Monday, April 30, 2012

Who could use a massage?!

 

 

 

As mother’s we are always super busy. I know, I am! One of the first things they say when you become a mom, is make sure you take time for yourself. However, that is usually way easier said than done. I’m horrible for taking time for myself.

Wahl Massagers are one way to make this easier for you. As a mom we work super hard, and so Wahl wants to make life a bit easier on us. They are giving away 50 massagers away to 50 very deserving moms for Mother’s Day!!!


What special things do you usually do for Mother’s Day? Do you have a family tradition? Since I became a mom, my kids (with the help of my hubby) make me breakfast in bed. Which always has a lovely homemade card with it. Then we spend the day together, watching movies, or playing outside. The perfect Mother’s Day in my book. Once my kids get older though, I won’t lie, a nice getaway could be fun! Smile 

 

If you can’t make it to the spa for a nice relaxing Mother’s Day bring the spa to you. If you “Like” Wahl’s Facebook Page, you can nominate a deserving mom you know to win a “Mom Relief Package”.  Just simply leave a comment on their page about the person, and why you think they deserve to win. All entries will be judged for their uniqueness and sincerity. Winners will all be chosen by May 13th.

 

I was able to test out the Deep Tissue Massager, and boy was that just amazing! My husband was anxious to see what arrived in the mail, so he opened the box right up. Then he ripped it open, took it out, plugged it in and tested it out on me. Oh my, how great that felt. It is amazing how much that helped even in a few minutes. My back felt so much better. I love that the handle is long enough, that if you want to do it yourself (incase no one is around, or you can’t bribe your kids) you can reach your neck and back yourself.

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It comes with 4 attachments;

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  • The Deep Muscle Attachment
  • The Four-Finger Flex Attachment
  • Accupoint Attachment
  • Raised Bump Attachment

 

Besides feeling like you have been at the Spa all day after using this, it has great benefits. It helps with pain management, which I’m sure every mom can associate with. After childbirth, or just carrying that child around. Plus it helps increase the blood flow in your body. It can also help with muscle tension. (I have so much of that) Helps regulate blood pressure, and reduce anxiety. I recently have been having really bad time with anxiety, so this could be really helpful for me. In the last week, I have used this a 3-5 times, and I can already feel a huge difference in my shoulders where I carry all of my STRESS! Plus I have had a bit less anxiety.

I’m totally in love with this thing, and can see it being used a lot in the near future!

Don’t forget to go nominate someone to win!

 

*I received a Wahl Massager as part of a review through Mamabzz Media. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Simple Woman’s Day book:

 

 

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FOR TODAY

April 30th, 2012


Outside my window...

It is sunny.. and I think it will be another nice day.

I am thinking...

Wow, do I have a lot to do this week… but that is usually the same for each week. Right?  


I am thankful for... 

Beautiful days, and amazing people


From the learning rooms...

We are hopefully finishing up this week.. YAY!

From the kitchen... 

Thinking meatloaf, mashed taters, and a veggie.

I am wearing... 

Jeans, t-shirt, and my flip flops! (love that I can wear them again)


I am creating... 

New walls, and trying to pick colors..


I am going...

to have lots of fun this week! I think that starting with a positive attitude.

I am reading...

The Chesapeake Shores Series, by Sherryl Woods.


I am hoping...

for many things!!

I am hearing...  

My kids be silly little people.


Around the house... 

We have lots of laundry to fold, and wash! Floors to sweep, wash. Beds to make, dishes to wash. Yup, I’m so far behind!


One of my favorite things...

Spending time with my family!


A few plans for the rest of the week: 

4H, building more walls, appointments, a play, time with friends, gardening… Yup, gonna be a busy week!


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Monkey Man made a robot suit from a box. I love his imagination!!

 

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Sunday, April 29, 2012

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal

 

 

 

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In my life this week…

We have been really busy again..

4H…

Appointments…

Putting up sheet rock…

fun with friends…

church functions…

and a Girl Scout Party…

last but not least a Cub Scout Crossover!

