Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-up March 9

The first full week of March has come and gone.  This year, it has not arrived like a lion.  For the past few years with our record winters, the lion and lamb scenarios really played out.  Not this year.  The whole winter has been a lamb.  :-)  For people like my husband who work outside and for those who have seen a great reduction in their heating bills this year, I am grateful.  But, for my kids, who just wanted one good sledding day, I have to be just a bit disappointed.  :-)

In my life/homeschool this week: Last Friday, I surprised the kids and took them to the library in the afternoon.  They had a lot of fun selecting books.  They are each going to be making Power Point presentations on their books.  I am really looking foward to the final products!  You can see photos and read more about it here.

On Saturday, we made homemade vanilla cupcakes and frosting.  You can see more pictures and get my recipe here if you would like to try to make them.  They are a favorite with my kiddos!  :-)

On Sunday, after Church, my husband and I took the kids to the RV show.  It was a lot of fun climbing in and out of all of the vehicles.  The kids most enjoyed trying the ones with bunkbeds.  There was even one with two stories and a fireplace.  Can you imagine?  :-)  Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera (I know, I never forget my camera, but since we went straight from Church, the camera usually isn't on my "going to Church" list, lol.  I guess I have an excuse)  Sunday nights during Lent are our (hubby and I) Faith Sharing nights.  It has been a wonderful journey of prayer, reflection and fellowship with friends from our church.  We have grown so much in our faith.  It is encouraging to come together to discuss the Lord, Scripture, life and our families.

On Monday, we read a great book about Jamestown, the kids all had their music lessons and Kiddos #1 and 2 had their dissection class.  This week was a grasshopper.  I am very grateful that they are able to have this experience.  They are really learning a lot. :-)

On Tuesday, we discovered that our plants have begun to sprout!  What excitement!  We also enjoyed bowling with our friends in the afternoon.  I also posted a recipe linkup.  If you would like to check out all of the delicious recipes that were posted, you can see them here.

In addition to their regular studies, Wednesday had the kids using some flashcards I made to review different areas of study.  You can see them all here.  If you would like the templates for any of them, just let me know your email and I'd be happy to send them to you!  We also read a wonderful book called "Parable of the Lily."  What a beautiful story for Lent about the forgiveness and love that Holy Week and Easter are all about.

Thursday had Kiddo #4 continuing in her sewing class.  She is really doing well!  Kiddo #3 was especially proud today of his math work and his neat cursive handwriting.  :-)  The kids also had classes at church in the afternoon. 

I am hoping if the weather is nice, to get the kids out and about tomorrow.  Fridays are usually our "fun" days.  I'll let you know next week!  :-)

What I'm reading: With the kids: "A Family Journey with Jesus through Lent," and "Welcome Risen Jesus: Lent and Easter Reflections for Families" Me: "Imitation of Christ," and "A Mother's Rule of Life."

What I'm praying for: my husband's grandmother, those out of work, those with chronic pain, for the protection of our freedom of conscience and freedom of religion, and anyone else who has asked for my prayers.

What is working: visual and tactile educational strategies. (lots of hands-on activities!)  :-)  along with lots of positive reinforcement and lots of hugs.  :-)

A photo or quote to share: I have a photo and a quote this week.  :-)

Kiddo #4 wrote this and hung it up on the basement door for everyone to see.  :-)  It proudly hangs next to our "Kind Words Cross."

"Be joyful, and keep your faith and your creed." - Saint David of Wales (580 – 589)

I am linking up today with Homeschool Mother's Journal and Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.

Thankful Thursday- March 8

Each week, writing these posts are almost therapeutic.  That, despite the craziness and "busyness," despite the ups and downs of parenthood and everyday life, we need to take the time to realize all for which we have to be grateful, all that we may take for granted.  I often wonder how much beauty around me I didn't even notice because of the hectic nature of life.  We are given such precious gifts each and everyday.  I am doing my best to literally stop and smell the roses.  I owe my children no less.  I truly believe it is this appreciation, gratefulness and special times together that they will remember someday when with their own children or long after I am gone.  It isn't whether you had a flawless house, it isn't if you were rich and famous, it is all about whether or not you have made a difference in the life of a child.  In our world today, I truly believe it is the pursuit of the first two things that lead to the neglect of the last, the most important of all.....

