Swimming Fun!

I really hate it when there is a holiday on a Monday, now I feel like I don't know what day it is. But, it is Tuesday, and on Tuesdays we have our playdates. Since it is already scorching hot here in sunny Florida, playdates mean swim dates. Over the weekend my husband, the kids, and even Lucky enjoyed the nice cool pool. Biscuit is 80 pounds so she only gets in once in a while, though she does love it. It is too hard to get her safely in and out of the pool, to let her swim every time. Lucky only weighs like 8 pounds.

Over the weekend, DJ and I also discussed his math. He has been using Saxon 54 all year. It was given to me after we could not find a math program that really suited his wants and needs. He likes it, so I will stick with Saxon. However, I did not realize what the 54 numbers actually meant. They mean the end of fourth grade and beginning to halfway through fifth grade. Not exactly what I intended, so starting yesterday we went ahead and decided to begin Saxon 65. That way he is at the end of fifth grade and beginning to middle of sixth grade by the end of next year. It is kind of confusing, but I know I used the Saxon textbooks when I went to school and didn't have any problems on Math standardized tests. I have gotten all the books through Algebra, so we are sticking with it.

Next week is the end of our regular school year. Caitlin will continue with Head of the Class through the summer months. I want her to complete first grade, and begin second grade on time in the Fall. She has actually done double curriculum for first grade by the time she finishes, because she completed the other one already. Head of the Class is going to be her main curriculum next year for Second Grade. Because we didn't find Head of the Class until January, that is why she is finishing up First Grade over the summer.

Happy Memorial Day

Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express

Each year I have posted the Regal Summer Express movie campaign. In years past these movies were offered for free, but this year they are not free. It still will only cost you one dollar admission, on the available dates, which is close enough to free for me. There are movies at the end of June, and July plus we are having family visit from NY, and this would be an affordable day event. If you would like to check out the available dates and movies for Florida, just click the link. If you live outside of Florida, just enter your state or zip code to find participating Regal cinemas in your area.

Free Easy Drawing Lessons

I forgot to post yesterday, jeesh! I do try to post everyday, but since we are nearing the end of the school year there isn't much to say. Well I always have lots to say, but sometimes it isn't worth sharing, LOL!

We continue with review, and completion of lessons. We have a lot of extra time for Art, and to discuss next years lessons. Yes, I actually discuss with my kids what they hope to learn, or would like to learn. Of course that might not be the main focus, but I try to accommodate. For example, DJ absolutely hates the writing and language arts workbooks we have been using. Not just the workbook, but any workbook on these topics. I have to admit they are rather mundane and boring. He of course has a writing blog, as a lot of you know. This has helped him blossom immensely in his writing abilities. I used to have to fight with him, now it isn't such a struggle, minus the workbook. Anyways we were talking, and for next year which will be sixth grade, he is going to write and illustrate a children's storybook. He has already started thinking about characters and themes. I found a free website that offers simple how to draw lessons, for him to use in his storybook. Now I just have to figure out how to be sure no one borrows his work once he posts it. That is a ways off, so I have time to research. I have listened to other blogs say people borrow, or steal their work all the time. I do not want this to happen. If it is real good I might have it copyrighted, of course I am getting way ahead of myself.

How do you get your kids to enjoy writing? Some kids love it, and others dread it. Do you have some helpful tips to share? I would love to hear them. BTW I have not figured out a way to avoid the boring Language Arts book. If anyone has any ideas how he can learn it without the workbook, I would love to hear that too. Maybe some of the game websites I have archived will do the trick.

Why I Homeschool!

OMG I will give you an example of what this article says, and you will see for yourself why I homeschool.

First let me say that the 9th circuit hears cases in CA and surrounding states. I don't know their complete jurisdiction, but I do know they come out with some pretty outrageous rulings. Like the one in the article where the court basically ruled that parents have no rights to say what their children learn once they enter the public school domain. Basically you lose your parental rights. What gives them the right to do that? Granted there were supposed consent forms passed out, but they were ambiguous and untruthful. To say that a public school, or any public institution, trumps the parents rights, concerns, beliefs, and just plain trust is in my opinion not just wrong but unconstitutional as well. I wonder why no one has challenged this ruling yet? Or maybe they have and I don't know it. I can understand why a public entity would want to assess for early sexual abuse, but parents should have the right to choose what kinds of questions, images and written materials their children are exposed to, especially in first grade. Do we have no rights anymore in this country? What happened to the land of the free?

