Dec. 10-14: Self

Monday

Clean day.  We were slow getting started, but we still got quite a bit done.

Tuesday

Today the kids did a great job doing all the things we needed to do.  Hardly any grumbling!  We started out by reading "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", so we were off to a great start.  Annabelle is loving the story, and seems to be fully comprehending.  She keeps asking for "just one more chapter", and I have a hard time saying no.  

The kids did their workbook pages, a couple math quizzes, read a couple readers out loud, worked on their blog (typing practice), and wrote in their journals.

Wednesday

Today was a little busy.  We went on a tour of Navigator Pointe Academy, a local charter school.  I was fairly impressed with it.  It would be very different, but I think it'd be good.  We've been put in the "lottery" to see if we get in, but we won't know until February or March.  

After that we dropped Steve off at work, and then came home and just relaxed for a while.  (I had slept horrible the night before...probably only about 3-4 hours of sleep).  The kids did do their workbook pages independently.  We then went and dropped off Evan's birthday invitations.  He's really excited about it.  We're doing it this Saturday, and it's a pirate party!

Thursday

We began reading "The Horse and His Boy" by C.S. Lewis today.  Reading time is always my favorite!  We are getting into a rut with everything else I feel.  We're doing all the same things: the workbook pages, IXL quizzes, etc. but I'm feeling I need to be more creative and switch things up a bit.  I have been really lacking in time to prepare and mental energy lately.  I always love the holidays, but they really take a toll on me.  So many things to plan and prepare for.  Sorry for complaining!

We did a fun page "All About Me", for the kids to describe themselves and what they want to be when they grow up.  It was really fun.  I've also been hard at work collecting and organizing the kid's pictures of their life to make into a scrapbook.  I was hoping we could start working on it this week, but I don't think we'll quite get to it yet.

Friday

We read again today, and the kids had some art time.  They are so creative!  I was having them cut out pictures out of magazines that describe themselves, and then coloring pictures.  They were so proud of their pictures that we decided to scan them in and put them in their blogs.  You'll have to go see them.  They thought it was pretty cool to see a picture they drew on the computer for family and friends to see.  

The kids finished their workbook packets and then we cleaned the house to get ready for Evan's birthday party.  Which was a blast.  Crazy, but a blast.  He had such a good time!  I'll post pictures in our family blog.

Dec. 2-6th: Bugs

Monday

The kids cleaned their rooms really well today!  They also had a good time playing with blocks and games. 

Tuesday

Today was a really good day!  I decided to make a checklist of all the things I expect the kids to do each day:
Read out loud
Writing practice
2 pgs. worksheets
Typing

I was afraid the kids would groan, but the really enjoyed checking things off the list.  First I read out loud to them.  We finished "The Magician's Nephew" by C.S. Lewis.  They really enjoyed the story, and sat still long enough for me to read two chapters.  I can tell there is a little confusion about the story with Evan, but Annabelle is grasping it very well.  She recalls things that I didn't notice (probably when my mind was wandering off).

Next I had the kids pick out a book they want to read to me and Katelyn.  Annabelle didn't want to stop at one book.  She ended up reading about five.  I'm praising her for each page she reads and I could tell her confidence is growing.

I LOVE HOME SCHOOL!  (today :)

They did their worksheets...with very little grumbling.

The kids chose their writing practice for today.  Evan decided to make a mini Book of Mormon, and Annabelle made an I Love You book for Daddy.  I just sat there and smiled.

Next I helped the kids start their own blog. You can view it under Kids' Blogs on the right side bar.  They were really excited about that, and it gave them some fun typing practice.

Annabelle did two IXL Math quizzes.

We then got all bundled up and went to play with some of Annabelle and Evan's friends in our ward.

When Daddy got home from work he took Annabelle and Evan out to dinner, and I got Katelyn to sleep; then enjoyed some much needed alone time.  Ahhhhh!

Wednesday

Today we read "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."  Annabelle keeps begging for more and more chapters.  I'm glad she's liking it!

Today the kids and I watched a documentary on insects.  It was really interesting to see all different kinds of insects and arachnids.  The kids also watched several Kratt Brothers episodes. They loved learning about "lightning bugs."

Thursday

Today we did some IXL quizzes, read, and made some Christmas ornaments out of salt dough.  The kids had a fun time playing with the leftover dough.  Katelyn discovered that salt dough is not edible.

Friday

We worked on painting our salt dough ornaments today, as well as reading "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."  Annabelle kept picking words out of the text while I was reading.  I think that reading this book is helping her get a little more motivated to read.  Annabelle also read some books to Katelyn.  She also worked on her workbook pages.

Nov. 25-29: Birds

Monday

Today Katelyn had a doctors appointment.  The kids did some worksheets while they were there.  Katelyn had to get four shots.  Poor thing.

