A Day in Our Life Blog Hop

I have not written many posts describing A Day In Our Life, and when I visit other blogs that do, I find them very interesting.  I am stepping out of my comfort zone to introduce a new blog hop in which sharing "a day in the life" is the main theme.

Of course, I am co-hosting this blog hop with my friends Tracy and Anna-Marie.  In my opinion they have much more experience with sharing a day in their life.  Please visit their blogs, and read about a day in their lives too.  It may take a few posts for me to get comfortable, but I look forward to the challenge.

Guidelines for this blog hop are:
Pick any day from the past week and take 20-30 minutes to write a post about what you did.  It can be a photo(s), your menu for the day, your homeschool lessons, an outdoor activity, or a scripture you meditated on that day.  The door is wide open for you to post anything you would like to share.

I encourage you to share your feelings and emotions from the day, or an "aha moment" you may have had.  The main idea is to be transparent while setting aside any perfectionist tendencies.  (That will be a tall order for me. lol)   So, be honest, don't spend too much time worrying about what to write, and most importantly be assured there will be no judgment from anyone.  Here it goes...

This was our last week of an extended vacation.  I decided since we were changing curriculum both of us needed time to adjust and prepare.  I spent most of this week completing some of the lessons we will start next week, but on Friday it was game day.

My son loves Monopoly, and I have been promising to play a game with him since we got the "grown up" version for CHRISTmas.  There were a few chores to get out of the way that morning, but it didn't take long.  We were soon buying property, paying rent, and going to jail without collecting $200.  It was an enjoyable day.

I put a stew on for lunch and we had plenty of left over for dinner.  So, except for a salad to go with the stew I had a nice break from cooking duties.

The day was complete after watching the ball drop in New York's Times Square.  Something I have done since I was a girl watching it drop with my father.  It's always a thrill for me to join in with all those gathered in New York in the countdown to the new year.

This is only my first attempt at being transparent, and I hope with a little more practice my posts will be more interesting.  Grab the button from my sidebar, put the link on your post, and join Tracy, Anna-Marie, and myself every Saturday for A Day In Our Life Blog Hop.  I look forward to learning more about all of you.  Remember:  We follow back!

Don't forget to also link up to No Ordinary Blog Hop. You could receive the Star Blogger Award for linking up the most posts.

And last but not least, did you know Angela @ Blog Mommas directory is starting over.  If you would like to be listed head on over and let Angela know.  Happy New Year Blog Mommas {for blogging dads too}

A Graphic to start the New Year

I had just finished reading a post by Dana Hanley this morning, and my heart was weeping for her and her family. I am so thankful for her ability to share in such a time. It is not only bringing healing to her, but others who are touched by her story. I pray for them daily, but words of comfort are so hard to find. I know that only the Lord can truly give them what they need right now.

Then I visited RissaRoo @ These Three Remain. Her words were like a salve to my heart. I was reminded that there is One who knows our trials and tribulations.  He knows our days from beginning to end.  He is the Author of the good times and the bad.  Through them all He is right there to catch and carry us, or rejoice with us.  She gave me permission to quote her to make this graphic.

We never forget the loss of a loved one. The pain may weaken, but it will always be there. We need to find comfort in the Author who knows the ending. Curb our will to His knowing that by doing so our faith is strengthened and the glory is His.

Thank you Dana for your faith in God. Thank you RissaRoo for your beautiful words that could only have come from the true Author.  God Bless and May the New Year bring strength and comfort to us all.

(I give anyone who would like to permission to display this graphic on their blog. Please link it to These Three Remain. Thank you!)

Happy New Year!

For some the week after CHRISTmas is a time for planning that New Years party.  Men planning their elaborate proposals to the women they love and want to live the rest of their lives with.  Others getting ready to watch the ball drop in New York.  Some even deciding what their New Years resolutions will be.

For me it is a time of reflection.  A time where I try not to be too hard on myself for unfulfilled goals I had for the year that just flew past faster than expected.  I think about the missed opportunities to show kindness, to spend more time with family and friends, or ways I could have been a better person.  Looking back I ask forgiveness for my short-comings and failures.

I also celebrate the blessings and joys that could not have been imagined the previous January 1st.  The new friends like Tracy and Anna-Marie, and other bloggers that have enriched my life in so many ways.  The old friends like Bob, Lyn, and Sonia that have stood by me, supported me, and prayed for me on the good and bad days of 2010.  My sisters who always show their unconditional love.  My special family, Robyn, Earl, and Ryan, who continually keep the door open for love to flow.  Most of all the blessing of one more year with my mother and the joy bursting in my heart for the blessed gift of my son.

