Fun, lightweight movie to recommend

If you'd like a movie with a lot of laughs and isn't crude or trying to make a big point, I recommend Baby Mama starring Tina Fey. I was laughing almost all the way through. Steve Martin's character is so over the top it's great.

I had an MRI done on my elbow this morning. It was super painful since they had me partially straighten it (I can't straighten my right arm) and hold it in an awkward position for 45 minutes. I had tears streaming down my face and I made them stop after about 30 minutes. I hope they got enough of an image. If not, I'll have to go for a full body MRI.Pin It

Book sales!

I love to buy used books from my local library. The discards are especially good quality. I found this great website that helps you find library sales coming up in your area - U.S. and Canada. Book Sale Finder There are a few coming up this month in my area!Pin It

Random ramblings

The boys are loving Sid the Science Kid - a new PBS Kids show. We let them watch it in the mornings. Usually they just watch DVDs and videos at 5 pm which they call "TV time." They did a simple experiment yesterday with freezing and melting water.

I went to a specialist about my tendinitis yesterday. I'm getting an MRI done on Tuesday. He was very concerned when he saw that I can't straighten my right arm. I have a lot of pain and can't lift, turn or squeeze with my right arm/hand. I've had tendinitis in both of my wrists for 5 years and now the problem is centralized in my right elbow. This problem is hard to treat, apparently.

I'm still in the hunting and gathering stage of homeschooling. Saxon Math is going well so far. I'm going to start teaching Explode the Code soon. A reads very well but I want to make sure he gets the phonics rules and principles mastered. One routine that I started and like is writing a different Bible verse (for memorization eventually) on our easel every day. We also say the Lord's Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance every morning, even if we don't do much "school" right now. Both of my boys have colds so I'm letting them rest and play a lot. I started reading aloud from Leading Little Ones to God.

I joined a local homeschool support group - H.O.M.E. and attended a curriculum share meeting. It was great to hear all the good ideas. I'm looking forward to the field trip to the pumpkin patch next month and the art museum in November.Pin It

Freebie to share

Grab this one quick. I don't think it will last long.

A free 2 year subscription to Parents magazine. I just let mine lapse since their editorials annoy me (liberal bias, scaring parents about safety, etc) but I'll renew for free just to get the craft ideas and recipes. :)Pin It

Children's book Monday

Elise is back with the children's book carnival!

My five year old son enjoys beginner chapter books. Books that come in a series are especially fun. Two series that we have recently enjoyed are Mercy Watson and Mr. and Mrs. Green.

Mr. and Mrs. Green is my favourite since it they are a happily married alligator couple. The books in the series are Meet Mr. and Mrs. Green, Lucky Days with Mr. and Mrs. Green and On the Go with Mr. and Mrs. Green and More Mr. and Mrs. Green. How refreshing to see marriage portrayed in such a positive way in a children's book! OK, so maybe my boys aren't getting the subtle message but I think children take in WAY more than we realize (role modeling that is).

The books are a fun read. Lots of silly antics and even a math lesson in the 100 pancakes story.Pin It

The Accidental Homeschooler - Part 2

Thank you to all those who provided input and ideas. I appreciate every single comment. I'm getting ready to start officially on Tuesday, September 9th.

For math, we're doing Saxon Math 1. My hubby will be doing the teaching. A is so eager to get started that they did lesson one today!

For Bible, I'm going to read from Leading Little Ones to God, after saying the Lord's Prayer every day.

For read aloud time, we're going to start with Stuart Little because we own it already. The next one I think we'll read is James Herriot's Treasury for Children.

I'm stuck on what to do about phonics. My son has been reading well for years but without learning phonics, per say. I'm not sure if I should start him on a phonics program or if that would be boring/frustrating for him. Opinions wanted!

For art, A will be taking an art class at the local recreation centre on Saturday mornings for 6 weeks. We'll also have drawing time at home and read some books about art. I have this cool game called Go Fish for Art.

For phys. ed, A will be starting gymnastics class on Monday. I also plan to have my hubby take the boys to a bouncy/inflatable place and the local pool on a regular basis.

Crafts are very important to my son.

The first one we will do will be this robot idea from The Crafty Crow. The wood pieces have been surprisingly hard to find in stores.

