~My Father's Sheep~

WEC week 5 fall semester

2011-10-07T22:17:00.001-07:00

WB31 Insights Through Invest. & football

2011-10-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

Today we completed Insights though Investigations. We did not get a chance to do the project today the baby was fussy because of something that I ate that made him gassy so we will complete the project section tomorrow.So the older students did more independent work while I worked with the younger students. Flexibility is an important characteristic of a homeschool mom since anything can happen in our school days but we still must finish our job for the day :O)

My oldest son plays for the highschool football team.We really like our school district.The only reason we homeschool is because we are called to raise soilders of the cross. Back to football, Dominic is #83 this year. He has been practicing all summer.Football begins in June and ends the 1rst week of November. He practices 5 days a week and sometime has 2 games in a week.Varsity plays on Friday nights & Jr. Varsity plays on Saturday mornings. Football is such a team sport and a great place to learn character under the right coach. One day maybe the Lord will use him with the sport he loves. Even being a little league coach it is an awesome opportunity in reaching out to the community and making a difference in kids lives that may be on the street.
The month of October is breast cancer awareness so the cheerleaders did a fund raiser to purchase the football players a breast cancer shirt to wear to the games. He is not a fan of pink (reason for the face) but in honor of breast cancer & remembering our Aunt Mary who died to breast cancer he will wear "pink".
We love and miss Aunt Mary and praise the Lord that through cancer she came to know our Lord and Savior. So one day we look forward to seeing her again.

WB 31 Theme Song~Sweet Hour of Prayer

2011-10-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well we are finally getting back to the Wisdom Booklets.We have been doing school but not the WB.So I am sooo happy to be back digging in the word of God using the Wisdom Booklets as our tool. So today we did the Theme Song worksheet.We also used 101 More Hymns Stories for the hymn background. I really love using books so we pull out our Hymn Stories whenever possible.
Our theme song for WB 31 is Sweet Hour of Prayer which is a hymn I love. Angelina is learning it on the piano and her piano teacher had her write the notes for the hymn.I had the kids each read a verse then we discussed what it meant.Of course the title of the song is perfect with put WB major concept, sweet hour of prayer.
Prayer is always a challenge for me.When I do pray its usually when my children are sleeping etc. so they don't see me pray to often at home. I need to allow them to see me pray and hear me pray more often.This is something the Lord has spoken to me on as I look at prayer in this WB. Not only to be an example to my children but to spend sweet fellowship with Him in prayer.
When I looked over the kids Theme Song worksheet I loved what Daniel wrote (age 10), " Prayer is the key to heaven and you should pray every day." His understanding of the key to the throne room is prayer brought a smile to my face today.I pray he will be like the Daniel of the ancient of days a be a praying man.

WEC Fall 2011 week 4

2011-09-30T19:05:00.001-07:00

Baby Titus first time at co-op week 4.

Well it is hard to believe that 4 weeks of co-op have gone by already. I have been there 2 out of the 4 weeks so far but the kids who are of school age have been there all 4 weeks. This is the fall semester. WE love the co-op it is truly an extended family.This is Nehemiah's preschool Bible class.There are not many little ones first hour the other moms are smarter than me and begin the day 2nd hour :/

Angelo & Daniel in insect class. We will be studying insects here at home with one of the WB this year so I was happy they had an Insect class to that will add to our study.

Dominic helping in Karate.It is a blessing to see the youth teaching, and helping in this co-op. It is something that is seen thought out the day by so many of the young adults.

Angelina studying away....

looking forward to next week :O)

2011-09-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

I Love kissing baby feet!!

A Guide To Dressage

2011-08-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

Both Angelina & I are interested in dressage. We are just beginning to learn what dressage is all about. Here is a link to describe what the purpose of dressage is.
A Guide To Dressage
Everything I learn about horses always reminds me of my relationship with Christ and the people He places in my life!

Angelina's 1rst dressage test B on Rio

2011-08-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

The Carrot club :O)

Aria placed flowers in Angel's braid.

Angelina on RIO. This is the video of the USDF Introductory Level Test B schooling show,
What I enjoyed was after the test the dressage judge will give constructive points to work on and they also give a score sheet with remarks at the end of the show. The best place to be is close to the judge were you can hear all the remarks and suggestions!We sure learned a few things today and had fun!

Angelina's 1rst dressage test A on Buddy

2011-08-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

Angelina did a USDF Introductory Level-A walk/trot schooling show on Buddy. She just began taking riding lessons and finished a week of horse camp.She had her pony Mary Poppins at camp all week for trail riding in the afternoon but because of her crooked leg she can not do lots of circles so she did the lessons & show on the school horses. She had so much fun and came home every night just full of joy. She made new friends that have the same love she has horses.
She also enjoyed some old friends that she has known for sometime.

She was so nervous in the show. She was excited to do the dressage test. She has wanted to learn dressage since she has watched the higher levels on TV etc. She enjoyed learning what a pattern is and the tips from the judges. Last night she set up a dressage arena in the living room to practice the pattern for test A. We both had fun today :O)

WB31 Meditation WS & Wisdom Quiz

2011-08-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

WB 31 Movie~* Sheffey (praying man of God)

2011-08-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

We did not get anything done today in the Wisdom Booklet but we did watch the movie by BJU about a circuit rider evangelist named Sheffey. I choose this movie because he was a praying man that was known to talk to God and have intimacy with God through prayer.Which goes with our major concept for WB 31. We really enjoy this movie it has been awhile since we watched it. Its been long enough that Angelina did not remember it but the older boys did. Of course me & Angelina since we are horse lovers also enjoyed Mr.Sheffey love for his horses Gideon :O) We ordered this movie on Netflix but plan on purchasing it for we feel its a good movie to watch on a cold winter night or a rainy evening.

Field Trip

2011-08-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

The older children went on a field trip with friends of ours to the Science center. I am in the waddling stage and its getting painful to walk for long periods of time so I am trying to slow down and do less walking. So field trips with lots of walking is out for now at least until we are full term which is in a few weeks.Then I may do more walking to encourage things along lol.
I did some school with the younger guys. As a special treat we went to Burger King and had lunch.We had a special surprise when Grandma & Great Grandma spotted our van parked at Burger King and came to sit with us. You can spot that bus anywhere!
Here is a picture of Angelo doing Math. He is so excited to do the Teaching Textbook.Its funny when they see their older siblings using certain curricula how they can't wait to start.He reminds me everyday is so excited to officially start school. We use the MUS manipulative's & teaching CDs for the Teaching Textbook lessons when learning new concepts. I ended up using a permanent marker to draw the value houses on the lid of the MUS block organizer. This just makes it more convenient for me so I don't have to mess with the paper one.
Still getting the ball rolling it takes about a week to get the school days in full motion. Its sure is challenging with midwife appointments, summer activities still going on like birthday parties etc. but we will still try to get ahead for when our precious little guy comes :O)

WB 31 Major Concept & Commands of Christ #24

2011-08-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

Today was our 1rst official day of school even though they are learning through out the summer.
I was so excited to begin Wisdom Booklet 31.As I prepared for it I know the Lord was preparing me for what we were going to learn from Him. I was not disappointed!
We began by reading the cover of the Wisdom Booklet which we do each morning to remind us of what our focus is this Wisdom Booklet. Our lesson for the day was the Major Concept: Intimacy requires privacy.We looked at the man praying on the WB cover and began looking at how God wants to be intimate with us. We need to hear Him & He enjoys hearing us when we commune with Him in prayer.
We then read the Commands of Christ #24 together~* Hear God's Voice & Attentiveness vs. Distraction. This year for the first time I purchased a Commands of Christ book for every student that could read so we could read it together like we do the Wisdom Booklets each taking a paragraph at a time. This made a world of difference because normally I would read it and after a time I could see I was loosing them which I can understand because I can loose focus unless following along myself. It is so important and so rich that it proved to be worth it.I noticed a difference in their following what the discussion was. I will only need to purchase two books this year to cover all 8 Wisdom Booklets I plan to do.
The lesson was so rich I thought I would highlight some of the things discussed:

rhemas -I challenged them to look for the rhemas as they read the word of God and we need to get back to discussing it

hearing God's voice~* looked at examples in scripture

different types of ways God spoke to His people in scripture~* examples like Samuel , Jacob, etc.

How does God affirm He is speaking

attentiveness vs. distraction~* practical steps to hear God's voice by having quiet time with Him in prayer , reading the word of God, & meditating on scripture.

looked at the body, soul, & spirit ~* God's spirit wants intimacy with our spirit

This all tied in to our Major Concept, verse, character focus, & hymn for this Wisdom Booklet.It was an awesome way as one of the building blocks for laying the foundation of what we are learning this month in WB 31. We will continue to build on this foundation the rest of the week as we do the character Quality WS, Wisdom Quiz, etc. Then all the subjects we build on the foundation will be the following 3 weeks.

Another thing i wanted to mention was we broke it down in to two parts. We completed the Attentiveness vs. Distraction & personal application during evening devotions to break it up a bit.I simply copied the personal application and had them fill it out. I love how all the IBLP products always challenge you in personal application & self evaluation.I want to see are they hearing God &what is He saying to them.I was challenged and excited to spend more intimate time with my Lord & King.What a privilege it is and a joy!!!!

Finally the verse that goes with my blog. John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me"

That is the reason we use the Wisdom Booklets and I am so excited to tie that in today with lambs as I want them to hear their Father's voice and follow Him even when the path is narrow & rocky, through the valley of the shadow of death that they fear no evil . I pray the Lord gives them hearing hearts all the days of their lives.

Hands of a Child 45% off sale!

2011-08-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

Hands of a Child is having a huge back to school sale. 45% off!!!! This is when I purchase the things I need when there is a sale :O)There are other specials going on to just click on the link for more information and to get the special code # for the sale.

http://www.handsofachild.com/

PH Balance Green Smoothie

2011-07-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

OK I wanted to share an alkaline drink for those who need more veges in their diet :O) I love vegetables but my hubby does not.He is having acid reflux problems so I am looking for ways to get more alkaline into him. Everything he eats is acid base. So for those who have a loved one that thinks vegetables are for horse, goats, & cows here is a vege smoothie you might want to try.

PH Balance Green Smoothie

Our Daily schedule using the Wisdom Booklets

2011-07-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

On the Wisdom Searches an ATI mom asked what does our daily schedule look like.Each mom's school day may look very different. I created a page on the blog Our Daily schedule that shows how our school day looks like using the Wisdom booklets.I created the page a few months ago but the question has motivated me to fill it out to answer her question.I still have other pages to finish which was what I wanted to accomplish over the summer. You can click on the tab on the top of the blog to see what our normal school day looks like using the Wisdom booklets. I would love to hear comments on how you use the Wisdom Booklets.It may just help another mom using the Wisdom Booklets :O)

Queen Anne’s Lace Fireworks! | 5 Orange Potatoes

2011-07-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

I love Queen Anne's lace. I always thought it would make a beautiful arrangement for a summer country wedding. I found this blog post on how to color Queen Anne's Lace. It is so hot I am reading more blogs than I am posting. I feel like I am sleeping the summer away between the heat and at the end stretch with the baby :/ Waiting for the temp. to drop to begin school. I can't wait but being pregnant in this heat is just putting school on hold for now.

Here is the link to the blog-coloring Queen Anne's Lace..there is even a science lesson with it :O)
Queen Anne’s Lace Fireworks! 5 Orange Potatoes

Angelina's 1rst riding lesson

2011-07-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

Dandelion Jelly recipe

2011-07-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

I really loved this idea and would love to give it a try.How to make Dandelion Jelly out of Dandelions of course.It taste like honey. I thought I would share and post :O)

The Martin Family » Blog Archive » Creativity #2

2011-2012 Curriculum we plan to use this school year

2011-07-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

Homeschool moms are discussing on blogs the curriculum they plan on using this school year which officially begins for our family next Monday.So I thought I would post my plans for this school year taking one day at a time. I planned on starting July 1rst but between the heat & being tired do to pregnancy I have been dragging my feet. Today there was no humidity so I felt wonderful and prepared looked over the next months plan of action.

