counseling! Maybe it’ll be our go-to wedding gift from now on? Hal & Melanie’s book left me hungering more for Jesus and wanting to have a deeper relationship with my spouse. We were friends first but sometimes in the guts of life it’s easy to lose sight of that. To get caught up in the surviving. I love that Hal & Melanie are reminding couples like us that love is an action. I’m adding My Beloved and My Friend to my personal list of book recommendations for couples! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">You can <a href="http://mybelovedandmyfriend.com/2013/10/preorder-my-beloved-and-my-friend/">pre-order a copy just in time for Christmas for just $12.00</a>! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Picture" src="http://anetintimeschooling.weebly.com/uploads/6/9/0/3/6903461/3598801_orig.jpg"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">As always, don’t just take my word for it – read other reviews <a href="http://www.bowofbronze.com/2013/09/30/beloved-friend-hal-melanie-young-reviews/">here</a>.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right"><font color="#894384" size="5"><em>…danielle</em></font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><img alt="Bow of Bronze Launch Team Disclaimer Graphic" src="http://www.bowofbronze.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/BOBLaunchTeamsDisclaimer.jpg" width="507" height="68"></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-35749115311533275992013-10-02T12:06:00.001-07:002013-10-02T12:11:58.443-07:00a scenic tour of our dive into All About Spelling Level 1<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">My choice to use <a href="http://allaboutlearningpress.net/go.php?id=809">All About Spelling</a> this year really flowed from two places.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I felt like, while she learned SO much with Abeka, she just wasn’t connecting. Actually, she hated…loathed…dreaded…the video program. While I’m not a total buy-in to the whole delight driven movement. Because let’s face it…<em>sometimes, you just gotta do what you gotta do. <strong>Even if it’s the opposite of delightful</strong></em>. At the same time…I don’t want her to HATE learning. We need a little balance here! And there are way too many raving reviews out there to ignore AAS! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Also…<a href="http://www.happybeingtrevy.com/">Trevy</a>.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Even though I don’t homeschool him yet…I’m always thinking about <em>when I do</em>. And trying to be prepared with the best curriculum choices out there to help him achieve his fullest potential. All About Spelling is what all the cool special needs mommies go gah-gah over. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="" src="http://allaboutlearningpress.net/banners/AAS_250x250_2-covers.jpg" width="250" height="250"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">So it seemed like a win for her-win for him.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_Q-0fq9bgnE/UkxumRM16HI/AAAAAAAAPUY/pRLPDqoSmJA/s1600-h/1-IMG_3601%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="1-IMG_3601" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1-IMG_3601" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R8pdv0L0EoY/Ukxunc7eJ2I/AAAAAAAAPUg/piszm3-HlB4/1-IMG_3601_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="262"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">She has a good grasp of phonics and did wonderfully with the initial assessment. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><em><font size="4">But</font></em>…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">when it came time to put the letter tiles in alphabetical order the first time…we realized that she’d forgotten how!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xWk2ZdzWHlg/UkxunwqnBDI/AAAAAAAAPUo/KpcHmF69uBE/s1600-h/2-IMG_3602%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="2-IMG_3602" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2-IMG_3602" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QHQfIQVVANU/UkxuojCYjdI/AAAAAAAAPUw/q1WYFT6kskM/2-IMG_3602_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">For the first couple lessons we used the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wee-sing-learn-abc/id502708985?mt=8">Wee Sing & Learn ABC</a> on the iPad. I just had the song playing while she worked on organized the tiles. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">It only took a couple days for her to remember and request that we turn off the song already! <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-Inlove" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="In love" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gd-ECGzU4JY/UkxupOSPX5I/AAAAAAAAPU4/S5efDd_84wE/wlEmoticon-Inlove%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Klwu2Sbr7EU/Ukxup5AW6AI/AAAAAAAAPVA/mDmYi0ChctA/s1600-h/3-IMG_3604%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="3-IMG_3604" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="3-IMG_3604" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wNjpmGujUoE/Ukxuqql0wMI/AAAAAAAAPVI/UyLgsQGKxtw/3-IMG_3604_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="352"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Originally I thought I would use the little magnetic board for the letter tiles. Hmmmm. Not so much. It just works better to have the tiles in a long row for the lessons that have her use them to segment words.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Even on days when she’s not going to use the tiles I have her go ahead and put them in alphabetical order. I’m all about having a “grounding” routine. Also, I use that time to read over the lesson plan and prep for our work of the day.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><iframe height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZJ9V8uE2wOU" frameborder="0" width="420" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Some of the phonograms with multiple sounds are tricky. We’ve started making up little movements to help it stick in our brains. She thought it would be a great idea to make little videos to help “other kids”. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><iframe height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZJ9V8uE2wOU" frameborder="0" width="420" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">We’ve been rolling through the Level 1 lessons. It’s mostly been review for her up until now.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NzPKem4s0Zk/UkxurU8QH7I/AAAAAAAAPVQ/oTyizJGujpg/s1600-h/10-IMG_3624%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="10-IMG_3624" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="10-IMG_3624" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vHbMvia3c8s/UkxusJ4Y6VI/AAAAAAAAPVY/HZSwhvbSdVU/10-IMG_3624_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Once we had a nice routine established I started spicing things up. Like letting her choose if she wants to write on paper or the white board. Um. Like that was even a choice, right?!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HY7KIv-IyWU/Ukxus2cAEdI/AAAAAAAAPVg/qt0zF6U6Ugo/s1600-h/11-IMG_3626%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="11-IMG_3626" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="11-IMG_3626" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5pw0vNjOl38/UkxutViKcEI/AAAAAAAAPVo/8UdvgZ9SlaA/11-IMG_3626_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">We’re on Step 14 in Level 1 and she’s doing wonderfully. <em><strong>We’re</strong></em> doing wonderfully! She’s enjoying learning together. I’m enjoying actually teaching her this year rather than delegating her teaching to a video. Video teaching is a wonderful tool but it was just time for us to move on. She’s building confidence not just with spelling but also with reading. When she stumbles on a word now I can either prompt her to segment it or even better, watch her segment on her own! And even though it took me a minute to gather my “teacher wits” about me…I’m feeling more confident every day too!