Shannon's Sharings

Wednesday's Website

2011-07-27T09:03:00.000-04:00

Paper dolls from around the world
http://www.education.com/worksheets/paper-dolls/

These seem to include a bit of a guessing game and a bit of info. Might be perfect for some children!

Menu on a Monday!

2011-07-25T20:43:00.005-04:00

Monday- Scrambled egg parmesan soft crust pizza
Tuesday- Concert & Subway
Wednesday- Pizza muffins
Thursday- Macaroni and cheese casserole
Friday- Enchilada rice
Saturday- Leftovers!
Sunday- French Toast (with sausage for the boys)

Wednesday's Website

2011-07-20T06:38:00.000-04:00

Montessori Friends-
Check out the FREE moveable alphabet available to print!

http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=48708&it=1&SRC=Newsletter

I love http://www.currclick.com/index.php and regularly order stuff still!

Book Basket

2011-07-18T19:28:00.003-04:00

Warning...this list is extensive!!!!
These are all a list for Joshua for the upcoming year. (Many of these are from the http://www.sonlight.com/ booklists and some are just books we want Josh to read and series he has started and enjoys.)

The Big Balloon Race (I Can Read Book 3)
Greg's Microscope (I Can Read Book 3)
Hill of Fire (An I Can Read Book, Level 3)
Surprises (I Can Read Book 3)
The Sword in the Tree (Trophy Chapter Book)
The Titanic: Lost and Found (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4)
Wagon Wheels (I Can Read, Book 3) (Book & CD
Chalk Box Kid (Stepping Stone, paper)
Clara and the Bookwagon (I Can Read Book 3)
Cora Frear
The House on Walenska Street (Puffin Chapters)
Jake Drake, Bully Buster
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie (1st Avenue)
The Last Little Cat
The Long Way to a New Land (I Can Read Book 3)
The Long Way Westward (I Can Read Book 3)
Paint Brush Kid (Stepping Stone, paper)
Prairie School (I Can Read Book 4)
Riding the Pony Express
Tippy Lemmey
Tornado (Trophy Chapter Books)
Viking Adventure
Along Came a Dog (Harper Trophy Books)
Frindle
Henry and Ribsy
Lumber Camp Library
McBroom's Wonderful One-Acre Farm: Three Tall Tales
More Stories from Grandma's Attic (The Grandma's Attic Series)
Ralph S. Mouse
Socks
Shadrach (Harper Trophy Books)
The Toothpaste Millionaire
The Whipping Boy
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma
The Hundred Dresses
A to Z Mysteries
Flight of the Phoenix (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book I)
Diary of an Early American Boy: Noah Blake 1805 (Dover Books on Americana)
Our 50 States: A Family Adventure Across America
Ramona Books
Magic Treehouse books
The Boxcar Children Books
Time Warp Trio Series

Wednesday's Websites

2011-07-13T15:49:00.002-04:00

Hope summer is going good for everyone! We are spending time together, making a bunny lapbook, spending tons of time at a local garden and just enjoying some free time!

I thought I would share a few things that caught my eye recently. Hope you see something that catches yours!

Easy Homemade bread or why I need to stop being a baby and just make this bread!

Teaching Blogs or an amazing list of resources for home and work/school!

Homeschool blog or look freebies!

Nature t-shirt or last years plan that I am finally going to do this year before he grows out of the shirt I bought!

First sewing project for boys! or the project I most want to do but will never get Josh to consider!

Marshmallow Creme frosting or yummy!

Spring Fruit Pizza or a use for that frosting above!

Infinity t-shirt scarf or another example of just how creative I am not!

Pick Your Battles or ONLY READ AT YOUR OWN RISK (naughty word alert!!!!) Funny story about a couple and her shopping!

Literacy Activities - Big Tracks Little Tracks

2011-06-21T11:04:00.001-04:00

Big Tracks Little Tracks
Big Tracks, Little Tracks: Following Animal Prints (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 1)

Whip up some Trail mix to enjoy while searching outside for animal tracks!
Match animals to their tracks with Animal track cards (Look under Zoology- Animal Tracks!)
Advanced track cards here!
Follow the track game from Curious George
Animal track matching game online -- Animal tracks web game
Website to checkout with your child -- http://www.bear-tracker.com/
Make tracks with a Potato stamp like this!

Menu on a Monday!

2011-06-20T06:36:00.002-04:00

Monday- Chicken Fajitas
Tuesday- Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Quick Bread
Wednesday- out and free concert at the library pavilion!
Thursday- Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken (Did not get to it last week!)
Friday- Tortellini Caesar Salad
Saturday- Leftovers!
Sunday- Celebrating Andrew's Birthday!

Literacy Activities- A Pair of Socks

2011-06-19T19:40:00.000-04:00

A Pair of Socks by Stuart J. Murphy

Make a Silly Sock Puppet !
Play online - Sock It matching Web game
Reading color words Sound out word and color.
Sorting socks - great for visual discrimination.
Counting Spots on socks match sock to proper number.
Have a sock race - The person who puts on the most socks in 60 seconds wins!

Father's Day Round Up!

2011-06-15T09:29:00.004-04:00

Father's Day Story Starters

Fill-in the Blank Father's Day Letter

Father's Day Photo Album

Disc Photo Book!

I Love Ewe Sign

Father's Day Crown

Photo Cube Puzzle

20 Dye free Snacks and treats

2011-06-13T15:27:00.015-04:00

This is a list of convenience snack foods and treats that we generally buy for on-the-go moments and school lunches. The ones I listed do not contain dye. We buy all (but one) of these snacks at our local grocery store (Meijer) or at Costco. (The YummyEarth Lollipops I order from Amazon)

Simply Fruit Fruit Rollups

YummyEarth Organic Lollipops, Assorted Flavors, 30-Ounce Container

Annie's Homegrown Berry Patch Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks, 5-Count Pouches (Pack of 4)

Veggie Straws

Crackers (ritz, saltines, etc...)

Tortilla Chips

Veggies and dip

Block cheese cut into cubes (Check ingredients!!! Annato is fine but sometimes they also use yellow lake etc)

Ritz Crackerfuls Four Cheese, 6-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 12) (We currently have Garden Vegetable Flavor)

Teddy Grahams Graham Snacks - Honey, 10 oz

Jelly Belly Fruit Snacks

Lance Fresh Toasty Crackers with rich peanut butter sandwich crackers (40 packs) (Peanut Butter with NON orange cracker only!)

Danimals Smoothies and other varieties of the Danimal brand!!!

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Snack Crackers, Colors, Cheddar Taste, 30-Ounces Carton

Pretzels

Apples with Peanut butter

Grapes, bananas, applesauce (natural)

String cheese

Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars, Apple Cinnamon, 8-Count Bars (Pack of 4) Apple Cinnamon ONLY!

Stacy's Pita Chips, Simply Naked 28 oz

Please feel free to add any dye free options your family loves in the comment section!

Still to come... beverages, breakfast ideas, lunch ideas, dinners, desserts!

Rerun!

2011-06-13T10:45:00.001-04:00

Summer Craft ideas - I posted this list last year but wanted it "upfront" to use again this year! The last foamerator craft looks right up Josh's alley. That is if it ever warms up!

Menu on a Monday!

2011-06-12T22:27:00.005-04:00

Monday- enchilada casserole
Tuesday- spaghetti pie
Wednesday- Out
Thursday- Cream Cheese Chicken
Friday- Pop up pizza
Saturday- Leftovers!
Sunday- frittata and muffins

Rabbits

2011-06-11T22:57:00.001-04:00

Josh is obsessed with Rabbits right now so I am taking advantage of it! Feel free to join us.
Rabbits vs Hares
Rabbit Tangram (scroll down)
Simple Animal Report Idea
Animal Report Graphic Organizers
Rabbit Parts and info
Finish the Sentence writing idea
Peter Rabbit etc activities (scroll down)
Assorted Crafts
Rabbit Lapbook!!!!
Rabbit cardboard tube craft
Geography video

Auditory Discrimination

2011-05-23T06:50:00.006-04:00

If your child is struggling with auditory discrimination, then this list is for you!