So here is what we plan to use for this school year:

Wisdom Booklets for every student grades 3-10 subjects include: Bible, Linguistics, History, Geography, Science, Law, Medicine (health)

Wisdom Booklet Language Arts: for grade 5 & 8 (Daniel & Angelina)

Character Quality Language Arts level C for my two highschool students.Dom & Joe

Latin Road to English Grammar- Angelina, Joe, & Dominic extra LA when time allows

Christ Centered Curriculum: learning to read Angelo, Job, & Nehemiah

Teaching textbooks: everyone but Dominic

Math U See: Dominic

Abeka Consumer Math: Dominic & Joe

classes at the co-op ex. Engineering Drawing , art, etc.

Dominic is playing high school football this year

Angelina is taking piano lessons & riding lessons

Literature= various read aloud and books read that go with what we are learning in the Wisdom Booklets

Nehemiah is doing letter of the week preschool pages by confessions of a homeschooler.He is doing activities that correspond with what his his big brothers are working on with the CCC.

Bible Quizzing: studying the book of Hebrews, 1&2 Peter everyone but Job & Nehemiah

Rosetta Stone Latin or Spanish ( depending maybe just hopeful thinking lol)

We use various lapbooks, notebooking pages, living books etc. to amplify what we are studying in the Wisdom Booklets. The Wisdom Booklet studies , LA, & Math are our main focus this year.The boys will be doing two highschool Math courses for example Joe Algebra & Consumer Math in stead of a science course this year. They will of course still be studying science in the Wisdom Booklets but not doing an addition science course like Apologia. I plan to jump back in to Apologia next year for the highschool students but felt Consumer Math would benefit them as adults.

As I said our main focus will be the Wisdom Booklets, LA, & Math. We feel these are the most important. LA & Math is what the required testing is in 3rd, 5th, & 8th grade in PA and also what is on the SAT tests as well as life skills that will be used all their lives.So we feel these 3 things are the most important to get accomplished in our homeschool. Seek Ye first the Kingdom of God (Wisdom Booklets) & all these things shall be added unto you. Still our vision and focus of why we choose to use the Wisdom Booklets :O)

I am looking forward to starting the WB next week, we will be focusing on prayer & intimacy with God.

Grades this year:

Dominic = 10th grade

Joseph= 9th grade

Angelina= 7th grade

Daniel= 5th grade

Angelo- 3rd grade

Job=1rst

Nehemiah= Prek4

plus a newborn will be added to the mix

So I will have 5 portfolios to turn in this coming school year. Doing unit type studies are such a blessing when you have multiple ages and a large family especially when all the subjects are taught together except LA & Math.

I love to read what other homeschool moms are doing and how they homeschool. What are your plans this year or do yo have a blog to share :O)

Passport to Purity ~* Angelina

2011-07-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Angelina & I had a mother / daughter weekend with the purpose of completing the Passport to Purity curriculum. Passport to Purity is a great way to learn sex education from a Biblical view. This is the first time I have done this and it may be the last since I only have one daughter. We really had a special time together!

Since I am 32 weeks pregnant we were limited to what we could do together. I would of loved to go riding all weekend. Maybe next year.We decided to go to a horse show and swim since we both enjoy those things together.So we stayed at a hotel were there is a pool open 24 hours.

It is also recommended to purchase a special gift. So we purchased her a purity ring at the Christian store and a necklace with a charm. Her gifts were a purity ring to remind her of the commitment to the Lord she made to be a virgin on the day she gets married and to save her first kiss for her wedding day. She also got a musical note charm with a cross in the center since she is beginning to learn to play the piano that with hopes to serve the Lord someday.

Here is a picture of the Passport to Purity box and some prepared activities or projects.
My hubby who has done this a few times got everything ready for me.There are 5 projects to complete so he organized it by bag for me. Here is a picture of Angelina & project #1 the puzzle.These projects are hands on lesson as a reminder and visual of what watch session is about.

Angelina in the swimming pool in her new modest bathing suite :O) She really likes her bathing suit she feels feminine & modest.

For dinner we went to the Steak & Shake Diner.It was our first time eating at this little diner.

We of course went to a horse show :O) There was a fun costume show & a Hunter Show. There were a selection of breeds including a Belgium .I did not get many pictures of the actual horse show but I had to take a picture of both our favorite Arabians! We have always owned Arabians and I really miss owning one. When my Quarter Horse retires my next horse will be an Arabian.

Angelina helped pass out ribbons and enjoyed some friends.

Beautiful!!!! I was in heaven with the blue sky in the background watching the Arabs main & tail flying in the wind.I am sure when Jesus comes it will be on a white Arabian lol

Oh I forgot to mention this is our friends barn they are also Christians so it is always great fellowship.

I am so blessed to have a little girl and one that enjoys the things I enjoy. It makes planning easy & fun. She left a baby girl and came home a young women :(.... They grow too fast....

VBS 2011

2011-07-05T16:54:00.001-07:00

We had VBS last week.Our theme liberty in Christ & in our nation (July 4rth)

An evangelist gave challenging messages each night. The kids earned points to win the chalk drawings. They earned points by bringing a Bible, memory verse, bring a guest etc.

Here is my hubby who is an ex-Marine but with his long beard looks more like a mid-eastern soldier lol .He is still a soldier of the cross (loved that hymn in the past WB)
Not only was there chalk drawings but puppet.I wish I would of video taped the history of the Christan flag since it was one of the recommend studies for the Wisdom Booklets.

One of the the things that saddened me as it was discussed through out the week was how so many Americans do not know the how our nation was founded on Christianity. I am so thankful we homeschool and are able to learn the true history of our great country. It really make me proud to be an American and pass the story on to the next generation my children.

Community kids writing their verses to memorize.This is what it is all about :O)

Nehemiah showing one of the crafts he made.

Job won a picture and the artist Gary made my day when he brought in an oil painting of Noah's Ark for the baby as a gift. That was the message that spoke to me the most.How God calls us to be righteous even when others don't.

Salvation messages of course !

Game time!

End of the VBS celebration with all American hotdogs. My older children served in VBS passing out food and helping their Dad in game time.

I just loved the chalk talks and would love to take the Eternity Arts course offered by IBLP(ATI) .My husband who has an evangelistic heart could give the message while I drew on the streets and fairs :O) Some day in another season. In the meantime maybe my Joe the artist can take the course in the near future.

Wisdom Booklet Monthly Planner

2011-06-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this wonderful planner created by another ATI family the Martins.Here is a link to their blog were you can download the planner and begin using it! I also use her notebooking pages she created for the Wisdom Booklets :O) Thank you Martin family for being such a blessing!!! http://martinpalooza.com/2011/06/28/wb-monthly-planner/

Leachco Back 'N Belly - Contoured Body Pillow

2011-06-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

I have always had back & hip pain when I am pregnant when I sleep.It seemed no matter what I did I could never get a full nights sleep even before the baby was big in size. So for Mother's day I asked for a pregnancy pillow.There are a few styles to choose from.I ended up purchasing the Leachco Back N Belly Pillow from Amazon.http://www.amazon.com/Leachco-Back-Belly-Contoured-Pillow/dp/B0002E7DIQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308847240&sr=8-1
I would normally not pay this much for a pillow but I was desperate to have a good nights sleep. To my amazement I have slept through the night ever since with no aches and pains. I like how you can turn from side to side and no matter what side you sleep on the pillow supports your back and belly. I was concerned about the size and heat of the summer from reviews but I found neither were a problem.I also read some reviews that it didn't work for short folks like me 5'3" but again the pillow has been everything I wanted. I do not like the firm seems.I also use it differently than pictured. I make a nest out of it and lay on top of it.I then use a separate pillow for between my knees. This way it supports me more, I don't feel the inner seams, don't get hot, & takes less room. I wish I would of purchased this pillow many babies ago lol.

My kids love it too.I am always kicking someone out of my pillow :/ I also got Amazon Mom points for purchasing this pillow.You can get free Amazon Prime Shipping from Amazon Mom when you purchase baby type supplies. So I got free shipping for 3 months :O) I use Amazon for school books etc. so O love getting free Amazon Prime shipping :O)

WB 32 Literature study- The Hedge of Thorns

2011-06-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this Literature guide with you.I have been preparing for the next school year. The Hedge of Thorns is a recommended reader for Wisdom Booklet 32 for the Law Resource. This is an excellent Christ centered guide for the book The Hedge of Thorns. It also has an answer key so you can feel more confident in checking your students answers as well as notebooking pages that guide your student in the literature study :O) The best part it is only $5. I look forward to doing this Literature study!

To purchase the guide and read an intro on the book click on the site below.

Principled Academy: Literature- The Hedge of Thorns

ATI Track Homeschool software

2011-06-08T17:43:00.000-07:00

On the Wisdom Searcher Yahoo Group a post came today from one of the ATI moms that went to the conference explaining one of the workshops for new families discussed this program designed for ATI families. It is software that is for free for ATI families to help organize and keep track of their students. There are videos on how to use the software. Unfortunately, we have wireless Internet so it would use to much of our monthly megabytes to watch the videos.So the next time I go to my mother in laws I plan to watch the videos. In the meantime I wanted to share this link and information. I pray it is a blessing to you as the information passed to me was a blessing. I look forward to seeing what it is all about!

http://atitrack.com/

Dry Erase Paint~ making schooling a little easier

2011-05-31T08:58:00.000-07:00

Since school is done it is the season of repairing, preparing, and getting things done around the house. So I make a mental list of some things that need organized or can be done to make my life easier as a mom or teacher. One of my problems was laundry and praise the Lord that yoke is now light. That was a mom need. So this weekend we worked on a teacher need. One of my challenges or inconvenience was I use a dry erase board for teaching. Problem: We do not have any wall space in the school room or living room because of so many book shelves. So I would pull out the dry erase board and place it on the table.This takes up room on the table and the board would slide down etc. Need met ( have a dry erase board)but I needed a better way. So I have a white school cabinet in the school room which I normally place posters on and I thought that would make a perfect place for out dry erase board. I would just have to open the door slightly and my students would be able to see the board. I don't have to mess with pulling out the board just grab a dry erase marker and work away. No more room or wall space needed.

This is the Dry Erase Paint we purchased at Home Depot. You can paint it on just about any flat surface. Angelina did this project while I painted the bathroom & the men/boys finished the french drain. The beauty of a large family you can tackle many projects at a time :O) She loves to paint so she was excited to do the project. First she sanded the surface.Once the paint is mixed it is only good for so many hours. The problem we had was the roller.If you attempt this project make sure you purchase rollers that leave a very smooth surface. A high quality sponge roller.We tried a regular smooth roller and the paint is so sensitive it left bumps.I did have a sponge roller I found in the garage so we used that but it fell apart while applying the second coat. SO for this paint I would ask the store for the proper roller to use with this paint. I learned the hard way!

The paint works! The left side turned out smooth since it was the second door we did after switching rollers.The ride side which is the one I will probably use more is lumpy.It will be well worth it for me to sand it down and try it again. I think it will make teaching next school year a little easier for me. Another thing I look forward to is my younger children love to draw on the dry erase board so while I am teaching they can draw on the other door.

Is there anything during your last school year that you could do to make it run more smoothly. I encourage you to write that problem down, pray, and talk to your hubby about it. As you know as a homeschool mom time is precious and being a good steward of time focusing on eternal things is pleasing to the Lord!

Modest Swim Suits - KatieMellas.com

2011-05-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

Summertime. Memorial weekend is this weekend and is traditionally when most people in Pittsburgh open their pools. So today I ordered Angelina her summer swim suite. She is growing so fast and is already in adult sizes. Here are a few pictures from their website. We purchased the swim suite from Katie Mellas who happens to be another ATI family :O)

I love to support other Christians especially ATI families! The swimsuit is also made in the USA. Here is the link to the website if you or your daughters are in need of modest bathing suits for the summer.She also makes maternity skirts which will be on my hit list in the next few weeks.

Swimsuits - KatieMellas.com

Pittsburgh Zoo field trip

2011-05-25T19:15:00.001-07:00

Today the weather was finally nice enough for us to go to the Pittsburgh Zoo for our animal classification field trip.

An artist was drawing a tiger on the side walk.

