In My Life This Week
Melting! I really was hoping for a less snowy winter. Guess what? I'm getting one...unless Mother Nature is just teasing me and the snow will arrive in MARCH or APRIL. Can you imagine?! April SNOW showers? Nooo! Anyway...High 30s and low 40s = A LOT of mud + puddles! And GOOD TIMES for Balsam Fir! I don't think there's a puddle from here to the end of the road that hasn't been stomped in...multiple times. ((wink))
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| This Muck is Near the Chicken Coop! |
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| Sailing Boats in a Puddle on our TARRED Driveway. And Yes, in his PJ bottoms, Black Rubber Boots and Winter Jacket. LOL |
Makin' and Bakin'!
Oh, I joined Meal Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie! Did you see my meal plans for the next 3 weeks? Check them out here!
What do you think of my latest attempt at a Bento? It seems a little "dull", huh? The kids are enjoying them though, and they make less messes on the road. I'll have to come up with more CREATIVE Bento meals!
Homeschool Happenings
It was (another) of THOSE kind of weeks where our schedule was up-and-down. With several activities outside the house in the mornings this week, it was hard to get into the "groove" of school when we were AT home in the afternoons. We're DEFINITELY morning schoolers (although not TOO early)! When afternoons roll around our focus is elsewhere. And then - SURPRISE! - I decided to pack us up and head to my family's house on the island for most of the week.
On Monday, we went to the farm and watched a presentation from an animal rescuer and rehabilitation expert. We saw a Great Horned Owl, Boa Constrictor, Sugar Glider, Flying Squirrel, Cockatiel, and Ferret, all rescued in our area, as well as a few other animals. And on Tuesday, we returned to the farm to learn about sheep fleece and did a couple felting craft activities then toured the cow and chicken barns and played at a playground near by.
Oh, and we did this REALLY neat friendship bracelet craft from Homemade Gifts Made Easy using a cardboard disc and yarn. (Click here for picture AND video tutorial to make these COOL bracelets!) Another awesome Pinterest find! (Stay tuned for photos next wrap-up.)
And while visiting my family, the saplings each did a little school work mixed with nature studies and TV edu-shows. White Pine read his A History of Us, watched "How the State Got Their Shapes", and TRIED helping Grandpa paint lobster trap buoys. Sugar Maple read Apologia Astronomy and worked on her notebook and helped take care of cousin Noodle. And Balsam Fir did a few Saxon Math lessons. All, read, watched Discovery and History Channel programs, explored nature on walks around the rocky coast, and played Rummikub. A relaxed rest of the week!
Oh, I joined Meal Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie! Did you see my meal plans for the next 3 weeks? Check them out here!
What do you think of my latest attempt at a Bento? It seems a little "dull", huh? The kids are enjoying them though, and they make less messes on the road. I'll have to come up with more CREATIVE Bento meals!
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| Swiss Cheese, Reduced Fat Townhouse Crackers, Sliced Ham, Leftover from Breakfast Cinnamon Roll, Low-fat Peach Yogurt, Granola Bar, and Carrot/Pepper Sticks |
Homeschool Happenings
It was (another) of THOSE kind of weeks where our schedule was up-and-down. With several activities outside the house in the mornings this week, it was hard to get into the "groove" of school when we were AT home in the afternoons. We're DEFINITELY morning schoolers (although not TOO early)! When afternoons roll around our focus is elsewhere. And then - SURPRISE! - I decided to pack us up and head to my family's house on the island for most of the week.
On Monday, we went to the farm and watched a presentation from an animal rescuer and rehabilitation expert. We saw a Great Horned Owl, Boa Constrictor, Sugar Glider, Flying Squirrel, Cockatiel, and Ferret, all rescued in our area, as well as a few other animals. And on Tuesday, we returned to the farm to learn about sheep fleece and did a couple felting craft activities then toured the cow and chicken barns and played at a playground near by.
Oh, and we did this REALLY neat friendship bracelet craft from Homemade Gifts Made Easy using a cardboard disc and yarn. (Click here for picture AND video tutorial to make these COOL bracelets!) Another awesome Pinterest find! (Stay tuned for photos next wrap-up.)