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Anyway…I know this sounds like a sponsored post. It totally isn’t! Although I am an <a href="http://allaboutlearningpress.net/go.php?id=809">All About Spelling</a> affiliate. <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-Inlove" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="In love" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gd-ECGzU4JY/UkxupOSPX5I/AAAAAAAAPU4/S5efDd_84wE/wlEmoticon-Inlove%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-20184793882118185062013-10-01T11:47:00.001-07:002013-10-01T11:47:19.340-07:00curriculum choices 2013-14<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#f3a447" size="4"><u>His 7th Grade Curriculum Choices</u></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"></font> </p> <p align="center">We do NOT do each of these daily. Puh-leeeze. I’m no Super Woman. But this is a list of materials that we have used, are enjoying and are continuing to use throughout this year. You’ll notice quite a few freebies listed. Every year I’m trying to pare down our homeschool budget. My hope is to alleviate some stress for my hubby and maybe even have some mulah to squeeze in some extra funsies!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l2BRSxPf56A/UksYrR-iuZI/AAAAAAAAPTw/JyWiZ-OfVTg/s1600-h/06-IMG_36198.jpg"><img title="06-IMG_3619" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06-IMG_3619" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zmBTkGHP3Tk/UksYsPFTKhI/AAAAAAAAPT4/VIdg9RFl0pg/06-IMG_3619_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Day-Kids-Bible-Readers-Tyndale/dp/0842355367">Day by Day Kid’s Bible</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.currclick.com/product/29469/Life-of-Christ-%E2%80%93-Sermons-Miracles-and-Parables?it=1">Life of Christ – Sermon, Miracles and Parables</a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saxon-Math-Prealgebra-Kit-Worksheets/dp/1591413508/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380648644&sr=1-1&keywords=saxon+math+87">Saxon 8/7</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://xtramath.org/">Xtra Math</a> (FREE)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.themysteryofhistory.info/">Mystery of History Volume 2</a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/foreign-languages/spanish/">Spanish with Easy Peasy</a> (FREE)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.easygrammar.com/dgjs.html">Daily Grams</a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.easygrammar.com/dgjs.html">Grammar 101</a> (FREE) </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wordly-wise-3000-vocabulary/id632074934?mt=8">Wordly Wise</a> (FREE) flashcard only iPad app</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=843274&item_code=WW&netp_id=1111941&event=ESRCG&view=details">Spelling Workout H</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/apologia-exploring-creation-science-vol-2nd/jay-wile/pd/238409?event=CPOF">Exploring Creation with General Science Textbook & Student Notebook</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.readtheory.org/">Read Theory</a> (FREE)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.freepianolessons4kids.com/lessons_index.html">FreePianoLessons4Kids</a> (FREE)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.typingclub.com/">Typing Club</a> (FREE)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/song-school-latin/9781600510755/pd/51075X?item_code=WW&netp_id=997180&event=ESRCG&view=details">Song School Latin</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/maps-charts-graphs-united-states-neighbors/9780813621364/pd/621364?event=CF">Maps, Charts, Graphs E: The United States and its Neighbors</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/thinking/">Thinking Games/Logic with Easy Peasy</a> (FREE)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.icivics.org/">iCivics</a> (FREE)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/computer/">Computer with Easy Peasy</a> (FREE)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.seethelightshine.com/?a_aid=50984fc49aa73">See The Light Art</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/total-health-middle-school-student-softcover/susan-boe/9781583312308/pd/312307?item_code=WW&netp_id=421810&event=ESRCG&view=details">Total Health: Talking about Life’s Choices Middle School</a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">**Co-ops & Classes**</p> <p align="center">10 Week Lego Engineering Class (expensive but he loves it)</p> <p align="center">Once a Month Karate Class (not free but almost!)</p> <p align="center">Once a Week Art & Gym Co-op (FREE)</p> <p align="center">Once a Month Science Classes at the Museum of Natural History (not free but almost!)</p> <p align="center">Once a Week Ice Skating Oct-Mar (FREE)</p> <p align="center">Friday Math Counts Club ($25 competition fee in the Spring)</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u><font color="#c0504d" size="4">Her 3rd Grade Curriculum Choices</font></u></p> <p align="center"><u><font color="#c0504d" size="4"></font></u> </p> <p align="center">Same goes for her. We don’t use all of these daily. This is just a glance at all of the materials I intend to use this year. Most of them we have already used and are enjoying!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NFVuW-_aMTs/UksYszLQJVI/AAAAAAAAPUA/i5p1DKvgV5Y/s1600-h/07-IMG_3620.jpg"><img title="07-IMG_3620" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="07-IMG_3620" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_pMydjqlY0I/UksYtfzIzoI/AAAAAAAAPUI/XIxIWJGOoLc/07-IMG_3620_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Primary-Bible-Reader-BEKA-BOOK/dp/B000MN2C56">Primary Bible Reader A Beka Book</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/miracles-of-jesus-coloring-book/pd/850592?item_code=WW&netp_id=917397&event=ESRCG&view=details">Miracles of Jesus Coloring Book</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://store.mathusee.com/catalog/general-math/gamma/">Math U See Gamma</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://mathusee.com/e-learning/drills/">Math U See online drills</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.themysteryofhistory.info/">Mystery of History Volume 2</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/grade-3-student-worktext-second-edition/9781591669074/pd/260067?item_code=WW&netp_id=557749&event=ESRCG&view=details">English 3 Writing and Grammar Bob Jones</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wordly-wise-3000-vocabulary/id632074934?mt=8">Wordly Wise</a> (FREE) flashcard only iPad app</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-spelling">All About Spelling Level 1</a> (and 2, if needed)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Complete-Book-Animals-Grades/dp/0769685560/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380652528&sr=8-1&keywords=the+complete+book+of+animals">The Complete Book of Animals</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.ebay.com/bhp/abeka-3rd-grade-readers">Abeka 3rd Grade Readers</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.readtheory.org/">Read Theory</a> (FREE)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.freepianolessons4kids.com/lessons_index.html">FreePianoLessons4Kids</a> (FREE)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.typingclub.com/">Typing Club</a> (FREE)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/song-school-latin/9781600510755/pd/51075X?item_code=WW&netp_id=997180&event=ESRCG&view=details">Song School Latin</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/maps-charts-graphs-c-communities/9780813621340/pd/621348?item_code=WW&netp_id=224143&event=ESRCQ&view=details">Maps, Charts and Graphs C: Communities</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/thinking/">Thinking Games/Logic with Easy Peasy</a> (FREE)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/computer/">Computer with Easy Peasy</a> (FREE)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.seethelightshine.com/?a_aid=50984fc49aa73">See The Light Art</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/index.html">Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kid</a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">**Co-ops & Classes**</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Every Other Week Horse Girls Club (FREE)</p> <p align="center">Every Other Week Fifty States Club </p> <p align="center">Once a Month Karate Class (not free but almost!)