Sunday, March 28, 2010

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

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.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Easter Ideas I Love

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!

Friday, March 19, 2010

March's Menu

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)!



  1. Conferences so we ate at Wendy's!
  2. Crockpot Chicken tacos on tortillas
  3. Buffalo Wild Wings
  4. Garlic Bread Pizza
  5. Cheesy Potatoes/Ham with salad
  6. Out to Thai food
  7. Leftovers
  8. Chicken Taquitos & Salad
  9. Grilled Club Sandwiches
  10. Buffalo Wild Wings
  11. Baked Chicken Ravioli (FAIL!)
  12. Pizza Take out
  13. Leftover Pizza
  14. Omelets and Toast
  15. Tilapia and Mashed Potatoes
  16. Chicken and Fries
  17. Buffalo Wild Wings
  18. Spaghetti-pie
  19. Garlic Bread Pizza
  20. S
  21. S
  22. m
  23. t
  24. w
  25. r
  26. Pepperoni-Pinwheels
  27. s
  28. s
  29. m
  30. t
  31. w

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

Friday, March 12, 2010

Boys will be Boys!

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

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Kid's Things We Like!

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!