The size of a newborn elephant.I am glad I don't have to deliver that baby lol

This was one of the highlights of the day.The kids enjoyed petting the manta rays. They seemed to enjoy too since they kept coming back to the kids.

Boys of course love sharks

and alligators :/

The two families that went everyone but two missing.

We had a great time and look forward until we visit again.

Job's favorite a snow leopard.

Created to Work

2011-05-23T04:48:00.000-07:00

Created to Work.I enjoyed the men & boys working together this weekend. As I watched them the book Created to Work came to my mind. They were so happy and had a sense of accomplishment. They enjoy working alongside Daddy. I have not read this book but it is one I would like to read this summer. Being the mom of soon to be seven boys I am always looking for some good boy mom books. http://www.amazon.com/Created-Work-Practical-Insights-Young/dp/1883934117
Here is Dominic our Bob Cat operator. Daddy teaches all the boys how to run equipment.Even the little ones learn early as they sit on Dad's lap to run the machine. Dominic has been running the BobCat since he was younger.

This weekend we had a date night.Hubby brought me home fresh cut flowers from work.Then we had a wonderful evening together.

We are having flooding problems in our basement with all the heavy rain that we have been having here in PA.So the men & boys in my family worked together this weekend to dig up a french drain. I enjoyed watching them work.Even Nehemiah wanted to help. Daddy only loaded their bucket with what they could carry.They got a big job done in a short amount of time.What a wonderful way to learn team work in getting a task done :O)

Angelina & I planted a perennial called foxglove in our flower bed.We also made the hungry men & boys dinner together. She said it reminder her of a barn raising lol.

My husband found this Little guy under a log. So the boys enjoyed this little surprise.He is a Slimy Salamander.He is slimy but that is also his name. They have blue-black skin and grow to be 7 inches tall so this little guy is a baby.They eat ants, beetles, earthworms, and slugs which there is plenty around here. They are especially active in wet weather and it has been very wet in PA!

The young men started at one end and Daddy /boys started at the opposite end until they met in the middle.

They younger boys carried the buckets of dirt Dad dug up and dumped under our Maple tree were the dirt was eroded and roots were exposed. We will have to bring a hay bale up from the barn to hopefully have grass under the Maple tree.

The young men filled up the Bob CAt and carried their dirt out to dump in the other part of the yard.

My Dog Sicily is a Cane Corso.We just love her.She is happy when everyone is together so its easy for her to check on everyone.

Of course who can resist a ditch and not make it a World War 1 trench and the end of the work day. They are created to work and really seem to enjoy doing outside man work :O)

Weekly & Monthly Chore Packs

2011-05-21T04:43:00.000-07:00

Today is our weekly cleaning day. So I thought I would blog about the weekly & monthly chore packs. Here is a picture of the chorepack template that is given in the book so you can easily copy & fill out what you want accomplished on your weekly cleaning & monthly days. I went through each room and tried to write a card for each step of the cleaning process. I also figured out what I wanted done monthly like wash walls etc. The nice thing about this is if you forget or notice your child is missing something when cleaning you can simply add a card. I have a mom notebook which I will explain more on another post so I placed the cardholders which come with the chorepacks in my mom notebook. In the notebook I have a list of what rooms we decided each child would do on our round table discussion day. Instead of assigning names to the plastic holders I wrote the rooms.That way whenever we switch around the chores it is not a big deal .So in the notebook is the weekly tasks for each room. I remove the daily task cards from their chore packs and place what they are to do weekly.Some children are assigned more than one room but I only place in their pack one room at a time.As they complete the room I switch it again.

For example: Dominic is in charge of the laundry room so I remove his daily chores place them in the laundry room sleeve and put the laundry room task cards in his chore pack.

I also have a separate plastic sleeve for the outside & cleaning the van. That way if it is raining on the weekly chore day I can simply add the outside chores like mowing, weed whacking etc. into their daily chore packs.

We are doing the weekly chores on Saturday but with this system it is so flexible you can do whatever day you want because you simply switch cards in the chore pack from daily to weekly :O) My hubby is working on Saturdays now but when he is off I will have them do it on Fridays or a weekday so we can do things with him whether it be work he wants to get done, field trip, or just a family fun day.

The monthly chores like washing walls, curtains, or whatever you feel is needed monthly I also place in the plastic sleeve with weekly chores.I just do not place them in the chore packs until the day I have scheduled for monthly chores.To make it simple I plan on scheduling a day the first week of the month. More than likely a week day even during the school year.I also plan to switch rooms every year or 6 months so they learn how to clean each type of room. A bathroom requires different tasks than a kitchen for example. You can change it weekly, monthly, yearly etc.It is so easy to do with this system.

If my children are faithful in the daily & weekly chores they will learn that it doesn't take as much time to keep the house if they work on it everyday forming good habits. Daniel all week made me smile he was so excited to complete his daily habits he calls them.They enjoy knowing exactly what to do.It is also great for no excuses on I did not know what to do! I do not expect everything to be perfect at first but everyday & every week work on improving their skills until the final goal they are independent and when I check everything is done right. Depending on the age & character of the child will depend on how long that may take.

The Principle Approach -using the Bible as the main textbook

2011-05-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

Today I was looking through the 2011 issue of the Schoolhouse Publishing Catalog www.shpublishing.com .They had an article titled How to Choose your curriculum and Not Turn Prematurely Gray in the Process. This was an excellent article on the different views & styles of homeschooling. For example they gave a brief explanation to the different styles that you will hear in the homeschooling world.

Classical Education

Charlotte Mason Method

Unschooling

Principle Approach

Unit Studies

What caught my eye was the explanation of the Principle Approach because this reminds me the most concerning the Wisdom Booklets. How ever the interesting thing about the Wisdom Booklets is it is a tool that framework is the Bible (Principle Approach) but can be taught in any style: Classical Education, Charlotte Mason, Unschooling, Principle Approach, & Unit Studies.

Today was the first time I heard of the Principle Approach but from what I read it really reminds me of the Wisdom Booklets. Here is a a few links to get a better understanding. So I am going to research more about this approach. One thing mentioned was a notebook so I will be digging into this subject more but I thought I would share with you.
The Principle Approach - FACE
http://homehearts.com/step-by-step-guide/step-4-develop-your-approach/the-principle-approach/

One thing that was neat about the Schoolhouse Publishing is they have a charts in the catalog after each subject ex. history the places checks to show the homeschooler the different styles so you have an idea if it fits your style.

I am so thankful the Wisdom Booklets teach my children about life through the lens of the word of God.That is what is important to us more than what style I use to teach but finding your style since we are all different sure makes it more enjoyable. I was just telling my husband today my goals especially for my highschool students next year is to research and answer the recommended projects in the WB.I want them to learn to answer life through the Bible and know how to cut up the meat themselves before they chew it.This I believe is what the Principle Approach is all about but I will dig into the subject some more!

Managers of Their Chores (or habits! )

2011-05-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were blessed to to have the Maxwell family from http://www.titus2.com/ come and visit a local Baptist Church on their way home from the PA Chap Homeschool Convention.

We enjoyed not only the tools and gained some great ideas but also the message they gave.We miss the teaching on the home.We would love to be apart of a homebased type church again but there is none in our area. So it was worth the hour drive to hear the Maxwell family for us on a Monday night. The wisdom they gave we have heard before but it still was music to our ears.

I already own Managers of the Home but the Managers of Their Chores was on my hit list for this year. I was told the Duggars use this system too and on the TV show you can see the chore packs attached to the children. I have only watched the Duggars one time.We are not much of TV watchers but I would love to see their show since they are an ATI family :O). So we purchased Managers of Their Chores and Preparing sons which were both on my hit list for this school year. No shipping and what a perfect time for me because we are done with school and I can take the time to teach & train concerning chores.

So today we had a round table session and began to organize our habits using this system. We discussed daily, weekly, & monthly chores. Today we got done the daily chores and divide up the house for the Saturday Weekly Chores.Tomorrow if we don't go to the zoo we will break those rooms down in more details. I plan to blog as we work through the habit system.

I then pulled out the chore backs and began to make them.In the book there is tons of examples, direction, and scripture that encourages you in the fruit of forming these life long habits.

So what is a chore pack? A chore pack is simply small cards made of cardstock with their chores and life long habits are placed inside a name badge.There is a template in the book that fits in the name badge perfect. The little ones that can't read I google imaged pictures to place for them. Here are some samples.

Nehemiah's is simple school, brush teeth , and make his bed. It may not be perfect but each year as he grows we can work on that but my goal is a life long habit.

Jobs I added pick up the toys.I also choose a picture with the teeth brushing that shows the inside of the teeth being brushed too.

Angelo who is 7 will use Clorox wipes to wipe down the sink & toilet daily. He will also once a week vacuum the house.

The older kids who can read I simply write on the card. Bible reading is included with their chores because this is definite a lifetime habit I want them to form.They have already formed this habit but it still is worth placing in the chore pack. Another idea I got from the Maxwell's is assign other sibling to do drills etc. I loved this idea so in their chore packs I also have drill time with a sibling. My examples

Dominic-drill Angelina & Daniel Multiplication

Joseph~ work with Daniel & Angelo their Bible memory verses

Angelina~ phonic flash cards with Job & Nehemiah

Daniel~ addition flashcards with Angelo

You can do spelling, older students Latin prefixes, etc. I just loved this idea because it is something that I want to accomplish daily but find it is not accomplished.That is the great thing about the chores packs you can personalize them to your family needs both in house cleaning & school.

The chore packs come with everything you need : cardstock, name tags etc.

I then placed the completed chore packs in the school room were I spend most of my time.It over looks the living room so it is were I work from mostly. I attached the chore packs to a piece of cloth and in the morning they will attach the chore packs to their clothes on the bottom of a t-shirt, sleeve etc. to remind them. I will also have a Master chore list to check them and can look at the chore pack to see if they moved their cards.I forgot to mention as they complete the chore they place he card in the back to get the next task.

One of the things that blessed me is when Terri said I used to feel guilty to make my children do chores but the Lord showed me these are life long habits that we are preparing them for when they are adults. That hit me because both me and my husband both were never taught these life long habits and it has affected us as adults. I want my children to have success in this area because for the rest of their lives they will need these skills. I also explained this to my children so they understand we are not having them do chores to be our slaves but out of love for them in preparing their future. When I began today I called a round table session and stated my problem.I allowed them be apart of organizing the system.I want them to look at problems or weaknesses and learn to evaluate, break it down, and finally organize to manageable tasks to get the job done. This will help them if they area homemaker, manager, worker, serving in the church, etc. What a wonderful way to learn how to work as a team & have a servant heart!

organizing clothes for large families!

2011-05-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

For the first time in many years I am able to keep up with my laundry because of the organizational system I came up with that has taken the stress laundry to be gone! Here were my problems:

old house with no closets

many children & 2 adults ( talking clothes!)

clothes hanging out of dressers

could not tell how many play clothes or good clothes we had

blessings continually coming in via hand me downs & birthday gifts etc.

carrying laundry baskets up and down stairs then sorting then putting away

not knowing easily what clothes the kids had or needed (they may have 1 pair pf good pants and 20 play for example)

need more room in the boys rooms

I have finally addressed all of these problems :O) Now this laundry system may not work in every home but I thought I would share to either spark your own idea or help you.Here is what I did ......

I purchased a clothes organizer for each child. My daughter has one in her room since she is the only girl she has her own closet. They come in different colors. I found a good quality canvas with cedar support but I could not find the link again. Here is one on Amazon so you know what I am talking about but I can't tell you the quality. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F51ADU?tag=closetsideas-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B001F51ADU&adid=1K6DAZK5T1R7PMPZFG46&&
Google search them out and find ones that work for you.You can also build permanent ones out of wood which we plan on doing after these wear. I originally was going to have each compartment for one day a week.A set of play clothes and a set of good clothes.Since we homeschool they mostly wear play clothes which is great! The problem I found was especially the younger kids would grab good clothes for play.So I decided to have the top 3 compartments good clothes and the bottom three play clothes. My hubby hung up a aluminum bar up for me to hang them on in the laundry room. So after they were hung up I took all of the clothes out of the dressers and placed them in the organizational system. We then threw away the dressers (were worn and not worth saving) That gave room in the boys room & no more carrying clothes up stairs to the bedroom! Since it is the change of season here in PA I purchased clear containers and packed them with the winter clothes to place in the attic. I kept a few cold season clothes since we are between in weather. I did not pull out the summer clothes yet so we have a 50/50 mix of warm clothes but most of the winter is put away.