Though I tend to let my emotions get the best of me at times, I know the Lord has walked with me every step of 2010.  He has not forsaken me and I can rejoice in His righteousness.  He has supplied when I believed there was no hope.  He has carried the burdens when I could not.  He has reproached me when I needed a swift kick in the butt.  Most of all God has given me a joyful heart to praise Him, to give Him the glory for all that has been in 2010.

So, with some sadness over lost and misspent time, happiness for love and blessings received, and hope and faith for a new beginning and reclamation, I wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Join me for a new challenge for 2011:

 

and here is another great challenge for me to RECLAIM 2011:

Feature Article: Endangered Minds

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Unfortunately, I have had this topic on my mind for some time. Being a single parent I have turned to the television or video games many times to keep my son busy while I attend to other things. I realize this is not ideal, and have been trying to ween my son from these addicting habits.  He is still young enough to hopefully make a difference.  Read more to learn how these habits could be affecting your child/ren.

Endangered Minds

Have you noticed how hard it is to get a child to really think?

Have you ever wondered about the effects of television, computers and video games on thinking?  Have you wondered if these things are beneficial or harmful to a child’s education?  Sadly, there have been almost zero scientific studies on the effects of television and computer and video games.  Businesses and families may not be  particularly interested in finding out the answers to such a study.  It would be very comforting to think that the effects of video games and television are not particularly harmful.

Although there are only a few real studies, there have been a few of very good quality. There is one particular study from Leiden University in the Netherlands that shows that television has negative effects on reading skills. Among the study’s other conclusions they stated that television:

• Displaces leisure reading and inhibits the growth of reading skills
• Requires less mental effort than reading
• May shorten the time children are willing to spend on finding an answer to intellectual problems they are set to solve

It is becoming easier and easier to study how people think.   We just paste non-invasive electrodes on a person’s head to study brain waves. The recent television and video game studies have been done this way.  Three effects on learning abilities have been suggested by these types of studies:

1. Some television and video programming artificially manipulate the brain into paying attention by violating certain of its natural defenses with frequent visual and auditory changes.
2. Television induces neural passivity and reduces “stick-to-it-iveness”.
3. Television may have a hypnotic and possibly neurologically addictive effect on the brain by changing the frequency of its electrical impulses in ways that block active mental processing.

Television advertisers know that the best way to get viewers to pay attention is to capitalize on the brain’s instinctive responses to danger.  Sudden close-ups and pans alert the brain because they violate the reflex needed to maintain a predictable personal space.  Bright colors, quick movements or sudden noises get attention because the brain is programmed to changes that might predict danger.

Carefully planned manipulations separate the natural responses of the brain and the body.  Although the brain is alerted there is no need to respond physically.  Children thus stimulated without an outlet for the normal physical response could develop frustrations, irritability and hyperactivity.  Also children become habituated to surprise and a circus like environment.

You may enjoy reading Endangered Minds by Jane Healy. She writes, “We care deeply about the ‘smartness’ of our children, but our culture lacks patience with the slow, time-consuming handwork by which intellects are woven.  The quiet spaces of childhood have been disrupted by media assault and instant sensory gratification.”

So what does all this mean for homeschool parents?  Well, consider the very subtle effects of how you are allowing your children to spend their time.  How they spend their time may be altering their ability to learn and to get along with others. Just think about it.

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Randi St. Denis is an educator, popular homeschool speaker, and a seasoned homeschooling mom. Randi works as a consultant to public, private, and homeschool families; providing teaching expertise and assistance for all types of children. You can visit her website at ChicagoHomeschoolExpo.com.
Source: http://www.homeschool-articles.com/endangered-minds/

Today a Child is Born

An Argument for Bringing God Back into Education

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Have you been accused of "sheltering" your children, or that you're "censoring" their curriculum?  Have others told you that your children would be a better influence on their public school counterparts if you would put them back in school?  It is the season to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but it is becoming harder than ever to see Him anywhere in our society.

Unfortunately, it is common for homeschoolers to have to defend their actions to others. When you see the violence displayed on television nightly and you hear about the disintegration of families around the world, I ask why? Why am I having to defend what I know and believe is right for my child?  The following excerpt by Ken Ham from Why Won't They Listen describes some of the reason there is moral decay in our school systems, and why others may never hear what you have to say to defend your actions.

