Make it Monday: Moon Phases Cookies

I found the original idea for this on Bloglovin.  I thought these were so super cute and easy.  I didn't want to use her image, though, so I found a Youtube video. Check out the one on Bloglovin too, and see how she did it.  It is different than the video.   My daughter does not like chocolate, so if we do this they will look a little different, lol.  Make it Monday!

Friday is the last day of our first quarter.  That went fast.  Yes, I say that every year. 

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Whimsy on Wednesday: DIY Thanksgiving Crafts for Kid's Table

We don't have enough family here to worry about a kid's table.  But, when I was a kid there was and some of these would have been super fun at the kid's table when I was a kid.

Caitlin is studying for a big Oceanography test, which she will take right before Thanksgiving break.  I am adding Language Arts on EP Highschool to our Quil, and editing assignments.  I am really pushing Language Arts with her this year.  Her least favorite, and by far the class that needs the most work.  Our first quarter also ends when Thanksgiving break starts.

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Photography Challenge: Small Backyard Creatures

We actually get lots of creatures in our yard, and over the years we have shared some of them.  It is fun to teach Science right from your own yard.  There are so many topics if you just look, and think about it.  Especially when my kids were young, this was a very easy way to teach Science.  Now that they are older, and one is in college now, I need a more structured Science curriculum.

For this week's challenge, Caitlin and I had to find a small creature in our back yard.  I found some snails, and she found this lizard.  She actually loves lizards, they don't like her taking their picture though.  She is quite good at catching them, and even had some for pets for many years.  Now that she has a cat in her room, that won't work so well. 

Oh, and Happy Memorial Day to all the men and women currently serving in the US Military.  We appreciate you!

Photography Challenge: Sky

So, I am a little late posting these, lol.  Next week's topic is grass.  I still have not wrapped my head around how I am going to make grass look interesting, but I am up for the challenge.  Caitlin is still  not feeling this all that much.  I am hoping she will get more into it.  The night sky image is mine, and she took the daytime image.  I love to watch the clouds, and at night the moon.  There is just something mysterious about it to me. 

Field Trip to Fort Clinch and Little Talbott Island State Parks

I am so happy we bought a Florida State Park Pass. I think we have used it six times already, and this Friday we are taking another field trip to Paynes Prairie. Last Monday, all of us, even the hubby, took a trip to Amelia Island. On Amelia Island there are several different state parks, plus Fernandina Beach, a small town on Amelia Island, that I just fell in love with. Anyway, we decided we would visit two of the state parks all in one day. Why? Because some don't allow swimming, and everyone wanted to swim. In the end only Caitlin swam, lol. Fort Clinch, we visited first. Fort Clinch is a beautiful state park, with lots of trails for hiking, and biking. The canopy entering the park was just beautiful. The Fort itself, was not included in the price of the state park. It was 2 dollars per person, which is still a great deal. The museum part of the fort was small, but the 12 min video about the fort, was awesome. The fort is not handicapped accessible, at all, but you could just stay on the lower levels and be fine if you needed to. I didn't post all the pics, because it takes too long, and I really think anyone reading this should visit this park, and get some of your own, hint hint.

Little Talbott Island State Park, has a huge beach, and it was very clean and quiet. Of course it was a Monday afternoon. The surf was rather rough, and ooh the water was cold. If it had been just a little bit hotter, all of us would have swam, but it was only 75 and just not warm enough. Except for Caitlin, lol, she swam. We walked the beach, collecting different shells, that we hadn't found before. I have some projects in mind for them, and they are currently cleaning in 50/50 solution of bleach and water. We even found large Sand Dollars, they were broken, but we have never found any before so that was exciting.  We got to take a ferry ride, back in town, and ended with dinner at Olive Garden.  All in all a beautiful day!

I still have a bunch of experiments to share, and I hope to get them uploaded soon.

The Great American Bird Count 2016

I have been using Ebird for the past week, or so, to keep track of birds visiting my feeders.  Starting this Friday, the Great American Bird Count begins.  We will be going on a field trip to a local bird watching refugee, and then entering our findings on the Ebird app.  The weather is supposed to be splendid, Friday, and I am looking forward to it.  We are having a ball identifying all the birds we have been getting to the feeders.  I put up an extra feeder last year, and the birds just come like crazy.  I love to watch them, and see all their quirky behaviors.  We have some birds that are here with us all year, and then visitors throughout the year.  If you want a fun nature activity to do with your kids, check out the Ebird website. 