Make a Sound bingo - record different noises around the house (toilet flushing, dog barking, phone ringing), take pictures of the items and make a bingo game. (can be purchased as well Sound Bingo (Games) *)

Play with this website Find Sounds and play a sound, have child guess what it is.

Memorize nursery rhymes

Change the beginning sounds of words like "let's have boop and smackers for lunch" Have the child guess what you are saying. (Soup and crackers)

Check this game out for beginning sounds practice Behind the Lions game

Play other sound games Sound game

Play rhyming games rhyme game more rhyming games

Check out all the great printable activities here Prekinders Rhyme activities

Read tons of rhyming stories (esp. Dr Seuss!)

*affiliate link!!!!!

Book Basket

2011-03-02T06:36:00.000-05:00

Book Basket

2011-02-27T13:59:00.003-05:00

Just popping by with a book recommendation!

Joshua borrowed Art Auction Mystery from our local library this week and it is A M A Z I N G!!! It is a game, a book, math and a fine art lesson all in one. The premise is that some art has been stolen and copied and you need to find out who did it. There is a search and find aspect to identify the fake paintings from the originals which is a fun challenge. But I also really love how they incorporate a math lesson by having you figure out how much the theives got paid and graph all the information to solve the crime.

Remember please that Josh is a "special" Kindergartener so I would NOT recommend this book for children so young. Amazon is saying 4-8th grade, I might go down to 2nd with help. Josh can read it just fine but I am helping with the writing aspect of the graph.

Menu on a Monday!

2011-01-10T20:37:00.002-05:00

Monday- Tilapia & half baked potatoes (Did not get to this one last week!)
Tuesday- Lasagna (Another one we did not do last week.)

Wednesday- Might eat out as is our custom but I am leaning toward using up the potatoes by making some roasted potatoes or oven fries and tossing some frozen nuggets in the oven.

Thursday- Brown bag burritos and a quick pizza style burrito for Josh (not a fan of mexican).

Friday- Macaroni & cheese (I'm really starting to wonder what we ate last week!)

Saturday- Hot Hoagies

Sunday- Bacon Cheese Frittata and Muffins

Ideas for next week-
Stuffed muffins
Make ahead muffin melts

1st week of the Big Clean Up!

2011-01-10T20:35:00.005-05:00

It is not about this place... it is about these people!

Well, I completed my first challenge! When glancing at the list, the obvious first choice would be to put away the Christmas stuff. To be honest, the Christmas stuff is not bothering me that much but something else really is driving me nuts!

So I decided to do...

4. Clean Master Bedroom
I know I promised pictures but I actually have a good excuse for once. I grabbed my camera and ATTEMPTED to turn it on but apparently it is broken. I am hoping that I just need to buy a new rechargeable battery. So it sounds like for awhile it will just be cell phone pics!

Now on to the challenge, our bedroom was a M.E.S.S! I had a huge pile of clean clothes in front of my closet. (Andrew and I have Jack and Jill style closets) It was literally knee high and made access to my closet pretty tricky. So I grabbed handfuls of the clothes threw them on my bed and spent the afternoon sorting, folding and putting away.

We took a dinner break, then came home and removed the mattress and box spring from the bed. One of our 2 cats hangs out underneath so you can imagine how super hairy and disgusting it was. We spent about an hour vacuuming (emptying the canister over and over) and vacuuming some more!

I did some more general cleaning and organizing and the room is definitely improved. I did realize though that I need to get to 2.Hang up/Launder/Donate all the clothing in the Master.

Stay tuned to Christmas stuff for this week!

Oh and I have a question...Do you make your beds everyday?

Wednesday's Websites

2011-01-05T21:52:00.004-05:00

Menu on a Monday!

2011-01-03T06:36:00.000-05:00

Monday (Mexican)- Chicken Fajitas
Tuesday (Tomato-ey)- Pop-up Pizza
Wednesday (Wild Card)- Out!
Thursday (Thrifty/Thankful)-Lasagna
Friday (Fancy)- Tortilla encrusted Tilapia and Half baked potatoes***
Saturday (Sandwich)- Hot Hoagies
Sunday (Sunshine)- Creamy Scrambled Eggs, bacon and toast

***Recipe for you!
Half Baked Potatoes
•Potatoes
•Butter/Margarine
•Seasoning salt
Cut raw potatoes in half. Using knife, cut several slits down the length of flesh. Butter flesh of all halves. Sprinkle with season salt. Bake in 350′ oven for 30-60 minutes depending on size of potatoes.

These are my husbands fave. We add even more butter when eating! Enjoy!

Food thoughts for next week
Macaroni and Cheese!
Oreo Truffles We did not get around to making these at Christmas so I definitely want to make them soon.

52 Weeks

2010-12-18T22:05:00.013-05:00

It is not about this place... it is about these people!

Go through/Donate/Put away Christmas decor.
Hang up/Launder/Donate all the clothing in the Master.
Paint the kitchen cabinets.
Clean Master Bedroom.
Clean out everyone's dresser drawers.
Clean out Andrew's Kitchen drawer.
Clean out Cat's cupboard.
Reorganize pots and pans.
Vaccuum out couches.
Organize Family Room.
Organize Living Room.
Organize Dining Room.
Organize Kitchen Counters.
Organize Upstairs Bathroom.
Organize main floor bathroom cabinet.
Organize guest room closet.
Organize Guest room.
Organize Joshua's Books.
Organize Art Supplies.
Organize Coat Closet.
Create Maintenance plan. Flylady????, Motivated Mom or other?
Go through/donate/organize school items.
List sellables on http://www.craigslist.com/ .
Touchup ceiling paint oops'.
Go through and donate toys/books.
Repair nail pops.
Garage- Throw away/put away.
Garage- organize.
Garage- Clean floor.
Get garage window replaced.
Get dishwasher replaced.
Conquer Legos!
Plant Flowers.
Pack/donate adult books and relocate shelves for Children's books.
Seriously consider trying Flylady again...maybe even give it a try.
Paperwork paperwork paperwork!!!!!!
Conquer the desk.
Go through/organize/purge old homeschool/Montessori items.
Get rid of rarely used cookbooks. (freecycle/craigslist?)
Repair undersink area.
Purge computer files that are unnecessary.
Finish baseboard project in Living/Dining.
Repair/replace/refresh all light fixtures.
List Freecycle items (including Microwave).
Get trees trimmed and trim bushes myself.
Paint deck :(
Shop for/purchase solution for living room furniture. (slipcovers?)
Basement walls.
Basement carpet/flooring.
Wash walls (spots).
Hang picture/art in dining and bathroom, etc...
List house for sale.

Well, that is my list/goals. I had intended on a 365 list but quickly realized that was crazy. If I can just do one smallish project a week we can get to a place where goal 52 can be realized and that is really part of our goal. I will try to take AND post pictures of my journey. Befores and Afters!

Wish me luck! So uh, anyone know a good cheap handyman?

Inspiration from around the Web!

2010-12-18T19:37:00.002-05:00

It is not about this place... it is about these people!

I am still recovering and now the boys are sick but I am working on a few things. I thought I would share a few goodies I have found lately...

6 SIMPLE rules

Changing Traditions Timely but....

Motivated mom's planner This is an interesting idea! But I am not ready for this kind of maintenance plan. Right now we are too buried under with all the extras.

http://www.flylady.net/

Lego/Toy Ideas

Organizing Kid's Toys

Lego Organizing Ideas

Lego Labels

Be Right Back!

2010-12-15T13:39:00.002-05:00

I have Bronchitis. I have been on bed rest all week but have to go back to work tomorrow. But then just 2 days and we have 2 weeks off!

It is not about this place... it is about these people!

2010-12-08T05:28:00.001-05:00

It is not about this place... it is about these people!

