Ponder for 8/8/08

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
- Thomas Jefferson

If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed; If you do read the newspaper you are misinformed.
- Mark Twain

Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they’ll dump it on you.
- Anonymous

 

Home is what catches you when you fall - and we all fall.
- Anonymous

 

There are two lasting bequests we can give our children :one is roots. The other is wings.

- Hodding Carter,J.R.

 

Don’t go through life, grow through life.

- Eric Butterworth

 

My religion is very simple — my religion is kindness.  

- The Dalai Lama

 

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.  

- Edmund Burke

 

True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost. 

 

The greatest part of our happiness depends on our dispositions, not our circumstances.  

-  Martha Washington

Meme: “Favorite Books”

I am SO far behind on The Heart of the Matter Meme’s!! I’m not sure what happened…..but, I’m going to get back on track and crank out some Meme’s so I will be all caught up!! : ) LOL!!

 

April 25, 2008 Meme: “Favorite Books”

I LOVE book recommendations so much, I “tabbed” a section on our site, I hope you check ‘em out!! I am WAY looking forward to what everyone else’s faves are!! : )

Meme: “Happy Habits of a Homeschooler”

I am SO far behind on The Heart of the Matter Meme’s!! I’m not sure what happened…..but, I’m going to get back on track and crank out some Meme’s so I will be all caught up!! : ) LOL!!

 

April 18, 2008 Meme: “Happy Habits of a Homeschooler”

 

Here are a couple of the habits that worked for us this past year:
* I used Homeschool Tracker and would print out a daily checklist that showed what was expected.
* We listened to SEVERAL books on CD when we went to town several times a week (because of doctor’s appointments).
* She/We would go to Brownies and Homeschool co-op each week.
* Reading in bed.

Here are a couple habits that I will start this school year:
* Using a timer. Last year (and this summer), she would dwaddle and would accomplish what would normally take two or three hours, in five or six hours. We lost A LOT of time that I am just not prepared to lose again.
* Chore chart. In addition to the daily school checklist, I want to add a chore checklist for BOTH of us - - just so we can stay on track!!

I have really enjoyed reading everyone’s lists - - I hope to add some more habits to my ever growing list!! : )

Meme: The Things Your Child Taught You During Homeschool

YIKES!!
I am SO far behind on The Heart of the Matter Meme’s!! I’m not sure what happened - - why I haven’t kept up with them…but, I’m going to get back on track and crank out some Meme’s so I will be all caught up!! : ) LOL!!

April 12, 2008 Meme: “The Things Your Child Taught You During Homeschool”

This was my “official” first year - - I’ve homeschooled my oldest - - but only a couple months here and there. WOW - - what an experience this has been!!* She taught me that even thought **I** don’t think grades are “all that” - - she does - - so, that is how we roll, now.

* She taught me that even if “it” went this way with her sister - - “it” can go that way with her.

* Hanging out with people has its advantages.

* Her interests are different from my interests - - which means I need to work harder to figure out the best way for HER to learn.

* I am still working on flexibility and trust in her own knowledge. I really, REALLY want to move towards “unschooling” - - but, fear stops me every single time.

* She has also taught me to appreciate life more - - she is amazing.

 

Our Bird Babies…..

No to long ago, I noticed that we had a bird nest on one of the pillars on our front porch.  I couldn’t see just by standing on a step-stool - - so I got my camera and took some photos.  The slideshow photos document the couple times that I “invaded” their space.  The shots aren’t great - - but, I was trying to make sure I didn’t get too close and piss any Mamma Birdies off.  KWIM?? 
I also wanted to make sure that I din’t disturb the babies too much.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the show!!

