Phonics Booklets

This post is really for my brain and to remind me of a few good things:

My plan is to lapbook each letter of the alphabet for my 5 year old son to help him learn his letters and phonic sounds:

Jamin shared these websites on her page:

http://www.kidzone.ws/kindergarten/learning-letters/books.htm

http://www.starfall.com/n/N-info/onlinebooks.htm?n=downloadcenter

Birthday Celebration

Here are some pictures of my son's cake. He had a party but because there are other children and I don't have permission to posts their pics on here, so I decided to stick with my son and his cake.

I love Wal-Mart birthday cakes! They have such a variety to choose from and the prices are reasonable. When my children attended public school, I would buy the class cupcakes- 24 for $10 and they would come with little rings with the character of my choice on them. The children loved them and I loved the price!

Back to my sons cake. This year, he requested a Spongebob Cake. Well, the main reason I love Walmart cakes is because they come with toys as part of the decor- when the cakes gone, the birthday child has something to play with!
Here are some pictures:

We have an 8 year old!

Today is my middle sons birthday and he is 8! I am so surprised at how fast times goes when you're having fun. He's one of easy going children-he got that from my side of the family . Just kidding. Prior to having him, I was diagnosed with a disease and the doctors told me I could not have anymore children. I was raised to believe in the power of prayer. God healed my body and I am perfectly whole. My first indication of God healing me was to find out I was pregnant with my son. THANK YOU, JESUS!!! Not only did I have him, but we had another son after him- I should demand a refund from that doctor!

Anyway, we both almost died the day he was born, but God in His grace and mercy spared our lives. My favorite scripture from that day on has been:
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:21-23)

Happy Birthday my Honey Bun King!!!! I love you!

A little change in the MUS Lapbook

This was suggested by my friend Chanin- to make little car shapes to write on, instead of the squares. I will still keep my square shapes for my older children. To make the cars like this, I saved the car shape to my computer,(I have the link at the bottom of this post), then I went into a program I have called Print Master (if you have Microsoft Publisher or equivalent that will do just as good) and adjusted the size-which turned out to be three per page. Following that, I printed the cars on three different card stock colors, cut out white circles to fit the top section and black ones for the tires (want the perfect size tire? I used a children's medicine cup and traced around it-lol-Hey, it worked!). After cutting and using a glue stick to hold everything in place, I covered them with lamination on both sides. The lamination is PERFECT when used with a dry erase marker -it doesn't leave any smudges or require you to wet the surface for cleaning. I made three sets so just in case some little cars get lost ( or towed away) we will still have a complete set:

Here's they are with the MUS Lapbook:

Here they are on the "street":
If you like the cars, here is the link to the pattern:
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/local/massri/images/Car-Outline_9.jpg
If you like the idea of cars, but not necessarily this one, Google "car outlines" and then click on images and you will have plenty to choose from.

Decimal Street-Lapbook Style

I have a updated version due to my photos being deleted because the host of my original blog has shut down- you can find it here:  2013 Decimal Street Lapbook Style

I had an idea that had been floating around in my head for about 2-3 years now and I never got around to doing it until NOW!!! For our Math Curriculum we use Math-U-See. I love it and my kids love it! It was a God-send! Below, is the story of how I learned about this wonderful curriculum. If you want to skip it, scroll down to the third paragraph.

Naw, on second thought don't scroll down, read the whole post- you'll enjoy it. lol

I had just pulled my oldest son out of school and the school-yes, the school, gave me math workbooks to help me out (that is a story for another post). We would work in workbooks everyday and cry everyday- both of us and I mean real tears. He hated math and I hated teaching it. I would mention the word and he would cry and I would join right in with him-misery loves company. We would have our cry out, then we would start the lesson to no avail. After about 6 long months of this, I prayed and fasted and told the Lord, if he wanted me to homeschool, He was going to have to do something with the math situation. I went to my first Home School Convention and yep, I was in shock. My mom came with me (of which later on she helped to get all grandparents a discount of paying only $10 to attend the convention). We were looking through the rows and rows and rows of curriculum and I thought I should look for some math manipulatives-especially blocks- I just wanted some blocks. So, on the last day, I set out to find a set. I didn't look at the name of the booths, I just looked on the tables for blocks. Well, I came across this one table that had the perfect set. I asked the price, the woman told me and I thought that was pretty high for some blocks. The woman then walked away. I looked around on the tables and there was a bunch of white books with a strip of color and they had Greek names on them-huh? What was this a sorority thing? Then, I looked to see what booth I was at and the sign said, "Math-U-See". 
I was turning to leave and this woman looked at my mother and I and asked me if I knew what this was. I told her no. Next thing I know, the woman's face lit up and she began to tell me how much MUS helped her son. She talked to me for almost 30 minutes and she began to use the blocks to show me how the curriculum worked-I found out later on her name was Kim and she had driven here from another state just to get her MUS. The most surprising part was that she was not a representative, but another mom who loved it!!! I was so totally sold, but I had spent all of money on other things and had only $50 left for my homeschool budget. I had made up in my mind, I was going to buy it for the next year. My mom (I just love her) asked me if I thought it was good and I told her I thought it was excellent- she said, "Alright, lets get everything you need so we can take it home!" She bought it all! Including both sets of blocks! Plus a few extra sets for just in case they needed to go either forward or backward a book. I went into a stupor from the shock of such a blessing while Kim, my mom and the rep got everything I would need, all I did was nod my head when asked a question. I snapped out of it after I had the bags in my hands. I hugged Kim, I hugged my mom (did I mention how much I love her?) and I went to hug the rep and thought I'd better not. lol

