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??!

The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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)

 

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!  

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!

TOS Review: Reading Eggs

 

 

 

 

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Thankful Thursday:

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 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.  

 

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….

 

TOS Review: Beeyoutiful

 

 

 

 

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!

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.

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!   You can order it online here, or you can call them at 1-800-556-0967.

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.