Just one more less headache I have to deal with, because I homeschool. Dealing with schools that think they are your child's parent, and know what is best for them.

Website For Ereader Reviews

As you all know I homeschool my children. DJ is 10 and Caitlin is 7. We currently own a laptop and a PC. However, I know at some point in their education I am going to have to invest in an Ereader. I found a great website that does Ereader reviews. If you are anything like me, then you want to know the pros and cons of each one before you purchase. You will see the specs for each Ereader shown on the website, the price, quality, as well as pluses and minuses.

First off why do I say, "Someday I am going to need to invest in an Ereader?" Well for one thing technology is always changing, and if I want my kids to compete in this world we will have to at least attempt to keep up with it. Second, and anyone who has ever carried a textbook knows they are extremely heavy. The Ereader makes buying textbooks not only more affordable, but also light and compact. A textbook purchased on an Ereader is around 50 dollars, give or take a few dollars, where a textbook bought in regular book form is anywhere from 150 dollars and up. You can easily see how the Ereader would save money.

That brings me to the next topic. Would I actually use an Ereader for myself? My husband was going to get me a Barnes & Noble Nookcolor for Christmas last year. He said he didn't because he wasn't sure if I would use it. I must admit, I am sort of old school. I love the feel, texture and smell of a good book. I love turning the pages. So I guess I am stimulated by the feel of the book in my hands. With an Ereader you don't get the smell, or turning of the pages sensation. With that said I think I would very much enjoy an Ereader. I love the Nookcolor because it is in color, isn't too large or bulky and has other multimedia functions I would enjoy. If the kids and I shared one, then that would save on the expense of owning three. Maybe I can talk my husband into getting me one this year. What do you think? I know my kids would love to use one. They both enjoy reading, and with all the books added everyday they would never run out of reading material, both for school and leisure time reading.

Plus, and this is very important, I really do not like all these books lying around my house. I usually end up donating them or giving them away. An Ereader would save me a lot of time and space of dealing with all these textbooks and reading books.

Myereaderreviews.com provides you with all the different Ereaders available, their features, as well as the bonus and pitfalls of each one. To help you make a sound and wise purchase, check out the website before you purchase. Then you will be happy with your new Ereader and enjoy it for years to come.

How Asphalt Is Made

Today DJ has a Science lesson on how roads are paved. The video below explains how asphalt is made. It does skip here and there, so you have to be patient. Tomorrow I will share some cute Memorial Day crafts I found, for the younger kids. Both kids continue towards finishing up the remainder of their school work and looking forward to summer break. We are also in the review process. Even though we take a summer break, Caitlin will continue with Head of the Class first grade lessons each day over the summer. Why? Because we didn't start it until January and I would like her to complete first grade so I can use the second grade as her main lessons next year. DJ is no longer doing it, because it was too much with all his other lessons included. I probably will not use the sixth grade for him, even if they release it before next year starts, because I already have his curriculum set out. DJ will also take the summer to do a math lesson each day, to complete the Saxon 54 book and begin Saxon 65 in the Fall. He may have a couple more ancient times lessons to complete as well, but not many. He will begin Medieval Times in the Fall. We only have like ten more days left in the school year, and everyone is ready for a break.

Learning To Draw Lips and Mouths

OK sometimes art class gets pushed to the back burner, when other things like math, reading, and writing need attention. My kids love art and so this week we are going to try and focus some on drawing and art. A while back I stated DJ had an interest in drawing portraits. In my archives is a video showing how to draw eyes. Now we come to the lips and mouth, and next week I will post how to do a nose and so on from there.

We usually do movie day on Fridays, towards the end of the school year. Due to other things this past Friday, movie day will be tomorrow. It was Caitlin's turn to pick and she picked, The Fox and the Hound 2.