Tuesday

We had a fun day today.  We made turkeys, and wrote what we were thankful for.

Annabelle was so funny today.  She decided to have a lemonade stand, in our house.  She made the lemonade all by herself, advertised, and kept tally marks for how many "customers" she had.  She even changed locations to see if one place would get more people to come to her.  Such a little business woman :)  And...her lemonade was great.  

Wednesday

Today we went to the free Zoo day.  It was really fun.  Every time we go to the zoo we experience different things.  This time around the bears were really active and play fighting.  Also we went to the reptile and primate building, which we didn't go to last time (somehow we missed it).  I love seeing the beautiful birds of all colors.  We really enjoyed it, and are so grateful for Kimberly for taking us there!

The kids finished their worksheet packets today.  Here we come Grandmas and Grandpas!

Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving!  There are so many things I have to be grateful for!  My life really is wonderful, and God has blessed me with a kind and loving husband, three sweet kids, supportive families, a warm home, and everything I need.  And because I have been so blessed, I desire to do things for others.  I'm excited for this Christmas season, when we can focus on blessing others.

Friday

We spent time with families today, enjoyed yummy food and relaxed.  We went over to my parents house and put up their Christmas tree.  We wanted to suprise grandma, bu she came home before we got it done.  She enjoyed dictating our every move to make sure we did things right.  Thanks mom!  We also went for a drive and enjoyed nature.

Nov. 17-22: Birds

Monday

Clean house day.  The kids enjoyed decorating their rooms.  I'm finally getting around to hanging pictures in their rooms.  My parents are up visiting this week, so we're planning on doing some fun things with them.  We also read "Chronicles of Narnia"

Tuesday

Today after the kids had finished several worksheets, we went to a pet store and enjoyed seeing all the animals.  We also went to the library and got a bunch of fiction and non-fiction books about birds.  We read a lot of them.  We read "The Twin Princes" by Tedd Arnold.  It's a great book, and requires that the kids predict outcomes.  

Wednesday

Today we read a fun story called "The Fox and the Hen" and we talked about beginning, middle and end of a story, as well as conflict and resolution.  Today we pretended we were birds and a contest to see who could "fly" the furthest.  

Thursday

Today the kids worked on IXL math quizzes, as well as their worksheets.

Friday

Today we made a paper chain leading up to Evan's Birthday and Christmas.  We also had a hop-a-thon.  Then my mom and dad took us out to eat.  We also went to a fun educational store where the kids had a great time playing with toys.

Nov. 11-16: Fish

Monday

Cleaning day!

Tuesday

Today we met with some friends at the park and had a great time.  I really enjoyed talking with the other moms too.  I love them all, they are so inspirational to me! 

We needed to run to the store to get some things.  The Smith's store manager was such a nice guy he stopped us and asked if we wanted to have some ice cream, and then sent the kids on a treasure hunt, and they won a prize.  The kids and I talked about keeping your customers happy so they keep coming back.  

Random lessons of life.    

Wednesday

Ok, getting down to business.  We read a ton of books about fish.  We also decided to start making a fishing game, with a magnet fishing pole and everything.  We cut out fish and colored them all kinds of fun colors.  We then laminated them and wrote sight words on the back.  To play the game we each took turns catching a fish and then reading the word written on the back.  Annabelle even made a sentence out of the sight words.  Pretty impressive!

The kids also worked really hard to get their language arts and math pages completed, and worked on their online math quizzes.

Thursday

We began reading "The Chronicles of Narnia" starting with "The Magician's Nephew."  It's a little above the kid's level, but they're enjoying it, and I help clarify words and meanings as needed.  I love those books, and I'm so excited to share the stories with them!  It just might take the rest of the school year to read, but that's ok.  We're in no hurry!

The kids finished their packets for the week and worked on more IXL quizzes.  They're doing awesome!

Friday

Today we had the car, and so we spent most of the day running errands.  We have to take advantage of the car while we have it.  

We've decided to enter Annabelle and Evan into the lottery for a charter school for next year.  I'm hopeful we can get them in, but I'm sure the odds are not in our favor.  

Nov. 4-8th: Reptiles

Monday

Clean house day.  It went okay; but I had a really hard time getting the kids involved.  I hate nagging them, but my chore charts have lost some effectiveness.  They did help me put away their clothes, which was great. Small victory.

Tuesday

Today we read some of our books from the library about Reptiles.  I am learning a lot too!  It's so easy to get kids excited about reading when the subject is snakes and crocodiles and such.  

After devotional we did our worksheets and math quizzes.