</p> <p align="center">Once a Week Art & Gym Co-op (FREE)</p> <p align="center">Once a Month Science Classes at the Museum of Natural History (not free but almost!)</p> <p align="center">Once a Week Ice Skating Oct-Mar (FREE)</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">*******************</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I’m always filling in gaps here and there with new things I find. Especially if I see neat-o freebies around. But this list is the nuts & bolts of what we’ll be learning throughout any given week. I know the lists look super long but we rarely spend over 30 minutes on a particular study. Also, these aren’t daily. It’s a list of learning we do <em><strong>weekly</strong></em>. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I am SO blessed to have friends that help me with rides. Without them my kids could not be as involved as they are! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right"><font color="#894384" size="5"><em>…danielle</em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-43003965236879810532013-08-05T12:02:00.001-07:002013-09-09T05:01:33.722-07:00curing my curriculum hoarding habit<br />
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In the spirit of changing my curriculum hoarding ways, I thought I’d offer items I’m ready to part with here. I am NOT the girl that’s trying to get what I spent plus postage. I’m just hoping to make a little bit to apply to our budget this year AND be a blessing to families looking for affordable curriculum! </div>
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I will accept Payment via PayPal or check only. I will combine shipping if you buy multiple items. Items will be shipped out after payment is received. All items will be shipped media mail. <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TwujirmNpv8/Uf_2qBzFffI/AAAAAAAAPRg/A2gBbmFRz10/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /> </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DHAzP3PX0mQ/Uf_2q3SvhkI/AAAAAAAAPRo/V0iT8dtRZIk/s1600-h/Curriculum%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Curriculum" border="0" height="416" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Si5s8KqCZvc/Uf_2rrbUauI/AAAAAAAAPRw/rJFaJBOPpQs/Curriculum_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Curriculum" width="554" /></a><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Math</span></u></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$15.00</span></b> <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/saxon-math-4-kit-third-ed/9781591413479/pd/993478?item_code=WW&netp_id=417917&event=ESRCG&view=details">Saxon Math 5/4 Homeschool Kit</a> (3rd Edition). Includes student workbook, tests and worksheets and solutions manual. No writing but is gently worn. Tests/worksheets has been debound and is in a separate binder. <br />
<b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$15.00 </span></b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/saxon-math-home-study-third-edition/9781591413486/pd/993486?event=1016SAX|745116|102656">Saxon Math 6/5</a> (2nd Edition). This is NOT the homeschool kits but includes everything the homeschool kit does. Student textbook, tests and worksheets and solutions manual.<br />
<b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$5.00 </span></b><a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=168289">Abeka’s Numbers & Skills with Button Bear</a> (preschool). Our cover has a different picture but it is the same curriculum. The first 10 pages are pulled out but the rest of the pages are in perfect condition.<br />
<b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$7.</span><span style="color: #c0504d;">00</span></b> <a href="http://www.aimsedu.org/index.php?page=seek&id%5Bm%5D=pattern&id%5Bc%5D=scope%253Dinventory&id%5Bq%5D=fabulous+fractions">Aims Fabulous Fractions</a> (grades 3-5). Perfect condition. Includes reproducible cd. <br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Language Arts</span></u></div>
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<strike><b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$15.00 </span></b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/easy-grammar-grade-6-wanda-phillips/9780936981444/pd/981444?item_code=WW&netp_id=460025&event=ESRCG&view=details">Easy Grammar Grade 6</a> full curriculum PLUS student test booklet. Hole punched and in a binder for easier use.</strike><br />
<span style="color: #c0504d;"><b>$4.00 </b></span><a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=167274">ABC Writing Tablet Manuscript</a> (Abeka). First four pages missing but otherwise in great condition.<br />
<span style="color: #c0504d;"><b>$5.00</b></span> <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/grade-5-english-score-1049-1060/pd/652373?event=CPOF">ACE Grade 5 English Score Keys</a>. PACES 1049-1060 Score Keys only. Great condition.<br />
<span style="color: #c0504d;"><b>$5.00</b></span> <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/grade-5-building-score-1049-1060/pd/652382?event=CPOF">ACE Grade 5 Word Building Score Keys</a>. PACES 1049-1060 Score Keys only. Great condition.<br />
<strike><span style="color: #c0504d;"><b>$4.00</b></span> Abeka’s Letters & Sounds preschool phonics workbook. Pages A, B and C are missing but everything else is complete.</strike><br />
<strike><b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$4.00</span></b> Abeka’s Writing with Phonics K4 workbook. Pages 1-6 missing but everything else is complete.</strike><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Reading</span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d;"><b>$5.00</b></span> <a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=95915">Treasure Chest</a> (Abeka) 2nd Grade leveled reader. Good condition.<br />
<b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$4.00</span></b> <a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=95893">Story Tree</a> (Abeka) 2nd Grade leveled reader. Good condition.<br />
<b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$5.00</span></b> <a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=53694">Primary Bible Reader</a> (Abeka) 1st-3rd Grade. Good condition.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Science</span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #c0504d;"><b>$10.00</b></span> <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/grade-1-animal-science-paces-1012/pd/652546?item_code=WW&netp_id=885648&event=ESRCG&view=details">ACE 1st Grade Animal Science PACES</a>. These are not the Score Keys. In great condition. <br />
<span style="color: #c0504d;"><b>$5.00</b></span> <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/4th-edition-science-score-grade-4/pd/409237?item_code=WW&netp_id=904609&event=ESRCG&view=details">ACE Grade 4 Science Score Keys</a>. PACES 1037-1048 Score Keys only. Great condition.<br />
<strike><b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$5.00</span></b> ACE Grade 6 Science Score Keys. PACES 1061-1072 Score Keys only. Great condition.</strike><br />
<span style="color: #c0504d;"><b>$3.00</b></span> <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/over-heads-wonder-science-the-sky/esther-yant/9781892427021/pd/427028?product_redirect=1&Ntt=427028&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP">Over Our Heads in Wonder Science and the Sky</a>. Great condition.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">History</span></u></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$5.00</span></b> <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=40652378&event=CPOF">ACE Grade 5 Social Studies Score Keys</a>. PACE 1049-1060 Score Keys only. Great condition. <br />
<b><span style="color: #c0504d;"><strike>$5.00 </strike></span></b><a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=95311"><strike>My America My World</strike></a><strike>. Abeka 1st Grade History/Geography reader.</strike><br />