DJ has completed all his writing assignments for the year, but he has decided to do a poem on his family, tomorrow. That should be interesting! Be sure to check his blog to read it. DJ will also have to do a math assignment and either Science or History tomorrow.

Caitlin will be doing Head of the Class and other assignments I throw her way.

Brainworks Summer Camp Program

This camp emphasizes the importance of keeping the mind sharp and will include brain games, cognitive training, computer time, brain balancing movements and creative activities all packed into two hours each day. Regular brain and aufitory training will continue throughout the summer and school year for attention, memory, thinking speed, academic achievement, language, auditory and sensory processing, visual perception and coordination / balance.

Camp Schedule:June 13th - June 17th
Ages: Kindergarten - 2nd grade: 8:30AM - 10:30AM
Ages: 3rd - 5th grade: 10:30AM - 12:30PM
Cost: Please call for rates.

2445 SW 76th Street, Gainesville, FL 32607 / (352) 332-2420

info@listenez.com
www.listenez.com

I Am Not A Negative Person, But

Some of you may remember reading the kids were entering the Doodle 4 Google contest. Now it was our first year and not only did we not know what to expect, we didn't expect to win or be placed either. The regional and state winners were posted. No surprise we didn't make it. I think the kids were bummed, but it gives us some insight of what to expect next year. For example we made our doodles simple thinking it would look more like a child did it, without extravagance. Um no, this does not work. We will remember that next year. The other thing I noticed was either there are some really gifted artists under the age of 10 or someone was helping. I have never seen art pieces by children so young, so perfect and extravagant. Just my opinion but my observation as well. No we are not sore losers, all things in life are a learning experience and so we shall learn from this one as well. Congrats to all the winners, and if I am not mistake one of the regional finalists was a homeschooler who has actually won that three years in a row. Wow! Congrats to them all they were amazing!

Wanna See A Big Gross Spider?

This is a Wolf Spider. It was in between the opened and closed window in our living room this morning. Last week we killed and took pictures of a Red Widow spider. Bleh! These will now be inventory for our 4H project next school year. Before this thing was doused with bug spray it probably measured close to ten inches from top to bottom. It has extremely long legs and huge fangs. Though Wolf Spiders are not venomous, getting bit by those huge fangs is very painful. I think it is time for my husband to do the yearly spray around the house.

On another note, and something most of my readers probably do not know about me, is that I was once a second degree brown belt in Kenpo Karate. It was 20 years ago, but I do remember quite a bit of what I had learned in my years doing it. DJ wants to learn how to do it too. I began teaching him yesterday. At first we are just focusing on respect of yourself, others, meditation, relaxation, keeping your body fit and the fact that Karate is not meant for fighting but for defending yourself. I can not teach him the Katias, because I do not remember them. Katias are like dances for Karate with very specific hand and feet motions. I did find some videos that teach them, so if he sticks with it, he can learn them that way.

Which brings me to my last point. I have met my second weight loss goal of twenty pounds. I lost 10 pounds last year, and was able to keep it off, so set a goal for another twenty this year. It is only May and have done so already so I am optimistic I can take off more. While this seems like slow progress to most people, it suits me fine since I can keep it off better this way. Most of my excess weight came after Caitlin was born. Anyone who has a child knows how easy it is to carry around 30-40 extra pounds after childbirth. I really am not focused on the number of pounds shed but would like to be more physically fit like I used to be, the weight is just an added bonus. It doesn't help that I am going to be 42 this year, and my energy levels are not quite what they used to be either. I am still considered rather hyper so that works to my advantage.

Have you got extra baby weight that is sticking around? What are you doing to get it off, or does it not bother you? Do you like spiders? I can ship you some of mine.

Why I Homeschool

They are the reason I homeschool. I can't think of any better reason. Short and sweet this week, LOL.

To see why Miss Moe homeschools, click the link.

Sick Day!

The kids and I are not sick, thank goodness. My husband however has to be on the antibiotic the doctor gave him yesterday, for at least 24 hours before returning to work. That means he is home today, which means it is too distracting to do a full day of school. I will try to squeeze in something educational in the form of a video, or games. The kids got to sleep in today as well. Actually everyone did except me and the dogs. That figures! They were grumpy from staying up way too late over the weekend having fun time with dad, while I was at work. They needed the extra rest. Have a great Tuesday, everyone.