I decided against using Five in a Row, for now. I think it requires too much preparation on my part and I want to keep things pretty easy. I will add some of the books to A's reading list.

Handwriting: I haven't picked something yet. I'm leaning toward Handwriting Without Tears. For now, A has a few handwriting workbooks.

Science: We're going to start by reading through Usborne's First Book of Nature. I have The Kids' Science Book and eventually we'll do some activities/experiments.

History: I'll be reading aloud from What Your Preschooler Needs to Know - which has surprisingly good introductory lessons in history. As a side note, I'm Canadian so I will be learning as much as the boys about American history!

For C, who could be a major distraction, I have some books on tape (Curious George and a BOB reading book)for him to listen to, a simple dot to dot book, and some toys that will only be used during school time. He has a very short attention span so that will be a challenge. I might have to set him up on the computer doing StarFall.

Some books that I have found helpful are:
- 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum
- Home Learning Year by Year
- The Whole-Hearted Child - The version I read was a bit dated, however.
- What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know

There is a local homeschooling store which I have visited twice so far. What a great resource! I wish that I had discovered it sooner since it has a wonderful (fiction) book section at the back plus lots of used games - resources also useful for non-homeschoolers.

I spent today stocking and decorating our "schoolroom" which is a corner of our playroom. This looks great on the wall. One thing I'm missing is a big comfy chair for reading aloud.Pin It

Backwards Works for Me - Help with homeschooling

Today is a backwards day at Works for Me Wednesday. You ask for advice instead of telling what works for you.

I need help getting started picking books and curriculum for homeschooling my son for kindergarten. Homeschooling isn't my first choice since we applied at a private Christian school and didn't get through the waiting list. I'm scrambling to get ready for school next week since my son is getting restless.

I've picked Saxon Math Level One and *maybe* Five in a Row. My son already reads and has for a few years. What else should I use for Science and Language Arts? Music, Art? I'm interested in curriculum because I'm *not* an organized person. :) My son is self-motivated and loves to learn. He enjoys workbooks but I don't want to rely on them too much. What books do you veterans recommend? I have the book "What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know."

I don't want to join a local homeschooling group since there is a small chance that my son will still get into the school and then I'd have to drop out.

Also, what should I do with my 3 year old? He is very active and I'm worried that he will be a major distraction to homeschooling, especially something formal like math instruction. He isn't potty trained so I couldn't send him to preschool two mornings a week as originally planned. He doesn't nap either so that option is out!

Thanks in advance!Pin It

Summer reading challenge - completed.

Well, I set small goals for myself and I *almost* completed this one! :)

- Mr. Pip by Lloyd Jones - I didn't finish this one. It was for my book club and I went to the meeting and found out what happened. I don't have much incentive to finish the book now! I should probably finish it but it wasn't all that compelling.
- Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks - another book club read. Finished.
- In the Company of Cheerful Ladies by Alexander McCall Smith. I love this series. Finished.
- She Got Up Off the Couch: And Other Heroic Acts from Mooreland, Indiana by Haven Kimmel. Finished.

I'm going to do a fall reading challenge. Stay tuned!Pin It

The Accidental Homeschooler

That's what I've decided to call myself. For now! I didn't imagine that I would be homeschooling. I don't have any philosophical objections to it but I don't believe that it suits my personality or that of my son. That being sad, here I am, preparing to homeschool.

Here's the background. My oldest son has been on a waiting list for a private Christian school since March! It isn't looking good since school starts September 3rd. The administrators did say he could get in at the last minute but...... this is getting a bit nuts. We didn't sign up at a "back up" school because I didn't want to go through the exhausting process of application a second time. I felt it was a bit dishonest, as well, to apply at a school we didn't really feel a connection with.

Public school is not an option for us for several reasons, one being that A has been reading since he was 2 and now (he's turning 5 next week) he reads at probably a grade 3 level. He needs to be challenged and public school won't do that for him.

So, I'm doing some research on homeschooling. Five in a Row looks like a good option for us since A loves books. I don't know about math. There are so many choices. Saxon Math, Modern Curriculum Press, Singapore Math, Shiller Math, Math-U-See, etc. If any veteran homeschoolers are reading this, I'm open to suggestions.

