tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55171128788539538082024-03-18T21:43:35.740-07:00Book Crazy KidsMommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-62410735474961333622013-12-18T05:34:00.001-08:002014-04-13T05:00:54.850-07:00For the Love of Math I love Math! It's so black and white. You apply your formula and you get an answer. It is neat & tidy... I don't like spelling. There are all these hard to remember rules and then these words that are "rule breakers." (Macy and I put the rule breaking words in jail - that is fun.) Spelling is not neat & tidy. <br />
I don't think I was always great at math. I remember when I was in 7th grade in California. I was devastated because I didn't get into the advanced math class. My math teacher did not think I could handle the more difficult math and I was mad at him because what did he know about what I could handle... he couldn't even remember my name (it was a huge school). It was at that time someone told me that girls are supposed to be better at English and boys are supposed to be better at math. I exclaimed "What? Who believes that? That is utter ridiculousness!" To this day I hate generalizations like that.<br />
Really, it was high school math I enjoyed most. Algebra is just so much fun. Learning geometry was like the sky opened up and the sun shined down on me (I really loved geometry). My children tell me that they do not like math. (They are still young. I'm holding onto a small tiny bit of hope.) They tell me they don't see math in their head like I do. Perhaps they are right. God created us all unique. We are all wired differently. "I'm cool with that kiddos." (They are great spellers - so that just proves it right there.)<br />
Did you know that God loves math? Alright, I hear you laughing... but it's true. God loves math. I first figured this out when I studied Daniel with CBS. For a math geek the end of chapter 9 in Daniel is just about the most fun ever. Dan 9:25 says "<em>Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens</em>.'..." There are a few decrees (this part is for the history people): Ezra 1:1-4 > Cyrus says rebuild temple (538 BC), Ezra 6:1, 6-12 > Darius I confirms Cyrus' decree (520 BC), Ezra 7:12-26 > Artaxerxes says go worship (457 BC), Nehemiah 2:1-9 > Artaxerxes grants request to rebuild temple (444 or 445 BC). So, I'll pick 444 BC to start counting. Now I convert the word problem to numbers (just like middle school math). Seven 'sevens' and sixty-two 'sevens' sounds like 7 x 7 + 62 x 7. Math! I get 483. So 483 years from 444 BC... only... bible years are different from modern years. There were 360 days in a bible year and now there are 365 days in a year. Hmmm. Let's convert the 483 years into days by multiplying by 360 (1 bible year = 360 days). I get 173880 days from 444 BC... well we can now convert days into modern years by dividing by 365. I get 476.4 years from 444 BC is AD 32. Well what happened in approximately 32 AD? Jesus and the empty tomb! <br />
And there you have my favorite Bible math! (And yes, I know, I'm not normal)Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-71453291920089252722013-10-25T20:23:00.000-07:002013-10-25T20:30:42.319-07:00The Exercise Cure I used to think that the bleak NY winters were the cause of my "down" feelings during the winter time. I thought I needed more sunshine. I bought full spectrum light bulbs and placed them in every room and I turned on all the lights and surfed the Internet for "Happy Lamps." I used to think winter dreariness caused my blues until I experienced the "down" feelings in FL last winter. Even with sunshine and fresh air I still got down. Let's face it. Life can be challenging. And parenting is tough (not to mention those hormonal fluctuations and family members with health issues). Often I would be weary and full of self doubt. Add to that the fact that I was away from my strong support system (see <a href="http://bookcrazykids.blogspot.com/2012/03/loving-my-bubble.html" target="_blank">bubble post</a>) and there you have it - winter blues in the sunshine. As I prayerfully brainstormed solutions to my winter blues I decided my plan of action. First, I need to reach out to my support system and have them pray for me. Second, I need to eat good healthy food. I know from past experience that if I eat too much junk food then I get out of whack emotionally. Third, cough, exercise.<br />
I tried a kick boxing class but it was a long drive to get to the kick boxing class and then it turned out to be not my cup of tea. The kicking/punching techniques were just too messy for me (not good martial arts). I found it hard to find any other class close by that worked with our schedule so I resorted to walking laps around the campground. The outside loop of the campground was .5 mile. I would walk 4 loops plus the 5 or so trips to the dog park and the laundry run. That exercise did help my mood but I couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't quite aerobic enough. <br />
If you know us y'all know that my husband is a triathlon fanatic. He loves it. He got his dad and his children into the sport. I had no interest. A friend mentioned that doing a tri was on her bucket list and I was like "You have fun with that." Then the FL exercise crisis hit... I actually started entertaining the notion to try a tri. The Irongirl was sold out so Jeff told me to check out the Gillie Girl. When I looked it up I was shocked to find out it was on my birthday. Also 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. Because we had just weathered my mom's cancer storm I thought maybe this was my tri. I called my friend and we both signed up.<br />
Signing up for the tri was just the push I needed. Jeff found us a beginner tri schedule and I started checking off boxes. I was careful not to miss many workouts (although I occasionally switched workouts around). I did not want to get to the day of my tri and not be ready. Running has never been my thing. In fact, I gag at the thought of running (ok well I actually jog, not run). But I had to make peace with it. In the end. I still had tough days and down moments but the exercise made all the difference. I see that exercise is a big piece of the fighting the winter blues puzzle. <br />
Now it's fall and getting chilly. I have not been as faithful with the exercise since summer ended. I know I need to step it up. (Ugh. Gag. Oh Whatever). I'll get there and maybe someday I'll even enjoy a jog.<br />
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<br />Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-89378405840006819712013-03-28T16:53:00.000-07:002014-04-13T05:06:37.416-07:00Alzheimer's booksLosing My Mind by Thomas DeBaggio<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743205669/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0743205669&linkCode=as2&tag=boocrakid-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0743205669&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=boocrakid-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=boocrakid-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0743205669" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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I picked this up at the library recently (in FL). The title grabbed me right away (it was one of those days). It was written by a man after he was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. It was a little difficult to follow at first. He skips between recounting recent memories, distant memories, and Alzheimer's research. The scattered style caught me off guard but I eventually got used to it. I think he used that style to showcase the disease. I'll be honest. This book is dark and depressing. He wanted to share the raw emotion of someone battling (and losing to) this disease. It also struck me that as an atheist he has no hope in an existence after this life on earth (and it shows). After I finished reading this book I looked up the reviews on Amazon. This book got great reviews there as many family members of people with Alzheimer's felt that is gave them insight into the minds of their loved ones.<br />
