Five Question Friday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. If you could buy any car, money not an option, what would it be?

A Volkswagen Bug! But an old one… I think they are the cutest things ever!

2. What was your worst first date ever?

Going out with a boy, that was only doing it to make a fool of me.  

3. How old were you when you fell in love for the first time?

I was 19… and it ended very badly.

4. When was the last time you reconciled your checkbook?

I do it almost every day, I use it.. I like to keep on top of it!  

5. If you were going to fashion a "Wanted" Ad for a best friend, how would you word it?

Funny, Sarcastic, Outgoing, Willing to try new things, Loves Adventures, and must like kids.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

1. What is something that bothers you if it is not done perfectly?

Not really sure something particular. I like to see everything done to anyone’s best of their ability…but doesn’t drive me nuts, unless I see them do it bad on purpose.

2. What is one of your best childhood memories?

Playing in my pool

3. Do you plan to watch the Royal Wedding and when was the last time you wore a hat?

No, I don’t plan on watching the Royal Wedding.. and haven’t wore a hat in 6 or more months.

4. Where do you fall in the birth order in your family? Do you think this has influenced your personality?

I am an only child, so first and last!

Probably but I can’t be sure cause I don’t have anything to compare it too.  

5. Where do you think you spend most of your money?

Right now, on GAS! Almost $4 a gallon really?? When will it break?

6. When you need to confront someone would you rather communicate in person, on the phone, by email or by letter? Why?

In person, I want to know if they are sincere when speaking to me.

7. Dodge ball, freeze tag, kickball or jump rope? You have to pick one.

Kickball!

8. Don’t really have any… Tired of Rain!

TOS Review: E-Book: The Curiosity Files™- Blue-Footed Booby

 

 

 

 

I was really skeptical of this at first thinking it really wouldn’t be something that we would enjoy. BOY, was I wrong! As I flipped through it; I got a bit more and checked it out, the more I became excited to get started.

The Curiosity Files Blue-Footed Booby Unit Study was made by an amazing crew of people at The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.  This covers everything from about the bird, to math, science, and geography. This E-unit comes as a pdf file, where you can save it to your computer and use it time and time again. Which is a nice feature if you have many different age groups you are schooling. 

This E-unit is 100 pages, which includes activities,from a crossword to songs, information, worksheets, resources, and an answer key.

 

One of the highlights I found with this book is that it includes everything you need right at arms length. So, when I went to plan out our lesson with this, all I had to do was print off pages. We used only this E-unit and found it to be more than enough. The only thing you might need to buy extra would be craft supplies. This book also makes it easier to do multilevel students, as it has different work for Elementary and Junior/High School level kids. My kids are 6, 7, 9, but I would say my 6yr old might have been a bit to young for this… she did the best she could to join in with most of it. However, some things were just to much for her.  It recommends ages 8-13, and I would say that it probably right on.

We really enjoyed this unit study. My kids weren’t sure at first, but as we got into it, the more they enjoyed it. Of course the name set off instant giggles. One of the very first things they picked up on and told everyone was that “Bobo” in Spanish meant “Stupid or Clown”. I don’t think they will ever forget that now!  Another highlight to our learning was the hands on activities. Like learning what “wingspan” was, and getting to measure our own.

My son said his favorite part was learning about their amazing ability to see fish from 80 ft in the air.

Both my girls enjoyed the Spanish words. As they had a year of Spanish when they were in Public School. Plus learning about the colors of the bird. (Who doesn’t like Blue Feet?)

Over all it was a huge success, and we are very excited to check out some of the other Curiosity Files E-units, and try them! I know this will be something we buy.

If you are interested in looking at this wonderful E-units, you can go to The Old Schoolhouse Store to purchase them. They are range from $1 to $6.95 a piece. Or you can buy them in a 9 piece bundle for $46! They also offer a variety of E-books, other E-units, and Homeschool calendars. A great source to any Homeschooler!

For more information visit The Old Schoolhouse site, or call them at 1-888-718-HOME.

*This product was provided to me for review purposes by TOS Crew. No other compensation was given. All opinions are 100% mine and my monkey’s!

 

Easter part 2:

 

 

 

Today was our final Easter celebration. The kids slept until 8ish… meanwhile I was up at 6:30 putting clues in eggs, and hiding them. Then I made pancakes for breakfast. Oh, how they love pancakes!

Once we ate our pancakes, we headed outside for the fun to begin. They love to look for eggs, with clues to lead to the next one.