I am trying to find/create a challenge for myself. It is hard to work and be a mom and do everything that needs to be done. But to be honest.... how well was I really doing before I started working....

Do not get me wrong, I am not talking perfect house and mess of a family! I am talking happy family in a home that makes them feel loved and safe. No one is going to flip out over a few dishes in the sink or pick to vacuum instead of helping Josh with his homework or playing a board game as a family!

But something needs to be done. So from now until January first I plan to come up with, well.... a plan. A challenge of some sort that will involve me making little changes for the next 365 days. So I guess...stay tuned...

To be Continued...

2010-12-07T17:25:00.003-05:00

It is not about this place...it is about these people!

More coming soon!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-11T21:07:00.002-05:00

Here are the links Josh and I are using for some Thanksgiving fun!

Give thanks turkey
Thanksgiving songs
How to draw a turkey
Place setting printables
And one for the little ones I work with at school! Adorable turkey!

Saturday Seven

2010-11-06T23:08:00.005-04:00

I am really enjoying my new job. Nothing else is getting done, the house is a mess and we are finding NO time to do extras with Josh. But I am having fun being back in the classroom.

Josh is adjusting okay to me being back at work but he hates daycare. He does not really have any real reason but he would rather be at my parents the whole week instead of just the 2 days and 3 at the daycare. It is just until June - It is just until June- It is just until June!

Christmas is definitely coming faster this year! We like to have our shopping done before Thanksgiving so we can just avoid the stores and enjoy the season. I am doing okay with the shopping because I mostly buy everything online. Right now I am just waiting on a few things Josh wants to go on sale. Sheesh, he sure does have expensive taste!

Andrew's family has a stocking tradition in which they fill stockings for everyone and pretend it is from Santa. I can not figure out how to get this done this year. I usually just did it when Josh was at school but now I do not have that time. I need to find an online source for those items too! (you know tiny and cheap! but not too junky and useless!)

We have 2 cats...have had them for about 8 years. They adore each other! That is until last week. All of a sudden our female cat started hissing and carrying on every morning when I fed them. Which also means she was not eating. It got so bad I started feeding them separately. They finally have made up but I just cannot imagine what the problem was!
Joshua was Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars for Halloween. He went trick or treating but then we traded him a penguin pillow pet for his candy. It just works out best for us since he does not care for chocolate and we do not do dye! Andrew just takes the candy in to work for the guys to eat!

Joshua at my parents house after t or t!

Have a great weekend!

Wednesday's Website

2010-10-20T06:36:00.000-04:00

Teachers TV looks like a really cool resource. I am personally interested in the science videos.

ht - Wise Little Owls

Our Reading Basket

2010-10-19T06:36:00.000-04:00

Josh is reading -

The Bald Bandit (A to Z Mysteries) Josh is liking these okay, it helps that there is a character named Josh in the story.
The Nixie's Song (Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1) Josh loves this whole series and reads them fast and voraciously!
A Giant Problem (Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles) Book 2
The Wyrm King (Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 3)

Shannon is reading -

The Help I am really enjoying this book! It is about the relationship of women during the civil rights movement.
Return To Sender I have to admit, I just love a Fern Michaels book! This one has a sweet Mother/Son relationship!

Andrew is reading-

Under the Dome: A Novel Which is easily the biggest book I have ever seen, he says he is enjoying it!

Menu on a Monday!

2010-10-18T06:36:00.000-04:00

Monday (Mexican)- Chicken Fajitas
Tuesday (Tomato-ey)- Pizza
Wednesday (Wild Card)- Out!
Thursday (Thrifty/Thankful)- Chicken pot pies (here!)
Friday (Fancy)- Mexican Beef and Beans casserole Not fancy but sounds yummy!
Saturday (Sandwich)- Tuna salad sandwiches
Sunday (Sunshine)- Egg in a Hole!

Wednesday's Website

2010-10-13T20:50:00.002-04:00

Josh's teacher recommended this site for a good sight word list. There are even printable flashcards. He is in Kindergarten and is supposed to learn the 100 list this year. He can read through at least the 500 ( we have not tried the 600 yet) so instead we are using these as spelling words.

Also... Please HELP!!!
Anyone have any great resources for how to easily accelerate his work in class that I could pass on to his teacher? So far they have him using the computer on www.raz-kids.com during any phonics/reading instruction. For math they seem to be trying to just have him add 1 digits when the class is just counting. They seem to not understand he can do at least 2 digits and subtraction. I would like to have some ideas when we go in for conferences in a couple weeks!

Great deal!

2010-10-07T09:19:00.001-04:00

Check out the science kits on the Kids Woot website http://kids.woot.com/ today! Remember this is only available today!

Autumn Ideas

2010-10-03T18:45:00.002-04:00

Halloween Ideas-
Halloween Paper Chains Print and assemble!
Halloween Paper Toys
Creepy Witch Banner Sewing required!

Language Ideas-
Halloween Word Ladders Check other links here too!

Math Ideas-
Fall Tree Dice Game Adapted to fit your child (e.g. addition/subtraction problems)

Science Ideas-
Leaf templates
Lifecycle of an Apple tree

Family Project Ideas-
Jack O Lantern Mosaic
Papier Mache pumpkin
Hand tree

Art Ideas-
Scarecrow Paintings
How to draw a Maple Leaf
Tissue Paper Fall Leaves

Decorating Ideas
Pompom Acorns and Felt leaves
Leaf garland Turn down your speakers for this blog!

Wednesday's Website

2010-09-29T09:08:00.000-04:00

Oh my stinkin' heck on Pioneer Woman talking about EDU-CATION! This is a nice take on homeschool vs sending your children to school.

Menu on a Monday!

2010-09-26T21:25:00.002-04:00

Mexican Monday - Bean and Beef Crescent Pie

Tomato Tuesday - Spaghetti

Wild Card Wednesday - Out!

Thankful/Thrifty Thursday - Herbed Chicken & Mashed Potatoes

Fancy Friday - Still have not made the Fettuccine alfredo! So that is my plan!

Sandwich Saturday - Hot Hoagies (Andrew's current favorite sandwich!)

Sunshine Sunday - Make Ahead muffin Melts If I can pick up some farm eggs before Sunday, oh ...and figure out how to make hard boiled eggs. Just never liked them...so... never tried!

Our Reading Basket

2010-09-18T20:20:00.003-04:00

I am reading...

Honey for a Child's Heart Wonderful explanations and lists of books for children. I need to sit down with the book and my laptop and add to my amazon wish lists!
Honest Pretzels: And 64 Other Amazing Recipes for Cooks Ages 8 & Up What a great collection of recipes to use with your children! (Her other books are great too!)

Josh is reading...

On his own - The Spiderwick Chronicles Boxed Set): The Field Guide; The Seeing Stone; Lucinda's Secret; The Ironwood Tree; The Wrath of Mulgrath Josh is just loving these. When he is not reading them he is drawing pictures of the characters, pretending to be the characters, or making cool things like a home out of a shoebox for a character. These books are a fun quick read (chapter books but shorter) but are full of fanciful characters. We love sci-fi/fantasy but understand that others object to monster/fairy/etc...
Reading aloud together - Pippi Longstocking (Puffin Modern Classics) We just finished this tonight. What a silly story! We all enjoyed it and are planning to watch the movie this week.
Next on his list - The Absent Author (A to Z Mysteries)

Menu on a Monday!

2010-09-06T16:45:00.004-04:00

Monday (Mexican) - Chicken Quesadillas

Tuesday (Tomato-ey) - Pizza Bake

Wednesday - (Wild Card) - We are thinking we will reverse Tues and Wed and go out to celebrate my new job and Josh's new school year.

Thursday - (Thrifty/Thankful) Mac n cheese and hot dogs (did not get to these last week!)

Friday - (Fancy) Fetuccini alfredo

Saturday - (Sandwich) Cheesy lemon pepper Chicken Sandwich (did not do this last week either!)

