Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Wednesday Hodgepodge:

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. The Hodgepodge falls on the last day of February this year, a leap year. How will you spend that extra day?

Doesn’t really seem like an extra day.. but we did touch upon how cool it was. The kids thought it was awesome. Wish I could have come up a with a bit more to do.

2. What has recently required a leap of faith on your part?

Everyday seems to be a leap of faith lately. I’m really stressing over finances, due to the raising costs of gas. I really am not sure what our future will hold if it goes up as high as they say!

3. We're one week into the season of Lent...are you marking these 40 days in some way? Giving something up or adding something extra to normal life? How's it going so far?

I don’t celebrate Lent. Not sure what I would give up if I did. interested to see what others give up.

4. When was the last time you sat beside a fire?

Hmm.. I think it was this past summer. I cant really remember. Is that sad? Nope, it was this fall.. During Middle Monkey’s Cub Scout kick off. We roasted marshmallows.

5. Surf and Turf is on the menu. Do you order as is or do you ask for just the surf (lobster), just the turf (steak), or a menu so you can select another option?

When I get Surf & Turf, I usually get Fried Shrimp and Steak. Yummy! Now, I really want to get some!

6. If you could have any television program back, not in reruns but in new episodes, what program would you choose?

Ohh.. I would have to say Brady Bunch, or Bewitched! I’m so old school! Love it!

7. They say an elephant never forgets. These days would you say your memory is more like an elephant or a gnat?

I would have to say a gnat.. I really used to have a great memory.. Not so much anymore. Maybe its all the stress. Not really sure!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Wow, March!!! Where does the time go?? I can’t believe we are that far into the year already! Guess it has decided to come in like lion, so hopefully it will go out like a lamb right??!

Monday, February 27, 2012

The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

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FOR TODAY

February 27th, 2012


Outside my window...

It is chilly, and I still have lots of snow on the ground. Probably should clean that up huh? (only snowed like 3 days ago)

I am thinking...

Wow, it is really cool that it is a leap year. What should me and the kids do fun that day? However, dang can you believe it is already almost March? Where has the time gone lately? Its like some big sea creature is swallowing it up!


I am thankful for... 

The fact that despite the raising cost of EVERYTHING. We have managed to stay warm, fed, and able to get where we need to go. My heart goes out to those who have had to make horrible decisions to get one or the other. I can’t even imagine how much worse it will get over the next year.


From the learning rooms...

Today we start back from vacation. Check out our school blog, to see how it went. Can you believe we only have 10 more weeks and we are done school this year??!

From the kitchen... 

Not really sure.. You’ll have to stay tuned for my Menu Plan post. Something quick and easy, as it is our crazy Monday!

What are you having??

I am wearing... 

My jeans, a t-shirt, and my sweatshirt, cause I’m freezing again!


I am creating... 

A list of books I need for next years curriculum. I like to be prepared, incase I find a really good deal!


I am going...

To be very busy after this week. Cookies come in a week from today, and that usually means crazy, chaos for a few weeks. Bear with me!

I am reading...

Nothing at the moment, any suggestions?


I am hoping...

To keep my head on straight today.. Gonna be a long one!

I am hearing... 

The girls singing while eating their breakfast… Everything is a musical at my house. You mean its not everywhere??

 
Around the house... 

I have laundry to fold, hang up, and dishes to do. Made Sourdough Bread yesterday, so… I guess I don’t have to much to do.


One of my favorite things...

Fresh out of the oven Sourdough bread!!! YUMMY!!!


A few plans for the rest of the week: 

4H, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Library, visit my dad, babysit for a friend, play date, and school. Pretty laid back this week.. You?


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My new pretty pink bed set.. What do you think? My hubby is not so fond of it, me I think for 75% off it is just beautiful! (Did I mention it came with the sheets, shams, pillow cases, bed skirt and comforter)

 

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Sunday, February 26, 2012

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal

 

 

 

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In my life this week…

This week has been long, but good. We enjoyed friends, family, and lots of fun!

We finally had a snowstorm that produced snow .. (kids were excited, me not so much)

Made lots of homemade bread..

Relaxed a few times..

and prepped for us to get back to the grind.

In our homeschool this week…

We were still on break…

however, we learned about animals while reading the National Geographic Kids

we had fun, on our last few days of vacation…

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Work with curriculum that works for you… cause if it doesn’t fit your style or your child’s style.. There are going to be lots of tears, and not so much fun.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This week we are back to the grind, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun right?? After all we do Homeschool! Smile 

4H, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Library, play dates with friends…

Plus whatever surprises get thrown in there!