We were feeling shut in, so we baked some carrot cake and took it to some neighbour friends.  Instead of coming home we ventured off further to a playground and had fun there for a while.  On the way home, it was that time of day when public school is getting out.  Annabelle saw several kids that she knew from last year in kindergarten.  She asked if she could go back to school.  We went home and talked about it, and made a good pro's and con's list.  She still wants to go back.  She says she "hates homeschool."  Shucks!  Well, I'd like to think I could make it better; but I wonder if nothing I do will ever be good enough.

Wednesday

We had a good time reading again this morning.  We liked reading a Native American legend about rattlesnakes.  Then we had morning devotional.  We've been learning the LDS Articles of Faith.  Both Annabelle and Evan have the first two mostly memorized.  It's led to some good discussions.

Today is our "game day" (which I'm thinking I should do Friday...it just seems more fitting.  Our home school group isn't going to be meeting on Fridays any more.  Possibly Tuesdays.  I hope.).

We made a fun little game called, "Do you have the time?"  It's kind of like Go Fish, except you match the clock face to the digital time.

The kids then did their worksheets and math quizzes.  They're doing great!  Then they watched some "Kratt Brothers" and played some educational games online.  I think they learn more from Kratt brothers about science than anything else!

I've been doing a little thinking about starting a 4-H group or something.  I don't know yet, but I've got to do something to help combat the isolation we're feeling.

Thursday

What did we do?  It was a couple days ago.  Let me see...I know Annabelle did three math quizzes on IXL.  She was getting really excited about the money section.  She is learning the names of all the coins, and their values, even the less common ones like fifty cent pieces, and dollar coins.  It does get confusing when all the pictures on quarters are different.

Friday

Today after morning devotional we worked on our little homework packets.  I decided to tear out pages each week from their math and literacy workbooks, and those will have to be completed by the end of the week.  That will help me make sure we're keeping up on everything.  

My parents stopped in today to visit.  The kids were excited to see them.

We went to the park (it was a beautiful day), and the kids had fun playing there.  They made the cutest little "sand angels", unfortunately I didn't have my camera or phone :(

Saturday

This morning Annabelle and I worked on her homework packet.  We're working on understanding place value, such as what comes after 399.  My Math-U-See manipulatives have come in handy to understand.  She's catching on very well.

We also went to Wheeler Farm today.  It was a blast.  Everyone loved seeing all the animals...especially Katelyn.  It's so funny watching her imitate the animal sounds.  Steve and the kids even went on a tractor ride.  

Oct. 28-Nov. 1: Amphibians

Monday

Clean house day :)  It was not very productive because I was so wrapped up in making all the Halloween costumes.  I, Mindy, solemly pledge to never make a Halloween costume again.  errrr...i think :)

Tuesday

We decided to begin school a little different from now on.  Instead of trying to get the kids all dressed and ready for the day before we begin, I decided (from the advice of my friend, Kimberly), to gather the kids together just after breakfast and when they're still in jammies and want to cuddle, and read.  So at 9:00 we read for about a half an hour without the kids wiggling and hyper.  It was awesome.  We read a couple different informational books about amphibians, and what defines them.  

After that we then got dressed and had our morning devotional.  Next we colored pictures of frogs and drew pictures of the things that makes an animal an amphibian.

The kids then each did a IXL online math quiz.  I've said it before, but I love that program!  Annabelle was grumbling a little at first, but then she had the great idea to listen to music while she did her quiz.  What a good idea.  She chose to listen to orchestra music.  She's taken a liking to the violin.  I would really like to start her on violin lessons, or just music lessons in general.  Anyways, she worked on her math for a half hour straight while listening to the music.  No grumbling!

I love that home schooling allows the children to really think for themselves and find solutions to problems, instead of having everything decided for them.

Wednesday

Today we read some fiction books about frogs.  The kids loved the books and the pictures.

Kids had some little time outs for not getting dressed when asked to.  That was an exciting time. 

We had our Activity days Halloween party to get ready for today.  We painted Evan's face up to look like a lion, Annabelle all cutesied up to look like Glenda the Good Witch, and Me...Dorothy.  It was a good trial run for tomorrow.

We had our game day today.  We started out playing "bean soup" from a couple weeks ago.  It hasn't gotten old yet.  The kids still loved playing it, and I've noticed Evan becoming more comfortable with counting, and Annabelle with adding and subtracting.

The kids wanted to play some computer games, so I let them each take turns playing ABCya.  There was one game that was like tetrus, but the kids had to figure out all the ways to add up to 10.  It was a little tricky, but fun.  They played several other strategy type games.

We needed a little break, so we all went outside and just got some fresh (cold) air.  

Thursday

Halloween!  Today was really fun.  We began the day by reading from our "Oh, Yuck!  The Encyclopedia of Everything Nasty" by Joy Masoff.  It's such an awesome book.  The kids love it!  We read about mummies and all the gory details of how the ancient Egyptians embalmed.  