Sunday - (Sunshine) Hungry Girl Cinnalicious French Toast & sausage

I am loving this new system of having assigned days. It is making menu planning super easy!

Surprise!

2010-09-06T16:33:00.002-04:00

I am going back to work (part time) starting tomorrow. I was not even looking for a job but received a phone call from Joshua's Young 5 teacher (from last year) on Wednesday. Her assistant changed jobs and they were wondering if I was interested. So, here we are 6 days later and I am back to work, eeeek!

The details are not yet worked out but they are getting there. The main issue is that I begin at 11am and Josh starts at 12. My Mom is available Mondays and Fridays to give him lunch and take him to school. Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday we are going to try to get him into a daycare for an hour. I will send his lunch and they will drive him to school. We have called 3 different places. One pretty much laughed at me for only wanting care for 3 hours a week, one has not returned my call, and the 3rd was fine with it and we are going to check them out before school tomorrow.

I have pretty much felt every emotion possible since Wednesday. I am nervous for sure, mostly about Josh. I kind of feel like I got what I wanted and now do not want it. I do want it of course but the whole daycare thing is stressing me out.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and we begin another adventure!

Menu on a Monday!

2010-08-30T08:25:00.004-04:00

Before I get started, I want to share a cool idea I saw today. Check out this idea, specifically the
Mexican Monday
Tomato-ey Tuesday
Wild-Card Wednesday
Thrifty & Thankful Thursday
Fancy Friday
Soupy Saturday
Sandwich Sunday

I occasionally try to stick to a similar schedule but I really love her Wild card and Thrifty/Thankful days. Wild card, as she explains could be anything from a food whim you have or just leftovers. Thrifty/Thankful is a kid friendly cheap meal like mac n cheese and hotdogs. I love just scheduling a meal like that especially when it is likely we are going to have it anyway. But previously, it would be on a busy night when my scheduled meal just did not happen.

So anyway, I think I will give it a shot...with a tweak or two!

Mexican Monday - Mexican Flatbread Pizza
Tomato-ey Tuesday - School Open House so???? Prob. just grab something out!
Wild Card Wednesday - Cornbread & Chili
Thrifty/Thankful Thursday - Hot Dogs & Oven Fries (Beans for A!)
Fancy Friday - Chicken parm & Garlic Bread
Sandwich Saturday - Lemon pepper Chicken Sandwich
Sunshine Sunday(AKA Breakfast for dinner!) - Creamy Scrambled Eggs, toast, and sausage for the boys! (These eggs are unbelievably yummy!)

Have you Heard of this?

2010-08-20T16:05:00.000-04:00

Get your very own Free Map!

Wednesday's Website

2010-08-18T06:36:00.000-04:00

Fun kids website http://kids.yahoo.com/!

We supervise Josh on the web, so this is an approved website for him to use with me. I am not sure I would let him check this one out by himself.

Menu on a Monday!

2010-08-16T06:36:00.000-04:00

Monday - Empanadas

Tuesday - Picnic Concert! Sourdough bread, cheese, maybe some oatmeal cookies.

Wednesday - Pizza bake - We just love pizza! This seems like a quick easy version to try.

Thursday - Out with friends

Friday - Dinner with family

Saturday and Sunday - Leftovers from meals out and earlier in the week.

Last week we did not do so great with the menu! We did not have Pizza Muffins or Mexican beef and beans casserole! So maybe we will try again next week!

How to Draw...

2010-08-15T15:55:00.000-04:00

I thought we might enjoy doing some of these How to Draw lessons I have seen lately! As long as I am compiling...

Snake
Christmas Nutcracker
Penguin
Laurel Burch Cat Head
Cat
Buildings
Cow
Lion
Castle
Rooster
House
Scaredy cat
Bear
Interesting step by step online directions

Most of these are from http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/ !

Affiliate Links

2010-08-14T06:36:00.001-04:00

Do you know I use Amazon Affiliate Links? Well I do!

If you do not know what that is...
I link back to Amazon ( as a member of the Affiliate Link program) and if you click on my link and buy what I suggested, then I get a small percentage of the purchase price. You will not be affected at all!

So uh, FYI and thanks if you buy something!

See, like this --> LEGO Creator House (5891)

Who is Parenting Who?

2010-08-12T06:36:00.000-04:00

I frequently use the parenting technique with Josh where you get him started on an activity and then go get something of your own done checking in on him occassionally. It works pretty well and is especially useful for the dinner hour, especially when I set him up with something at the table.

So anyway, the other day, Josh asked if I would play LEGO with him. (We have been working on a project together...putting together again the tiny kits that came in his Advent calendar from Christmas...searching for the pieces in his big tub of mixed up pieces!) I agreed and came down to sit on the floor with him. Well, I began the search and was pretty wrapped up in it when I noticed he was off having some elaborate to do with the Lego guys.

He totally set me up! Funny Kid!

Books for Where he is at....

2010-08-10T13:50:00.006-04:00

Geronimo Stilton Adventurer's Boxed Set We love the Geronimo books because they are chapter books that he can read entirely on his own. AND they are so silly, he just loves them. You need to check them out because they are pretty special. The author uses pictures and fancy print throughout the book to add fun and frivolity. I love that the stories are good clean fun and they use wonderful language throughout!
The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid (Geronimo Stilton, No. 2) Josh's favorite! He is still VERY interested in Ancient Egypt!
The Case of the Hungry Stranger (I Can Read Book 2) There is a whole series of these by Crosby Bonsall. Super cute little mystery books about a group of boys who solve silly mysteries.
Kids Across, Parents Down: On the Go: The Puzzles That Kids & Adults Enjoy Together (Kids Across Parents Down) and Kids Across, Parents Down: Crazy Critters: The Puzzles That Kids & Adults Enjoy Together (Kids Across Parents Down) These are so fun. Josh and I do these often. As the name suggests, he does the across clues which are at his level and the down clues are a bit harder intended for adults.

So, what books do your kids just love? Any great suggestion for a boy's boy who can READ but is just 6.

Menu on a Monday!

2010-08-09T10:12:00.002-04:00

Monday - Homemade Beefaroni (We had this last week Thursday, so are going to finish up the leftovers tonight!) This was really yummy!

Tuesday - Picnic and a concert night! Meijer Garden is having a free concert series ever Tuesday night in August! We went last week and it was very fun!

Wednesday - Chicken with herbs and mashed potatoes

Thursday - Mexican beef and beans casserole with tortillas! and of course made with ground turkey!

Friday - Pizza muffins Finally, recipe here!

Saturday - Out to dinner for my Mom's Birthday!

Sunday - Egg in a hole!

Finally!

2010-08-09T09:35:00.003-04:00

Geuss who FINALLY has her laptop back? Yep ME! It has only been about 3 weeks! Just as I started blogging for real again, my laptop died!

I will post my menu later and try to get some other business taken care of as well!

Yippppeeeee!

Menu on a Monday

2010-07-26T05:30:00.000-04:00

Monday - Shrimp & Rice Pilaf

Tuesday - Cheesy Potatoes & Ham

Wednesday - Probably out!

Thursday - Homemade Beefaroni (New to us!)

Friday - Pizza Muffins (Recipe to follow)

Saturday & Sunday - Busy weekend with 2 birthday parties to attend, so.... we may be just grabbing what we can when we can! Hope there will be leftovers to grab!

I also wanted to mention that we did NOT love the Pizza Pockets from last week. There was nothing really wrong with them, they were just not our taste, I think...
Something odd about the pie crust with pizza fixings combo!
The macaroni cheese however was AMAZING!!!! A bit labor intensive with Josh as a helper but soooo worth the extra effort!

New Recipe thought for next week? Mexican Beef & Beans Casserole

Wednesday's Website

2010-07-21T06:36:00.000-04:00

I am just loving reading through all of The Science Mommy's cool ideas for experiments to do with Big and Little Kids. Check it out for ideas to do with you Children!

Fun!

2010-07-18T20:42:00.002-04:00

Look who was featured on The Montessori Goldmine!! (Thanks Jo! )

Monday Round up!