 

Since Daddy’s idea of the Paper Mache’ Egg didn’t work out quite like we hoped. He didn’t have enough time to put enough layers on it, to make it strong enough. We were going to put their Easter gifts inside it. Great idea, just ran out of time. So, anyway so the efforts weren’t wasted we just put it at the end of their hunt for them to find, and they had a huge paper mache’ egg. They thought it was cool!

 

After their hunt, they came in to get their baskets. They pawed through it, and oh’d and aw’d over everything! Once they had time to check everything out, they put their Lego Mini Figures together, and then we gave them Buzz Lightyear Operation (my $2 deal last week) and we all played it. Come to find out Grandma was the best Doctor in the house! Haha!

 

After that we all went outside to play with their new jump ropes and we all had a good laugh as they tried very hard to get the concept. Had to love Littlest Monkey she just couldn’t get that you jump after you swing the rope. Then we played some pass with their new whiffle balls. It was a wonderful morning spent outside in the beautiful weather!

I’m glad that Littlest Monkey was feeling better so she could come out and participate with us in the Egg Hunt. She isn’t all better, but she is up and running around, so I think it is safe to say she is on the mend. We spent some wonderful family time together; tomorrow its back to the grind of life!

 

Hope everyone had an amazing Easter!!!

Easter Part 1

 

 

It is very rare for us to celebrate a holiday in just one day! Why?? Well simply because we love to do things with other people.

So for Easter we are having two celebrations yet again. Friday we got together with our very good friends, and did an Easter Egg Hunt with them. We really couldn’t have asked for a better day… the only sad part was Littlest Monkey was still sick and running a fever, so she was not able to join us.

 

 

We ended the Egg Hunt with a yummy Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcake. Then let the kids play for a few minutes with there new findings before heading back home to get Littlest Monkey from her grandma.

What we did on Earth Day….

 

 

 

 

 

We have always tried to be Earth conscious but as we all know, we get caught up in our lives, and just get busy… Then we find whatever is quickest works best for us at the time.

As a family, we are trying to do better. Here are a few things we try to do, use Reusable bags, use plastic bags again (if we have to get them), compost, shut off lights when we are not in the room, pick up trash when we see it, and recycle our trash.

For Earth Day this year.. I was also part of a B Kind2Earth where Motherhood.com, Nickelodeon, and The National Wildlife Federation joined together to get people to make a pledge.

So for Earth Day we went out and picked up the trash along side the road. My kids were so sad to see what people throw out. We found such a variety of trash. When it didn’t even take us 30mins to feel a bag, and also have some stuff to carry back home. As a family we decided to make a vow, to pick up the roadside once a month.

 

 

 

Now if we could just get more people to do that!

I just have to leave you with a conversation that my son had with my youngest daughter. She was sick, and couldn’t come out with us, and was sad she couldn’t do her part.

Monkey Man-  “Do you help the Earth?”

Littlest Monkey- “I don’t know”

Monkey Man- “Do you throw trash away?”

Littlest Monkey- “Yup”

Monkey Man- “Do you pick up trash when you see it?”

Littlest Monkey- “Yup”

Monkey Man- “Do you shut the water off when your not using it?”

Littlest Monkey- “yup”

Monkey Man- “Do you take short showers?”

Littlest Monkey- “Yup”

Monkey Man- “Good, cause I don’t cause I love the hot water”

I was just sitting there laughing. He was so cute. But I’m happy that my kids understand how to do the things that help the earth.

What are you going to do to help the Earth???

 

Five Question Friday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. What is your favorite Easter tradition?

Doing an Easter Egg Hunt, we like to make it different every year.

2. Are you a "shower" or a "long, hot bath" kind of person?

Shower person right now, cause we don’t have a tub. But I do like a nice long Hot Bath every once in awhile, even when we had a tub.

3. Can you parallel park and if so when is the last time you did it?

I have not parallel parked since I got my license. I think I could do it with a car, but not sure about with my van. Sad, yes I know.

4. What is your favorite Easter candy?

Cadbury Eggs, and Reese's Bunnies!

 

5. Easter: do you go all out with the Easter Bunny or focus on the religious part of the holiday?

We don’t really do much with the Religious part, but my kids do go to church with my mom.

We don’t go all out with the bunny either. Our one thing is that we don’t promote candy. So we may get one thing of candy for our child, but that is it. The rest is things we come up with. Spring toy’s, sundress, those kinds of things. A bit more expensive, but less likely to get cavities and bad sugar habits.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. What are your plans for Easter Day/weekend?

We are going to do an Easter Egg Hunt with the kids, and have Easter Dinner.

2. Besides Jesus, what one person from The Bible would you most like to meet and why?

Not really sure… Haven’t really thought about it. Eve maybe. To ask her what it was like to be the only woman on earth for awhile?