Julius Caesar

DJ is finishing up his Story of the World Ancient Times, and he is up to the chapters on Julius Ceasar. There are like four chapters on just him alone. Use the videos below in conjunction with your written materials.

I worked extra over the weekend, night shift, so I feel like I had three days of nothing accomplished at home. My husband did not feel well over the weekend but the doctor's office was closed, of course. He did go to work today but called me to say he was going to see the doctor, that he was in a lot of pain. So now I wait to hear back from him, with what the doctor says.

Lesson Plans For 05/16/11:

DJ:
Writing: Blog post on food allergens
Math: Saxon 54
Science: Energy
History: Ancient Times chapter 36

Caitlin:
Head of the Class: Two cycles
Calendar work, clock work, sight words, skip counting
Reading: Happy and Max
Math: Fractions, patterns, addition
Language Arts: Spell short i, letter P
Sight Words: Word search, sentence fill ins

O2B Kids Summer Camp 2011

Camp O2B 2011

At Camp O2B, kids enjoy a summer of fabulous experiences, friendships, learning, and best of all FUN! FUN-tastic trained Camp O2B Counselors! Daily Specialty Classes include... Gymnastics, Karate, Dance, Computers, Science, Art, Sports, Theater, Music, & more! FUN-believable local Field Trips include... Swimming, Parks, Skating, Bowling, Movies, Rock Climbing, Zoo, Springs, & More! 6 Camps to choose from! Check website for details.


Camp Schedule: Weekly sessions all summer
9:00AM - 6:00PM
Early drop off and late pick up options available
Ages: Kindergarten - 7th
Cost: Members: $145/week for members
Non-members: $160/week

Supercenter & Midtown Locations:
6680 West Newberry Road, Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 332-5500
1555 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville , FL 32605
(352) 374-2202

Click here for more information

Blogger Down

Blogger was down for over a day. I am sure you noticed. At first my post was gone. Not it is back but the comments are missing from several posts. So I guess for now I am just posting this until I think it might be fixed. Maybe it will never go back to the way it was. I am unsure.

DJ will be doing his food allergen writing assignment on Monday, because he couldn't get on his blog on Friday.

Atoms and Cells

DJ is beginning to learn about atoms and cells, basically chemistry and biology. Since this is really new to him, I thought the videos would help explain it a little better than just reading about it.

Why I Homeschool

Welcome to my weekly meme, sponsored by Miss Moe. Each Wednesday I get to share some of the reasons either why I chose to homeschool, or why I continue to choose to homeschool. If you homeschool your children and would like to join, please feel free to do so.

Why I homeschool. For me, I solely believe in the separation of church and state. I won't go into great detail as to why, because that is not the purpose of this post. While I do agree in separation of church and state, I also appreciate the fact that I can teach my children religion, or religious views in any way I see fit, in my homeschool endeavors. While I do not buy religious curriculum, I like the freedom of being able to pray, talk about religion, and all other religious or non-religious activities during our homeschool times. No one can tell me what I can or can not teach. I love it!

Food Allergies

I actually have a mish mosh of info to share today. I have been a member of Mom Blogger's Club for sometime now, and for some reason I can no longer log in. I know what my password is, and have even requested a new one, but I am not getting anywhere. So those of you who I normally visit from there, I will catch up with you when I figure out what is wrong with it.

Ms Anne contacted me and asked me if I would sign a petition, and get the word out, for Girl Scouts to include an allergen free cookie to their list of delicious cookies. If you have ever had to deal with a food allergy of any kind you know how difficult this can be, especially for children. Ms Anne's daughter sells Girl Scout cookies and of course would love to have an option for herself to enjoy. It will only take a minute of your time to sign the petition. Please visit the link and join the cause.

Today is a swim playdate, so I must be going to finish household chores. I hope everyone has a splendid day.

Mondays Bleh!!!!