I purchased a clear container to put the sweatshirts and pants in that will not go into the attic for when the hot weather is officially here so I can use them on cool nights or in between the next season change. This way they are easily to access without going into the attic. I also have a laundry basket under the organization system for the donations to the Salvation Army or Good Will etc. As I filled up my organization system I was able to see what the kids had and kept the best play clothes. I threw away what was excess but not nice enough to to keep. I got rid of so much clothing this way and was able to keep what we need and be able to bless others. Another advantage was the kids can see what they have and all ages can go and grab new clean clothes for play etc.When we go places I can easily find their good clothes. We do have one closet)cabinet in the boys room for their Sunday shirts & pants.

We placed the organizational system in the laundry room.I have a table to throw the clean clothes if I do not have time to fold but most of the time I take the clothes straight out of the dryer fold and place them in the organizer. No more steps or sorting sizes!!!! Another advantage of the organizational system is it controls the amount of clothes we have so I can easily keep up with our laundry.We are so blessed in America that to many clothes can become a problem.Now I can focus on our needs and bless others without the over abundance. The last advantage is as a mom I can easily see my children's needs.Angelo needs some new good pants and with this system I can see easily what needs my children have and their needs.

Finally we have 3 laundry baskets

dark clothes

play work clothes (muddy)

whites

Instead of hampers I purchased nice laundry baskets that you can even carry one handed so when someone sees one is full they can take it down to the laundry room to wash.Even Dad gladly helps! So finally after many years I am able to keep up laundry.Thank you Lord for all your blessing you are the great provider!!!!

I pray this helps or blesses you in some way!

Homeschool Baseball & fun

2011-05-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

PAN 33rd Coin Show & Convention

2011-05-07T16:57:00.000-07:00

I have two numismatist in my home. They enjoy collecting coins and learning about them. My hubby loves the Civil War period and my son Joseph seems to collect coins based on what we have studied. Last year he did a research paper on Ancient coins and purchased a few.This year since we studied the Great Depression he could not wait to buy some Hobo coins. Here are the Hobo coins he purchased.This was an art the Hobos of the Depression did and is now apart of numismatists since it is apart of our American history.
Each year they have a theme for the kids coin show.This year it was the Civil War comparing the Generals Ulysses Grant and Robert E.Lee. There was also a special guest sharing stories of the black soldiers. They give each year free coins to the kids and PAN dollars where they have an auction of coins for the kids.Since we studied how auctions were a part of the dust bowl in the Great Depression the auction was a nice extra hands on lesson of what an auction is like. They enjoy coin collecting because it is history and they love finding treasures looking through loose change from stores and the bank! They had a great father & sons time today.

Western Pennsylvania Numismatic Society www.wpns1878.org

WEC Field day ,Presidential challenge, & field trip

2011-05-06T05:25:00.003-07:00

Today some of my kids did the Presidential PE challenge while the others played sports, and the youngest played in the play ground.We all had a wonderful time of fellowship. I enjoy the Christian families in the co-op.The young adults served in helping with the races & taking score. The young ladies would take babies to let the moms fellowship.All the children were well behaved.The little boys were being boys playing war etc. We left around two o'clock then went to Daddy's work for a field trip.

Since we studied how God used Robert Gilmour LeTourneau who designed and produced earth moving equipment we went to Daddy's work to play with the machines. The older two have time on machines so they let the younger siblings have fun.Nehemiah loves heavy equipment so he was in heaven.My husband loves when we come see him at work.

WB 30 Medicine Resource, Mastery Quiz, & Life classroom

2011-05-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

Today we finished the Medicine resource. We also completed the Mastery Quiz & Life classroom worksheet. This ends our Wisdom Booklet and our school year! I like to complete eight Wisdom Booklets in a year but doing two co-ops slowed me down.Since we have cut back to one co-op I will be planning for eight next year.We still have 178 days of school logged so I will have this as our last Wisdom Booklet for the year.We will finish the last two days of school as a field trip & our co-op field day doing the Presidential challenge etc.
We of course will be learning all summer so I will still be blogging about gardening, preparing for next school year, organizing our home as large family, etc.. As we all know a homeschooling mom's work is never done and learning never ends. I plan to start the Wisdom Booklets back up July 1 to get ahead so I can enjoy the fall days with baby Titus when he arrives :O) I am so excited! Until then I will planning & printing to make the next school year more smooth.

WB 30 Medicine Rec.,Circulatory system,& Biology 101

2011-05-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

We began to watch Biology 101 http://www.the101series.com/ Dominic completed his Apologia Biology course so he is finishing up the school year watching this DVD course.Everyone watched the introductory lesson because it was about Classification which went with our science resource project lessons for this WB. I am so happy I purchased this course.It is very creation based and gives God the glory. I loved how he refers to the book of Genesis the days of Creation for classification. My hubby loves creation science so I am sure we will be watching this Biology course together.

.....Some of the books we used today.........................

Today we continued in the Medicine Resource .We did parts 4-6.The lesson focused on different blood types etc.This was an interesting study because we were able to look at our family blood types and compare it to the charts.I am such a visual learner so the pictures and charts are such a blessing for me that are in the Wisdom booklets.I think they add to the discussion in understanding the material. This was a great way to explain what RH negative since both my hubby & I are opposite blood types. We enjoyed the discussion.
We then did a study on the circulatory system.We finished the study with free worksheets from http://bogglesworldesl.com/circulatorysystem.htm. Another website that may help is http://edhelper.com/circulatory.htm. I also purchased Human Body work copywork all three volumes for only $1.50 at Currclick. This will go great with the medicine resources for their handwriting lessons, http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=34468&it=1

I also purchased The Great Depression & the New Deal by Carole Marsh from Honey Tree homeschooling supplies at the local homeschool fair I went in March.It is simple worksheets were they read a few paragraphs about the Great Depression than answers questions in differant forms.This is another option to compliment your study and add to your WB notebook.

Happy Birthday Nehemiah turns 4 !!

2011-05-03T16:22:00.002-07:00

Today Nehemiah turned 4. He is a chocolate lover like his mom.He wanted chocolate cake with chocolate icing, & chocolate ice cream. He wanted a robot cake so my hubby purchased a transformer to place on is cake.

Angelina decorated his wrapping paper with robots.He is into robots & Lego's at the moment.He will play with Legos for hours. He also loves heavy equipment and building so he is truly Nehemiah the builder!! This was his favorite present.

WB 30 Medicine Resource ~The Great Depression

2011-05-03T16:22:00.001-07:00

Today we began the Medicine Resource. We began looking at blood transfusions and how it can be an analogy of doing alms.How does giving blood show requirements of doing alms? Examples doing alms: must be given voluntary, given within donors ability, must be matched to the one receiving it, etc.We then did parts 1-3.
Today we finished the study on the Great Depression with the HOC and watched a documentary film on the Great Depression from Netflix.The title is the Great Depression in a four part series.This was a great way to end the study.The vocabulary words were familiar and we learned more interesting facts that we did not cover in the study.

WB 30 Law Resource & The Great Depression

2011-05-02T15:06:00.001-07:00

Today we completed the Law Resource & continued on our study of the Great Depression. We learned about the movie, entertainment, & radio they listened to to cheer up their spirits in the Great Depression. Here is a youtube link to one of the songs we listened to that were written in the Great Depression. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjD8vINxgeg I Ain't Got no Home. We will be watching some movies that entertained like the Lone Ranger etc. We will also play some depression games.Did you know Monopoly came out during the depression.
***************I enjoyed how the Law resource listed ideas that were mans & God's then they had to choose.I was happy for the most part they were able to identify the Biblical view.This was a great way to end and review what they learned.

Get a Hands of a Child 35% off coupon!

2011-04-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

Hands of a Child is becoming one of my favorite ways to supplement the Wisdom Booklets because all the research ,organization,& graphics are done for you.I like to purchase or you can go to the library and get some great books with lots of pictures to compliment the study. There are many topics to choose from that are recommended in the Wisdom Booklet even sometimes odd topics like survial skills for example. I like to purchase the printed/cd combo because I do not have time to print all the teaching material out, I like to add notes, & I do not like to read off the computer.The Cd is great to pop in the computer and click print. The disadvantage is the ebooks are usually what is on sale but sometimes you can get the printed packs on sale from what is left over at a convention. Here is one way you can get a 35% off coupon on your next total order.This is a great savings for moms like me who like the printed versions.I took the time to do this today since I will begin planning for next year and I find myself using the HOC more & more.I love deals and consider them a blessing.I buy used and on sale every chance I get!

All you have to do to get the 35% coupon is write a review on 5 of your favorite project packs on the HOC website. Here is the link to the HOC blog with all the information. http://www.handsofachild.com/our-blog/37-save-35

Pittsburgh Science Center field trip

2011-04-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the Pittsburgh Science center. There was so much to do there we did not got to do everything but we had fun. We went with another Christian family and had a great time.

There is a train exibit of historic Pittsburgh with so much detail.

They also enjoyed the robot exibits.

There are dinousaurs placed throughout Pittsburgh.

We also went through a WW2 submarine.

Our beautiful city~ Pittsburgh :O)

more science center fun

In the afternoon we went to the Sports Center.

They loved the climbing wall.My hubby & I use to climb before we had children so we will have to bring out the gear and get the kids climbing. What a fun school day!

WB 30 Law Resource,The Great Depression,& Interactive notebooks

2011-04-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

Today we did number 2 in the law resource.The study was on the American laws focusing on Social Security & Welfare.The Social Security act of 1935 began during the depression which is part of our project study on the Great Depression. Our challenge was is it the governments responsibility to provide for the poor? As far as Christians are concerned the Bible is clear alms giving must be a family & church responsibility. We have relaxed and have allowed the government to do the work God intended for us to do. I believe this is not only in caring for the poor but also in educating our children.
**********************************************************************************************************************We then continued our study using the Hands of a Child Great depression. This is now my favorite way of doing the mini-booklets.I simply glue them on cardstock and place them in a 3 prong folder. I actually put the cardstock in first so the mini-booklets do not get caught in the crease.Another benefit is you can arrange the mini-booklets in order as you study the lesson along with leaving extra space to decorate with pictures etc. You then can add notebooking pages and make a complete notebook for the WB.I think when I prepare for next year this is what I will do for each child each WB. I love having the side pockets for the vocab definitions or whatever you need. When done you can decorate the cover to make it a WB notebook.

Another name for this hybrid lapbook/notebook is called an interactive notebook. http://www.squidoo.com/interactive-notebook I think this will be they way I do my WB notebooks next year.I then have the freedom to do notebooking pages or pages with mini-books.

Please pray for this family & give if the Lord leads.They lost their home in a recent tornado. I am always amazed how the Lord challenges me on the Biblical lessons we learn in the Wisdom booklets. http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/2011/04/tornado-destroys-home-of-kelly-crawford.html

Angelina's 12th birthday!!!

2011-04-27T12:58:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Angelina's birthday! She turned twelve.She is a horse lover like her mom so for her birthday she got all pink tack for her pony.She also wanted to make her own birthday cake and have Neapolitan ice cream. I remember as a child note liking Neapolitan ice cream and its funny to me that my kids love it. Happy Birthday Angelina!

WB 30 Law Resource & The Great Depression

2011-04-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Nehemiah needed a new pillow so we purchased him a white pillow case that zippers at the end at Walmart.I like the pillow cases with zippers so the pillows do not fall out.Since it was plain white I gave him Crayola Fabric Markers to decorate his pillow case.He drew his family.

For the Wisdom Booklets we began our Law Resource & a study using the Hands of a Child on the Great Depression.Here are some of the books we are using along with the study. I am reading letters to Mrs.Roosevelt from children during the time of the depression to the kids and we are watching movies that took place during the Great Depression.

Angelina is reading Potato to the younger kids a tale about the Great Depression.Daniel also read this book.

