Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-up- May 10

These weeks are just flying by.  Perhaps it's the spring fever that has caught on in me just as much as the kiddos!  :-)

In my life/homeschool this week:  On Sunday, after church, hubby and kiddos were working outside.  It definitely warms a mama's heart to see her sons learning and doing with their dad.

Monday morning was sewing class for Kiddo #4.  She continues to work on her nightgown.  They said it should be done next week.  I am looking forward to seeing it!  :-)

On Monday afternoon, after their studies were done, I was very proud of Kiddos 1 and 2, as they headed right outside to finish the homemade trellis they started on Sunday.  I will enjoy seeing our pea plants growing on it.  :-)

On Tuesday, Kiddos 3 and 4 enjoyed doing a Science activity.  They had to differentiate between crocodilians, testodines and amphibians and put each animal or animal activity in the right column.

Our Italian teacher rescheduled our lesson, so Kiddo #1 decided to treat us to some delicious peanut butter cookies.  I think I'll definitely feature these on a future "Try a New Recipe Tuesday."

And speaking of "Try a New Recipe Tuesday," this week's not only has 71 recipes shared so far (wow!), but Kiddo #4's Buried Treasure cookies.  You can't go wrong with a Hershey Kiss buried inside.  :-)  You can see all of the recipes and more photos here.

On Wednesday, we enjoyed reading more out of our "If Animals Could Talk" book.  We are learning so much.  (did you know that blue whales gain 7.25 pounds an hour during the 7 months that they nurse?)

We also studied verb tense.  The youngers wrote sentences describing past, present and future, while the olders differentiated even further in the past tense with punctiliar(simple) action, perfect action and linear (continuous) action.  And, what would any school activity be without a really cool power point to go along with it?  ;-)

Kiddo 4 made us all chocolate biscotti.  Isn't she awesome?  They were really good.  Definitely will be for a future recipe post.  I'll save the rest of the photos until then.  :-)

On Thursday, we had classes at church and celebrated Ascension Thursday.  Kiddo #1 had Civil Air Patrol.  Their squadron is leaving for weekend in Washington, D.C tomorrow night.  How cool that they are spending two nights on Andrews Air Force Base.  Of course, Kiddo is beside himself.  They will of course, visit both Air & Space Museums.  They will also tour the monuments.  What a wonderful opportunity for them. (of course, I am a mama and will worry about their safe travels)

What I'm reading I wrote a review for TOS on "Papa's Pearls."  You can see it here.  What a sweet, heartwarming and uplifting book.  I have about a gazillion other books that I would like to finish that are stacked on my nightstand and on my Kindle.  Wish there were a few more hours in the day, lol!  :-)

What I'm praying for Just heard tonight on one of my prayer lines of a little girl named Bella.  I do not know her, nor her family, but am praying for them all.  She is 10 and has been suffering since she was 4 1/2 with stage 4 cancer.  She has had tumors in her brain, spine, abdomen, ovaries, pelvis.  It just goes on and on.  She has endured chemo most of the past 6 years and has now been placed on hospice.  Her Caring Bridge page can be found here and her FB page here.  Perhaps you can offer up a prayer for her and her family, as well.  What this child has endured is heartwrenching and her strength and courage is an inspiration.

This brings to mind something that was prevalent in the "Papa's Pearls" book-- to always be sure to tell your children how much you love them because you never know what the future may hold.  How true that is......

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 and Family Fun Friday

TOS Review- Papa's Pearls

Today I am reviewing a book called "Papa's Pearls: A Father's Gift of Love and Wisdom to His Children and Grandchildren" by Diane Flynn Keith.

Even though this book wasn't much more than 100 pages, it is filled with wit and wisdom.  It is the heartwarming story of a man who rose from the streets of the Great Depression to be a successful businessman, but more importantly, a funny, wise and loving family man.

This family man, Carol Joseph Flynn, or "Papa," was a caring and devoted husband, father and grandfather.  Through his "pearls" of wisdom, funny sayings and the way he conducted his life, he gave his family (and now we readers) an example of what it means to be a real man-- one who has a strong work ethic, loves his God, loves his family and never hesitated to tell or show them how much.

What really struck me was that Papa was always positive, no matter what the situation, and raised his children to be grateful and to always look for the bright side.  Even when walking through raw sewage for a job with his plumbing business, he reminded his son to convince himself that he loved the smell: "'You just tell yourself you like it.  then, it's not so bad.'  You may not be able to control circumstances or people, but you can definitely control your reaction to them."  His business became quite successful through hard work like this, but Papa always remembered his humble roots and was extremely generous to those in need, even a local woman and her mom who had lost everything due to a dishonest financial transaction.

Some chapters had me literally laughing out loud at Papa's antics and humor (he seemed like quite the character!) and crying in others, because of his kind, gentle and generous spirit.  I felt like a member of the family after reading this book and I hope to share some of these beautiful insights and "pearls" of wisdom with my children.  Some of my favorites include:

"Keep a Foxy Pocket"
"When you fall down- get back up, brush yourself off, and try again!"
"Be grateful every day"
"Doodle-lee do it!"
"I love you, you know that, right?"