Happy Mothers Day and Happy Birthday

Seven years ago today, my second baby was born. I can not believe she is seven already. Her actual birthday is May 9th, but it was Mother's Day the year she was born, so we always celebrate on Mother's Day. So Happy Birthday Caitlin! A special Happy Birthday to my sister Felicia, who was born today 32 years ago. It was not Mother's Day the day she was born, but it was Mother's Day the day my mom was discharged from the hospital.

See the awesome cake I made, not to toot my own horn. Cake making is harder than it looks, LOL!

Happy Mother's Day to moms everywhere. May your days be filled with love and happiness.

4H Summer Enrichment Programs Very Affordable

4-H Summer Enrichment Camps 2011

These fun activity filled camps offer something for youth of all ages in a variety of interesting subjects.

All About Animals Opportunity for children to learn about animal science and environmental education in a unique way! The camp is divided into three parts: Farm animals, Florida animals, and animals from around the world. Snacks provided. Participants must bring a bagged lunch.
Camp Schedule:June 8th - June 10th / 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Ages: 6-8
Cost: $30

Mini Sofa Doorstop Craft Come make a covered-brick doorstop that looks like a miniature sofa. Some hand sewing, some machine sewing and some glue-gunning required. This craft is suitable for an exhibit in the Youth Fair. Snacks provided, please bring a lunch. Camp Schedule:June 13th / 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Ages: 8-18
Cost: $10

Shooting Sports Learn proper gun safety, handling, and skeet shooting in a supervised environment. Both beginners and advanced shooters are welcome. Shotguns provided.
Camp Schedule:June 13th - 17th
Ages: 12-18
Cost: $95 or $143 for advanced

Sewing Series of sewing classes to learn how to quilt. Participants will make a lap size quilt from their own fabric choices. 1st day will be spent planning the quilt and shopping for fabric. A parent will need to be in attendance to transport youth to fabric store and purchase needed supplies. 2nd day will teach how to cut out and start to sew quilt top. 3rd day will be finishing up quilt top and 4th day will be quilting and finishing their quilt. Participants will need to have access to a sewing machine they can use at home to finish any sections they don’t finish in class. Lunch and snacks provided.
Camp Schedule:June 14th, 20th, 27th, & July 11th / 9:00AM - 2:00PM
Ages: 8-18
Cost: $35 + supplies

City Slickers This tour will give youth an opportunity to see Alachua County Agriculture. Youth will tour beef cattle operations, horse farms, nurseries and greenhouses, vegetable farms, packing sheds and more. Alachua County has about 200,000 acres in Agricultural production, so come with us and see what all is grown here. Snacks will be provided.
Camp Schedule:June 20th - June 22nd / 8:30AM - 12:30PM
Ages: 10-15
Cost: $15

SewFun Repurposing Learn basic sewing techniques and make some fun repurposed projects. Participants should bring two old t-shirts to turn into a back-pack and a pillow, an old pillow case to turn into an apron, and an old pair of jeans to turn into several repurposed projects. Snacks provided. Participants must bring a bagged lunch.
Camp Schedule:June 21st / 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Ages: 8-18
Cost: $25

Summer Gardening – Come learn gardening techniques. Veggies, flowers, and more! Learn about gardening with fun activities and crafts.
Camp Schedule:June 28th – July 1st / 9:00AM - 12:30PM
Ages: grades 3 and 4
Cost: $25

Crafty Kids Our annual round robin of summer crafts. Kids will take home 20-25 projects completed that day. Lunch and snacks provided.
Camp Schedule:July 5th / 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Ages: 5–18
Cost: $25

Jewelry For serious jewelry interest only – These techniques take time and patience. Learn how to use the techniques of shamballa and kumihimo. Shamballa is a macramé technique that incorporates beads being worn by some of pop culture’s big names. Kumihimo is a weaving technique that makes a braided rope of beads. Very cool, but very time consuming. Must be able to keep focus and learn a time consuming technique.
Camp Schedule:July 6th / 9:00AM - 2:00PM
Ages: 8–18
Cost: $25

The Magic of Electricity This three-day camp teaches about electricity. Youth will learn about electricity, conductivity, magnetism, and electromagnetism. At the end of the daycamp participants will be able to make a light bulb, create an electromagnet, and identify electrical materials.
Camp Schedule:July 12th - 14th / 8:30AM - 12:00PM
Ages: 10-12
Cost: $30