Daniel also read Leah's pony a story about a town during the depression who got together to help her family buy back their farm.This was an excellent book to go with our Wisdom Booklets because it is an example of what the church is to do for the poor, widows, & fatherless.

Here is a sample of Daniel's lapbook.

This lapbook is free on homeschool share and it really is cute. The focus of the lapbook is the dust bowl during the Great Depression.They study grasshoppers & wind which were parts of the dustbowl. Not only is there free colorful mini-books but ideas to further the study, and the answers to the mini-booklets are also available.I love that site and its becoming one of the first places I look when planning a lesson.

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

The WB section of our school day focused on the Biblical principles of alms giving in both the Old Testament & the New Testament church.Sadly, the modern day church does not always follow the Biblical principles when regarding alms giving but this has challenged my family. Looking at the church's budget plan is so important and comparing it to the Bible.What does God say about this area?

Studying the Great Depression was one of the WB project suggestions and the one we choose because it was a sad time in America's history were there was many poor people that needed God's people to do a mighty work in His name.There were those who stood up to the challenge like the Salvation Army etc. providing soup kitchens for the poor.America still has not learned from the lesson.A country in great debt.We must pray for wise leaders & laws to preserve this great nation of ours that bears the name of Christ from its roots.

WB 30 Authority Through Accuracy & Cold War

2011-04-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/2011/04/positioning-your-home.html

Confessions of a Homeschooler: Loving Living Math Review & Giveaway

2011-04-25T04:47:00.000-07:00

Confessions of a homeschooler is giving away a free book on Living Math. Click on the link below for more information on what exactly living Math is and how to win the free book.
Confessions of a Homeschooler: Loving Living Math Review & Giveaway

This is perfect timing since we are doing the Authority Through Accuracy today which is the Math section of the Wisdom Booklets.I have been collecting fun Math games and books as time goes by and if you can't get this done during the week faithfully once a month when the Authority Through Accuracy y is done would be a perfect day to set aside for Math fun and learning!

Resurrection Sunday :O)

2011-04-24T20:09:00.001-07:00

Today we celebrated the resurrection of Christ.My little ones and I have been sick so my husband took the healthy children to church.We normally visit family for Easter but since we are sick we stayed home.My husband did our yearly tradition doing the Resurrection Eggs from Family Life and read the story Benjamin Box .He first has the older children hide the eggs then the kids find them.They are divided evenly and any odd #s go to the youngest two.He then reads the story and they open the eggs when the time comes.

My mother in law sent over yummy desert and the kids baskets she made for them.

We then colored our Easter eggs.Eggs symbol new life and reminds us of the new life we have in Christ Jesus because He died and rose again.We also watched the movie the Passion with the older kids over the weekend.Easter is one of my favorite Holy Days but being sick I feel I did not get to enjoy it but we can celebrate the victory in Christ Jesus year round :O).I pray you had a blessed Resurrection Sunday!

Daniel's 10th birthday!!!!

2011-04-22T05:48:00.000-07:00

Today is Daniel's birthday.Both Daniel & my oldest son like to cook & bake so Dominic helped Daniel make his own cake this morning.They dyed the icing blue to look like the ocean.Daniel was so excited he set the alarm and woke up his sister who is his best friend. Since he loves music we purchased him music Cds.Daniel wanted Neapolitan ice cream with his cake.Our family tradition is everyone in the family tells Daniel what is so special about him.

It is hard to believe he is 10 years old already :O)

We praise the Lord for our Daniel!!!

WB 30 History Resource,Cold War, & preschool

2011-04-21T13:45:00.001-07:00

Today we read the second part of the History Resource and continued the study on the Cold War.We studied the Cold War because this was a recommend project since Robert G.LeTourneau's lifetime.The HOC Cold War study has been very interesting.

Then the older students went to an Easter party.The entire family was invited but the little ones have colds & coughs so I dropped them off.The older boys had an airsoft battle in the woods while the girls died eggs & fellow shipped with each other.

The little ones wanted to do "school" so I pulled out their Rod & Staff books we worked on at the co-op.There are some pages they did not finish so we did school.They were happy.I had to laugh at Angelo because he said my school is much harder lol.I think they all say that to each other up the line. These Rod & Staff preschool workbooks are cheap and easy to do so I keep them on the shelf for when they want to do school.Of course I don't make my preschoolers do school the crazy kids ask for it they want to be like their big brothers & sisters.That is the beauty of homeschooling they see learning is a part of life.

Here are two great preschool blogs for ideas and worksheets.

Confessions of a Homeschooler

http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/ and Homeschool Creations http://www.homeschoolcreations.com/index.html

WB 30 History Resource & Cold War

2011-04-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

How God rewarded alms with the ability to move mountains.Today we studied another hero of the faith, Robert Gilmour LeTourneau inventor of the bulldozer and other heavy equipment that advanced technology in this century.We looked at his life seeing the struggles at the beginning then how God greatly blessed him.His life story is so encouraging.When he died he was a multi-millionaire that kept 10% for himself and gave the rest to God.He offered chapel service in his plants and most of the 90% went to missions and organizations.Christ truly blessed his faithfulness.We looked at how he & his wife stepped out in faith when times were not easy.He lived through the great depression etc.Even with all his wealth this a a quote from Mr.LeTourneau,"Evelyn and I find our greatest reward in fact that our sons and daughter are carrying on the principles we believe in with our grandchildren. His heartfelt reward from God was not his wealth for he seen himself as a tool (businessman) that was given money to provide for the work of the Lord but the true reward was his children loving Christ. He was a cool guy and I am so glad we were introduced to this saint through the Wisdom Booklets.
************We then continued our study on the Cold War and this week we watched the moody film Animal Kingdom and being in awe of God's creation.This was a recommend film from Considering God's Creation.It was not about animal classification but the animals were grouped in order for examples interesting birds etc.We always enjoy the Moody's films especially the fact they give glory to the creator after all we are creation scientist :O)

WB 30 Power Through Precision & Cold War lapbook / notebooking pages

2011-04-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

Today we did Power Through Precision.Our focus was looking at those whom the Bible reveals of those whom to do alms.The stranger,fatherless, widow, & the poor.We then were challenged to seek those in our life or community we could glorify Christ by reaching out to those in need.We looked at many Bible examples and scripture that reached out to the poor, widows, etc. and how God blessed them. Deuteronomy 24:19. We then continued our study on the Cold War.We are using the Hands of a Child lapbook (Angelina), and also the HOC Cold War notebooking pages.The living book we are using along with this study is The Cold War by David Taylor.It is a great compliment to the study.This is the picture of the front of Angelina's lapbook.I made the lapbook over the weekend and she just fills in the mini-booklet.

Over the weekend I also organized the HOC lessons.I printed out the daily lesson plans & highlighted the days in the teachers manual.I still use the lesson plan but it helps me as I read through the teacher's manual.I also list the activity(or mini-booklet) in the manual.This helps me feel organized as I cover the material.

I printed out all the notebooking pages for Dominic & Joe and placed them in a notebook with prongs.I then print out the list of vocabulary words so they can place it n the side pocket for daily use.Finally,each day I list the vocabulary words on the board so they can get the definitions from their list and fill out the vocabulary words on their notebook page or mini-book.Angelina also has a list she keeps in her lapbook.Daniel does not do vocabulary words,

Here is a sample of the Hands of a Child notebooking pages.My older students prefer the notebooking pages.The information is still organized like a lapbook.We also add pictures & flaps to make it more colorful.The same lessons go with the notebook & lapbook which makes it convenient for multiple students and personality types.

Daniel is also doing notebooking pages but he is doing Westvon Publishing Happy Scribe copybook & History Scribe on the Cold War.I have the CD with all the units but you can purchase it individually at Currclick.

He draws a picture and we also pasted a picture on his notebooking page.

I sit down with Daniel and just like when we do our writing assignments in the WBLA we discuss the important word in each sentence then he vocally tells me the sentence in his owns words.Finally, after his thoughts are collected he writes them down.We do not do the check list challenge.

Today marks the mid-point of my pregnancy.I am 20 weeks!!!

Celebrating the Passover !!!!

2011-04-18T12:49:00.001-07:00

We celebrate the Passover yearly to remember the picture of Christ when the Israelites were free from slavery and remember the freedom from sin for those who believe in the Lamb of God who died to take away the sins of the world. Daddy is the leader as head of the house and I light the candles.

Nehemiah paid close attention to every detail of the Passover.He loved being a part of the celebration.This is one of the family favorite Holy Days we celebrate each year.

The washing of hands.

Daddy telling the story of the Passover showing Nehemiah the pictures.

Angelo hiding his eyes while Joe hides the Afikoman.

Job dipping his fingers in the new wine for each plague.

This is our traditional Passover meal.Lamb roast on a Matzo cracker with horseradish, Chicken soup with Matzo balls, and Haroset. This is the only time of year we eat Haroset, Matzo balls, & lamb so it makes it a special meal that tastes good :O)

After dinner the younger kids have to find the Afikoman.Who ever finds it gets a prize.Job found it this year and he got Lego toys.Everyone got candy.The we had desert...pound cake which we all enjoyed.

It was a great day remembering what the Lord Jesus Christ did as the Lamb of God.We sang hymns.

Blessed are YOU ,Lord, our God, King of the universe, who has shown us a glimpse of your infinite grace and mercy.Thanks be to You for Your Son, our eternal Redeemer and Savior, the True and Perfect Lamb.

WB 30 Insights through Investigation & Cold War

2011-04-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

Today we completed the Insights through Investigations studying infinitives in both the English and Greek language.Looking at the Greek infinitives is a valuable tool for understanding scripture for example knowing the infinitive shows the purpose when doing a verse study. *******************************We began our study on the Cold War which is a recommended study for the History Resource which I plan to cover later this week.We are using the Hands of a Child -Cold War pack for the study.I will explain how we are using the HOC pack more tomorrow.

Monongahela Rockhounds Gem, Mineral, & Fossil show

2011-04-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

Daniel became a Rockhound when we studied rocks & minerals for one of the Wisdom Booklets.So today for special time with Dad my hubby took Daniel & Angelina to the Monongahela Rockhound show.

They had special free crafts for the kids.They made me a rock key chain and they made fossils by placing a stamp in clay.My hubby purchased me a cool fossil and both of the kids came home with some nice minerals & crystals.They had fun and Daniel enjoyed doing something with Dad that was a special trip for him.Angelina was my photographer sent on the trip for keepsakes since Dad does not like to take pictures.She had fun too.Her & Daniel are best buddies well most of the time lol.

http://www.monongahelarockhounds.org/

WEC Spring 2011 week 10 & Closing Program

2011-04-15T03:07:00.001-07:00

This was our last week of WEC co-op .Angelo in PE and the girls made cute cupcakes for the closing program.

In the evening was the closing program.This is always a fun time of fellowship and a chance for the Dads to see all the hard work and fun the kids had during the school year. This co-op is such a blessing to my family not only academically but it is truly a family and Christ is the center of everything :O) .My preschool class singing the Days of the Week and the months of the Year songs. I enjoyed watching the performances from the other classes.

There were also display tables of what the classes did with samples. The kids had fun playing with each other outside and everyone enjoyed snacks.

Nehemiah getting spoiled ! I am looking forward to the next school year!

WB 30 Animal Classification lapbook

2011-04-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

Today we completed our animal classification lapbooks.For our bible time we read more of the commands of Christ. We also listened to the Considering God's Creation song, Creatures God made about mammals, birds, etc.

Nehemiah grouped all the animals together.A scientist already ;) the Kingdom ~Animalia

Then Job sorted the toy animals into 3 group.I did not guide them but let the group the animals in to what they thought the groups should be.Job grouped them in mammals, insects, & sea animals.Angelo divided them further to separate flying insects from crawling insects etc.

We then worked on our lapbooks.It really makes a difference and adds to study when you use living books to teach with lots of pictures and well organized information.So with both the Hands of a Child & the Homeschool Share free animal classification lapbooks the What is an Animal Kingdom Book was a great complement.

Job & Angelo's completed lapbook dividing animals into vertebrates & invertebrates,I also printed out their pictures of their hands on animal classification project to the lapbook.