My favorite thing this week was…

The look on my daughter’s face when she opened one of her presents. Pure joy, and surprise! Love it!

What’s working/not working for us…

Saxon Math is working nicely for us… so I think despite my thoughts, to pull my girls from it, I’m going to keep going with it. Just wish I could find Saxon 3 for a bit cheaper. (Being frugal, I will not give up easily)

Questions/thoughts I have…

I can’t believe we are so close to the end of this year. Is it me or has it just seemed to fly by? I mean, WOW! We only have 10 more weeks left, and this year is over. We have our struggles, but this year went far easier than last. I think, (gasp) I might be finally getting the hang of this!

Things I’m working on…

We didn’t redo the school room like I was hoping. After our summer break. We needed to address the clutter in the basement first, so we could seal it, and prep for new walls to be built. (I’m not a patient person, so all this waiting is going to kill me) Anyhow, so we rearranged instead. I will take some photo’s and post them later this week….

I’m reading…

At the moment nothing, and it is not making me very happy. We haven’t had any time to make it to the library, so I have been trying to figure out what I want to read. I finally just placed an order online to our Books by Mail Library. I can’t wait for them to arrive.

I’m cooking…

Omelets, for dinner.. I know, I know, strange, but we had a very large quantity of eggs, taking up a very HUGE amount of space in my fridge. Roughly 14 dozen eggs! Yes, it was time to use some up.. so we settled on Omelets, and finished off a dozen. (sad I know)

I’m grateful for…

My children.. My son spent the night at his Aunt’s house recently… and I missed him like crazy. How nuts is that? I just can’t even imagine what my life would be like without them. I have made many decision because of them, but my life would not be nearly as great as it is without them. They make it what it is!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Little Monkey’s Birthday cake, incase you didn’t see it on my Facebook page. Super cute!

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Saturday, February 25, 2012

TOS Review: Reading Eggs

 

 

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So, your probably thinking Reading Eggs?? What in the world is that??! Well, Reading Eggs is an online learning game to help children learn to, or advance their reading.

Reading is the most important thing your child will ever really learn in school… So, normally I was stressed right out when it came to teaching my youngest to read. (The other two had learned in Public School) I was so worried, was I doing it right? Did I really even know what I was doing? All these questions and more came flooding through my head!

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What can Reading Eggs offer your child?

Well the program was developed by teachers. It focuses on phonics, and sight word skills. The fun graphic’s, songs, and games, make it lots of fun. Thus, making them want to learn more and more. They now have a 100 lessons for 4 to 7 yr olds. They are in the process of making more lessons for the Eggsplorers, which is designed for 6-8 yr olds.

So what does Reading Eggs look like? Here are a few screen shots that kind of show you what to expect with Reading Eggs. They start with a test, to see where your child is at. I’m not sure I hold a lot of faith in that test. As my daughter placed lower than she was.

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Then you start off…  The computer will say a sentence out loud, and you have to click on the one that they said. (Great for recognition)

This screen shot, is showing you were they tell you a sentence, and then you have to drag the words to the top.. and put them in order in the boxes.

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What did Little Monkey think

Really she is easy to please… Where I found some of the lessons kind of to easy for her, she enjoyed them just the same. She did really good with it, and found it very enjoyable. She said it was very fun!

My thoughts:

I think that while this is great concept, it really depends on the child. My middle child gave it a bit of a go, as she still struggles with reading at times. However, she didn’t find it as fun as Little Monkey.

Plus I personal don’t think that I would want to pay that much for this program.

If you have a child that is really struggling, then this might be the greatest thing for you. As the world it is in brings it to life for them, and makes it more fun to use.

Cost:

Reading Eggs is $75.00 for the year, or you can get a 6 month subscription $49.95. There is also the Monthly Recurring Subscription for $9.95 a month.

Just a quick look at Eggsplorer… None of my kids got the chance to use this on.. But it is for kids 6-8 yrs old. Where they basically know how to read.. but still have more to learn about spelling, writing and comprehension. It has neat things like writing factory.. and more!

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What do the rest of the TOS Crew members think??

*I was provided with a trial subscription as part of the TOS Crew in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Thankful Thursday:




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Today I am thankful for…. The wonderful weather we have been having. Though we didn’t get much snow this year, and that worries me a bit. I love the sun, and melting, and spring like weather.