Skills Fit for Life Volunteers will teach youth skills they will need in life. This is a week of sewing, cooking, saving money, and applications of each. Snacks provided.
Camp Schedule:July 12th - 14th / 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Ages: 10-13
Cost: $12.50

Career Exploration This camp is for High School students still deciding what to be and whether or not college is the right decision. Your Career exploration is a long, progressive process of choosing education, training, and jobs that fit interests and skills. This camp is a week of exploring different careers and what it takes to get there. Snacks provided. Participants must bring a bagged lunch.
Camp Schedule:August 1st – 5th / 9:00AM - 2:00PM
Ages: 14-18
Cost: $15

Water Youth participants will explore the world and importance of water. There will be visits to the UF Fisheries and a ‘local watering hole.’ Come prepared for field trips and water experiments. Snacks will be provided.
Camp Schedule:August 10th – 12th / 9:00AM - 12:30PM (camp goes till 4:00 on 8/12)
Ages: 8-12
Cost: $25

Cooking Italiano Participants make a complete, healthy Italian meal and a dessert. All from scratch. Participants learn how to safety work with heat and knives. Cooking is in groups of two. Snacks provided, please bring a lunch. Camp Schedule:August 16t / 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Ages: 8-18
Cost: $15

County Extension Service:
2800 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609
To register or for more information, call (352) 955-2402

Click here for more information

Beautiful Butterfly Picture

We have a Mimosa Tree that hangs over into our yard. It gets bigger every year, and now makes an archway over the fence that is beautiful. It attracts tons of butterflies. Yesterday, DJ snapped this shot, plus a few others, of this one butterfly that particularly loves the Mimosa tree. These are the same ones we generally get each year to this tree. My mom also has a Mimosa tree, and she gets hundreds in a day. We only get one or two, but maybe someday hundreds. The Hibiscus bush we planted does not have any flowers yet to attract butterflies, or hummingbirds, soon I hope.

Today DJ is venturing into a topic, I am not sure I am ready for. Preparing for puberty, ugh! It doesn't seem possible that it is time for this already. Better for me to tell him than his buddies. Oh well I better stop putting it off.

Why I Homeschool

The picture looks gloomy right? Actually it is fog with the morning sun peeking through. DJ took this photo as part of his photography lessons. So that gets me to the point of Why I Homeschool.

I like homeschooling because my kids can focus on things they enjoy learning about, plus the basic elements of education. Of course we learn math, science, language arts, and all the rest, but we can be more detail oriented about the things they each love to learn about. I can not believe how much DJ has progressed since Sept when he did his first photography lesson. Sometimes it is time consuming, but he enjoys it, and I get all kinds of cool pictures to show off. Caitlin is just starting to blossom into what she enjoys learning about most. A lot of the stuff kids learn in public school is stuff they will never ever use, or even need to know. So why teach it? It doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

This is a weekly meme sponsored by Miss Moe, so be sure to check out her blog, to see why she homeschools.

Connections Academy

I have a lot to do this morning, so I am sharing an online virtual school option for anyone who might be considering homeschooling via virtual schools. This video did not have an embed link, so just click the link to view the demo.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7V-j1ZXwwo

Parts Of A Newspaper

We are nearing the end of our school year, and I am evaluating to be sure everything got covered. We are good, with just some loose ends to tie up. DJ still has to complete his math book, and Story of the World, for his major curriculums. We will begin review soon on all other materials covered, hopefully by next week. Today DJ has to go through all his pictures, to decide which ones to print for his 4H project book, plus he is doing a writing assignment on the very beautiful Blanket Octopus, so be sure to check out his blog. He learned about the Blanket Octopus from the movie Oceans. He has other assignments as well, but they may be done on other days, depending on time.

Caitlin is continuing with place value, Head of the Class, calendar work, time, sight words, skip counting, and phonics. Should be a busy day.

In current events Osama Bin Laden, was captured and killed. This is great closure for our country. I just worry about what will happen next.

As you can see by the video, DJ needs to learn the parts of a newspaper, a fun assignment that he can enjoy.