Here is Angelina & Daniels lapbook covers.They did the Hands of a Child Animal Classification lapbook.It was a great study and well worth my time.

We used Dover stickers to decorate the lapbooks & graphics.They also colored & drew some of their own pictures.I printed out all the mini-booklets on white paper this time instead of colored. I think I like the colored paper more but certain graphic is nice to color so I may print those type of mini-books on white paper.

Daniel & Angel got the lesson but I will need to go over it a few times with Job & Angelo and practice more identifying animals if they are mammals etc.They did not quite get it but the nice thing about lapbooks is you can use them as a teaching tool over and over again.They sure are proud of their lapbooks.Nehemiah wants to do one to so next week I will sit with him and do something simple.

The older students finished up their Biology assignments.

Its another BOY!!!

2011-04-13T04:00:00.001-07:00

Today we did not get any WB work done but they did do school mainly the 3rs because I had a level 2 ultrasound scheduled late afternoon. I am 19 weeks now so this is the mid-term routine ultrasound.Since I am over 35 my insurance paid for a level 2 ultrasound. We are praising God for another little boy! We thanked God & praised Him for this little arrow.I enjoyed my husband praying with me in the room, thanking God & dedicating this little one to Him. He is a very active little boy already :O) I am honored to be given the honor of raising 7 boys for the Kingdom of Christ.Boys are future leaders of their home, churches, community, & possibly the nation.I pray the Lord uses us as He raises these soldiers of the cross. We are praying about the names.As for right now we are considering Titus or Caleb. We are so excited about this little blessing from heaven and the older we get the more we enjoy the children and are in awe of their creator. He has a purpose for each one He has created and we rejoice and are honored to raise soldiers of the cross!

WB30 Science ~*Animal Classification

2011-04-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

Today we finished the science resource.The Jr.high/highschool students worked on Biology BJU chapter 9A which will be due to be completed by Thursday.The elementary students I am reading What is the Animal Kingdom? a Bobbie Kalman book.I purchased from amazon.Angelina & Daniel will be completing the Hands of a Child Animal Classification project pack making a lapbook.I will also be using Considering God's Creation lessons & worksheets for teaching animal classification to the younger elementary students.I also have some fun animal classification games & projects planned but they will have to wait until Thurday.

Here is a free animal classification lapbook http://www.homeschoolshare.com/animal_classification_lapbook.php

I will be doing this with the lower elementary students.

WB30 Science ~*Animal Classification

2011-04-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

We began the Science Resource today.We normally follow the pattern of the Wisdom Worksheet but for this WB we are going a little out of order.The nice thing about the WB is it is a tool so you can make it work for you.I have planned for this Saturday a field trip to the zoo which is one of the recommended projects.It is the only open weekend we have for April so I wanted to complete the science resource first so they know why we are going to the zoo. ****************************************************They are excited to go.We have not been to the Pittsburgh Zoo since they put in the new polar bear exhibit.My husband was part of the team that did the demolition and the dirt work for the polar bear exhibit so it will be fun for him to see it finished. We actually have some Belgium block from the zoo in our front yard from that job he did. ************************************************************************Our spiritual analogy is looking at how animals reveal ways to draw attention to themselves.The analogy is we are not to draw attention to ourselves when doing alms.Instead alms must glorify God which is our major concept for this WB.*************************************** *********************The kids always enjoy studying about animals.We are animal lovers so we enjoy learning about God's amazing creation.Daniel especially was excited.We will be studying animal classification as our project.I will be using the link below to make animal card.I right clicked on the picture & printed the information so when we go to the zoo the younger students can practice classifying animals into reptiles, mammals, etc.The older kids I will have them classifying by Kingdoms.We all will observe and watch the animals to see if any draw attention to themselves. **********************************************************************************************Animal Classification online game. http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/kidscorner/games/animalclassgame.htm Animal Classification website.I will be using the pictures to make an animal classification poster for the zoo and classifying animals. http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/kidscorner/classification/kc_classification_main.htm

Missionary from Africa & Family fun at the park

2011-04-10T19:33:00.001-07:00

The boys played deck hockey with friends.Daniel was happy to play with his big brothers.

WEC Spring 2011 week 9

2011-04-08T05:13:00.001-07:00

Job & Nehemiah making an elephant with headdress which goes perfect with our Southeast Asia lesson we did in WB 29.job said mommy we made an elephant like we learned about. Angelo drew a Yak in his Draw Write Now class which is a Himalayan animal which he did a report on for WB29.I love when the co-op projects end up reinforcing what we are learning at home.This happens often in church & Sunday school too when it comes to our spiritual WB lessons :O) God is good all the time!

Angelina learned how to make homemade soft pretzels this week :) Dominic & Abram were partners for Biology lab, they are dissecting a fetal pig.

WB 30 Character Quality WS & Theme Song WS

2011-04-07T13:02:00.001-07:00

Today we completed the Character Quality WS: Hospitality~* cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those whom God brings into my life. This is something the Lord has laid on out heart since it is a very weak area we have but wee do have a heart that longs to be a house of hospitality.We were at one time but got away from it. ******************************************************* We then did theTheme song WS:"To the Work"by Franny Crosby. One of the things that impressed Joe was she memorized 16 books of the Bible in her lifetime.I discussed how it was reflected in her hymns and her life.When the word of God is a part of who you are the Holy Spirit works with it to form the character of Christ in you.His voice can be heard.I then encouraged him that is why the verses they memorize for Bible quizzing & in the WB is so important not only for their personal life but to be fruitful in their spiritual warfare. ************************************************************* Memorizing scripture is so important and it is a part of their school day. We say the WB verses every day before we start 3-5 times and have memory Monday every week were we repeat all the verses we have memorized up until that point.We are now beginning Mathew chapter 6 with WB 30.They also memorize verses for Bible Quizzing.Memorizing entire chapters at a time is so fruitful I need to work on that more myself. ********************************************************************************************* Here is a picture of Daniel doing WBLA.In PA you are not required to begin school until they turn 8 so last year was Daniels first year of school.We focused on learning to read doing the Christ Centered Curriculum.So this is his first official year doing the Wisdom Booklet Language Arts.For their first year I sit with them and teach them how to do t=it each day.This gets them comfortable in using the program so by the end of the year they are comfortable at doing the WBLA and know the routine. The years after that since it is the same year after year just more challenging they are able to comfortably do the work independently and I just check it.The first year in the WBLA is worth the time investing in so they are secure in using the curriculum no matter what the age they begin the WBLA.

WB 30 Meditation WS, Wisdom Quiz,& Major Concept

2011-04-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we spent the day on Language Arts & Math along with older kids working on research papers, Biology, etc. so today we officially began Wisdom Booklet 30.

We completed the Wisdom & Meditation worksheets.I love this picture of Angelina studying the word of God as she completes the verse studies.Her two buddies Chucho ^ Sherkaun enjoying a nap with her in front of the fire.

We also discussed the Major concept: Doing alms must glorify God. We began the Commands of Christ and will work on that a little each day during Bible devotions.

Our verses for WB 30 Mathew 6:1-4 "Take heed that ye do not your alms before thee...Do not sound a trumpet before thee...that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."

WB 29 Mastery Quiz,Life Classroom, & end of WB reports for Dad

2011-04-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Today we completed WB 29.We did the Mastery Quiz & the Life Classroom worksheet.Then the kids gave Dad their end of WB reports.Nehemiah wanted a report so I had him point to Southeast Asia on the globe. Here is Job explaining to Dad his lapbook & what he learned.

Angelo giving his animals of Asia report.

Daniel giving his report on the sun & the Solar System.Angelina did her report on photosynthesis.Joe did a report on Benjamin Franklin's experiment using colors that absorb heat.Dominic did a report and explain the water cycle.

This completes WB29.We will begin WB30 tomorrow

Bible Quiz Meet Indiana

2011-04-02T03:03:00.000-07:00

This was our last Bible Quiz for the season.They studied the book of John & were quizzed on it each month at a Quiz meet.This is an excellent way to encourage personal daily devotions & have fun! I am so proud of Dom & Joe they studied the word of God on their own.I did not help them in any way.The trophies are an outward reward and I pray that the most important eternal rewards are knowing God by in grafting His word. Joe won 3rd place over all as individual scores.Dom came in 6th place.They both were honored as rookies but Joe was chosen as the rookie of the year so he received a trophy for that too.This was our first season of Bible quizzing.They all enjoyed it & look forward to next year.

As a team (along with Lydia)they came in second place which was encouraging because they missed the first meet & did not figure out how to study plus how it all works until mid-season. Records are kept for both individual scores also as teams.

Dad watching the quiz meet along with the little ones.Angelo will quiz next year. We had a banquet too.Here are our coaches.

They go in rounds .There are judges keeping score etc. The first to jump gets to answer if they miss the question they loose points.Here is Dom in mid-jump.If the Jr.s answer 3 questions they get a quiz out & can no longer jump.The seniors need to answer 4 questions for a quiz out.This keeps the quiz so not one person dominates & others have a chance.Some of these kids are fast!

There are different types of questions.Word for word quoting verses, Finish the verse, situation, Multiple answers etc. Angelina finished the year with her first quiz out she was excited!

WEC Spring 2011 week 8

2011-04-01T05:10:00.000-07:00

WB 29 Medicine Resource ~First Aid

2011-03-31T19:34:00.000-07:00

Today we finished the medicine resource learning skills need to be a good Samaritan and learned more first-aid. We then looked at two Godly examples of saints of old who truly lived the life as a good Samaritan showing love and mercy to those in need.Daniel read the Heroes of History for Young Readers, Clara Barton.The elementary kids watched a movie on Florence Nightingale by the hero animated classics.Then they did some of the worksheets from the activity book that goes with it.Both the Heroes of History & the Animated classics give God the glory in the lives of these women who served the Lord as a good Samaritan. It is so important to us that our children are given examples of real heroes of God.The WB are great for introducing us to these God glorifying saints.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Then the kids finished their reports they will give Dad tomorrow and any homework for WEC.

WB 29 Medicine Resource ~First Aid

2011-03-30T12:13:00.001-07:00

We began the Medicine Resource today & read part 1.We continued our focus on being a good Samaritan.Loving your enemies is a test of perfection.Which first-aid skills must a "Good Samaritan" learn? So we are learning first aid in the WB. To think God loved us so much He sent His only son to die for our sins.Even though we were His enemies He loved us so much He came to die for us.

Tonight at Church we had the privilege to watch an reenactment of the last supper.Each disciple gave their life story and asked the Lord is it me who betrayed you.The kids studied the book of John this year for Bible quizzing and it was rewarding to see the scripture they have learned come to life.The Lord then lead the evangelist with a powerful gospel message.I was happy to hear one of the youth asked the Lord as his savior as well as some others.My prayers will be with those who came to the Lord through the message.To God be the glory!

WB 29 Law Resource~ Good Samatitan Law

2011-03-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Today we did the Law Resource.Loving your enemies is a test of perfection. We looked at the American laws focusing on the Good Samaritan laws.We looked at the Good Samaritan in scripture and his example of loving his enemies.We then discussed our obligations as a a Christian helping others in their time of need. Lastly, I assigned each student a different project .This WB they each have a composition notebook we call the WB notebook.They do their WBLA in this notebook as well as any projects from the WB. So in the notebook I wrote down their assignments in each students notebook.

Dominic~create a flow chart depicting how a bill becomes a law

Joe~defined a list of legal terms

Angelina~looked up liable & liability project

Daniel,Angelo,& Job~ identify Good Samaritans in the community ex.police etc.

This is a picture of Angelina I took this weekend.My only daughter & she loves horses like her mommy! So we enjoy riding together as our special mom/daughter time.

WB 29 Authority Through Accuracy~Grading scales

2011-03-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

Today was memory Monday.So we recited all the verses in Mathew 5.WB 29 finishes the last verses in chapter 5 so the next WB will begin Mathew chapter 6.