It has gotten me in gear, and thinking about my garden for this year. Getting ready to plant some starters to put in my dad’s greenhouse. Can’t wait to start my gardens this year.
Do you have a garden? Any idea what you are going to plant?

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. February 22nd is National Be Humble Day...what makes you proud? What keeps you humble?

Be Humble Day?? Really???! Is there a day that isn’t a national holiday?

I would have to say that my kids make me proud. (most of the time)

As far as keeping me humble, I would have to say my kids again.

2. Where is the catch-all (aka dumping ground) in your house?

We have a few of those. One is our school room table, and another is the sideboard in the kitchen. Crazy catch all! Drives me nutty! I clean it off all the time!

3. Do you make it a point to visit State/National Parks when you travel or even in your own hometown? What's your favorite?

We love our State Parks, matter of fact.. I just ordered a State Park Pass a few weeks ago for this year. We love the outdoors. I would have to say our favorite here would be hmmm… Baxter or Acadia. Not sure which.


4. How would you define honor?

Someone, who is honest and fair. Willing to admit mistakes, and learn from them. Doing their best everyday, even when it isn’t going to be easy. Making themselves proud, and everyone around them.

5. Angel's food or Devil's food-which cake do you prefer?

I like them both, but I guess if I had to choose between them… I would have to say Angel’s food… You?


6. What's the most recent road trip you've taken? Where did you go and how many hours did you spend in the car? Do you like to zoom to your destination without stopping or leisurely wind your way there with stops along the way? What is your car snack of choice?

Our last road trip was to Portland, when we went to see Disney On Ice. It takes us about Hour and a half to get there. Depends on the situation, but I usually like to break it up a bit.. unless I’m tried, then I want to get there and not stop.

My car snack? I would have to say trail mix. Smile 

 


7. Recent headlines told how a preschool child in NC had their packed lunch from home taken away and a school lunch substituted by a school inspector who deemed the homemade lunch unhealthy. Reportedly the parent was then billed for the school lunch (chicken nugget meal) although an update to the story says the parent was not billed. The inspector was conducting a routine inspection of the classroom-he/she was not there solely to peek in the lunchboxes. The packed lunch contained a turkey and cheese sandwich, an apple juice box, a bag of chips, and a banana. You can read the story

here. Your thoughts?

I think that is absolutely INSANE!!!

First what is the world coming to, if we can’t even pack our kids lunch without it being inspected.

Secondly, these so called Health people that keep deeming school lunch healthy need their dang heads examined. Most school lunches are no where near healthy!!!!

Thirdly, just another reason, you won’t find my kid in a school.

and lastly! This really blows my mind. I know kids are over weight, but it really doesn’t solely come down to school lunch, if your that concerned.. figure out a way to make fresh fruit and vegetables available to families, and to make them AFORDABLE, so they don’t gravitate to the junk, that you pay less for.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Today we threw a party for my Little Monkey who turned 7 this past week. She is growing up to fast, and I’m so sad she is my last baby… Watching them grow is amazing, but sad as well. I’m not ready for them to grow up so fast!

Here she is with her cake….

 

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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

TOS Review: Beeyoutiful

 

 

 

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Isn’t that such a cute name? I was intrigued when I saw the name, and had to look further. After reading their website, I couldn’t wait to get some of their products. I was able to review their Milk & Honey Facial Bar, and B.A.L.M .

 

Beeyoutiful is a company that sells natural beauty products. Here is a bit about the company from their “About Us” section of their website.

At Beeyoutiful.com, we believe that each individual is responsible for their own health. It is not a doctor's responsibility to keep you in good health. Instead they are a tremendous resource, especially for those times when urgent care is required. But, they are only one of many resources. And the tools they use, while powerful, are not the only tools available. But a tool is worthless unless one knows how to use it.

We have found a lot a tools that have worked very well for our families, and made Beeyoutiful a repository for those tools, as well as the information to effectively use them. As we learn more, we share more. Our goal is to eventually carry every natural product that we use. We're not there yet. We may never be as we are constantly being exposed to new and great products. As much as is in our power, we want to aid others in obtaining and maintaining good health.

Our mission is to do good to all men. Please let us know how we're doing!

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I tried the peppermint B.A.L.M, and it was amazing. I am super picky about my lip balm. I don’t care for oily ones or ones with to much fragrance in them.  I love my lip balm too. Living in Maine you need lots of it on hand for the winter months, when your lips are constantly chapping and splitting. If you look in my purse right now, you will find at least 5. (gotta have some for the kids too)  Beeyoutiful’s is great and works nicely. You can purchase it for $3.00.