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The Alzheimer's Prevention Program by Gary Small<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076117222X/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=076117222X&linkCode=as2&tag=boocrakid-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=076117222X&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=boocrakid-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=boocrakid-20&l=as2&o=1&a=076117222X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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I read this book while we were still in NY (from the Marcellus library). I enjoyed reading this book. It included lots of good science <strong>and</strong> it was presented in an easy to understand way. The advice was very practical and is all the stuff we should already know (eat fruits and veggies, only drink coffee and wine in moderation, exercise, keep brain active, reduce stress). It includes quizes and exercises and a daily plan. <br />
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I need to read this one to counter-act the darkness of the first. I'll let you know how it is... (besides, I have a soft heart for cute nuns)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553380923/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0553380923&linkCode=as2&tag=boocrakid-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0553380923&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=boocrakid-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=boocrakid-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0553380923" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Update: I LOVE this book. It was exactly the right mix of science and story. The nuns were amazing. In this book, the nuns agree to take part of a brain study. David Snowdon, the researcher, really gets to know the nuns and develops a close relationship with several of them. Because the convent keep such great records the research team was able to examine early writing samples of the nuns. Those nuns who wrote elaborately and used large and varied vocabulary when they were young had overwhelmingly better cognitive scores in their old age (so read to those kids). I learned alot about Alzheimer's from this book and the infomation was very encouraging. I fell in love with these wonderful nuns and I love how gracefully they approach old age. Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-88733319630147244212013-03-28T16:27:00.002-07:002013-03-28T16:28:51.114-07:00Setting the Record Straight I just finished reading Lee Binz's book <em>Setting The Records Straight. </em>This book tells how to make a highschool transcript and it goes into detail about course descriptions. Lee includes several samples. I like her explanations on how to keep track of credit hours. Lee described how she researches alot when she is nervous and I do the same thing. I think I could have figured out everything without this book but it would have taken me many hours to track down all the info. I love that I have it all in one place and it is set forth in an easy to understand way. I'm glad I found this book <em>before</em> I have a high schooler because I hope to keep my records right from the start. Lee also has tons of free info on her website. <br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=boocrakid-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1449583555" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-87973981124530950602013-03-25T19:33:00.000-07:002013-03-25T19:33:06.504-07:00Life in a Camper<div style="text-align: center;">
The day begins with a morning walk to the dog park on the other side of the campground. </div>
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We walk the dogs 4-5 times per day. </div>
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Then, if it a school day... we do school. Homeschooling in the camper should be a separate post. After school the girls ride bikes, swim, play with toys, read, and play with friends from the campground.</div>
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The laundry is a quarter mile away. We always walk... it's all part of my exercise plan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDoVWcytqDfe8-yHLQzy9-f7veGvoj8Ukg8FfARnc1x1lmUEPCtsab6cpVAO6TnSXLEKh5BG7trAe5WPMXnYZ9RwwQnoog-h5S-1fAo5sm8RkQnEiPdI2_hNAwZUjK3g-rNEKgCXcdlh8/s1600/IMG_2658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDoVWcytqDfe8-yHLQzy9-f7veGvoj8Ukg8FfARnc1x1lmUEPCtsab6cpVAO6TnSXLEKh5BG7trAe5WPMXnYZ9RwwQnoog-h5S-1fAo5sm8RkQnEiPdI2_hNAwZUjK3g-rNEKgCXcdlh8/s1600/IMG_2658.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a>Haley loves to cook. She has been having a Bake Sales about every other week. She is saving half the money to give to church when she gets home (over $80 so far). She uses the kitchen in the camper and the clubhouse. </div>
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We have been so happy to see so much of our family while in FL. <br />
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There are activities at the campground like special meals, music, card making, line dancing, craft sales, and etc.<br />
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On Wednesday, the girls go to a big church for youth group and Awana. On Sundays, we go to the campground church with about 50 other campers. They love to sing hymns at the campground church and they were overjoyed when the girls played Amazing Grace on their string instruments. </div>
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After a long day at the campground we ALL end up in the master bed (but then Macy sleeps in the loft and Haley in the back bedroom). We are looking forward to getting home to our BIG house but I'm sure we will never forget family bonding in close quarters. </div>
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Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-88272647274669980282013-03-07T17:51:00.002-08:002013-03-07T17:51:47.341-08:00Our curriculum Just the other day, someone in the laundry room of the campground asked me what curriculum I used. Perhaps they think there is a short answer to this question. I tried to be short and vague... but we use a wide variety of curriculum so it's not easy to give a short answer. I thought I would tell all here. I'm definitely an eclectic homeschooler. <br />
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<strong>Haley </strong>(7th grade)<br />
