Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-Up March 8

The first week of March is done!

In my life/homeschool this week

On Sunday, hubby and I took the kiddos to a RV show.  It was fun climbing in and out of all of them.  Maybe someday!  :-)

Monday was regular type of day with schoolwork, but the older boys got to help their grandfather put together a tv stand.  These are the moments that every homeschooler cherishes.  I wrote about this in my Thankful Thursday post here.  On Monday, I also posted about how much I love and appreciate the "ordinary" moments.  You can see that post here.

On Tuesday, I also hosted my weekly recipe linkup.  Over 60 recipes have been shared so far!  It will be open all week.  If you have a recipe to share, or want some great ideas for a meal or dessert or just want to see more pictures, click here to take a look.  :-)  This week I shared Kiddo #4's Smiley Face Cookies.

Wednesday found Kiddos 3 and 4 learning about various lizards!  Did you know that certain lizards can  release their tails to escape a predator?  Not only will the tail continue to move to confuse the predator, a new one (of a different color!) will grow in its place!  How cool is that.  Ok, I'm a nerdy homeschooling mom.  I find it really awesome when I learn something right along with my kids!  :-)

On Thursday, Kiddos 1 and 2 had their online class while Kiddos 3 and 4 learned two digit by two digit division.  Wow!  They got the concept really quickly.  I am proud of how well they did for the first time!  :-)  They also mapped each of the lizards and snakes they have learned about.  Their science journals come with stickers representing every animal in their Zoology study.  At the conclusion of the lesson, they put each sticker on a giant map so they can see where each creature lives.  Thursday night had our classes at church and Kiddo #1's Civil Air Patrol.

On Friday, we are hoping to make it to church for Stations of the Cross in the afternoon.  I also promised the kiddos that we can make homemade donuts!  I'll let you know how they turn out.  We've never made them before.  :-)

What I'm praying for: our nation, our military, the family of a young boy who was beat to death in his school playground, my husband's grandmother (we would very much appreciate your prayers, as she will be going to the Lord anytime now.  I shared here about her diagnosis a very short time ago.), those who are ill, unemployed, lonely....[update added- my husband's grandmother passed away early this morning after this post was originally published.  I'm sure the family would appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.]

A photo or quote to share: "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."-- Mark Twain

Kiddo #4 and her Pigie ready to take the family for a ride!  :-)

Linking up today with:  Homeschool Mother's Journal, Weekly Wrap-Up, NOBH, Show-Off Friday, Learn and Link and It's a Wrap, Friendship Friday and Friday Connection

Thankful Thursday- March 7

Hearing about the 11 year old boy who died as a result of the beating he received in his school's playground made me all the more grateful that we homeschool.  My only regret is not doing it sooner.  No one can ever care for or protect my children like I can.   Is this the "socialization" that we want for our children?  Seriously.  How many more studies need to be done and how many more children will be lost or traumatized before society realizes that the system just doesn't work.   Even if we ignore the violence, bullying and curricula choices that could be found objectionable, how about a study that just came out?  It showed that SAT reading scores in the U.S. are at the lowest in 40 years-- 34 points lower than in 1972- meaning that U.S. students remain behind their global counterparts and education standards have not improved in spite of increased billions of dollars poured into education by the federal government.   This has been a failing model for half a century.  No one wants to try to make it better.  Like anything, their philosophy is to just throw more money at it and it will be ok.  Not.

 In a brief 45 minute period with 30 other kids in a room, how can any human being (and I myself was the frustrated teacher in that situation for many years) get to know all of those children on a personal level?  How can they know each and every one of their strengths, weaknesses or interests?  It takes weeks just to learn the names.  My last year teaching I had approximately 150 students.  I was always frustrated that I couldn't get to know each and every student *more.*  I did my best and was considered an "exemplary" teacher, but it just isn't possible when you have to cover a certain amount of material no matter what.  The first 10 minutes of class are shot with them all getting in and settled and the last few are for them to get packed up, so what does it give someone?  Perhaps 30 minutes with 30+ students?  No teacher can even *talk* to each and every child individually in that amount of time, let alone give every one of them the attention they need and desire.  It is very, very sad.

What a blessing homeschool is and it is worth every sacrifice.  And there have been enormous sacrifices.  If someone isn't willing to sacrifice for their own child/ren, there isn't much hope for our society.  More and more people are realizing that everyday.