Well, the test was when we got home and did math with my son. I pulled out the books. We looked at each other. I put in the DVD and the child actually laughed at something Mr. Demme said-huh?
Then we pulled out the blocks and began the lesson. We did one page, then another, then another and my son looked at me and asked, when would we start math- I told him we were doing it! He was amazed and so was I! I still cry time to time at math time- but it's tears of joy for having MUS! Now, he tells me math is his favorite subject!

Alright, I said all of that to get to this...I love lapbooking, and I love MUS. I have been wanting to smoosh the two together for the longest. I kinda did when I made math mini offices for my children, but I wanted to do "Decimal Street" in a lapbook. There are instructions in the curriculum of how to make one out of a poster board, like my first one, but like any homeschool family, we school all over the house and I thought how much easier it would be in a lapbook form. Welllllll, we moved back in March. I cannot find my decimal street I made about 4 years ago. MUS also gives out a poster now when you purchase your curriculum, and it too, is in box heaven. None of my children needed it really, until this week! So, guess what? I made it into a lapbook with the help of the Lord and I am excited to share!!!

Here's Mr. Demme explaining it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdbhLkiaQuM

Here's a picture of a poster version of Decimal Street-it's similar to my poster  (I'm not for sure who did this, but if they speak up, I will give honor to whom honor is due):

Here is the cover of the Decimal Street- Lapbook Style. I thought since you have a decimal street, what is normally on the street? CARS! My mom had just bought the boys these stickers and they were kinda sitting around, so I asked them if I could have them, they so graciously gave me permission to have them :

Here is the inside completely open & with the hundreds house unfolded:


I used the little cards for writing numbers in, like this-see them on the "street":

Here is the back, with the folder closed. I made a clear pocket out of the lamination I used to cover the lapbook with and hot glued it on there:

Now, for the test-did the kids like it and was it user friendly??? Yep! My middle son approved. Can you tell he's homeschooled?  He's wearing his pajamas to school!

Now, for test #2. I think I passed this one, too-with my younger son! They just got the pajamas and don't care to change out them.

This kid had to be funny and build the sun. I only put it there so the space wouldn't look so empty:
Alright, so as the Bible says, "Here is the conclusion of the whole matter"- here is the front: (Notice my son in the background? He is building a MUS sandwich)

Here is the middle:

Here is the back:
Wanna know how I did it? Well since I like you, I guess I'll tell you  : )

This is what you need- you probably already have it being one of the most fantastic home school mom in the whole wide world:

• Scissors


• Glue (stick is really better)


• A ruler


• Stickers from my mother- you can't have them, but you can purchase them at the $1 store for $1 :)
• File Folder- either regular size or legal size


• Primary colors card stock paper from Wally World (aka Wal-Mart-$4.00)


• Lamination from Wally World (aka Wal-Mart-$6.00)


• Glue Gun from Wally World (aka Wal-Mart-$3.00)


• Seeing my children walk away with a MUS Decimal Street Lapbook- priceless.


• Sorry, I couldn't resist that one. Can you tell I was up until 3 in the morning working on this and taking care of sick children? I'm acting really special.

Anyway, you won't use up everything, like all the paper and the lamination, but it's so nice to have for future lapbooks and various things around the house. If your on a budget- like I am, I just happen to have to buy the two, you can easily replace the paper with construction paper or regular color paper and still get the same effect.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me. God bless!

Geography Songs

I saw this on a website-which one, I can't remember, but it is good for teaching the younger ones the Continents:

(Tune to "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands")
He's got ASIA and EUROPE in His hands,
He's got AFRICA and AUSTRALIA in His hands,
He's got NORTH and SOUTH AMERICA in His hands.
He's got the whole WORLD in His hands.

He's got six huge continents in our hands.
He's got six huge continents in our hands.
He's got six huge continents in our hands.
But where is number seven?

It's at the south point of the globe -- yes, it is.
It's at the south point of the globe -- yes, it is.
It's at the south point of the globe -- yes, it is.
And it's called ANTARCTICA.