<strong>History and Reading:</strong> <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/homeschool-curriculum.html?core=G" target="_blank">Sonlight's World History Part 1</a> Level G. We love Sonlight! It is a curriculum that uses tons of books. I first came across Sonlight when Haley was a book devouring 4 year old. I ordered the pre-school program just so I could have great books to read to her. She went on to regular school for K but when we started thinking about homeschooling a few years ago I immediately ran back to Sonlight. I've looked at some other curriculums but nothing has tempted me away. I love the many cultures we are exposed to and I love all the missionary books. I love that the kids learn World History at a young age. History was never my thing in school but I enjoy reading Sonlight's books (a big perk to homeschooling). The resale value is excellent but we all can't bear the thought of parting with the books. (Haley has done levels D-F, but she has read many of her sisters books in levels A-C)<br />
<strong>English Language</strong>: Sonlight's Language Arts G. This was included with our History package so we thought we would try it again (we didn't care for it in 5th grade). It's gone fine but Haley and I prefer a logical, linear, step by step program. Sonlight's LA is a "natural" approach which is like learning as you struggle to do.<br />
<a href="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/sid-b" target="_blank">The Institute for Excellence in Writing's Student Writing Intensive Level B.</a> Haley did level A in 5th grade and it was wonderful. This program teaches writing in a step by step manner. This is an engaging dvd program. She started level B with some friends and we will finish it up this year. <br />
<a href="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/fix" target="_blank">The Institute for Excellence in Writing's Fix-it</a> for grammar practice. Grammar is my least favorite subject. Haley and I struggled through several grammar programs (Winston Basic was our favorite). This program lets the student practice grammar through editing. It does not take much time and seems to teach a very practical skill. There is 5 years worth in one inexpensive book. <br />
<a href="http://www.sonlight.com/RL07.html" target="_blank">Vocabulary Vine</a> teaches Greek and Latin roots and thus helping to decipher thousands of words.<br />
<strong>Science: </strong><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/apologia-exploring-creation-science-vol-2nd/jay-wile/pd/238409?item_code=WW&netp_id=526209&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Apologia General Science.</a> Haley is enjoying this book. It is written to the student. She started the year doing all the experiments with 2 friends of hers. That has really helped because she tells me she doesn't like science experiments (GASP). We are on our own in FL but she looks forward to returning to NY and finishing the year doing experiments with her friends. I am a "collector" of science books and I personally prefer to read BJU Press science books but Apologia is very solid science and more homeschool friendly (and Haley friendly). <br />
<strong>Arithmetic:</strong> <a href="http://www.videotext.com/homeschool.htm" target="_blank">VideoText Algebra</a> Module A (so far). Haley started the year with a the Keys to Percents, Fractions, and Decimals series. I wanted to make sure her understanding of the basics was very solid before proceeding into Algebra. I really liked how VideoText emphasizes learning the why and not just the how. Haley likes is so far so we will see how it goes. <br />
Haley uses <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/french.html" target="_blank">Rosetta Stone French</a>. We also supplement with lots of extras: HLACNY classes (like digital photography, claymation, french, and art), library art classes, card making classes, instrument lessons, gymnastics, karate, horses, etc<br />
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<strong>Macy </strong>(3rd grade)<br />
<strong>History and Reading</strong>: <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/homeschool-curriculum.html?core=C" target="_blank">Sonlight's Into to World History part 2</a> Level C. We just can't get enough of these Sonlight books! (Macy has done levels A & B). We also read other <a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=104728" target="_blank">US History books</a>. <br />
<strong>Language Arts</strong>: <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/shurley-english-level-3-kit/9781585610402/pd/610402?item_code=WW&netp_id=488090&event=ESRCG&view=details" target="_blank">Shurley English Level 3</a> This is a great program but I find it to be advanced. We have done level 1 & 2 but I've slowed down with this level. I think even a 5th grader would benefit from level 3. I hate grammar but I'm so glad Macy knows so much grammar that she won't have to struggle learning it when she is older. It teaches parts of speech using silly jingles. It includes vocabulary and writing. We pick and choose on the writing assignments because I plan to start Macy on IEW's SWI level A next year (see above). <br />
<a href="http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-spelling" target="_blank">All About Spelling Level 4</a>. Wow! Love this spelling. Both of my girls seem to be naturally good spellers but I am not. I'm a horrible speller. This program is the best I've ever seen in teaching spelling. It is multi-sensory and logical. I have learned so much and Macy is wonderful at it. <br />
<strong> Science</strong>: <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/animals-sixth-exploring-creation-with-zoology/jeannie-fulbright/9781932012859/pd/337013?item_code=WW&netp_id=519769&event=ESRCQ&view=details" target="_blank">Apologia Zoology 3</a>. Macy and I have tried a few science programs (Sonlight & BJU). This year we have been working through this Apologia mammal book. Macy is enjoying it. It is well written and has good activities that are integrated throughout the text. I am struggling with it. I find myself not enjoying studying mammals ALL year. I prefer touching on a wider variety of topics. Because Macy is enjoying it I am staying the course this year... We also supplement with selected Sonlight science books (no schedule).<br />
<strong>Arithmetic: </strong>We started the year with <a href="http://www.aophomeschooling.com/product/jmc300" target="_blank">Horizons 3</a>. I love Horizons (through 6th grade). I love the brightly colored workbooks. I love the spiral approach. I find it presents difficult concepts early in easy bite sized steps. Love it. Macy HATES Horizons. HATES it. After much weeping & gnashing of teeth... I caved and got Teaching Textbooks level 4. Macy LOVES Teaching Textbooks. She likes the audio-visual computer graphics and fun little characters. She seems to be doing well. I think it appears too easy... but I hope that staying one grade ahead will compensate for that. <br />
Macy does Rosetta Stone (but at a slower pace than Haley) and she has all the same activities... <br />
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I think that is all the curriculum we use... of course we dabble with other fun educational stuff...<br />
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Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-77677983309711356822013-03-06T14:04:00.001-08:002013-03-06T14:04:10.221-08:00I have a book crazy girl in 7th grade... She reviewed a bunch books on her blog...<br />