Here is a wonderful learning opportunity for the older boys-- helping their grandfather assemble a new TV stand.  The relationships the children have with each other and their parents and grandparents because of homeschooling are truly priceless.  We could never have that level of closeness, trust and camaraderie if they were gone for 8-10 hours a day.

Every time I hear of the bullying of a child, or in this case, bullying to death, it tears my heart out and I get so angry at the system that has failed so very many in so many ways.  It makes me so very grateful for the education I am able to provide my children on a variety of levels and the love we are able to share with each other all day long.  Let's all hug our kids a few extra times this week. 

Linking up with ,Lisa at The Army Chap's Wife, NOBH,Miscellany Monday, Raising Homemakers and Modest Mom and Raising Mighty Arrows,, Spilled Milkshake,Crafty Spices,  Mom's Monday Mingle, Monday Mingle, and Just the Stuff Ya Know

Try a New Recipe Tuesday- March 5

Thank you for such a wonderful linkup last week!  Wow!  67 of you shared.  That is a record for "Try a New Recipe Tuesday!"  I'd love to at least match or hopefully break that record this week.  Please spread the word!  :-)

This week I am sharing my daughter's smiley face cookies.  She is SO creative.  Other than coming in and out of the oven (she let me do that much, lol!), she made these herself.  For those of you that read my blog regularly, you also know that she sews, too, and has made some pretty amazing things.  Not bad for 9 years old, if you don't mind me bragging!  ;-)  ;-)

Kiddo #4's Smiley Face Cookies

For the Dough: 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour

Beat the butter, powdered sugar, brown sugar and salt in a large bowl until light and fluffy.  Add the egg and beat until well blended.  Add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.  Shape the dough into a disc; wrap tightly in plastic wrap.  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.

Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness between 2 sheets of wax paper.  Cut out circles with a 2- 2 1/2 inch round cookie cutter.  Place the circles 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 22-27 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown.  Cool the cookies on cookie sheets for 1 minute.  Transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting (this is my go-to recipe for anything that needs frosting)
1/3 cup soft butter or margarine
3 cups confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
about 2 tablespoons milk

Frost the cookies and add chocolate chips to make face.  Enjoy!  :-)

NEW THIS WEEK!!!  EACH WEEK I WILL FEATURE 5 RECIPES.  THIS WEEK, I AM  FEATURING THE TOP 5 RECIPES IN TERMS OF CLICKS IN THE LAST WEEK (I think they were all awesome and wish I could feature them all!)

Here they are (in no particular order):

Peanut Butter Toffee Bars from Mom's Plans

Ground Beef Soup from Mamal Diane

Big Crowd/Big Family Recipes from Tolivers to Texas

Cuban Empanadas from My Joy Filled Life

Italian Casserole at Chestnut Grove Academy

Congrats to everyone.  Please grab a "I've been featured" button and display it proudly on your blog! (the code is on my sidebar)  :-)

Linking up with the Gathering Spot, Kids in the Kitchen, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt my Tummy Tuesday, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Mighty Arrows,Addicted to Recipes, Homemaking Wednesdays, Living Well Wednesday,NOBH, Judy H-J's Thoughts, Wisdom Wednesday , Favorite Things, Modest Mom, Full Plate Thursday and Melt in your Mouth Monday and Show Off Friday and Tuesday's Table and Look What We Did and Titus 2sday,  Mom's Monday Mingle, Monday Mingle, Crafty Spices, Better Mom,Create with Joy, Thursday's Treasures, Tasty Thursdays and Wonderful Food Wednesday and Mondays with Countrified Hicks and Tuesday How to Party

Memoir Monday- March 4

Ordinary.  What is "ordinary?"  I read in a blog recently that ordinary meant mediocre or not good enough, something not worth mention or a second look.

I humbly disagree.

I think there can be much beauty in the "ordinary" if one just takes the time to look for it.  An "ordinary" day, one perhaps without anything 'loud' or 'different' can have its own quiet and special treasure and uniqueness.  When we insist on ignoring the ordinary, I believe we are missing a special opportunity to see the little gifts that are given to us each day and fall into the trap of taking the "ordinary" beauty of our lives for granted like....

My little girl baking cookies for us all on a chilly Saturday afternoon

or looking through vacation photos and seeing one of an amazing sunset

realizing that yet another rose has bloomed on our Valentine's gift

The smile and fun that kiddos can have at a snack bar after doing some food shopping
(will try to add the photo later, but trust me, they were having a GREAT time!)

