The Reading Chair

They are not posing for the camera!

It was $21 at a garage sale.  The color was perfect for our schoolroom and I had been wanting to make this corner cozy for reading so we brought it home.  Everyone wants to sit in this seat so much that they will sit together nicely without fighting.  I think I'll call it the peace seat.  If you can call it a seat.  It's fun to sit in but my back protests when I get out of it.  It's good for little boy nap time too. 

He's posing for the camera. 

It did cause us to rearrange the room a bit.  That was a  good send off for Caleb as my boys just love rearranging furniture for me.  No, they don't really.  Generally when I announce that I need help moving furniture they run and hide.  But they always come back and help me out. 

And so am I.

I think I'm about finished with my schoolroom decorating.  I do need to make a pillow case, decide on whether or not to put a verse up on the wall and how to do it, and someday find a bookshelf to use instead of milk crates.  And, well, when we have the money buy and install a door and flooring.  One step at a time.  At least I have one room in my house that I love now. 

TOS Crew Review: Artistic Pursuits

Artistic Pursuits is a non-consumable art instruction curriculum series for children in grades preschool through high school.  This series combines art instruction with art appreciation.  We reviewed Book One for grades 4-6 which features American art.

In the beginning of the book is a Table of Contents which gives you a quick overview of what the student will learn throughout the art course. A list of the art supplies is included, listed by unit so you can buy the supplies at three different times if you need to spread the expense out over time.  The book also contains an evaluation sheet which explains how to evaluate your child's work in order to assign a letter grade for the course. The Getting Started section is only three pages long; one page for parents, one for the student, and a final page which explains the Elements of Art.

To use the book for one full year you will schedule 2 classes of one hour each per week.  The child can use this program independently with a little oversight from the parent.  The book lies flat when opened making it easy to reference as the child works on a project.

Each unit is 5 pages long and includes 4 lessons.  16 units are included in the book. Here is how each lesson is broken down.
*Lesson 1- Building a Visual Vocabulary- A new topic is explained and an assignment is given.
*Lesson 2-American Art Appreciation and History- A master work is shown and discussed which demonstrates the unit topic. Students complete a drawing assignment.
*Lesson 3- Techniques- Students are instructed in proper use of art materials and techniques. Another assignment is given.
*Lesson 4-Application- Final project

Lots of info about how Artistic Pursuits works.

To use Artistic Pursuits I read the instruction page for each lesson aloud to my 4th and 6th grade  students and then asked them to complete each assignment. My children understood the instruction and were able to complete each project. The text was easy to understand and adequate instruction without being overwhelming was given in each lesson. I thought the use of Master works to illustrate each topic was brilliant. My children enjoyed the information about the paintings, artists and time period.

I love the way each unit is set up. I also appreciate that my children can use this course independently. This book is well written, beautifully illustrated, and I think it will help my children learn the techniques they need to enjoy drawing and have more confidence as they practice drawing and sharpen their skills. I would love to be able to add the whole series to my homeschool art shelf. These books will remain relevant over the years and would be something to pass down to your children to use with your grandchildren.

Purchase
Grades 4-6 Book 1or 2 $42.95
Art Supply Pack for Book 1 $74.00 plus $11.00 shipping.

Also available for $42.95 each are Preschool, K-3, Junior High and High School books with 64 lessons in each book.

Art Supply Packs are available for each Book Level.  Prices vary.

I received a free copy of this book in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion. If you would like to read more reviews of Artistic Pursuits please visit TOS Homeschool Crew blog.

We Are Ready!

for Christmas! The tree has been inspected by the kitty and knocked over once by the dog.

I had a tear in my eyes as I hung Caleb's stocking. He will be missed but is thought of each day.

We have six wise men traveling to see baby Jesus.

 Too many ornaments are on the tree but it is bright and sparkly.

 

And Baby Jesus waits for his birthday. Somehow he got a modern wardrobe.

Merry Christmas!

Writing to Our Airman

We make a mess when we work on a project!

Sunday we wrote to our Airman. Everyone wrote a letter and now I have enough to send every day this week. I also included a little three month calendar so he can cross out the days as he survives them. I can't believe a week has already gone by!

I'm wearing my Air Force T-shirt every Monday in support of my son.  We pray for him everyday.  I need to look up some encouraging and inspirational Bible verses to send him.

Don't worry, I found out before I sent any colored envelopes that we should only send white or he might get unwanted attention from his TI.  That was a close one.  Can you imagine how happy he would have been to get a colored envelope or two every day for a week? It would have been funny later but not so funny when it happened.  I can just imagine how many push ups he would have to do!

Christmas Novels Giveaway

I'm giving away two Christmas themed books to help you get in the Holiday spirit.  These were both read once by me and are still in like new condition.  I enjoyed both of these books.  They would be awesome to read while you are curled up by the fire this winter.

#1- A Lancaster County Christmas

A Lancaster County Christmas is the story of two families from very different life-styles who meet accidentally and end up changing one another.  C.J. and Jaime are on their way to meet Jaime's father to spend Christmas on a cruise with him.  Sol, Mattie, and Danny are an Amish family suffering from the loss of repeat miscarriages. After Jaime's doctor asks her to return the Amish boy's toy, which he left at the office, she and her husband become snowed in at the Amish family's home over Christmas.  A few other events happen to keep them there for a few days but I can't tell you because that would ruin the story for you. Read the rest of the review here.