3. What is one modern day convenience you didn't have as a child that was easy to live without?

My Cell Phone for sure. It is my life in a shell!  

4. Are you more right brained or left brained? If you don't know what that means there is an interesting little quiz here.

I think the last time I looked I was more Right brained….

 

5. What is something you intended to do today but didn't? Why?

Lots of things… cause I ran out of time. My daily to-do list is always pretty long. I expect to much out of myself people say!

6. Cadbury Creme Eggs or Reeses peanut butter?

Ohhh.. tuff choice. I love both. Think it is a Tie.

7. Who was your favorite cartoon character when you were a child?

The Smurfs… people laugh at me.

8. I can’t believe my little man is 9!!! Oh my!

Monkey Man turned 9!!!

 

 

 

I can’t believe he is 9 already! Time has flown!

He had a pretty special couple of days. We did a small birthday party with family. He shares his birthday with his Aunt, so this was kind of a joint party. Monkey Man thinks that is pretty cool!

I let him pick a cake out for him and his aunt and he chose Chronicle's of Narnia. Not really what I think Auntie wanted, but she was a good sport. (I never ended up putting the toys on the cake anyway. Why bother when they just want them right back off to play with?? Right? )

Then on his actual birthday we spent the day at home. He played with his new toys from Aunts & Uncles… and then he played some games with his dad. Where was I you say?? I was busy trying to finish his cake he requested. He wanted me to make him a R2D2 cake…

Then we had dinner with the grandparents and my grandmother.  He got to open a few more presents and he was out the door to play!

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY... Monday April 18th, 2011

Outside my window... it is a fairly nice day!

 

I am thinking…   Wow, my little man is 9 today!!!

 

I am thankful for….. Lots of things, as I sit here and look at my beautiful babies!

 

From the learning rooms…..…

Monkey Boy-   is coming along great!  

Middle Monkey- is starting to read a chapter book.

Littlest Monkey- is reading level one books nicely now, so proud of her! 

You can read more about our Homeschooling over here.

From the kitchen…. . Taco’s per Monkey Man’s request!

 

I am creating….    Not much…

 

I am wearing.. Jeans, t-shirt, and a sweatshirt (finally warming up)

I am going..    Spend the day with my Birthday Boy!

I am hearing…..   My kids talk about what they want to do today!

 

I am reading…  Nothing at the moment!

 

Around the house….  Nothing much

One of my favorite things…   watching the smiles on their faces!

 

A few plans for the rest of the week….   Library, Visit with a friend, visit with another friend, Easter Egg Hunt, and lots of fun!

 

 

Five Question Friday

 

 

 

 

 

1. What is your favorite sign of spring?

The birds singing and the flowers coming up.

2. What was your best birthday ever?

Everyone with my family!

3. What is your favorite dessert?

Apple Crisp

4. What is the best excuse you've ever used to get out of a ticket?

Never had to use one. Only gotten one ticket, and couldn’t get out of it.

5. Do you wake up before your alarm, with your alarm, or after hitting snooze several times?

Usually wake up before my alarm. This morning though, I kept hitting snooze. Which is so not like me!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time or have a significant conversation with two people?

Tough question. I like to talk…so for me it is both.

2. What objects do you remember from your parent's living room?

Our Fireplace, and built in cabinets

3. Do you hog the bed? Steal the covers? Snore?

None of the above, however my hubby would argue that I steal the covers. It’s the other way around!

4. Speaking of Easter dinner....what is your favorite way to cook/eat lamb? Or does just the thought of that make you squeamish? If you're not cooking lamb what will be your entree du jour on Easter Sunday?

I have never tried Lamb. We are having Ham.

5. Let's throw some politics into this week's mix-oooohhh...Do you know the whereabouts of your birth certificate and when was the last time you had to produce it to prove you're you?

Yup I do know where it is… and I had to produce it to get my license.

6. As a child, how did people describe you?

I was a quiet child. I was an only child, so my imagination was big.

7. What do you complain about the most?

My kids being noisy…

8. Insert your own random thought here.

So glad the weather is getting better, my kids need to start living outside!

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY... Monday April 11th, 2011

Outside my window... it is so nice! I love it… Nearly in the 60’s! Spring is here!

I am thinking…   Yay! Its time to dig out my sandal’s, and spring jackets, and rain boots!

I am thankful for…..Everything I have… I may not always see why it is great at the moment, but I have a wonderful life!

From the learning rooms…..… Day 126 today!

Monkey Boy-   is coming along great!  