Finding the beauty in each and every day......there is nothing "ordinary" about that!  :-)

Linking up with:  On, in and around Mondays in addition to Wisdom Wednesday, Living Well Wednesday, Mom's Monday Mingle, Monday Mingle, Modest Mom, Crazy Mama, Homemaking Wednesdays and Raising Mighty Arrows and Titus 2sday and Clever Chicks Blog Hop and Memoir Monday and Mondays with Countrified Hicks and Create with Joy

TOS Review- Abraham's Journey

Today I have been asked to review "Abraham's Journey" by Inspiring the American Dream.

Abraham's Journey (available for $14.99) is a book about a young boy who is brought back in time through his phone to meet people who have pursued their dreams and met much success.

From their website:

"Abraham's Journey: A Celebration of the American Dream" tells the story of a young boy, who through his faith, imagination and entrepreneurial spirit, sets out to achieve the American dream.

Taking place during the Great Recession, the story begins with Abraham learning that his mother and father have lost their jobs.  With Christmas not far away, and his parents unable to buy gifts for him and his sister, Abraham is determined to take matters into his own hands.  Although he desperately wants to save Christmas for his family, the reality is, he too, has no money.  But dreams can come true...where there's a will, there's a way!

The story transitions with Abraham online texting his friends, searching for odd jobs around the neighborhood, when an old man with a white beard (symbolized by Abraham Lincoln) pops up on his screen. 'Hello, Abraham, I am here to help you.' the old man announces...as he extends his hand to the boy.  Serving as his guide, Abraham is transported into a digital world, on a colorful and heartwarming journey...that will thrill and inspire.

Along the way, Abraham is introduced to a variety of successful American icons...preachers, artists, aviators, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists...all helping him to identify his special talent, and the many virtues necessary to help him achieve his American dream.

His journey now complete, the story culminates on Christmas Day with a simple act of giving.  Abraham's creativity, hard work and perseverance not only enable him to provide for his family, but through his compassion and generosity, he is also able to touch the lives of others.  And that is truly a celebration of the American dream."


What I liked about this book:

I liked the overall message.  I think the idea of the American dream has been lost in our society today.  I think our children need to have a better idea of those who have gone before them and the hard-work and sacrifice that have made this nation great.   This nation was built by those who had vision, and fought against all odds to bring those to fruition.  Many of our ancestors came to these shores to achieve their dreams and worked tirelessly to accomplish those goals.  Much blood, sweat and tears have gone into making America great.  I wonder how much of that is remembered and taught to our children today.....

I think Abraham's meeting of people like Martin Luther King, Jr., Amelia Earhart and Norman Rockwell were great examples of people fighting against the odds, working hard to achieve their dreams, no matter how many people told them they couldn't.  It was also heartwarming to see Abraham and his family visit a homeless shelter on Christmas and share some of their material goods with others.

The illustrations were well done and look like a comic book; they were attractive to my children when I read this aloud to them.

What I didn't like:

I was a little perplexed as to the choice of the founder of Facebook as being a good example and role model to children reading this book.  He also tells little Abraham that he is adding him to his "social networks."  Most younger children (this book is geared to those 7+ years old) would have no idea what this even means.  Adding someone to social networks might not be the best example of showing how hard work equals success.  I thought the idea of travelling back in time was a good idea, yet the founder of Facebook is still living and to have him being a "student" of Amelia Earhart is a bit perplexing.

Abraham's family has no income.  They cannot even afford Christmas gifts for their children, yet their son has an internet-ready, fancy Smart Phone.  That seemed a bit unrealistic.

In the description from the website, it says that Abraham's "faith, imagination and entrepreneurial spirit" help him achieve his American dream.  Nothing is mentioned about Abraham's faith in God, so perhaps the authors meant faith in himself?  I'm not sure.  Nowhere in the book is "American dream" defined.  This would take some explaining by parents to their children after reading this book.

I was also was a little surprised that although Abraham Lincoln is the "guide" in the book, his name is only referred to once.  He is called a "wise old man" the rest of the time.  There is no mention of *his* hard work, *his* sacrifice, how he came from being born in a log cabin and was completely academically self-taught to eventually become the President of the United States.  These things are mentioned in the "biography" section in the back of the book, which is a wonderful, additional resource, but some of it could have be added into the story as additional "inspiration" for the title character.

