Giveaway time!

Its time for the fall blog giveaway carnival.
For the huge list of giveaways, go over to Don't Try This at Home.Pin It

The play's the thing!

The boys saw their first play today. We went to Molbak's for their annual fall play. It was Hansel and Gretel. Very well done with lots of jokes for the parents. It wasn't too scarey. It helped that the boys had seen the Scholastic video of the James Marshall book version of the fairy tale.

If you are local, there is still time to see this - it runs tomorrow afternoon at 1 pm and 3 pm and it is free.Pin It

Listening to, reading, watching, thinking about..

I discovered a new (to me) artist and I'm listening to him ALL the time (when I'm not with the kids due to a few words that aren't family-friendly). Ray Lamontagne. He has an awesome voice. A bit like Van Morrison but not a copy. You can listen to him here. Or, watch a video. :)


When the kids are around I put on my Fernando Ortega station at Pandora. I'm loving Pandora right now - it is so fun to make my own radio station and discover other artists.

I've read some thought provoking writing lately.

- "When we focus on ourselves, the more it is an empty hole." Read the rest at The Flourishing Mother.

- Could I stop complaining for 14 days? Hmm.

My hubby and I have been watching the John Adams mini series on DVD. Very interesting and educational since American history is unfamiliar to us Canadians.

And, I have to post something about the election. As some of you know, I can't vote since I'm still a Canadian ciitzen. I'm nevertheless very concerned about the outcome on November 4th. This article really sums up why I could never vote for Obama.Pin It

"I need to keep an eye on you, Mommy"

Apparently, I need supervision.

Today while my oldest was at his gymnastics class I wanted to go through the drive through Starbucks. My 3 year old wouldn't have any of that. He said he wanted to come into the store with me because "I need to keep an eye on you." What?? How hilarious! I don't know where that came from. :)

Yes, he did come in with me. He got a cookie. I got a latte. The usual schtick.Pin It

The Accidental Homeschooler - Part 3

I thought it was time to do an update. So many are asking me how homeschooling is going. I can't give a short, quick answer!
Here's a photo of my boys (well one of them) saying the Pledge of Allegiance. A looks so serious! Since I'm Canadian and don't intend to apply for American citizenship it is pretty weird that every morning I'm leading them in the pledge while holding the US flag!

Math - Saxon Math is going well but we had to stop since we don't have the necessary manipulatives for the next lesson. I wish I had looked ahead to see what was needed. What a rookie mistake (blush)!

Phonics - this is such a challenge. A has been reading for years but he needs to learn the "rules" and get the basics down. We started with Explode the Code 1 - it was too easy and my son was bored. He was also frustrated with the writing portion. We are currently doing Explode the Code 2. It is still easy but his attitude and handwriting have improved. I just found out that books 1 and 2 are intended for kindergarten level (which explains his boredom). I have ordered Book 3 and we'll start that when it arrives. I found this terrific book of Phonics poems and A enjoys reading that.
I'm going to try out The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading which I'm buying second hand. The trick is figuring out where in the book to start.

Bible - we are still going through Leading Little Ones to God and I write out a verse on the chalkboard every day.

Handwriting - I'm going to start doing Handwriting Without Tears once the final book arrives. A does enjoy copying out Bible verses and writing things on the blackboard.

Science - I'm going to use Sonlight curriculum once the final materials arrive. We have been going through Usborne's First Book of Nature.

History - I've been finding picture biography books at the library such as Christopher Columbus and Benjamin Franklin. I'm thinking of doing the Sonlight Curriculum since I have most of the books already but I want to find a used copy of the instructor guide.

Art - A has been taking an art class at the local recreation center but that will be ending soon. I hope to go through Getting to Know the Great Artists book series and have a time for drawing or painting.

Geography - A loves Geography Songs - music to teach the names of countries and the US States and Capitals. I highly recommend this. We also made a flags of the world banner which we found in this terrific book.
Music. Yesterday the boys watched a video called the Carnival of the Animals. It is a combination of classical music, poetry of Ogden Nash and video of animals at the San Diego Zoo. They loved it! It was made in the 80s and so the clothes and hairstyles are dated but I don't think my boys noticed.

Crafts. here are some projects for the next week or so.
- Salt dough ghosties from Family Fun
- coffee filter leaves from Mother Rising
- blow paint monsters from Maya Made (C will love this one!)
- spider webs from Make and Takes

Now, I just need patience to wait for books and supplies to arrive and energy and motivation to keep going through each day and stay off the computer! ;)Pin It

Children's book Monday - Drawing book

I found this gem at the used bookstore for a dollar! Ed Emberly's Drawing Book of Animals. (sorry for the tiny image)

My 5 year old son has been literally churning out drawings by the dozens since he read it! What a fantastic book. We love other Ed Emberly books as well. Our favourites are Picture Pie and Fingerprint Drawing Book. Check them out - we borrowed them from the library first.

For more great children's books see A Path Made Straight.Pin It