<a href="http://fingerlakeshorsegirl.blogspot.com/2013/03/books-books-and-more-books_4.html">http://fingerlakeshorsegirl.blogspot.com/2013/03/books-books-and-more-books_4.html</a>Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-59698190170879003042013-03-03T18:59:00.000-08:002013-03-03T19:11:50.018-08:00Bee Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: #0066cc;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Before we arrived in our campground in FL, I prayed we would get kind neighbors. I was concerned that retired couples would not be overjoyed with a family moving in next to them. Well, the first person we met was Jim in the camper next to us (on our awning side). First he said that Porter, our Rhodesian Ridgeback, reminded him of his dog back home (oh good - a dog lover). Then he told us he was a bee keeper from MI (neat job). Next he explained that his kids were grown but that he and his wife had homeschooled them when they were younger. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> YEA, I'm so glad to have a homeschool friendly neighbor.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0066cc;"> </span><span style="color: black;"> Jim told us he would take us out to see the bees after they returned from pollinating the almond crop in CA. He had 1 x-small suit, 2 hooded jackets, and 1 just veiled hat. Jeff agreed to leave his arms bare. Macy was a little nervous so we suited long before approaching the hives.</span><span style="color: #0066cc;"> </span><br />
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Jim showed us a queen he had ordered from HI. She came in this little box that has a food plug. He puts her into a hive and by the time the plug of food is eaten then the new queen "smells" like the rest of the hive. <br />
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The smoker causes the bees to eat honey... then they are full and happy and not too cranky. Jim used his hive tool to move the frames. The bees "glue" everything with something called propolis. When he lifted the frames we looked for the queen. Macy was brave enough to hold up a frame. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhn6cKSObapLqMJ9GMYhF5iMbo92Z969oEcLzMQ4pdW9U5bJj8BrRU4TKaNO8QnzuBe0NN1_nrCMrn9nq1eB56zzeT1VvEpkrsCujNGDDiaaPhsKNBPaL4NpA5vAtdzr7Vg5lAxtr_FJBT/s1600/IMG_3060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdK8Aak_J10bnAgclnOmNMb0suxx8kkG5zSfmizT0Jw29WsT_sdwzXj7nNfTWgshugRzy-PyKNxBDemm6-Z5ywjyB1VXqHkmSOep9Yzo3rb1JinZQkgGMnFstLOYQhDbDY9iUzMAAle1-/s1600/IMG_3056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdK8Aak_J10bnAgclnOmNMb0suxx8kkG5zSfmizT0Jw29WsT_sdwzXj7nNfTWgshugRzy-PyKNxBDemm6-Z5ywjyB1VXqHkmSOep9Yzo3rb1JinZQkgGMnFstLOYQhDbDY9iUzMAAle1-/s400/IMG_3056.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhn6cKSObapLqMJ9GMYhF5iMbo92Z969oEcLzMQ4pdW9U5bJj8BrRU4TKaNO8QnzuBe0NN1_nrCMrn9nq1eB56zzeT1VvEpkrsCujNGDDiaaPhsKNBPaL4NpA5vAtdzr7Vg5lAxtr_FJBT/s1600/IMG_3060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhn6cKSObapLqMJ9GMYhF5iMbo92Z969oEcLzMQ4pdW9U5bJj8BrRU4TKaNO8QnzuBe0NN1_nrCMrn9nq1eB56zzeT1VvEpkrsCujNGDDiaaPhsKNBPaL4NpA5vAtdzr7Vg5lAxtr_FJBT/s400/IMG_3060.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYWsmLydq7hlRkhRBmg1OV-GntsnlFUXzXW8YDK9u3AEpC6b6HP_SxMbQ65fNewb8yXLiHl6psY9DxA6O5WUUzxcnayM0SHxMqbmBCaQyVZ4VYJj6JQsivtonrh97WFWN3F-_Okb8tM_z/s1600/IMG_3065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYWsmLydq7hlRkhRBmg1OV-GntsnlFUXzXW8YDK9u3AEpC6b6HP_SxMbQ65fNewb8yXLiHl6psY9DxA6O5WUUzxcnayM0SHxMqbmBCaQyVZ4VYJj6JQsivtonrh97WFWN3F-_Okb8tM_z/s320/IMG_3065.JPG" width="320" /></a>On the left is a picture of a brood frame. This is where the baby bees will come out. </div>
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The picture below on the left shows the pollen the bees have collected. The different yellow colors represent different pollen sources. The picture on the right is a drone. He doesn't have a stinger. His only job is to wait to mate with a virgin queen. He hangs out with other drones in a "congregation."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IGtcEOJkQDaL-Wx5Ro_vfUFBADvvRF6f0rmVt5Azl_nSyIT5ysu9RWmVq8mtuzkpORolBcITBiZ9AVifyJJb1JypWPABtDYZjdGj2I0B55jptkHtAqxmF_w-piHmKKezTAmM7Pkoyvco/s1600/IMG_3071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IGtcEOJkQDaL-Wx5Ro_vfUFBADvvRF6f0rmVt5Azl_nSyIT5ysu9RWmVq8mtuzkpORolBcITBiZ9AVifyJJb1JypWPABtDYZjdGj2I0B55jptkHtAqxmF_w-piHmKKezTAmM7Pkoyvco/s320/IMG_3071.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEish3rtRe8SjfolS79sw5unLqfMMWrJFJq_1vsU_R-E80VIWzqg-A_umt82yPYLRYTLzU3aMgNucj6AHICA24WDO8aq_I6NxMpyVi_9jMc8l4kcIl4-Ss0uCTBdi6C4y2HQyWElrrs4Vc3l/s1600/IMG_3069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEish3rtRe8SjfolS79sw5unLqfMMWrJFJq_1vsU_R-E80VIWzqg-A_umt82yPYLRYTLzU3aMgNucj6AHICA24WDO8aq_I6NxMpyVi_9jMc8l4kcIl4-Ss0uCTBdi6C4y2HQyWElrrs4Vc3l/s320/IMG_3069.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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We found the queen. She was busy laying eggs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1UfW1vjFxaQ7Q-aGMf4Ld39RXYhkMGr5c-VcgLUmYmWNajPxeS9Vf-qYZ6oQNiZ3YEYHafOHvj4ZlKCc76s1pS7tDhcF3zIUB6MR5HqHR3REoXqlIhNYvCd45XIXILN2gMlb4MoUoTFE/s1600/IMG_3075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1UfW1vjFxaQ7Q-aGMf4Ld39RXYhkMGr5c-VcgLUmYmWNajPxeS9Vf-qYZ6oQNiZ3YEYHafOHvj4ZlKCc76s1pS7tDhcF3zIUB6MR5HqHR3REoXqlIhNYvCd45XIXILN2gMlb4MoUoTFE/s400/IMG_3075.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zna7FY-Z3DN191IugIXTU22m-Z2hiCKJkr4I_xxyMTaMVHAjKza9IOeaTizhqj2d4-LwmltBPN4ri0Waats0mW_2a-yjm5W84SC476xHLS9oC6LHDQu_CumCzbKnWxxUaDLBRqriLYXv/s1600/IMG_3094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zna7FY-Z3DN191IugIXTU22m-Z2hiCKJkr4I_xxyMTaMVHAjKza9IOeaTizhqj2d4-LwmltBPN4ri0Waats0mW_2a-yjm5W84SC476xHLS9oC6LHDQu_CumCzbKnWxxUaDLBRqriLYXv/s1600/IMG_3094.JPG" width="149" /></a> Ahhh, Honey, the fruit of their labors. Yum!</div>
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Thank you beekeeper Jim for the great field trip to see the bees!</div>
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After the great field trip we were at the library and we saw this movie and decided to check it out. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SO26RE/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004SO26RE&linkCode=as2&tag=boocrakid-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004SO26RE&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=boocrakid-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=boocrakid-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004SO26RE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
It is called <em>Vanishing of the Bees</em>. A very educational and sobering look at the importance of bees to our food production.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL80EmJAKGQh2QtRrB00rOG47KNaQ6EIHR115jb1YVdoYxZOOVnNLN-uXyQMjzqCYdVTN204S5OCZnulU5kZTtwpAJhTs7H32AOqrrxaK95UC_HKvX845_wq4UE_2aWf_8fMZmubtllSXv/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL80EmJAKGQh2QtRrB00rOG47KNaQ6EIHR115jb1YVdoYxZOOVnNLN-uXyQMjzqCYdVTN204S5OCZnulU5kZTtwpAJhTs7H32AOqrrxaK95UC_HKvX845_wq4UE_2aWf_8fMZmubtllSXv/s1600/095.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Recently, while the whole family was having fun in the pool, a woman from Canada asked me "Does your daughter regret not going to public school?" Now I'm used to the socialization question but this was a new one for me. What a strange question. Since Haley was at the other end of the pool I answered for her "She enjoys all the great books she is reading and she loves how quickly she can get all her work done. She has more time for riding her horse and other activities."<br />