<strike><b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$4.00</span></b> The Complete Book of United States History. American Education Publishing Grades 3-5. Perfect condition.</strike><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Miscellaneous</span></u> </div>
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<strike><b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$4.00</span></b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Test-Prep-Harcourt-Family-Learning/dp/1411404009">Harcourt Family Learning’s Test Prep Grade 4</a> in very good condition. No writing. Clean pages</strike>. <br />
<b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$8.00</span></b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Capture-His-Heart-Becoming-Husband/dp/0802440401">Capture His Heart/Capture Her Heart</a> book set by Focus on the Family. In good condition. <br />
<strike><b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$3.00</span></b> </strike><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/and-house-easy-use-devotionals-families/tom-ziegler/9781577821878/pd/821874"><strike>As for Me and My House 50 East to Use Family Devotions</strike></a><strike>. Good condition.</strike><br />
<b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$3.00</span></b> <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/know-her-name-rocky-mountain-memories/lori-wick/9780736918206/pd/18207?item_code=WW&netp_id=420354&event=ESRCG&view=details">To Know Her by Name</a> by Lori Wick. <br />
<strike><b><span style="color: #c0504d;">$3.00</span></b> The One Year Book of Devotions for Boys.</strike>Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-33883538854694001572013-07-16T12:03:00.001-07:002013-07-16T12:03:44.175-07:00oh the places…<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">It's not uncommon to walk around the corner of the island and find her squirreled away (sometimes sitting as seen…sometimes sprawled out) on the floor (I guess those gel filled chef's mats are comfy?) reading a book. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oTlxxzWtC-4/UeWZC7y5sVI/AAAAAAAAPP4/vBy56w1Ez10/s1600-h/bristel%252520reading%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="bristel reading" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="bristel reading" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--5RY_Cho7vY/UeWZDj2tJ0I/AAAAAAAAPQA/I6c_lLjXtjA/bristel%252520reading_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="471"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Do your kids have <strike>funny</strike> interesting favorite spots?</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right"><font color="#894384" size="5"><em>…danielle</em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-13467732179484342312013-06-20T06:31:00.001-07:002013-06-20T06:31:51.125-07:00sometimes we cave<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Toby made the baseball AllStar team this year.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Actually, he’s been on an AllStar team every year since he was 8. That first year we were practically forced to let him join. Up to that point we had not mentioned to anyone in our community that we had a child with catastrophic epilepsy. Though Trevy was at most of the games, because his seizures are not grand mal most people never even knew he was seizing through whole games. No one but our family. It was heart-breaking but we were committed to trying to live as “normally” as possible. We knew there would be times when loving Trevy would interfere with normal, but baseball was something that Toby passionately wanted. So we did the regular season. But there was NO way we were going to do post season play. That was where we had to draw our special needs family line. The coach persisted, though. He practically begged us until we finally had to tell him why we were insisting no. He was not to be deterred – and so he offered rides and whatever support we needed for Toby to be on the team. Coach Bob will always be one of our favorites.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Once your child tastes the awesome-ness of wearing a jersey with his name on the back…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Well, how could we ever say no again?</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Oh, sure, every year we’ll tell him this <strong><em>is</em></strong> the last year. That’s it. We can’t do this anymore. It’s too much money. It’s too much time. Too much to ask of our family. Trevy isn’t getting any easier to care for. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">And every Spring we cave.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">The thing is…we’ve never even taken him to try-outs because we really mean it. We really believe that the last year was <em><strong>the last year</strong></em>.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">And then whoever happens to be the AllStar coach of the season will find us on the sidelines and tell us when practices start. We’ll look at each other, sigh and know that we’re caving when we say he’ll be there.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I guess in a way it’s our one thing for Toby. The one thing we sacrifice to give him. For Bristel, it’s letting her paint my nails crazy glitter colors even though I have an IEP meeting later in the day. Glitter nails don’t give the “I’m serious” vibe I’m looking for. But it’s her thing. She loves to glitter me up. So I give that to her. For Trevy, it’s therapy and doctors appointments and researching meds and everything else (which is a lot) that goes into loving a special needs child.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">For Toby…it’s Sports.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Part of the reason we cave is that the competition isn’t getting any less fierce. Even though Tobin has never been to a try-out, he’s not what you would call a top tier player. He’s solid but he’s not flashy. And at any point, he could lose his spot on the team. So we keep caving to yes because we’re thinking it will naturally end for him soon enough.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">It hasn’t ended yet.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">His first AllStar game is tonight. He’s a mess. He’s the kid that had canker soars when he was 2! Anxiety is his Achilles heel and he doesn’t handle it well.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Already this morning we’ve had fighting, tears, attitude. Like I said, he’s a mess.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">He came to me, tears in eyes, saying he was just so stressed out about tonight. How he doesn’t want to be the one to make the mistake that loses the game. And so on.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">He learned how to stay in his own ugly head from the best. I know that turmoil all too well. And I know what flows out of me when I let myself fester on the “what ifs”. So in a desire to help him reject the poison and dwell on the promises…I searched out Scripture on anxiety. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I found a <a href="http://intoxicatedonlife.com/freebies/">WONDERFUL site</a> with some really great tools! They have premade index box sized memory cards. How great is that?! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I printed them up for him and told him every time he felt himself getting anxious he should read through them. To try his best to push out the ugly and let the beautiful saturate his heart and mind instead.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">He’ll be using them a lot today.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">But guess who else will?</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Hopefully, it’ll help my frame of mind for this afternoon’s IEP.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right">…<font color="#894384" size="5"><em>danielle</em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-32507222967952360032013-06-12T11:47:00.001-07:002013-06-12T11:47:55.393-07:00missing badges, parenting fails and forgiveness<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">She puts on such a brave face.