Menu on a Monday

2010-07-18T17:15:00.002-04:00

THIS IS LAST WEEKS MENU-- Apparently I forgot to schedule it to post. This week's will post in about an hour!

Monday - Pizza Pockets - We did not get to this last week so tried it this week.

Tuesday - The big meeting with the city night and I have NO idea what we will do for dinner! (We ended up grabbing Subway.)

Wednesday - Breakfast Sandwiches for the boys, I ate mine seperate and with NO cheese or sausage! Yeah, so I had a biscuit and Scrambled egg!

Thursday - Chicken Parmesan with Texas garlic toast

Friday - Tacos

Saturday - Baseball game! It is Star Wars night and fireworks! Pizza for Josh and I, Hot dogs for Andrew. Popcorn for everyone!

Sunday - We ended up having PB & J sandwiches cause that was all anyone had energy for after the busy weekend!

What's that Smell?

2010-07-15T18:48:00.004-04:00

It has been a tough couple of weeks. I had just started to get back into blogging when the you know what hit the...well... basement!

July 3rd, the day our city celebrated the 4th, we were about to get ready to leave for the fireworks. Andrew thought he smelled something and eventually I smelled it too. We soon discovered the source down in the basement. Our sewer was overflowing up through a drain in the floor. The entire basement was flooded with nasty, nasty, nasty sewer water.

Well, to make a long story short, four other houses on our block were flooded too. There was some sort of block in the city's sewer. They are currently saying they are not liable for all the damage but we are meeting with them Tuesday to hopefully work things out. Please hope/pray for the best! The clean up alone was already around $5000., and that does not include all our things that were destroyed or the repair to our basement walls that were cut off about a foot up.

We have had cleaning guys in and out of the house almost everyday since the flood and are pretty tired, overwhelmed and nervous! I am off now to play Playmobil with a certain little guy. Hope you are counting your blessings as well!

Menu on a Monday

2010-07-08T22:01:00.003-04:00

Monday - Homemade macaroni and cheese Turned out so yummy!

Tuesday - Mexican Pizza (Taco bell style)

Wednesday - Our 12TH Anniversary

Thursday - Breakfast for dinner!

Friday - Pizza Pockets

Saturday - Shrimp and left over mac n cheese!

Sunday - Skillet pasta with ground turkey

Menu on a uh, Tuesday!

2010-07-06T21:39:00.002-04:00

Monday - Taco Bell (tough weekend, I will share why later!)

Tuesday - http://rapidrecipes.wordpress.com/2008/12/03/savory-chicken-roll-ups/

Wednesday - http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/2009/03/pop-up-pizza-pie.html

Thursday - Something with cheesy potatoes

Friday - Egg in a hole

Saturday - Taco salad

Sunday - Dinner out

Worth it...

2010-07-02T06:36:00.000-04:00

It had been a long day! A headachey, crabby Mama was putting a small boy to bed, when she kneeled on a toy that should have been picked up earlier. It took every last bit of strength she had to not yell.

Then about 9:16 when he should be asleep, the small boy came down the stairs to tell her that he just read 2 chapters from a Magic Treehouse Book.

It sure is hard to feel anger when your heart is filled with pride!

Sorry!

2010-07-01T09:31:00.002-04:00

I had to turn comment moderation back on. I have been getting a ton of spam comments. Sorry for any inconvenience, I will try to get comments posted ASAP!

Wednesday's Websites The Etsy Edition

2010-06-30T06:26:00.002-04:00

Science Kit Love that this kit comes in a cute bag and seems to contain any necessary supplies!
Craft Kits Perfect for the Mama who is just not crafty! All supplies included.
Felt Story Sets Love these super cute sets.
Play to Learn -Felt clocks, letters etc...
Beautiful wood puzzles etc... Wow! I love the leaf shape one!
Montessori phonics activities etc... Really great jewelry too!

edited to add: Card Table houses etc... I LOVE THESE!

I Want This Right Now!

2010-06-27T20:53:00.001-04:00

Pop up Pizza It is so yummy! Keep forgetting to put it on the menu! Maybe after the fourth!

Menu Plan Monday~ June 28th

2010-06-27T20:23:00.003-04:00

Monday- Empanadas

Tuesday- Twice Baked Potatoes

Wednesday- Eat out?? Probably Kid's Night at Buffalo Wild Wings

Thursday- Lasagna

Friday- Leftovers

Saturday- Our Fourth of July fireworks are tonight so... Hot Dogs and the fixings!

Sunday- Egg in a Hole

Summertime Craft Ideas

2010-06-24T20:47:00.006-04:00

Wind Chime

Flubber

Fuse beads An easy go to...especially for a rainy day!

God's Eyes

Reverse Tie dye Bought our cool cheap t-shirts for this project yesterday!

Bead Flowers

Bead Dragons

Bead Snakes (We have tons of beads!)

Lantern

Paper Beads

Flip books

Crayon resist

Paper fold and cut chain

Papier mache Bowl I would like to try this with a real bowl instead of a balloon though!

Star wreath Perfect for right before Independence Day!

The Foamerator

So, What DO You Think?

2010-06-24T13:22:00.002-04:00

Anyone out there watch http://www.drivethruhistory.com/ ? We recorded and watched an episode today. I am sick again and was easily distracted, so I am not sure what I think.

Josh said, when I asked what he thought, "It was pretty good, I wasn't really watching but I was listening..."

Got Josh Back!

2010-06-23T14:30:00.003-04:00

It is summer vacation and I am loving it!

We are mostly getting along and enjoying having our days together! We have been picnicking, playing Lego, listening to music and books on J's bday Ipod, playing with Bendaroos, jammie days/movies, visiting a Children's garden with our new membership!, writing books, drawing drawing drawing, and of course following our interests. (still Ancient Egypt for Joshua!)

As is normal for us, we have a new schedule. It is not yet settled, needs a bit of tweaking but I will share what we are working with....

8am- Breakfast (morning routine!)
9am- Learning activity
10am- Get Ready
11am- Play Outside (not happening with all this rain!)
12pm- Lunch
1pm- Play with Mommy!
2pm- Computer time
3pm- Room time
4pm-Arts/Crafts
Dinner & Daddy
8pm- Reading & Bedtime

We are currently reading the first Harry Potter book together. He can read it just fine but pretty much will only read one page on his own every night.

Keeping it Real
As is the case for every family, we have our share of struggles and joys throughout everyday! Our biggest struggle right now is Josh's sassy mouth. He always knows better and more. He has struggled with this for awhile but it has become much worse after spending his first year of school with (well intentioned!) people who were a bit stunned by his intelligence.
Just today, while working with bendaroos he had a bit of a fit because the bee I created had only one body part and not the required 3. He eventually calmed down after I explained that I was just being creative not making an actual bee. OH MY!

Joys? There are many little delights but I thought I would share a funny thing Josh said today. Andrew's birthday is Saturday and I was telling Josh what I ordered him for a gift. Josh looked over at me suspiciously, and asked "Did you think that through, Mama?" Uh...why yes I did Josh...

Menu on a Monday

2010-05-10T15:49:00.003-04:00

Strange food week...kind of looks like Josh planned it...

Monday- Mexican Pizza

Tuesday- Turkey dogs on coney rolls (Andrew's fave!)

Wednesday- BWW

Thursday- Stuffed Muffins

Friday- Pizza

Saturday- Easy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Sunday- Omelets, muffins & bacon

Space

2010-05-10T09:29:00.005-04:00

Solar System project
Outer Space and Constellation Activities
Starry Night ideas
Solar System Activities including cool book
Montessori Astronomy Newsletter
Space Math Ideas
Fold and Snip Stars
Constellation Painting
Montessori Astronomy Lessons
Moon Phases Memory

If you Can't Beat 'em, Join 'em!

2010-03-28T21:03:00.004-04:00

Just over 2 months left of school for Josh! It is hard to believe how fast it went, how smooth/easy it was for him, and how hard it was for me!