How does Mathematics show God's point of view regarding perfection? ..Be ye therefore perfect , even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect

Authority Through Accuracy study this WB was learning the difference between a standard grading scale and a curve grading scale.This was such an excellent spiritual analogy in looking at how God grades our spiritual life! We are graded on His standard and not what other Christians or people do the curve grading system.It is so important that my kids understand that they will stand before God based on what they do in their Christians life, on the word of God. Not comparing themselves to others.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ God's perfect timing we just got Joe's CAT test back so we were able to look at the teat results which is a curve results. We also did the example problems in the WB so they had a clear understanding of comparing the standard grading system & the curved.The example was excellent because the scores were all low & it showed how the results are based on performance of the class & not the individual.The low scores dropped the standard to be met.If we compare ourselves even to a culture that is morally decaying and feel good about ourselves we will sure be surprised when we are judged by God's standards and He will judge us individually not comparing us to others. So for the next few weeks I will have them grade their own tests after I give them their raw score. For our family devotions we then watched the video 10 Cannons of God's law by Ray Comfort. This was excellent and perfect with this lesson.I purchased it from Amazon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~We watched Rudy Maxa's World: Exotic places: Thailand from Netflix.This was a good film with the overview of the culture & places in Thailand.It made all the things we studied on Southeast Asia come to life.

WEC Spring 2011 week 7

2011-03-25T04:51:00.001-07:00

Today was the annual used book sale for our co-op. Job is looking at the free items.What a fun day this is for a homeschooling mom! I was able to purchase books & games cheap and take advantage of the free items table. There is a total of 41 families in our co-op .

WB 29 Science~Sun~solar energy

2011-03-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Today we did #9 sun allows long distance radio communication & #12 Solar energy.I have a few fun hands on solar energy projects to complete when we finally get a sunny day.We have had storms, cloudy skies, & the temperatures have dropped so I am hoping we the weather will be nice next week. Some of the things we learned were about the ionosphere created by the sun, northern/southern lights (Aurora Borealis) , solar energy, and hydroelectric generators that take advantage of the water cycle, which is controlled by the sun.

I spent the rest of the day checking the WBLA while the students worked on their reports for Dad.They also worked on their homework for tomorrows co-op.

This is a picture of a part of out homeschool day.There are times when everyone is doing something independent and there are times we work together as a team.Angelina is reading to her little brothers the Magic School Bus trip to the Stars ,while Daniel is researching the Solar System for his report,Dominic was working on his Biology, Joe was working on his Math, & I was checking Math that the rest completed.

Thanks to Jeanie Fulbright from the Apologia Elementary Yahoo group for sharing this link today on the Aurora Borealis.It was perfect timing :) How beautiful is God's creation!!!
http://vimeo.com/21294655

WB 29 Science~Sun~ seasons & time

2011-03-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

Joe is working on a Vietnam paper (WB28) and this was his extra credit drawing diagram of a M14.This is a 1,000 word research paper he is doing at the co-op. One of the blessings of the co-op is I can choose classes that will benefit our WB studies. Today we did we studied #1o sun establishes seasons, how ancient civilizations measured time with the sun, summer/winter solstice, & sundials. I then spent some time with Job making his sun lapbook that he will present to Daddy for his report.This is a very simple lapbook and a simple overview of the science resource so he will be the first to give his report to introduce the other topics.

Angelo made this cute seasons book at the co-op last semester.So I used it to teach Job the seasons.This would also be a great project for the younger kids for this resource if you are looking for an idea.

I used the StartWrite50 program to type out the words for him to trace.The scrapbooking runner tape works good for little ones to tape things down & save time.I used the adhesive spray to glue down the minibooks.

This is his drawings of the 4 seasons: sled, roses,boat,& leaf just in case you could not tell lol

We also had a life lesson on what hail looks like.Not a good day for solar energy!

Daniel read the Adonirum Judson book & I read it to the little ones.We also did some of the activity pages.Angelo colored a picture while Angelina & Daniel did a crossword puzzle & a code page. Daniel enjoys crosswords puzzles and wanted to do more.There are also other activity ideas.I love these books by YWAM.I borrowed this from the co-ops library but I will begin to purchase them as needed in the future.

The pictures are great in these books full of color!

Here is a link to the YWAM store.I like to purchase from Amazon.There is also a CD with music etc. you can purchase.

http://www.ywampublishing.com/

WB 29 Science~Sun~ provides fresh air(winds)

2011-03-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Today we continued in the science resource and did #9 The energy of the sun maintains fresh air for both the evil and the good. So we learned about the trade winds etc. I made notebooking page by copying the WB picture & blowing it up.The older students had to draw & label the pictures on their own. We used the globe to show were the equator is etc. and made a mini-booklet to attach to the page.

I also like to have my students choose a report to present to their father at the end of the WB.The report has to be on something we learned in the WB.Since we looked at Asia for the history resource Angelo is doing a report on Himalayan animals.I worked on that with him today and I will have him practice each day so he is comfortable when he gives his presentation.I purchased Asian Mountain little animals from Amazon for his display.Of course they enjoyed playing with them too!

Daniel typed his 1rst weeks writing assignment from the WBLA today that was on Adoniram Judson.I then helped him use Scrapbooking Max to make his final copy.We added Adoniram & Anns picture.

We are scheduled to study solar energy Thursday and the project was to build a solar powered vehicle.Dominic likes to build things and wanted to build it today so he did.I have a few solar projects planned but the sun is not out so we will wait until a sunny day.Dominic was able to see on a solar map PA is not the best place in the US to depend on solar energy and our weather is reminding us of that fact.

Here is the completed crane.There are other solar powered vehicles he will be building.

WB 29 Sun~Water Cycle

2011-03-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

We completed #8 The sun purifies water for both evil and good.We studied the water cycle.The elementary students made water cycle notebooking pages.I used the Giant Science resource book which is great for general science topics.
I began reading Himalayan Adventures I purchased used at a curriculum sale.It is short stories that are Christ centered.

For the older elementary students you can shrink the worksheet to make a smaller picture.

They decorated their notebook pages with clouds & suns.Dominic has decided to do his presentation on the water cycle for his report at the end of the WB.

Next Years Wisdom Booklets arrived!

2011-03-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

and Joe's 8th grade test came in the mail too. F.L.O testing services is fast.I will use the same company next year :O)

WEC Spring 2011 week 6

2011-03-18T04:34:00.001-07:00

Cooking class

Outdoor Adventures

WB 29 Science~Sun~* Solar System

2011-03-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

#7 We continued in the Science resource.Today we looked at how God placed the earth in the perfect location etc. from the earth to give us the perfect temperature & more.Then we studied the Solar System.

This is Job's drawing of the Solar System.

Our Solar System hanging on the ceiling.This is a picture of some of the completed projects. The nice thing about a large family is you learn to work as a team.I copied the instructions and each child made a project then we went through the experiments after they were completed.
There are some not shown like watching the moon for a month etc.that we will be doing.

My children love the Draw Write Now books.They are always drawing with them on their own.Nehemiah wants to be like his big brothers so here he is doing the Draw Write Now picture of a train.

WB 29 Science~Sun~sunlight allows eyes to see

2011-03-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

6. How does sunlight help our eyes to see?

We continued our study through the science resource.Today we studied how the light from the sun helps us see.I purchased this book for $.50 at a curriculum years ago when we studied eyes in the WB.I was able to use it for our study today. We also watched the eye section of Windows of the Soul by Moody Science Classics.I then had them copy the illustration of the eye and label it from the WB. We then did a project from Konos testing how the cones & rods of the eye work. This was a fun test to do.

(from Konos)Have your child look straight ahead while sitting in a chair.From behind him, hold a red ball at arm's length, straight out beside him.When he can 1rst see the ball, ask him what color the ball is.Keep moving the ball in an arc in front of the child until he can identify the color.Have him explain or write why color is not detected as it enters the eye at severe angels.Answer=The image of the ball held to the side does not fall on the retina made up of the color-seeing cones.It hits the rods instead, so the color is not distinguishable.

WB 29 Science~Sun~* Photosynthesis

2011-03-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

Today we continued through the Science resource. Since there is so much to cover in this resource I may end up stretching the study out for more than 3 days which I had originally planned.That is the nice thing about the WB it is a tool not a master so I can remove or add at my convenience. We studies Photosynthesis today continueing our study on how the sun benefits both good & evil using Exploring Creation with Botany & Dinah Zikes World of plants.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I love the creation view from the Apologia's elementary science books and the conversational approach to teaching it offers.I like the hands on experiments & visual graphic from Dinah Zikes books.I also used Live & Learns Botany lapbook to make the two mini-books .The older students continued their study from BJU Biology book chapter 13A.

Daniel uses Teaching Textbooks but we use Math U See blocks & lessons to learn new concepts.Every time the blocks come out Nehemiah takes advantage of the play time. When Daniel was done with Math he helped Nehemiah build a town.

WB 29 Science~Sun~VitaminD,Tides,plant growth

2011-03-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

Today we began our Science Resource. How does the Sun benefit good & evil? That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust.... So we began our study on how the sun benefits life on earth.I used blank general notebooking pages for Angelina & Daniel .Dominic & Joe my advance students took notes on the part of the resource we covered today.Since there is so much information & material to cover I broke the resource up into 3 days.

I love these coloring books! I cut up a the picture for there notebook page and the older students had whole pages to add to their notebook. The picture really shows how the auxin responds to the light & gravity. I also had them add photo=light & Geo=earth to their definitions.

Angelo my lower elementary will be working through this workbook. It is nice an simple and perfect for his age.I really like Evan Moore products.

I used a globe for the sun and two small balls to demonstrate the gravitation pull causing the tides.

I am hoping it is nice tomorrow so we can look for signs of life responding to the time change.This is perfect timing since we just changed the clocks and spring is almost here. and the light of day will be longer.I plan on having them choose a plant to observe until the end of the school year.

WEC cancelled ~ catch up day~ordered WB for next year

2011-03-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

WEC (co-op) was cancelled today because of winter storm in the forecast.So I had to make a choice do I start the science resource or have a catch up day. Since I did not feel prepared to begin the science resource and I had to tackle some Math road blocks I decided to do a catch up day.Everyone was busy doing school all day but we spent most of the day going over the LA & taking time on learning new Math concepts I noticed some of my students struggling with.
I also spent time looking at next months WB and I registered for next year. It is so nice to be able to register online now and it is so much easier than the past. I also purchased next years WB .Here is the link to register online if you are already an ATI family. I can't wait to get next years Wisdom Booklets :O)

http://ati.iblp.org/ati/family/updateforms/

CAT Test

2011-03-10T08:07:00.002-08:00

The Pa homeschooling law requires testing in 3rd, 5th, & 8th grade. So the only student I had to test this year was Joe. Since ATI was not selling the Iowa tests this year I looked into the CAT test which is an approved test for Pennsylvania. This was the first time I purchased from The Family Learning Organization and I was pleased with the quick response and the clear instructions etc. I have listed the link below. If you do not live in PA it is important you check to see if the CAT test is approved in your state.

http://www.familylearning.org/testing.html

Joe did his testing Wed. & Thurs. of this week the LA on Wed. & Math on Thursday.In PA you are only required to test for LA & Math so those are the only subjects he was tested in.

It is important to know your laws.Here is a link for the PA laws and some great forms for the portfolio. There are other states information too.

http://home.comcast.net/~askpauline/hs/homeschoollaw.html

WB 29 History Resource & Southeast Asia

2011-03-10T08:07:00.001-08:00

We finished of the History Resource on Adonirum Judson.We looked at the trials in his life and how through God's grace he was able to forgive his enemies.Major Concept: Loving your enemies is a test of perfection.
Dominic then made Ohn Htamin (coconut rice) a food from Burma for us to taste which was one of the project suggestions.It was not a hit.However, since we learned that in Southeast has tropical fruits and rice crops it gave an example of why they might eat coconut rice.Even recipes can give a picture of geography and world cultures.
We then did a notebook page also from Amy Pak's World Maps.I had them copy the recipe from the teacher's manual and I took a picture for the notebooking page.
The older students finished their study on Southeast Asia completing past & present history on the countries as well as some general information.

WB 29 History Resource & Southeast Asia

2011-03-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

Today we continued in the history Resource. We then studied Cambodia. Then we completed notebooking pages.Instead of doing a coloring page we did a postcard page..Wish you were here in Cambodia.

Angelina loves puzzles so she was the first one to do the Geopuzzle of Asia. Some of the pieces are the same shape as the country.