You may be thinking that was in 1975 and does not apply today, but we have one maybe two generations now that have been indoctrinated in the belief that science is the infallible truth.  After all scientists are smarter than we are, so why shouldn't they be believed.  Through the years they have steadily made ground with their convictions the Bible is just a story book full of myth and folklore.  Most no longer see it as history with meaning and reverence.

So, why is the Bible so important in education?  If students are not taught the truths of the Bible, God's Word, where are they to gain insight into how they are to behave, where they come from, and why they are here?  Too many parents are relying on public schools to teach their children character, values, and manners.  The Bible is our moral compass, and there are no lessons on morals offered through science.

Some scientists are very eager to disprove the Bible, but their findings are not backed by concrete truths.  Unfortunately, scientific myth has been integrated throughout every subject in public school curricula.  With this being the case our education is not balanced by promoting such findings.  Even great scientists like Benjamin Franklin and Galileo were able to balance science and the Bible.  By teaching children on the basis of only science and disregarding the Bible completely we set our children up to believing lies.

Homeschoolers teaching from the standpoint of providing all facets of discovery do their children more of a service in their education than public schools who only offer a one-sided, devalued education.  Since this has been going on for years, our generation has been blinded to the truth.  They will never understand why we choose to offer more to our students.  After all, why wouldn't a government run education be good enough for us?

Offering biblical truths with true science is all the censoring required in any curricula.  Showing our children love and affection by being forthright and honest is all the socialization necessary for well rounded children.  Influencing others with strong family bonds and proper behavior towards siblings and others is all the example our children need to be to there counterparts.

Never doubt for a moment that homeschooling will have a mighty impact on your children, your family, and society.  You are raising, teaching, and training future leaders who will be better educated for a better future.  Maybe they will have a future where everyone remembers the reason for the season.

Merry CHRISTmas!

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I give Joy to the World when I keep God in my son's education.

A Shining Blog and Dedication

*Have you ever seen a field of Helianthus, or more commonly known as the sunflower? Read more...

Roscommon Acres

Dana @ Roscommon Acres and her family experienced a tremendous loss on December 12, 2010.  Through it they have shown an amazing amount of strength and steadfastness in their love for the Lord.  It was a tragedy that could have happened in any home, anywhere, but it happened in their home.  There has been no finger pointing or blaming in this tragedy, just a remarkable amount of love and understanding.
Even in her pain Dana posted this beautiful memorial video, and has asked the following:

"For those of you who feel moved to give, please consider donating to Tiny Hands International, a ministry working in Asia to rescue children from poverty and sex-trafficking. It would mean a great deal to us if some of the overflowing generosity we have been shown could benefit someone who has true physical needs."

For being a graceful, shining example of God's love, Dana and Roscommon Acres is A Shining Blog.

My prayers are with you, Hanley Family. This post is dedicated to Mattias Ryker Hanley, February 23, 2009-December 12, 2010.

Giveaway — iPad plus Assorted Children’s Books from Target

I love sharing, so I have to pass this giveaway on to all my readers.  I love books, reading, writing, etc., and there is no greater joy than passing that love to our children.  This giveaway is easy to enter.  


Go to Frugal Family Fun Blog to enter to win an iPad and an assortment of children’s books courtesy of Target!


One very extremely lucky Frugal Family Fun Blog reader will win a new 16 GB WiFi enabled iPad along with an assortment of children’s books courtesy of Target!!! (Yay, Target!!) This is a prize package valued up to $599!!!

The Crayola, just in time for CHRISTmas Giveaway winner is...

Thank you to everyone who entered the Crayola, just in time for CHRISTmas Giveaway.  I have enjoyed getting to know some new bloggers, and hearing how much you all love Crayola.  The winner chosen by random.org is...

Comment #58  Mrs. Mandy

If you get a chance I hope you will visit her blog. Mrs. Mandy is a military wife, a member of the TOS Review Crew, and a homeschooling mom of three.

Congratulations, Mrs. Mandy, and thank you again to everyone who entered the giveaway. I wish you all a Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year!

Red Hot Holiday Trends from Betty Crocker

I am so excited to share with you about the Betty Crocker Red Hot Holiday Trends.  Every year instead of pumpkin or cherry pie for CHRISTmas dinner, I started the tradition of having birthday cake to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

One of Betty Crocker's Top 10 Red Hot Holiday Trends is the Cupcake Poppers.  They are so colorful and fun.  Here is a great video about the Cupcake Poppers.