In our homeschool this week…

There was math…

spelling..

history…

and Geography!

We are busy little people!

Want to read more, swing by our blog.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Have fun on some really cool field trips.. Field trip season are approaching… and I am anxious to have some fun with my Crazy Monkey’s!! Smile 

I am inspired by…

amazing stories about people around the world who have triumphed above all. I love to read their success stories, and learn more amazing things that will help us in our journey.

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

This week, we will be doing Pottery at 4H…

more appointments…

seeing a play..

enjoying time with friends..

and working around our house!

My favorite thing this week was…

Seeing the amazing accomplishments of my great kids!

What’s working/not working for us…

Taking things one day at a time…

Questions/thoughts I have…

How many more days do you all have left for his year? We are done this week..

Things I’m working on…

Getting a start on next years curriculum, field trips, and fun things we are going to do.

Plus finishing up our walls, and getting ready to paint. Wait til you see what is in the heads of these Crazy Monkey’s. Gonna be fun!

I’m reading…

Finishing up the Cheaspeake Shores Series, by Sherryl Woods. (really good books)

I’m cooking…

Not sure what we are having tonight.. Just don’t feel like cooking. LOL..

I’m grateful for…

My amazing family…

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

Life is only what you make it..

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Amazing food…

 

 

Any of you that follow me on Facebook… Have probably seen me asking and trying to figure out how to get a Bountiful Basket Program in my area.

There is nothing better to me, than fresh fruit and vegetables. However, not everyone can achieve that, or afford it. So, I had started a mission to find out a way to get one in our area.

However, I didn’t have to! I was going through some status updates on my page, and saw someone talking about a similar program here in our area. I was beyond excited!!!

So, within a few minutes flat.. I had gone on and signed up for this program. I am all for helping the local farmers, and our local economy. The Local CSA, has a program called the “Pickup”. Every Wednesday we pick up a basket that has great local products in it. Depending on what is in season.

Here is one from last week…

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In this basket we had salad greens, pea shoots, potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, salad turnips, radishes, frozen strawberries, beans, and gouda cheese.

The night we got them, we made an amazing salad with all our salad ingredients, and roasted the potatoes, and artichokes to go along with dinner. I love eating fresh, and local. Smile 

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One of the best things I am loving from this program is that my kids eat more fresh foods, but also are so much more likely to try new things. That night they tried 3 new things, and liked them all. Its great!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

TOS Crew Review: Critical Thinking Skills- Balance Math Teaches Algebra

 

 

 

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We have used Critical Thinking a few times in the past. Since Monkey Man is good at math, I like to buy him things that are fun, but still involve the math, so he doesn’t get bored. Cause that is really the challenge in school isn’t it? Keeping the kids liking the subjects, or encouraging them to want to learn things they may not care for?

I have two children that love math, and one that does well with it, but isn’t a huge fan of it. I’m always trying to find ways to incorporate it in everyday learning, as well as making it fun. Critical Thinking really helps make that possible.

This time we got to try Critical Thinking Balance Math Teaches Algebra. Which Monkey Man thought was really cool. He loved that it wasn’t in his words “As much like the Algebra in his normal text books”.

What makes Critical Thinking Balance Math Teaches Algebra different from another work book? They use puzzle like problems to teach them to simplify and solve them.

If you would like to check out some of the products they offer before you buy them, you can go here. They offer a very wide variety.

Critical Thinking Balance Math Teaches Algebra is a 64 page book, with 52 activities. You can purchase it for $14.99. You can order them straight from their website, or call them at 1-800-458-4849.

See what our TOS Crew members are saying about Critical Thinking.

*Disclaimer: We were given this product free of charge from Critical Thinking in exchange for our review. As part of TOS Crew. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Menu Plan Monday:

 

 

 

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A peek at our week..

Sunday-

Simple Chicken Nuggets and French Fries

Monday-

Taco’s

Tuesday-

Chicken Stir Fry over rice

Wednesday-

Pork, oven roasted potatoes, and salad


Thursday-

Spaghetti

Friday-

Pizza

Saturday-

Leftovers

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

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FOR TODAY

April 23rd, 2012


Outside my window...