This is a fun way to see the countries of Asia.

Here are some links to help with the Geography study of Southeast Asia. The first link is free notebooking pages to study a country.Scroll down to the bottom of the page.

http://www.homeschoolcreations.com/Geography.html
This link is to translate the Khmer language
http://www.angkor-planet.com/dico/dicoUKKH.html

This link is information on the country of Cambodia.
http://www.tourismcambodia.com/

I was so excited to see the Great Expedition to South East Asia mission trip now accepting volunteers. Being apart of ATI is so much more than an awesome Christ centered curriculum it is also supporting mission work across the world. I pray each one of my children have an opportunity to serve the Lord in missions at least one time before they graduate.

http://familysupportlink.org/2011/03/09/great-expedition-to-southeast-asia/

WB 29 History Resource & Southeast Asia

2011-03-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

Today we began our History Resource.Since it is large I broke it into three days.During those three days I choose to study Southeast Asia as our project.Here are some of tools I used that are in my library.My elementary students will be doing countries of Southeast Asia notebooking pages but everyone will learn about the cultures. http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/HTTA/OldeWorldMaps.htm This is my favorite Geography notebooking pages. We used our Encyclopedia to get the information.We studied the country of Thailand today. Here is a website to write words in Thai. http://www.thai-language.com/id/31401

I also had them color a Thailand house from this Dover coloring book.

This is a great map book because it has almost if not all the countries of the world in a large size so you can fill in the major rivers, Mt's, etc.

We also grabbed our living books.Did you know ants are cooked for food.I couldn't convince the kids to try it .lol

The older students will be completing chapter 19 in the BJU Geography book this week on Southern & Southeast Asia. I copied some of the picture for their notebook.Today they read up until the section review.I wrote the review questions in their notebook to complete.

They also had to take notes under maps of both Southern & Southeast Asia geography from the book looking at the bold words as their clue.

The cats love tank must be low.They never jump up on school table and at different times today each one lied down were the kids were working.

Today marks the first day of my second trimester so my energy has returned :) but I feel so unprepared for his WB. Preparation is the key of success with the WB.Since I had no energy I did not prepare enough for this WB and I feel it! I will press on but plan on preparing for the next WB Friday.

WB 29 Power Through Precision

2011-03-07T13:26:00.001-08:00

We did the Power through precision and I used the Mastery Quiz as a guide.The older students must know all six words for the test while the younger only two.Each word will count as a point. I used the question on the test as the

minibook title.

The elementary students did a vocabulary mini-book.Daniel only wrote the English def. while the others had to include the etymology of
the word. All the information is in the WB.They were allowed to highlight the information to make it easier to copy.

The older students simply copied the information into their WB notebooks.

My husband read a missionary's update from Taiwan during family devotions.He also showed the kids on the world map the location of Taiwan.

Bible Quiz Murrysville

2011-03-05T13:16:00.000-08:00

WEC Spring 2011 week 5

2011-03-04T04:41:00.000-08:00

Daniel in a chess match.

Nehemiah playing with baby chicks.

Boy is Nehemiah proud of himself !

Learning the about Daniel in the lions den.

Angelo learning about fish in Animal Kingdom class.

The girls finished their sewing projects & learned how to do hair in American girl class.

Pirate class.

Gym

Spanish class.

decorating horseshoes in All About Horses class,

WB 29 Insights Through Investigations

2011-03-03T13:49:00.000-08:00

Today we completed the Insights Through Investigations. The elementary students made mini-booklets while the older students did Notebook Foldables. Here is how we did it.

I decided first to look at the Mastery Quiz to answer the question for this resource. The pages listed next to the answers help match the resource to the test Question. My goal is use the Mastery Quiz as a guide. As we read through the resource I had them highlight the important information that they will use in the mini-booklet etc.This is one way to make it easier to find the information in the WB.

The front cover was the resource question.Then the inside flap had the English definition for perfect.

It then opened to a trifold listing the 3 distinct aspects of Teleios (perfect).

Inside the flap on one side is the definition of each word directly from the WB.On the other side or under the flap we also listed the verse references from the WB.

Below is a sample of the projects.The older 2 choose their projects.

This was a great word study to see how the English translation looses some of what the original text stated.This is o important for them to learn when searching the scriptures!

The verse we looked at was Mathew 5:48...be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Which balances with our major concept loving your enemies is a test of perfection. The Amplified version sums it up.Mathew 5:48 You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect(that is,grow into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity. (Leviticus 19:2, 18) Isn't it awesome that even though we were His enemies God in His perfection loved us so much He sent His only son!

WB 29 Theme Song~ A Child of the King

2011-03-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

listed below are links for the history A Child of the King
http://nethymnal.org/htm/c/h/childkin.htm
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/s/u/sumner_jb.htm

We also used the history lesson from How to make Melody in Your Heart to the Lord and listen to the song.
http://store.iblp.org/products/CMMH1/

Cyber Hymnal is a great place for the history and music of the great hymns
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/

I enjoyed the video I watched making Wisdom Booklets Dynamic was when she mentioned the importance of not only seeing the doctrine in the hymns but how it is a way to see how much doctrine they know.As they grow in the Lord the Theme Song ws should become easier.The younger students I help and take advantage of the teaching time.It is better to do the theme song Ws first before you cover it with the students.This will make you feel prepared and have the verses/doctrine ready.This will help also in relating the WB to the song.

Here is link to the Theme Song Ws if you do not want to write in the WB.

http://ati.iblp.org/ati/family/curriculum/worksheets/

The younger students I do simple notebooking page filling out who, what, when, & What/Why

Organizing meal time

2011-03-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a short video on how to organize meal time.I am looking forward to the other great ideas for organizing large families.

http://noblecall.org/weblog/2011/02/28/organization-development-in-the-home-video/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NobleCall+%28Noble+Call+Weblog%29

Wisdom Booklet 29 Wisdom Quiz

2011-02-28T21:27:00.000-08:00

Making Wisdom Booklets Dynamic

2011-02-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

Today I grabbed a cup of tea and my mom Ati notebook. This is the original notebook we took to our first ATI conference June 2002.Anytime I want to take notes on doing Wisdom Booklets I grab it or when planning WB for the year. So today I pulled it out to take notes on the Making Wisdom Booklets Dynamic video. My notebook is a large 5 subject notebook with folder that I can add things like the latest Regional Conference booklet & I know were its at.

I really enjoyed the video and plan to incorporate some of the new ideas to our WB.Each family will have their own recipe. I enjoy doing all the worksheets the first week because it is the foundation of the WB and each resource points back to the foundation. She likes to complete the worksheets on Mondays.That is the beauty of the WBs they can be done in many ways.

Here are some of the new ideas I would like to add.

character Quality WS ~use multiple dictionaries from different years
Character Quality WS~making posters of the character quality from the Achieving Power Through Success (I need to purchase it first) http://store.iblp.org/products/PTS/
begin reading the little text to all the students its a great intro for the older students.I was trying to do the separate.

Here is the link to video Making Wisdom Booklets Dynamic.Grab your favorite drink and enjoy.I pray it blesses you as much as it did me.

http://ati.iblp.org/ati/family/videos/safejoyful/kimleith/

Daniel was baptized last Sunday!

2011-02-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

Wisdom Booklet 28 wrapping it up~Seasons!

2011-02-26T20:39:00.000-08:00

Seasons! I am near the end of my 1rst trimester.So I had many fun projects planned & a unit study on the Vietnam War planned for WB 28.I did not get either of those accomplished but that is ok because we got school done.
During the slow seasons of life due t0 need of more rest, illnesses,moving, etc. we slow down on the projects & unit studies and simply just read through the Wisdom Booklets.They are still learning so much! Since we do the WBLA they are also writing about what they learn in the Wisdom Booklets :) This is such a blessing for when you need to slow down but keep pressing on.
The subjects that is a must daily for our family which is basically the WB & 3Rs

Wisdom Booklets
Wisdom Booklet Language Arts
Math
Reading

(projects & unit studies are removed during seasons of need)

My high school students are required to still work on their required high school courses that are additional.

Even though we just read through the WB curriculum the Lord still gives us our live classroom! Recently a fellow believer was telling us how his daughter was afraid to leave her house.Once she confessed to God and was free from guilt she was healed. As soon as he was done talking my son Dominic looked me and said with amazement '' we just studied that in the WB(agoraphobia).

Maybe one day God will use what He is teaching them to help others.This is my prayer, hope, & purpose for using the Wisdom Booklets.So even when things are slow Christ is still the center of their school day.I love the Wisdom Booklets in all seasons!!!

~*My Father's Sheep*~

WEC week 5 fall semester

WB31 Insights Through Invest. & football

WB 31 Theme Song~Sweet Hour of Prayer

WEC Fall 2011 week 4

A Guide To Dressage

Angelina's 1rst dressage test B on Rio

Angelina's 1rst dressage test A on Buddy

WB31 Meditation WS & Wisdom Quiz

WB 31 Movie~* Sheffey (praying man of God)

Field Trip

WB 31 Major Concept & Commands of Christ #24

Hands of a Child 45% off sale!

PH Balance Green Smoothie

Our Daily schedule using the Wisdom Booklets

Queen Anne’s Lace Fireworks! | 5 Orange Potatoes

Angelina's 1rst riding lesson

Dandelion Jelly recipe

2011-2012 Curriculum we plan to use this school year

Passport to Purity ~* Angelina

VBS 2011

Wisdom Booklet Monthly Planner

Leachco Back 'N Belly - Contoured Body Pillow

WB 32 Literature study- The Hedge of Thorns

ATI Track Homeschool software

Dry Erase Paint~ making schooling a little easier

Modest Swim Suits - KatieMellas.com

Pittsburgh Zoo field trip

Created to Work

Weekly & Monthly Chore Packs

The Principle Approach -using the Bible as the main textbook

Managers of Their Chores (or habits! )

organizing clothes for large families!

Homeschool Baseball & fun

PAN 33rd Coin Show & Convention

WEC Field day ,Presidential challenge, & field trip

WB 30 Medicine Resource, Mastery Quiz, & Life classroom

WB 30 Medicine Rec.,Circulatory system,& Biology 101

Happy Birthday Nehemiah turns 4 !!

WB 30 Medicine Resource ~The Great Depression

WB 30 Law Resource & The Great Depression

Get a Hands of a Child 35% off coupon!

Pittsburgh Science Center field trip

WB 30 Law Resource,The Great Depression,& Interactive notebooks

Angelina's 12th birthday!!!

WB 30 Law Resource & The Great Depression

WB 30 Authority Through Accuracy & Cold War

Confessions of a Homeschooler: Loving Living Math Review & Giveaway

Resurrection Sunday :O)

Daniel's 10th birthday!!!!

WB 30 History Resource,Cold War, & preschool

WB 30 History Resource & Cold War

WB 30 Power Through Precision & Cold War lapbook / notebooking pages

Celebrating the Passover !!!!

WB 30 Insights through Investigation & Cold War

Monongahela Rockhounds Gem, Mineral, & Fossil show

WEC Spring 2011 week 10 & Closing Program

WB 30 Animal Classification lapbook

Its another BOY!!!

WB30 Science ~*Animal Classification

WB30 Science ~*Animal Classification

Missionary from Africa & Family fun at the park

WEC Spring 2011 week 9

WB 30 Character Quality WS & Theme Song WS

WB 30 Meditation WS, Wisdom Quiz,& Major Concept

WB 29 Mastery Quiz,Life Classroom, & end of WB reports for Dad

Bible Quiz Meet Indiana

WEC Spring 2011 week 8

WB 29 Medicine Resource ~First Aid

WB 29 Medicine Resource ~First Aid

WB 29 Law Resource~ Good Samatitan Law

WB 29 Authority Through Accuracy~Grading scales

WEC Spring 2011 week 7

WB 29 Science~Sun~solar energy

WB 29 Science~Sun~ seasons & time

WB 29 Science~Sun~ provides fresh air(winds)

WB 29 Sun~Water Cycle

Next Years Wisdom Booklets arrived!

WEC Spring 2011 week 6

WB 29 Science~Sun~* Solar System

~My Father's Sheep~