This year I think we will have a colorfully festive treat on our dining room table.  Here are a couple more ideas, and visit Betty Crocker for more of the Red Hot Top 10 Holiday Trends

Reindeer Feed

and 

Indian Spiced Mini Donut Muffins

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I give Joy to the World when I offer tips on the newest trends.

Feature Article: Communicating Awareness for Safety

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Even in this season of joy and giving there are dangers to be aware of.  It is never too late to teach your children to be safe.

Communicating Awareness for Safety

There is a knock at the door and your teenager opens it to find a young man standing there asking if the old car that is parked in your driveway is for sale. Your son is home alone for an hour when the phone rings and on the other end is a wrong number. You and your young children are walking in a parking lot at night when you hear footsteps behind you…

Each of these scenarios can lead to disaster, but here are some things you can do and say that will communicate to a thief that you or your children are not worth the trouble.

Criminals are generally a pretty lazy bunch or they would go out and work for their money like the rest of us! They usually pick on people they think are weak, unaware or easy prey because they don’t want to chance getting caught or hurt. They usually rely on the element of surprise to catch their victims off guard in order that they will be unprepared. This is their greatest asset. Knowing this is YOUR greatest weapon against them.

The way you walk and how you answer the phone/door communicates how aware and savvy you are. The idea is not to give the bad guy any more information than he already has and to show that you are fully aware of all that is going on in your surroundings. If you do that, the likelihood is that Mr. Criminal will choose another victim.

Tips for communicating awareness at the door:

1. Children should avoid answering the door if at all possible – even teenagers. This makes it appear that an adult is not at home and can give the visitor the upper hand whether it is true or not. Children are not as ready or able to deal with people they don’t know and can get flustered in situations that are unfamiliar with. What is your 14 year old going to say to this man asking about your old car?
2. Always look through the peephole or window before opening the door. If it is a stranger, size him up. Is he carrying a clipboard? Is he wearing a uniform of some sort? Does he look menacing to you. Use your intuition and common sense.
3. Never give out any more information that the visitor already has. He knows your address, your car and now he knows what you look like. Don’t give him any more information that he can use against you. If you tell them that you still use the car for work, he now knows how to tell when you are not at home. Do not tell him how many people live in the house because then he knows how many to watch out for. Do not tell him who the car belongs to… “Oh that car is my brothers, but he is away at college.” Now he knows that you have a brother and that the car is probably not used. It is amazing what information you can give this man just by answering his questions. And NEVER admit that you are alone or even who is not at home. “My brother isn’t home right now, but I can have him call you if he wants to sell it.”  Do you see all you have told him? Many years ago, I was asked this very question about my car that I drove to college and back in. I inadvertently gave him all the information he needed to be able to tell when the house was empty. He had been watching our house for weeks and then broke in when the last person had left that day. My mother happened to forget something and found him in the house! Thankfully this man found a safe route out of the house and didn’t stop to hurt my mother.
4. Just because someone asks a question, doesn’t mean that it’s your obligation to answer! You can simply say that you are not selling it and close the door. If he continues to ask questions, it is perfectly within your rights not to answer. You can tell him that point blank or, if you prefer, you can simply say that you have to go now (have something on the stove, have to make a phone call, whatever).
5. Be careful about letting strangers into your house. If you have an appointment with the air conditioning repair man-fine, but unexpected strangers are a different story. I make it a policy never to let unexpected strangers into my house. I don’t feel comfortable letting a man that I don’t know into the house when my husband is not at home. Even if a scheduled repair man is coming into my home, I do not allow my children to be in the same room alone with him.

There was a story a few years back of a woman who let an unexpected repair man into her home and left her baby crawling around near him while she went to finish the dishes in the kitchen. He kidnapped the baby. Don’t give a stranger the opportunity to hurt your family!

Tips for communicating awareness on the phone:

1. Children should not be allowed to answer the phone until they are trained in telephone safety. It is cute to have your 4 year old answer the phone when relatives call, but is your 4 year old savvy enough to avoid telephone safety pitfalls? Will she remember that you told her not to say that Daddy is on a business trip for two weeks?
2. Never give out your family name or phone number to anyone you don’t know.

Caller: “Is Josh there?”
You: “There is no Josh here. You have the wrong number.”
Caller: “What number did I dial?”
Don’t tell them what number they dialed. Ask them to tell you what number they wanted!
You: “What number did you want?”
Caller: “909-555-1212 Who is this?”
Never give out this information!
You: “I’m sorry. You have the wrong number.” (And hang up-even if they don’t.)