It is raining so hard!!! IT is nuts. We are suppose to get like 3-4 inches of rain today.

I am thinking...

Wow, I have so much to do today, but I don’t want to go out in the rain.


I am thankful for... 

All the help I have gotten lately!


From the learning rooms...

We are learning all the time, but fitting lessons in when we have the time do to construction. It’s a bit crazy right now, but we are making it. One more week, and we will be done for this year! You can see more here.

From the kitchen... 

Tonight is Taco’s!! Love them!

I am wearing... 

My jeans, t-shirt, and sweatshirt. Its freezing!


I am creating... 

Organization to my chaos!


I am going...

Lots of places this week!

I am reading...

Books by Sherryl Woods. Really liking her!


I am hoping...

That we can get to mudding next week.

I am hearing...  

My kids running around getting ready for 4H


Around the house... 

I’m so behind in laundry and so much more.. Ugh!


One of my favorite things...

Spending time with my friends!


A few plans for the rest of the week: 

4H, appointment, Library, Working on the walls, another appointment, some time with friends, and a girl scout event this weekend!


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Middle Monkey with her Chalk Person

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Sunday, April 22, 2012

The Homeschooling Mothers Journal

 

 

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In my life this week…

We have been straight out..

4H (with Nutrition Classes)

Rearranging..

Working on the garden..

Appointments..

Girl Scouts events..

and so much more!

In our homeschool this week…

We have been pretty crazy catching up. Getting there.. should be done next week. Can’t believe it has been a whole school year. See more at our homeschool blog here.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Enjoy life!!

I am inspired by…

All my wonderful friends, who support me everyday! You rock!!


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

This next week we are going to do pottery, visiting friends, and more appointments.

 

My favorite thing this week was…

Was seeing friends!

What’s working/not working for us…

Having such chaos in our house.. but we are slowly getting there.

Questions/thoughts I have…

What kind of fun things do you plan for the summer?

Things I’m working on…

Lots of reviews, and getting the walls mudded and prepped for painting.

I’m reading…

Lots of books by Sherryl Woods.. Really enjoying her Chesapeake Shores Series.

I’m cooking…

Tonight we had chicken nuggets and french fries. I really didn’t want to cook. LOL!

I’m grateful for…

All the time spent with my family.

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

Here is a picture of my Little Monkey with her new haircut!

Sage Haircut 4.20 (1)

Friday, April 20, 2012

TOS Crew Review: Amazing Science DVD Volume 1


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Today I am so excited to tell you about this product. We recently got the Amazing Science Volume 1 Dvd to review. In this house we love science, so this was a great fit for us. Amazing Science Volume 1  is brought to you by Science & Math dot com.

Jason Gibson has been creating these videos since 2004. He loves to teach math and science without a text book. You can read more about him here.

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On to the good stuff..
I’m guessing you are wandering what kinds of things you can find on this DVD. I will first start by telling you, as a parent one of the key things about this for me. Was that you have most everything you would need to complete one of these experiments. There are very few that you need to pick up things for. LOVE THAT!

Here are the experiments you will find on this Dvd.
Disk 1:
  • Color Changing Milk
  • Egg in a Bottle
  • Exploring Air Pressure
  • Build a Lemon Battery
  • Inverted Cup of Water
  • Candle Suction Power
  • Amazing Magnetic Force
  • Lift an Ice Cube with String
  • Unburnable Monkey
  • Matchstick Speedboat
  • Cloud in a Bottle
  • Reversing an Imagine with Water
Disk 2:
  • Floating Eggs
  • Keeping Paper Dry Under Water
  • Dry Ice Bubbles
  • Balloon in a Candle Flame
  • Ocean in a Bottle
  • Build a Motor with Lights
  • Simple Lava Lamp
  • Invisible Ink
  • Density Tower
  • Soda Can Fizz
  • Build a Motor #2


Now that I have you intrigued!
Here are some video’s of a few things we did at our Science Class with some other homeschool friends. 