When you homeschool you get a lot of strange questions and comments. A very sweet older family member once said they were sad my kids would not have any friends. I said "Have you met my kids?" The truth is they have gobs of friends. They have more free time now to spend with friends than they did when they went to school. When we are home in NY, Macy sees her best friend 4 times per week. In fact, her friend spends enough time at our house that her parents affectionately replace her last name with our last name. Haley sees her closest friends on Tuesdays when we go to Community Bible Study. This year she started doing all of her science labs with 2 of her friends who are going through the same book. (We are missing those sweet girls while we are in FL but with texting and facetime we are somehow muddling through). Honestly, when we are home in NY, my girls are in too many activities (something I want to re-evaluate when we get back)...swim lessons, gymnastics, karate, Friday co-op (HLACNY shown in picture), plus instrument lessons, horse lessons, and church activities. Unsocialized these kids are not.<br />
Once someone told me that my kids needed to go to school so they could learn how to handle bullying. Wow! I'm all for learning conflict resolution. My kids get loads of conflict resolution practice (we are spending 3 months in a camper after all). We have even had some small scale bullish behavior from kids for friends and kids in the campground... These are excellent opportunities to teach the girls to not take offense too quickly and to forgive... But bullying is a whole different animal in my mind. Bullying destroys self-esteem. It doesn't "teach."<br />
Back to Regret... Will Haley regret being homeschooled? I hope not. I hope she views her parents through the lens of mercy. We truly feel homeschooling is giving both girls the best education we can give them (academically and emotionally). I hope she realizes that regret for the past is just a waste of spirit. I hope she knows that God will not waste one little experience but will use it all to make her into his child. <br />
I did talk to Haley about it. She said she likes homeschooling. She remembers going to school and how long everything took. She loves to read her history books and readers. She does miss a few of her school friends but she has wonderful homeschooling friends. She also gets to come to FL and spend time with Grandpa, Great gram, Aunt Kerry, and Uncle Ken. You know, now I'm glad this Canadian lady asked me this question. I'm glad I had a chance to talk it all over with Haley. What an amazing young lady she is. Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-25018338843163986562013-02-10T13:24:00.000-08:002013-02-10T13:24:04.629-08:00Flying School, a play by Macy
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Monkey- Wake up!! Wake up!!!! Time to give
flying lessons!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird- HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU??? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;">I DO NOT GIVE FLYING LESSONS!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Zebra- Okay, okay!! Stop arguing about the whole
flying thing or whatever it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Monkey- Zebra, this is our argument! Please stay
OUT!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Zebra- Okay, but stop arguing!! All of Africa
can hear you guys!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird- (Raspberries the zebra)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Monkey- Okay, back to argument. Looks like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">somebody </i>forgot bed time last night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird- I DID NOT!!!! Now if you do that ONE MORE
TIME, I will wake you up and tell you to give me swinging lessons!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Zebra- ENOUGH WITH THE FLY- <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Poacher 1’s gun- BANG BANG!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Zebra, Monkey and Bird- WATCH OUT!! DUCK!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">(All duck and cover their heads)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird- Come on!! Let’s go somewhere else! I have
a feeling that those poachers are out today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Monkey- Yeah!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Zebra- Come on!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">(Curtains close)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">(Curtains open)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Poacher 1- Where did those animals go??<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Poacher 2- I dunno.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Poacher 1- Hey, look! There’s a rhino!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Poacher 2- Shootitshootit!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Poacher 1’s gun- BANG BANG!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Rhino- (Charges the poachers)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Poachers- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">(Curtains close)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">(Curtains open)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird- We need a plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Monkey-For what?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird- To drive the poachers away, silly!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Zebra- you’re right!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Monkey- I know!! I’ll bite their fingers off!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird- No No No! this was my plan. Zebra, you
neigh to distract them.Then monkey, you run in front of them. Then I’ll peck
them. That will drive them away!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">(Curtains close)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Poachers- LET’S NEVER COME HERE </span><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;">AGAIN!!!!!</span><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">(Curtains close)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Curtains open) (bows)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-60706284271004962772013-02-08T15:32:00.000-08:002013-02-09T07:34:50.620-08:00Encouragement? I'm not a good blogger. I think of a lot to say but... then I procrastinate forever on actually typing out my ideas... until it seems that the news is so old. I think it makes me feel vunerable to have my thoughts and ideas "out there" for the whole world to see. I much prefer math (it's so objective). BUT, I'm going to keep trying...<br />
Last month I took a trip to Denver. I flew out of Orlando on a Monday. Now, Monday is the best day of the week to do anything difficult. (Why? you ask.) Monday is the day that my dear CBS ladies are together praying. I know they were praying for me and my trip. I also prayed. I prayed that everything would go smoothly and that I would be a blessing to my seat mates... Well, that is not what happened. Instead, my seat mates were a blessing to me.<br />
On the first flight from Orlando to Atlanta I sat next to a young college student. He was a very enthusiastic Christian with many thought provoking questions and comments. He was very interested in homeschooling. His comments were SO encouraging. We also talked about my mom and her upcoming surgery. The last comment he said to me as we parted ways was "I'll be praying for you and your mom."<br />