And while visiting my family, the saplings each did a little school work mixed with nature studies and TV edu-shows. White Pine read his A History of Us, watched "How the State Got Their Shapes", and TRIED helping Grandpa paint lobster trap buoys. Sugar Maple read Apologia Astronomy and worked on her notebook and helped take care of cousin Noodle. And Balsam Fir did a few Saxon Math lessons. All, read, watched Discovery and History Channel programs, explored nature on walks around the rocky coast, and played Rummikub. A relaxed rest of the week!
Off the Bookshelf
Again, Balsam Fir met the Read 4 Books for a Library Chocolate Pop Challenge this week (but we won't be heading back to the library until NEXT week). I'm SO glad I found something that encourages him to read (for now)! Next time, I'm choosing 2-3 Dr. Suess readers since his birthday is coming up!
And Sugar Maple wanted to earn one of those fundraiser pops too! So, I decided to challenge her with different genres and/or higher reading levels. She finished one book this week and started another.
Learning With Netflix
This week we watched some GREAT shows through Netflix streaming!
Again, Balsam Fir met the Read 4 Books for a Library Chocolate Pop Challenge this week (but we won't be heading back to the library until NEXT week). I'm SO glad I found something that encourages him to read (for now)! Next time, I'm choosing 2-3 Dr. Suess readers since his birthday is coming up!
And Sugar Maple wanted to earn one of those fundraiser pops too! So, I decided to challenge her with different genres and/or higher reading levels. She finished one book this week and started another.
Learning With Netflix
This week we watched some GREAT shows through Netflix streaming!
Here, There and Everywhere!
♥ Library Make-and-Take: Fleece Hats ♥ Sparks Ark Animal Demonstration ♥ Wool Felting at the Farm ♥ Library Movie Night: "Smurfs" ♥ C_ came over to play Wii Sports ♥ Playing with Cousin Noodle ♥ Swimming in the Pool ♥
Helpful Homeschool Hint
Ever wanted to learn to play chess? Me either! LOL But I found this REALLY cool website, ChessKIDS Academy, a while back that teaches you the rules and has on-line games to play. So, if YOUR kids want to learn Chess, check it out here! I think I might have to do the lessons and challenge Mr. White Pine! ((wink)) Favorite (forgotten) resource this week!
Ever wanted to learn to play chess? Me either! LOL But I found this REALLY cool website, ChessKIDS Academy, a while back that teaches you the rules and has on-line games to play. So, if YOUR kids want to learn Chess, check it out here! I think I might have to do the lessons and challenge Mr. White Pine! ((wink)) Favorite (forgotten) resource this week!
One of My Favorite Things
"Mom, I don't need your help!"
Seeing Balsam Fir pick up and read a book for the first time on his own! He didn't get all the words sounded out correctly, but what a wonderful moment to see him TRYING and his excitement doing it all on his own!
What's Working/Not Working?
Earlier bedtimes are WORKING...for me! Isn't it odd that if I stay up until 11:00pm or later I toss-and-turn for HOURS, but going to bed at 10:00pm and I fall asleep quickly? Earlier to bed means earlier to rise so I have time time ease into the day with a quiet breakfast and a jump start on the housework.
Activities in the morning hours are NOT WORKING...for us! Limiting those activities to just once a week is a must for more accomplished weeks of learning.
"Mom, I don't need your help!"
Seeing Balsam Fir pick up and read a book for the first time on his own! He didn't get all the words sounded out correctly, but what a wonderful moment to see him TRYING and his excitement doing it all on his own!
What's Working/Not Working?
Earlier bedtimes are WORKING...for me! Isn't it odd that if I stay up until 11:00pm or later I toss-and-turn for HOURS, but going to bed at 10:00pm and I fall asleep quickly? Earlier to bed means earlier to rise so I have time time ease into the day with a quiet breakfast and a jump start on the housework.
Activities in the morning hours are NOT WORKING...for us! Limiting those activities to just once a week is a must for more accomplished weeks of learning.
A Photo, Video, Link, or Quote to Share
Linky Love
Look at that mud! Oh my goodness! I do wonder where winter is this year...