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I also got the chance to try out their Milk & Honey Facial Bar. I’m not a huge fan of bar soap, as it dries my already dry skin out even worse. Then my skin flakes (super embarrassing). This is so different. First off, it is super cute, shaped like a bee hive. Another great thing is its natural ingredients. It has raw goat milk, distilled water, olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and raw honey just to name a few. After using this a few times, I was really impressed. It didn’t dry out my skin, and it left my face feeling really soft.  It is really nice! You can purchase this for $10.

So what are you waiting for run right over to Beeyoutiful and order some goods to pamper yourself with. You deserve it! Smile  You can order it online here, or you can call them at 1-800-556-0967.

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Want to see what the rest of the TOS Crew is saying… Check it out here.

*I was given product to review by Beeyoutiful in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Crew.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Menu Plan Monday

 

 

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Sunday:

Corn Chowder

Monday:

Leftover Corn Chowder, Grilled Cheese

Tuesday:

Steak, baked potato, green beans

Wednesday:

Pizza

Thursday:

Cracker Chicken, mashed potato, peas

Friday:

Fish Sandwiches, Cole Slaw

Saturday:

Not sure Soup??

Simple Woman’s Day Book

 

 

 

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FOR TODAY

February 20th, 2012


Outside my window...

It is chilly! Brrr! Can’t wait for the spring weather!

I am thinking...

Yay, I got so much organized today! Now, if I can keep it that way and get more done.. I’ll be excited!


I am thankful for... 

Awesome friends, co-leaders, and more!


From the learning rooms...

We are on vacation for another week, but are enjoy the postcards coming in from our States Postcard Swap. The kids are loving it!

From the kitchen... 

We had left over Corn Chowder and Grilled Cheese for dinner. Perfect for this chilly day!

I am wearing... 

Jeans, Sweat shirt


I am creating... 

Lots of organization, and the next 10 weeks of curriculum.


I am going...

To be busy for the next 4 months, I hope to come up for a breath at some point.

I am reading...

Looking for a new series to read.


I am hoping...

This week doesn’t get to crazy.. Lots to get done.

I am hearing... 

The TV, and my hubby crunching on chips. Driving me looney!

 
Around the house... 

I have more laundry to finish, dishes to do, and more organizing to finish.


One of my favorite things...

Spring days, when it is sunny and warm.


A few plans for the rest of the week: 

This week, Cub Scouts, visit friends, pick up a cake, birthday party, doc appt, visit another friend, and a playdate, another birthday party.. and I think that is it… You?


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Little Monkey on her birthday! Happy 7th Birthday Baby!

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Sunday, February 19, 2012

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal

 

 

 

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In my life this week…

I have been sick… Finally caught the kids cold, after everyone else was over it. (always the way isn’t it?)

In between that.. I spent most of the week trying to fix my car.

Replaced a door handle … See below to see how fun that was.

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Then I helped my dad replace a steering rack and pinion.

New tire, and alignment and we were good to go for another year.. Why does it seem like vehicles, while nice are such a hassle?

In our homeschool this week…

We are on vacation still, should be starting up after this upcoming week.

However, we have been working on our Postcard Swap. We have gotten 24 postcards so far…

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We finally got ours in the mail… got them addressed, so hopefully I can get to the post office and get stamps tomorrow and mail them.

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Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Sometimes joining some cool swaps, are fun, and had some cool factors to our schooling.

This one cost a little bit of money (ordering the cards, and postage) but it will be worth it for the smiles and cool things we learn!


Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This next week we are going to be extremely busy with lots to do..

We have scouts….

visiting with friends...

Little Monkey’s Birthday Party….

Doctor appt, and another visit….

and a play date…

My favorite thing this week was…

A lunch date with one of my best friends, and my Pampered Chef Party… We had a blast!

What’s working/not working for us…

Trying to find this next years curriculum. I can’t seem to find any good deals, and funds are low. I’m not giving up though.

Questions/thoughts I have…

Do you do science once a week, twice a week or more? I’m curious.

Things I’m working on…

Getting our next 8.. opps I mean 10 wks of curriculum together. We only had 2 more weeks after our regular 8 weeks to finish off the year, and so I am just going to tack them on, and then start our next year after a little break.

I’m reading…

Nothing at the moment, working on trying to find a new series to read.