Caitlin, and I bought our seeds for our Three Sisters Garden.  We are not ready to start planting yet, but by the end of March, the corn should be able to go in,

Hart Springs and Westard Ho

We have been to Hart Springs a few times. But, every time we go it is flooded so we can't swim in the springs. It is still a beautiful park with stuff to keep you busy, but swimming is the main thing to do. Yesterday, we headed out with some homeschool friends, and the water was a little high, but the springs were beautiful anyway. Just some slippery walls when getting out, because the algae grows when the water is above the wall. But other than that minor inconvenience, everyone had a ball. It rained before we got there, and right when it was time to go, so that was perfect. We will definitely visit there again, soon.

The other day, when reviewing curriculum for this year, which starts in less than a week. I discovered Caitlin really does not want to do the Middle Ages, and was looking forward to learning about the West. Grr, good thing I am flexible. Anyway, I was over looking some of the websites I saved, and they are OK, but not great. So, I got on my trusty Kindle to see what books I could find. One of them was Westward Ho. I started reading this book, 2 nights ago, and it is awesome! The activities that come with the stories are wonderful, and fairly easy. We will have a lot of fun with this book. It is available for free if you have Kindle Unlimited. You can see it here.

I think we are pretty much set for the new year. DJ is waiting for seats in his 2 virtual school classes. That is not unusual. He starts Marine Ecology group, today, and Guitar Club next week. Busy, busy, busy.

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Two Cool Websites for Science and Geography

I had never heard of either of these websites until today.  Both of them I found on a homeschool group, on Facebook, that I belong to.

The first one Mystery Science is an awesome Science website.  Normally their curriculum is $99 per year.  But, they are giving away a free year of their curriculum to the first 10,000 respondents.  I got mine, but I was like 9,047 so there are not many left.  Click here, to see if you can get one too.  As far as I can tell there is no catch, and it is completely legitimate. 

The second website, Lizard Point, I know weird name, actually offers more than Geography just click the home button.  But, I want to use it for Geography.  Tomorrow we will be trying it out, for  our Geography lesson.  We are doing China tomorrow, and Netflix has some really cool documentaries on China.  So, China may end up being more than one day so we can watch the whole season.  We will also attempt some Chinese food tomorrow, for dinner.  It never seems to taste as good at home, but we will give it a whirl. 


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Pinterest Boards for Homeschool and Education

Today, I am sharing a few of my Pinterest boards that are related to homeschool, or education.  Check them out if you want.  There is tons of info there.  It is easier to do it this way, then for me to sift through, pick and choose, and then you sift through my blog to find them all.  I love Pinterest!  It is a giant filing cabinet.

https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/eclectic-homeschooler/
https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/books-worth-reading/
https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/upcycling/
https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/artsy-fartsy/
https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/earths-kids-club/
https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/fun-things-to-do/
https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/volunteer/
https://www.pinterest.com/iaminterested/higher-education/

Annual 4H Bakeoff and Christmas Party

Last night was our annual 4H Bakeoff and Christmas Party. I think our county is the only one that does the bakeoff. The kids bake an item, or there are other categories too but most kids make a baked item. The most coveted prize is the Golden Spoon for each category. I think this is the fourth year the bakeoff has been done. DJ won a blue ribbon, and the Golden Spoon for his mint chocolate brownies, made from scratch. This is a modge podge recipe, put together by me, due to the fact I don't care for any of the ones I could find. I saved the recipe, so we could make it again. Caitlin made the kitty cake shown above.  We were somewhat unprepared to make this properly, due to a family emergency that ate up a lot of time.  She did get a blue ribbon, but still has not won a Golden Spoon.  Then the kids in the Guitar Club play Christmas songs, and then games for all the kids.  All in all a good time, and the kids love it!