 Egg Experiment


Milk Changing








Price:
You can buy Amazing Science Dvd Volume 1  for $19.95 the DVD (which is two disks). Or you can pay $17.99 for a digital download.

My kids have begged to do the experiments over and over. I have to say this is so much fun, even my husband and I enjoyed them! Their were even times we were like “THAT IS SO COOL”.
We will defiantly be getting another one.

See what the rest of the TOS Crew is saying about this product! 


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*Disclaimer: We received this DVD from Science and Math.com no cost to me for a honest review, as part of the TOS Crew. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Monkey Man turns 10!!!

 

 

 

Oh my!! How can it be possible that my first baby is going to be 10??!! Double digits? How is that possible?

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Monkey Man 2 yrs ago @ Hollywood Studio's

Time is flying by… I can’t believe he is growing up so fast. I remember being pregnant with my little man. I was so excited, but I never imagined he would bring so much love, happiness, and excitement to my life.

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Last Summer.. (so handsome)

Monkey Man is one of the most unique children I know. As a baby, I never knew he was around. He was so quiet, and well behaved. As he got bigger he still did well at keeping himself occupied.

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Last month…

 

Now, he never ceases to amaze me. He is such a loveable little man!

He really hasn’t changed much over the last year.. He still loves to read, learn, and play with his Lego’s!

I’m very proud of you Monkey Man.. You are a handsome, smart, great young man! Keep up the great work! Love ya!

<3 Happy Birthday Monkey Man <3 !!!

 

Monday, April 16, 2012

Menu Plan Monday

 

 

 

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Welcome back for another week of food… Do you make a Menu Plan? I really find that it helps, especially the big “What are we going to have for supper” drill.

Sunday:

Left over Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and peas

Monday:

Cracker Chicken, and Pasta Salad

Tuesday:

(Monkey Man’s B-day Menu a day early)

Chicken Parmesan with alfredo sauce

Banana\Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Wednesday:

Leftovers  (the boys will be bowling and having pizza)

Thursday:

Turkey Stew

Friday:

Steak, French Fries, and Salad

Saturday:

Fend for yourself night

 

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

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FOR TODAY

April 16, 2012


Outside my window...

It is so nice out… Warm, and sunny.. the birds are chirping, and it is starting to really feel like spring.  YAY!

I am thinking...

How is it possible that my Monkey Man turns 10 in two days??!! Double Digits! It just doesn’t seem like that much time has gone by.


I am thankful for... 

The last two years of time I have gotten to spend with my children, since time seems to go by so fast. I can’t imagine how much more sad I would be feeling if my son went to school everyday instead. I am glad we have this time to bond, and learn more about each other.


From the learning rooms...

We are super busy having fun, and finishing up the last couple weeks of school. We have some cool field trips coming up, and we are enjoying what life has to offer right now. Things are just really going good for us!

If you would like to read more about our school, please go to our school blog The Monkey School.

From the kitchen... 

Tonight we are having spaghetti, nice and quick and easy! Perfect for our crazy Monday Nights!

I am wearing... 

My jean’s (but considering my shorts if they weren’t buried right now), t-shirt, and flip flops!!!!


I am creating... 

So really cool tye dyed t-shirts today.. for my girl scout troop! I’m so excited, and can’t wait to surprise them this weekend with them!


I am going...

To be super busy again this week, but with all kinds of fun things! Don’t you like being busy??

I am reading...

The same books… haven’t had time to read this past week. But should this week, cause Hubby is closing a few nights (my reading time waiting for him to get out of work)


I am hoping...

That things start to settle down this week, and chaos comes to a holt. I need some normalcy in my life again soon.

I am hearing...  

People moving about my house… as I finish this up, and think I really should be frosting the rest of those Whoopie Pies. Wanna help?


Around the house... 

It is such a mess, with so many things in temporary homes. I have a ton of laundry to do, and to fold. Plus I need to clean the bathroom, and sweep the floors.


One of my favorite things...