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun week for you all. Those Netflix movies you shared might be ones we'd like. I love those kinds of shows: the documentaries from National Geographic, History Channel, Discovery Channel, etc.
Thanks for sharing about ChessKIDS. I've never really wanted to learn to play either. I don't know why, but it just doesn't appeal to me. But, it's good to know that help exists should a person want to learn ;)
Hooray for earlier bedtimes! It looks like a glorious week. I especially love the wildlife presentation you described.
ReplyDeleteGreat Week of real learning!
ReplyDeleteHow cute, the playing in the mud pic. I did not get any pics, but my children were in the mud this week also. Did you say that is real learning? I'll try to remember that next timeinstead of screaming, "Get out of that mud," LOL.
ReplyDeleteI do let my children play in the mud, but they both have colds already so I didn't want things to progress to something worse.
Great week, enjoy your weekend.
love it! mud is fabulous fun! we are totally streaming netflicks and no tv around here too ;O) love the rain boots in the mud - just great!
ReplyDeleteI just love your photos! Boys in the mud with their pjs. Love it! Isn't homeschooling grand? :-))) You always get so much done. You inspire me! :-) Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteLove that picture of the mud and the boots. I'm sure it won't be long until we're seeing that here, since we've had the least snowy winter since 1930 something. What is up with Mom NAture this year? And how sweet to hear "Mom I don't need your help." Awww!!! Good job!
ReplyDeleteThat is some serious mud!!!! I have been debating whether to sign up for NetFlix - you just sold me. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteLove the mud pictures! Pat the Cat brings back memories of when I first started my homeschool journey with my first son. I remember trying to get him to read that book many times. Thanks for the link to the braclet tutorial I have been meaning to add that to our list of things to do.
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE LOVE the mud pics girl! :) .... Looks like a fab week!
ReplyDeleteI am the same way. If I haven't schooled by lunch my day is shot.
ReplyDeleteOh the mud!!!! Just seeing it makes me want to go mop my floor! LOL Love all the books on the booklist.
ReplyDeleteLove the mud photos...I can just hear the squishy noises of the boots in the mud. Fun times.
ReplyDeleteI laughed at your comment about chess. I just formed a chess club for the kids....because *I* don't want to learn to play! LOL!
I think your bento looks perfect and super fun. I like making bentos, too, but need to be careful not to obsess about them and put too much focus on the presentation. It's easy to lose perspective when you see the stunning photos of amazing bentos online.
This was a fun post to read! :)
That's ooey gooey alright. lol
ReplyDeleteMy favorite bento site is Just Another Lunch. Mine never look remotely like hers but they're fun to look at. I bought some cutsie picks and those "dress up" my attempts.
Loving all the mud play! That's memory making -and if you have some good boots - why not? We have that turtle show in our Netflix cue too. Well have to watch it for sure.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your menus.
ReplyDeleteI was going to post mine but it seemed more trouble than I was willing to do...What a great job you do schooling your kids. Great photos of playing in the mud!!
Looks like you have SPRING!
ReplyDeleteWill have to try ChessKids and the Turtle movie looks good too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou turned the messy mud into a great photo opportunity! 8-)
ReplyDeletelove love that mud! thanks for linking up with Kids in the Kitchen - family friendly recipes!
ReplyDeleteWow, that turtle movie looks so cool! And love the bento boxes! Visiting from Kids in the Kitchen!
ReplyDeleteI wish I was more creative with this whole cute lunch movement. Very nice! :)
ReplyDeleteLove that mud :-D We even had some up here, not cool. Especially since we know there's more coming in the Spring!
ReplyDeleteUgh...that mud!!! I don't love mud season.
ReplyDeleteOh, that mud is amazing! And you are too--3 weeks of meal plans!!! How did I miss that! I'm so inspired! And Yay for Balsam Fir reading! Btw, I love that book! ;) Thanks for linking up at Teach Me Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun making your own Bento meal! Cute idea. Love all the icky sticky mud - must be lots of washing going on! Thanks for sharing on Happy lil ❤'s are baking x
ReplyDeleteWhat a great week! Thank you so much for linking up to Whatcha Making Wednesdays!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with Brag Time Thursday! Looks like you guys had a lot of fun this week!
ReplyDelete