And #2- Baby, It's Cold Outside

Dottie Morgan lives alone after losing her only son during the war.  It is days before Christmas and she is not looking forward to the day as she feels she has no reason to celebrate.  Violet, Dottie's coworker, heads out to Dottie's house on the outskirts of town, as a storm closes in,  to ask her for a star to hang on a tree in front of the community center.  Violet is followed by a mystery man and they are snowed in along with Dottie's neighbor when the storm turns into a blizzard. Read the rest of the review here.


To enter, just leave me a comment by next Friday, December 2nd.  I will choose a winner next Saturday, December 3rd. 


Happy Reading!

I Have So Much More Than I Need

Please watch this video and see how your sponsorship can bring hope to a child in unimaginable poverty.



If you can't help now you can pray.  Sponsor a child through Compassion and/or volunteer to help in other ways.

Help Me Choose My Author Photo

I need an author photo and don't know which one to choose.  Please leave me a comment mentioning your favorite.  If I just need to start over mention that.  I won't like that answer very much though!

#1- overexposed?

#2- The homeschool mom look.

#3- I think I look a little frightened or stressed in this one.

#4

#5

Which one looks the least like I hate having my picture taken?  How do women get their curly hair to look good in photos.  Mine is not photogenic no matter what I do.  Maybe that is part of the reason I hate having my photo taken. 

Photo credit goes to my 17 year old son, Jacob.  Thanks, buddy!

Proud Air Force Mom

Please tell me how this day came so quickly.  It seems like just yesterday I was holding my new baby boy in the hospital on March Air Force Base.

Now he is grown up, sworn in and moving on to his life as an adult.

Should I share baby pics of him?

My husband was a Marine when he was born.  We lived off base so that is how he ended up being born on the Air Force base instead of Camp Pendleton as his younger brother was. 

He was a cute, sweet baby.  He slept through the night right away and has always had a sunny disposition.

We are very proud that he has chosen to serve our country.  He will be trained as a jet engine mechanic and plans to continue school and hopefully get his engineering degree.  He better be an engineer after all of the things he has taken apart in his life.  When he was three he took apart his tricycle and his brother's crib to help him escape.

I will miss having him try to boss me around.  We are both firstborns and can get into some interesting bossing fights.

I did not break down and cry but I did have a hard time smiling for the camera.  My son and I are buds.  I was only 18 when he was born and sometimes I feel like we grew up together.

Look how short I am next to these peeps.  Hubby is standing on the step behind us.  He is actually starting to look short next to our sons.  Don't tell anyone I said that!

He is already missed by everyone.  I can't wait to see him again when he graduates next January.  I'm trying very hard not to think about what he is going through tonight.  It's hard for a mom to think about her baby boy going through bootcamp.  I know he's been looking forward to this challenge for months.

We love you Caleb!

I still can't believe one of my children is out in the world on his own.  I feel old.  Good thing I have a three year old to help me feel younger.  Maybe I should have another baby? 

TOS Crew Review: The Reading Game

The Reading Game , written by Kenneth Hodkinson, the author of Wordly Wise, is a stand alone reading program, to teach beginning readers, ages 4+, how to read.  After all of the words have been memorized phonics can be used to make new words and sounds.  By the time a student has played and memorized each of the six levels included in the game he will know 180 words and be able to read on his own.

Included with the game is an instruction booklet which clearly explains how to play the game.  It also includes a word list for each card set along with test sentences to be used to gauge your student's readiness for the next level.  You can download free assessment worksheets and class record sheets from the website.

The game is made up of six sets of cards each of which have six different levels to be played.

Six readers illustrated in black and white are also included.

Here is level one.

The game is played like a memory game.  As you make each match you say the word three times and then set it in your pile.  As soon as the child knows all the words in set one he moves on to set two and then all the way through set six.

As I played with my son I would hold my word matches up so he could see them as I read them three times.  I also instructed anyone else who played with him to do the same.  After a game I would test his knowledge of the words by using the cards as flashcards.

After he knows all six sets he can read the beginner reader which goes with the card set he just learned and then he starts working on the next level of cards.  If he needs review you can use the cards he has already learned or have him read the previous level's reader.

How it works

My son enjoyed playing The Reading Game with me and his siblings.  He never mastered the first set of cards, probably because we were not very consistent.  When we played every day he remembered more than after we took a few days off.  

I think this is a fun way to teach a child reading if you want to use the sight word method with phonics added after he knows the sight words.  I like the bright colors of the cards and readers and the illustrations were well done.  This is a gentle and child friendly method to teach reading.

To purchase visit The Reading Game website.
$24.95

I received a free game in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion.  If you would like to read more reviews of The Reading Game please visit TOS Homeschool Crew blog.