Even as he aged and was growing weaker, when he found out that Diane was writing the book, he said to her (as tears well up again in my eyes!):

"I think this is a good idea.  You gotta tell 'em.  This world...They don't know.  They don't know they're loved.  You gotta tell 'em they're loved.  And tell 'em to say it out loud every day to their families."

I read this myself because I wasn't sure what to expect, but I look forward to reading and discussing it with my teenaged boys.  It provides a good example to them on how they should strive to live their lives.  Except for one or two little snippets from when Papa was young and considering criminal activity, it would even be appropriate for my 9 and 11 year olds.  It is filled with love, faith, family and hard work.  How can you go wrong with that?
:-)

I think Papa's message speaks volumes to parents.  Are we too impatient?  Do we inspire our children? Do we always, no matter what, remind them of how much they are loved?  Papa, when dealing with his children, always used gentle words, gave mercy and showed them much love.  This is something I think all parents need to be reminded of from time to time.

I feel very blessed to have been chosen to do this review so I could read this book and be touched by its timeless lessons and wisdom.  It isn't often that I would wholeheartedly recommend any product, but I would do so with this book.  I don't think anyone can read it and not be touched.

You can purchase the book from the Papa's Pearls website for $14.97 plus shipping.  Diane will autograph each one with a word of wisdom from Papa.  :-)  It is also available on Amazon for $13.47 plus shipping.

Try a New Recipe Tuesday- May 7

Welcome to another week of recipe sharing!  :-)

This week, Kiddo #4 made a cookie called "Buried Treasures."  They were a delicious cookie with a Hershey's Kiss hidden inside!  :-)  We got the recipe from a book called "Mr. Food's Favorite Cookies."  Can you believe I picked it up at the used book store at the library for $1?  :-)  :-)

Buried Treasures
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Foil-wrapped milk chocolate candies, unwrapped (we used Hershey's Kisses)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  In a large bowl, cream together the butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and the brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg and vanilla and beat well.

Form the dough into 1-inch balls; press a candy piece into each ball, covering the candy completely with dough.

Roll the balls in granulated sugar and place on the cookie sheet.

Bake for 12 minutes or until light golden.

These were SO delicious, I kid you not!  Absolutely yummy!  :-)  Kiddo's brothers were grabbing them by the handful.  :-)

Now for today's features:

Homemade Goulash at Countrified Hicks

Cake Mix Cookies at First Comes Love

Herbed Oatmeal Pan Bread at A Delightful Glow

Spanikopita Triangles at Blessings from Homeschooling

French Toast Bites at Busy Mom's Helper

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 and the Tried and True Recipe Party and Kids and Mom in the Kitchen and Family Fun Friday and Clever Chicks Blog Hop

Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap Up- May 3

Welcome May!  Other than my allergies (which have been horrendous), I really do love this time of year with the pleasant temperatures, watching our plants grow and getting ready for our garden to give us months of delicious veggies.
:-)

In my life/homeschool this week:

On Monday, Kiddo #4 had her sewing class in which she has continued work on her summer nightgown.  She is learning new skills, including gathering.  I will photograph her "masterpiece" as soon as it is all done.  :-)

Kiddo #2 got to do a fun experiment with his Oceanography study.  He got to test his endurance of ice-cold water with 2 rubber gloves on one hand and 2 rubber gloves with a thick layer of vaseline in between on the other.  The vaseline was to simulate the insulating effects of blubber.  Needless to say, there was a big difference (25 seconds to 1 minute 1 second).  You have to love fun, hands-on science!

Since our Italian lesson was changed from Tuesday to Wednesday this week, we were able to make a visit to the library on Tuesday afternoon.  The Kiddos all found what they wanted and even I picked up three books in the used book store.  :-)  Kiddo #3 dug right into a book when we got home.

I also posted my weekly recipe share "Try a New Recipe Tuesday."  There are already over 60 recipes linked up in addition to Kiddo #4's Peanut Butter Teddy Bear cookies.  You can take a look here.  Her Snickerdoodles from last week were extremely popular and have already been featured on two other food blogs this week!  :-)

Wednesday's Italian lesson was fun.  The kids are looking forward to this week's homework assignment.  They each get to put together a video commercial in Italian for Nutella. (yummy!)  :-)  I posted my Wordless Wednesday post that showed photos of the kids getting outside and helping out with some tasks including waterproofing lumber for our little garden and sanding bannisters.  You can see all of the photos here.

Thursday was a regular day with our classes at church at Kiddo #1's Civil Air Patrol.  Next weekend, he will be going away with his squadron for time in Washington, D.C.  There have been such wonderful opportunities through CAP, for which we are very grateful.