Spending time with my family and friends.


A few plans for the rest of the week: 

4H, Cub Scout Clean up, Girl Scout planning meeting, Library, Science Class, Monkey Man’s B-day, Play Date, Playground time, and a Girl Scout Class this weekend. (Very busy!)


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Middle Monkey at a quick impromptu tour of the Fire Station last week!

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Sunday, April 15, 2012

Homeschool Mother’s Journal:

 

 

 

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In my life this week…

It has been super crazy…

More construction going on at my house…

We enjoyed friends company…

The kids did some more planning about colors/themes of their rooms…

We visited with friends…

and had lots of FUN!

In our homeschool this week…

We have been super busy, trying to catch up.. and keep up. Plus we have been working on some fun projects.

The kids love the science class we have with friends, and are always looking forward to that! (I do too)

You can see more at our Homeschool Blog.. The Monkey School

(course I need to catch it up.. hehehe)

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Think about the present not the future!

I am inspired by…

My children… they keep me going everyday!

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

This week we have 4H,

Little Monkey has a Girl Scout Field Trip,

Monkey Man has a Cub Scout Clean up,

Science class, and this weekend we have a Girl Scout Trip planned for my troop.

My favorite thing this week was…

Spending so much time with awesome friends!

What’s working/not working for us…

Going with what works for us, instead of doing what we think we “Need” to do.

Questions/thoughts I have…

What is your favorite subject? I’m curious!

Things I’m working on…

Finishing our construction project… starting our gardens… finishing school.. and reorganizing. Nothing much really! LOL!

I’m reading…

Some books by Sheryl Woods & Susan Wiggs

I’m cooking…

Today we are having cracker chicken, and pasta salad

I’m grateful for…

Lots of things

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

Monkey Man with his new reading glasses on..

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Saturday, April 14, 2012

TOS Review: AIMS

 

 

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AIMS? Have you heard of them before? We have had the privilege of reviewing two of their products this year.

We were super excited to get the opportunity for this second one. This time we were able to review AIMS Fabulous Fractions.

Math is a strong subject in this house, for everyone but me. (Haha) However, Monkey Man was struggling a bit with fractions. Which can you really blame him? They can be a bit confusing.

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AIMS has a way of making the fractions fun. The best part of it for us, is that they make it hands on. Monkey Man is a very visual learner, so the hands on part makes it much easier for him to understand it.

Monkey Man always starts by wanting to know why we need to know these things. So, I usually try to start by showing him daily things were we use fractions. Which was not hard this time. I explained that fractions are important to know for cooking (which he helps with) and also for carpentry (which he saw first hand during our construction).

There are many group activities you can use with this curriculum, which got a bit tricky sometimes with us. However, some of it was something I could teach the girls as well, simple concepts anyway..

The book has 4 different sections:

  • Concepts, Models, and Operations
  • Applications
  • Playful and Intelligent Practice
  • Assessment

This book is geared towards Grades 3-5 and has 22 activities.

 

Monkey Man’s Thoughts:

He said he thought the way they taught fractions was better than the way I tried to teach them. He still find them a bit confusing. However, he loves the hands on parts. He says they make more sense.

My Thoughts:

I think that AIMS is a great curriculum. I think it is wonderful how they break the concepts down to understand. Using crayons, people, or circles.  While some of the activities are wonderful, lots are geared towards groups. We could make this work, but others might not be able too.

Check out a preview of this book here

Price:

AIMS Fabulous Fractions are very reasonable in price. You can purchase the book for $ 21.95 or you can get the PDF file for $ 19.95.

They have so many other books to choose from as well. Great resource to add to your curriculum you are already using! See what the other TOS Crew members are saying.

* AIMS gave us a copy of this book for review, in exchange for our honest opinion as part of the TOS Crew. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Bobble Bots Moshi Monsters Party/Review:

 

 

 

Have you heard of Bobble Bots Moshi Monsters? I hadn’t until recently. I guess that is one of the downfalls of homeschooling my kids, we don’t always hear about the newest/ hottest toy on the market. Winking smile 

Bobble Bots Moshi Monsters were created by the makers of Hex Bug.   So what is a Bobble Bot Moshi Monster you ask?? Well, it is a little vibrating collectable toy, that you can also get play sets for.