Tips for communicating awareness when walking:

1. Walk with confidence. Hold you head up and walk with purpose from place to place-especially at night. This communicates that you are strong and have a plan about where you are going.
2. Walk with your keys in your hand. Preferably with the key between your fingers poised to use as a weapon if needed. This shows that you are ready to get into your car or house as soon as you get there. And it gives our villain a lot less time to do any mischief.
3. Look around you. Notice what is around you at all times. This communicates that you are aware of your surroundings. It is much more difficult for Mr. Criminal to use the element of surprise to catch you off guard if you are aware of things that are going on around you. And it helps you to identify when you may be in danger so that you can take the necessary actions.
4. Look under and all around your car as you approach before getting in. This tells our perpetrator that you are further aware. It also helps you identify any potential problems where you are headed and normally feel safe.
5. Train your children to follow a command. If there is ever trouble afoot, you should have your children trained to follow a simple order you give that tells them to get into the car immediately. Have the older ones get in themselves as you put any babies or toddlers in carseats. Communicating awareness is essential for safety these days. It is imperative also that you train your children to be aware of their surroundings and to respond to a rehearsed command that you have in case the situation warrants.

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JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication, but it is her humorous approach to communication skills which has made her a highly sought-after Christian speaker and writer.  Her articles appear in homeschool publications, such as Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which also endorses her Say What You Mean curricula.  You can also find JoJo on web sites such as Crosswalk.com and Dr.Laura.com.  For more information on communication FUNdamentals and Christian-based communication skills for the whole family, please visit Art of Eloquence.
Source: http://www.homeschool-articles.com/communicating-awareness-for-safety/

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I give Joy to the World when I offer tips to stay safe this holiday season.

A Shining Blog

*Have you ever seen a field of Helianthus, or more commonly known as the sunflower? Read more...
Soul Liberty Faith
It can be difficult sometimes walking a path of faith.  On the other hand it is a blessing to find another who struggles on the path but seems to be able to find her way through the many trials we may encounter.  Sister Lisa has such a beautiful soul, and a way with words.

At times when I feel the struggle is too much, there is a post in my email from Sister Lisa to pull me out of my negative thinking.  Knowing she was once a hurting daughter of Christ, worried about the same legalism of the Church helps free me from my own self-judgement.

She has an amazing ability to listen to the Spirit and let it guide her.  She lives and writes by example.  I am filled with humble admiration, and proudly feature Soul Liberty Faith as this weeks Shining Blog.

Crayola, just in time for CHRISTmas Giveaway

*The giveaway is now closed and a winner has been chosen.

Crayola is offering more than 30 ways to give the gift of imagination for under $30 this holiday season with a lineup of gifts to inspire wonder, adventure, and dreams in toddlers to tweens.

Crayola has sent me four of this season's hottest gifts from Crayola ~ Glow Explosion Spin Magic, Mess Free Color Wonder Sound Studio, Model Magic Presto Dots, and a 64 Box of Crayola Crayons with an access code to try Story Studio.  They have also provided an additional set of the four Crayola gifts for me to share with one of my readers.

Crayola has created an on-line gift guide making it easy to select the perfect creative activity for the child on your list.  It's available at Crayola.com/gifts.  You can search it by age, gender, and type of product, like mess-free and washable products and activities that offer surprising experiences.  Who wouldn't be surprised to watch their artwork light up in the dark in multiple colors.

Here is a little more about the items available in this giveaway, and the top picks from the gift guide:

Never before has paper been a surface for creating glowing drawings!  Glow Explosion Spin Magic is a revolutionary activity toy that lets kids create multi-colored glow-in-the-dark art with markers that light up like glow sticks on paper.

The spinning base lets kids create magical mobiles and whirling lanterns for a never-before-seen "glow show" that will wow the entire family when the lights go out.  Colorful, glowing shapes like planets or hot air balloons appear as if they are spinning in mid-air.  The base unit doubles as a lantern with five different scenes that create cool shadow-effects as they rotate around the radiant, glowing designs created on Glow Explosion paper.

The Crayola Color Wonder Sound Studio makes coloring a magical mess-free adventure for little eyes and ears!  Kids can add fun, action-packed sound effects like dinosaur roars, motorcycle engines, giggles, and even the voices of Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and the Disney Princesses to their coloring pages.

Sounds play back when they color their pictures.  Just choose a sound and add it anywhere on the coloring page to create one-of-a-kind coloring stories with surprising sound effects.  Kids can also play back all the sounds they experienced while they were coloring.  Sixty sounds can be matched to any image on any page for hours of colorful fun!