Blue Springs Park in High Springs Florida

Yesterday, my kids, and some of our homeschool friends took a trip to Blue Springs Park. Blue Springs, is in Gilchrist County, and about 20 min from our home. It lies on the Santa Fe River, just up the road from Poe Springs that we visited last week. There is another Blue Springs in Levy County, but it is not nearly as beautiful as this one. There are actually three springs in this one park. Big Blue Springs, Little Blue Springs, and Naked Springs. They are all able to be swam in, but we steered clear of Lil Blue Springs. It looked icky. This is now my new favorite place to visit. Unfortunately it is not super affordable, like the state parks, but still a nice treat. We will be taking my fil here in just a few weeks. The kids just absolutely loved it. For the first hour we were the only ones there. Public school is back in session, that explains that, lol. Gilchrist County is actually home to 60 springs, some unnamed, and some only accessible by canoe or boat. It is amazing because Gilchrist County is the youngest county in FL, and the smallest. Below are some links to read up on the springs, and where they are located. I learned something new. I always wondered why most of the springs have such clear, and often blue waters. The limestone that forms them acts as a filter for the water as it comes into the spring. It is an amazing, and beautiful natural wonder to see. We decided next week we would go to Fanning Springs, for one last spring trip before we start back to homeschool lessons for the year.

http://www.floridasprings.org/

http://gilchristcounty.com/map/index.html

World Sea Turtle Day and A Sea Turtle Class

As you may have read, DJ wants to be a Marine Biologist.  Matter of fact his 4H presentation this year was on the subject of the Leatherback Sea Turtle.  So yesterday, which was World Sea Turtle Day, we went to a Sea Turtle class, at the local library.  The Sea Turtle Conservancy, located in Gainesville, FL put on the class.  It was a very interesting class, and I learned quite a bit.  DJ said he did not learn anything new, lol.  The gentleman giving the class was more than happy to answer our millions of questions.  Most importantly I wanted to know if the turtle numbers had improved since they began in the 1950's.  He said yes, and that Loggerhead Turtles were close to be being removed from the Endangered Species list.  Something like 20 years from now, not tomorrow or anything, but still they are making progress.  Some of the things I took away from it were:

1-  If you see garbage, plastic bags or helium balloons on the beach pick them up and throw them away.  Sea Turtles, and other marine life will eat these and die.  They do gently encourage people to not even use these products, but they realize this is not an easy task.

2-  If you are lucky enough to see sea turtles making their nests on the beach don't bother them.  They can actually get spooked and leave the nest without finishing.  Don't flash a camera right in their face.  Don't be loud.  They do offer a turtle walk in Melbourne, FL where you can watch the sea turtles in the nesting process.  There are only a few spots left for this year.  We will definitely be signing up to do this next year.  What a wonderful experience. 

3-  Use LED lights if you own a hotel or business on one of the beaches that the sea turtles nest on. 

To read more about sea turtles and how you can help, visit their website.  They have some neat events coming up soon.  Watch for the Tour De Turtles, check it out on their website. 

The Talented Cookie Company and Train Museum in High Springs

I love the little town of High Springs. We don't get there a ton of times, but that might have to change. Today, we visited the new Train Museum, with the Gainesville Homeschool Cooperative. Our first real trip with this group. The museum is small, and I only shared some of the images, because I don't have permission to add other kids to my blog, but it was a nice experience. They had tons of history, and told us that they will be opening up services to ride the trains again. How nice is that? They had a 1924 Fire Engine, you know the crank em to start em kind, that was neat, complete with the hand crank for the alarm as well. It was just a nice little place to visit. I won't give too much away, but I recommend it. It will only take about an hour or so out of your day.

The first two pictures, is where the group met, at the High Springs Sink Hole. It has been turned into quite a lovely little park with gazebo. My kids, and their friends, loved it.

The last picture is DJ drinking his hot chocolate at the Talented Cookie Company. A great place to stop by also. It was no nice and quiet, and the food was good too. The owner told me that on Friday, and Saturdays, she does a cupcake bar. I will definitely have to check that out with Caitlin. Oh, and they have an old, and working, movie theater, I really want to check that out too.

Be sure to read below about the Davey Crockett Springs. You can not visit it, but you can see it from the road. I will be looking for it the next time we go.