Speaking of gratitude, I also posted my Thankful Thursday post that you can see here.  Among other things, I am grateful for fun science activities with  my children.

This morning (Friday), I love that my hubby texted from work some practical math questions for Kiddo#1 and 2 to answer.  I just love when math becomes real for the kids!  Kiddo #1 had to calculate the amount of cubic feet of dirt our garden will need. (that answers the "when will I ever have to know the formula for volume of a rectangular prism?" question.  :-)) Kiddo #2 had to calculate how much PVC pipe and twine would be needed to construct a trellis for our peas.  That was after him looking up how far apart the peas would need to be planted and remembering how many plants we have.  Gotta love it!  :-)

What I'm reading: I started and finished "The Shack" in one day.  What a powerful and spiritual book.  Not exactly theological or Biblical in some portions, but if you look at it as more of a parable, you will be deeply moved.  I sure was.  Wow.  I also finished "Papa's Pearls."  I was asked to write a review of it, which will be going live in a few days.  It was a wonderful and touching book.  Not sure what I'm going to read next.  Those two books will be difficult acts to follow.

A photo or quote to share: Ok, I have several.  I went to a website and looked up Mark Twain quotes.  Boy, did he have wisdom and humor and his quotes still speak volumes today!  I love these!  I'm sure you will, too.  :-)

"Don't go around saying that the world owes you a living.  The world owes you nothing.  It was here first."

"In the first place, God made idiots.  This was for practice.  The He made school boards."

"Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself."

"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it."

"I've never let my schooling interfere with my education."

"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been."


Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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 and Family Fun Friday

Thankful Thursday- May 2

On this day that many bloggers take a moment to reflect on that for which they are grateful, I am thankful for:

a trip to the library and the enthusiastic reading of books.  I even found a few books in their used book store!  :-)

imagination with dolls

fun science activities

and that my daughter's cookies were featured on two blogs this week.  She is SO proud.  Not bad for a 9 year old, lol!  :-)

What are you grateful for this day?
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

Wordless Wednesday- May 1

This past weekend, the kiddos were helping in all sorts of ways, whether it be grading final exams for Pop's college class, waterproofing wood for our garden, sanding the bannisters for the basement or working on the soil, everyone was helpful and taking advantage of the good weather.  I am proud of them!  :-)

Linking up with: Judy H-J's Thoughts, Mama to 4 Blessings, Create with Joy, NOBH, Musings from a Stay at Home Mom, Tina's Wordless Wednesday,Judy @ CoffeeJitters and Wordless Wednesday at Wordless and  Living Well Wednesday, Modest Mom,  Homemaking Wednesdays and Crafty Spices, Look What We Did and Do Small Things With Love and Wordless Wednesday Bloggers

TOS Review- Writing with Sharon Watson

Today I am reviewing Writing with Sharon Watson's program called The Power in Your Hands: Writing Nonfiction in High School.  Sharon is the author of the highly successful "Jump In" writing series for middle school students.  There is also a fiction program available for high school students.  She homeschooled her own children for 18 years and has taught English in a number of capacities over the years.

Kiddo #1 and I have been very pleased with the program thus far.  The assignments are laid out in a fashion that the student can complete indepedently.  The book is written in a conversational tone, which is engaging, humorous, and far more interesting at least to my teenager, than a textbook format would be.

Extremely helpful to the parent are the examples provided in the teacher guide of what a paper written on an A+ level all the way down to an F would look like.

Also in the Teacher's Guide were "14 minute power surges," which are brief daily writing assignments given for practice.  There are prompts provided so the student can get in the habit of writing everyday.  That is definitely a good thing!  :-)

As I mentioned, the student's book is self-guided.  It contains 23 chapters with over 100 daily lessons.  Each lesson gives specific step by step directions, which are priceless to most teenaged boys who are relunctant writers to begin with.  :-)  The program includes the writing of five persuasive essays, including an SAT essay.  After these are completed, the student will write a compare and contrast essay, a biography, a literary analysis and a research paper with MLA documentation.

The program can definitely take several years to complete, as is suggested by the author.  You work it at the pace that is good for your child and his/her abilities. Some lessons can be completed in a day and others can require 1-2 weeks.  Kiddo #1 is currently working on his persuasive essay.  Of course, he is writing it with an aviation theme (he lives and breathes anything aviation), but this is what keeps him interested.  Kiddo found it much more relevant when he can choose a topic instead of being assigned an arbitrary one that may mean nothing to him.  He is being guided step by step (even with checklists!) in a non-condescending way.

The program has different steps for writers of all levels.  For example, the word count requirements for an essay will be different for a beginner, intermediate or advanced writer.  My son worked on the program several times a week since we received the materials.

The student workbook is available for $39.95 and the teacher's guide for $14.98.  Sharon promises that she can even reach the most reluctant of writers.  I don't expect my engineering-minded son to want to be able to write for a living, but with the help of this program, he will be able to express himself in a concise and intelligent manner without stress.