Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-Up- May 31

We are reaching the end of this year's homeschool year.  One more week to go!  

Last Friday, Kiddos 1 and 2 continued with their Air Pistol class with 4-H

(they are learning both one handed and two handed shooting)

Memorial Day was Monday.  If you haven't already read it, please click here to read a very touching poem that truly brings home what the day is all about.

We had a nice BBQ with some dear friends.  It was a fun afternoon.

This week, Kiddos 1 and 2 finished up reading the book "Red Badge of Courage" and got to watch the film version.

Kiddos 3 and 4 worked on decimals and Kiddo 3 made a poster on whales.

They also both passed their first Taekwando test-- breaking a board with their hands in order to get their first belt. (white). Needless to say, they both are very proud.

Kiddo #1 learned a pretty cool science trick from a video we recieved (review coming soon).  He showed us nails and asked us to balance 10 on top of 1.  Of course, it seemed absolutely impossible.  How could you possibly fit 10 on the small top of the nail?  Well, he showed us how it can be done.

Friday was hubby's birthday

Kiddo #1 made his sister a bed for one of her dolls.  After he was done constructing it, he showed her how he was painting it and gave her a try. (she even picked out the color)

Wow, what a packed and fun week.  Phew!  :-)  How was your week?  Hope it was beautiful and blessed!  Have a great weekend.  

My posts this week were:

TOS Review: What on Earth Can I Do?

Hearts for Home Blog Hop- May 29

Family Movie Night Ideas

Try a New Recipe Tuesday- May 27

Happy Memorial Day- 2014

Linking up today with:  Homeschool Mother's Journal, Weekly Wrap-Up, Show-Off Friday, Learn and Link and It's a Wrap, Friendship Friday and Friday Connection and Family Fun Friday and T.G.I.F. Linky Party and Let's Homeschool High School and This Week

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TOS Review: Apologia Educational Ministries: What on Earth Can I Do?

Today I am reviewing What on Earth Can I Do? from Apologia Educational Ministries.

Anyone who reads my blog knows that I love Apologia's science curriculum.  We have used so many of the science books over the years and we continue to enjoy their hands-on, real approach to learning.  I had never used any other of Apologia's materials, so I was very pleased that I was chosen for this review.

What on Earth Can I Do is the 4th book in Apologia's series on worldview training.  My children and I received the following materials:

• What on Earth Can I Do? (hardback book- $39- grades 1-6)
• What on Earth Can I Do? (notebooking journal- $24)
• What on Earth Can I Do? (junior notebooking journal-$24- for those who have not mastered cursive handwriting)
• What on Earth Can I Do? (coloring book- $8)

All of the materials work together-- as we covered a chapter in the book, each of the kiddos could do the corresponding work in their journals.  The journals are wonderful.  As with the science curriculum, these journals include crossword puzzles, coloring pages (in the junior version), word finds, book suggestions, copywork and more.  I just love that they are so hands-on.  It really helps the kids stay focused and they learn when they are "doing."  It makes the material something they have owned, rather than just something they have listened to.  My teenagers were in the room when I was reading this with their younger siblings and they really enjoyed the stories, as well!

The main focus of What on Earth Can I Do? is stewardship with a Biblical worldview.  In each lesson, the students are presented with how to care for God's creation, perseverance, managing their time, faithfulness, their part in God's plan and more.  

The hardback book contained all of the readings.  There are sections that explain the "big idea."  There are short stories, vocabulary words, Bible verses, prayers, parables, Godly character traits and more. Each section is a treasure and there is so much to do and read and see!  It is written in an easy to understand conversational manner.  Even though my children probably could have read it themselves, we read it aloud together and were able to discuss and talk about what we were reading.

The notebooking journal, as I mentioned above, has them doing- writing (limited in the junior version), making mini-books (we love lapbooking here!), composing their own prayers, listing gratitudes, etc. It brings to life everything they have been reading and they apply it to their own lives.

The coloring book is just beautiful!  It has 64 pages with a verse from Scripture or label on each.