It has taken all these months but I think I have FINALLY figured out a better rhythm for meeting Josh's academic needs. Initially, I thought we would just do school in the morning at home since he was attending PM young 5's. But apparently, we are too lazy to actually get much done that way. I also did not really anticipate that he would have so much homework and extra little things to do.

Another part of this year that was unanticipated was that the curriculum was really MUCH better than I could have even hoped it would be.

So what has worked? Instead of just trying to do the subjects etc... we planned, I actually was able to just add to what he was already learning. Seems obvious, right? But I honestly was not expecting to have enough substance to work with.

When I read the themes they would cover before school began I totally rolled my eyes and laughed because we had pretty much already covered all of it. And of course when I discovered she was using Core Knowledge's Preschool edition I was just reaffirmed. We did that entire book in about 3 weeks over the summer. (By the way, I <3 Core Knowledge!)

But Josh's teacher is amazing and is super into science and challenging all of the students.

For example, right now they are studying oceans. She has taught them...

Vertebrate vs Invertebrate (plus a bit with Kingdoms within)
The 5 fins on a fish.
Who lives where in the ocean and why.
and much, much more!

So I have just added bits and pieces to it. I was able to dig out the fish parts puzzle so Josh could trace and label the fins. We put together a cool coral reef puzzle and pulled out the seashell cards. It is really allowing me to incorporate the Montessori activities that I want for Josh in a way that is natural and really comfortable for both of us.

Easter Ideas I Love

2010-03-25T21:30:00.003-04:00

Simple Easter Printables!
Resurrection Eggs (Printable cards!)
Resurrection Rolls I have intended to do this every year!
Oh and if you dye eggs, I saw the best idea (but I can not find it again anywhere)! You put the egg inside a whisk and dip it in the dye. Easy, no mess and fast clean up!

March's Menu

2010-03-19T09:16:00.005-04:00

We are already more than half done with the month but I will post what I remember. And of course, what I have planned.

Edited to add: It is ridiculous how much we have been eating out lately. Andrew has been working 12 hour days and a while on Saturday, which means everyone is tired... and apparently lazy (me anyway)!

Conferences so we ate at Wendy's!
Crockpot Chicken tacos on tortillas
Buffalo Wild Wings
Garlic Bread Pizza
Cheesy Potatoes/Ham with salad
Out to Thai food
Leftovers
Chicken Taquitos & Salad
Grilled Club Sandwiches
Buffalo Wild Wings
Baked Chicken Ravioli (FAIL!)
Pizza Take out
Leftover Pizza
Omelets and Toast
Tilapia and Mashed Potatoes
Chicken and Fries
Buffalo Wild Wings
Spaghetti-pie
Garlic Bread Pizza
S
S
m
t
w
r
Pepperoni-Pinwheels
s
s
m
t
w

Ideas for the rest of the month and a few extras up to Easter (I am hosting!).

slow-cooker-lasagna
Easy pasta skillet
Mexican-Cornbread
Chicken-Tostadas
Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
Hot Dogs
Cheese and Bacon Stuffed French Toast
Pronto-pasta-italiano
Hot-Hoagies
quick-crescent-taco-bake
Breakfast/snack idea oatmeal-berry-breakfast-bars
Easter Cheesy-potatoes, Ham, Rolls, Veggies

Boys will be Boys!

2010-03-12T06:36:00.001-05:00

If you are a boy's Mommy, hop on over to The Crafty Classroom! She shares a story you will definitely relate too!

Kid's Things We Like!

2010-03-11T09:32:00.003-05:00

Josh loves a bubble bath! We have a jetted tub which makes a normal bubble bath a bit of a challenge... especially with how ours is set up.

So, anyway, a year or so ago Josh saw a commercial for a bubble bath machine in a commercial on TV. I was pretty leery...those TV things just do not seem to work the way they show.

Well, I ended up giving it as a suggestion for a family member to give Josh (in a desperate...uh, what was on his list moment). Believe me, I had NO hope of it working but...

We just LOVE the Kidkleen Bath Blizzard! It makes loads of bubbles and is super easy to use! Just toss in a tiny amount of soap, fill up the rest with warm water, shake it, get the screen wet and turn it on.

We are always amazed at how long the bubbles pour out.

Cool fun product!

Menu Plan Monday~ February 22, 2010

2010-02-22T20:54:00.003-05:00

(starting back slowly! ...miss all of you!)

Monday- Spicy Chicken Sandwiches on whole grain rolls, spicy french fries, all out of the freezer!

Tuesday- Chicken Taco Salad

Wednesday- Baked Ravioli with Ground Turkey

Thursday- OUT to Buffalo Wild Wings (Our fave!)

Friday- Garlic Bread Pizza

Saturday- Leftovers

Sunday- Omelets, bacon, and english muffins

Eight Excuses...

2010-02-14T15:08:00.003-05:00

for why I am not blogging!

We are so happy with Josh's school/Teacher, I have not had to do much extra. I planned all that science etc... and we really have not done much!
Josh is so far ahead of his class, doing extra feels like I am causing more of a problem. His teacher had him tested (with the K and 1st graders) so that she could show next years teacher how far ahead he was...ya know with real proof. His test scores were not at all what we expected. We knew he was a good reader but he scored as high (er) as the k and 1st graders do at the end of the year in Reading and Math. Of course we are proud, but we are also a bit scared...not really knowing what we should do with/for him.
My laptop keeps overheating and dropping the Ii's so that I need to keep going back and adding them. We plan to get it fixed but just haven't...partially because we do not know who to call, we bought it at Circuit City a few months before they announced they were going out of business.
We are still working to get our house ready to put on the market. It is slow going because Andrew works a ton (60ish hours a week) and we are just not real handy! (We still have base boards to put up, painting to do, cleaning/packing and a few jobs we will need to hire someone to do!)
I have been sick CONSTANTLY. (ear infections, flu, colds, currently am coughing up my poor poor lungs!)
I volunteer twice a week in Josh's class and lately have been asked to do a bit more for various reasons. I really do like doing it but see #5! (oh yeah...that is why I stopped teaching...I was always sick...anyone have an immune system to spare?)
I have been journalling...with PAPER AND PENCIL! I got Wreck This Journal for my Birthday in October and finally got around to using it just lately (car pool lane is perfect for writing!) I am REALLY enjoying it.
Finally, I seem to spend all my spare time playing with Lego, Playmobil, Batman, Wii. It is as it should be!

So, what have you been up to?

Public Service Announcement

2010-02-04T11:11:00.003-05:00

Coming out of hiding for a quick word about safety...

Please go HERE and read about a growing problem with young children.

Josh is 5 and never rides his bike unsupervised (or without a helmet) but it is not too far off when he will be earning a bit more independence. Of course, I have no intention of providing him with the deadly weapon from the article...Please click on the link to find out what in the world I am talking about!

Wednesday's Website

2010-01-13T06:36:00.000-05:00

Cool Montessori teacher has a new project up her sleeve http://ourrandomactsofreading.blogspot.com/

Check it out!

Shannon

Wednesday's Website

2010-01-05T21:45:00.004-05:00

I stumbled upon this cool site a few days ago. http://mathwire.blogspot.com/
It is the blog associated with the website. http://www.mathwire.com/
They are both filled with terrific math activities. The blog however highlights a timely item available on the website. Which is helpful since mathwire is jampacked full of activities and I for one find it very overwhelming to weed through!

Check them both out!

Menu Plan Monday~ January 4

2010-01-04T16:27:00.004-05:00

Monday- Tortilla encrusted Tilapia and Half baked potatoes

Tuesday- Chicken Rice Soup from Tastefully Simple, salad, hot cheese dip and garlic toast sticks

Wednesday- Hungry Girl Cinnamonlicious French Toast with sausage

Thursday- Corndog muffins

Friday- Pop up pizza

Saturday- Potato skins from The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl (Love this book!) and chicken fingers

Sunday- Family Dinner at my parents

Menu plan with me! Join in at Organizing Junkie!