Geodes, Knives and the Medieval Fair

Today, was school day at the Hoggetown Medieval Fair in Gainesville, FL. We had never been before so we decided to go since DJ has been learning about the Middle Ages. I have to admit I was a little disappointed. It was too cold to sit still on steel bleachers to watch the Joust, and most of it was just food and goods vendors. We did learn some stuff, and the kids really did have an awesome time. I was the only one to complain, lol. DJ got a knife, well sort of. He is almost 14, but legally can not carry or own such a knife as this. So, for now it is mine, and it will be released to him when he is of age. It is secured in a safe place. He is so proud of the knife he doesn't even own yet, lol. Caitlin and I both got a rock geode, which the man opened up for us, at the fair. You can see the results below. Caitlin also got a wolf necklace, she loves wolves, and DJ some small rocks. We love rocks here at our house. Next week should go back to a full and normal school week. We do have a hiking trip on Wed, but all lessons should be able to be completed. I will share pictures from that. We are going to Poe Springs and we have never been there before. Can't wait!

International Observe the Moon Night 2013

A few weeks ago, while searching for something else, I came upon the International Observe the Moon Night webpage. I was intrigued as to what it was, and checked it out. I found I could make my own event, in my own backyard, and have some fun doing it. I created it for our local Homeschool group. So, tomorrow night, October the 12 it will take place. It will be beautiful weather here in FL for such an activity, cool and clear. They have a ton of activities you can choose from to learn all about the moon, crafts and other activities. I have decided on a moon phases painting craft, moon pizzas, and of course viewing the moon. If you do not have a powerful telescope, we do not, there are a few apps to help you view the moon up close. I downloaded the constellation finder and the moon map. I wish they had made the event on the night of the full moon, but oh well it will still be a blast. I was contacted by a local reporter, about our event, and we were in an article featuring the Moon event. The kids were so excited. I hope to get some cool pictures to share on Sunday. Be sure to check the website for all their awesome educational activities. Next week, for school, we will be doing some of them for Science, just to learn more about the Moon.

Need Something Fun To Do This Weekend?

The 3rd annual Monarch Butterfly Festival is tomorrow, Sept 14th from 10-2 in Earleton, FL. If you are going from Gainesville it is straight up 26. You really can not miss it. They will be doing a butterfly tag and release, education, tours, and of course food, games, craft vendors and music. Come on out and join in the fun. It is only 5 dollars for admission.


At the bottom of this blog is my new Amazon Homeschool Store. Be sure to check it out if you need some Arts and Craft supplies or homeschool textbooks.

Some Cool Things To Do In North Central Florida

We do not have school tomorrow. Matter of fact this week is kind of a mixed up week. We will be doing school, in the afternoon, most days, due to morning activities. So, I thought I would share some of the fun things going on in North Central Florida, for you, and your kids to do.

Yesterday my mother, and I, took Caitlin to the Loomis Bros Circus, right here in Gilchrist County. This is a small circus that is over 50 yrs old, and travels all around Florida, and other states. Tickets were 12 dollars per person, and free for kids. Of course they had stuff you could buy, that was kind of expensive, but proceeds went to the local Character Council, so it was OK. They had a pretty good turnout, since it was freezing out. Today they are off to Alachua County, so be sure to catch them why they are there. Caitlin had a ball, it was her first circus. They did not allow picture taking, but my mom did get a picture of her riding the ponies. I will post it, as soon as she sends it to me.

Also, in Marion County, which is a bit of a drive for us, is Silver Springs, located in Ocala. DJ and Craig went last night for Fright Night. It runs from Oct 2nd through Oct 31st, on Fridays, and Saturdays from 8 PM-11 PM. Tickets are only 12 dollars, with two dollars off, if you bring 2 canned items, to donate to the needy. They had a good time, though DJ said it wasn't real scary. We are considering getting the year pass, so we can use the water park, and all events that they have.

The last cool thing I found in our local paper this week, is a fossil dig, right here in Gilchrist County. Unfortunately we can not do it, because you must be 15 yrs old, but hopefully someone else reading this can take advantage. It will be at the Thomas Farm, near the town of Bell. The dig will take place from October 24th- November 24th giving you plenty of time to participate. Time is 9AM-5PM, on Sat, Sun, Mon, and Tues. You must be able to give at least three hours of your day. For more info you can go to http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/vertpaleo/fall_2009.htm

Have a great Sunday, everyone.