In that vein, some of the "little" things this week for which I am grateful include:

carrot seeds that are beginning to sprout (and the thrilled children who see them growing everyday)

the innocence of our precious daughter whose "Pigie" helps her prepare surprise lunches for her brothers

spares, strikes or even just a pin or two knocked down at bowling (this includes the beaming pride of the one who had the great frame and the support and cheers he/she received from the other kiddos)

Sweetness such as surprise breakfasts, made beds or just a hug during prayer time by one of the kids.

The best, of course, are the unsolicited "I love yous" and the growing love for the Lord. Here is something Kiddo #4 hung up the other day:

I hope you have found something for which to be grateful this week.  Come and share over at Red Oak Lane for Thankful Thursday.

Look! What we did! Wednesday

Flashcards!  :-)

They aren't just for addition and multiplication facts anymore.

When you spend all day every day with your children, you really get to know them.  And one thing I have determined about my kiddos is their individual learning styles.  Like me, they are definitely visual, but tactile, as well.  They need to see and do in order to truly learn.  While most educational programs are designed for auditory learners, I have found from my experience in classrooms and in homeschool that the least amount of learning actually takes place from just hearing about something.  Seeing and doing make it real and make it last.

I have found that a good way to reinforce my childrens' learning is with flashcards.  They serve their visual and tactile needs and can have so many fun applications other than rote review and memorization.  It just takes a bit of creativity to come up with a game or two, but it can be done and can be fun.  :-)

My daughter this week learned about measurements.  I made up cards with photos of each individual measurement and its equivalent for her to review and practice.

(If you were wondering about the interesting items on the table, lol, kiddo also had to do measurements in her math chapter and she had to select "household items" to measure.  It made me lol with some of the items she chose! i.e. toilet tissue :-))  To download these, click here.

I also made Kiddos 1 and 2 some review flashcards for formulas from their Pre-Algebra class.  To download them for your family, click here.

Kiddos 3 and 4 finished up the chapter on bears in their Zoology book.  I made up some cards for them to remember some of the names and facts about the various bears.  If you would like these, be my guest!  :-)  Just click here.

Others I have made include states and capitals, states and postal abbreviations, synonyms. antonyms and homonyms.  I usually print them on cardstock and laminate them with contact paper so they can withstand our use and abuse.  :-)

So, that is some of what we did today!  I am linking up with Theresa at Red Oak Lane today.  Come over and share something that you did today, as well.  :-)

Try a New Recipe Tuesday- March 6

Today, I am sharing two recipes: Crockpot Vegetarian Chili and Vanilla Mini-Cupcakes.  What a combo!  :-)))

This recipe is a delicious meatless meal.  We just had it on Friday, as we abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent, but you can have it anytime.  I even found all organic beans the last time I was at the market.  :-)  I served it over biscuits.   I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does!  :-)

Crockpot Vegetarian Chili

1 19 oz. can black beans
1 15 oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 16 oz. can veggie baked beans
1 14.5 oz. can chopped tomatoes in puree
1 15 oz. can corn, drained
1 onion chopped
1 green bell pepper chopped
2 stalks of celery chopped
1 tbls. chili powder
1 tbls. dried parsley
1 tbls. dried oregano
1 tbls. dried basil

Put in crockpot for about 4-5 hours on low.

And next is my children's favorite cupcake recipe.

Vanilla Mini-Cupcakes

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup milk
6 tablespoons butter, softened
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1 large egg
1- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

 12-13 minutes @ 350 degrees

Frosting Recipe

3 cups confectioners' sugar

1/3 cup soft butter or margarine

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 tablespoons milk

Linkup your favorite recipe this week.  Grab a button or link back here so others can come and join in on the fun, as well!

Make Life Meaningful Monday

This past Friday, I promised myself I would do something spontaneous with the kids.  After math and other subjects were completed, I headed with the kids to the library.  I LOVE the library!  I remember as a kid having no problem plopping down in a chair with a book and just delving in!

It is such an expression of each of their interests when they are allowed to choose their own books.  Kiddo #4 picked out books on pigs (remember her favorite stuffed friend "Pigie?") and lions (since the animals we are working on in her science are the big cats), Kiddo #3 selected elephant books (he loves anything elephant), Kiddo #2 selected books on dinosaurs and sea life (his favorite are octopus and squid) and Kiddo #1 chose airplanes.  The Clifford book, as cute as it was, didn't belong to us.  It just happened to be on the table.  :-)

 

Spending time together is the most meaningful part of everyday to me, but I found a way to make this an educationally meaningful day, as well, lol! (always a homeschooling mama!)  The kiddos were given a choice to make either a written report or a Power Point presentation on their books.  I can't wait to see what they come up with!  :-)

I am linking up today with Michelle at Changed by the Maker for her Make Life Meaningful Monday linkup.  Come over and share how your day was made more meaningful!

Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly wrap-up March 2

Happy March!  :-)

In my life/homeschool this week:  Saturday, the kiddos and I did some seed planting.  We planted carrot seeds in clear containers and are really looking forward to actually seeing the carrot grow!  You can read more about it and see our photos here.

Monday was music lessons, and working very diligently on Pre-Algebra for Kiddos 1 and 2 and Apologia Science for Kiddos 3 and 4.  We are reading two books as part of our Lenten Journey.  The kids are really enjoying them.  They are "Welcome, Risen Jesus: Lent and Easter Reflections for Families" and "A Family Journey with Jesus through Lent."  The second book has a Bible story narrated by a child who could have witnessed the event and then the moral of the story told to them by Jesus Himself.  It is so well done.  My kids are really loving it.

On Tuesday, we made a craft I found at Oriental Trading (they have such a great selection of Christian crafts!).  It is a Lenten calendar.  They are putting on numbers for each day of Lent, and the various stickers depicting the crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus.

On Tuesday, I also hosted my "Try a New Recipe Tuesday" linkup.  You can see all of the delicious recipes here.

Wednesday, leap day!  :-)  We learned all about the Earth's rotation around the sun and how we "get" the extra day every 4 years.  Kiddo #4 and I demonstrated the rotation.  Except, she had the role of the sun while I got a bit dizzy rotating on my axis and going around the kiddo, lol!  :-)  We also made another Lenten craft from Oriental Trading.  You can see lots more photos of it here.

Thursday, the first day of March!  Spring is only 20 days away.  We haven't even had one winter storm, but we are still wishing for spring.  Go figure!  :-)  Kiddo #4 got to resume her sewing lessons today.  She is looking forward to finishing this latest project.  I was very proud that the teacher not only said that she was polite and well-behaved, but that she has a real knack and talent for design and sewing, and that she has some wonderful projects in mind for the kiddo in the future!  :-) 

I also posted about what I am thankful for this week.  You can see Thankful Thursday here.

Not sure what Friday has in store, but I'll do my best to add some spontaneity! 

What is working:  Speaking of spontaneity, my kids really seem to thrive with that approach. (schedules to a point, but with some fun spontaneity thrown in there)  Real learning takes place when learning is loved.  Learning is loved when learning is fun and relevant.  Each child's individuality must be taken into account where their education is concerned.  I truly believe that education is not a one size fits all operation. 

What I'm reading: the books mentioned above with the kiddos, The Imitation of Christ, A Mother's Rule of Life, Lenten Meditations

What/who I'm praying for: for those who are ill, suffering, who have asked for my prayers, for our First Amendment rights for freedom of religion and conscience, soldiers and their families, my family.....

A photo or quote to share: (ok, it's actually 3 quotes, but they are too good not to share!)  :-)

"It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor."  "No man who is profligate in his morals, or a bad member of the civil community, can possibly be a true Christian."-- George Washington

and

"No provision in our Constitution ought to be dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprises of the civil authority." --Thomas Jefferson

I wonder if they are wishing for spring as much as the rest of us!  :-)

Linking up today with Homeschool Mother's Journal and Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers. 

Thankful Thursday- March 1

I am linking up with Theresa at Red Oak Lane today for her Thankful Thursday link-up.  Come over and share something for which you are grateful for today.

Every week, I enjoy writing this post..  I enjoy reading the gratitude-filled posts of others.  Many times, these individuals, amidst trials and suffering, find much to thank God for.  It is inspiring.

This week, I am especially thankful for my kids' creativity.  This past week, Kiddo #4 made a Powerpoint presentation summarizing our science lesson on bears from that day.  I was really impressed, that at her age, she had the knowledge and interest to do this.  I am grateful to my older sons, who took the time to teach their sister some of the basics of Power Point.

Kiddos #2 and #3 make presentations almost daily.  They incorporate school work, make "family game night" entertainment or just make something fun to end our evenings.  The animations and effects are amazing.  I cannot even begin to figure out how they do it!  :-)

And, of course, I cannot forget Kiddo #1, who, when he isn't baking us a delicious pastry in the kitchen, is building and flying monstrous aircraft.  That kid can turn anything into an airplane!  :-)

I am so glad that our home and homeschool is a place where their creativity is not squashed, but encouraged and cherished.