For my older ones:

Thanksgiving

We had an experiance last year that has really stuck with me. My church has been volunteering every year for the last 6 years at our local- I guess I would call it a food bank. It's where the less fortunate can call in and have a free meal delivered to their house for Thanksgiving.
My husband, my daughter and I went for the first time last year and it really did something for us. I can't explain it. I would take the calls and get the people's info. Some calls were heart breaking and some were a little comical, but all in all it taught me to appreciate what I had and for some, what I didn't have. Needless to say, I went and volunteered again this year and enjoyed it even more than last year. Again, some calls broke my heart- with one woman stating all she had in her freezer was some porkfritters and she was going to cook those and then called the number to order food for her and her family and she was so thankful to be able to get a plate of food for each family member! I was thankful for her and happy. then I had the comical one of asking for some ribs-huh? I had tl let him know, we didn't have ribs, but he ordered a plate anyway-bless his heart. This year, my husband worked in the kitchen and my two older children worked in the room with me, taking the orders and putting them with correct zip code so the food could be delivered. Next year, we plan to take the whole family. This is our new family Thanksgiving Tradition- going to help others. There is nothing like the feeling of fulfillment when you have helped others.
We recently had a lesson in Weaver dealing with serving. I knew this would go hand in hand with the lesson so I was able to skip the chapter and let my children learn their "lesson" on Thanksgiving. It was well learned- they told me how much they enjoyed themselves and wanted to return next year. I thought of this scripture and pray I have passed this on to my babies:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
(Matthew 25:35-40)
Here are a few pics:
Here's one my daughter attempted to take of me taking phone orders, but was so excited the camera shook! Hey, now you EXACTLY what I look likes : )

Alright- here's a better one:

My children writing out the phone orders to go to the delivery people

My husband on the left and brother from church helping out in the kitchen-love the head coverings!:

Fed Ex Trucks leaving to deliver the food that was requested:

Too Funny- make one yourself

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Marshmallow Atom

Yesterday, we studied the basics of atoms. I didn't think the younger kids would understand, but after building our Marshmallow atom, they got the concept and a full stomach of marshmallows (as did my husband). This was pretty neat. Here's a picture:

Atmosphere Balloons

I L-O-V-E balloons! I have been a professional balloon decorator for about ten years now. It's like my side job- I don't consider it a job, because I enjoy it so much. Here's a picture of one place I decorated:

Anyway, today I was getting things ready for school and was reading my lesson plans and saw that we would be studying the atmosphere of earth. Not bad for my 8th and 6th graders, but the though of trying to explain this to my 2nd grader and kindergartner, just was not really striking me as, well, fun. I prayed and the Lord brought this to my remembrance. There is a balloon decorating trade-secret called the "Gum Ball". It's pretty cool. All it is, is a balloon inside of another balloon.  Every time I do one, people ask me how I did it.
I say this out of love and habit:

Before doing this, please watch your little people around balloons, especially if the balloon pops

Here's the scoop:

• I got two balloons- one clear and one blue


• I folded the blue balloon length wise and stuffed it into the clear balloon- OR you can use the eraser side of a pencil, insert it into the blue balloon, then into the clear balloon, whatever you you do, just get it inside! just make sure you leave the tails of the balloon even, it would be even better if you the blue tail partially out.


• I didn't feel like going into the cold garage to use helium, my hand pump was not handy, so I used what I had-my air from my mouth! I Pushed the blue tail over and only blew up the clear balloon- half way only.


• Pinched the tails


• Next, I blew up the clear balloon. The blue balloon will stop the air from the clear balloon from coming out. Be careful, because the clear one will continue to expand with the blue one.


• For the younger children, I tied off the blue one, and pushed it through the clear tail so, it was kinda bouncing around inside.


• For my older children, I tied off the blue tail and left the it out so, they could label their balloons with the different atmosphere levels.


• To make a stand, I cut a piece of paper lengthwise and taped it in the shape of a circle.


• Here is a video, so you can kinda see what I did:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN5tq-wrCWs
Now here are some pics:
My middle son with his Atmosphere Balloon

My youngest son with his Atmosphere Balloon

Oldest son's labeled:



Atmosphere Balloon on paper stand:

Kinder Eggs

I love Kinder Eggs! They are only available outside the US due to the small parts and cannot be sold in the US. My mom went to Germany and was able to bring my children back quite a few. Here's  the kids with them: How to eat a Kinder Egg-
First, you remove the wrapper from the chocolate and break the egg in half:
Inside the outside of the eg is brown chocolate and inside of the egg and white chocolate: (make sure you look a dreamy eyed like my son here)


Inside, you will find the "yolk" which is really a plastic yellow case, open it and there is a toy inside!