I’m cooking…

Tonight is left over corn chowder, and grilled cheese for dinner. Scout night, so we are in a hurry.

I’m grateful for…

All the wonderful friends I have that help me, encourage me, and keep me going.


A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

My picture I’m sharing today, is Little Monkey with her birthday pie, on her birthday!

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Saturday, February 18, 2012

Yoplait Winner is…

 

 

 

Congrats #19!!

Johannah!


Look for an email from me. You have 48hrs to respond or I have to chose a new winner.

Be sure to check back soon, for new giveaways!

Friday, February 17, 2012

Is it ever to early??

 

 

 

I know your going to think I’m weird.. but I was out shopping the other day, and I came across these cute little wands, and some other odds and ends. It made me think Halloween!!

Yes, you read that right… I am always trying to stay ahead of the game. Plus, I like to spread my cost out over the course a of a few months, instead of all at once. I mean with three kids, that can be quite costly.

My kids love to pick out Halloween costumes, but they always want the super fancy ones. At the department store that can run you any where from $30-40 for a good one. Then you sometimes have to still add accessories.

Halloween Mart has some really good costumes to choose from. They have anything from princesses and vampires, to food costumes. They have adult costumes, child costumes, and even pet costumes, so you could buy one for your whole family.

It is never to early to start looking. You could buy a costume a month, or every few months. I think this is something we are going to do this year, so we can get our costumes without spending a fortune. Another great things is they have some good clearance deals on costumes right now too. (another reason I love to get a jump on the season)

Let me know if you pick on out?

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Thankful Thursday

 

 

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Today I am thankful for my youngest child. She is turning 7 today.. While I’m sad to see her grow up (ok, down right sobbing)… She is becoming such a smart, generous little lady.

Happy Birthday!!!

Sage Riding bike Sept 2010

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Our weekend…

 

 

Sorry, I’m a few days late getting this up. I have been super busy with our weekly activities, and appointments.

Then I had to work on my car, and get it ready for inspection. Oh, so many things to do as an adult!

Back to our weekend…

We had a great time, and I even relaxed! Can you believe that? Our first night, we had dinner, and then headed down to go swimming.. the only problem was for a heated pool, it was cool.  I love to swim, but I couldn’t even bare being in it. Off to the hot tub I went! The kids mustered through it, and swam for a bit, till they were to cold.

Then we had a snack, watched some TV, and headed to bed.

On the following day we had a bit more fun. Went to our all time favorite store Goodwill, and got some great deals. Got a bunch of books for school (lol, couldn’t help myself), a new jacket, and a few pairs of pants for hubby! Then we headed off to the Mall. It has been 4 yrs since we had been to the mall. Boy has a lot changed! One thing made me super happy though, they put in a Johnny Rockets in the Food Court, while not a full restaurant it is there! Loved that place when we lived in FL.

While at the mall we had lunch at the food court. Which for a family of five, is sometimes a good thing. Monkey Man got Teriyaki Chicken at the Japanese place. Girls got spaghetti at the pizza place, and me and hubs got orange chicken at Panda Express! YUM!

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After the mall we headed to the Scout Shop, and got Middle Monkey his Boy Scout shirt for next year. Then back to our room to go swimming again.

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Grabbed a quick dinner and head off to the highlight of our weekend… Disney on Ice!!! We met up with friends from our Girl Scout Troop. This years was Treasure Trove, which included a few new acts we hadn’t seen. Here are a few pictures from our night…

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After the show, we headed back to our hotel, and watched some TV. The kids made it till midnight when they and I finally passed out.

The following morning, we got up and slowly got our stuff together, and packed up. After we checked out, we headed off to the Girl Scout Shop, where I got some patches for my troop. (they are going to be super excited) Then we made a stop at Toys R Us, so Little Monkey could pick out a toy and pay with money she got from her Nana & Papa.  That totally made her day!

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Then we made a quick stop off at the bookstore. They put in a Books-a-million! I’m so excited to have one in the state. LOVE that place!

Then we headed off to the mall, to finish the half we didn’t do the day before. We also met up with our friends again, and hang out for a few minutes.  

Before going away, we knew that there was a Cracker Barrel near where we were staying, and we love it. Unfortunately the only one in the state of Maine, is 2 hrs away from us. So we knew that was one place we wanted to stop before coming back home. Therefore, that was were we went for lunch. Yum! I got my favorite Chicken Sandwich!