We recently had a Bobble Bot Moshi Monster party. The monkey’s love being one of the first kids to get cool toys like this. So, they were eager to make out their friends list of who was going to join us.

The morning of we set up a few of the play sets to play with, and see what they were all about. Here are a few of the ones the kids chose to open and keep.

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It was so hard to keep the kids contained they wanted to play with them so bad. The monkey’s explained a little bit about them first, and then they were off to play. We didn’t see the kids for at least an hour, they were having so much fun.

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We decided to take one of the sets, one Bobble Bot as door prizes!

A few things that you will find if you purchase a Bobble Bot. You will find a code inside each product to unlock something special on the Moshi Monsters world. Which is an online game that goes along with the toy.

My kids have checked it out a little bit, but have not played much on the site. Looks really neat though! The basic version of the game is free.

We really had a lot of fun with these! If you would like to check them out more you can go to their Twitter page, or Facebook page. 

Who is your favorite Bobble Bot??!

*We received the free product as part of a promotional program with Innovation First Labs and MomSelect.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Simple Woman’s Daybook

 

 

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FOR TODAY

April 9th, 2012


Outside my window... It is a rainy day.. Cloudy with on and off showers. Blah!

I am thinking...

Wow, can’t believe that my little man turns 10 in 9 days!!! 10!!!


I am thankful for... 

My awesome Co-leader that has been great this year, and very helpful. We make such a great team, and for that I am very thankful!


From the learning rooms...

We have been busy getting our work done. We are still a bit behind, but doing a little extra everyday to catch up. We should still be done in two weeks, if everything goes right. Smile 

Check out our blog The Monkey School to see what we have been up too.

From the kitchen... 

Tonight we are eating Pizza at a Cub Scout event. Tonight they are having their end of the year celebration and then cake to celebrate Monkey Man’s B-day!

I am wearing... 

Jeans, my lime green girl scout shirt, and sneakers.


I am creating... 

Lots of things right now.. Fair projects, Educational fair projects, girl scout events, and new school year plan. Phew!


I am going...

To be busy every weekend for the rest of this month! Wish me luck!

I am reading...

Another book by Sheryl Woods (she is really good)


I am hoping...

That the rest of this month goes a bit more smoothly.

I am hearing...

My kids outside playing with their new Hula Hoops!

 
Around the house... 

Just got some dishes, sweeping, and more laundry to do.. Phase two of our construction should be starting this week! YAY!


One of my favorite things...

Spending time with my friends.. we had some good times this week/weekend!


A few plans for the rest of the week: 

4H, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Science Class, play date, grocery shopping, and a birthday party… You?


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Little Monkey with her pin wheel she made for a wind class we had last week. More on our school site.

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Menu Plan Monday

 

 

 

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This week is another pantry challenge, other than Easter…

Sunday (Easter):

We are having Lasagna & Garlic Bread (yup, we are a bit out of the norm)

 

Monday:

We are eating at Cub Scouts..  Pizza & Chips for the end of the year celebration. Plus cake to celebrate Monkey Man’s Birthday.

Tuesday:

Turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots, turnip, and stuffing

Wednesday:

Leftovers

Thursday:

Turkey Stew (if there is still Turkey left)

Friday:

Pizza

Saturday:

Cracker Chicken, oven roasted potatoes, and a veggie

Sunday, April 8, 2012

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal

 

 

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In my life this week…

This week has seemed to fly by.. Not really even sure where it went.

Started 4H again, after being on a break for a month

Got some school work done,

Spent a lazy day just hanging out

Had an appt, and spent a day with my Middle Monkey

Went to some Easter Hunts, spent the day with a friend,

Enjoyed Easter with my family…

In our homeschool this week…

We have been trying to catch up on some back work.. and we have been enjoying some fun days!