As I walked through the Atlanta airport I asked God "Did I need encouragement Lord?" The truth is yes, I did need encouragement. I still do. Homeschooling is hard. Choosing the curriculum is the easy part. Scheduling the work is not too bad. The hard part is weathering the storms. I struggle with keeping my temper through the whining and complaining. I struggle with self-doubt. Am I doing what is best for my kids? It was refreshing to hear a young college student enthusiastic about homeschooling. And once I think on it more... I can't picture doing anything else. I get the huge blessing of being intimately involved in my kids lives. I know them better than anyone else on the planet. I'm trusting God to use all the hard work for the benefit of my kids. I believe that this is the best education we can offer them. I think I just need to be reminded of all that from time to time.<br />
On the second flight from Atlanta I sat next to another young college student. This time a girl from Georgia on her way to Colorado for a skiing trip. This girl was in a pre-vet program and was earning money for college by training horses. I told God "you're very funny." If you know my Haley then you know horse training is her dream. God is good to me. He gave me two examples of amazing young people because he want to fan the flame of my hope in the future. "OK God. I get it. I need to stay the course and believe you have good plans for my kids. Thanks God." Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-64932240073731160562013-01-06T19:32:00.001-08:002013-02-27T06:16:14.744-08:00Our FL digs<div style="text-align: center;">
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The Ocala sun is our home for the next 3 months. We are so happy to be here. We had originally booked another RV park. They were over the top nice to us but later they informed us we had to pay double because we had kids. Really. They could have just been straight up from the start. Then Jeff booked us at the Ocala Sun. I figured that God had a reason for us to be here and not in the first place.<br />
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So far things at the Ocala Sun have been wonderful. All the other campers seem friendly and we are settling in nicely.<br />
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Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-13611212604225798762013-01-04T10:31:00.002-08:002013-02-27T06:16:52.891-08:00Escape from NY About a year ago my husband, Jeff, mentioned that we should plan a huge 3 month camping trip to Florida over the winter. He felt that the opportunity to be close to his dad and spend time as a family would be priceless (not to mention avoiding the upstate NY winter). We can homeschool in the camper but he felt we should have this adventure soon because our 12 year old will be old enough to have a job in a couple of years (or may join an orchestra). I had a mixed reaction. I loved the idea of escaping the dreary cold winter but I knew I would have to give up a volunteer ministry job I love with Community Bible Study. After much prayer and discussion we decided we would go for it.<br />
Well, I did step down from my ministry job (but God provided an amazing replacement). And we got everything else ready. As soon as we stopped school for Christmas break, I made a list for all the school books we would need for 3 months.<br />
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Our plan was to wait until after Christmas. Macy had one huge Christmas prayer... She was praying hard for a white Christmas. God must love her because he answered her prayer in a big way.</div>
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I'm so glad that they had a few very fun days of playing in the snow before we left. And having a quiet Christmas at home was beyond wonderful. But after Christmas was over and quickly put away then the work began... How do you pack for a 3 month trip? </div>
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I didn't make a list for the food... I just packed practically everything. <a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/406760_4382369714479_243227430_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/406760_4382369714479_243227430_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Clothes are a little harder. We have been in Florida when the weather in Jan. was chilly and we have been in Florida when the weather in Jan. was warm. So we packed a variety of outfits. Because of the snow we did not put the clothes away. We threw everything in the cold camper as quickly as we could. I was wondering how it would all fit. We watched the weather for an opening in the snow storms and on Friday, Dec. 28 2012 we set out. </div>
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Macy and I were reading "The Little House on the Rocky Ridge" on the way down. In it, Laura's daughter Rose discovers that an adventure is when you don't know what will happen next. Let the adventure begin. </div>
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Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-54915746038795442542012-10-06T07:53:00.001-07:002012-11-15T10:36:56.211-08:00Getting OrganizedI just finished reading Sidetracked Home Executives (from Pigpen to Paradise) by Pam Young & Peggy Jones. It was a quick and easy read. It seemed slightly dated but still had lots of good & helpful information. My house is not the worse but it is not totally clean either. I work hard at organization but often get behind. This book suggests a 3 x 5 card system. Each chore is written on 1 card and filed by frequency. I'm still mentally digesting all the info and deciding on how I will use it. Mostly I would love to make time for special projects like sewing and photo books. I will keep you posted on how I do. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446677671/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0446677671&linkCode=as2&tag=boocrakid-20" target="_blank">Sidetracked Home Executives</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gfJKbnTWdI2xa6d42r3MGyNh3F838lV2WhLhP93nTvA-mXmd1gTOEz0rRNPxmHadND5OxixnueOGwzUeCw1ikSMzWTDzGOu8qycCEv94Cf17lDJKpdHGaZiPcTK3xrEec8jLCobhfO1Q/s1600/51P4a04QzML__BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gfJKbnTWdI2xa6d42r3MGyNh3F838lV2WhLhP93nTvA-mXmd1gTOEz0rRNPxmHadND5OxixnueOGwzUeCw1ikSMzWTDzGOu8qycCEv94Cf17lDJKpdHGaZiPcTK3xrEec8jLCobhfO1Q/s200/51P4a04QzML__BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a>Update: SIDETRACKED! That pretty much sums it up. It was funnny. I finished reading this book while we were at a campground. I wrote out ALL the cards. I tried to think of every house cleaning task. I also made the dividers and filed the cards as suggested in the book. As soon as I was done... I started reading the second book, <em>Get Your Act Together, A 7-day get-organized program for the overworked, overbooked, and overwhelmed</em>. When I read that they had changed their program, I just about cried. I had just finished making a bazzion chore cards. I put down the second book and I thought I would stick with the first book. When we got home we did chore cards for about 3 days. Haley liked the cards. I liked being able to hand a card to a kid, but refiling those cards was overwhelming. I put them aside... and went back to yelling... I may revisit the cards (the yelling is not effective). I think I would rather just have the chore cards in a stack and go through them all then start over at the beginning again. In the mean time, my house is semi-clean. </div>
Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-59856381589340030072012-04-28T10:35:00.001-07:002012-04-28T10:38:52.399-07:00Work-files? I have read about work-boxes here and there but I never thought we would use them. I write out a week's worth of work in a planner and then we check it off as we do it. If something doesn't get done then I circle it and put an arrow to the next day... or I cross it off if we never get around to it. The non-negotiable stuff is at the top of the list and the more expendable stuff is at the bottom.<br />
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I love a good list. My oldest daughter, Haley, is a lot like me. She loves a list. She also loves a stack. She will get out all of her books for the day and stack them to the left of her. When she finishes with something then she stacks it to the right. When she finishes the last thing on her list she shuts the book and says "Done!"<br />
My second daughter, Macy, does not care about lists. She won't look at it. When she finished something she would play until I stopped her. I would say "What is next on the list?" and she would say "I don't know." It was right next to her. This lead to frustration (on my part) and lots of wasted time (on her part). I started praying for some more visual solution for her. <br />
I decided I would relook at those work-boxes. I never bought the work-box e-book. I read some blogs about it but it seemed to take up too much space. I thought I may try magazine holders. I ordered 12 magazine holders in primary colors from amazon. I put all the day's work in these with numbers attached with velcro. <br />
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In some of the file boxes I put fun things like "do jumping jacks" or "march around the room." I bought a small tri-fold board at wal-mart. I decorated it with stickers and put velcro spots on it. I also gave her a snack tag and lunch tag. She can use the snack tag anytime after math and she can use the lunch tag anytime after 11:30am. <br />
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What a difference the work-files have made. She loves them. After several weeks she told me I should blog about them. She will say "I'm on number 5!" <br />
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We still have occasional bumps in the road but things go alot smoother than before we used work-files.Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-80045984465509137352012-04-10T05:16:00.000-07:002012-04-10T05:23:44.582-07:00Crazy Train to a new floor<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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A few days before Easter, I took a ride on the crazy train... and my husband rode with me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7DduVR4V_lmlZOe6KwcOaNew10otIq1vD_qp25b1h51z10Cpx-OL2PUFpvipWqg2YTNrve9KJ9qyldupgqmvkHuqCR6c-fFqVRX0YIgOFVpzV4aqvct301SRhZl6WETilBgiD4w2XgzW/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7DduVR4V_lmlZOe6KwcOaNew10otIq1vD_qp25b1h51z10Cpx-OL2PUFpvipWqg2YTNrve9KJ9qyldupgqmvkHuqCR6c-fFqVRX0YIgOFVpzV4aqvct301SRhZl6WETilBgiD4w2XgzW/s200/023.JPG" width="149" /></a> My kitchen floor has been bothering me for some time. We remodelled the kitchen in 2002. I love everything we did. It is big country kitchen and has a huge island that we spend loads of time at. The floor we put in was a distressed eastern white pine wide plank floor. The manufacturer suggested a tung oil finish. This finish did not hold up to the constant use. We refinished the tung oil several times but we would just wear right through the finish again in no time. The parts of the floor that were bare wood would get stained and dirty. I couldn't get them clean. This would make me discouraged but then I would be mad at myself for not being content. (Here you see my little dog Molly after her latest haircut... sitting on the worn out floor). </div>
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We are in the midst of the most ambitious remodelling project we have ever done. We raised the roof over part of the house. My husband has been working very hard on this project and I didn't want to add to his stress but last Tuesday I just had a melt down about the state of the kitchen floor. I told him I would love to sand it down and put polyurethane on it. Surprisingly, he said "Sure, let's do it." And that is when we jumped onto the crazy train. </div>
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Oh, the mess we made! Even with a bags to collect the sawdust on our sanders... we made a huge mess. We moved everything off the counters into the dining room. The fridge went into the dining room. The coffee pot into the bathroom. We moved the range and dishwasher into the mudroom. The pantry items were on top of the piano. The desk was on the church pew. Add to that 2 homeschooling girls, 2 dogs, and some laundry. It was like chaos. I was so happy! </div>
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I love to sand. Jeff and I had done our bedroom floor in 2006 and I was the sanding queen then. I jumped right back into that role. It was very fulfilling too. I haven't been able to contribute to the Huge project but I can contribute to this one. It was like grinding away all my frustration (literally).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGamBQ-TbIyDCkAJmbWBz__w_laeFRJIhRIAkVwqUNHWFLG-aVUdvLuZ2OOWgZfzflKMXbCh486Jctf1DY-NhUe0pstkn1uV2voEyrwOnaKWbrk5kFnq7Xjo97Jl4cLgge8xDtfmq5FEE/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGamBQ-TbIyDCkAJmbWBz__w_laeFRJIhRIAkVwqUNHWFLG-aVUdvLuZ2OOWgZfzflKMXbCh486Jctf1DY-NhUe0pstkn1uV2voEyrwOnaKWbrk5kFnq7Xjo97Jl4cLgge8xDtfmq5FEE/s200/018.JPG" width="200" /></a>My biggest fear was that we would make it too smooth. I did not want a perfectly smooth pristine floor. That would not match our house or our lives (we have worked hard at distressing that floor over the last 10 years). Fortunately, we left plenty of sanding marks and dents (it a good thing we don't do this for a living). Choosing the stain was quite the chore. With several test spots on the floor behind the stove and several phone calls to our trusted friends in CO (with pictures) we settled on "golden oak". </div>
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Today I'm going to start moving things back in. How exciting! It is like having a whole new kitchen. I'm very thankful. I glad that God gave me a husband that will indulge his wife craziness. I was thinking maybe God uses some discontent to spur us on to get stuff done. Hmmm, What do you think?</div>Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-32854720184457189842012-04-01T15:33:00.001-07:002012-04-01T15:33:03.499-07:00ChangesI am right where I should be. No change is necessary.<br />
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Really God, I'm fine. My activities are fine.<br />
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No, Really. I don't want to change.<br />
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Ugg! I don't want to change stuff around. I like where I am. I'm comfortable doing my "thing".<br />
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AHHHHHHH. NOOOOOO. (stomping feet & waving fists). NOOOOOOO WAAAAYYY<br />
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really Lord? Are you really telling me to change my stuff around???? <br />
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If you are telling me to change then confirm that to me in some way. <br />
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o.k. I'll take one small half step in that direction but I'm terrified.<br />
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alright... I survived that step... I'll take the next small step but if I'm not on the right track... STOP ME NOW<br />