| View Show | Create Your Own

Updates and AAR from May 26, 2008 through August 1, 2008

Wow, what an amazing summer, so far. I was a little concerned about how our summer would progress, as the last three summers, Boo had spent in Colorado with her God-Parents. Since her God-Parents and I are no longer on speaking terms, and we were not able to work out some sort of {relationship} solution with Boo, she got to spend the entire summer home with Mamma and Pappa!! Well, next week, she will be with Oma and Opa - - so, ALMOST the entire summer. LOL! : ) I figured that I would start the new school year after Labor Day, as starting prior to that, is one of my pet peeves with our Public School System. I am still working out our plans for the year - - but, I will say that I am looking at doing American History as the base for all studies. I hope I can find all of the resources that will fit not only the topic, but, her learning style and her academic level(s). Once I feel comfortable with all of the resources, I will probably post some sort of blog about it - - either just kinda explaining what we will do - - or possibly posting a schedule. I am also considering some sort of schedule that rotates certain subjects - - so we aren’t bogged down all day (or at least I won’t FEEL like we are bogged down).
In any case, without further ado, here our AAR for the period 5/26/2008 through 8/1/2008:

 

Monday May 26, 2008 through Friday May 30, 2008
Art/Art Appreciation - - Noah’s Ark by Peter Spier; Flotsam by David Wiesner
History - - “Casabianca,” “Mignon,” “Picciola,” and “Antonio Canova” from Fifty Famous Stories Retold
Literature - - “The Man and the Lion,” “The Old Hound” and “The Two Travelers” from Aesop’s Fables; Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart; Frindle; Waking Beauty; Very Hairy Bear; Motherbridge of Love; Umbrella; Too Many Pumpkins; Hokey Pokey: Another Prickly Love Story; Too Many Tamales; The Lemonade Club; Smoky Night; Snowflake Bentley
Quiz {www.bookadventure.com} - - Frindle; Too Many Pumpkins; Too Many Tamales; Umbrella; MTH: Dingoes at Dinnertime; MTH: Night of the Ninjas; Smoky Night; Snowflake Bentley; MTH: Afternoon on the Amazon
Language Arts - - Dictionary Work – Flotsam; Copy Work: “The Man and the Lion” “The Old Hound” and “The Two Travelers” from Aesop’s Fables
Math - - Addition, Subtraction and Multiplication Flash Cards; Miquon Math Worksheet Pages: F-1 to F-4; F-5 through F-10; Pages F-11, F-12, G-1 through G-4
Personal/Silent Reading - - MTH: Dingoes at Dinnertime; MTH: Night of the Ninjas; MTH: Afternoon on the Amazon

** We finished Fifty Famous Stories Retold on Friday May 30, 2008. Instead of just reading the “required/suggested” readings from AO, we decided to just read the stories, as they appreared, in the book. We truly loved the stories/book. I am looking forward to more!! : )

 

Monday June 2, 2008 through Friday June 6, 2008
Literature - - “The Ass and the Little Dog” “The Fox in the Well” “The Fox and the Grapes” from Aesop’s Fables; Welcome Comfort; The Gardener; Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner; The Icky Bug Alphabet Book; The Nutcracker; The Very Quiet Cricket; Some Smug Slug; At Night; Captain Abdul’s Little Treasure; The Icky Bug Counting Book
Quiz {www.bookadventure.com} - - The Gardener; The Icky Bug Alphabet Book; The Very Quiet Cricket; Some Smug Slug
Language Arts - - Worksheet: Insect Word Book; “The Ass and the Little Dog” “The Fox in the Well” “The Fox and the Grapes” from Aesop’s Fables;
Math - - Miquon Math Worksheet Pages: G-5 through G-8; H-1 through H-6; L-1 through L-4
Music/Music Appreciation - - Crocodile Smile; There Ain’t No Bugs on Me
Science - - Movies: Reading Rainbow: Bugs; Books: Bugs; Bugs are Insects

Monday June 9, 2008 through Friday June 13, 2008
Art/Art Appreciation - - Several Bug Projects at the Library;
Literature - - “The Hart and the Vine” “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” from Aesop’s Fables; Emma Kate; Oh, Look!; Previously;
Language Arts - - “The Hart and the Vine” “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” from Aesop’s Fables
Math - - Miquon Math Worksheet Pages: S-1 through S-4
Science - - Are You a Bee?

Monday June 16, 2008 through Friday June 20, 2008
Literature - - Hey! Get Off Our Train
Quiz {www.bookadventure.com} - - Hey! Get Off Our Train
Math - - Miquon Math Worksheet Pages: T-1 through T-8a
Science - - Movie: Magic School Bus: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!