You can see more at our Homeschool Blog.. The Monkey School

(course I need to catch it up.. hehehe)

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Don’t stress about getting behind…

I am inspired by…

Watching my homeschool friends around me! Smile 

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

This week we have 4H,

Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts,

Science class, and a Birthday Party

My favorite thing this week was…

Our Science experiments

 

What’s working/not working for us…

Not stressing about the things we can’t change.

Questions/thoughts I have…

Do you have any problems with your middle school sons not writing? Or getting them to write?

Things I’m working on…

Finishing up this year, and working on the start of our next year. Can’t believe this year is all over.

I’m reading…

Some books by Sheryl Woods

I’m cooking…

We are the abnormal people, for Easter we decided to have Lasagna

 

I’m grateful for…

All the opportunities my kids have gotten through scouts, and 4H. We have been very blessed.

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

"Love is a fabric which never fades, no matter how often it is washed in the water of adversity and grief."

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Saturday, April 7, 2012

TOS Review: WORLD Writing

 

 

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Looking for writing programs? There are many of them out there. Today I’m going to give you some information on a new one I’ve been looking at.

WORLD Writing comes with a Teachers guide and Student book. This is curriculum is meant to inspire and encourage your child. As well as help them to become proficient writers, and communicators.

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What WORLD Writing helps teach your child (from the website)

Write with WORLD exposes students to:

  • reading and critical thinking that develop discernment
  • contemporary subjects and professional guidance to pique interest
  • flexible exercises to build confidence and skill for using today's new media
  • a thoughtful and meaningful Christian worldview

 

It also covers these concepts:

  • Writing Fundamentals
  • Reporting
  • Reviewing
  • Critique & opinion
  • Concepts of comparative and critical reading

Does this sound like something that your child would benefit from?

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Here is some of what you will find in the Teachers Edition and a sample lesson.

Still interested? You can pre-order Year one for $95 it will be available this summer, and beginning in September the online part will go live.

See what others from TOS Crew are saying about this product!

*Disclaimer: I was given the opportunity to review this product in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Crew. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys.

Friday, April 6, 2012

TOS Review: TruthQuest History

 

 

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History is one of my Monkey’s favorite subjects. We just love to learn about all the history we can. Monkey Man is stuck on anything that teaches about Ancient Greece right now.

TruthQuest History guides are a wonderful resource if you have a history lover like me. These guides are a great chronological time periods of history. They are geared toward older children, however they have reading list for younger children as well. All of which you can find at your local library. I know, because upon receiving this I went through and requested a bunch of books to go with it.

 

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Honestly, I was a bit worried about this at first. Why? Well, this is not like any other History curriculum I have used or even looked at before. We are used to straight forward, lessons planned out for us curriculum. This made me a bit nervous. Being a still new to the homeschooling world (only my 2nd year).. I still struggle sometimes with putting good lessons together.

 

There was really no need for me to worry though. Upon opening the book, the first few pages were “Notes to Dad & Mom”, it was almost like they knew I need that. In this section it gives you suggestions on how to plan your lessons. Smile

 

What to expect in the guide:

  • A summary to each section
  • Reading lists, by grade level
  • ThinkWrite- are placed throughout the guide
  • An Appendix in the back of the guide that gives you sample answers to your ThinkWrite sections.

Middle Monkey really enjoyed this History. He loves to learn it so much, that we only made it through a few of the sections. He wanted to read a majority of the books listed for each section. Plus we did a few projects to go along with a section.

I really loved how it really can be a self guided History program. He could just sit and read the books, do this ThinkWrite, and then come to me with what he learned. He loved the independence he got along with it, while learning something he loved.

Defiantly a program I think we will be using more of in the future.

TruthQuest History Guides, has many different guides to choose from depending on what part of history you are in. The Ancient Greece Guide starts at $19.95 for the PDF or $24.95 for the book. You can see a sample section here.

See what other TOS Crew members are saying..

*Disclaimer: I was given TruthQuest History Guide to review, in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Crew. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys.