Our Homeschool Journey

This Blog Is Moving_Merging.

2012-01-16T17:11:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! As I mentioned in early December I would be merging this blog over to my New Homeschool Links Blog. I spend much of my time there posting now and while it has been a great journey with all of you on this blog, I feel I am being led in a new direction on my Homeschool Links Blog.

So to all my faithful followers, I encourage you to stop in my links blog and check it out. If you still wish to follow me I greatly welcome you to join me over at HomeIzCool 101. Much of my posts here will be merged over to my links blog. So you will still be able to view them as well as find what ever it is your looking for and more. I hope you will continue to join me.

Feel free to snatch my button and link to me.

To those of you who will not be following the new blog, I just want to say, Thank you for all your faithful reading over the several years. You have been a blessing and I greatly appreciate each one of you. God Bless you on your journey.

This blog will remain open awhile longer to ensure all posts are moved, but it will close in the coming months.

God Bless you and Happy Schooling to all of you!

Parents Urged To View

2011-11-29T16:13:00.001-08:00

Parental Rights.org and HSLDA is asking that all bloggers, emailers, networkers pass this along. This video has been previously posted and has now been edited with new information added in to this video. So the old link will not work. Please use this feed and pass this along.

This is not a laughing matter, it is more serious then you or any other may realize. People can snicker about this all they want, but if they are not doing the search themselves to see its truth behind it they will be the ones that cost parents everywhere rights over our family. So please see to it that this is passed along to everyone you may know. There is a bill right now in the house being reviewed. If it passes it will changed everything parent rights stands for. If you have not heard in the lastest news, there is alread several cases in the courts and scheduled to meet in the next few months to decide whether parents have rights over their children. Recently posted is the case in Michigan where HSLDA's chairman Mike Farris felt it important to help assist a non homeschool family. This is a big deal, please help get this word to every parent and expecting parent even grandparents.

You can find out more by Parental Rights and Parental Rights Org

HSLDA Sends A Message For All Parents...

2011-11-22T17:10:00.001-08:00

HSLDA has a message to all parents:

Recently I posted a link to a video that was going around from Parental Rights. This video is TRUE and urging ALL parents to see and contact their state senators_congressman. Parental Rights are under attack and right now there is a bill in the house that will make it tougher for all parents. We need to stop this bill, you can sign the petition on the Parental Rights site that is linked below in the post with the video.

(If you missed the video you can see the video by Clicking Here and sign the petition by clicking the link below it.)

To All Parents needing information on what they should do for their soon to be or is now High Schooler, you can find more information by clicking the HSLDA link below:

http://www.hslda.org/highschool/academics.asp#TR

Educating Our Kids On Driver Awareness

2011-11-14T20:49:00.001-08:00

A little something different. After watching this movie - based on the True Story, (The 5th Quarter) If you have not seen it, definately a good movie, but have the tissue box near by and ready for flooding tears.. :'( I wanted to post this site that was tributed to Luke Abbate.

http://www.lukeabbate5thquarter.org/

If you have children getting ready to get their license or who have their license. If you allow your children to drive with or ride with fellow friend drivers or if your considering it. This is an urge and a plea to you to please teach them about Driver Awareness. Across the country today on the climb are young drivers losing their life daily because of wreckless driving. Over 68,000 teenagers have died because of automobile related accidents in the past 10 years.

In 2008, around 4,000 teens died. In 2009 around 3,000 teens died and today the number is climbing.

Help get the message spread about "Driver Awareness." These precious lives are lost and in some instances wasted because of wrecklace driving... Our kids need to know and understand the value of life and how precious it really it. We only have one life and most of us only get the one chance before being called away home.

Things to know:

Among teen drivers, those at especially high risk for motor vehicle crashes are:

Males: In 2006, the motor vehicle death rate for male drivers and passengers ages 15 to 19 was almost two times that of their female counterparts.
Teens driving with teen passengers: The presence of teen passengers increases the crash risk of unsupervised teen drivers. This risk increases with the number of teen passengers.
Newly licensed teens: Crash risk is particularly high during the first year that teenagers are eligible to drive.

Among these, over half were reported NOT wearing their seatbelt. Driver Awareness is so important. Look, being a strict parent who is willing to lay down the rules when it comes to teens driving, its not going to make you your childs best friend. But it will show them how much you truly love them.

Remember the fatal 5

Failing to yield
Not adjusting to weather or darkness
Tailgating
Speeding and seat belt policies
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Above all else, Remember our children are Gods children. He love them and us FIRST. We are all a lend to this earth and to eachother. When God is ready, He will make the final call to us for home.

A poem to all parents who lost a blessed child:

"I'll lend you for a while a child of mine," He said.
"For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief."

"I cannot promise he will stay; since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in My search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love, not think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call to take him back again?"

"I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay;
But should the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand!"

~ Edgar Guest ~

Resources:
http://www.lawfirms.com/resources/personal-injury/auto-accident/facts-about-teen-car-accidents.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html

What factors put teen drivers at risk?

Teens are more likely than older drivers to underestimate dangerous situations or not be able to recognize hazardous situations.
Teens are more likely than older drivers to speed and allow shorter headways (the distance from the front of one vehicle to the front of the next). The presence of male teenage passengers increases the likelihood of this risky driving behavior.
In 2008, 25% of drivers ages 15 to 20 who died in motor vehicle crashes had a BAC of 0.08 g/dl or higher.

Free Thanksgiving Download

2011-11-13T23:49:00.001-08:00

First, I must apologize to those who tried to download the previous pages. Somehow the links were broke. They are now up and fixed so please feel free to try again.
Today, I am pleased to offer for FREE my Thanksgiving CopyWork pages. I will have more to get up shortly. To view and download please click the link below:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/72660113/Thanksgiving-CopyWork

To view and download some of my other Free Documents please visit my links site by Clicking Here

Happy Schooling.

About IndoctriNation

2011-11-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

IndoctriNation

Some of you are probably thinking, "I dont get it?" Or you may be saying, "So what is this post about?" Follow me a moment - won't you?
Whether you are Christian or Non Christian, Public Schooling, Homeschooling, Private Schooling, I feel everyone needs to know about this...

I also, right quickly want to add to anyone that is looking to Homeschool, Still deciding on whether Homeschool is for you, This is a definate MUST SEE! Everything you will see in this footage is TRUE, Actual Footage from Media as well as resource places and documentry interviews, Footage from two Presidential leaders and more!

I just finished up watching this UNBELIEVEABLE but PRECISE in its ENTIRETY footage about IndoctriNation : Public Schools and The Decline of Christianity In America. From the biginning of our educational system to now. We are talking Years... No Decades... NO CENTURIES of educational corruption in our schools and harming our children. Now we have all seen a lot of the National media put their two cents in on the educational system. I am sure we all have our own two cents.. But this is just jaw dropping. Some I already knew, from speaking with teachers locally and family members in the teaching field. Other things, Just jaw dropping!

You may remember titles like these: "Dumbing America" or "Stupid In America." Honestly, If you watch any of the national or even local news, then I bet you do remember. Some of these titles aired on MSNBC, NBC, C SPAN, CBS, FOX NEWS and probably other unmentioned stations as they were doing a report or countless reports over the last 10-15 years, some even more recent on: The Educational System right here in America. I do remember a lot of these stories that were broadcast and even the ones mentioned in this footage.. Gotta Love The National Media! (Sarcasm)
I can honestly say to those who are not believers, This footage is not just about Christianity, NOR Is it just the EDUCATIONAL ISSUE! The real issue here IS about the TRUTH! We all can agree that ALL Public Government Run Schools are DUMBING children today. Children are being let down and their honestly is more then one that should take the blame. Its not just the leader, The Government who is to blame here. The parents are also to blame. You say, How can this be true?

We can all agree that much of the population today rely on the school system to raise their kids. We can also agree that much of the parents today are kids raising kids! Today, 90% of believers place their children in a Pagan School System. Bet you did not know this? I also bet you that anyone of these christian believers would ridcule the other if they moved their child to a mosque for school or a hindu school, but they are ok with their child in the Pagan School??? Really?! Thats Interesting!

Much of what is in the public school system is: children learning about:

Theories that are not true
Abstinance with the promotion of sexuality as well as handing out BC, Condems to children as young as 7 yrs of age with out parental conscent and the schools do not have to tell you if your child was given the condem nor do they have to respect or honor your wishes
Learning by a government based, government run curriculum agenda, etc...
Everything that is a parents job is pretty much done within the school systems. Must I add the fact that daily there is a push to attack and revoke parent rights to their children while in the school system.

People don't put your faith in a corrupt system that has continuously let the American people down. That is just senseless and stupid. Why would anyone think that education by a corrupt government will be best for their child? Beyond me honeslty! That is just my thinking aloud, not calling anyone out! :)

Many believers that do send there kids to the public school sytem do so mostly because of this scripture:
Matthew 5:¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

I just want to say to them, I truly hope you have prayed and sought diligently if this truly Gods Will. Truthfully, I do commend those who do send their children, but be assured you can not change the system, you can only try to teach your children God's Word and pray they hold on to it.

But in a system as flawed and corrupt as the educational system, sending a child in to a ps and also telling them and teaching them Gods word, They are guranteed to let go of Gods Word and focus more on consumption of the PS teachings. How is that so, They are in the PS more then they are with the parent and more then they are in the word of God. Studies show today that about 80% of the Christian children in the PS have turned their back on God. :( So if the scripture above is reasoning for the education provided for the child in your house, If you never really prayed for direction on that, I encourage prayer over that. What ever decisons your family makes, will be the best according to what is best for your family, spirit led or not! Not everyone has the patience to Homeschool, Not everyone wants to homeschool, Not everyone will homeschool! Enough said! :)

The questions to ask yourself here are: What do you want for your children? What do your children deserve? What can you do for your children?

Honestly, We do not need the media to tell us what we all already know. BUT.... Ultimately, it is the parents job to see to it that their children are placed with in a facility that is Teaching TRUTH, Proper Education and Keeping All Children Safe. Which we do not see all of the above - today... It is parents responsibility to advocate for their children. But the question is, How can a parent advocate for their children about something they are not aware of?!

Not all kids come home telling parents about the whole day. Not all children can remember their whole day! No teacher is going to tell the parent about the whole day especially if it means a chance of losing their job for teaching on something the parents disagree with, correcting in a way the parents condone and etc...

I also want to mention, it is not sheltering childeren when you work hard to give them the best education they deserve, even if that means homeschooling, interrupting the ps day to fix or correct an issue with in the school system the includes your child, standing up for JUSTICE and TRUTH and ADVOCATING for the children!

I truly recommend to ALL PARENTS, ANTICHRIST and CHRISTIAN BELIEVERS anyone that will listen, to get a copy of this footage INDOCTRINATION: Public Schools And The Decline of Christianity in America. I honestly dont care if you are ANTICHRIST! This documentation shows you exactly what FEW in Congress have worked hard to show for years but were intercepted by leaders of Government because they do not want you to see or know about the direction they government is leading the educational system towards for today, tomorrow and future generations. EVERY parent that cares about their childs education needs to see this footage!

I can speak from experience, being that I removed my oldest from ps. Plus I have family members in ps teaching and have spoken with ps teachers who struggle to follow this new direction because they do feel it is wrong. Look if we really want to cut down to the nitty gritty, We are going backwards in teh educational system. Some states are so busy pushing technology learning that reading, writing and even math are not as important. Really! That blew me away! In Southern part of our state Math is learned by Technology. They dont even know how to count 0-10. No joke! In the last year they worked to pass a law to eliminate cursive writing and are currently working on writing adjustments period. Our ancestors worked so hard to learn to read and write and count math to help generations to come, (like Us Today). Only to be slapped in the face to have education return in the direction to which it came from. Mind Boggling!
Look, This Footage is not just Christian Views and There IS Much More then Christian Views at stake here and shown in this footage.

If we want to make it about christian views, let me remark this quote noted in the film:
Anything that leurs, decieves or takes us or our children away from Jesus, IS Worthy of DESTRUCTION! So destroy anything influence that is interfering with your walk, your families walk, your childrens walk with Jesus.

3 John 1: 4 I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.

Just a thought I want to leave you with:

There is ALWAYS going to be an ATTACK on the Christian Faith and The Believer! BUT... When it comes right down to it: The truth is There is NO FREEDOM OF SPEECH FOR THE CHRISTIAN BELIEVER and HAS NOT BEEN FOR SOME TIME! BUT... THERE IS FREEDOM OF SPEECH FOR THE ATHIEST, The HINDU, The ISLAMIC RELIGION AND ANY OTHER RELIGION ... ANTICHRIST!

**** Don't mistake this as an attack on any religion in genral, any gender, ethnicity, sex preference or etc... This IS just stating the FACTS! Regardless of what denomination, religion or antichrist background, I think we all will agree, OUR CHILDREN DESERVE THE BEST EDUCATION PERIOD! This is where it is OUR JOB as THE PARENT to take back our children and the education they deserve. If the Government wants to control something, I can give them the best advice on what to control! CONTROL SPENDING, CONTROL YOUR OWN LIFE! Let the people alone and live the life of which Our Ancestors sought, fought, and died for This American Dream!

This is not a post by no means to attack any particular person, denomination etc... This is not a post to promote any product. This is a post sharing recommendation about Education Awareness!

To those who would like to purchase this footage themself to view you can Click Here

To find out more about this footage you can also Go Here

Feel Free to leave a comment! But I do remind you, your comment should be respectful to this site, as this post is not meant for anything other then Educational Awareness and Purposes! No Comment will be Auto Posted, the will be moderated and posted as recieved. Any disrespectful comments will be deleted after reported!

Happy Schooling!

Download MY FREE Music & Native American Documents.

2011-11-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to make this post to let you know I am offering some of My Freebies that I am just now getting up in PDF format. I have a lot more to convert but this is a new thing for me and it is little steps. Lol.

I just converted My Music Pages and you can download them here at the following links:

I also did this Native American Page:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/71775733/Native-Americans-1

You can find more downloads just like these over at my homeschool links blog . Please run over and follow my links blog if you have not already done so. I do not know how much longer I will post on this blog since much of my posting is at the links site. I update my links blog daily with a lot of links, resources and share about other great bloggers and have shared some of our journey there to. Hope you will continue to follow either by blog or email. :)

Happy Schooling, Hope you enjoy the downloads.

HSLDA Alert!

2011-11-01T21:26:00.003-07:00

Calls Needed to Oppose the U.S. Senate’s Big-Government Education Bill

Homeschool Legal Defense is sending an call out to ALL Homeschoolers. Please run over to the noted linke to read the full article in detail.

Read the full article in the link below:
http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/201111010.asp

Happy Harvest Day!

2011-10-30T18:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Harvest Day to All of You!

I pray you all have a wonderful and safe day.

To all of you who will be taking your little ones out tonight for the Trick/Treating time, Please be safe and always keep close attention of your surroundings. Its best to go along with a group rather be alone. If your group splits up have a meet up point. If your kiddos are going out alone, Encourage a check in time either texting or calling you. Don't forget the flashlight, Dress accordingly to your weather and most importantly, DO NOT EAT TO MUCH OF THAT TASTY CANDY!

Have a wonderful day and as always, Happy Schooling to all..

Posting this week will be minimal as my little ones are still recovering from being sick..

History Site Releases All Archives - FREE

2011-10-28T19:32:00.001-07:00

Recently announced, Royal Society has released all of their archives to be viewed, FREE permanently. You can search any of their published papers that are more than 70 years old, Again free in their entirety. In total, this makes 60,000 historical scientific papers available. We are talking entries from Benjamin Franklin and Isaac Newton. Wow, That is a find...

You can head on over here to Archives to begin a search down history.... How exciting is this.

Definately want to mark the link below in your favorites:
http://royalsociety.org/news/Royal-Society-journal-archive-made-permanently-free-to-access/

They also have a newsletter sign up also so you can recieve updates in your inbox.
Applications for Education
The archives of the Royal Society journals could be a valuable resource for students interested in the history of scientific topics. Theoretically, by using the Royal Society archives students could trace the development of concept from its start to modern day.

H/T to Open Culture.

This is a courtesy post of Free Tech 4 Teachers

Online Academy offering FREE 30 min Classes

2011-10-28T15:47:00.001-07:00

To view classes near you or online please click the link below. You can do online classes and summer camps. They also send out a FREE newsletter as well as give you access to a load of 30 mins class videos for various topics. If your looking to do a online Disection or lesson around disecting. You will be able to watch an online live disection on several specimans. This is a great site to check out and they have a lot of great Freebies.

To sign up for the FREE Newsletter and also to gain access to some 30 min FREE classes, please click the link below:

http://landryacademy.com/freeseminars.htm

A+ TutorSoft Math - Courtesy Review

2011-10-26T12:11:00.000-07:00

This review is from a fellow HS'r on the lounge who has a special offer at the end of this post. I am posting this review over here for those who are not members of the HS lounge that may be interested in this special offer. This is a limited time offer so please read her review and then head over to the special post noted at the bottom of this page. I take no credit on this post or the other linked to this page. I am simply passing along her post for everyone to recieve this special offer.

Are your children bored or unmotivated to do math lessons? If so, you will want to read on for my review of A+ TutorSoft.

The A+ TutorSoft – Full 3rd Grade Interactive Math Curriculum Software CD is thorough,
well planned out and requires little to no prep... all of the planning is done for you! There are many online math programs to choose from, and we have tried a few, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well put together this program is. You can view the full table of contents for this 3rd grade program here. It is pretty extensive and covers all areas

The interactive multimedia lessons are highly animated and combine all three learning modalities - Audio, Visuals and Text-based instructions. This interactive curriculum definitely grabbed the attention of my son.

The program comes complete with the full curriculum book on CD, multimedia lessons, printable worksheets, exams, teachers guides, reference sheets, help menu and a recommended lesson plan for moms that would like some guidance. Books are also available for purchase if you would rather have a hard copy.

The program is very easy to navigate and if you are not computer savvy, no problem, Help is just a phone call away.

The program is broken down into 3 main sections:

Menu bar - where you can navigate to each section of the program.
Table of contents - where the lesson or teachers guides are broken down.
Content window - where each lessons is explained and completed.

The program is very easy to use, lessons are short and the "Help" button offers extra explanation, making it easy for the student to work on their own.. "D" (my 3rd grader) enjoyed being able to get through many of the lessons on his own by listening and reading the step by step instructions. The interactive Flash Cards were fun to use, they allowed him to drill and practice while receiving real-time feedback and step-by-step instructions.

It is important our children to have the ability to adapt to the ever changing high tech world. What better way to allow our children to use technology then for learning and problem solving!

I would definitely recommend A+ TutorSoft! It's a comprehensive math curriculum that is simple to navigate, easy to use and very affordable!

A+ TutorSoft has a special offer this week only. You can recieve the FULL 3rd Grade Curriculum FREE just pay s/h. To learn more about this special offer and view the curriculum to its entirety, please go Here.
Happy Schooling!

APPs For Autisim

2011-10-24T22:03:00.000-07:00

I posted this over at my HOME IS COOL Links blog but I have different followers here and I know some of you do have children with Autisim. So I definately wanted to share this here for all of you as well. If you have not yet started following my links blog, I do encourage you to head over and follow me there or snatch my button below and link to me.

Here is a courtesy post from FreeTech4Teachers . If you are not a follower of this terrific site, please head over and follow him now.

Autisim Apps - A 60 minute story on CBS. The video is below:

To learn more on these APPS please go here to the iPodsibilities site and also head on over to the Teaching Learners With Multiple Needs Blog noted in the link I have added below: http://teachinglearnerswithmultipleneeds.blogspot.com/ .

Happy Schooling!

Northern Lights Locally, Thought Would Share..

2011-10-24T20:42:00.001-07:00

Spectacular event over our sky here in Indy. We do not get to experience this often so this is definately a treat. Each time we have had them well, I have never been priveleged enough to witness them until tonight. Thank the Lord! I do feel blessed to be able to see this beautiful sky of lights in my own front yard. I thought I was going to have to make a trip to Alaska just to see these beautiful Northern Lights. Here is one of the pictures shot by a local news station weather chaser. Enjoy!

Principal Bans Fall Celebrations, Including Teaching of Our History

2011-10-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, Though we celebrate much of the Harvest Festivities, We do not celebrate Halloween. Halloween is probably the biggest festivity in Fall that most everyone celebrates, Excluding us. But not only is there fall, there are loads of others if we really get down to the nitty gritty and run through them.

Native American Festivities, Johnny Appleseed Festivities, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, I mean really, we could have a list for all the fall festivities going on. Regardless of our list, to ban much of the festivities that are geared around our history, that is obserd. Though I think the principal was more geared on Halloween Festivities she included Columbus day teaching and other History based celebrations and teachings that are typical for this time of year.

I am sorry, I must say and in no disrespect by any means, If your from an other country and your not from this country, if you are offended at our history and celebrations, Please go back to your own country. I would never go to another country and tell them because I am there to stop celebrating or teaching their history. That is obserd and in fact most countries have laws that state visitors and even immigrants migrating over will respect the laws, legislation and traditions of that country. They would probably throw me or anyone else for that matter in jail for trying to change their culture up. Why dont we inforce this here. Looks like to me we should. So no disrespect by any means, I am not prejudice but if you dont like our country traditions, our history, etc.. Go back to the country you originated from and live by your country beliefs there. This is the United States of America for heavens sake. Its not come and change the country to your liking.

Ok, in reading on, this post does disturb me. Can you tell? Not just about the Halloween issue, but the fact that this principal is telling the teachers to ignore teaching some of our History. (Columbus, Thanksgiving) Really?! I can understand the Halloween issue as not everyone celebrates it, but really?! In the classroom it comes down to this. When my oldest dd attended the public school her short time, I never requested that the school ban Halloween parties. My daughter usually was absent the day of the party and the school was aware of the reason why. I think this principal is over stepping the line just a tad. This countries foundation of FREEDOM is being taken more and more each day. So this is definately another wake up call to the people. If it starts here, rest assured it may start something up down the road.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/10/15/massachusetts-principal-bans-fall-holidays-says-theyre-insensitive/

Creative Writing Site

2011-10-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

Age Range: 5 and up, This website offers over 300 pages of fun activities to help kids enjoy creative writing!

http://www.brucevanpatter.com/funstuff.html

6 Days of Creation - Ken Ham Free Download - Limited Time

2011-10-12T19:09:00.001-07:00

6 Days of Creation. Free Download from Ken Ham, Limited Time for download. - MP3 DL
http://www.answersingenesis.org/Downloads/download-offer-six-days-of-creation-audio-mp3.aspx?utm_source=AiGSuperSpecials&utm_medium=email&utm_content=FreeDownload&utm_campaign=SS010122011%20target=

Hey Followers, Got a Question For You!

2011-10-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, So I am just curious. I have been posting more on my links blog. While I really would like to post more about our journey, right now I am posting more on the links as I feel it is more minsitry purposes really. But at any rate I do still post here, just not as often. So I am curious.

How many of you really do follow this blog? I hear from some of you and others well I dont know if your following or not. That is ok, None the less. I am just curious because I am debating should I merge this blog with my Links blog or should I leave this up. This blog is up for the journey and really you the followers. So just to get me some ideas, toss me an inbox so I know what to do.

Of course, should I merge, I will also carry over some of the posts from this blog. So just toss me your input if you dont mind. I know I have had some ask why I dont merge, well I guess we will see if I do shortly. :)

Also, If you are a faithful follower and have not followed my links blog, please check it out and feel free to follow. Thanks! :)

Thanks so much in advance!

Just For You!

2011-10-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

At this rate, I can not think of anyone who would not like a lot of Freebies. I am writing this post to let everyone know, I was recently given the opportunity to share FREE Material, Resources, Videos, and Experiments with everyone. This is a great deal for everyone. I should probably note that the FREE Material I am allowed to share is typically only offered to members of the site.

Who is offering this great special?
Aurora Lipper at Super Charged Science and eScience gave me the opportunity to share some great material with you! I am so excited to share with you all of the FREEBIES she gave to me. This is not a sale pitch by any means. I am just so excited to get to give you what I was given. If you are like me and love teaching hands on material, you will totally like the free material I have. I love the experiments particularly. Truthfully, My kids dont want to hear the whole lesson because they can not wait to get to the experiments. Lol! I have already done a few of them and my kids went nuts over them and want to do more but I really dont know that we have time in the day to do all of them plus get through everything else.

What material do I get to share with you?
I will be posting on experiments, videos, some sample curriculum lessons and other resources that was passed on to me to share with everyone.

Whats the catch?
There is NO catch at all! Aurora just wants to give you the opportunity to enjoy teaching and learning about science. Not everyone can afford curriculum so she is offering free material. (Again I add, she is a hands on teaching instructor_scientist and I totally love the hands on approach). Also, You can go to her site and sign up to recieve newsletters, including other FREE resources and updated information for the up coming teleclasses, date and time.

If you have not done her teleclass it is basically an online class for 70 mins or less depending on experiment for that day. A lesson about the experiment is done, she does a giveaway, you can ask her questions and she will answer them. Its a great time learning science. Who would not want to talk with an Mechanical Engineer, Teaching Instructor for Science and NASA Scientist? At times we will even have the opportunity to hear from a real NASA Astronaut. I am so excited about that one. :)

I also want to note, the FREEBIES I offer you will not be available to you on her site UNLESS you become a member!
She offers FREE material in her newsletters and daily on her site to NonMembers but it will not be any of the material I will be offering to you.

Please Note: Again I stress to remind you, All the posts I share with you will eventually expire. So please do not hesitate on getting the links downloaded right away. I do not know how long they will be available for. May be a week, may be a month. I honestly have no idea, I was just told that they will expire.

All you need to do to learn more about Super Charged Science is any of the noted:

Click on the banner at the top of this page
Click on the button noted in this post
Click on the button at the left side of this page

Then keep watch for all my posts that will have FREE Links to download your Science FREEBIE(s) of the day, courtesy of Aurora Lipper.

Learn more about Super Charged Science, Watch for my free posts with the freebies and save the freebie to your computer. How easy is this? If you would like to know more about Aurora Lipper and her science site or if you would like to sign up for her newsletters please go to the banner or button and click on it and it will direct you to her site for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: I will be posting alot of the FREE Material I was given on my Homeschool Links Blog. I will post some here but MOST will be over at my homeschool links blog as that is where I do most of my Link, Free Resource and other material Posting. If you are not a follower of my homeschool links blog, Please follow it now as that is where most of the FREE Science Material, Curriculum, Experiments, Videos and more will be posted. You can visit my homeschool links blog at this link I have attached here: http://homeizcool101.blogspot.com/

To learn more about Aurora click her "About Me" Link:

http://www.sciencelearningspace.com/about/

Please spread the word to all who you think may benefit from this offer!

Todays Experiments

2011-10-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

So today, we did a tele-class with Aurora Lipper. Today was on the Sonic Boom. Did anyone else get to join the tele-class? Really interesting indeed. Started off kinda blah as my kids say because well three of my kids are little ones, so they wanted to get to the fun part. Experiments. My oldest kinda got in to it, But the experiment I think was much of excitement and our kiddos, well lets say they were anxious. Lol! So what in the world is in the picture above? Why it is todays experiment of course. Lol! These experiments were made out of mostly everyday supplies.

Todays Key Concepts: (Courtesy of Aurora Lipper)

Frequency is a measure of how many times something moves back and forth. A swing, a pendulum, a leg of a walking person all have a frequency. All those things start at one place, move, and come back to the same position that they started. This moving and coming back is one vibration. The faster something vibrates, the more frequency that something has. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).

Waves are the way energy moves from place to place. Sound moves from a mouth to an ear by waves. Light moves from a light bulb to a book page to your eyes by waves. Waves are everywhere. As you sit there reading this, you are surrounded by radio waves, television waves, cell phone waves, light waves, sound waves and more. (If you happen to be reading this in a boat or a bathtub, you're surrounded by water waves as well.) There are waves everywhere!

Our ears are very good antennas. They are very effective at picking up quiet, loud, high-pitched and low-pitched sounds. It is difficult for people to make microphones that are as sensitive as our ears. Our ears can pick up and tell the difference between sounds as low-pitched as 20 Hz and as high-pitched as 20,000 Hz. Some animals can hear things that are even higher or lower pitched than that. Our ears and brain are also very good at picking out the direction a sound is coming from.

So what are the experiments we learned today? They are the following:

A Resonance
A Harmonica
A Screaming Balloon

So, do you want to learn more about these experiments? Please visit the posts below as they are over up at my links blog.

To Make A Resonance, Please Visit the following link: http://homeizcool101.blogspot.com/2011/10/experiments-2.html
To Make A Harmonica, Please Visit the following link - http://homeizcool101.blogspot.com/2011/10/experiments-part-1.html
To Make A Screaming Balloon, Please Visit the following link - http://homeizcool101.blogspot.com/2011/10/experiment-3.html

I Know, I Know, FINALLY, A NEW LOOK!

2011-10-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

So I gave my other two blogs a make over, I decided it was high time for this blog to have one as well. Check out the new look and the goodies I added. I carried some of the important links over from my HS Links blog and added them here for you. If you want more goodies, you will have to check out the HS Links blog. It would be a lot of work to add everything over here that is there and it would honestly clutter this blog.

I am making a schedule to get back on a regular posting on my blogs. But I wont be posting as often as I am wanting to space time between blogs and more importantly make sure I am not putting blogging above family and schooling. So I wont be on during the days, just the evening and if anything I may just keep posting for the end of the week recaps. :)

I hope you will still join me as things slowly but surely come together.

Happy Schooling Everyone!

Post on ACT/SAT Testing

2011-09-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

Time to Time I do make courteousy posts from other people or blogs. I always send a comment notifying the orignial author of the post(s) I make, letting them know their post and resources have been recognized on my links blog. I will never take credit for another author's hardwork or post.

That being said, I wanted to let you know about a post I just made courtesy of the TOS Magazine.
You can find this post over at my Homeschool Links Blog noted in the link I attach below. This post is on the ACT/SAT testing. If you are preparing your child(ren) for this testing this year, Know someone preparing their children, or just interested in knowing about the testing. Please run over and read the posts on my links blog. There is 2 posts in regards to the ACT/SAT. Both posts are linked together so you can click the link at the bottom of the first post to read the 2nd post.

To view these posts please go to this link: http://homeizcool101.blogspot.com/2011/09/preparing-your-child-for-actsat-part-1.html

Bill On Table For HS Record Privacy

2011-09-23T21:38:00.001-07:00

Attention HS'rs - This is important news for all of us to stay up on: A bill is on the table now for HS Records to be kept private. If passed, home-schooled students' records, like those of public or private-school students, would only be released with written permission from a parent or guardian.

To Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/home-school-records-privacy-bill-introduced-in-congress/

7 Reason Lap Booking Works (Courtesy Post)

2011-09-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

Here is a great read by a fellow HS lounge friend that I wanted to share with you. This is a courtesy post and we are linking you to her blog, so please stop by and let her know you found her blog through this blog site. ( http://heartofwisdom.com/Blog or http://homeschool.corecommerce.com/Scrap-Lap-Book-Kits/ ) Her blog is super for resources and great posts.

7 Reason Lap Booking Works

Lap books are teaching tools that encourage creativity and while motivating learning. A lap book consists of a file folder and mini booklets with images and text. The mini books include chunks of information about a theme. There are thousands of studies showing the learning modalities incorporated into lap booking are successful.

1. Lap Books are Visual Knowledge
A lap book is structured the similar to how our brain functions by allowing associations and links to be recorded and reinforced. While creating the lap book ideas and thoughts are turned into something visible and structured.

Lap booking very good way of storing and recalling information and presenting things to others.

While creating a lap book the student and teacher visually see the culmination of knowledge!

The process of planing and creating the lap book enhances learning, promotes creative thinking, aids memory skills and recall while enlisting the full power of both sides of the brain. Lap booking gives students opportunities to engage in a variety of learning modalities.

2. Interactive, Hands-on Learning
Hands-on learning focuses on the subject instead of the teacher. The student and teacher work together as a team.

Students whose teachers emphasize higher-order thinking skills and hands-on learning activities outperform their peers significantly. Students who engage in hands-on learning on a weekly basis outperform those who engage in this manner of instruction on a monthly basis. Students whose teachers conduct hands-on learning activities outperform their peers by 72% of a grade level in math and 40% of a grade level in science. This study indicates that the most effective class. (Educational Testing Service 2001)
Hands-on learning raises the level of instruction because the students can reason and apply what they learn. Learning by doing should be the rule ... rather than just telling the student. Educators have long believed that schools have failed to teach adequately even the most basic concepts. (National Academy of Sciences)
For most students academic learning is too abstract. They need to see, touch and smell what they read and write about. (John Goodland)
If you plan learning experiences that incorporate a wide range of modalities you are likely to produce a group of enthusiastic, engaged learners. (Dr. Patricia Hutinger)

3. Lap Books Create Interest
Most students will choose a lap book project over any other writing or studying assignment because they are fun and entertaining. Most people like crafty projects.

People cannot learn by having information pressed into their brains. Knowledge has to be sucked into the brain, not pushed in. First, one must create a state of mind that craves knowledge, interest and wonder. You can teach only by creating an urge to know." Victor Weisskopf, Physics Professor
In hands-on learning the spark is human curiosity. The student internalizes questions, which trigger mental reasoning. The student begins to do his or her own thinking, rather than just accepting the explanation of the Instructor ... starts to relate cause and effect. The student, in doing ... instead of just listening and observing ... begins to see purpose to the learning. It is a form of discovery, which, in itself, is an exhilarating experience that promotes understanding and impacts the brain in a unique and superior way. (nukefacts)

4. Images Enhance Learning
Lap books include lots of images. Clip art is popular is schools for a reason-- our brains like thinking in pictures.

Visual input creates the strongest recall value of all senses, and also allows the widest spectrum of levels-of-processing modifiers. It is also one of the most widely studied. Within visual studies, pictures have been shown to have a greater recall value than words – the picture superiority effect. (Craik, FIM; Lockhart RS)
Before children learn a language, they visualize pictures in their minds which are linked to concepts. Unfortunately, once children are trained to write only words in one color on lined paper, their creative channels and mental flexibility diminishes. Images keep this creativity fired up. (Margulies, S. 1991)
By comparing visual presentations with verbal presentations, the results were vastly in favor of visualizations. Presenters who used visual language were perceived by the audience as more effective than those using no visuals – they were clearer, more concise, more interesting, more professional, more credible and better prepared. (The Wharton School 1981).

5. Color Enhances Learning
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a picture with color may be worth a million. Psychologists have documented that "living color" does more than appeal to the senses. It also boosts memory for scenes in the natural world. Color helps us to process and store images more efficiently than colorless (black and white) scenes, and as a result to remember them better, too. (Felix A. Wichmann,)

92% believe color presentations presents an image of impressive quality (Xerox study, 2003).
Color improves comprehension by 73% (‘The Power of Color’, Successful Meetings, June 1992).
Color increases brand recognition by up to 80% (University of Loyola, Maryland study).
90% believe that they remember presentations and documents better when color is used (Xerox study, 2003).

6. Right and Left Brain Skills
We have two halves to our brains which think in different ways. The left side thinks linearly following direct linkages to related ideas. The right side prefers the whole picture with flow, images, and colors.
Lap booking brings together your left brain (words, logic) and right brain skills (images, color, rhythm, space) which dramatically increases your mind power.

The more you integrate left and right brain activities, the more the brain’s performance becomes synergetic. This means that each cortical skill enhances the performance of other areas so that the brain is working at its optimum. (Sperry, R.W.)
Research shows that the brain likes to work on the basis of association and it will connect every idea, memory or piece of information to tens, hundreds and even thousands of other ideas and concepts. (Anokhin P.K.)

7. Mini Books = Chunking Information
Our brains think in unique and logarithmic ways. Chunking refers to the strategy of breaking down information into bite-sized pieces so the brain can more easily digest new information. A mini book is a chunk of information about the theme.

The brain holds a limited amount of information at one time. Each piece of information is best studied through a structured process of learning that assimilates that chunk of information.
While lap booking, students organize visual elements into groups placing information into booklets and booklets into the lap book.

Our short-term memory is on average only capable of storing seven items of information and chunking can help us use this storage space more effectively. (Glass, A.L. and Holyoak, K.J.)
By chunking information the author improves the reader's comprehension and ability to access and retrieve the information. (Robert Horn)

Why Do You Do It?
There are many other reasons why lap booking works. Why do you like lap booking? Why do your children like it? What do you like best? Least? I think children should be part of the lap book planning. What do you think? Comment below.

Courtesy post by:
HeartofWisdom.com/Blog
http://heartofwisdom.com/Blog
and
http://homeschool.corecommerce.com/Scrap-Lap-Book-Kits/

Footnotes:

Lapbook is TM by Tobin's Lab
Craik, FIM; Lockhart RS (1972). "Levels of processing: A framework for memory research". Journal of Verbal Learning & Verbal Behavior 11 (6): 671–84. doi:10.1016/S0022-5371(72)80001-X.
Margulies, S. 1991, Mapping Inner Space: Learning and Teaching Mind Mapping. Zephyr, Tucson, AZ.
The Wharton School 1981, Wharton Applied Research Center, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Anokhin P.K. (1973). ‘The forming of natural and artificial intelligence’. Impact of Science in Society, Vol. XXIII 3.
Sperry, R.W. (1968), ‘Hemispheric deconnection and unity in conscious awareness’. Scientific American, Vol. 23, pp. 723-35.
Glass, A.L. and Holyoak, K.J.(1986), Cognition. New York: Random House.
Horn, Robert E.,Developing Procedures Policies & Documentation, Information Mapping Inc

Today Is Constitution Day

2011-09-16T10:12:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share this great read from the Heritage Foundation. To read more about the Constitution and other resources please click the following link. http://www.askheritage.org/how-can-you-preserve-the-constitution/?utm_source=AH_Weekly&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=2011-09-16&utm_campaign=2011_Brand I also want to mention you can recieve FREE Curriculum and a FREE pocket constitution over at this same site. Again visit the attached link above.

How Can You Preserve the Constitution?

The Constitution of the United States of America has endured over two centuries. It remains the object of reverence for nearly all Americans and an object of admiration by peoples around the world. Unfortunately, the assault by 20th century liberal theorists and activist judges has seriously undermined respect for America’s core principles, denigrating some constitutional rights they disagree with and making up others.

Fortunately, there has been a renewed interest in the Constitution in recent years, as Americans seek to understand the founding principles and enduring truths that form the bedrock of our chosen form of self-government. Clearly, the future of liberty depends on America reclaiming its constitutional first principles.

In that spirit, The Heritage Foundation is hosting an extraordinary series of events as we do our part to Preserve the Constitution. Heritage’s Preserve the Constitution Series will feature the nation’s most respected judges, legal scholars, and policy analysts as they discuss how to combat these attacks on the rule of law and the Constitution.

We began the Preserve the Constitution Series last Friday by taking a look at President Ronald Reagan, for whom the Constitution provided the foundation of his presidency and ultimately influenced his every decision. In our event, “A Constitutional President: Ronald Reagan and The Founding,“ I was joined by Steve Hayward, Jim Miller, and Lee Edwards. We discussed how, from the first days of his presidency, Reagan was guided by the first principles of the American Founding, especially the idea of ordered liberty.

In the opening paragraphs of his first inaugural address in 1981 — much of which he personally drafted — President Reagan echoed the preamble of the Constitution, calling on “We the people” to do whatever needs to be done to “preserve this last and greatest bastion of freedom” — America. Eight years later, in his farewell address to the American people, the President said that the American Revolution was “the first revolution in the history of mankind that truly reversed the course of government, and with three little words, ‘We the people.’”

Those words should remain a guiding light for government today—particularly as our country continues its war against terrorists. To commemorate 9/11, and the role of the Constitution during wartime, join us tomorrow for a lively discussion between conservative legal scholar and former Bush Administration official John Yoo, and the former head of the ACLU, Nadine Strossen. They will discuss a new book of collected essays by distinguished scholars, of which I was proud to take part.

Certainly, our Supreme Court plays a vital role in preserving the Constitution–particularly given the latest effort to expand the power of Congress with the passage of Obamacare. The Eleventh Circuit’s recent ruling striking down the individual mandate in Obamacare makes it almost certain that the Supreme Court will hear the constitutional challenge. Will the government be able to delay the final decision until after the 2012 election? And how will the Justices respond to the latest racial preference cases from the Fifth and Sixth Circuits: Will they overrule Grutter v. Bollinger or kick the can down the road for another 25 years? How will United v. Jones (the GPS tracking device case) and Florence v. Board of Freeholders (the prisoner strip search case) change Fourth Amendment protections? Will the High Court uphold the Arizona immigration law or strike it down?

As part of our series, we will address those questions in a preview of the next Supreme Court term on September 28 with former Solicitor General Paul Clement and others. Other events in the series include: “The Constitution and the Common Defense: Who Ensures America’s National Security?“ on October 11, where I will be joined by former Attorneys’ General John Ashcroft and Michael Mukasey–the first event to feature three former Attorneys’ General; and on November 3, “Is ObamaCare Constitutional?” with Michael Carvin and David Rivkin, counsel for the National Federation of Independent Business and the states in the multi-state challenge to the new healthcare law.

Though the Constitution has endured for over 200 years, its enduring integrity cannot be taken for granted. In order to preserve the Constitution, Americans must be aware of the role it should play in restraining our government. It is our hope with our Preserve the Constitution series to educate the public about the Constitution and hopefully change America’s course by restoring the courts to their constitutional role: to protect individual liberty, property rights, and free enterprise — and to enforce the constitutional limits on government.

- Edwin Meese, III, served as the 75th Attorney General of the United States under President Ronald Reagan. He is the Ronald Reagan Distinguished Fellow in Public Policy and Chairman of the Center for Legal and Judicial Studies at The Heritage Foundation.

Book It Reminder K-6

2011-09-15T21:02:00.001-07:00

Just a friendly reminder for Book It enrolling. K-6th grade only. Homeschoolers can sign up by going to the following link and select the homeschool enrollment form. Fill it out and your book it items will be in the mail once your information is processed.

Go here to enroll:
http://www.bookitprogram.com/Enrollment/index.asp

Go here to view the Home page:

http://www.bookitprogram.com/

7 Days of Utopia : Review by Me

2011-09-14T20:07:00.001-07:00

So I wanted to share this. We seen this a week ago and I am just getting around to posting it. Sorry. But this movie is with out a doubt one of my favorites. My dd was asking me if she could see it and my dh and I wanted to see it to approve it first. O Wow, It blew me away. I am not much on golf and though you see some golf settings, yes there is an outline around Golf but it is more then Golf. The main outline of this movie will blow you away and leave you walking out of the movie - Encouraged, Built up (if you pay close attention to the movie outline) and I cannot say that you will not walk out pondering what you just seen. This movie is a DEFINATE MUST SEE!

What about the kids: If you are worried about content or language : DON'T! There is only ONE bad word (Hell) and you see it in the first part of the trailer. There are no other bad words that we remember hearing in the movie. Language is ok, The film is rated G.

I will leave you with this thought that you will begin with in 7 Days of Utopia:

Isaiah 30: 21 Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.

Fossil Pics

2011-09-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am posting the fossils we did. They turned out great. But the lighting in the pictures, well it is terrible. Lol! I will try get some pictures tomorrow with the outdoor lighting as it is much better. :) I am picky - sorry!

So we did Fossils earlier this week and here are the results. :)

(unforunately when I dl a few of the pics they didnt save or dl properly so here are 3 pics.)

We used two different sized leafs, tree branch, nut shell (literally)
and an acorn. These were there choices and they decided to make room and have some of all of them. :)

To make your own Fossil Clay click on the "HOW TO" page link that is below:
http://coneshomeschool101.blogspot.com/2011/09/fossil-clay-art-our-day.html

Beginning of Our Fossils

2011-09-13T17:13:00.000-07:00

So today we did the beginning part of our fossils. Yesterday we went on a hunt down the trail and through out the yard to find things to fossilize. Obviously you see more then just fossils above in our picture. Our clay is drying and tomorrow hopefully we will begin the phase 2 part of the fossilizing.

This was tons of fun. Kids could not decide if they liked their fossil or not so they redone them about 3 times. Lol!

We used:

A few different leaves (different sizes)
Acorn
Nut shell
Tree Branch

Our fossil is not just consisting one item like I thought they would do. The liked the idea of blending their fossil. Lol, So ok we did that.. :)

Today we also did a lesson on the LadyBug. You can see in the picture their ladybugs they made and a worksheet we also did a midst a few other things relating to the lady bug.

We learned:

About the Life Cycle of a Ladybug
Process of Metomorphis
Habitat of Ladybugs
What bug the eat most - "Amphids" (This poor bug happens to be our next bug to learn about)
Anatomy of a Ladybug
Do you know how many different kinds of ladybugs their are? We do now!

Tomorrow if all is go for our fossils, I will post our fossil pictures after they are done with all steps.

I listed what I could find on the ladybugs below.

Ladybug Resources:

Fossil Clay Art & Our Day

2011-09-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

Today was a little off then usual. Lol, We woke up a little late (about 45 mins) so that through a curve in the day. We (little ones and I) got started on our phonics, Writing lesson and learning Days of the Week as well as Date. We did our PE ( started out jogging 1 lap around the house with another lap running, and the last lap racing eachother around the house to the start. We did Jumping Jacks outside and skipped around house as well.)

Big Sis, was already on her Math/Algebra study lessons, (atta girl) then her vocab and we breaked for lunch.

After lunch, Well, haha this was icing of the cake sorta speak. We started out making decision on what insect we would work on for tomorrow. We had two to pick for this week. We are doing Lady Bug and Amphid. Then we (all of us came together) and hit some history which also had a brief lesson on Science. So ok, combine! Easy as pie, ay! Lol!

We spent a little longer with history today as we broke in to a discussion over the lesson and I felt like there was a total purpose in this discussion so I stayed in it much longer then normally. We all were involved but much was me and oldest DD. (God is Mysterious in all His plans as they unfold, His timing is perfect with everything He does). Again, we had a mixture of Science in our lesson today, which made it extra long. Sooo, This leads me up to tomorrows craft. :)

Tomorrow we will be making a few different fossils with clay art and letting them dry out so we can finalize them after learning todays lessons.

So, who wants to make some fossils? :)

What you need:

Clay that will Dry

(you can get this most anywhere. Walmart has Crayola drying clay)

Fossil items

(this is where you get to raom your yard and find items to fossilize.

Rocks, Leaves, Stems of a tree, etc)

Brown Shoe Polish

Aresol Hair spray

Wax Paper

What do we do: I recommend working clay in hand before you roll it. When your ready to roll the clay out you can do one of two things. Roll it on the table then carefully place it on the wax paper to fossilize or roll it on the wax paper and fossilize. Either way, when it is all said and done you want the fossil on the wax paper for drying.

You will need to roll out the clay to size, (may need a small bowl of water to keep clay moist). If you choose a leaf lay it on the clay and gently press to mold the forming of the leaf. You will want the vein side of the leaf facing down in to the clay. After your through, gently remove the leaf and see if it is to your staisfaction.

If it is not, rework the clay and attempt to redo the leaf fossil again. (keep repeating until you have the fossil you want).

Next, Let the fossil dry (May take 2-3 days to air dry thoroughly. You do not want this partailly dry.)

After the clay is completely dry, you will need to pain the Brown Shoe Polish on the fossil , Then spray the aresol hair spray over it and let it dry. Wallah, You have a fossil art.

Have Fun!

How To Develop Listening Skills - Giveaway

2011-09-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

Free homeschooling 101 is hosting a giveaway.
If you are interested in this giveway please run over to the noted site. You have until Sept 18th..

http://www.freehomeschooling101.com/2011/09/how-to-develop-listening-skills.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FreeHomeschooling101+%28FREE+HOMESCHOOLING+101%29

Where were you on September 11?

2011-09-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

May We Never Forget!

I think we all can agree that this was probably one of the most horrifying days in our life, this country faced since the attack on Pearl Harbor. While I was not alive then, witnessing 9/11 unfold took me straight on to my knees in prayer and grieving for those innocent people in New York City, Washington and these beautiful souls aboard these planes from all over that witnessed such horror before leaving this life. Just like Pearl Harbor, September 11 will be a day remembered always.

9/11 does not just impact just two states because they were the target of such a haneous viscous act of violence. 9/11 impacts this nation and all within it. It angers me to hear so many on the streets or near by in surrounding areas say, "Its over and done with, Can we move on and forget it?"
NO! NO! NO! We can not forget the day our country was under attack! We can not and we must not forget the lives that were deliberately taken, lives that were sacrificed to save others. Why could anyone want to forget the day our nation was taken to its knees but awaken from its slumber to raise again and fight what America Stands for... Those who wish to forget, must not be of this great country to let her go down with such viscious attacks and ignore those who were taken from this life not by choice but because another decided to commit such an act controlled by demonic force and pure hatred. I am ashamed to those who care less. Enough said...

****************************************************

"To those who were there amidst all of this agony, to those who lost loved ones, I continue to hold you close to my heart and cover you in my prayers. If I could be there in person to extend my condolences, honestly I would sit and hug everyone of you shedding tears with you."

To this day, looking at this picture, my heart hits my throat and my stomach feels ill, eyes fill with tears. My thoughts are overwhelmed with pain and questions like, "How can anyman be so cruel and heartless to commit such a viscous act?"

Tuesday, September 11,2001, The day the sleeping Giant was awaken!

I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was just getting up preparing my and my 3 yo daughters breakfast. With the TV on watching the news and Today show, the tv sounded with a breaking news alert... I remember turning the corner of my kitchen and towards the tv to see the first tower was in flames and smoking. My first thought was My God, My God, those people, Lord be with them. Although, no one knew this was a terror attack, Yet. I remember my daughter then 3, heading towards the tv with her hands up on the screen, I could hear her call out Jesus, Jesus, be with those people [just as I called out moments earlier]. I rushed towards her pulled her to me and held her, what happened next would tear me up as we watched the second plane hit the tower. Immediately, I knew we were in trouble, I begin feeling an urgency to pray and began praying for those lives lost and in danger. Only the Lord knew what was coming next. As I was praying I was rushing around the house to get dressed and get my dd dressed. I made a few calls to ensure we were still having prayer that am at our church and I believe we all requested and earlier meeting time as we all felt it was urgent to come together and pray for these innocent lives, our nation, its leadership and the events that were unfolding on this day.

As I headed back to the livinging room the pentagon had just been hit and they were tracking the planes still in the air. While forcing all flights down.

I seen the horrifying look of shock on President Bush's face as he was notified in FL while a midst a classroom full of children. (some expected him to immediately react, but I am proud of how he reacted. Why react in panic to frighten the nation? His reaction was what the nation needed, "remain calm!" After all, reacting out of panic can lead us to do some pretty stupid and careless things.)

Then what seemed like moments later - the traggedy of the first tower collapse. There after the second tower collapsing.

The unexpected just happened and the nightmare just began. While we were all praying that everyone would get out safely, the traggic reality was not everyone was able to get out, alive and safe. :'( I cried all morning,all day, all evening. Worrying and praying about people I knew in that area, people in our family and friends that were serving in the military and I knew would be sent out to fight in the war. People I didnt know but my heart just broke for.The strangers of this country I have never met but yet I feel so close to, being we [each one of us] are all natives of this country and have some relation close to each other whether we know it or not.

I will always remember: The lives that were taken, not lost. The lives that were sacrificed - so innocently. The lives that were given to save others and became our fallen heros, now angels. The little children that were missing now gone home to Jesus. The children all over that would that would be with out a father, mother, gramma, grampa, Aunt, Uncle. The Sons, The Daughters, The friends that would be missing later to be found dead or never to be found at all.

On 9/11/01, Everybody lost somebody, even if it was a part of themself!

Today, We remember the Victims of 9/11. May we always remember this day and never forget those lives that were taken from this life. May God Bless the families of the missing and these fallen heros. May God Bless this country always. My heart felt prayers for all and hugs to everyone this day.

A tribute video to all:

ROFLOL, Literally!

2011-09-08T21:10:00.001-07:00

I am sorry but this was posted on the lounge earlier on, interesting read but truthfully, I laughed out Loud so hard.. I am not an evolutionist and I dont believe the man made theories. I am a creationist, so Yes, I do take God at his word. But this was interesting read that shows how far evolutionist will go. Like an other commentdet on the lounge, some of these bones are probably that of a child as well as some are women bones. None the less, I had to share the latest read..

http://news.yahoo.com/closest-human-ancestor-may-rewrite-steps-evolution-141606435.html

Our First Day of School

2011-09-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

Well to my suprise our first day went well. I have all of my four schooling this year. 2 doing kindergarten and 1 doing First grade as well as my oldest doing her 8th grade year. Wowsers! But all in all it was a pretty good day. We just finished up our day and are beginning to get on our Apple Baking and finalizing our salsa for the year to end.

Yesterday we tore up the last of the garden and got yard ready for winter. Saturday we went to the Apple orchard and this week will be baking a lot. YUMMY!

I was so proud to see my 5 yo son doing his math like he did. He is a Math wiz! No exageration on that at all. My Dh who is 6 was beginning to get irritated because every time we did a verbal math problem he would beat her to the answer. Lol! She began to get a bit furious about doing math together. So after we finished up our group I pulled her off to the side for a little extra one on one time in math. She cooled off and was better then. My youngest [4 yo], she did better then I expected her to do as though she is doing kindergarten this year technically she really is a bit early for K. But she did some preK last year with my son and she did so well I decided to give her a whirl with K.

Our day consisted of easy schedule really since back to school I didnt want to overwhelm anyone.

Math (for everyone)
History (for everyone)
Patterns/Shapes
Language Arts
Foreign Language (Oldest DD)
Bible (everyone)
Art

Our history dove in to a deep discussion which was super and my dd was very involved. Super! This was pretty much our first day schedule!

Tom we will head in a bit deeper as we begin our Constitution study, A Native American Lesson and Craft, Continue on in our History Lesson, Continue Math, Do a writing assignment, Work in our Phonics, Foriegn Lan. Study and I am working in a few others that I am still trying to rearrange on the schedule. But most of it is noted. I hope to post pictures of our fun activities tom.

How was your day?

Welcome Back Wish!

2011-09-05T21:03:00.001-07:00

I am praying your day is a super fabuloso day! :) Hope you have an awesome school week! I just wanted to give you my Welcome back wish!

Comments by ZingerBug.com

Happy Labor Day!

2011-09-01T20:57:00.001-07:00

Early Labor Day wish. Gonna break this weekend and spend time with my family. Have a safe and great holiday weekend.

Myspace
Graphics- At Myspacejunks.com

10 Ways to Make Math Lessons Real

2011-09-01T19:34:00.001-07:00

Reposting from my HS Links Blog:

I wanted to share this with you as it has some great tips_advice for all homeschooling. This is from the Alpha Omega Newsletter weekly. If you do not get it I encourage you to head over to their site and read it each week or month and you can sign up there. The link to this post and site is added here: http://www.aophomeschooling.com/blog/homeschool-view/meet-inspiring-moms-and-dads-from-aops-social-media-awards/

Making the connection between your child's math lessons and his everyday life can completely change his attitude toward learning math. In addition to using an easy-to-understand curriculum like Monarch, Horizons, LIFEPAC, or Switched-On Schoolhouse from Alpha Omega Publications, try using these creative lessons to make math real for your child as you start a new year of homeschooling:

1. Count, Count, Count - Make math fun for little ones by counting whatever, whenever you can. Count the toys as you put them in the toy box, count the birds sitting on the electrical wires as you take a walk, count the blue cars as you drive to Grandma's house, count the pieces of candy in a bag, or count the pennies in a piggy bank. Mix it up by counting backward or counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s.

2. Make a Pizza - Teach young children to divide by using their favorite food. Let them determine how to cut a pizza into enough pieces, so every family member gets an equal amount. Recommended for children ages 9-12, The Math Chef hones math skills like percents and geometry as they cook and bake recipes.

3. Figure Out the Change - Too many adults have no idea how to count back change unless a cash register tells them the amount. Teach your child how to correctly count back change to the bill used to pay for the item. Play shopkeeper and practice using real money. Then, go to the store and have your child count back his own change for real.

4. Go Grocery Shopping - Pretend to go the store with AOP's Market Math or take a trip to a real one. Have your child find the best price and the best bargain. Give older children a budget and the shopping list and let them purchase food for your family's next meal. Hopefully, your teens can eventually take over and do all the grocery shopping!

5. Raise Livestock or Grow Produce - Homeschooled children can learn about budgets, profit margins, and other real-life math skills as they earn money from homegrown vegetables or farm animals raised to market.

6. Play Sports - Enjoy a round of golf, a game of tennis, or a competitive bowling match. Children can stay healthy and have fun with math when learning to add and keep score.

7. Balance the Checkbook - Give your child a glimpse of the real world as he compares the bank statement to your checkbook. A new appreciation for "where all the money goes" will help him understand the cost of living and the importance of spending money wisely.

8. Redecorate a Room - Make math come alive as your child measures and calculates area to determine the amount of paint, wallpaper, and carpet necessary to make the room of his dreams.

9. Calculate Car Costs and Expenses - If your preteen is already begging for a vehicle, let him research the cost of purchasing a car, including sales tax, license fees, and insurance costs. Also, have him determine the car's miles per gallon and other costs involved in owning a car.

10. Find a Part-time Job - Perhaps the best way to keep math real is to help your child find a part-time job. As he learns to budget his money from tithing to savings and expenses, your child will understand percentages and how to determine savings goals for desired purchases.

Feel free to leave a comment below.

Raising Money Smart Homeschoolers

2011-09-01T19:27:00.001-07:00

Reposting from my links blog:

I wanted to share this with you as it has some great tips_advice for all homeschooling. This is from the Alpha Omega Newsletter weekly. If you do not get it I encourage you to head over to their site and read it each week or month and you can sign up there. The link to this post and site is added here: http://www.aophomeschooling.com/blog/homeschool-view/meet-inspiring-moms-and-dads-from-aops-social-media-awards/

The lifelong task of teaching your children financial responsibility can never begin too early. From the time they first learn to count, your children should learn the value of money and how to manage it wisely. Long before they are exposed to the lure of credit cards, the following principles are just a few financial smarts you can teach your homeschoolers:

Money Doesn't Grow on Trees

Children should learn that money is earned by working, and they can only spend what they've already earned. Instead of an allowance that can lead to an entitlement mentality, emphasize the concept that hard work equals a paycheck. Using a daily chore chart with stickers and graduating to money as they grow older, pay them regularly for completed tasks.

Delayed Gratification

Young children need to understand that once money is spent, it's gone, and before something else can be purchased, more money needs to be earned. After a long day of work has left them tired, dirty, and sore, place some money in their hands for the day's pay and say, "When you're tempted to spend your money foolishly, just remember how hard you worked to earn this." Passing this wisdom to your children should help them resist impulse purchases.

10-10-80%

For every dollar earned, 10% is given to the Lord (Proverbs 3:9, Malachi 3:10), 10% is saved for unexpected expenses, and the remaining 80% is used as working capital. Using separate jars for weekly tithes, savings, and spending money helps young children visualize how to stick to a budget with their earnings.

Needs, Wants, and Desires

Although your children probably think differently, food, clothing, and shelter are the only things they truly need. Teach them the difference between a need, a want, and a desire to keep them from joining millions of Americans who rack up huge monthly debt and stiff interest payments from credit cards.

A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned

Teach your children how to make their money work for them by opening a savings account for them at a local bank. Although interest rates aren't as good as they used to be, your children can still watch their money increase when they record interest payments and other deposits to their account. You can also encourage them to follow their account's activity online.

Sales Mean Savings

As young children grow older, teach them to be smart shoppers and take advantage of seasonal sales, discounts, and rebates. Show them how to get more for their money by using coupons and browsing the sales racks first.

Practice What You Preach

Of course, the best way to teach young children how to handle money wisely is to be a good role model. As they observe you praying about your purchases, giving to others, saving for goals, and accepting spending limits, they'll also discover how to be a good steward of God's blessings.

Teaching children how to manage money doesn't have to be the biggest challenge you face as a parent. Like the academics you teach, start smart money habits now while your children are young and put them on the right road for future financial success.

Do you give your homeschoolers an allowance? Please share why or why not in the comment to this post. Thanks everyone, Have a great weekend!

Word From - Abe Lincoln

2011-09-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

New School Year Begins...

2011-09-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! First, I feel like I need to apologize as I have neglected this blog some so I could finish my links blog. I honestly have been spending alot of my time posting and working over there so it could be up and running for this coming school year. if you havent stopped by yet please come by and let me know what you think. You can visit by clicking on my button below. I would love to hear your feedback.

Now for next order of business, lol. Sounds like a mission huh! Schools begins for us on Tuesday. Woohooo! I am sooo ready and so are the kiddos. Lol! So I am curious as to what all your day will look like. I am still in the midst of arranging and rearranging my day plan but here is an idea of what our year will consist of just not in any set plan. Lol!

My Oldests year will consist of the following:

Main Subject wise we will do the noted:

BIBLE - Daily Bible Lessons
Grammar - Alpha Omega Language Arts
History - Diane Waring (From AIG)
Science - Gods Designs/Biology (From AIG)
Math - Teaching Textbooks
Health - Anatomy, Healthy Wellness, Eating Healthy, Fitness, Life Savers

Electives:

Music - (Guitar / Keyboard Lessons - still waiting on arrival of our new keyboard, Yay!)
Foreign Language - French
Home Economics and Survival Intro (These are of my own curric. Sites are noted at side in drop box if you are interested)
Art
Typing

This year I am adding: GOVERNMENT earlier then usual. Why? Look at all that is going on around us. My dd is 13 going on 14 I think she is old enough to study some Government. We did Thomas Paine last year (common sense). She picked up on it well an is even watching all the events and what going on in our Government, she is remarking things to history and even wise beyond her age as for the decision of this Government. (proud of my girl)

As a part of Government this year I will be incorporating some of the following:

The Story of The Constitution ( if interested, you can find it over at Christianbook.com)
Briefly covering several other areas of Important Documentation as well as meaning of each one and history. (examples: Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence)
Politics including Election of coming year (planning to hit this more towards mid/end of school year)
Branches of Government and their purpose
We will take a close look at Congress and The House.

The reason I am hitting this now is merely because it has been on my heart to educate her now while all is going on, but the other reason is if we all look at the public schools, they are dumbing the kids in the public schools. I give you exact words from Public School officials in bold. Truthfully, I have sat and listened to younger kids my daughters age and even older ones debate this system, taking from what they have learned in school and I am baffeled. So I feel my dd to needs to be able to stand her ground on history, speaking truth to help educate her peers that are surrounding her. Cant wait for this one.. :)

Of course we can not forget our hands on learning crafts that are incorporated with some of our lessons. :)

I know I am leaving something out but I will add it later if it comes to me.

**********************************************************

As for my little ones: I have three schooling this year. 2 will be in Kindergarten and 1 in First grade.

Easy as pie for these little ones. Lol!

We bing our day like this:

Bible lessons
Individual Learning Time
Group learning time
Computer Learning Time (Computer Programs, Parental selected online programs)
Sign Language
Heatlh - Emotions, Feelings, Staying Healthy, Kid Shape, Pyramid

My Definitions:

Individual Learning Time - Each child will come together with momma for 15-40 minutes depending on the individual childs pace and the lesson being taught. (this also includes big sis)

Group Learning Time - This is when I bring only my little ones together and we work our Abc's. Numbers, Shapes, Story Time, Learning Game Fun, Some Math - basics, Time Learning, Music_Art_Crafts (this will include big sis also)

Some of our day does consist of out door learning and hands on learning items. Best way for most of use to learn. :) I am sure I am missing some tidbit, but I will come back and add them later.

Most of All my little ones work consists of my own curriculum gathering. They vary from SteckVauhn Phonics, 100 Easy Lessons, Alpha Omega 1st Grade Math 1st year buying a Math curriculum for my little ones. Diane Waring History, AIG Gods Designs, (both History and Science will be brief lessons through out the year) Various wkbks I picked up from $1 Store, Half price books, Sheets I made from my computer and print offs from world wide web placed with in Binders. Not to mention the materials for our classroom and hands on learning.

Until next time, hopefully it wont be as long.. Happy Schooling everyone.

Have a great Labor Day!

Updated Post and Links Blog Updated

2011-08-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

For some of you school has just begun and for most of you school is beginning in a little over a week. I wanted to make a post about my Links Blog updates. If you are new to following this blog, I encourage you to stop by my homeschool links blog as you will find a lot of great resources and newly added drop boxes. I have so much I will be adding in the coming weeks.

This year we will focus alot on Government related topics with my oldest. We will be learning survival topics, the great depression, study a lot of history and history of our government. We will learn the constitution as well as plan a study for the upcoming elections learning on the judiciary branches and more. With all of this being said, I recently added some of these drop boxes loaded with resources on my links blog. There will be more coming. I just wanted to post this note and let you know that more updates were made and continue to be made.

I will continue to post over here throug hour schooling however right now I am spending more time on the links blog adding my dropboxes. I hope you enjoy the remainder of summer and to those schooling, Happy Schooling...

My links blog is noted below! Thanks for Stopping By!
http://homeizcool101.blogspot.com/

Huge Shark Dropbox - Shark Week Begins Tomorrow

2011-07-30T14:48:00.001-07:00

Hey guys - Shark Week Begins Tomorrow night - July 31st @ 9p estrn time. With shark week this week I just added a HUGE Shark Dropbox over at my links blog. If you plan on doing any lessons on sharks I hope you will find this drop box useful.

http://homeizcool101.blogspot.com/2011/07/shark-week-new-dropboxe-up.html

Have a great weekend!

Homeschool ID Card Tip

2011-07-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

I had a few people ask me this question so I am turning it into a post.

Since earlier this year the political leaders have begun putting pressure on companies selling educational materials, curriculum and more. So some companies are now being forced to require proof of schooling and proof of Homeschooling from homeschoolers all over. With this being said,

What should homeschoolers do?

First, Please note that not all states require you to notify them that you are homeschooling. However it is not a bad idea in some cases to go ahead and notify them. I am not encouraging your decision by no means. We did even though we were not required to, but only because at that time when we checked we were told it was required and given papers showing it was in fact required. We then found out later that it was an error and we didnt have to. But... we recieved a state school identification number and certificate showing our school was an official homeschool and much support from the states HS leadership. {I want to note the state did not appoint HS leadership support. They gave us their information and encouraged us to get involved with the state hs administration to find support and get any help we would need.} The state was actually very supportive in giving out all the HS information they had from the HS Administration. Odd but none the less all was ok.

The Id card can be good for a lot of reasons, more so now with the pressures being put on these companies selling HS material. (I will explain more below).

For some of these companies having proof to get your curric can be a pain. For one it can be a pain buying if you do not have a state Identification number. In some places the ID will be or is already required to purchase, so in should there be a case to have ID, you will need to show letter or something from the state that you are allowed to purchase material. (Folks I tell you, In my opinion, this is just not politics. This is the goal to make it harder for homeschoolers to homeschool. This is rediculous none the less.)

Now not all companies are asking for ID up front or proof of homeschooling, YET! But a lot are. (NOTE: It varies by state). Some online and some franchise stores in a lot of states require proof showing you are a homeducator in order to recieve any form of teaching discount. (again varies by state) JoAnne Fabrics is one as well as Half Price books stores and some others. (at both JoAnnes and HP books we only had to do this one time by filling out a form they will keep on file to get our discount card).  That does not mean that you have to show anything from the state, It just means they want you to show some sort of proof that you are not the average joe trying to gain an extra discount on top of store price or sale. Again where a brief ID card is fine. So to better assist you in this case, You can make an ID yourself or you can download one from various sites like the site I attached. [ http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/ ]

(Again I NOTE: This is not REQUIRED in ALL states. Please check your state to see what is required. Do not misread this post assuming that I am stating your required to do this! If you are not for sure about your states requirements, it is your duty to check your local State Guidelines and Legislation to find out if it is required. Other wise this is an option for you to consider. I note this as I have already had one who read in to this adding words and assuming an other wise wrong assumption!)

What does my ID Card need on it? (Should you decide to do this)

Your ID card should have any of the following:

Your State School ID - [If you have one]
Your School Name [ex. Jones Academy or Jones Homeschool Academy]
Your First & Last Name
Picture of your family [Small picture for corner or bottom center and it is optional]
Year and Date you began homeschooling
school email [optional - although most places ask for it to send alerts on upcoming discounts]

This card in not required to be fancy and it not all of the information above is needed! Laminate your ID card and cut it out to wallet size then use it where ever you go that it is needed. For those of you that do not have State Ids, If you have been asked to show proof by any company, I recommend trying any of the following first.

First try typing up a similar card to the above. This time only have the following information:

Your Homeschool Academy Name
Your First & Last Name
Picture
Year and Date you began Homeschooling
school email

This would be my first recomendation. If they still need proof from the state then you will need to contact your state dept of education and explain to them politely what you need. Once you receive your note from the state and you have what you need I recommend the following:

Photocopy several copies of this note so you will not have to ask again.
File away one copy
If it is a partial page or smaller, cut it down and laminate it so you can keep it with you at all times.
If it is for an over the internet order you will have to either scan it on to your computer and contact that company sending that as an attachment or more then likely place the order through the mail.
Make sure they file this note on to your file so that you will not have to keep sending this to them.

Listen, honestly this is a pain and senseless but in some case I understand from a business view why businesses are starting to ask up front. It may be a one time thing and they may file it away, then again it may not be a one time thing. Who knows, it varies by state! Once you do the first time, It is my guess that you will not have to do this later on. Unless they make jurastic changes in some states. Again I note: This is optional and varies by states as well as businesses. I honestly do not mind showing proof when I am asked but to have politicians try to force it I am totally against it. This is still a new push from politicians as I am told, Not all states or businesses are pushing this change in just yet.. Only some of these companies to my knowlede are doing this as precaution, (including a few over the internet). Personally, I have been asked at Joannes Fabric but I now have my card so little am I asked, sometimes at Michaels, at Half Price books one time to sign up and my card was issued and a few other Sm Franchise Educational Stores both local and internet based - again a few have asked but in my case mostly local. Only a couple were big businesses that requried some form of ID but again locally.

THIS IS just a tip I am passing along to all homeschoolers should you come across this problem in the near future you will be somewhat ready ahead of time.

The other good thing about having the HS ID is that alot of schoolers are out and about on Field Trips and people have asked why the kids are not in school? I have heard other hs'rs say that they made the ID cards merely to show them they are homeschooled and after showing their cards those asking be it businesses or random people they see the card and become more supportive. So I see the other side to why some homeschoolers went ahead to do this.

Listen, please note this, I am going to be a bit abrupt and may be rude and I have that right to do so after the comment I recieved. But I dont say this honestly to be rude, frankly I dont care what the other has to say. When someone feels they need to do something and they have probable reason to do so, it is not up to me or anyone else to make any form of judgement on them or their decision. Which is why I made this post to help other HS'rs understand what this is all about. Some have already heard about this others have not. What ever the case is I really dont care, it is here to help you better decided what to do. I want to make it clear, that in most states this is not required. Notice I repeat this so many times, because one didnt understand I noted this already above. Lol! That is ok! Life, just please make sure you read and understand this before leaving any form of a rude or regular comment, please and thank you.
Some hs'rs may feel this ID card or this post would be a threat against what much of us HS'rs are fighting to achieve as well as what others in the past have already achieved. So to see other hs'rs making ID cards it may seem as though they are caving in to the Government rather taking a stand. What ever the case is, YOU DO WHAT YOU SEE IS BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY! No one is walking in your shoes and no one can make that decision for you! I completely understand both sides, I am also prepared to stand my grounds to defend my schooling against the Government push fro control. So I am not by no means walking away from taking any stand with my HS friends all over. But I am going to note to some of the HS'rs that may be upset none the less, To you I note: that not every person is strong willed like the other. Nor is every homeschooling situation the same as the others. Until you walk a mile in anothers shoes, keep your mouth shut and hold judgement for the one who makes all judgement. Harsh, Yes I know, I apologise but apparently that needed said. NO Homeschooling family needs any form of intimdation or others speaking for them let alone against them because of a fellow or other group of HS'rs. These families are doing what they feel they need to do or is best for their family - be it in public field trips, recieving discount cards, buying curriculum or whatever else. So I encourage everyone first to take a breather and chill out and allow families to make their own decisions they see best. AGAIN I NOTE: Check your state laws and legislation.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER:
Now after that whopper, I apologize it is not my attempt to be rude in this post as I was trying to make other HS'rs aware so they can be prepapred for later on what ever happens. I do have to say all of this sounds rediculous in so many ways! But... I again can understand why some companies may feel they need to do this or may consider beginning this. [Probably pressure or not just pressure but also those false claims made just to recieve discounts, companies may be losing profit. Dont you know that today we can not lose profits. Its all about the money and the gain who cares about the average joe anymore!]
However for politicians to pressure all companies because of their political stance, hah! Thats a cheap shot and they are low lifes just wanting to gain more control to benefit who? Them maybe as well as put the money in their own pockets and take it from others. I dont agree with this and of course, we all know homeschooling is under an attack, obviously! Please! Please! Please! Remember that we are all in this same boat together. It only takes ONE person to ruin it for the rest of us. Please be wise in your decisions as well as firm on your believe. NO form of Government should have TOTAL control over the people peroid! If we give them total control then what was the Constitution for? What about the lives lost for the fight of freedom for this country, so be wise, pray about everything before jumping in to anything!

I encourage you also to be kind and in obedience with your state laws, this will benefit our Homeschooling in the long run. IF we choose to handle it hostile they will just come down harder each time and it ruins it for everyone trying to obey and stay with in the laws.

As of right now I am just passing this along from a notice earlier this year that Currclick had posted on their site. I didnt think about it then because I didnt know more then and really up until recently when I heard others asking and talking about it. Everyone needs to be aware of what is going on. I recommend everyone following your states sessions when the house and congress are in as well as follow the HSLDA Alert updates. Thanks for reading and I hope again no one finds this information to be misunderstood or as a push to make the ID cards!

I hope you find this useful!

Blessings to all!

My Links Blog Reminder

2011-07-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I just wanted to remind you that I have another Homeschool blog up mainly consisting of links. I have not been posting much on this blog because been working on that blog. With school getting ready to start back up for most, I did want to remind you of my new links blog. I have a lot of links added and continue to add more for your benefit. I hope you find everything useful. I am doing this for all of us to use. I get tired of searching for links so I put them together and am doing my best to categorize them for all to be able to find what they are looking for. Have a great weekend and continue to enjoy your summer.

Please follow me at my links blog to. I hope you find it very useful. :)
http://homeizcool101.blogspot.com/

Blessings!

Lower Elementary Numbers/Math Sites

2011-02-09T13:21:00.000-08:00

Here are a lot of Lower Elementary Number and Math Sites. I have just added these at the LinKs Blog as well. I am in the process of making a drop box for them. To view more links at my Homeschool Links Blog you can click the following link: http://homeizcool101.blogspot.com/

Downloadable PDFs on Numbers and Math for Preschool - 2nd Graders

Great Sites for Lower Elementary Number/Maths DownLoadable and Printables

http://www.kidslearningstation.com/preschool/teach-numbers.asp

http://www.kidzone.ws/math/kindergarten.htm

http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Numbers/

http://www.schoolfamily.com/print-and-use-tools/category/129-color-by-numbers-worksheets      { Site above has Srping Number Pages and Valentines Number Pages }

Gumball PDF or Printable   [and others to the right side]
http://printables4kids.com/gumball-math-color-by-number/

Coloring by numbers
http://www.animaljr.com/farm-animal-color-by-number-printables/

http://www.google.com/images?q=Number+Printables&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7GGLL_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=kO9STYHxDYT58AaEv5SECg&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=5&ved=0CE0QsAQwBA&biw=1419&bih=738

Numbers and More Create Worksheets
http://www.toolsforeducators.com/numbers.php

Number Printable Cards     [We printed and used these for our Pocket Charts (counting 0-100) ]
http://www.senteacher.org/wk/numbercards.php

Blessings!

Some Valentines Fun

2011-02-06T20:33:00.000-08:00

Here are some fun Valentines Crafts to check out!

http://crafts.kaboose.com/handpoem.html

http://crafts.kaboose.com/stained-glass-heart.html

http://christianhomeschoolhub.spruz.com/downloads.htm?a=&act=get&guid=11BD0730-33F8-4CA0-9DBB-81F1744C53AD

Blessings!

Thanksgiving Resources Are Up

2010-11-18T09:02:00.000-08:00

I have just posted a few posts over at the Homeschool Links Blog, You can click the link below and find the posts. ThanksGiving Freebies, Lapbook and more. Blessings!

http://homeizcool101.blogspot.com/

Election Day

2010-11-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

I voted did you? My polling place was a few minutes up the street. I was swetting if I would have my truck before polls closed so I hopped on my bike and road. Was there in 5 minutes and back home safe again.

I hope everyone made it out to vote. If you havent already, please get out and do so. Your vote is extremely important in the future of this country.

"No one has the right to complain about the direction of this country if they are not willing to go out and vote."

Its a privelage we as Americans have to go out and vote. Lets all take advantage of this privelage and right to vote.

Please go out and let your voice be heard today. Polls close at 6p.

Numbers Printable Site

2010-10-23T19:41:00.001-07:00

http://www.senteacher.org/Worksheet/9/Number.xhtml

I used these for my pocket chart, so I didnt have to go and buy the whole chart and numbers from store, I reused the chart I had {got out of $1 bin at Target [bought quite a few of them]} and wala, I have my new pocket chart 0-100.

Todays Native Art Is............

2010-09-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

So today with our lessons continuing on Native Americans. We made our beaded necklaces. We learned about the beads and their symbols as well as the feathers and their symbols and why it was important to the Natives to wear them. Been a fun day. Kids are having a blast. I actually got a compliment from my oldest, and I quote her: "And I thought school this year was going to start off boring doing this Native learning, I am actually learning and having a blast.."

She so doubted my fun, Bahahaha! All are having a blast. You can see in the pictures below. I found the closest I could on some of the beads to resemble replica beads, cheap at dollar store. I did buy the dried grass/hay to use but kids didnt have patience to use it and I got tired running back in forth so we just let them use the elastic string that came with the beads. I did make one however out of the grass. Also noted in the pictures. I have seen some Native Necklaces with feathers and others with out. So I went ahead and put the feathers in the bead that appeared to be the tightest on the necklace to ensure it held the feather. One on each side on a few and two on one side on an other. Just did it differently.

[Hint: you can also see in the background of one of the pictures below, our weave stand. We have three colors going and starting to add another. Not to mention my daughter is starting a smaller weave above the one we have already started. We decided to add a cross in the center of the first weave we started, so we have it going in a few sections. ]

Last but not least, you see my little boy does not want to give up the rabbit skin for another. He has staked his claim on it and keeps petting it. Lol!

Tomorrow we are off for cleaning day and we will hop back on board Native fun Monday, Summing the week up with the festivals next weekend. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Native American Clay Art Fun

2010-09-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

Today we did our Clay Art. It is on a tray air drying for a few days and we will then get to paint it once it is dry. So here is round 1 of 2. Lol! Kids had a blast. This Native American Lesson is so exciting and fun for them and me. Lol! I cant wait for the Potawatomi Indian Festival in week and half. Yay! I think I am worse then the kids, atleast one of them. :)

You also get to meet the visitor that appeared during our day and stayed most of the day. Mr Hopper as we called him [From Antz] He showed up on our sliding doors around noon and was there til about 4pm. He was all over the window I suppose snatching a view of what was going on inside. Kids were worried because at one point he got really close to a big spider web. But He made it off safely on his merry ol way. ;)

Our Weaving Stand

2010-09-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

Ok so here is the weaving stand I made over the weekend. That is a lot of nailing. Lol! But we were able to weave with our native american lesson today. We have 20 rows started and we are debating to do an other color with it. I dont know what it will be but it was fun. Kids had a blast. The good thing is we can use this stand for weaving anything. They make ones like these in craft sections at store. I just recycled wood and used nails and made a big stand. Lol. Fun Fun, but concentration is a must and patience.

The benefits of weaving are many. One survival use, great on motor skills for little ones, [hands, eyes]. You can make a lot of neat things once you get the hang of it. Not just a lesson on Native American, you can make a lot of things on the stand and have lots of fun at times. Lol!

Native American Fun...

2010-09-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

So excited. Starting Tuesday we are diving in on the Native lessons and fun. Two whole weeks learning, making crafts, recipes and wrapping it up with a mini movie on Indians, and Heading to a weekend of Festivites.

We will also mix in some colonial, a lesson lapbook on Johnny Appleseed since festival will be apart of our weekend of fun.

I am in the midst of making my own weaving stand. I will post on it when I get it done tom. The craft we are going to do said use a box or 2 sticks. Well it is just too time consuming and requires 2 people to help it work. From what I have read they had a stand [ we will call it ] made from wood and they sat under it indian style and weaved their making. So the two stick method is a BOMB!

So when I get the stand made I will post it and show you. I am making it out of left over material I had in my garage from an other item. Lol! :)

This is going to be fun. Keep stopping by to see our latest. :)

Have a great Holiday!

Math Site

2010-09-03T21:12:00.001-07:00

Ran across this site loaded with printables:
http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/math/

Blessings!

Native American & More Drop Box Up!

2010-09-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Native American and Colonial Drop Box now up over on my link blog noted : http://homeizcool101.blogspot.com/

Lots of links from Lapbooks, Recipes, Crafts, Printables and more.

September a lot of Native Festivals are happening and November is the National Month of learning Native American/Colonial/Pioneer History.

Great Feed of Advice on Homeschooling

2010-08-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Great feed on how to teach your child in Geography. This is also a great piece of advice towards any sort or teaching, subject and a great answer to those who are skeptical about Homeschooling.

We are not all genius, but we are educated enough to know how to make the right decisions and get the research to find the answers we need. We do not need a teachers degree to teach and teaching is a natural God Given Gift in everyone. So to the skeptics here is a good piece of information, to the homeschooling looking for other answers or a new direction - This is a great feed!

Pic of our Full Classroom setup!

2010-08-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here is a few pictures of our whole dining room now with the computer station up. I said I would post them but got busy. Lol! Sorry! I also noted the following links with our curriculum and other pictures of our workboxes and more, so you wouldnt have to search all my posts for them. Have a great evening! :)

http://coneshomeschool101.blogspot.com/2010/08/our-curriculum-school.html

http://coneshomeschool101.blogspot.com/2010/08/our-computer-station-finally.html

100 FREE Textbook Downloads - Assrtd Subjects

2010-08-23T19:10:00.001-07:00

Over 100 FREE ebook Textbooks covering Assorted Subjects from Lower/Upper Elementary to High School. Visit http://www.openculture.com/free_textbooks to get the latest downloads.

Courtesy of http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2010/08/100-free-textbooks-from-open-culture.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+freetech4teachers%2FcGEY+%28Free+Technology+for+Teachers%29 website.

Blessings!

Our Computer Station.... Finally!

2010-08-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

Here FINALLY are the pictures of our Computer Station. Just got it up and going tonight, nearly took a ride with the computer hutch down the stairs. Lol! God love my hubby, but I just can not wait for when it is good for him to help me move it. Lol! Me and my oldest we just took a leap and jumped on it. WALA! I took advantage of the openess and the Doors as well as outer wall of the Hutch. Its just a cheap Walmart Hutch thing so who cares... Lol!

You can see in the first picture, Doors closed, outside doors - I put our shelf boxes on one side, works great holds our daily pieces to calendar, weather and etc. On the other door is our daily routine we can change out the stations as we go through each day, [Love Velcro Dots].

Picture 2 is more of side view of doors as well as my home made Bulletin Felt Board and Calendar [Yes my calendar is moved up a few weeks. Lol! I have my reason for that it was called VACATION and Cancellation] ;)

Picture 3 is the inside of the hutch, computer and computer programs as well as workbooks for next term we will rotate out later on. ;)

Picture 4 you can see our long Felt Counting mat. I love love love it. So much to go with the Felt change out - ;) We have numbers, block counting, patterns and more for that mat. ;)

Picture 5 is more of a close up of the Doors to hutch Closed. Work Stations and Shelf Box. :)

Picture 6 is in side one of the doors. It is the days in schools as wells as learning Place Value of numbers. I have velcro dots on the numbers to stick up and they are up top of hutch in a baggy ready for use. ;)

Last but not least is the top of the hutch. Mind you this use to be our dining room, well I will do a full view tomorrow to show you are mini classroom. :) Hey, I love my dining room, but when we have limited space, you take advantage of what you got. I am hoping to move here soon. I guess we could re do loft and make a school room, but I already have a good setup downstairs which motivates us to get moving. Lol. Plus colder down there, reall wakes you up when you are a sleep in the am. :) Brrr!

My little ones are definately excited about their computer station. Big Sis too. For her I think she is just glad to have the computer out of her room so kids wont mess up her room. ;)

What do you think? I have lots of goodies to share later on. Hope everyone had a great weekend. ;)

Blessings!

Free Great Depression CD Curric.

2010-08-20T15:05:00.001-07:00

Free Great Depression Curric CD - no shipping/handling charges. FREE!
Visit the link below:

https://www.newyorkfed.org/publications/result.cfm?pub=1016NN

Blessings!

Free Algebra Downloads - 38 weeks worth lessons

2010-08-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

FREE from Teacher Tech. Blog: 38 weeks Algebra downloads FREE

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2010/08/38-weeks-of-algebra-lessons.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+freetech4teachers%2FcGEY+%28Free+Technology+for+Teachers%29

Blessings!

Inspiring Blog Homeschooling

2010-08-18T21:14:00.001-07:00

An Inspiring post on homeschooling. Also shared by a fellow friend blogger. [Thanks]
http://westernconservatory.com/article/2009/10/whos-afraid-homeschooling

Incredible Blog

2010-08-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

This is one amazing blog with neat homeschooling creations for homeschooling rooms. A fellow friend blogger posted it and I couldnt resist sharing it. If I had more room for our schooling, o the things I could do. Lol, These are fanasy pictures for most of us, but they are neat and very creative. I really like this blog. I thought I would share it with you...

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/08/best-ways-to-create-homeschool.html

Blessings!

Our Curriculum & School

2010-08-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

Ok I am a bit behind because of Vacation. But catching up. Lol! MOST of Everyone is making their post on their school/classrooms, Let me catch up. Some wont be starting until Sept after holiday. So I guess I am not to far behind, Lol!

We are going back to ALPHA and OMEGA Lifepacs this year. My daughter likes that curric better then the HORIZON on computer curric. I have to say, I do to, that curric on computer was a bit more over her head as well as setting it up was a bear - No thanks to Windows Vista. Blah!

In the midst of our school curric, I decided to do a switch up. I am using Alpha Omega Lifepacs only for, Language Arts, Some of Science & Math.

History, last year we began - The History of the World and Loved it so we will stick with it for all history use. [All Ages] [Bad Picture, Lol!] This is a great book for all ages and also had a workbook and more to go along with it.

All though we are using Alpha Omega for some of our Math, We are also trying out the Straight Forward WorkBooks. [GarlicPress.com]

In with our AOP Science I put my own curriculum together on Creation Science vs Evolution Science for all of my kids and also doing a group study with a good friend. We wanted to get through it last year but in putting it together and all it had to be postponed because it is a lot of FACTUAL pieces. I wanted to make sure it was laid out right and not rushed before I taught my kids and before we got together as a group. For the most part in the group will be the basic study and alone with us will be an in depth stretched out study spending a little more time in depth in a few more areas. Not much but a little more to cover other areas.

We will also continue on in our FRENCH learning, We are adding a HomeEc subject in to our schedule. My daughter loves Fashion Designing so we will do some learning on Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting and Cooking of course who could leave that one out. :) Ohps, Cant forget the ASL - Sign Language we will continue on this year with. http://www.start-american-sign-language.com/learn-sign-language-asl.html You can get Downloadable lessons and videos here if you are interested in doing sign language also. The videos are here - http://www.start-american-sign-language.com/american-sign-language-dictionary.html

My keypboard went kurplunk last year so we have not been able to get a new one. If we are able then we will add lessons on Keyboard in to our fun. Older Daughter may work on her guitar lessons more, Otherwise we are just going to do some simple baisc music fun with smaller instruments - Tamborine, chime, etc...

So let me see that covers Upper Elementary some Lower, Lol! More Lower Elementary, We found a few little work books at the $1 Dollar tree, that we will blend in with our PHONICS learning. [They are in the little ones workboxes drawer, We will also keep with our Lapbook making & learning. ♥ em!

We again will use the Steck Vaughn Phonics Book for my 3 & 4 yo, and a recap before heading forward with my 5 yo. [My 3 yo is begging to school with her bubby, so I can not refuse her what she wants to learn. But we wont over do her just yet. :) Also, We will implement at our computer station their learning programs. They will rotate programs out so they are not on them all the time or bored with them.

Select programs to use:
Of course we cannot forget STARFALL and countless others online, but we also have some programs we were able to get a hold of cheap at garage sales and online ordering sale or clearance. One of my most recent ones I just got "Read Way" offered at http://www.mathville.com/ as well as countless other programs on reading, phonics, word making, sentenceing, shapes, numbers/letters recognition, rhyming, sequencing and really so much more.

I am jam packed loaded with options to incoporate this year as like I said, I found a whopper of a selection at a garage sale this year and for $2.50 I walked out with 10 programs and all work just fine. :) BARGAINS! As well as some happy meals from chic fil a that are educators... They are all over the place, so am I really. Lol!

I made two posterboard word wall stations out of the presentation poster board. I have a preschool station, Kinedergarten/First station. There they will learn words, shapes, numbers, letters, counting, and more. I have a few things left to add on the preschool station and WordWall but you can see some of the WordWall station in the pictures I will add below this post. Its bland but it serves its purpose. Lol! I just use clothes pins to hold the words up. I have a pocket for the words and they are turned around so they are not confusing.

Also note that in the picture below you wont see my computer station as I just started working this, so I dont have pictures of my computer station just yet. You can see most of our set up, is our dining room area. I forgot to take picture of table where we work but who needs to see all that. my computer is upstairs in our room where I have an other table set up like my office and older school material for my oldest. But for the most part you can see from this set up where we are most of the time if it is not a lazy day. Lol!

Also, Please dont forget to link up with me at my new blog created for homeschool links and more. http://homeizcool101.blogspot.com /

God Bless you all and Happy Schooling!

Great 5 Senses Learning Game

2010-07-05T11:30:00.001-07:00

http://reading.macmillanmh.com/ltreasures/index.html

Great site for the little ones

Homeschool Awareness - New Schoolers & Veterans

2010-06-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

I had to make this post as this just kept eating at me as I encounted a post recently on a specific page. So please read through this and feel free to share what you think. I also want to note that I am not by any means debating about this or trying to cast any judgement towards anyone.

Recently I encountered a post that disturbed me on Homeschooling vs Public Schooling. While I have a background of coming from the public schooling and my daughter was in the public schools for 4 well 5 years cant miss Kindergarten, huh?! Lol! So being that I have been on both sides of the system and having family in public schools teaching I think from my side my oppinion comes from seeing both sides of the system.

While public schooling worked for a while, I am so happy and blessed to say homeschooling works better for us today and has been for the last few years. What bothers me about this topic is the opinion of others who are criticizing families that have their children in the public schools.

It is plain wrong and they should be ashamed of themself. I do not care if you are a Christian Homeschooler or just an ordinary homeschooler not faith based. It is plain wrong to attack non homeschooling families telling them it is wrong for them to place their child in a public school system. What works for you does not work for every other family out there. This is giving a bad wrap to homeschooling in general. It is not our job as homeschooling families to force homeschooling on others that they look at us and homeschooling as bad, corrupt people schooling our children to be bad corrupt children. WRONG... WRONG... WRONG!!!!!!

Christians and Non Christians HAVE NO RIGHTS TO CAST JUDGEMENT ON ANYONE for any decision they make good or bad, wrong or right.   Their are pros and cons to both sides of the system. Its is how we look at it and how we represent our side of the system and our faith. I love homeschooling my kids. I have my own schedule and I am able to work around our schedule plus we are able to fit more in to our curriculum and do more hands on learning then in the public schools. If we want to spend more time on a subject or need less time we can adjust to our schedule and pace of learning. I enjoy being able to learn right along side of my kids. I dont miss a thing and not only are we able to learn together,we have a closer relationship then most parents do with their children.

Some familes at this time may desire to homeschool their children, but for one reason or an other, the door is closed for them. Does it mean they are doing the wrong thing by allowing their child to go to a public school? NO! Who are we to say they should be ashamed of their self for sending their
child[ren] to school. We have no right to do that at all. I am a firm believer of Gods word. I will stand on His word until the very day He calls me home. I believe there are some christians out there that use Gods word to their advantage and some tend to take his words out of context. When Jesus walked Earth, where did He walk to and with whom? The bible clearly states that Jesus always found company with the sinners.. WHY?

Mark 2:13-17 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.   While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

If you know your bible, You know Gods word states many times about Jesus with the sinners. There are more then just this scripture that states this. [Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 5:27-32] Where am I going with this? Some people feel led to place and keep their kids in a public school system. Why? What better place to raise your child to shine the love of Christ. Does that mean your child at the age of 6/7 is learning to carry a full time ministry. NOPE! That is not what it means at all. We as Christians are to teach and train our children up under Gods Laws and Truth. Are we supposed to wait and teach them this later on in life when it may be too late. HECK NO! It means we train our children up the way God commands us to and if some parents are led to place their children in public schools God has a reason for things to happen that way. We dont know what the reason is and frankly it is not our business. Maybe they want to HS but cant right now. Maybe they dont want to HS at all. Some people are called to HS and others are not called to HS.

Again I state, What works for one family does not always work for other familes. Homeschooling or Public schools. I agree that the Government wants more control in the school systems. I know this first hand as I have teachers in our family. Where else are they gonna get the One World Order where we all are supposed to be One in unification on our beliefs. Are they gonna work on the adults. NOPE, we seen it this last election. Who was target most for the election. YOUNGER GENERATION of voters. Adults know better and know the truth, the younger generation of voters dont. I also know first hand that public school systems have a tendency to ignore Parental rights and even at some points over rides the parental rights. I have seen this and witnessed it first hand. Parents HAVE RIGHTS and I dont care what person wants to say different. The constitution was not made for the government it was made FOR THE PEOPLE. One of the biggest problems I see today is a lack of knowledge on our Constitutional Rights. Which is one of many reasons why we are facing the problems we see today and we have a corrupted government trying to control the people of America.

As I said, their are pros and cons to both sides. But I feel is wrong about this debate/topic is the condemning of Homeschoolers/Christians of other families because they do things differently or how they feel led to. Just because your way works for you does not mean it will work for me. Just because you believe this way does not mean I should believe your way.  I have a major beef with these people who want to give homeschooling/Christianity and bad rap because they want to pick at or judge others.

May I remind you, Judging others casts judgement on to you. [James 4, Matthew 7, Romans 2, 1 Corinthians 4, Luke 6, Romans 14.] Enough scriptures to review about judging. As christians and even homeschoolers, it is our job to set good examples, be a leader and share the gospel and love of Christ, Give accurate information and educate others about homeschooling. Not cast judgement or force our ways/beliefs on to others, thus including homeschooling.

If you have been one who has been condemned or judged in any way, had either of the two forced on to you, Please accept my deepest apologies for that person who was a poor representative of Christ and homeschoolers everywhere. Pray fervently about your paths and the directions you and your family should go to and listen only for the voice of the Lord to receive your answer. You and only you will know when it is right, what you will need to do, or if you should even homeschool your child. God is truth and any man who brings False doctrine to another will pay on judgement day.

Just because we are homeschooling does not make our way right or wrong as the same for public school children. We are No better then the other and vice versa. Its not a competition to see who is better then the other, it is about teaching our children the best way of life and seeing that they are learning how to build a strong foundation for their life based on TRUTH.

Please feel free to leave a comment and please be respectful or your comment will be rejected. Thanks and God bless.

Awards! :)

2010-06-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

I received these blogger awards from Wendy over at http://www.wendygunn.net/ . I havent been on to do awards lately but I have received a few and wanted to share my thanks to everyone. I have been going through trying times lately, My dad had his transplant surgery, Finally, Doing great at home. This weekend our Bank Account was hacked into and they wiped us completely out. But Thank God we are covered and will be credited it back. Really an unending battle lately. Our dog also decided to play dumb a day and eat our cats food and now he is paying for it, he has been so sick since last night after eating it. I just keep saying, "REALLY"! I have had enough so anytime let up with the crudd storms." Lol!

So to Wendy and all the other bloggers awarding, Thank you much.. God Bless you!

The Rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you this award.

2. Share 10 things about yourself.

3. Pass the award along to 10 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic!

4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

Ten Things about Me:

1. Love Photography...

2. I am sitting at computer typing up my Post for Fit Mommy Friday [for other blog] :P

3. I Hate Hate Hate Neighborhood Additions & Home Owners Associations.

4. Annoyed easily [partly due to my thyroid - never a dull moment].

5. Love eating cheesecakes - weakeness

6. Homeshchool mommy of 2 soon to be 3.

7. Dreaming to move to the country to have my own farm..

8. Love my family and having family outings or time together.

9. I Love History Period...

10. Love Italian Food.

I have selected the following great blogs for the awards, Man it was a doozy, all of you have such great blogs to choose from. :)

1. http://www.jasmine-aboverubies.blogspot.com/ A wonderful blog and wonderful blogger.

2. http://mc-anybodywantapeanut.blogspot.com/ Good to have the pal back up and running.

3. http://scrapandlapbooks.blogspot.com/ Love this blog, She has so many wonderful things for Lapbooking... Love it!

4. http://sweetkarafaith.blogspot.com/2010/06/walking-walk.html - This blog about a little angel named Kara Faith. This blog has been so precious and dear to me. The mother is truly an inspiring courageous woman sharing about their journey with Kara. I followed her from the beginning, I cried with their loss and praised with heavens gain. Truly inspiring blog..

5. http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/ Great blog on Homeschooling

6. http://ourbusyhomeschool.blogspot.com/ Great Homeschool blog who also is schooling year round. I dont feel so left out. Lol. :)

7. http://meeshimama.blogspot.com/ Great blog to visit.

8. http://assemblyofgodblogs.blogspot.com/ Very inspiring blog. Love to visit

9. http://frugalfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/ Great blog to visit!

10. http://chaimommy.blogspot.com/ Great blog to visit. Lots of interesting posts. :)

Congratulations to you great bloggers, But every blogger deserves an award for the time and devotion to their blog, posts and to all of us in blogger world. Pat yourself on the back...

Blessings!

Flag Day & One Veterans Comment

2010-06-14T08:30:00.001-07:00

Today is Flag Day. Raise your flags high so they can fly and tell our Country Leaders We Stand for what our Country was Founded from not this corrupt bologna today.

Here is what one American Veteran had to say and Praise God for his courage and making the stand. I encourage you to join with him... My Salute to this Man....

Here it is : Our Huge Lapbook on The Civil War

2010-06-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I copied this post from my other blog and reposted it over here. Its an old one but I have had and seen a lot ask about ideas on lapbooking. Here is one we did not all at once but over time kept adding. I love this one. Took a lot of work and put it to use over time. If you can not see the images on the post you will have to click the VIEW IMAGES button under the slide footage.
Thanks for looking.

Here is in a slide view our LapbookNotebook Binder. We will begin doing our books like this for less folder use as well as storage organization of our books we make. This was a blast and we are still not finished with this binder. This is minus a report my oldest wrote on Samuel Morse and Morse Code. She is finalizing it to add in to lapbook pages. She also has a few notebook pages she has not finished up yet.

In this binder right now we have information on :

The History of Civil War Days
Some on Harriet Tubman, Underground Rail Road [Few things yet to add]
Recipes on Civil War Days
Samuel Morse and About Morse Code/Telegraphs

To add shortly to this binder - We will wrap up with the following pieces of information for this binder:

The History of Gettysburg and Gettysburg Address
President Abraham Lincoln
Emancipation Proclamation
More on Underground Rail Road and slavery
About Our Flag

Please enjoy our slide show. I have a few references I noted below that we used. But for the most part a lot of this is from our own research and pulling here and there.

If for some reason slide dont show up, scroll down some under slide is tabs you will want to click view all images. Thanks!

Some Resources we used :

Civil War Lapbook Homeschoolshare:
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/civil_war_lapbook_templates.phpBlog

Site with few links on it:
http://www.homeschoolforfree.net/2007/09/lapbooking-links.html

Lapbook Lessons:
http://lapbooklessons.ning.com/forum/topics/morse-code

Civil War Lapbook:
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/civil_war_lapbook_templates.php

History of Telegraph/Morse Code:
http://inventors.about.com/od/tstartinventions/a/telegraph.htm

About Civil War ships:
http://americancivilwar.com/tcwn/civil_war/Navy_Ships/About

Civil War Flags :
http://www.google.com/search?q=Civil+War+Flags&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLL_en

Civil War Recipes:
http://www.google.com/search?q=Civil+War+Recipes&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLL_en

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Blessings!

Awesome Sites

2010-06-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

Awesome homeschool site for Native American learning and a starfall and an other downloadable site for mini books and more....

http://www.prontolessons.com/

http://www.starfall.com/n/n-info/download.htm

http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/printable_booklets.html

Blessings

Notebooking & Copybooking links

2010-05-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here are a lot of great links and blogs for Notebooking/lapbooking and so much more. Enjoy!

http://triviumacademy.blogspot.com/2006/11/what-is-copywork.html -Copy Work Blog explains CopyWork

http://www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/printables/printablescopywork.html

http://simplycharlottemason.com/timesavers/manucopywork/

http://www.homeschoolspot.com/showthread.php?t=10427

http://www.notebookingpages.com/index.php?page=Free-Homeschooling-Resources
http://www.notebookingpages.com/
http://www.notebookingpages.com/index.php?page=Free-Language-Arts-Notebooking-Pages

http://www.design-your-homeschool.com/free-homeschool-printables.html

http://www.copycatbooks.com/free_c_printables.htm

http://www.homeschoolnotebooking.com/Free_Pages.htm

http://www.south-african-homeschool-curriculum.com/free-printable-homeschool-worksheets.html

http://heartofwisdom.com/homeschoollinks/free-printable-bible-verses-for-handwriting-and-copywork/

http://www.design-your-homeschool.com/free-homeschooling-resources-language-arts.html

http://www.4minihands.com/

http://homeschoolfreestuff.wordpress.com/english/writinghandwritingcopywork/

http://home-school.lovetoknow.com/Copywork_Using_Charlotte_Mason

http://www.albright-news.com/ -Notebooking/Lapbooking Blog

http://homeschoolblogger.com/simcoxhomeschool/category/notebooking/ -Notebooking Blog and more

http://www.south-african-homeschool-curriculum.com/free-printable-homeschool-worksheets.html

http://ourworldwideclassroom.blogspot.com/2010/05/free-printable-addition-number-facts.html

Kindergarten Links

2010-05-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some great sites for Kindergarten. If you have a 1/2 price book store near you they are having clearance sales this weekend with Memorial Day sale and they may have these new books on clearance that go along with these site for uner #$2.00. Our did so we got several of them and hooked them up with these sites as lessons for our Kindergartener.

http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/help/eh_k.html

http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/manip/mn_k.html

http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmsv/

and a blog site with Copy Notebooking information and sites for older kids that can not do writing creatively they can do Notebook Copy work.

http://notebookingnook.blogspot.com/2009/05/copywork-whats-it-all-about.html

Great sites to check out and I will be adding them to the side page.

Blessings!

Geoagraphy and more blog site

2010-05-26T13:55:00.001-07:00

Here is a geography and more blog site. Lots of goodies, I thought I would share it.
http://www.homeschoolingdownunder.com/booklists/world_geography_picture_booklist.html

Blessings!

Homeschooling in Slump Economy

2010-04-23T12:19:00.001-07:00

Recently, I was on with a friend talking about school, our economy, and struggles alot of us face as a homeschooler and really just an ordinary person trying to thrive in this economy.

If you are one of the many struggling, I want to encourage you - DO NOT GIVE IN or GIVE Up. Continue on with your schooling and have FAITH because our heavenly FATHER will never leave us or let us down.

What are some ways to save $ in this economy on curriculum?

Look for bargains at any of these places and others : Half Price book stores, Ebay, Garage Sales - So many schoolers have sales and schoolteachers are big on sales in summer time., TOS [This old schoolhouse] offers curriculum swaps, sales and so much more. The WORLD WIDE WEB has alot of resources for you. Alot of freebies and downloads.

There are a lot of great resources out there that you can get a hold of and use for little to No cost at all. But you will need to make some changes and do some research. Ask for some help if you need to. Shortly once I get all of these codes added I will have a drop box to the side that will link you to alot of great resources. [trying to hurry]

http://www.facebook.com/TnLCones?ref=profile#!/note.php?note_id=119103758105610&id=117216903242&ref=mf - You can check this link out for a few other links with resources as well.

You could also team up with local schoolers near you and work some subjects together. Listen, Dont over load your plate, thinking you have to get through 5 subjects in one day. Your kids may not learn all that is related to that subject and or may struggle adapting to that pace. Take your time and work as long as you need on your subject. IF there is a hunger for more of that particular lesson, Go after it while it is there. You have enough time to make up the rest. Take your time and do not over load your plate.

So many are at a burn out or ready to give up schooling their kids. The biggest reason is because their plate is overwhelmed with so much to do in so little time. Why? One of the biggest reasons schooling parents struggle is they are adapted to the public agenda. If your kids came out from a public school chances are, there is more adaption to their school schedule then to your own. It takes time to adjust. Your first 2 years of schooling are the roughest but it is because you are still trying to adapt and make necessary changes as well as finding out what works for you.

Now on an other note, you may be veteran of schooling and just plum tuckered out. Chances are you have scheduled more then you can handle for this time. Slow up some and rearrange your schedule eliminating some things or postponing them for a later date.

There are all kinds of sources out there to help you with your schooling, budget and planning. Plan ahead but dont plan to far ahead because you are always going to have a change here or there. Dont overwhelm yourself or your kids that you are not enjoying your learning.

http://www.currclick.com/index.php?free=1&filters=0_0_0 is a great site with curriculum as well as alot of FREEBIES.

Take your time and break if you need to for a day or week. However long you need to give your self a chance to drop your stress load, and pick back up to your schedule with a clearer thought process and schedule. Start slow and work yourself back up.

Remember you are on your schedule. Dont rush because you think you need to have this or that done. Relax you will accomplish everything that needs to be accomplished but in your timing and your childs learning time. There is no need to be in a hurry all that is going to do is stress you out and your child, and fill your plate over its capacity. So take a deep breath and take it one step at a time.

I will try to get them drop boxes up for you shortly. Please pardon the mess until then.

Today is Day of Remembering Holocaust

2010-04-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

With today being the day of remembering the Holocaust I am preparing some lessons for the next few weeks on the Holocaust.

I apologize to everyone for being off, we have been on a 3 week spring break as I am planning to incorporate year long schooling now in to our schedule. I think my children especially my eldest will beneift from this as she tends to forget the whole school year during her summer break.. So we are going this route to see if this is better. Still same in session days just breaks are spaced out further rather then in one interval.

AT any rate.. With today being the Day of remembering Holocaust and vicitims of the Holocaust we will be reading the diary of Anne Frank together aloud and do some lessons on the Holocaust and WWII...

The History channel has some great offers here lately and Timelife.com for WWII footage. I have some DVD's I got from both places and I plan on getting another set of the Nazi Dvds Time life has to offer.. http://www.timelife.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=1001&catalogId=10001&productId=147501

You may be able to locate some pieces of material at your local library. However now that there are threats in our area and in other states of libraries being forced to close I am building up my own library and watching for the library closings and sales so I can purchase from them. I want my children to have a library if the Government is going to force closings across the country because of lack of funds and not wanting to fund them then I think it is my duty as a homeschooling parent to ensure my children have a library for the best education I can offer them.

Here are a few sites I located for my search on lessons. I will just add the google search link and you can check out the ones you would like to use..

God Bless you all, I hope you all had a wonderful spring break and are doing well..

http://www.google.com/search?q=free+Halocaust+lessons&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLL_en Has some great links attached with this one..

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7GGLL_en&ei=6-bBS_6pBYa7ngeL6oWbCg&sa=X&oi=spellfullpage&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=2&ved=0CAkQvwUoAQ&q=free+Holocaust+lessons&spell=1

Amazing & Educational

2010-03-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

This is amazing! This is a live feed of a real barn owl nesting and waiting the arrival of youngins. You will want to check this out!

WOW!

http://www.sportsmansparadiseonline.com/Live_Owl_Nest_Box_Cam.html

St Patrick Day Lessons/Fun

2010-03-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

http://www.teacherplanet.com/resource/stpatrick.php

http://www.kidslearningstation.com/

http://www.funlessonplans.com/holidays/stpatrck.pdf Fun PDF

http://www.easyfunschool.com/article1487.html

http://www.first-school.ws/activities/crafts/animals/wild/bear_stpatricks.htm

http://www.theteachersguide.com/stpatricksday.htm

http://www.kidsturncentral.com/links/stpatslinks.htm

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/st-patricks-day/

http://holidays.mrdonn.org/saintpatsday.html

http://www.theteacherscorner.net/seasonal/st-patricks-day/

http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/St__Patrick_s_Day/

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/StPatricksDay.htm

Blessings!

Duggards Resource

2010-03-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

I have seen and heard a lot of people ask the same question when it comes to homeschooling. What do the Duggards use for schooling: Here is the link with their resources: http://www.duggarfamily.com/links3.html

They use the Alpha Omega Switched on Schoolhouse curriculum.

However, I want to remind you again, "What works for one family, does not always work for other families!"

Blessings!

Fine Motor Skills Writing Link

2010-03-10T07:03:00.000-08:00

Great site for Occupational Therapy in Fine Motor Skills!

http://home.earthlink.net/~lmlk/

Blessings!

Kindergarten Calendar [Think forgot to post]

2010-03-09T21:01:00.000-08:00

I couldnt remember if I posted about my Calendar or not. I got this calendar at the Dollar Tree by us. It cam in a package of Two Calendar backdrops only. I had the numbers I found on computer printed up and ready previously. But Dollar tree also had the numbers and the months which I did buy the months. I like them better then what I printed up. I wanted to laminate the calendar but was not big enough as I tried the other backdrop. Horrible. So I took the calendar and made it in to the weather calendar. Just like this only I printed up pictures of the weather so that I can have my daughters or son tell me what the weather looks like outside. Simple interactive learners. This only cost me $1 for the 2 calendars and $1 for the months. I already had the laminating supply and I have a rather large amount of Ink for my printer as well as paper supply. So I really only spent $2 for the calendar and months. Ohps and velcro - The velcro dots I got at walmart I bought 2 packages of 80 that cost me $6 a piece so roughly $15. If I added the velcro but I needed that for a few other projects anyways which is why I got the bigger packages. The smaller package of dots was 24 dots for $2.47. Either way I still saved an additional $15. The calendar kit sold all together is around $30 +. Ouch. Still a good savings, which I definately like!
Blessings!

Workbox Change up!

2010-03-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

To view my origninal post : http://coneshomeschool101.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-workboxes.html

Workbox Change up:

I have added a few changes to our workbox system. I found another site that did a similar but different system. I eliminated the cards and made the pages for a binder and have 3 weeks worth of pages- thus to rotate the weeks out. I will use the first week for probably 3-4 weeks then rotate it out and move to the 2 week boxes and etc. They will already premade up but can easily be changed with the schedule.

I also want to add, We dont use the workboxes for all of our Homework. We will add a subject assignment in one or two but that is it. The remaining workboxes are for extra curricular activites, Hands on experimental learning or crafts. Our day before the workboxes was pretty organized but dull. This away our day now is a bit more organized with some fun. That was my whole search for checking out workboxes.

Here are pictures of some of my new changes:

These are the sheets I downloaded pdf and printed off, This one is a blank sheet that you can use for any day or if you do a field trip outing over the weekend you can use it in with that day - make a fun lesson out of it. I am all about learning even on the weekends, we should always be learning. If we go to the park, I will incorporate some fun activity or lesson. Now that warmer weather is coming, school will be more hands on and outdoorsy. ;)

The below picture I had half empty original post. Now it is full. Lol! God Love Chic Fil A. If you have one close to you, the kids meals are great. There is always some sort of learner book, or experiment in the meals. I just love it. Summer time and especially back to school they will usually get science experiments and funnels or measuring cups as I have in box number 11. Just love it. There is also a few things for the Creation lesson project I and a friend are putting together. Lots of hands on material to make learning fun. I can not wait to share this with you when we finalize it. Yay!

If your system is stress or draining to you, mix it up a little bit. You dont have to do it by the book the way Sue Patrick has it designed out. The most important thing I tell everyone is "What works for one family, Does not always work for another family!" This is where we all have to play around and find out what works best for us. Later on I will try to head over to a friend of mine and get a picture of her system so I can show you what works best for her. The most important thing that she and I both agreed on was SPACE. We didnt want to consume our house in school. She has much less space then I do and even tho I may have a little more room, I still dont want to consume my house with Sue Patricks workboxes all over the place. I think that system is great, more so for the little ones but when you have older kids to that are schooling, implementing what works best for you is what definately needs to be taken in to consideration. My dining room is temporarily turned into school room.

Our front door is right by the dining room, so I didnt want a slop of boxes all over the places. What a big turn off especially since we have pondering the thought to sell or house here in the next year or so.

I am not only looking for a great system but an attractive system at that. ;) So I encourage you to mix it up a little bit. If you are finding a mess of this or that with the system you are using then remix it up replacing or redoing this or that. Play with it until you find what works best for you. I hope these pictures help in some of the new changes I made. To see the original post you can click the link at the top of this post and it will direct you to the older post that I made as we began the new workboxes.

To get the pages I used - I got them from a fellow blogger from her posted squidoo page. You can view her blog here and her squidoo page:

http://www.scribd.com/people/documents/16737291

http://ideas4theworkbox.blogspot.com/

Blessings!

Homeschool Freebies & More

2010-03-09T19:32:00.000-08:00

Homeschool Freebie Of The Day
http://www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/

Homeschooling Music Site w Free resources and Pdf's
http://makingmusicfun.net/

Paws For Poetry contest Have til April - You can find out more at either of the two sites I noted below.
http://pawsforpoetry.org/
Homeschool desk has a post on the Paws for poetry contest Guidelines- Check them out on her site or the Paws for Poetry above.
http://thehomeschooldesk.com/2010/03/paws-for-poetry-contest.html

God Bless

Sky Map [PDF's] & Space Trading Cards [PDF]

2010-03-04T09:01:00.000-08:00

A great site I found in search engine as I am searching Lapbooks for our Creaion in Astronomy Lesson/Lapbook:

This site shows maps to nightly/monthly skyies! Wow!

http://www.skymaps.com/downloads.html

Downloadable Trading Space Cards:
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/capture/solarsyst/preview-tcards.php.p=Capture%2Bthe%2Bcosmos@,capture,%3ESolar%2Bsystem@,capture,solarsyst,

More Space PDF's
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/eds/overviews/print/classroom_activities/circle.php.p=Teaching+tools%40%2Ceds%2Ctools%2C%3EClassroom+Activities%40%2Ceds%2Ctools%2Ctype%2Cclassroom_activities.php

Alot of links....

2010-03-02T18:58:00.000-08:00

I am off on a hunt looking for Days of the weeks, the months and number cards for our calendar we made. I thought I would share these links with you as well. These links have more then calendar printable on them. Alot of printables with anything from calendar to tracing, dot to dot, math and more. So feel free to check them out. As I wrap up my links and prepare to add them over to the side and finsish the rearranging I will add these links in the drop boxes. So if you can not find these later on they will be in drop boxes to the side.

Blessings!

http://www.learningtreasures.com/harvest_mice_months.htm

http://www.eslkidstuff.com/WorksheetMenuTour.htm

http://www.first-school.ws/theme/printables/month-birth-flowers.htm

http://www.educationworld.com/tools_templates/index.shtml#assessments

http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/printable_booklets.html

http://www.english-4kids.com/flashcards.html

http://www.mrsjonesroom.com/teachers/calendars.html

http://www.dltk-cards.com/calendar/

Book It program -enrollment time! ;)

2010-03-01T13:58:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year again! Book it enrolling for your children is happening now. Click the link below. We have til June to get this done so I am adding it now as it is merely a first come first serve sign up program. All Homeschoolers interested please check it out now!

http://www.bookitprogram.com/Enrollment/homeschool.asp

Roman Numerals - Ack

2010-03-01T12:50:00.000-08:00

I detest Roman Numerals. Blah! Lol! We are working on Roman Numeral Recaps again.

[ Lord, Who ever made Roman Numerals - God Bless em, Please tell them they are a Pain in my hiney! Amen! ] ;)

To the side of Uhm... The Right side - I believe of the screen are Roman Numeral links for learning. Scroll down some... I will be adding more links later on. I had to take a break with my fathers health so I havent finished up the adding and rearranging so be patient with me, PLEAAAASSSSEEEEE! Lol!

{Hear some sarcasim in my post}

Lol! Well I have a few things left to do and we are wrapping our unusual day up. Then I am heading over to get a few posts ready for this week on a study I have been doing.

I would like to invite you to drop over to my other blog {Button at top uhm, Left or Right side of screen, Lol!} I dont see my blog much other then when I drop in time to time {Lol!} to ensure it dont look rediculously funny! I trust you would tell me if it looks rediculously crazy at a time, Atleast I hope you would Lol! O what a day, I am in a crazy beyond crazy mood.

Anyhooo, ;) if you want to drop by my other blog this week, I am posting about Water and Why water is good for you. You know we already know water is good for us, but do we really know why Water is good for us? I'll be truthful I thought I knew until I heard why it really is good for us, then I had thoughts of Wow, I didnt know this, I thought it was just for this reason or this reason it was good. Well, If you didnt know Water was good for you or you think you know why it is good for you - Come drop by this week to view the post. It will probably be mid week when I begin posting as their will be a few different posts and I will link them all together. By Friday I hope to wrap up the study on water to begin the next series for next week. So please drop by to check it out! You will definately be suprised I am certain of this. I was really suprised! {@_@}

Blessings Everyone!

History Channel

2010-02-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

Its about that time again, The history channel is beginning airing more presidents/states documentries this week. As well as WWI and WWII documentries.

On the HistoryChannel.com you can find some good specials on documentries and other materials.

God Bless!

Hieroglyphs fun

2010-02-22T20:48:00.000-08:00

Well we had a blast today making challenging Hieroglyphs. We are learning about the Pharoahs, Egypt culture and how in the world they made these hieroglyphs as a means of communication. LOL! It looks easy, but I assure you it is not as easy as it looks. But I am really fascinated with learning them. My dd1 was like, O man, do we have to? It looks so hard. But really the hardest part is the concentration needed to focus on making the right symbol and then drawing the picture it is related to.. Now I didn't get 3 pic added in. I really ran out of room. This was my sample page. Tomorrow what we get done and my dd does, I will share that with you.

Yay, so much fun.

Going along with our lesson we watched two films on Discover channel about King Tut. I am happy to report I knew before the good doctor that they had found King Tuts mother and grandmother, just by looking at the mummies. The ended up doing a DNA test to prove me right! I love this learning with my kids, it makes me feel so much smarter then I was. Lol! My DH looked at me and said, How did you do that? I said, when you are studying the facts about King Tut and reading things that relate to him or about other family members presumed MIA and yet they have found un identified royal mummies and a few of them are badly damaged to one missing her royalty arm, it makes you suspicious and you start putting some of the facts together and this is what you get. He laughed of course, naturally I just said and I am smart to. bahahahaha!

Although it is still uncertain if Kira is King Tuts mother, I am hoping the good Dr will prove my theory correct and find the proof they need to name the mummy that we now know is indeed King Tuts mom.

Why am I so in to this you ask, I have always been fascinated with Egyptology and learning about the mummies and all that. Plus When they discoverd King Tut last year Indianapolis was one of few cities that were apart of the brief display tour they did before taking him back to a permenant rest in Egypt. How exciting is that! Yay! Have a great evening now turned to morning everyone! :)

God Bless!

Guitar Lesson Site

2010-02-20T09:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a great site for guitar lessons. She is offering a free lesson on the site and a free ebook. If you are interested stop by and check it out.

http://www.worshipguitarclass.com/guitar-video-dvd.html

Presidents Day Activity Sites

2010-02-09T10:25:00.000-08:00

Sites/Printables on Abe Lincoln
http://homeschooling.about.com/od/freeprintables/ss/lincolnprint.htm

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/presidents-day/

http://atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Abraham_Lincoln/

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/white-house-101/
http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/photogallery/the-presidents

Printables/Sites on George Washington
http://homeschooling.about.com/od/freeprintables/Free_Printables.htm

http://www.trcabc.com/resources/free-george-washington-facts-firsts-and-onlys-printable-mini-book/

http://atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/George_Washington/

http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/

Presidents Day Printables/Lapbooking
http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/holidays/presidents_day.htm

http://www.theteacherscorner.net/printable-worksheets/seasonal/presidents-day/

http://atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Presidents__Day/

http://www.abcteach.com/directory/seasonalholidays/presidents_day/

http://holidays.kaboose.com/presidents-day/presidents-day.html

Great Sites For February

2010-02-08T20:57:00.001-08:00

Here are a few sites of intrest that I am passing on to you.

Celebrating Black History

Black History Resources (Great site with some great info.)
http://blog.shmoop.com/2010/02/01/black-history-month-2010/

Black History Printables & More
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/black-history-month/teacher-resources/6602.html

http://www.theteacherscorner.net/printable-worksheets/seasonal/black-history-month/ Great site but not a free site. I am sorry. Free trial for 7 days!

http://atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Black_History/

http://coloringbookfun.com/blackhistory/

http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/soc_studies/blackhistory/

Black History Quiz site
http://www.education.com/quiz/black-history-month-quiz/?cid=55000.0069543&s_kwcid=TC8363black%20history%20printablesSb4351386745&gclid=CMyhh6W95J8CFQoeDQodYnp9Hw

http://www.theholidayzone.com/

Divisbility Game ( If you need rules let me know)
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/courses/edtec670/Cardboard/Card/D/divisibility.html

Some Valentines Day Fun Sites

http://www.examiner.com/x-22404-Flagstaff-Early-Childhood-Examiner~y2010m1d27-Valentines-activities-for-early-learners

http://blogs.scholastic.com/ell/2009/02/valentine-writing.html

http://abcteach.com/directory/seasonalholidays/valentines_day/ some great ideas, printables

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/valentines/index.htm

http://www.teachingheart.net/valentineprint.html

http://holidays.kaboose.com/valentines-day-coloring-pages.html

http://www.teas2dine4.com/4valentine.html

http://www.allcrafts.net/valentines.htm

http://www.mes-english.com/flashcards/holidays.php

http://holidays.kaboose.com/val-party.html

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/valentines-day/teacher-resources/6673.html Lot of great things

http://www.mes-english.com/

TOS Crew Search

2010-02-08T09:17:00.001-08:00

I have noticed a few blogs posting on the TOS homeschooling crew search. You can read a fellow bloggers post on it. It sounded really exciting and interesting. I think we may go and fill the application out. Basically you are giving reviews on Homeschooling products. Its not a paying job with money, However, it can be a paying job as far as your children education is concerned. If selected by the crew, you will be given select vendors that will send their products out to you for your review on them. [Posts on your blog, forums, websites, verbally, etc]. I am interested so I thought I would share it with you. You can read a fellow bloggers post about it and more information below this paragraph or you can head on over to the TOS site and read up on it.

Fellow Blogger Site

http://debrakb.blogspot.com/2010/02/do-you-want-to-be-part-of-tos-review.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FootprintsInTheButter+%28Footprints+in+the+Butter%29

TOS Site

http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/homeschool/Homeschool-Crew-2010.htm

Have a wonderful day everyone. I will be on posting later more links and things we are doing. :)

Africa & Egypts Craft Sites

2010-01-22T16:12:00.000-08:00

We are working on learning Africa and places in Africa. Egypt becomes a part of our study next week. So here is a few links to get some crafts and printables for Africa & Egypt I thought I would share with you!

Hieroglyph writing
http://www.kidzone.ws/cultures/egypt/hieroglyph.htm

Egyptian Crafts

http://www.dltk-kids.com/world/africa/index.htm

http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/egyptian_crafts.html

Africa [countries] Printable Sites & Craft Sites

2010-01-21T14:30:00.001-08:00

Here are a list of links I thought I would pass along for anyone doing unit studies on Africa and surrounding countries. On a few of the sites noted below you can pull surrounding areas information. Alot of great printables and pdfs. We are working on making a lapbook and could not find much on lapbooks for Africa so I am gathering our own material for our own learnings. Enjoy!

http://abcteach.com/directory/basics/social_studies/places/africa/#34746

http://www.scissorcraft.com/masks.htm

http://www.scribd.com/people/documents/91806/folder/1072

http://members.coloringplanet.com/gallery/cgi-bin/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Animals/Africa

http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/crafts.html

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/african_animals.htm

Lapbooking
Choose a country:
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/country_lapbook.php
Cheetahs:
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/cheetah.php
Rhinos:
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/rhinos.php
Lions
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/lions.php
Elephants
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/elephants.php
Ostrich:
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/ostrich.php

Story Lapbook:
My Rows and piles of coins Unit study N africa
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/my_rows_and_piles_of_coins.php

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/Africa_Resources.php

African Time lines
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1069402.stm

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/goplaces/0,12405,384366,00.html

Other related Lapbooks:

Ancient Egypt
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/ancient_egypt.php
Ancient Greece
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/ancient_greece.php
Ancient Rome
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/ancient_rome.php
Lapbook a person
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/person_lapbook.php
Printables
http://www.tlsbooks.com/historyworksheets.htm

http://highland.hitcho.com.au/acafrica.htm

My Workboxes

2010-01-19T20:48:00.000-08:00

My recent post on Workbox Change up! : http://coneshomeschool101.blogspot.com/2010/03/workbox-change-up.html

Ok so here are my workboxes. Yay! They are done, Finally! Well with the exception of redoing a few of my strips. Lol! I honestly have changed my workboxes from the original system. You can view Sue Patricks system at the link here: http://www.workboxsystem.com/

I don't discourage her system at all... However, I am incline to say that her system is not for everybody. If you have alot of kids or little space you will want to make some minor changes. Unless you have seen other blog postings on her system and know exactly what it is and if it will work for you, then I say go for it. But if you have not or you are a large family - it is just too too too much of the tote thing for each child and too much space involved. So I am doing the drawers which is working out better for our family and I believe will work fine when I begin my sons schooling next year. Sue Patricks Workbox system is wonderful for any family that homeschools. BUT... Again I mention- you may need to make a few minor adjustments but for the most part, I would recommend it.

Also, keep in mind as I mention in a previous post, we school in our dining room for the moment which is directly in sight of our front door, [Lord willing we are able to find another house. Lol.] So neatness is extremely important to me and having a bazillion of the totes is just plain tacky to me. Heck, I dont even like the drawers, Lol. But they are better then the totes everywhere.

Items you may want to use or alternate:

-workboxes or tote drawers
-velcro coins (dots)
-laminate or clear contact paper
-duplicate sets of number cards (one set for your boxes, one for your schedule strip)
-2 pockets, one for checking in school, one to check out. [we are not using these just yet]
-Something they use to check in and out (I used the print outs from Sue's book site for this). But it can be a book mark type paper with their name or photo on. [You can also make your own rather then buying Sue Patricks and or google some for free. I am not trying to take away from Sue Patrick by any means. With todays economy, Saving is on the mind of everyone!]
-work with mom cards (to stick on any boxes that you have to work with the child on)
-Any other visual cue cards that you may want to make - ( Our friends kids do a therapy activity with Beans, My kids just love it. So I made a card with beans on it - Beans Fun for 15 min. (they can do alot with beans, make letters, animals, shapes, counting, patterns.] Other Ideas I have read or seen made for picture cards: Leapsters, Wii games, snacks, Cooking, etc...)

In case you are interested in the tote drawers : I found the wide white 3 drawered totes to the left of the picture at Walmart for $7.00. I also found the blue 3 drawered totes which is on top of the white ones in the picture at Walmart for $6.00. The black 6 drawered totes I found at Staples for $29.00. I bought two of them and put velcro on the bottom of the top 6 drawered tote so that it would fasten on the bottom set and not fall off, merely for safety.

Here's the first shot with all of our drawers! Dd 1 & Dd 2 Have 6 drawers each...

You can also so from both above and below that I have a few

extra drawers to the left right now holding other activities I can switch out to

later on. Also the six fatter drawers are full of supplies and craft things, including

our musical instruments in the bottom drawer.

Here you can see a close up of the drawers.

In the bottom picture I laminated a few extra numbers for later use so on the blue tote drawers for right now, I am storing things in the three drawers for both girls... So I added the numbers that matched the ones the girls used. Both girls same numbering type on each drawer to show them it is both of theirs.

I had to add this picture of our bulletin board. It took me a while to finish up but Yay! It is done. Both sides usable.

In the bottom picture you can see the smaller board I made.

I am using this for our strips. Many use the strips on the ring, but I have honestly No space to ring strips up and hang. As I mentioned I have a chracker box house. Lol. Our family has just simply out grown. So I am velcroing the strips and alternating them out daily to our routine. I have a few strips made up so I can change them out every other week. You will want to alternate out your activites. The strips I have on there right now are for both girls daily activities. I have to finish laminating my completed and not completed cards and we are good to roll on. Right now we are just writing down what is completed. I am running short on laminating pouches so waiting for a order. I love laminating. lol!

Below I will note a few other blogs you can look at for ideas as well as see what they are doing. I will note the ones that really stood out to me for our family and others that I found. Some had great ideas. I really like the cubby stand but there was too much space wasted.

Here are a few links to other blogs that have posted on their workboxes:

http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/2009/03/workboxes.html

http://duklings.wordpress.com/2009/09/05/workboxes/

http://farmer-in-the-dell.blogspot.com/2009/08/workboxes.html

http://thesnailstrail.blogspot.com/2009/05/vacation-work-boxes.html

http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-were-using-workboxes.html

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/LittleMen/669091/

http://www.everythingpreschool.com/themes/music/games.htm

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/workbox.php

http://kgbthatsme.blogspot.com/2009/07/new-workbox-system.html

http://forum.homeschoolshare.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=3368

http://sunflowerschoolhouse.com/free-downloads/
I also wanted to post a few sites to check out for Activites you can use in your workboxes.

http://www.kizclub.com/index.html

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/workbox.php

http://www.thetoymaker.com/2Toys.html

http://mspowell.com/funfreestuff.html

http://www.earlylearningactivities.com/printables.html

I will also note at one of the blogs above, I am sorry I can not seem to find the link to the pdfs, but at one of the blogs above they linked to their site a rather large website with many many pdfs that you can download and incorporate with your agenda. If I can find it later on I will post it and link it to this post.

About Homeschooling

2010-01-18T17:59:00.000-08:00

So you are interested in homeschooling.... So you have decided to homeschool...
BUT you have a lot of questions before you begin.....

Let me begin by saying, Relax... Take a deep breath... Everything can look a bit overwhelming at first. Rest assured it is not all that overwhelming. In the beginning we think there is a certain way we have to do things- /sigh/ here comes alot of stress. The truth is, "We unknowingly add more to the plate then we really need - Thus, adding more weight on our shoulders then we should have as we consider or even begin this new journey. Beginning to homeschool should not be a job full of stress. We should be excited and ready to learn with our little ones. Make if fun for everyone...

So you have questions? Ok, I encourage you to take a moment to write down all of your questions. [ex. Why are we considering - [or] - do we want to - homeschool?, What can my children, my family gain from homeschooling?, Can we really afford to homeschool?, What do I know about homeschooling? etc...]

Allow me to give you a brief run down on all the things you will need to know in the very beginning of this journey. [Whether considering to HS or Just beginning to HS]

First allow me to say this, "There's NO specific way you have to Homeschool!" Homeschooling is all about you, your schedule, your kids, your rules.... Get the message, YOU set your agenda, pick your curriculum, teach on your schedule at what ever pace you desire. You are the teacher/principal/parents. Dont feel obligated to stick to a public schools agenda or routine. I know you have the questions, I did to. The truth is, You will not have answers to all of your questions right away. Some will come in time. Don't rush the answers to your questions. For the most part, many of us are still learning the answers to alot of our questions that we have had from the begininning of our journey. - Stay with me, I may have to make a few seperate posts on this bt I will link them up to this post and I will cover more of this later on.

I will note below the questions that you need to know before or as you begin to homeschool.

- What do we need to know before we begin to homeschool?
First thing is first, You will need to know all of the following:

~ Go to your State Gov. web page and search the Laws & Legislation for Homeschooling Education. [ For example: I am from Indiana, so you would go to the Indiana State Gov. page linked here: http://www.in.gov/core/education.htm and click on Homeschooling.]

** It does not matter what state you are from, "Know the guidelines to your state laws." I encourage you to make a binder of your state requirements and stay up on them as new laws are always added. This away you are fully aware of the requirements and sure to keep within them.**

~ Next, What are the state education requirements for our children? You will also find this under the homeschooling laws and requirements. Typically school in sessions days are required at 180. [Now I urge you to stay up on these laws with this new administration there has already been talks of changing in sessions days and other important things that may very well effect all of us homeschoolers.]

~ What do I need to do if my child attends a public school? You will need to write a letter to your childs school principal respectfully explaining you will be with-drawing your child from school. If you have a few children in different schools print off a few copies to give to the other school principals. [Now although you don't have to do this - I strongly recommend that you Thank the principal for their years of service to your child or children. Show them how much you appreciate them and all they have done for your children. I say this because it shows them you appreciate them and all they have done to help your child over the years and in most cases you will find favor in the schools eyes - allowing you an easy withdraw from the public school. If you carry attitude and give a few days to a weeks notice you are looking for some sort of trouble out of the school.

It is recommended that you send your letter of withdraw in the mail allowing a 2 week notice for the school principal to get all of your childs records ready for withdrawl. It is also being respectful to the district school. Important Note: It is not required that you give anymore detail then just that you are withdrawing your child. If you feel you should explain a little, that is ok to. Just dont give to much information as you are not required to. I want to red flag you on one thing - Schools will and have pressed the parents for more information making the parent feel like they are required to give the school information by law. NO! By law you are not obligated to give any information other then what you want the school to know! You need to be aware of this. You have parent rights and do not let the public school system tell you otherwise. You have the right to withdraw your child at any time for any reason. [Thus, why you need to know your rights, the laws & legislation for HS in your state. You can also go to the HSLDA web site and find out your parental rights and more. www.hslda.com Should any school try or succeed in violating your parental rights, I urge you to contact the HSLDA for help. They are your HS advocates and will fight for you.]

~ Will I need to notify my state about homeschooling? In most states they do require you to register with them. You can find the enrollment form on your state web page. It is very simple and fast. You will need to give your brief information: Name, Address, Telephone #, Children ages/grades to homeschool. They will assign you a school identification # that you will want to hold on to. That is it!

~ What do I need to do about curriculum? Well that is up to you. You are the teacher and you will need to research some curriculums and find out what curriculum is best. Now just because it works good for someone else it does not mean it will be best for you. Remember, everyone homeschools differently. What works for one family does not always guarantee it will work for yours. You will need to experiment a little your first year to find out what works best for you. Keep in mind there is always some room for change at any time during any school year. Be ready for this and really it is ok for this. Sometimes it will be necessary. You can use curriculum already done up for you that is sold most anywhere online or retail stores- or you can make up your own curriculum. [In a later post I will share some insiders to curriculum searching]

~ What is the HSLDA and Why should I become a member? HSLDA stands for Home School Legal Defense Association. They are just what the name says. Your legal counselors there to fight for you and your rights. If you are not a member it is something to consider should you have any trouble later on. - If you are not a member and you do need help they still encourage you to call them and they will still help but they will encourage you to become a member. You can find an application at the HSLDA website and keep checking back as they will show discounts to the membership often.

~ Assessing your child - No it is not required in all states to assess your child. However, some states do require it. I highly recommend you testing before you begin any schooling to see where your child is at as far as learning and what you may need to recap if any as you begin teaching. You can do the testing yourself or take them to be tested. I test once before school begins and once towards the end to ensure they are where they should be for that school year. [I do encourage it, Had I not done that with my oldest I would not of found out the flaws of the public school. She was in 4th grade passed to the 5th grade but only in a 3rd grade learning level on everything. When I talked to the teachers about this, I learned it was because the public schools recap the previous school year more then they do the present school year due to the ISTEP testing that is required in most states. Since that is the case, why do we pass our kids along to a grade higher when they are not learning at that grade level. The public schools standards honestly make NO sense to me at all.]

Also, do a test on your childs learning types. You will want to know what type of learner your child is in order to help him or her learn as you homeschool. To the right of my blog you can find some links in a drop down box.

~ Always Always KEEP RECORDS of everything you do! It is easier to keep records on your computer but if you prefer to keep records on booklet then do so. Always keep records of your school agenda, work completed or not, testing, Grades [if you grade, many do - some don't. I recommend it to keep you on your feet as to what your child is learning ok or what they are struggling with. Evaluate them and keep records of their evaluation. This away if the state should come in or question your schooling you have proof and your end is covered. You should always be ready for anything that can happen. Remember for every good homeschooling school - there is always a bad one out there making it hard on the rest of us!]

~ What do I do with all the unanswered questions I have? Hold on to them! Sooner or later [probably later] you will get the answers to those questions. You can ask around with others that homeschool. They can tell you what they did or how they got their answer. I remind you that what works for an other will not always work for your family. Just because one answer was given to your question or one similar does not mean it is the answer for you. Do your research and most importantly be willing to have the patience it may take for that answer to come. Some times answers are not answered for along time. It is ok if your questions still sit answer less. In time the answer will come. Homeschooling is about learning and truthfully what homeschooling parent is not still learning the answers to alot of their questions earlier on! For the most part know the important information listed above. Get ready to learn and enjoy learning & teaching your children. What better way to teach your children truth and learning with them because it is coming from Us their parents!

~ What is a homeschool support group? A group of other homeschoolers coming together to support and encourage each other. Not all groups have child care and many groups prefer that you do not bring your children. The reason being, is the group is specifically for just the parent. It is hard in some cases for many to go with no care for their children. Some offer classes for their children or craft time while the parents are being encouraged and having fellowship with other adults. It is highly recommended that you get involved some where near your home location. If you can not go out to them connect with other homeschooling parents online. They are great encouargers, friends, supporters with lots of ideas to help along the way. A great place for online connection is the homeschool lounge. http://www.homeschoollounge.com/

While I am at it, Blog about your experience. [blogspot is a great blog to begin with, there are other blogs that are great to, http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ - You can connect and help others by sharing about your experience in homeschooling, beginning to end. You don't have to write anything in particular. Just share your thoughts, your day, your agenda or things you all did through out your school day. Ideas you have or sites you found. We are all here to encourage each other. Be creative, express you and make your blog all about you and your family. After all it is your blog and you are the author. It is not meant for your blog to be done to please any other but yourself.

Books I recommend as you begin : The basic steps to homeschooling by Vicki A. Brady and Living well on one income by Cynthia Yates

I am going to wrap this post up and later on I will link another to this post. Please feel free to ask any questions at any time.

God Bless you and welcome to a new fun filled adventure in homeschooling.

Constructing & Working Workboxes

2010-01-15T12:12:00.001-08:00

Still under construction. Today I am off and will post maybe some this weekend. I am working on our workboxes and setting them up for - This weeks school use. Martin Luther Kings Day is Monday and I am determined to get a few lessons in. Lol. We dont break every holiday, really pointless to take all the days off that public schools do. Some of these days I make it a fun learning day and not a long one at that. Lol.

Have a great weekend. Bare with the rearranging and new look in progress. Have a great day!

Workbox System Sites - What I will use!

2010-01-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, I think I have made my final decision. I have found two ideas I like and I think I am going to stick with. The top two links are my final choices. I am again looking to save space. These two are perfect for what I need. So what do you think about my top two choices?

What do you think :

http://www.thechatterbee.com/profiles/blogs/getting-organized-with

http://www.spelloutloud.com/2009/07/workbox-system-set-up-from-cassie.html

Also if you are looking for ideas to use in the workboxes here is a site with a lot of great ideas.

http://docs.google.com/View?docID=dwstdgn_447mphsmf8&revision=_latest

Workbox Systems ??

2010-01-13T15:26:00.000-08:00

Ok so it is all new to me. I have followed others that have been using this, I am kicking myself because I found a blog that had a great setup with less space used. She had a tall Cubby shelving/bookcase if you will. It was 2 cubbies wide and 8 cubbies up. It looked perfect for what I need to use up. I am all about saving space and less tackieness with totes. I love the idea but I hate using totes for everything it just annoys me to no end. I dont know why!

I thought I saved this blog and the site but I can not find it anywhere. Blah! Anyway, I am considering this set up like the blog I have seen. For 4 kids 2 of which are schooling but the other 2 can do preschool with my soon to be Kindergartener. Yes that is a 2 soon to be 3, almost 4 year old in one week and a soon to be 5 year old. [with my soon to be 12 year old] Wow! So the idea of alot of totes really is turning me off. If I can find ways to use less space and less totes I am going for it.

If you have some ideas or you have seen this blog that has the setup of a cubby workbox let me know. The cubby work box it more taller then wider and looks to be made out of wood.

I know it seems as tho I am being to picky, Yes I really am for one reason. My house is not as big as we need it and right now my schooling is in my dining room which happens to be the 2 room you see as you come in the front door entering the living room. So neatness is a priority and tackieness is not! My dining table has been pushed to my living room and cut my living room in half. We live in a 2 story cracker box house 3 bedrooms for time being this will do. I am trying to be content as we are searching for a home that will fit our family. So it is only a temporal arrangement once we sell I can think about that bridge as we cross it.

Shoot me some ideas of what you have or what you have seen. I am game for any ideas.

Thanks everyone, God Bless you!