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Such a sweet, sensitive heart she has. Neither of my boys seem to posses that <em>thing</em> that makes you sensitive of others. But she has it in spades. She’s <strong>always</strong> thinking of others. Always ready to cuddle. To nurture. To love.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">But I knew. I knew behind her big blue eyes and dimpled smile hid a broken heart. But she was thinking of me and trying desperately not to make me sad. She hates to see me sad. And so she smiled even though I had failed her big time. I felt the guilt and grief and sadness climb up my throat until I had to catch her and make her see how sorry I was. Apologize on my knees. Until she knew to her toes that I meant it deeply. Until any possible root of bitterness could be plucked from the soil of her tender heart. To God, I don’t want her to grow bitter with me. With him. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><em><font size="4">Having a child with significant special needs impacts the whole family.</font></em></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">And last Saturday, at her American Heritage Girls ceremony, she missed out on receiving extra badges as a direct result of her brother’s care sapping her mother’s energy.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">It was not her fault. She worked hard for those badges. She earned them.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I should have ordered them.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">But somehow…in all the chaos of these last few months…I missed the order placement period. And she missed out.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">The thing is…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">she had already missed out before. I vividly remember promising her at the middle of the year ceremony that next time I would get it right. Next time she would have those badges that she worked towards. I would NOT let her down.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong>Talk about a parenting fail.</strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I pulled her aside and with tears running down my cheeks begged her to forgive me. She promised it was okay. That she understood. Her blond hair and blue eyes looked so innocent and sweet. But she’s eight. Can an eight year old heart really understand how much energy leaks out of me every time her brother has a seizure or an IEP meeting? How half way though the day…I’m toast. And ready to just curl up in bed with a book. It feels like I’m always tired anymore. Ordering badges are the last thing on my mind. Can she understand that and be okay with me pouring myself into finding new treatment options and talking to specialists to help her brother…but forgetting to order her badges? I cried because my heart broke for her. I cried because sometimes my heart groans for the day of Redemption fiercely. I cried because I’m mad at myself. Always, I’m reminding myself that I’m a mom of more than one. And yet that one takes so much energy to parent. I hugged her hard because I wanted to squeeze any doubts that she’s not as important to me as he is right out of her. I didn’t want to let her go because I’m afraid that someday she won’t want to come back. That she’ll look at my choices and judge them as partial. I fear that because I know my own heart so often is bent towards bitterness. And I can’t bear the thought.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">So I hugged her tighter. Until she said, “um, mom, I can’t breath” with a little laugh. Which made me laugh too. Because not only does she have the gift of compassion…she also has the gift of comedy. Her voice was dead pan hilarious. Against every fiber of my being, I pried my arms open and let her run off with her little friends.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I worry about her tender heart often…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">But I have hope too. I believe in Providence. I <strong>know</strong> that we are not a family by chance. We were chosen to be together by a loving God for His glory. And I believe that He’s using Trevy shape all of our hearts to look more like His. Missed badges and all.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">It also helps when I read thoughts of older special siblings like this one…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><em><strong>“growing up with a special needs sibling equips you with a unique sense of humor, a special ability to marvel at the small beauties in life, and a boatload of patience!” -- Brittany, </strong></em><a href="http://www.specialneedsiblings.com/"><em><strong>SpecialSiblings.com</strong></em></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right"><font color="#894384" size="5"><em>…danielle</em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-77963135265410959152013-05-22T11:05:00.001-07:002013-05-22T11:05:55.971-07:00our day in pictures<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J41LWttbvco/UZ0IrSmYPyI/AAAAAAAAPGw/i_tBzV0tWsU/s1600-h/01-IMG_3052%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="01-IMG_3052" border="0" alt="01-IMG_3052" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IAfzltDgDh0/UZ0IsIsvhCI/AAAAAAAAPG4/r1ABCqvlAR4/01-IMG_3052_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">Thanks to a tip from another homeschool mom we’ve been starting our mornings each day with <a href="http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/">CNN’s Student News</a>. Bristel didn’t want her picture taken because she still had bedhead.</p> <p align="center">Today’s episode covered the weather in OK. The kids and I took some time to pray together. It’s always precious praying with them…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rHGS8oj08Lo/UZ0Isg6w_3I/AAAAAAAAPHA/nbKmBxSoo_o/s1600-h/13-IMG_3067%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="13-IMG_3067" border="0" alt="13-IMG_3067" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vQHn-MqydeI/UZ0ItSlxcbI/AAAAAAAAPHI/i71QwOGajZc/13-IMG_3067_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">This (above) is my Morning Meeting Basket. Our morning meetings are a time to connect & review before the day begins. Some things I have in my basket are: mini-white boards for Scripture review or just review games in general; colored whiteboard markers; American Flag for the Pledge; Brain Quest cards for fun; Binder with odds n’ ends; Index card binder with hand written things to review; Random other review-ish things. I like to have a theme for each day of the week…but now that summer is closing in we’re all ready to just be done. So I’ve just been flying by the seat of my pants.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TmiZr7iAlog/UZ0It9nDtNI/AAAAAAAAPHQ/BwEwdqv8Eng/s1600-h/02-IMG_3053%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="02-IMG_3053" border="0" alt="02-IMG_3053" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9FIlEcYugGI/UZ0Iui17iCI/AAAAAAAAPHY/0-gcLqkJu4Y/02-IMG_3053_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">Even though summer is comin’…I finally got my hands on a copy of Sue Patrick’s <a href="http://workboxsystem.com/">book</a> this week. I LOVE the workbox system on so many levels and reading through the book re-energized me again.</p> <p align="center">**her e-book is half priced right now**</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vekwLRSkOl0/UZ0IvP0F5PI/AAAAAAAAPHg/bJ5ndXqmJo8/s1600-h/05-IMG_3058%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05-IMG_3058" border="0" alt="05-IMG_3058" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kzqHaN11TaQ/UZ0Iv40LaYI/AAAAAAAAPHo/rYuDC5Tq7A8/05-IMG_3058_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">So I spent the weekend cleaning out my school closet and creating new workbox tags for the kids.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kI7daJgpQeg/UZ0IweuUjWI/AAAAAAAAPHw/vrEMHPyZR-E/s1600-h/16-IMG_3070%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="16-IMG_3070" border="0" alt="16-IMG_3070" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BSkzBEMeI20/UZ0Iw9zuZxI/AAAAAAAAPH4/sJyJ2uC0Zyo/16-IMG_3070_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">Including a Question Mark Flag which they can pop into play-doh whenever they have a question for me rather than just leaving their seats all.the.time.