Montessori Monday

2009-12-28T13:49:00.002-05:00

Between playing with new Christmas toys...

Practical Life
Baking Bread
Easy Embroidering

Tray ideas
Popsicle stick Snowflake
beads/straws Stars
Free explore with Fraction circles

We Wish you a...

2009-12-24T21:23:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday's Website

2009-12-23T09:17:00.002-05:00

A little late for Christmas but a fun way to get a good deal! Woot is a group of websites that posts a new good deal everyday. The original woot is mostly electronic items but often has vaccuums and other household "of interest" to me items. Kids woot has toys and other kid items. When the item is sold out it is no longer available.

http://www.woot.com/
http://kids.woot.com/

Wednesday's Website

2009-12-16T07:16:00.001-05:00

Organized Christmas!

Tons of cute ideas. I personally am planning to make the adorable hot chocolate stocking stuffer! I even ran to the store last night to buy the cake decorating bags.

Hope your holiday planning is going smoothly and that you get to enjoy your family and friends this season!
Shannon

Ho, Ho, Ho!

2009-12-12T18:19:00.003-05:00

So, I have been putting off the trip to the jolly old elf this year. I avoid the mall most of the time anyway but especially at Christmas time. Plus, it is always so tense...waiting in crazy long hot lines with Josh who is never really "sure" of the whole thing. He wants to go but...

Anyway, my sweet neighbor told me about this store near us that was having a Santa event today. She said that it involved reindeer and santa but that is really all I knew. Since it did NOT involve the mall I was all in!

After lunch today we jumped into the car and headed to Horrocks market!
We were directed by a grandmotherly lady, heading to her car, to the area where Santa was sitting. He was at the end of a line of children (of course!) but on the way was a fenced in area with the reindeer. They were wandering a bit and you could feed them. It was very cool! And it made the wait go by super fast. Josh pet Comet and tried to feed them but they were not really hungry!

It was finally our turn for Santa. He was stationed in a cute little sleigh that the children could sit next to him in, not on his lap! Luckily I thought to bring my camera. We snapped a few pictures and Josh read him his letter to Santa. (thanks Kylie Our Worldwide Classroom!)

Then we headed into the store where they had free face painting, free ice cream, and all kinds of goodies!

What a super fun FREE day! Our pictures turned out pretty good and I even uploaded my card order to pick up tomorrow! (We love Costco)

SNOW DAY!!!!

2009-12-09T09:49:00.003-05:00

We are having our first real snowday today! Very exciting for sure! So far, we have watched the original Grinch movie, Charlie Brown Christmas, and are starting in on Ichabod and Mr Toad as I type. Of course he has also spent the morning stamping, playing with Lego's, making a "movie" with his Little People Nativity, and building his new lego kit from the Lego City Advent calendar.

Busy Busy Busy!

I personally am exhausted (long night...see yesterday's comments if interested in an update but all is fine!) and have just laid here on the couch all morning watching the flurry of activity!

We do have big plans for the afternoon however! We are making a button wreath from our Advent activities list. (yesterday's activity...good thing I saved it huh?) He has also decided to make puppets with the cutout nativity people. (todays activity!)
http://sjbacb.blogspot.com/2009/11/advent-calendar.html (LAZY LINKAGE TODAY!) Oh yeah, and FINALLY finish decorating the tree!

We are likely to have another snow day tomorrow, they are predicting 2 inches an hour all night. So I think I will gather up the supplies for gift making and try to get some of that knocked out if we are home again. Also, tomorrow should be a bit better for outdoor fun so for sure we will be heading out to enjoy the snow.

Enjoy your families!
Shannon

Please...if you pray...

2009-12-08T13:53:00.003-05:00

Andrew's brother is having surgery any minute. He was injured and is having his eye socket repaired. Please spare a thought for him and the family today. They are struggling with the weight of all life is throwing them right now.

Thanks so much
Shannon

Christmas Fun!

2009-12-03T08:30:00.002-05:00

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Mocha Cappaccino or Frappe (wait...what IS the difference?)

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Well, it is our tradition to just sit them out...it is also our tradition to worry nonstop about "the gift perfection" until it stresses us (read ME) unreasonably! (Funny (now) story, last year Josh woke up at like 4am and went downstairs and checked out all his Santa gifts. I cried! Stinker!)

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? On the rare occassion that we actually get to hanging the lights...we do the white ones.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Definitely! Josh actually asked yesterday when we would put it up...just after he kissed me under it at the dollar store. (makes up for #2)

5. When do you put your decorations up? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving but it is slow going this year!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Fudge and Snowy Trail Mix

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? The year my Dad had me pick out a gift for my Mom. On Christmas morning I opened it and thought he had messed up. Still not getting that it was actually for me! I even hid it in my closet for him for like a month!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? ...What do you mean?

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We have Josh open up gifts from extended family. Helps to break it up a bit!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? mostly with Josh made ornaments and old stuff from Andrew and my childhood! We also have a couple nice collections (Lenox Snowman and Beleek Doors)

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Dread it.

12. Can you ice skate? I went once when I was in 6th grade, did okay then???

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? That is really hard...I have received so many wonderful gifts. Maybe my Ipod!

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Making it great for Andrew and Josh.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? see #6

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Advent Calendar

17. What tops your tree? Silver Star

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Santa Baby and God rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? No thank you...unless it is made of chocolate!

21 Favorite Christmas Show? Josh and I love Christmas movies but I guess my favorite is still the original Grinch!

22. Saddest Christmas Song? Ugh, the one about the boy who wants to buy shoes for his dying Mom...I must turn that off as soon as it comes on!

Feel free to copy this post and fill it out on your blog. HT- Missy

Celebrate Snow!!!

2009-12-02T14:16:00.006-05:00

Well, if you live where it snows there is just nothing you can do about it...so you might as well at least pretend to enjoy it! Here are a few ideas of fun things to do with the kids on a snow day!

Paper Snowflake patterns (ht-Craft Jr. )
Wooden/button snowflake
Sock Snow People
Snowmen
Faux Snow!
Salty snowman picture
and...wow...build an igloo!

Advent Calendar

2009-11-29T14:20:00.003-05:00

Here is our schedule for advent activities. I would like to have all the required materials assembled beforehand so I can just grab it and we can do it. But we shall see... I have an advent calendar with 24 little drawers, so I just print the activity on a slip of paper and stuff in the tiny drawer. Josh opens the correct drawer in the morning and sometime that day we do the activity!

Hope you have a Very Merry Christmas!

Begin Lego Advent Calendar!
Decorate for Christmas
Glittery initial ornaments
Christmas Cookies
Cookie exchange and Talent Show
Picture With Santa
Roll a Christmas tree
Dotted sheet Tree
Button Wreath Ornament
Nativity Cutouts
Santa With a cotton beard!
Reindeer Addition Roll and Color
Christmas tree Puzzle
Christmas Movie marathon w/ Popcorn
Pom Pom Garland
Magnetic Bookmarks
Decorate felt Stocking
Photo Ornament
Wrap Presents
Pretend Christmas Eve at Nana's
Pretend Christmas Day at Nana's
Make Fudge
Felt Holly Napkin Rings
Reindeer food
Christmas Eve at Grandma & Grandpa's House

Daybook- November 18, 2009

2009-11-18T16:11:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY
Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Outside my window... it is cold, rainy, and oh so dark today.
I am thinking... of Joshua's teacher who has been home sick for 3 days...Please pray...
I am thankful for... a loving, happy, healthy family.
From the learning rooms... today we worked on the Story of the World and The Story of the Orchestra. We are beginning to cut out and assemble a lapbook for Ancient Egypt and I am wanting to create a timeline that we can use for both "world" & "Orchestra".
From the kitchen... Mmm, I can smell the Cream Cheese Chicken from the crockpot. It just seems to warm up the whole house.
I am wearing... A forest green "Camp Catch A Rainbow" t-shirt, Forest green hoody, and Yoga pants. Bare feet! Took it easy today...obviously...
I am creating... A December menu plan.
I am going... christmas shopping tomorrow...again! I am struggling to find just the right item for my Mom. ...also, those frustrating stocking stuffers I always make more difficult than need be!
I am reading... The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
I am hoping... to settle holiday plans soon.
I am hearing... utter silence! Josh is home from school but having quiet time in the basement.
Around the house... ugh! Still working on preparing to sell the house. Exhausting!
One of my favorite things... Dr Pepper Lip Smacker
A few plans for the rest of the week: More staging, finish sorting Joshua's Legos into bins, prepare Kitchen/dining to be painted.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Josh and me his first day of school! I love his constant enthusiasm. I must strive everyday to see it as a blessing.