Now is a Good Time to Order Seed and Plant Catalogs

If you order catalogs now you should have them sometime in January when you are very desperate to dream about all of the flowers and yummy fresh veggies you can plant in the Spring.  I love to plan out my veggie garden in January and spend time looking over my catalogs for the best tomato, new plants to try, and new sunflowers.  I try to plant at least one new veggie and flower each year.  I have to pare back my plans somewhat as initially I will want to plant everything, even veggies we don't eat.

I keep two catalogs year round because I never know what kind of seeds I will need to order and I prefer to look through a catalog instead of on a website.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds- This one is fun to look through.  They have some strange and interesting vegetables listed.  You will also find some interesting quotes as you look through the pages.

Johnny's Selected Seeds- I usually order my cold season seeds from Johnny's.  They have just about anything you are looking for available.

I am going to try not to order a bunch of catalogs this year.  Here are my reasons:
1. I hate clutter and will just throw them away after I look through them which is a waste.
2. I don't have extra gardening money to order special roses, lilies, and bulbs so why tempt myself?
3. I will make even larger dreams after looking through them.

But here are some reasons to order flower catalogs even if you aren't going to order plants or seeds:
1. You will find lots of design ideas.
2. You can cut out pictures to add to a design file just as you would for your home plans.
3. Inspiration to get back out to the garden especially if your last gardening season was a little discouraging.

And here are some I have found inspiring in the past.

White Flower Farm- they have a catalog with designed gardens.  I found looking at the plant combos very informational.

Heirloom Roses- I just found this site.  I can't find a catalog but I will be visiting again for all the info on roses.

Jackson and Perkins- Flowers and luxuries for the gardener.

And did you know that some companies specialize only in tomatoes?  Yeah, here you go.

Totally Tomatoes

Tomato Growers Supply Company

Reimer Seeds

Appalachian Seeds

Tomato Bob's Heirloom Tomatoes

Don't be fooled, this is my toy!

And now I will force myself to stop looking up catalogs for you because the temptation to start filling in order forms is growing too strong!  Have a happy week of garden dreaming!  Well, those of you who are facing spring and summer please enjoy it for me!

And the Winner of God's Promises for the Teacher

is

Marci of Cherish Joy.  Congrats!

Next Friday I will have another giveaway of two Christian, Christmas fiction novels to help you get into the holiday spirit.  Please check back for a chance to win on November 25th.

Fit Mom

I want to get stronger so I can play at the playground.

Good news again this week.  I lost .9 pounds.  I have 4 and a half pounds to go before I'm out of the overweight category.  I want to lose about 10 more pounds after that.  I also measured lower on my waist and hips.  I'm getting more definition in my waist area and my clothes continue to get too big.  I cleaned out most of the items that are too large for me and now I have lots of room in my closet for new smaller clothes.  I think I'm going to wait to buy anything until I've lost my 4.5 pounds.  My mom is taller than me and is almost at her goal so she sent me some of her too big jeans.  They fit when I first got them about two month ago and now they are getting too big or I'm getting too small. 

I have been following the advice of Jack Kruse for resetting my leptin as outlined in this post.  I'm eating a low carb paleo diet.  Maybe next week I'll take pics of my typical day of meals.  I eat a lot of veggies and lean meat.  Kruse does not say you have to eat lean meat but I've found that to work the best for me since I can't afford grass fed and I think the fat in conventional meat slows my loss.  I use coconut as my main fat.  I eat dried coconut, use homemade coconut milk yogurt, and cook with coconut oil.  I'm also trying to up the amount of raw veggies I eat.  I usually eat carrots with breakfast along with the juice of half a lemon.  Lunch is salad, fermented veggies and maybe more carrots.  And for dinner I get my raw veggies in the form of salad.  I wanted to try raw tomato this week but I forgot I had it in the fridge.  I also need to try radish but have not had a spicy craving so ignored what I had in the fridge. 

For exercise I walk around the house a lot as a part of my usual day.  As I read aloud during school time I pace back and forth or use the stepper.  I've been doing a light weight routine twice a week and am slowly building up my strength.  I don't want to hurt my back so I take it easy if I feel any pain.  I did on high intensity interval training session last week and plan to do one each week.  I skipped this week as I've been fighting off a cold. 

I really need to make myself get outside for a walk.  I grew up in southern California and I don't like the cold so I avoid going outside.  This is not good because I need the sunlight or I get a little depressed in the winter.  Whenever I do make myself go outside I realize that it's not that cold.  Yes, I'm a huge whimp.  When I lived in Cal. I needed a sweatshirt when it hit 72.  I really want to move somewhere warm again.  We lived in southern Alabama for almost and year and Arizona.  I would gladly go back to either state or Florida.

Anyway, on to my goals from last week:

*More sauerkraut Not really
*High intensity interval training 1x a week Not this week
*Weights 2x a week Yep
*Tummy work Only while doing weight training
*Take Milk Thistle and cod liver oil every day Yes
*Continue eating more raw at each meal Yes
*Go outside every day No

Goals for next week:
*Go outside each day even if only for 5 minutes
*Intervals
*Tummy work
*Primary back stretch each day

I don't know if I'll check in next week.  I'm planning to take a little blogging break.

I'm linking up at Tea Time with Annie Kate