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Yes Lord. I know you are with me. I will go.<br />
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Hey God, You are so funny... really funny... this was your plan? I'm starting to see the bigger picture. Good thing you are Large and In Charge.Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-59705542406196344722012-03-21T07:17:00.000-07:002012-03-21T07:17:15.229-07:00Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle<br />
Author: Betty MacDonald<br />
1st published in 1947<br />
Approx. reading level: 3rd-6th<br />
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Mommy Mel says: "This is a fun book. Charming Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is a favorite of all the children in town. The moms call her for advice and she gives them a cure like The Won't-Pick-Up-Toys Cure or The Answer-Backer Cure. This book is great for kids with a sense of humor (and hopefully they will be cured of something too). note: We won't be using The Radish Cure at our house."<br />
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8 yr. old Macy says: "This book is very funny. The Fighter-Quarrellers Cure is my favorite because they say "that's my skirt", "no, it's mine", "tis not", "tis too". Poor Herbert tried to drink water out of the hose. The grossest part is the "Radish Cure"... Eeeeewwww!<br />
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*this is part of Sonlight's Core B<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&npa=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=boocrakid-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=tf_til&asins=0064401480" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-19882920762437159542012-03-20T18:39:00.002-07:002012-03-20T18:39:57.562-07:00Loving My Bubble<br />
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So, do you know those high drama reality shows? They drive me CRAZY. I can't even watch the commercials. I literally hold my hands in front of my eyes when a commercial for that kind of stuff comes on. (Jeff says "Things that make your head explode for 1000, Alex"). My family and I enjoy watching TV but we never watch live TV anymore. We DVR the things we are interested in and watch everything pre-recorded. This has been a huge blessing for us. Not only can we pause to take care of the unexpected but we can fast forward through those crazy commercials. It makes me sad to imagine that people really think that high drama stuff is entertaining or normal... <br />
I go to a bible study on Mondays with 17 other ladies. These ladies vary in age, church denomination, and talents but they all love God. When we pray... we are all focused on the same thing at the same time. We encourage each other, laugh together, cry together, and sharpen each other (Prov 27:17). None of them are plastic. None of them are perfect. We all have our problems. They are the polar opposites of those high drama shows. There is no vying for social dominance. I love these ladies. I was thinking that the people on the TV shows were not normal. Crazy... until...<br />
A friend of mine was relating her problems within a certain organization. She has been having problems for some time but remained in the organization because she wanted to be a good influence on the kids that come. She wanted to show the love of Jesus to the other leaders. She relates how the problems are growing and different leaders are trying to push their own agendas. She says there are different cliques and arguing (it's getting ugly). She is praying about whether she should stay within this organization or step out. <br />
Then it hit me. I live in a bubble. I have a strong Christian network around me that loves and supports me. I felt guilty for a minute. I felt like maybe I'm too comfortable and I should be reaching out of my bubble more often... but perhaps this is my bubble season. Perhaps God has placed me in the bubble for this season of my life to strengthen me for the next season. Or perhaps the bubble season is because being a mom is hard and I need all the support I can get. I'll ponder all that some more... But it makes me all the more THANKFUL for the rare group of godly women which God has placed around me. Loving the bubbleMommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-75147872327756680832012-03-18T19:29:00.000-07:002012-03-20T18:42:09.375-07:00March Madness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here in Central NY, March Madness usually brings to mind NCAA Basketball and the SU Orangemen. I do not follow basketball (I know, crazy - right). March Madness to me this year has been the weather... Oh, it is not making me mad... it has been fantastic. CNY's temperatures have been 30 degrees above normal. Today we reach a record high of 80! So where does the madness come in? Well, every time I go outside I get this overwhelming urge to plant stuff. Shouldn't we all be planting tomatoes? I got out my trusty Square Foot Garden book (I'm a big fan of the square foot garden) where I had written in all the dates to plant. The average last frost for CNY is May 14th. My little notes say to start tomatoes inside on April 2 and transplant them outside on May 14th... but the weather just makes me want to plant, plant, plant... It's Madness. March Madness. <br />
What are all your garden plans? <br />
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*note: I am not complaining in the least... in fact, I'm enjoying the weather immensely! It just seems unreal especially since my family and I were skiing in a snow storm on March 9th<br />
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<br />Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-16466770379999870072012-03-17T07:41:00.001-07:002012-03-21T06:58:44.792-07:00Follow My LeaderBook Review: Follow My Leader<br />
Author: James B. Garfield <br />
1st published in 1957<br />
Approximate reading level: 4th-8th<br />
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Mommy Mel says "This was an enjoyable book to read aloud. Jimmy was blinded by a fire cracker thrown by his friend Mike. He must learn to cope with his blindness. The breakthrough for Jimmy is when he has the opportunity to get a guide dog. Great lessons in overcoming and forgiveness. My girls enjoyed this book but it would be a very appealing book for boys."<br />
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8 yr. old Macy says "I learned alot about Braille. It was funny when Jimmy thought the walls should wear perfume so he could smell them before he ran into them. It seems that walking with a guide dog is so much better than walking with a cane. I think I could forgive Mike too but it would be hard."</div>
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buy it from Amazon</div>Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517112878853953808.post-21953418388138467742012-03-17T06:25:00.000-07:002012-03-17T07:25:26.155-07:00About UsWe are a Christian homeschooling family living in Upstate NY. Haley is in 6th grade. She loves horses, cooking, sewing, sports, and especially books. She reads quickly and will bring home huge stacks of books from the library. Macy is in 2nd grade. She loves all things miniature (including miniature horses). Macy's reading skills exploded <u>before</u> she went to Kindergarten. One of the biggest blessings of homeschooling is reading all the lovely books.Mommy Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04288467979777705444noreply@blogger.com0