Perhaps an immigrant coming to Ellis Island with nothing but the clothes on his/her back and their struggle to give a good life to their future family would have been a suitable example, as well.  This would have given us all something to talk about with our children, as most of us can trace our ancestry back to such hard-working and selfless individuals.

Homeschool Mother's Journal- March 1

Wow!  It's March!  :-)

In my life/homeschool this week: Another good week at the Home to 4 Kiddos.

On Monday, Kiddo #4's sewing lesson was cancelled.  Her teacher was sick.  Kiddo was disappointed, of course, but certainly understood and is hoping that Miss Ilsa is feeling better soon.

We are continuing with our special activities for Lent and reading some beautiful books together.  I wrote about some of these things in my Monday post that you can read here.

On Tuesday, I hosted my weekly recipe linkup.  As of this writing, there are 67 recipes and counting shared!  Wow! It is the most ever for my little blog hop.  :-)  You can see my chocolate chip banana bread recipe and all of the others here.

Kiddo #4 started a powerpoint all about her and her "pigies."  I can't wait to see it.  The animations so far look terrific.

The Kiddo's Italian lesson was also on Tuesday.  One of the activities the teacher did with them was to give them bananagram letters and have them spell as many words in Italian as they could.  What a fun idea.  :-)

On Wednesday, Kiddos 1 and 2 had their online class while Kiddos 3 and 4 worked on division with remainders.  They got it and quick!  :-)  I also posted some random photos on my Wordless Wednesday post that you can see here.  On Thursday, I also posted some fun photos and asked for your prayers for my husband's grandmother.  You can see that post here.

On Thursday, the Kiddos played a game that I had bought last week.  It is definitely my Favorite Resource this week.  I had decided to cash in my container of coins and got enough to surprise the kiddos with this game and a couple of others things that we needed at the store.  How awesome was that!  Coins do add up.

The game is called "Name that State."  It is a fast-paced fun way to learn U.S. geography, state capitals and some basic facts about each state.  They had a lot of fun.  Hey!  What a concept!  Learning can be fun.  :-)  :-)

In my class at church on Thursday, I continued to work on a lapbook with my students. (yes, I have introduced them to lapbooking and they love it!)  We also saw a film about Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter.  It was animated, but very well done.  I want to look into the title so I can try to pick it up for my children.  Kiddo #1 had his Civil Air Patrol meeting.  He is thrilled about an upcoming opportunity to fly in a C-130, among many other trips and activities coming up soon.


What I'm reading: "Holey, Wholly, Holy"  "The Interior Castle"

A photo or quote to share:  "As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus' thirst... 'Repent and believe' Jesus tells us.  What are we to repent?  Our indifference, our hardness of heart.  What are we to believe?  Jesus thirsts even now, in your heart and in the poor-- He knows your weakness.  He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you."-- Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Linking up today with:  Homeschool Mother's Journal, Weekly Wrap-Up, NOBH, Show-Off Friday, Learn and Link and It's a Wrap, Friendship Friday and Friday Connection

Thankful Thursday- February 28

There is always something that hits you square in the face that gives you a reminder of indeed how much there is to be thankful for, and how precious life really is.

Several days ago, one of my husband's grandmothers (yes, he is blessed to still have both of his grandmothers living), on her 96th birthday, got devastating and surprising news-- that she has advanced lung cancer and that she should make her arrangements.  She didn't even have that amount of time.  She is in the hospital and only has a day or two at best. Yes, she has lived a long life and has been blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but it doesn't make the realization that life is fragile and precious any less startling.  We truly do not know the "day or the time."  I am sorry that we didn't see her more over the years, but am so glad that I sent her Valentine's Day candy and a card from the kids a couple of weeks ago.  I hope she liked it.  I would appreciate your prayers for her family during this difficult time.

I am especially grateful for many things this week including:

A little girl with a big imagination

and a boy with one, too.

Fun projects

and delicious treats to eat

Beautiful books

and a creative young man (Kiddo #1 who is building another airplane, this time from ordinary household materials!  These are the torpedoes)

and one who does his work with a smile

I hope you can find much to be thankful for, as well.

Linking up with ,Lisa at The Army Chap's Wife, NOBH,Miscellany Monday, Raising Homemakers and Modest Mom and Raising Mighty Arrows,, Spilled Milkshake,Crafty Spices,  Mom's Monday Mingle, Monday Mingle, and Just the Stuff Ya Know