Something Pretty Neat

I am still excited about Mr. Obama winning the election. Thank you to the ones who left such sweet comments-God bless you for your understanding spirit. My mom was in Israel with a group from our church on election day. While she was traveling she picked up some newspapers for me, and my family. It was more of a blessing to me because on her way back, I wouldn't be able to talk to her until she got to Chicago and I really, really wanted some newpapers from Israel and Germany about such a historic day here in the US. So, I did only what I could- I prayed and asked the Lord to tell her to purchase me some. Well, she called me from Chicago and I told her. The Lord answered my prayer and she bought me about 10 Newspapers!!!!! Here are pictures of a few:
These are from Israel: 




This last one is from Germany:

Proud Moment-11:04 PM

"Crispus Attucks fell so that Rosa Parks could sit, Rosa Parks sat so that Dr. Martin Luther King could march, Dr. Martin Luther King marched so that Barack Obama could run, and Barack Obama is running so that our children and grandchildren can fly." I wish my ancestors could see this day- but because they can't I am going to rejoice for them. Please beware- this video will break your heart:

I'm really late on this post

I have been meaning to post these pics, but for some reason, I forgot. My mom and I teach the New Members Sunday School Class. We teach a course that goes through the entire Bible in a year. Well, we got to the Tabernacle and it was laid on my heart to make our own. I told my mom and we went to work on it. The presentation for Sunday School was great! God blessed! Well, then my pastor asked us to present in Bible Class that following Tuesday. My dad dressed up as the High Priest and once again, God blessed!
We put a fog machine under the Ark of the Covenant so when the we got to that part of the lesson, we turned it on and had the "Shekinah Glory"  while the church members walked through it. Here are some pictures:

Western Fun

We have FINALLY finished this chapter of our studies. It seems like every time I thought we were finished with it, something else would pop up and we would go right back into it! Did I mind? Yes and no. The grand finale was more than what I expected. God is so faithful and good!
We were studying a chapter on early American History and the first 15 US presidents. I was blessed to already have everything I needed. I thought that was enough, until I began to read some more and realized I really wanted the children to learn about The Oregon Trail and the Santa Fe Trail-two things I never learned about in school. (I am a army brat and by the time we were ready to cover the topic, we moved and when I got to the new school, they had just finished it). A friend of ours from church loaned us the game Oregon Trail- too much fun! I would advise it for older children who like computer games. Amazingly, I was able to make it to Oregon City the second time I played. The first time, I died from scurvy and starvation because I didn't hunt and pick berries properly. I couldn't hunt because I didn't buy enough ammunition at the last trading post we passed. So sad. The other wagon trainers buried me so nicely and then I got the big, "GAME OVER" Geez, they could have broke it to me gently. lol (BTW, Thanks Brianna)
Anyway, I wanted the children to make covered wagons- once again, because I never did. They turned out better than I expected. We just some shoe boxes and hot glued the paper across the opening and added a few pipe cleaners to give the paper some stability. The children made items that would be needed in a real trip west. It was fun! Oh and we made weels from the lids of the shoe boxes.
We learned about the California Gold Rush. Then, I wished there was a way to have my children to pan for gold so they could really understand the books we were reading from that time period. Little did I know my prayer would soon be answered.
While looking at a website of our local Indian and Western museum for someone else, I stumbled across an offer they had to get a membership free! Not only that, but within the week they were having something called a West Fest. So, I got the info and we went. It was waaaaayyyyyy more than I expected! It solidified everything we had been learning in this chapter of Weaver- my children even got to pan for gold!!! I had fun, my children had fun!!!! Of course I took pictures and I even got a little video or two.
First are the pics, second is a video of a guy who was really funny and loved yodeling, and the third is a video of a woman doing rope tricks and such. Enjoy- we did!

The Yoddler (sp?)

Once Again...

Please be patient while I give my blog an extreme make-over : )

NEVER FORGET!

Unexpected Blessing

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
(Matthew 21:22)
Well, God is good! I have had a busy and wonderful month! I had a desire for my children to have a wooden play set for years now. When we lived in our first house and only had two or three children, we were blessed with a metal play set. The kids loved it! Then we moved, and the took it with us, but it soon rusted and was basically thrown away. We were with my parents for 4 years and they had a play set for the children in their backyard. It was nice and the children were content. Then, God blessed us with this house. We were happy and knew we wanted yet another one- but wooden. They can get expensive, so we decided to get settled in the house first, then conscentrate on buying a good, sturdy playset. Well, my mom calls me one day and tells me she is coming over. At first I didn't think too much about it, then it dawned on me that she would have to drive pretty far to get to my house, so something must be going on. Finally, she told me- she was bringing over the children's New Wooden Playset! I was so surprised and happy! She had been talking about one she saw and really wanted the kids to have and God blessed her financially, so she went and bought it!!!! God is so good. We were happy just to be in our own house, but now to have something for the kids to play on in the backyard was more than I expected. Here are some pictures- Thank You, MOM!!!