We used What on Earth Can I Do? as a supplement in our homeschool, but it could easily be used as a history, geography, civics, literature and Bible curriculum all in one.  

Why do I say this?  How about if I tell you we learned about how the Jews were mistreated by the Nazis or how Maria von Trapp was a shining example of how to follow God's plan for your life. There is so much brought into this book that encouraged discussion and validated our beliefs and morals.  It allowed my kids to see how we can put those beliefs and morals into action and how they define who and what we are.

There are lesson plans included in the book that tell you which pages in the journals, for example, correspond to which lessons in the book and give you a suggested scope and sequence.  They suggest about 48 days to complete the book.  We may take a bit longer as we are not rushing.  I want to take our time to read, discuss and enjoy and learn how to put the lessons we have learned into practice in our lives.

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Hearts for Home Blog Hop- May 29

Sorry I have been MIA with the hop the past couple of weeks.  We are getting toward the end of our homeschool year, so things have been a bit busy.  In addition, we had Kiddo #1's surprise party and birthday, so that hasn't left a whole lot of time for blogging.  With summer coming, hopefully I will be better able to keep up!  :-)

The most viewed post from last week was:

Are You Ready To Suit Up?  The History of Swimsuits from Children are a Blessing

Are you ready to share your posts this week?  Let's go!  Use the form below to enter your links.  Posts can be anything that shows your heart is for your home: homeschooling, homemaking, parenting, marriage, faith, family, crafts, etc.  Please just kindly link back to this blog or display our Hearts for Home button in your post or on your sidebar.

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An InLinkz Link-up

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Family Movie Night Ideas

(affiliate links included)

It is so difficult to find quality family friendly films today.  Here are some that I found that you and your family would enjoy (and you would feel safe having your family view together).  I have seen each one of these films with my family and wholeheartedlly recommend them.

Letters to God is a beautiful, inspiring and true story about a young boy with cancer who writes letters to God.  His letter carrier tends to the letters the best he can.  So uplifting and faith-filled.  I highly recommend it!  And it is only $4.50 right now! :-)

My teenaged sons have watched Facing the Giants so many times I have lost count!  :-)  It is wonderful that we can watch a movie with nothing objectionable and everything that I want my children to see- love, faith, courage, determination and family.  (and lots of football!)  A coach who is facing being fired and who has never had a winning season teaches his team to rely on and trust in God.  I just LOVE this movie.  And it is only $7.99.

Gifted Hands, the Dr. Ben Carson story is the story of the renowned pediatric surgeon and how he overcame so much adversity to achieve.  It is a story of faith and never giving up.  I admire Dr. Carson greatly.  I read the book "Gifted Hands" for children to my kids and we enjoyed watching the film together.  He is an inspiration in more ways than one.  It is only $9.73.  :-)

My husband and I went to see this Last Ounce of Courage in the theatre.  There was so much applause at the end!  As a soldier's wife and more importantly, as an American, it touched my heart and soul.  Last Ounce of Courage is a story of love, forgiveness, sacrifice and standing up for what we believe in.   We have watched this with our teenagers and they enjoyed it very much. Again, it is wonderful to be able to watch a quality film with them that has nothing at all offensive and so much to appreciate and learn.  It is only $8.33.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!


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Try a New Recipe Tuesday- May 27

I hope all of you in the U.S. had a wonderful Memorial Day yesterday.  If you have a moment, click here to read a touching poem about a soldier meeting the Lord.  You will need your tissues, but it will definitely warm your heart and soul and helps us all remember what Memorial Day is all about.

The most viewed post from last week's hop was:

Skinny Chocolate Fudge THM Friendly from Our Abundant Blessings

An InLinkz Link-up

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Happy Memorial Day 2014

Tomorrow is Memorial Day.  It is incredibly meaningful that so many made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can be free.  Only 2 have ever voluntarily stepped up to die for us-- the American soldier to give us freedom here on Earth and Jesus Christ to give us eternal freedom in Heaven.  It doesn't get much more meaningful than that.

I am reposting my Memorial Day message from last year.  It definitely is worth repeating.  I hope you enjoy reading it.