</p> <p align="center">I have promised to check-in frequently.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nRRvxL6frGg/UZ0Ixhd7RkI/AAAAAAAAPIA/DWORZT-di6g/s1600-h/07-IMG_3061%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07-IMG_3061" border="0" alt="07-IMG_3061" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W6y1W81Akhg/UZ0IyUPxrCI/AAAAAAAAPII/8Z400-RyjrE/07-IMG_3061_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">And so far it’s working WONDERFULLY!</p> <p align="center">Other than Toby whistling and/or loudly drumming on the table for my attention. That’s plucking me nerves…I may have to limit the number of questions allowed per day like Sue Patrick recommends!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zbrxWL8K3KQ/UZ0IzFG-LDI/AAAAAAAAPIQ/rZqK5cSCMM0/s1600-h/1-IMG_3071%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-IMG_3071" border="0" alt="1-IMG_3071" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TgnEQfqF5h4/UZ0IziQ-7ZI/AAAAAAAAPIY/-c3PMd-pv-E/1-IMG_3071_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">Bristel thought her popsicle stick was too boring so she added some bling using left-over gold pieces from a mosaic kit. Her girly girl styles makes me smile!</p> <p align="center">Toby wasn’t thrilled that she be-dazzled his too and made us remove them all! LOL</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1GAQ0lN18SQ/UZ0I0VjR61I/AAAAAAAAPIg/vhghRp5b610/s1600-h/08-IMG_3062%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="08-IMG_3062" border="0" alt="08-IMG_3062" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Mbo-mBN9PCQ/UZ0I1GvzPbI/AAAAAAAAPIo/o0Rm_9R8qEg/08-IMG_3062_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">My new love – <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XO3DUK/ref=asc_df_B007XO3DUK2510275?smid=AVMFL5R95IQZA&tag=sdcbing597-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395105&creativeASIN=B007XO3DUK">repositionable spray glue</a>! I found mine at Michael’s for around eight bucks.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZK0zhwtatfw/UZ0I1hPXu4I/AAAAAAAAPIw/tMTIHtQwOCw/s1600-h/09-IMG_3063%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="09-IMG_3063" border="0" alt="09-IMG_3063" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EC2AA0k2rN4/UZ0I2F0csAI/AAAAAAAAPI4/rIlk3_0XaaI/09-IMG_3063_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">I sprayed it on poster board to make a Latin vocab review game. I’ll be using it for LOTS of review games since we can just keep sticking and unsticking!</p> <p align="center">I also used it instead of velcro to make the kids workbox cards. I’m hoping it works out because I’m a fan of LESS bulk!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uIG9jQAnYV4/UZ0I2nEHWMI/AAAAAAAAPJA/Bm7ienGrQ0Q/s1600-h/03-IMG_3055%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="03-IMG_3055" border="0" alt="03-IMG_3055" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-70fCQT4L2CE/UZ0I3VtI-CI/AAAAAAAAPJI/Oj3w8WaK_vU/03-IMG_3055_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">The kids have both been daily doing <a href="https://www.xtramath.org/home">Xtra Math</a>, a free math fact practice website, for the past week and I’m definitely seeing improvement.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gSjrKtRk0EE/UZ0I3zhH_II/AAAAAAAAPJQ/V1gjRVUV2H8/s1600-h/06-IMG_3060%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06-IMG_3060" border="0" alt="06-IMG_3060" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lbhIUPkcedA/UZ0I4ioHzFI/AAAAAAAAPJY/Qoyp4eLlkGo/06-IMG_3060_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zD5FZj-XMaM/UZ0I5RxJy6I/AAAAAAAAPJc/y8nJ4ZCIbAs/s1600-h/04-IMG_3057%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04-IMG_3057" border="0" alt="04-IMG_3057" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U5WDMsbm4ts/UZ0I6FRYydI/AAAAAAAAPJo/Gxv_Poxvyp0/04-IMG_3057_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">All my online reading program memberships have expired, so I have Bristel reviewing phonics with <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/phonics-reading-mcguffey/id477046803?mt=8">this nifty McGuffey app</a>. I’m using the lite version right now but I’m really REALLY liking this app for her AND for Trevy! I may just have to purchase the full thing…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tk2adurxseA/UZ0I6qq3fII/AAAAAAAAPJw/s8CrA_Sg6-8/s1600-h/10-IMG_3064%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="10-IMG_3064" border="0" alt="10-IMG_3064" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FZ1EI4EsqOM/UZ0I7bJh3kI/AAAAAAAAPJ4/6iE5WHMIw7M/10-IMG_3064_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">I couldn’t resist sharing my fan set-up. It was stinkin’ hot yesterday…and we have these really weird shaped windows that are too small for regular window fans but too big for smaller fans. Enter Duct Tape: the everything fixer!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5athx70Y70w/UZ0I8E4Zt_I/AAAAAAAAPKA/w6JiWvN0sfk/s1600-h/11-IMG_3065%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="11-IMG_3065" border="0" alt="11-IMG_3065" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lxAShg8AnME/UZ0I8gmE5FI/AAAAAAAAPKI/V6QY2dQPBwQ/11-IMG_3065_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">On a super personal note, Life has been really stressful lately. </p> <p align="center">Trevor’s seizures have been crazy. He’s been having drug interactions that could KILL him and HAVE caused some really scary episodes of balance and consciousness loss. So we’ve been fiddling with meds…never fun. I hate the med-merry-go-round. But it’s a necessary evil when your child has a form of catastrophic epilepsy. We almost had an admission…also never fun. Even when it’s canceled. We were packed and ready to head out the door when the neuro called to change plans on us…for a valid reason. But we were already so emotionally invested that we still had to deal with a touch of “hospital hangover”. And it’s just been chewing up our hearts. The way life with a chronically sick child does.</p> <p align="center">This has caused me to actively search for ways to add more PEACE.</p> <p align="center">Some days that means “unschooling”. Because I can’t gather my wits about me.</p> <p align="center">Some days it means staying in my favorite pink sweat pants from dawn til’ dusk. Don’t you teach better in sweats?! </p> <p align="center">Some days it means spending awhile in the Word and prayer. My Mother’s Day zero gravity chair is a great place for that! </p> <p align="center">Today it was the Instrumental Praise station on Pandora. The kids feel like the music is too sad. But for me…it’s peaceful! And I need more PEACE! I let them change the station on breaks…Toby is a huge fan of the Newsboys station.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sV6pVI9s5pk/UZ0I9Kvh2xI/AAAAAAAAPKQ/0wqz6SXlLuU/s1600-h/14-IMG_3068%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="14-IMG_3068" border="0" alt="14-IMG_3068" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l8Wing00-0k/UZ0I94BsBVI/AAAAAAAAPKY/KfgshJdcZEw/14-IMG_3068_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">On the subject of Peace. And the lack thereof. It seems like the kids attitudes go to pot at exactly the wrong time. I’m sure it’s partly because they feel the stress oozing from their parents. And that’s how they deal. But they’ve been at each other’s throats for weeks…and I’ve done more yelling and crying and well, just bad parenting moments than I care to confess. And it’s just been not working on any level.</p> <p align="center">So another peace-chasing thing I’m trying is having a “Scripture Station” at the kitchen island every morning.</p> <p align="center">My goal is less yelling and more (penmanship, grammar &) character building. When I feel my blood pressure elevating…I (mostly) send them to copy pre-chosen verses.