Middle Monkey- is starting to read a chapter book.

Littlest Monkey- is reading level one books nicely now, so proud of her! 

You can read more about our Homeschooling over here.

 

From the kitchen…. . Not sure… I’m think spaghetti maybe?

I am creating….    Easter stuff right now… getting in the spirit!

I am wearing.. Jeans, t-shirt, and a sweatshirt (finally warming up)

I am going..   to embrace everyday with a better attitude this week!

I am hearing…..   My kids giggling with anticipation of going outside to play in the mud!

I am reading…   Getting ready to start Navy Brat today… Finished 3 others over the weekend.

Around the house….  not a lot, got most of it done this weekend.

One of my favorite things…   seeing my monkey’s smile.

A few plans for the rest of the week….  Cub Scouts last den meeting for the year, Library, Visit with a friend, Girl Scouts, 4-H, and a few fun activities for the weekend.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

One that Hunter took.. I think he did great!

Earth Day April 22nd

I’m curious as a family do you do anything special to celebrate Earth Day?

We also try to do our part to help the earth on that day…. (and other day’s)

I was excited when I came across this Facebook Page by the National Wildlife Federation, Nickelodeon, and The Motherhood.com joined up with B Kind 2 Earth Day. They are trying to get people to make a commitment to do a special thing on Earth Day and talk about it.

If you need ideas they have that too.
Weather permitting, here are the things that my family will be doing on Earth Day to help!

• Going down our road and removing trash and bottles.
  
• Hanging out our Laundry
  
• Plant Flowers
  
• Clean up our yard
  

What will you be doing??

Home-Ec 101 Book Review

 

 

 

I am a book junky! It comes without saying if it looks even remotely interesting then I want to have it. Which in some cases, has made for a lot of books to then find a home for when I purge them out. LOL…

I was recently able to view Chapter 20 from the new book Home-Ec 101 by Heather Solos from One2One Network.

Chapter 20 was about the Meal Planning: Not Just for the Control Freaks. I must say… I was a bit nervous this was going to be a flop. However, as a mom, wife, and organizational freak myself; I’m always looking for ways to make meal time easier. Never fails that I’m on the go, and when dinner time comes around we are just getting home from Scouts, baseball practices, or just from visiting friends. Who wants to stop and think about what is for dinner? I know, I don’t!

However, with the economy the way it is, less of us are able to just throw in the towel and call for pizza, Chinese, or whatever you might be craving. So if you are one of those people, I would recommend this book for the ease into Menu Planning.

I’ve looked at several books, and websites. This one is similar, but she also shares her flops, and mess ups. I like that personal touch. I like to know that my new recipe isn’t the only one that got messed up and the family hated it!

She has many good suggestions, like no one can just jump into this… You can’t just become great at Menu Planning overnight. Give it a few weeks to get used to, or find what works best for you. Also don’t forget to use tools to help you plan your menu. Such as; Grocery Store Circulars, Be open to Suggestions, Use different Marinades to make the same old thing different, and vary your sides.

Another one of my favorite things she talks about is like themed days. For example, Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday’s, Pizza Friday, Soup & Sandwich Saturday. We use some of these in our home, and it makes it easier. You can come up with so many different variations to each one. Make your Taco’s on one week fish, the next chicken. They don’t always have to be the same. Another great tip, is getting your family involved. You can usually find something that any age of the family can help with.

If you would like more info on this book, check out her website. You can find her on Facebook, and Twitter as well.

You can find this book, on Amazon or Barnes & Nobles.

*I received this chapter complimentary in exchange for my review from Heather Solos and One2One Network. All opinions are mine or my monkey’s.

Manhattan Toy: Boysterous Action Figures/ Giveaway

I had never heard of these toys before this review. Manhattan Toy has a wide variety of Action Figures, Boysterous being one of them. I think they are a really cool idea.

Monkey Man received the Boysterous Boy Goalie Gavin and Boysterous Boy Slope Shreddin Sean along with the Boysterous Extreme Sport Zone. The Action Figures both have moveable arms and legs, and their hands and feet are magnetic. Which allows them to then become adaptable to the other sports. This is a nice feature, allowing more imagination to be used. The soccer ball, and the snowboard are also both magnetized. The Extreme Sports zone has a skate park, half pike, or the playing field for soccer, and hockey. This Sports Zone can be folded up, zipped up, and Velcro on the side for easy storage or to be carried where ever they may wanna go!
Here are some shots of my Monkey Man having fun!