Crayola Model Magic Presto Dots received "Toy of the Year" honors from Good Housekeeping, Parenting, and Parents magazines.  The "magic" behind Presto Dots comes from Model Magic - a truly different modeling material that doesn't crumble.  It's not clay, it's not dough - it's Crayola Model Magic.

Kids can create 3-D, bumpy characters with the easy-to-use "Pop-Dot" tool that grabs just the right amount of Model Magic for building an original creature.  A quick press and pop covers characters with presto dots.  Pop away with different colored dots, or pop dots on top of dots to create original 3-D creatures that air-dry in 24 hours.

So, why are Crayola crayons a holiday classic and a perennial stocking stuffer?  This year specially marked Crayola crayon boxes (48, 64, 96, 120-ct. as well as the 150-ct. Crayon Tower) include a free code that provides 6-month unlimited access to the Story Studio custom coloring book maker.  What a great value!

Available at Crayola.com, Story Studio allows kids to transform themselves into a cartoon character from a digital photo or web cam image, customize their character with hats, sunglasses, costumes, and other fun accessories and then select a theme to create a custom story book they can print and color.  Story Studio was named "High Tech Toy of the Year" by the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio.

Here is an example of a Story Studio coloring page, and my son's first attempt at making his character.  There is so much more to do in the Story Studio, and my son is looking forward to exploring it some more.

If you would like to try Story Studio too here is the access code:  PRY4KBJJ (Only available for 48 hrs after registering.)

For the complete Holiday Gift Guide, visit crayola.com/gifts.  Be sure to download a rebate form at crayola.com/promos/holidayFSI/.  You could save over $20.

To receive entries to the "Crayola, just in time for CHRISTmas Giveaway" do all of the below and leave a comment on this post for each one:

• Post about the giveaway and include the Crayola button that is below
• Subscribe to My Heart's Desire by email
• Follow My Heart's Desire
• Vote for My Heart's Desire on the Picket Fence and Top Mommy Blogs Directory (Voting daily will get you additional entries)
• "Like" Crayola on Facebook
• Follow Crayola on Twitter
• try the Story Studio

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The "Crayola, just in time for CHRISTmas Giveaway" runs from December 11-17, 2010.  The winner will be notified by email and will have 24 hrs. to respond.  If there is no response another winner will be chosen.  If you do not have your email on your profile please leave it in one of your comments below.  Thank you and have fun entering the giveaway as many times as you can.

*Crayola products, information, and giveaway were all provided by Crayola through MyBlogSpark  

Do you know what a Flash Mob is?

King of kings, and Lord of lords!  Forever and ever... Hallelujah!

Merry CHRISTmas!

Sharing my day, and a few of my favorite things

It's my birthday today, so I get to post whatever I want to.  I thought I would share some of my favorite things with you.  This may take awhile to watch all of the videos I chose, but consider the time your gift to me on my special day.  I don't think you will be disappointed, and some of them may be your favorites too.

It is very humbling to have a birthday so close to CHRISTmas.  I get to share the month of celebration with the most wonderful person to ever walk on this earth.  The reason for His birth has so much more meaning than mine.  But, I mean so much to Him that He gave His life for me.  The wonder of it...

That was sung by Donny Osmond.  It is his birthday today too.  Happy Birthday, Donny!  Since about the age of 8 or 9, I would wake up on this day and wish him a happy birthday.  Some things never change.

I have loved the Sound of Music from the first time I saw the movie, and Julie Andrews has always been one of my favorites.  This song comes to me when I least expect it.  Of course it is an obvious choice for starting my list of favorite things.

Here is a clip from my all time favorite contemporary movie!  Every time I see this movie I go through a box of tissues.  A brilliant story, wonderful actors, and the most amazing music soundtrack.  Who could want more?  Warning:  If you haven't seen this movie I give the ending away in the clip that I chose.  [Sorry about the lighting.  I had nothing to do with that.]

This is my favorite holiday movie.  Though I own many versions, this clip is from the one I will watch the most during the month of December.  Needless to say, I drive my family crazy.  They hear the intro. and eyes roll, grumbling starts, and they all find another room in the house to go.  I also own several versions of the book.  It is a wonderful story about faith, hope, and love.  "God bless us everyone!"

I love music, and it is hard for me to say that any one song is my favorite.  When I was a girl my father played this one, and it instantly became one I have always cherished.  A few years ago a friend sent me an email with this beautiful display, which just happens to be set to the song that holds so many memories for me.