Monday June 23, 2008 through Friday June 27, 2008
Literature - - “The Lion and the Mouse” “The Frog and the Ox” “The Sow and the Wolf” from Aesop’s Fables; I Am A Home Schooler; The Stupids Die; Miss Nelson is Missing!; Diary of a Spider; Bug In A Rug; Diary of a Fly
Quiz {www.bookadventure.com} - - The Stupids Die; Miss Nelson is Missing!
Language Arts - - Bug Wordsearch; “The Lion and the Mouse” “The Frog and the Ox” “The Sow and the Wolf”from Aesop’s Fables
Math - - Miquon Math Worksheet Pages: X-1 through X-10**; B-1 through B-6
Unit Study - - Movies: FLO: The Lyin’ Fly; Antz
Science - - Bugs, Beetles, and Butterflies; Movie: Insect;

** Boo completed Book 1 from Miquon Math.

Monday June 30, 2008 through Friday July 4, 2008
Art/Art Appreciation - - Worksheets: Bug Page; Diary of a Fly; Comic Strip; Hidden Bugs Book: Up, Down, and Around
Literature - - “The Stag and the Fawn” “The Hen and the Fox” from Aesop’s Fables; Sophie’s Masterpiece; The Village of Round and Square Houses; Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears; A Story A Story; Track Stars!; The Ugly Caterpillar; A Tree Is Nice; Frog Went A-Courtin’; Drummer Hoff; Cinder Edna; All the Mamas; The Emperor’s New Clothes; We All Go Traveling By; Clara and Asha; A Perfect Day
Quiz {www.bookadventure.com} - - The Village of Round and Square Houses; Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears; A Story A Story; A Tree Is Nice; Frog Went A-Courtin’; Drummer Hoff; The Emperor’s New Clothes
Language Arts - - “The Stag and the Fawn” “The Hen and the Fox” from Aesop’s Fables;
Math - - Miquon Math Worksheet Pages: B7 through B12; C-12 through C-15
Science - - Worksheet: Ant Maze; Bug Page Movie: Bugz

Monday July 7, 2008 through Friday July 11, 2008
Art/Art Appreciation - - Butterfly Coloring Project
History - - Long Ago in a Castle
Literature - - “The Farmer and the Eagle”from Aesop’s Fables; It’s So Nice to Have a Wolf Around the House; It’s Absolutely True; The Little Match Girl; Full, Full, Full of Love; Two Messy Friends; The Puppet Club; Leaf Season; Animalia; What We Do; We Are One; The Caterpillar and the Polliwog; Read All About It!; Inch by Inch;
Quiz {www.bookadventure.com} - - The Little Match Girl; Leaf Season; The Caterpillar and the Polliwog; Inch by Inch;
Language Arts - - “The Farmer and the Eagle”from Aesop’s Fables; Worksheets: Diary of a Fly: Spider Postcard; Diary of a Fly: Spider Maze; Palindromes “Worm’s Game;” Picture Word Bugs Match
Math - - Miquon Math Worksheet Pages: C-16 through C-21; C-22 through C-25;
Music/Music Appreciation - - Knick Knack Paddy Whack
Science - - Lifecycle of a Butterfly; Movie: Bugs!: A Rainforest Adventure

Monday July 14, 2008 through Friday July 18, 2008
Literature - - “The Dove and the Ant”"The Ass Laden with Salt and Sponges” from Aesop’s Fables; Jack and Jill’s Treehouse; Whose House?; The Bully Blockers Club; Noah’s Ark; Waiting for Wings; Charlie Anderson; A Child’s Calendar; No Moon, No Milk!
Quiz {www.bookadventure.com} - - A Child’s Calendar; No Moon, No Milk!
Language Arts - - “The Dove and the Ant”"The Ass Laden with Salt and Sponges” from Aesop’s Fables;
Math - - Miquon Math Worksheet Pages: D-5 through D-10; E-28 through E-33
Unit Study- - Bug (2002)
Music/Music Appreciation - - Rock-a-Baby Band