I think we are going to store ours in the car, for when we take trips, or just for some extra fun at the park. Could be great thing to take on a sleep over to, easy to transport!
I think this are a great idea for a young boy in your life!
Here is a video of them:

http://youtu.be/X9qfNDkzQ7w

One of my 3 Crazy Monkey’s Reader’s will have the opportunity to win One Boysterous Boy Action Figure.

To Enter:
Go to Boysterous Boy and tell me which one you think your little guy would like. (Mandatory to Enter)

Extra Entries:

• Follow Manhattan Toy on Twitter
  
• Tweet about this giveaway ..You can do this once daily (be sure to leave a separate comment for each time or won’t count) 
  
• Like Manhattan Toy on Facebook
  
• Follow 3 Crazy Monkey’s on Twitter
  
• Like 3 Crazy Monkey’s on Facebook
  
• Blog about my giveaway… come back and leave me a link. (counts as 3 extra entries)
  

Ends April 30th …

Giveaway is open to US Residents only…Will chose winner by Random.org … MUST leave me an email address to contact you with.




*This is a MamaBuzz review. The product was provided by: Manhattan Toy Boysterous for this review.

Five Question Friday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

The way I look at myself… realize I do the best I can, and that no one is perfect.

2. Write about a time when you got lost.

Once a friend of mine decided to go to the mall in FL, when we were new in town. Well, we found where it was but when we left, we went out a different way, and got all messed up. Ended up in the Ghetto of all Ghetto’s. It was a bit scary for a few minutes. Finally made it to the highway but went the wrong way… so we had to get off and turn around again. We were laughing pretty hard.  

3. Camping or 5 star hotel?

Depends. I like both. We have had some really awesome camping trips. Then there have been times when staying in a 5 Star Hotel would have been wonderful!

4. Have you donated blood?

Nope I hate needles, and do everything in my power to stay away from them! Plus I’m anemic. (not sure on sp)

5. Do you have a budget or do you 'fly by' most months?

We try to stick to a basic budget, but most months we “Fly By” …. Trying to get better about that.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. National Read a Road Map Day falls on April 5th. Would people say you have a good sense of direction?

I say I have a good sense of direction.

Do you rely on a GPS when you drive somewhere new?

Now I do, with so many one way streets and road changes.

When was the last time you used a map?

The other day to see where a town was!  

2. What's your favorite cookbook?

I really love the Pioneer Woman’s Cookbook (some really great recipes in it)

 

3. What painting would you like to "walk into" and experience? Why?

Not really sure.. that is a hard question for me.

4. What annoys you more- misspellings or mispronunciations?

Mispronunciations…. I can get over spelling.

5. What is something your mother or father considered important?

That they agree on… probably being financial stable and smart.

6. Do you like or dislike schedules?

I like for the most part. Like to know what is going on, so I don’t feel so crazy!

7. Let's have some fun with National Poetry Month (that would be April)...write your own ending to this poem-

"Roses are Red

Violets are blue..."

If I were you

I’d Rule!

LOl…. the best I could do on the spot!  

Incidentally if you'd like to read the history behind that little ditty you'll find it here.

8. My little girl lost her 2nd tooth! The Tooth Fairy has been very busy around here!

Simple Woman’s Daybook

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY... Monday April 4th, 2011

Outside my window...  it is snowing at the moment. Only suppose to be 3 inches… and then rain. Yuck! Can’t wait for the 50’s in a couple days!

I am thinking…   Wow, my life really is great!

I am thankful for…..Life, and all it has to offer. If you sit back long enough and watch it, it isn’t ever as bad as you think!

From the learning rooms…..… Day 123 today!

Monkey Boy-   is coming along great!  

Middle Monkey- is starting to read a chapter book.

Littlest Monkey- is reading level one books nicely now, so proud of her! 

You can read more about our Homeschooling over here.

From the kitchen…. .We are having Chicken Pot Pie YUM!

I am creating….   We are going to start sewing soon. I think once summer gets here we will be a bit more productive. Its been a sluggish month. Need the nice weather!

I am wearing.. Jeans, t-shirt, and a sweatshirt (finally warming up)

I am going..  not be as busy this week as last week was! Phew!

I am hearing…..   The kids playing outside the window in the snow!

I am reading…  Thursday's at Eight by Debbie MaComber. Just finished 2 of her books in the Blossom Street Series this morning. Waiting on some more to arrive!

Around the house….  Laundry is about it today.

One of my favorite things…  Tickling my monsters!

A few plans for the rest of the week….  Cub Scouts, Library, Visit with a friend, Visit with my Grandma, Co-op, 4-H, and a visit with my sister in-law this weekend. You?

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

Maybe she will be a doctor??