My most precious moments are the times I have overcome trials.  That may not make much sense, but remembering times of struggle when I thought I could never go on, make the good times even better.  My Father has forgiven, forgotten, and carried me through quite a few rough spots.  His "Amazing Grace" is sufficient for me.

My favorite thing of all is God!  I find Him in the most unexpected places, in the faces and words of friends and strangers, in nature ~ He is everywhere.

I love CHRISTmas!  I hope you will remember to Celebrate CHIRST this season.



I hope you have enjoyed some of my favorite things.  I love sharing my special day with others, and hope always to give a little Joy to the World.

Tomorrow is the last day to enter our giveaway.  Please join us at No Ordinary Blog Hop to win a $30 Target gift card.  

Feature Article: How to get your kids excited about Science

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I never was good at Science in school.  I was too busy with my head in the clouds putting words together in a poetic way.  So, I went in search of some help and came across this article.

Cool Science Experiments – The Way to Get Your Kids Excited About Science

I love seeing kids excited about science.  Reading about science, exploring the world outside, seeing a science video are ways in which children enjoy and become motivated about science.  And, through the years, that is what we have successfully done. However, recently it has been confirmed in my own mind, that a real and extremely valid way for kids to love science and be keen to know more, is to provide them with time to play around with really cool science experiments.

As a homeschooling family we have questioned, “What have been the things that we look back on with fond and treasured memories in science?”   It is either the hands-on nature walks and finding animals, or the fun in setting up and doing an experiment with great results.  Many of the experiments my children have enjoyed have been totally unrelated to any science text we may have been following at the time.  Most of the successful ‘science’ messes have sprung up from their own interest and trying to solve a question which they have posed themselves. (Like fixing a cheap toy and making it far better than it ever was.)

So, how do we encourage our children to play around with science?


Ask Them Questions
Firstly, ask your children questions without giving away the answer.  If you are working through a text which has science experiments, present the question to them and don’t read or let them read what sorts of results they should be getting from performing the experiment.  Ask them questions during the experiment and after it – what do you think would happen if we changed  x, y or z?

Ask them questions about life – about their physical environment or why things happen?  Ask them the curious questions before they ask you.  And then let them think and ponder about it.  It does not mean that you should never give answers, but at the same time, don’t rush in – give them time first.  When answering, relate the answer to their current experience.  And remember, it is okay to admit you don’t know the answer – that can become an ideal time to discuss how to research and find answers we are looking for.


Let Them Experiment
Let them play with all sorts of things around the home and experiment.  Using a book or science course will give you ideas about exciting science experiments. There are also a ton of books at the library that will interest your children.  Recently, I discovered an online science Curriculum which is full of really cool science experiments.  You can see some here.

The experiment instructions are also on video, which we all really love watching. Using all sorts of common household materials, and some that you need to buy, these experiments have amazed and excited my children.  In fact, it has been the recent catalyst for a whole heap of hovercraft experiments which in turn has motivated my other children to fiddle with a toy gun changing it from a gun using air pressure to one using spring mechanics.


Be Prepared, Grow a Collection of Science Tools  and Encourage Mess
If you want your children to experiment, you will need to accept and even encourage mess.  Set up some boxes where you keep all sorts of odds and ends which will come in handy for science experiments.

• You will need materials like rubber bands, straws, pipe cleaners, paper clips, balloons, popsicle sticks.
• You will also need tools and materials to bind items together like sticky tape, masking tape, hot glue gun, super glue, rope or string, stapler and staples, hole punch, scissors.
• Then you will also need to collect some clean junk – bottle tops, soda bottles, clean cans, bottle lids, ice cream containers and cardboard boxes of all sizes.

Perhaps you can create a science corner – filled with experiment books and all the materials, and a table to work on.


Allow for Mistakes
Every science experiment does not need to work perfectly and make sure your children know that.  When an experiment does not work the way they had hoped,  ask them:

• “What did you learn from that?”
• “What might you do differently next time?”
• “Why do you think that happened?”

Be Curious Alongside of Them, But Don’t Take Over
When your children are in the middle of a project or have completed it, they love to have a fan club.  As they become more independent, they may not need you to set up an experiment or help them do it, but they really want to share their enthusiasm with an interested party – like their family and parents! So, let them inspire you – cheer them on as they set up an experiment – ask them questions so they can verbalize what is happening and why – problem solve with them – search out answers together,  BUT don’t take over.