What sucks is that I can't sign up for a homeschool co-op or group since our homeschooling may last all of a week, if we get into the school. I can't buy a whole math program since this foray into homeschooling may be very short lived.

The challenge for me will be organizational. That is not my strength area! I'm loading up on books from the library and reading blogs and websites until my eyes cross.Pin It

Wordless Wednesday

 

Loving that kite on a summer's day.

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Free MPs to download (legal)

Amazon has lots of great deals on MPs. I found a whole bunch this week that are free.

Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Mahalia Jackson and Elizabeth Mitchell.

They also have a Friday 5, which is five MP3 albums that are $5, which changes weekly.

I love filling my MP3 player up without spending a lot!Pin It

Vacation photos

I've been a lazy blogger lately. We got back from vacation a week ago. We went to Long Beach, Washington and Olympia along the way.
C wants to be let into the halls of power.We played mini golf (well, C cheated A LOT!) and I thought my boys resembled Fred and Barnie.
We rented this fun buggy. It was like a bicycle for two with seats for the boys in the front. There was a paved path that we rode on as well as the beach. We even flew our kite from it! Long Beach is the perfect place for kite flying. Miles and miles of beach and just enough wind.


J had just rescued a man whose car was stuck in the sand. He was driving a Prius Hybrid which doesn't have enough torque to get out of a sand rut. It took 3 people to push it out. I think they should post a sign saying no Hybrids on the beach!





















Fun camera trikes at North Head lighthouse.


Port Ilwaco. We ate a fancy bistro there. I had a super delicious appetizer - the crab parfait and the boys had halibut, fingerling potatoes and asparagus which cost a lot but they ate it all.





We found this very fun hat store in Long Beach and the boys spent forever trying on all the $8 silly hats. The owner didn't seem to mind.
The required sunset photo.Pin It

Portrait day!

 

This is my youngest looking uncharacteristically serious. Sears did a good job.

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Links to share

A list of menu plans with recipes and ideas for side dishes. I'm always interested in what other people are having for dinner and getting new ideas.

Spinach in a smoothie? For kids? I'll have to try it.

My son loves to colour animals but it very picky selective about which ones. They have to be realistic and preferably mammals from Africa. Here's a great site with very realistic drawings, no cartoonish stuff here.

The 11 best foods you aren't eating.

Make you own drawer organizers for next to nothing.

More popsicle recipes and 52 more ideas here!

Free phonics and math worksheets with a large age range.

Listen to classic Christian books online.

Jennifer of 5 Minutes for Books reviewed the book Mommy Diaries. It sounds good.

Want to make your own pretzel shapes such as letters with the kids? This recipe looks pretty easy.

Been to Starbucks a lot lately? Well, here is something to do with all those green straws. OK, you'd need a lot. :)

Kid-friendly YouTube videos (for age 6 and under) - pre-screened. TOT LOL. A great way to avoid the junk you find if you just go to the main YouTube site.

A troubling story of selfishness shown by those in the Seattle area a few weeks ago. It reminds me of the first two men in the Bible's Good Samaritan story who didn't stop to help.Pin It

You won't be able to get this out of your head

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Happy summer photos

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A to Z meme

Carrie at Mommy Brain tagged me for this meme.

Accent: Sigh. I used to have a Canadian accent. It is still faint but new people I meet don't know I'm Canadian. I lived in Canada my whole life. My hubby and I moved to the US 8 1/2 years ago. I still used Canadian spelling and refuse to say scones the American way. It is supposed to be pronounced with a short o sound! That one drives me crazy. If you watch Jeeves and Wooster you will see that I am right.

Breakfast or No Breakfast: I *have* to eat in the morning. I used to have scrambled eggs every morning until I was diagnosed with high cholesterol. Now I have oatmeal and blueberries with flax sprinkled on top. Very heart healthy.

Chore I don't care for: Pretty much all kinds of housework. (blush). I do have an excuse, though. I have severe tendinitis in my wrists and elbows so any repetitive motions are problematic and sometimes cause a lot of pain.

Dog or Cat: Neither. I have allergies plus I can't imagine cleaning up after another creature at this point in my life.