As we all celebrate this weekend, let us remember the sacrifices of so many that have made our celebrating possible. It is not about sunbathing and barbecues. It is about death and sacrifice and ultimate love for a nation, the principles upon which it was founded and freedom. Freedom isn't free. God Bless America!

THE FINAL INSPECTION - AUTHOR UNKNOWN 

The Soldier stood and faced God, 

Which must always come to pass. 

He hoped his shoes were shining, 

Just as brightly as his brass.. 

Step forward now, Soldier, 

How shall I deal with you? 

Have you always turned the other cheek? 

To My Church have you been true?' 

The soldier squared his shoulders and said, 

No, Lord, I guess I ain't. 

Because those of us who carry guns, 

Can't always be a saint. 

I've had to work most Sundays, 

And at times my talk was tough. 

And sometimes I've been violent, 

Because the world is awfully rough. 

But, I never took a penny, 

That wasn't mine to keep... 

Though I worked a lot of overtime, 

When the bills got just too steep. 

And I never passed a cry for help, 

Though at times I shook with fear.. 

And sometimes, God, forgive me, 

I've wept unmanly tears. 

I know I don't deserve a place, 

Among the people here. 

They never wanted me around, 

Except to calm their fears 

If you've a place for me here, Lord, 

It needn't be so grand. 

I never expected or had too much, 

But if you don't, I'll understand. 

There was a silence all around the throne, 

Where the saints had often trod. 

As the Soldier waited quietly, 

For the judgment of his God. 

Step forward now, you Soldier, 

You've borne your burdens well. 

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, 

You've done your time in Hell.' 

Linking up with the Gathering Spot, Raising Mighty Arrows, Homemaking Wednesdays,  Modest Mom.  Titus 2sday,  Mom's Monday Mingle, Monday Mingle,, ,Create with Joy,  Clever Chicks Blog Hop andAll My Bloggy Friends and Hearts for Home Blog Hop

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Happy 16th Birthday Kiddo #1

Tuesday was our Kiddo's 16th birthday.  I am not quite sure where 16 years have gone.  Our preemie has grown into an almost 6'3" young man.  More importantly, he is a good and generous kid, one who is always volunteering and giving of himself.  He never thinks twice about helping-- whether that is doing yardwork or in so many capacities at church.  Everyone always seems to call on him because they know he is dependable and hard-working.

That is why I wanted to pull off his surprise party.  He is a special young man and deserved to have a day where many gathered to celebrate him and tell him just how much he means to them.  It was difficult to plan the party under his nose for the past few months, but we did it!  He was SO surprised. Phew, what a relief.  :-)

Many family and friends came to enjoy good food and good company and to celebrate Kiddo.  They played basketball and football, too.

On his actual birthday (Tuesday), we went for a tour of the Philadelphia Airport.  We went through the various terminals and then went on the best part of the tour-- THE RUNWAY!  Yes, you read that correctly.  We got a security escort onto the runway.  I have never experienced anything like that in my life.  And, for my aviation living and breathing kid, I know it was a dream come true.  We actually had to stop and let jets go right in front of us!!!!  It was really awesome.

this was inside the international terminal-- Kiddo with his siblings and friends

we are entering the runway areas with our security escort right in front

look at the jet crossing RIGHT IN FRONT OF US!  So cool!  

or the one coming right at us! (until he turned into his terminal)

Kiddo had a bit of a basketball injury back at home while playing with his friends.  We ended up at Urgent Care and he is wrapped up and on crutches with a sprained ankle.  He was in good spirits, and just grateful that it happened AFTER the airport, lol.  :-)  Thus, in the photos below, he is making his birthday pizzas (his birthday dinner of choice) sitting down.

Happy Birthday Kiddo #1!  You are a great kid and we love you!  :-)

Linking up today with:  Homeschool Mother's Journal, Weekly Wrap-Up, Show-Off Friday, Learn and Link and It's a Wrap, Friendship Friday and Friday Connection and Family Fun Friday and T.G.I.F. Linky Party and Let's Homeschool High School and This Week


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