After that, we got gas, and headed towards home… We were sad to leave, but had a great time, and made some great memories.  Just what we all needed!

What did you do last weekend? Have you ever been to a Disney on Ice Show?

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. George Washington-Abraham Lincoln-Thomas Jefferson...who would you most like to meet and why?

If I had to choose one to meet, I would pick Abraham Lincoln. I think that he would be awesome to speak too.


2. What's your favorite chain restaurant?

Oh, it’s a toss up… I would have to say that I have two. I can’t choose between them..
Olive Garden and Cracker Barrel


3. I spied this question on the

Bears at Home blog last week and she gave me permission to steal borrow it-

When you look back on your life, do you imagine you'll think about the goals you failed to meet with regret? Or will you look at what you accomplished and say: it was good?

I think that I feel like I have failed some, and accomplished some, but think that I did the best I could at times, and I’m ok with that..

4. Grapefruit-take 'em or leave 'em? Given the choice between an orange and a grapefruit which would you choose? Would you prefer it served as is or squeezed into juice?

I would pick an orange if I had to chose between the two. However, I do like an occasionally red grapefruit.

5. When was the last time you cleaned out a closet? Is there a closet in your home that currently needs cleaning? What are you waiting for?

The other day… I cleaned one out a closet, but I have more that need to be cleaned, and organized. I need more totes, and shelving.

6. You get to have lunch with three famous people...who would you like to see round your table?

Three famous people.. Hmmm… Tough Choice

1. Guy Fieri
2. Vin Diesel
3. Nicholas Sparks

 

7. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your ability to parallel park?

Honestly right now, probably a 2.. I haven’t like parallel parked since I got my license. Yes, sad I know.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Tomorrow my baby turns 7!!! Can you believe that? Cause I sure can’t… time has flown. I’m so sad that she is growing up so fast. Happy Birthday Little Monkey!!! I love you!

Growing to fast…

Happy Birthday to my Little Crazy Monkey!!!

I can’t believe you are 7 today… Where has the time gone?

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5th Birthday

 

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6th Birthday

 

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A few months ago….

I have never met such a happy go lucky person in my life!

You are truly a delight and highlight to my life. I can’t image life without you…

Keep being the smart, strong, sweet, friendly little girl you are!

I love you!!!!!!

Monday, February 13, 2012

TOS Review: ALEKS

 

 

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Are you looking for a program to help your child reach their potienel in Math?

Recently we got the chance to review ALEKS. What is ALEKS, I’m sure is your first question, since it was mine. Well, ALEKS stands for Assessment, and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces.

Your next question I bet is.. What does ALEKS teach/do for your child? The answer is..  it is a web based learning program that helps tell a students knowledge state and helps them learn.

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Aleks avoids multiple choice questions and instead uses easy to use answer input tools. That are suppose to mimic paper and pencil. 

It is available in English and Spanish.

What Math does Aleks cover??

  • Quick Tables (multiplication)
  • Pre-Algebra
  • Algebra
  • High School Geometry
  • Algebra 2
  • Pre- Calculus
  • Trig
  • Mastery of SAT Math
  • AP Calculus
  • AP Physic's
  • Accounting
  • And so much more!

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This program really begins for kids in 3rd grade. Monkey Man was the one that used this program. He currently does math at a 6th grade level (he is in 4th).

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Our Thoughts:

He had a hard time with this one.. He just did not care for it. I think it was to hard for the younger child. I think that really this is geared more towards Junior High, High School level.

I would have to agree with him… this wasn’t for him. It might work for another child, but did not work for him. I would think it would be more suitable for a High School student.

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Cost:

Is $19.95/ month per student

$99.95 for 6 months

$179.95 for a year

You can go here to learn about a Family Discount if you have more than one child that would be using it.

If you would like to see more about what the Tos Crew members are saying about it..

 

*We were given a free trial of ALEKS in exchange for our honest opinion as part of the TOS Crew. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys.

Menu Plan Monday:

 

 

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Sunday:

My mom made a yummy soup, with leftover pork roast, pasta, carrots, and corn

Monday:

Probably just sandwiches, or a Quesadillas'  (its our busy day)

Tuesday:

Pulled Pork Sandwiches  and Peanut Butter Pie for dessert

Wednesday:

Leftovers

Thursday:

Little Monkey’s Birthday Dinner.. She requested Pancakes, and bacon

Friday:

Baked Ziti, Salad, and Garlic Bread

 

Saturday:

Roast Chicken, oven potatoes, and a veggie!