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q4lExyjXRrk/UZ0I-dDYQJI/AAAAAAAAPKg/5A1jTj8U71k/s1600-h/15-IMG_3069%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="15-IMG_3069" border="0" alt="15-IMG_3069" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-STBXYgSdkiI/UZ0I_UQEgnI/AAAAAAAAPKo/iP8O9-fuTmQ/15-IMG_3069_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">Both of my kids are really LOVING <a href="http://www.freepianolessons4kids.com/lessons_index.html">FreePianoLessons4Kids</a>. They think Mr. Hoffman is a great teacher and he must be because he’s keeping them engaged!</p> <p align="center">They also take lessons with Grams. But it’s been hard to fit them in lately so I’ve been supplementing with this program.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sdyNWCLc8MI/UZ0I_8rqo7I/AAAAAAAAPKw/93TF49D-0Bs/s1600-h/1-IMG_3072%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-IMG_3072" border="0" alt="1-IMG_3072" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CTnvFxuMtdM/UZ0JAnsXjAI/AAAAAAAAPK4/rHk4yps8JMI/1-IMG_3072_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Bristel’s Language is Abeka this year. I’ve been letting her say some things out loud to me. If she makes a mistake she’ll have to write it out for extra practice. It’s been a great motivator for her to try and remember her phonics rules! Oh and I’ve black board painted just about every school surface in our house too! It’s SO handy. See the bank she and I worked on before she wrote her paragraph? I highly recommend going a little blackboard paint crazy every now and then. It’ll make you feel so “teacher-y”.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right"><font color="#894384" size="5"><em>…danielle</em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-12012847682916345342013-05-10T10:49:00.001-07:002013-05-10T10:49:47.720-07:00a day in the life (homeschool picture marathon style)<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I thought it would be fun to take pictures randomly through one of our days this week. These pictures don’t reflect everything that happened during our day. Just the stuff that made me smile.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Bristel with her “Abeka Academy” class for Math and Language Arts.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VXy9L4ff6aI/UY0yeOhMN9I/AAAAAAAAPBc/pMF8LErSqQo/s1600-h/14-IMG_3009%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="14-IMG_3009" border="0" alt="14-IMG_3009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LAz-4Y7367I/UY0yhL1E8aI/AAAAAAAAPBk/EVkf1wecpTk/14-IMG_3009_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">Toby sweatin’ to Saxon 7/6.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iMke7RpItsQ/UY0yiSUvxbI/AAAAAAAAPBs/xioG9QUP7FI/s1600-h/16-IMG_3011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="16-IMG_3011" border="0" alt="16-IMG_3011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5hS_M11EpQg/UY0yj3buEhI/AAAAAAAAPB0/eryLrc7nodk/16-IMG_3011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">Bristel is such a SLOB with her desk during our school day! This is how she left it during her break time.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">My grading bin is there because I sit beside her and look over their turned in work. She pays better attention to the videos if I’m sitting with her.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8DF5Wh2B7vs/UY0yk6RQ5aI/AAAAAAAAPB8/HSYwEqROrUY/s1600-h/03-IMG_2995%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="03-IMG_2995" border="0" alt="03-IMG_2995" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CrrNF0mj7mU/UY0ymRdNtjI/AAAAAAAAPCE/aiREp-JFsvg/03-IMG_2995_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">Oh the irony that his space is neater!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z0GEQtSYxdw/UY0ynuXlCNI/AAAAAAAAPCM/cgwBOYfZYqg/s1600-h/04-IMG_2996%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04-IMG_2996" border="0" alt="04-IMG_2996" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7tuyiPrFRKY/UY0yox_rXEI/AAAAAAAAPCU/fO7FqS5PtZM/04-IMG_2996_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="591"></a></p> <p align="center">Toby is looooooving <a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/individual-courses-of-study/english-grade-6/">Easy Peasy All in One Homeschool</a> for his English. In fact, next year we’ll be using EP a lot more. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WonK3j9Ma1M/UY0yqLnIVPI/AAAAAAAAPCc/o5-Mkkk0mZI/s1600-h/02-IMG_2993%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="02-IMG_2993" border="0" alt="02-IMG_2993" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-peg7rxvI6Z4/UY0yrIcRWqI/AAAAAAAAPCk/dkzeIfWygwQ/02-IMG_2993_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">I had these set out to laminate. Um. Yeah…they’re still sitting on the table where I left them a few days ago.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oNHo2geCDTc/UY0ysdFGQ9I/AAAAAAAAPCs/LHTg_8r7dgM/s1600-h/05-IMG_2997%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05-IMG_2997" border="0" alt="05-IMG_2997" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7qfuEa8d_r0/UY0ywPqo5KI/AAAAAAAAPC0/72jHIhbV9mU/05-IMG_2997_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">Bristel was kind enough to warn everyone that there was a hornet in the mudroom.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZJRTkvrvjZM/UY0yxpbgC1I/AAAAAAAAPC8/b5TqxcWkJ3Q/s1600-h/06-IMG_2998%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06-IMG_2998" border="0" alt="06-IMG_2998" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xy9mxwrX9mg/UY0yzBmoN_I/AAAAAAAAPDE/EjMAi_p9_08/06-IMG_2998_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5piTBi_X1eo/UY0y0RaHFbI/AAAAAAAAPDM/QFDySiBEMWQ/s1600-h/07-IMG_2999%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07-IMG_2999" border="0" alt="07-IMG_2999" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E4jOFe63gBw/UY0y2LuH2QI/AAAAAAAAPDU/62qXS0zPiV4/07-IMG_2999_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="591"></a></p> <p align="center">I was astonished to find her bike neatly propped up! She loooooves riding her bike during her break times but usually just drops it any ol’ place in the yard.</p> <p align="center">I didn’t catch a picture but Toby is often found working on his pitching finesse or shooting hoops during his break times.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8ecZEsWcinE/UY0y3teB4pI/AAAAAAAAPDc/8vqxryz2iGw/s1600-h/08-IMG_3000%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="08-IMG_3000" border="0" alt="08-IMG_3000" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ml0OZs0hg9k/UY0y46sVXCI/AAAAAAAAPDk/q-yG1a4Vu8Y/08-IMG_3000_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">She also decided to start a garden. I’m guessing she must have been inspired by peeking at some of my recent pinning?</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WNXVRfhUBg4/UY0y6BkkgKI/AAAAAAAAPDs/_SMn8v9njVw/s1600-h/09-IMG_3001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="09-IMG_3001" border="0" alt="09-IMG_3001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nu_ZIlwM5iM/UY0y7Lk7FWI/AAAAAAAAPD0/DnmFRzv0qsY/09-IMG_3001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fTcj8bsC9-E/UY0y8hBzjqI/AAAAAAAAPD8/rlWaJI874Ms/s1600-h/10-IMG_3003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="10-IMG_3003" border="0" alt="10-IMG_3003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7wyCBhvWzzI/UY0y-LuZTcI/AAAAAAAAPEE/f5hSS3_aumQ/10-IMG_3003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">Notice the browning de-seeded apple below. I couldn’t help but notice where she found the seeds. She thinks she’s growing me some apple trees in the backyard. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_iI3vKbskIo/UY0y_j_txyI/AAAAAAAAPEM/YCVh-4fbyKk/s1600-h/11-IMG_3006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="11-IMG_3006" border="0" alt="11-IMG_3006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--Yzmtxl8Y8U/UY0zA_PvAHI/AAAAAAAAPEU/XOGCIHZAgR8/11-IMG_3006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">We discovered that Trevy got into her school work.