After devotional we played a game that I didn't get to last week.  The kids had to count up tally marks, and then place an M&M on the correct number that matches the tally mark.  Annabelle understood it very well, Evan needed a little support, but did fine as well.

Next the kids painted pumpkins with glow in the dark paint (their idea).  It should be fun.  

Then, I supervised as the kids made Halloween sugar cookies and frosting.

Friday

We'll be taking today off to recover from our sugar highs.

I ended up cleaning almost the whole house and getting rid of a ton of junk.  I should have enforced the kids to help, but I just decided to let them be kids today.  They played and had fun together all day long without a single fight!  Yeah...miraculous!

Oct. 21-25: Mammals

Monday

This morning for devotional we read a story called "Please" by Alicia Aspinwall; out of "The Book of Virtues." It's a really cute story and the kids loved it.  

Today was our cleaning day.  I am so loving this arrangement.  It's nice to be able to focus on teaching and encouraging the kids to clean up after themselves.  The kids helped me move our bookshelf into the living room, along with many books.  

We rediscovered our growth chart on the side of our bookshelf.  So of course we had to measure ourselves, along with several teddy bears.

I'm thinking about knocking a wall out and building a bookshelf in the wall.  That should be a fun project for us!

We also pulled the oven out and cleaned and scrubbed behind it.  It needed it!  

We took a break after lunch and went out back to play baseball.  I taught the kids the rules and we played and had a great time.  I had to alter it slightly because there was just the three of us, but it was great hand-eye coordination practice for them. They are so fun. 

Tuesday

We began our day with a poem from our Book of Virtues.  It was kind of wierd.  I should have read it before I told it to the kids.  It was about a girl who always slammed the door, and one day because she slammed the door so hard a statue fell on her and killed her.  Ok.  Moving on...

We began our unit on Bats today.  Bats are the only mammal that can fly.  I found some cute little activities for the kids to do here. 

We started out reading an informational book we got from the library about bats, and watching a couple short movie clips.  Then we read and colored these cute books.  

Annabelle read the book very well with a little support.

The kids wanted to pretend to be bats so we went out back and they hung upside down.  We got side tracked and began harvesting carrots from our garden.  We had some huge ones!

The kids dug in the dirt until lunchtime.  After lunch we worked on our IXL quizzes.  The kids are doing so well.  Evan is practicing counting to 10, and Annabelle is practicing counting to 100.

Annabelle began a first grade beginning of the year pretest for math I wanted her to work on.    

We discussed ideas for a bookshelf I want to build in my living room.  I also asked if the kids would rather we begin construction on the bookshelf, or save up for a car.  They chose start construction on book shelf.  That really surprised me.  You know, I think I agree.  After going three years without a car, I'm getting used to it.  And...I've noticed that I can be perfectly content and happy being home.  We focus more on what we can do to improve our home, our relationships, and our education.  I just need to have the right perspective, instead of feeling trapped.  Life is good!  And I'm learning that when I'm grateful for what I have and where I am right now, I realize that I have all I need.  

It is always good to get out of the house though!  A friend of Annabelle's is taking a dance class and I'm going to try and get her in it, so she'll have a ride.  I hope it works out!  She is one active little girlie, and I think she'd love dance.

Wednesday

We checked on our crystal garden today.  Wow...it's out of control.  We decided to throw it away because it was just making a mess everywhere.  It was a cool experiment though!

These are our milk jug monsters we made with our co-op last Friday.  They turned out so cute!

And...my girls just being cute together.  I love these moments!

So, Wednesday has evolved into "game day," where we've committed to just have fun playing educational games.  This one here I got from teachersPayteachers.  The cards the kids draw are different pictures and the kids have to identify how many syllables the word is, and that is how many spaces they can move.

 We tried to play twister.  Ha!

This was a fun activity we did, where we'd spin the wheel and add different prefixes to the suffix -at, to make different words.

Thursday

Today we hit hard on getting some of our workbook sheets done.  There were some on patterns, word combinations, 

Friday

Today we had our group co-op at the Bowler farm.  We were a little late because we had lunch with daddy, but we still got to play with the pigs and goats; chase the cattle, see the greenhouses, and jump on their trampoline.  The kids had a great time.  We even got to try some raw milk.  It was very different, and awesome.  I was fascinating learning about it.  They have a little store, Utah Natural Meat, a really nice place.  I'm planning on making a trip back there soon.  

Saturday

We've realized that every day is a school day when you home school.  Today we took a field trip to Hogle Zoo.  It was fabulous and there was a lot of classifying being done by the kids as to which animals were mammals and which were not.