Essential electronics: my computer, my cable modem (no dial up for me!) and my cell phone for emergencies.

Favorite cologne: I don't wear any real perfume but I like Bath and Body Works' body splash in either Enchanted Orchid or Night Blooming Jasmine. A very light fragrance.

Gold or Silver: both

Handbag I carry most often: a cranberry red purse I found at Marshall's for $25. I am VERY picky about what purse I buy so I haven't purchased one in a while. I've looked but nothing fits my criteria.

Insomnia: occasional. I have developed the bad habit of staying up too late and then getting overstimulated so it takes me a while to get to sleep.

Job Title: Mommy, Homemaker.

Kids: Two sons. A is 4 1/2. C is 3.

Living arrangement: Suburban house.

Most admirable trait: Hmmmm, I'm terrible at acknowledging my strengths. Maybe determination for some things. I'm a very loyal friend.

Naughtiest childhood behaviour: I wasn't a naughty child. I was a typical ungrateful teenager. I didn't really do anything "bad" until I was in my 20s.

Overnight hospital stays: Only when I gave birth to my boys.

Phobias: calling people on the phone. No, not really but it is something I avoid. I prefer face to face or e mail.

Quote: I say "Good grief" and "oh, brother" too much!

Reason to smile: My kids can always make me smile. My hubby frequently makes me laugh.

Siblings: none.

Time I wake up: This is embarrassing. I wake up around 7 am when my oldest comes in to get Daddy up. I get up around 8 am or later these days. I need to go to bed much earlier. Reading books and reading blogs keep me up.

Unusual talent or skill: I can kick serious butt doing name that tune from the 80s and late 70s. I am also very good at finding my way back from somewhere I've been. My sense of direction is very good. No GPS for me!

Vegetable I refuse to eat: I don't like brussel sprouts but I will eat them if they are served to me. I'm a polite Canadian. :)

Worst habit: not finishing what I start and procrastination.

X-rays: at the chiropractor and the dentist.

Yummy stuff: I love chocolate but it must be milk chocolate from Canada or Germany/Switzerland.

Zoo animal I like best: Whatever one will keep my kids' attention longer than 2 seconds. Seriously, I'm partial to the brown bears.Pin It

Works for Me Wednesday - more music for Ipod

I found a great way to fill up my new IPod (not really an IPod but an MP3 player) cheaply and legally.

I love Half Price Books - it is a store with used CD, movies and books. I always check the clearance music section. I find great CDs for only $1 or $2! Then I "rip" the CDs onto my computer and then transfer the songs onto my MP3 player. That is a lot of music for your money, better than paying $1 a song online, although I do buy a few single songs. So, check out your local used book/CD store for some great bargains.

Amazon has a special each week of an MP3 album for $5 or less. I recently bought an entire Etta James MP3 album for $2.00!

Another great way to add to your music collection is to use SwapaCD. You post a list of the CDs you are willing to swap, make a wish list of ones you want, mail CDs to other when they request them, and then you will get the CDs you want mailed to you. If you join, please use my name so I can get a credit.


For more fantastic tips, see Rocks in My Dryer's Works for Me Wednesday.Pin It

Wordless Wednesday - strawberries

My youngest enjoying the strawberry goodness down on the farm.Pin It

June in photos

My hubby and my boys made a wooden boat together.
C loved using a hammer and was pretty adept with it.












There was a lot of jumping on the couch going on since the weather (for most of June) was cold and rainy. I want a couch with cushions that can't be removed. :)













When the weather warmed up, my hubby set up the tent in the backyard. They boys had great fun with that including eating hot dogs and beans. A slept out in a tent for the first time (with Daddy) while C stayed in the house.

I love this photo of A in the tent.

We were finally able to pick strawberries (delayed due to the cold spring) this past Saturday. They were delicious this year, better than last year.
Christopher ate more than his share.

Events without photos:
- A's "summer" preschool (3 week program) which he loved. So much so that he didn't want to go the last day for fear that he would cry.
- A attended a Vacation Bible School at University Presbyterian Church (not our church). Very well run and organized. Over 300 kids in the program! I was proud of him for going to something where he didn't know any other kids.Pin It