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eSpTU_pGlWs/UY0zCOB5msI/AAAAAAAAPEc/ANkAykp_UVE/s1600-h/15-IMG_3010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="15-IMG_3010" border="0" alt="15-IMG_3010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UX8s_PA6oVE/UY0zDELVXjI/AAAAAAAAPEk/ZoyTDRZas9M/15-IMG_3010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">I guess he’s not a fan of Math. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-Inlove" alt="In love" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Mu3ABYn8l60/UY0zEaBAVoI/AAAAAAAAPEs/Jsk-NWMT5zg/wlEmoticon-Inlove%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1eFNwgGXt_8/UY0zGHnPsXI/AAAAAAAAPE0/Y_6ZiiDVyec/s1600-h/17-IMG_3012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="17-IMG_3012" border="0" alt="17-IMG_3012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YLRdnpzN8V0/UY0zHFC_u_I/AAAAAAAAPE8/c08q2UiddGY/17-IMG_3012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">She had a sweet spirit about it though and laughed while she erased his scribbles.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-60us91PU4g4/UY0zIua1C5I/AAAAAAAAPFE/ytrNmJxVTfk/s1600-h/18-IMG_3013%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="18-IMG_3013" border="0" alt="18-IMG_3013" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_ZVjbw-JxsE/UY0zJxJp_-I/AAAAAAAAPFM/o2940h7qmFY/18-IMG_3013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">Probably because she knew I was going to find her hidden message on our chore chalkboard. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smilewithtongueout" alt="Smile with tongue out" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Yq25D-HtVC0/UY0zLKTcWSI/AAAAAAAAPFU/qAYyI4Xor2o/wlEmoticon-smilewithtongueout%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sBk_RArL4KQ/UY0zMfdlvNI/AAAAAAAAPFc/5MOd4yREsOw/s1600-h/13-IMG_3008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="13-IMG_3008" border="0" alt="13-IMG_3008" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Uw8HxEfVsIA/UY0zN3yPUEI/AAAAAAAAPFk/-m6fG4vkxr4/13-IMG_3008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right">…<font color="#894384" size="5"><em>danielle</em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-46625735670562664052013-05-07T06:48:00.001-07:002013-05-07T06:48:59.420-07:00how homeschoolers do teacher appreciation<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Unexpected letters left on the teacher’s desk…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IKv6Aqb6E4A/UYkGN9i7NTI/AAAAAAAAPAQ/uBf7P0oZKmc/s1600-h/IMG_2982%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2982" border="0" alt="IMG_2982" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kcR3H6BB-JI/UYkGPOywMMI/AAAAAAAAPAY/HG3qcGoP7_E/IMG_2982_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Love notes hidden in Math Tests…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mdq0_l9GmDI/UYkGPo4py0I/AAAAAAAAPAg/WjwD671ZdFk/s1600-h/IMG_2991%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2991" border="0" alt="IMG_2991" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AI3_X_c1S2U/UYkGQQ9c_BI/AAAAAAAAPAo/mLiwC0ua3hg/IMG_2991_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Offering to entertain the littlest so mom can relax in her early Mother’s Day zero gravity chair.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R1iieSli_fI/UYkGRAgW2BI/AAAAAAAAPAw/ZbCmbWmmFRk/s1600-h/buddies%252520Toby%25252011%252520Trevy%2525205%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="buddies Toby 11 Trevy 5" border="0" alt="buddies Toby 11 Trevy 5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BsSRv6FIHcU/UYkGR-yTCCI/AAAAAAAAPA4/VW94Cf19QZg/buddies%252520Toby%25252011%252520Trevy%2525205_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Okay…so maybe I had to FORCE him to entertain the little guy for me. But at least I got to grab some Vit D for a few minutes! <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smilewithtongueout" alt="Smile with tongue out" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GnYy1E7YKeo/UYkGSWBi_QI/AAAAAAAAPBA/hiNgL8L_-4w/wlEmoticon-smilewithtongueout%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right"><font color="#894384" size="5"><em>…danielle</em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-27755727528518570922013-03-27T05:36:00.001-07:002013-03-27T05:36:38.422-07:00from the bottom of my purplicious heart<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">A huge thank you to EVERYONE who joined us for<font color="#894384"><strong> Purple Day</strong></font> yesterday.</p> <p align="center"><br> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I <em>know</em> that every cause has a color. And a day. And a ribbon.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><br>I know it can be cheesy. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><br>I'm sure there are those who think it's all silly and pointless.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><br>But from a battle weary mom in the seizure saturated trenches...even if an extra penny isn't raised towards finding a cure. Even if the white house never does go purple for our loved ones who battle this monster. Even if it IS cheesy and silly.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><br>I need that breath of fresh air. That boost of encouragement. And it means so very much to ME (and others). To see Trevy's face light up with joy when he sees someone in purple and in his own way understands it’s for HIM and for me to feel supported and accepted and advocated WITH instead of alone. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><br>It's powerful.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><br>And I thank you from the bottom of my purplicious heart.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="right"><em><font color="#894384" size="5">…danielle</font></em></p> <p align="right"> </p> <p align="right"> </p> <p align="center">ps. There is still time to join our <a href="http://www.happybeingtrevy.com/2013/03/purple-day.html">linky party</a>! It’s a great way to heart connect with other seizure families! </p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5955471227273282586.post-8765327958901510022013-03-20T23:59:00.000-07:002013-03-21T06:55:24.115-07:00you might be a seizure mommy if…<p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">you lift the “no coloring your hair until you’re 37” ban when your 8 year old daughter begs for a purple streak to support her brother! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r-4C1dFmNJQ/UUoHIC-R2vI/AAAAAAAAO1A/Cj2czVyLkNs/s1600-h/1-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203202013%252520125209%252520PM.bmp%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3202013 125209 PM.bmp" border="0" alt="1-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3202013 125209 PM.bmp" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QcM-AtVbQss/UUoHI2CwvRI/AAAAAAAAO1I/JOXaN_s6uBs/1-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203202013%252520125209%252520PM.bmp_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="632"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">and you like it so much that you get one too!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aLXhgbNwhJs/UUoHJTucbAI/AAAAAAAAO1Q/PQTrxJ9Lxn4/s1600-h/2-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203202013%252520125215%252520PM.bmp%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3202013 125215 PM.bmp" border="0" alt="2-Danielle Hamilton Foltz - Mozilla Firefox 3202013 125215 PM.bmp" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h2B_Cm_LkZw/UUoHJ2bagJI/AAAAAAAAO1Y/zmP0E8aeW4M/2-Danielle%252520Hamilton%252520Foltz%252520-%252520Mozilla%252520Firefox%2525203202013%252520125215%252520PM.bmp_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="653"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="http://katscafe.org/files/2012/03/Epilepsy-Awareness-Badge.png" width="241" height="223"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Be sure to check out <a href="http://teamaidan.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/purple-day-fact-one/">Heather’s epilepsy fact of the day</a>!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="right"><font color="#894384" size="5"><em><strong>…danielle</strong></em></font></p> Danielle http://www.blogger.com/profile/04484341169494632974noreply@blogger.com5