Join in at The Simple Woman's Daybook!

Penguin Unit

2009-11-16T06:36:00.000-05:00

Sheesh, I love Penguins! I had so much fun planning this unit. We are going to read Mr. Popper's Penguins and a few other gems. We will also study Antarctica. We live in MI so snow will be here soon. We will launch this unit after the Christmas crazy!

Other Books
The Life Cycle of an Emperor Penguin
Penguins (True Books)
Penguins: Level Four (Usborne First Reading)
Antarctica (True Books: Continents)
Penguins (Animal Information)
Counting Penguins!

Other Penguin Unit
Mr. Poppers Penguins Book study (Funny, I found this after I did the rest of this post...nothing like reinventing the wheel. Oh well!)
Mr Popper's Penguins Lapbook

Science
Penguin Lapbooks Lifecycle and many other amazing resources. (ht- My Montessori Journey)
Penguin Puzzle and cards/book
Antarctica Website
Ice Melt Fun Game

Language Arts
Many Simple Penguin Literacy Ideas Dot to dots, easy reader book, name recognition, abc activities.

Math
Printable Penguin Counting Activity (scroll down for penguin activity link)
Penguin math Ideas Varying levels!

Geography
Penguin cards (Beautiful Cards from A Bit of this and that)
Cool Antarctica Website

Art
How to draw a penguin
Penguin art

Crafts
Penguin puppets
Handprint penguins
Potato print Puppets
Felt Penguin w/ printable directions

Misc...
Penguin song etc... cute ideas!
Penguin Memory Game
Save the Egg game

Report Card and a question for YOU!

2009-11-14T09:13:00.004-05:00

At Josh's school they do conferences a month or so before report cards so that a "turn around" is possible. I get the idea just not sure how I feel about it yet.

However, we are really happy with our school choice still. Josh loves his teacher and is really enjoying school. He is learning a ton because the young 5 class gets to do fun stuff like all the lifecycles and only inadvertently works on letters and sounds. Which is great for Josh since he does not need that. Having said all that...

Josh brought home his report card Thursday. It is a 5 page report that covers a ton of subject areas including math, science, language, social studies, and moral focus. Their grading scale is 0-4.

0 means does not understand skill or concept yet.
1 means beginning to understand skill.
2 means at grade level.
3 means at end of year level.
4 means exceeds expectations.

The included letter stated that we should see a lot of 1 & 2's at this time of the year.

Josh got 15 4's, about 18 0r so 3's, and 5 2's.

So I have a question, did we make the right choice? Should he have gone straight to Kindergarten? What do you think? I am too blinded by my utter fondness for his teacher to think it through.

I do want to say, we are really proud of him. We knew he was bright but we really expected to have some behavior issues. He can be a bit spirited! But he does really well...now if only he could extend that to his after school behavior....but that is for another post!

In His Words!

2009-11-13T14:43:00.004-05:00

We are watching The Wizard of Oz (no school today!) we just got to my favorite scene where Dorothy opens the door and everything is magically in color. Joshua says, "why do all those leaves look like they are made from rubber?"

UGH!

Have I mentioned that he wants to be a movie maker?

Wednesday's Websites

2009-11-11T20:31:00.002-05:00

This is where my head is right now...thought I would share!

Mrs Pancake Super cute printables!

Michigan's Fun Learning Activities Great ideas for every family....Yeah MI!

Homeschool Share My "go to" for ideas/activities for themes. Especially great for lapbooks.

Planning a bit for Christmas!

Nativity Cut-outs

Bookmark Christmas Present idea

Fun to watch

Where ** is Matt? Cool for geography!

Trying to keep in the forefront of my mind...

Great advice for Boy Mommies! Intended for homeschoolers but adaptable for all.

November Seasonal Activities

2009-11-06T13:00:00.000-05:00

We had so much fun last month I thought I would throw together a list of fun activities for us to do again this month. Please note that we have NO INTENTION of doing everything on the list. These are just our options to pick from.

Crafts
Turkey napkin Rings We did these when Josh was 2 or 3 and still use them every year!
Hand & Footprint Turkey
Thanksgiving Story bracelet
Shape turkey
Cornucopia Cute but may be too difficult!

Language Arts
Turkey paper
Thanksgiving Words! Print, hole punch and put on a ring for easy writing!
Thanksgiving 5 senses Book LOVE THIS! It is right where Josh is at!
Thanksgiving fill-them-in Tale

Practical Life
Turkey Sewing- Easy! !!!!!!!

Activities
Thanksgiving Memory Match game

Recipes
Fruit Gobbler Definitely doing this!
Edible Indian Corn How can I do this dye free????
Thanksgiving Blessings Mix
Teeny turkey sandwiches

Misc
Thanksgiving Printables
Activity page Might keep them busy while waiting for pie.

Menu Plan Monday~ October 26

2009-10-31T06:36:00.000-04:00

I just noticed I have not posted a menu in almost a month! I guess it has been busy/crazy. I had the flu, parent teacher conferences, volunteering in Josh's class twice a week, 2 dental appointments (got a crown), and Josh had a fever for a few days; not to mention that Andrew has been working long hours. Mostly it has been good...except when I was very sick.

So I am going to post a month long menu for November (prob. December too). Trying to save a bit of time during the holiday season. I am also scheduling certain types of meals for certain days...trying to simplify and avoid the crazy!
Therefore,
Monday= Mexican
Tuesday= Italian
Wednesday= Misc...
Thursday= Chicken
Friday= Pizza
Saturday= Misc...
Sunday= Breakfast

Omelets/Bacon
Empanadas
Chicken Parmigiana
Polish Sausage w/ Macaroni & Cheese
Easy Chicken & Gravy with mashed potatoes
Pepperoni-rolls
Family Party
French Toast & Sausage
Taquitos and salad
Lasagna
Chicken Chili & Cornbread
Savory chicken roll ups/
Take out Pizza!
Hot Dogs
Egg in a hole
Nachos
Spaghetti
New recipe...yet to be determined
Cream Cheese Crockpot Chicken
Garlic Bread Pizza
EAT OUT!!!!
Bacon pull aparts
Taco cornbread pizza
Skillet pasta
Chicken Fingers & fries
Thanksgiving!
Pizza
Leftover Turkey Shepard's Pie
Breakfast Pizza
Tacos

Geography Songs

2009-10-29T06:36:00.000-04:00

I was doing a little geography research for Josh's teacher and figured some of you may be interested as well.

Here is a link to several continent songs. I personally have always used the Love and Marriage version about half way down. It has the continents and the oceans but does not include the newer Southern ocean.

For a good state song try The 50 States that Rhyme Song. I had a hard time with this but got better after a few tries!

Wednesday's Website

2009-10-28T10:29:00.003-04:00

http://www.iknowthat.com/com which is basically online educational games for pk-6th grade. You do need to log on but they do not even require your email address, just user name & password.

(ht: http://www.sarahsellers.co.uk/blog/index.php)

What Josh is Reading Right Now!

2009-10-24T06:36:00.000-04:00

Josh just loves all of the Denys Cazet Books! Especially the Chicken pox stories. They really are silly and so much fun. The reading levels are 2 or 3 and are fast fun reads.