As parents we have the tendency to ruin the child-led learning experience and make it a full-blown lesson.  We want to run with their idea because we can see how it will make a wonderful ‘unit study’ and so we plan, get books, blah,  blah, blah, and  run off with all of our great ideas, but meanwhile our children have turned the corner, lost interest  and moved on. It doesn’t matter!  Even if their interest in that topic may have been short lived, another experiment at a later date will most likely, help to reinforce the science concept.

So, do what you need to do to excite your children about science.

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Be curious, ask questions, encourage messes, grow a collection of science tools and find materials to help you.  You can find some easy and totally ‘cool’ science experiments. as well as links to science experiments on video, plus two free Science Experiment Ebooks (A Science Experiment Guide usually valued at $25, and a Science Activity Manual and Video Guide valued at $30) , here – easy science experiments.
Source: http://www.homeschool-articles.com/cool-science-experiments-the-way-to-get-your-kids-excited-about-science/

5 Steps To Planning a Homeschooling Journey

{Since I seem to be starting on a new path with homeschooling independently, I thought I would share some things I am learning along the way. Have patience with me if most of this information seems old news to you.}

Source

Most homeschoolers will describe their education as a journey.  It can be filled with adventure and excitement, or suspense and intrigue.  At times there may be mountains to climb or rivers to cross, but you definitely don't want the journey to be mundane and boring.  Having a list of subjects and activities is just the beginning.  For some homeschoolers planning and scheduling the journey can be the biggest hurdle.

So, how do you get over this hurdle?  Take it one step at a time.

Step 1:   Your Map!

Whether you use a boxed curriculum or an eclectic collection of curriculum, if you don't have a final destination planned then you will just wander on a path to nowhere.

What is your scope and sequence for the year?  World Book offers a "Typical Course of Study" based on curriculum requirements and standards.  You can also look up your state standards, but don't feel that you need to be bound by these standards.  Work them in according to your child's learning style and/or your schooling method.

Whether your course of study has been laid out for you or you need to create one, this is where you must start.  Mapping out where you want your journey to end is as important as the path you choose.

Step 2:   Your Compass!

A compass is the most important tool you need on your homeschool journey.  You may find yourself in the middle of a forest wondering which way to turn.  Your homeschool compass is your planner.  It will keep you on your education path, and should always point to your final destination.  Also, remember you may run into some unforeseen obstacles along the way.  Preparing in advance for how you may handle these is just as important as knowing your direction.  Be flexible and stay alert.

So, do you prefer an online planner, or does a paper planner suit your needs?  I cannot recommend Donna Young's website enough.  She has created a plethora of planners to choose from.  She has created planners for you to fill in online and then print, or you can print them blank and fill them in with pencil.  Or, here are two free online planners;  Homeschool Skedtracker and Home School Inc.  They are easy to use, and both have tutorials to assist in setting them up.  These online planners are great for storing all your homeschool records required by most states, and they are easy to print if and when you need to.

Start your journey with a quality compass and you won't get lost along the way.

Step 3:   Your Supplies! 
Any journey requires supplies such as food, water, first aid kit, etc.  You need to know the provisions you will need, and how much you can carry.  In homeschooling it is knowing how much time it takes to complete lessons, and how much extracurricular activities you can fit in to successfully accomplish your goals.  If you try to carry too much you won't have the stamina to make it through the journey.

Step 4:  Your Path! 

Design your lessons to your students needs and abilities.  They don't have to be scheduled or presented according to the brick and mortar style.  Homeschooling is a whole new paradigm.  Prioritize what's important, but don't let it put you or your student in a box.  Be creative and step outside your comfort zone.  How do you expect your students to grow and stretch if you are not willing to?  On your homeschooling journey you are allowed and should expect to break from the "norm".

Step 5:  Your Journey! 
Don't let outside influences distract you from your course.  The negative nay-sayers will try to lead you astray.  You are offering your student the most valuable education that no one else can provide.  Stick to your goals and beliefs and you won't fail.

Most importantly ~ this is not a race!  Enjoy the journey, and smell the roses along the way.  Take time to refuel, rehydrate, and relax.  This will keep the excitement and interest in your homeschooling journey.  Allow for time of laughter, fun, and introspection.  This will build confidence and self-esteem for you and your student.

Link up every Tuesday!

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You might also like:

• Homeschool is About the Student
• Feature Article:  Surviving Homeschool
• Drill Sergeant or Teacher?

Merry CHRISTmas from CBH Ministries

Buy $50 in merchandise from our store and get FREE standard shipping*. You can buy devotionals or picture books like The Red Boat—read The Old Schoolhouse magazine’s review of the book here:

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