Monday July 21, 2008 through Friday July 25, 2008
Literature - - “The Goatheard and the Goats” “The Farmer and His Sons” from Aesop’s Fables;Silly Sally; The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids; Little Prince Know-It-All; The Napping House; Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters; We Go in a Circle; Little Rabbit’s Loose Tooth; Buzz; Can You Moo?; Cool Daddy Rat; Papa and Me; Army Ant Parade; Beverly Billingsly Takes the Cake
Quiz {www.bookadventure.com} - - Silly Sally; The Napping House; Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters; Little Rabbit’s Loose Tooth; Buzz;
Language Arts - - “The Goatheard and the Goats” “The Farmer and His Sons” from Aesop’s Fables;
Math - - Miquon Math Worksheet Pages: E-34 through E-37; E-37 through E-41
Personal/Silent Reading - - Maddie on TV;
Music/Music Appreciation - - God Bless the Child

Monday July 28, 2008 through Friday August 1, 2008
Summer Visit with Oma and Opa - - NO SCHOOL!!!

**For most of the summer, Boo has been swimming at least once per week (swim passes earned via the summer reading program at our local library) and did swimming lessons from July 14 through July 23, 2008.  She has never taken swimming lessons - - but, managed to almost pass the Red Cross Level 3 Lesson.  YEAH!!  : )

Ponder for 7/20/2008

The only reason some people get lost in thought is that it is unfamiliar territory.
- Paul FixIntelligent people know of what they speak; fools speak of what they know.
- Minchas Shabbos Pirkei Avos

 

None is richer than he who simply has peace of mind.  

- Maj Wambebe

 

All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.

- Galileo Galilei

 

When your fear touches someone’s pain, it becomes pity. When your love touches someone’s pain, it becomes compassion.  

- Stephen Levine

 

Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.  

- Hal Borland

 

The difference between education and experience? Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don’t.  

- Pete Seeger 

 

In anger, the tongue works faster than the mind.  

- Unknown

 

A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs — jolted by every pebble in the road.  

- Henry Ward Beecher

 

The heart, like the mind, has a memory. And in it are kept the most precious keepsakes.  

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 

Do not think of your faults, still less of others faults; look for what is good and strong, and try to imitate it. Your faults will drop off, like dead leaves, when their time comes.  

- John Ruskin

 

It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out — it’s the grain of sand in your shoe.  

- Robert Service

Worrying is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do but it doesn’t get you anywhere. 

 

To make mistakes is human; to stumble is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity.

 

This ONLY is denied God: The power to undo the past.

- Agathon

 

A good scapegoat is nearly as welcome as a solution to the problem.

 

To be loved is to be fortunate, but to be hated is to achieve distinction.

 

A friend who cannot in a pinch remember a thing or two that never happened is as bad as one who does not know how to forget.

- Samuel Butler

 

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly.

- Marcus Aurelius

 

To repeat what others have said, requires education; to challenge it, requires brains.

 

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Science Experiment: Cell Phone Popcorn

Pop Corn téléphone portable micro-ondes
Uploaded by sassiere

Read at Work, Incognito

“As office managers and cubicle dwellers know, the Internet is a great help for procrastinating on the job (ahem: Scrabulous). But now wasting time at the office has become much less risky, thanks to Read at Work, a website that houses cleverly disguised books in a fake Windows desktop environment; the days of bookworms’ desperately clicking back to a spreadsheet when the boss approached are over.

The site is a dead-on simulation of Windows with the books organized in desktop folders. Click and you’ll see the text rendered as a Power Point presentation, with the words rolling into graphics, charts, and photo captions. You can read short stories, novels, and poetry — by canonical authors such as Tolstoy and Orwell, and contemporary writers like Charlotte Grimshaw and Fiona Kidman.

The site, designed by the company Colenso BBDO, Auckland, is an effort by the New Zealand Book Council to entice people into reading. Sold.” - - VSL 

Where should I live? WOW! On the nose, accuracy!! : )

Jessica, at Trivium Academy, had the results of this neat survey on her blog.  So, I thought I would take it - - and share my results, too! 
Thanks, Jessica!!  : )

You Should Live in a Small Town

You prefer a close knit community to the bustle of the city. You like locally owned businesses, local flavor, and friendly neighbors. There’s nothing boring about a small town!

Where Should You Live?