Jun 17 2015

Wonderful Wednesday – Box Turtles

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We have been doing nature walks here and there, but I recently felt impressed to take it more seriously. Childhood obesity rates and nature deficit disorder motivate me to a degree, but the most important reason is that I want my children to learn from the book of nature. Nature is like a book in which we can “read” about our Creator. Then, of course, there is the issue of health and exercise and spending time outdoors and bonding with natural things.

Boy and girl taking a nature walk

Ready for a nature walk

As I was wondering how to proceed in a more systematic fashion, I received an email from Handbook of Nature Study, a blog I subscribe to and use off and on. I remembered how they have this great membership site now and they offer so much for so little. Plus, they sent a coupon for the summer (the offer ended a few days ago, I think, but I am sure they will offer more coupons as the seasons change, so stay tuned).

Daisies

Wild daisies near our home

I invested in the Ultimate Naturalist Library because I will do these activities if I pay for them. It is human nature. We don’t always appreciate free things. But if we pay for a book, we are probably going to read it. In this case, we are talking about a lot of nature walks and challenges in order to discover our backyard and the different species of flora and fauna around us. It will also motivate us to get outside.

Black-winged dragonfly

Mystery insect (dragonfly?)

Every season, there are excuses for staying indoors. Continue reading »

Jun 11 2015

Thoughtful Thursday Week 24 – Completion

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Learning never ends, but school years do. After 180 days of school, we were happy to take our children out for a nice lunch at The Wild Plum Tea Room and give them their Certificates of Completion. Our son finished first grade, and our daughter Pre-Kindergarten.

We would like to go to the same restaurant every year for this event, but maybe that’s not necessary. Maybe every year we will feel like trying a different place. Who knows what the future will bring?

Completion

But The Wild Plum was a great choice for this year. They serve their delicious orange tea and many healthy choices.

Too bad it is not exactly man food. Our principal was not too fond of their menu, but we made it through and had a good time as a family (and school).  Continue reading »

Jun 8 2015

Story of the World, Vol. 1, Chapter 39

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Rome and the Christians or Chapter 39 brought up the subject of persecution. I have been enjoying ancient Rome up about until this point. Nero and all the Christian martyrs, not to mention how poor ol’ misguided Constantine and his Sunday law pretty much end all the fun I had with Rome.

Map of Roman Empire colored by boy

Map colored by my son

We made a secret symbol for our family. Continue reading »

Jun 7 2015

Story of the World, Vol. 1, Chapter 38

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Chapter 38  is titled The End of the Ancient Jewish Nation. I read the story to them and they colored the map. They also colored the flag of Israel. I pulled up the Israeli flag on Google Images, so they can see how to color it. Later on, I noticed that the Activity Book specifies the colors needed.

Star of David coloring page

The Star of David and the Israeli flag, colored by my son

I would like to make latkes, but lately we have been making doughnuts and other fried foods a bit too much – too much for us. I need a break from grease for a bit. I don’t like to fry food anyway.

Playing Dreidel with LEGO bricks

Playing Dreidel with LEGO bricks

We made our dreidels and played the game. It was really fun. We had never played dreidel before. We used LEGO bricks. Somehow, the dreidel fell on All or Nothing most of the time.

Jun 5 2015

Story of the World, Vol. 1, Chapter 37

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The Beginning of Christianity or Chapter 37 marked a welcome connection between the Roman Empire and the life of Jesus Christ. My five-year-old daughter asked me, before we started this chapter, whether Jesus lived close to the time of Caesar. I was impressed with her question and honestly I could not tell you if she made the connection herself from her previous Bible lessons or if she just happened to wonder.

Map of early Christianity colored by a boy

Map colored by my son

She has been taken to church since she was six weeks old, as opposed to me. My parents did not take me to church but once a year, for Easter. Continue reading »

Jun 4 2015

Thoughtful Thursday Week 23 – Growth

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My children are growing. They are doing what everybody else’s children are supposed to do: grow. It is glorious to behold and sad and so exhilarating at the same time. The first time they do something new, I rejoice. Then, I take a step back and analyze. They have never done this before. This is new. This signifies growth. Oh, they are growing before my eyes. Why am I sad?

Thoughtful Thursday - Growth

I have asked other moms and they also say it is a bit sad to see children grow up. Do we not want them to lose their innocence? Their small size? Their cuteness? Maybe all of these combined and more.

This week, my daughter offered to clean the bathrooms. Again. I usually refuse because I feel uncomfortable with the thought. I think her too small and then I have to do double work, go behind her etc etc.  Continue reading »

Jun 4 2015

Story of the World, Vol. 1, Chapter 36

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The First Roman Prince or Chapter 36 happened fast. The children colored their maps and the portrait of Augustus Caesar.

Augustus Caesar colored by a boy

Augustus Caesar colored by my son

In case you are wondering what the drawings are at the top, they are lions and angels, added by my son and his imagination.

I read the entire chapter. Sadly, I chose not to make a toga. I took sewing in college but I just don’t feel very motivated to make a toga for the kids at this point.

The other suggested activity also seemed tiring and complex, so I skipped on to the next chapter.

Jun 3 2015

Story of the World, Vol. 1, Chapter 35

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Caesar the Hero or Chapter 35 was sad. Really, really sad. It was tough to introduce the kids to the way Julius Caesar died. Again, I question the generosity of violent details in this history curriculum for first graders. I understand that they made it usable by children in grades 1-6, but it really was geared to first graders in the first place.

Boy with flag craft

Our Caesar with his flag

My librarian actually posted a note on some of the ILL titles she ordered for me. She wanted to make sure I reviewed these titles, because she deemed them appropriate for high school or, at the very least, for somebody in middle school. I told her that I previewed everything anyway and I thanked her for her concern.  Continue reading »

Jun 2 2015

Story of the World, Vol. 1, Chapter 34

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Chapter 34 took us back to my favorite ancient civilization – Rome. The story of Julius Caesar touched us all in a profound way. They were amazed by his ambition and life.

Boy with leaf crown

My JC wearing a leaf crown and a shirt declaring, “I will.” A coincidence, but a fitting one.

This is why I love homeschooling so much. I had fun in school growing up. Learning to me is a pleasure and a lot of fun. When I teach my children, I re-live those moments of my childhood when I had fun learning. On the other hand, when I learn new things in order to present them to my children, it’s fun also, because I love to study and find out new things.  Continue reading »

Jun 2 2015

10 Activities To Do on a Cruise

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A cruise is one of the most fun things a family can experience together. From all you can eat buffets to water slides, there’s no shortage of things to do no matter what the age. Of course, this is made all the better if you happen to be exploring the warm waters of the Caribbean. In light of that, here are 10 great activities you can do while on a Caribbean cruise.

1) Unlimited Ice Cream and Pizza

That’s right, unlimited soft serve ice cream and all the pizza you can eat, any kid’s dream. The choices don’t stop there of course, with multiple buffets offering a plethora of food options. It’s a foodie’s paradise.

Cruise ship

Cruise ship

2) Relax by the pool

Once you’ve had your fill of food, you can sleep it away poolside. Plus, if you want to get away from the kids for a bit, most cruise ships have an adults only pool, so you can get some peace and quiet.

3) Work out at the gym

Feel a need to get some exercise in while on vacation? Well, you can do that on a cruise, with a fully stocked gym, along with running tracks, all available to cruise goers.  Continue reading »