SNOW IN TX???
Good grief...and I thought it was scary around here when it RAINS! ::snort::
Temps are dropping quickly....low tonight is supposed to be 19* and 50% of snow...tomorrow high is supposed to 35* - freezing rain...today was 78*.....
Josiah has done all we could think of to do with pipes and such.....I have been missing the snow....it's sure not going to stay around long...but it could be fun....LOL
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
TraDITION (Can you hear the music?)
Our family packs our Christmas books, music, and movies away after Christmas and unpacks them the day after Thanksgiving.
We tried to have a tradition of decorating and Handel's Messiah...but it didn't work well for us. Years ago we began to finish our decorating push by watching Jim Henson's (though he died in the middle of production) *The Muppet's Christmas Carol*. Our decorating with different this year...and we didn't watch the movie.
Tonight the youngers asked if they could watch a movie... it is hard to keep them all occupied when they are feeling "off", so I agreed. Nolan and Zander wanted to watch *The Christmas Carol* and Arielle began to cry because it is supposed to be a family movie. I explained that they could watch it now and we'd all watch it when the girls were here...but that didn't work. She said the FIRST time of the season should be a family event. She's right. We pulled out the screen after dinner and those of us who were home (Jamin, Jared, Arielle, Nolan, Zander, Stacia and I) watched the movie. We'll watch it again when the girls arrive home.
This movie is hilarious! The music is fantastic. It stays fairly close to Dickens...I know....it's MUPPETS but still...it IS good. The final line about the book is classic. I laughed, I cried and I feel contemplated...but deeper thoughts will have to wait until the kids are normal and I'm not sleep deprived.
The children's fevers have gone. They are still hoarse and coughing but ready for some play. I agreed to let them go outside....I was impressed when they asked if they could use the rakes and rake the yard. Wow. Such productive children. I told them to let me know when they had a pile and I'd take a photo. They did.
Jared will take the story from here.....
Forces on all sides milled about, preparing for the fight.
As the fight lengthened the brutality of it increased to an alarming height. They found themselves ducking low as leaves and all manner of yard objects flew overhead.
The fight was fierce but short-lived. No casualties were reported....well....when Zander found the water gun casualties began to mount.
Jared will take the story from here.....
Forces on all sides milled about, preparing for the fight.
As the fight lengthened the brutality of it increased to an alarming height. They found themselves ducking low as leaves and all manner of yard objects flew overhead.
The fight was fierce but short-lived. No casualties were reported....well....when Zander found the water gun casualties began to mount.
MAXWELL BOOKS
Has anyone read the "Moody Family" books written by the eldest Maxwell children? They are about the adventures of a homeschool family. I'd love to hear some reviews.
What about "Keeping Our Children's Hearts" by the same family?
Has anyone read the "Moody Family" books written by the eldest Maxwell children? They are about the adventures of a homeschool family. I'd love to hear some reviews.
What about "Keeping Our Children's Hearts" by the same family?
School Notes
Youngers (2nd, 3rd)
We have left the 1920's behind and moved into the 1930's. TOG suggested *Potato, A Tale from the Great Depression* and *Angels in the dust* for lower grammar students. We read both and they were fine. I felt that I wanted the children to have a bit more of a feel for the depression. I'm looking for some good "fiction" about that time period for a 2nd and 3rd grader. We welcome your suggestions.
I don't want to delve too deeply into biographies of FDR and Eleanor with Arielle and Nolan but felt it would be good to do something. We can't find the books recommended by TOG but did find *Eleanor by Barbara Cooney* at our library. My favorite part of this book is the illustrations. The book does present Eleanor's rotten childhood and her desire to help others with less than she had.
FDR provides a well-written, sympathetic look at Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his presidency. Jared receives a counter-balance to this view by listening to his older brothers and I discuss various aspects of the Roosevelt legacy.
*The Children's History of the 20th century by DK* is proving to be a great overview for Jared, as well as for Nolan and Arielle. The book moves year by year through the century....each two page spread offers a quick summary and then the pages are filled with various news stories from the years in question. Along the bottom of the book is a time line with more events to study. This is a great DK book to own.
*Onion John by Joseph Krumgold* is a book listed in our TOG manual. Jared (JUST NOW) reports that the book seems to have nothing to do with the 1930's or 1940's. He says the plot is predictable (Father wants to plan son's future, son is rebelling) and boring. He isn't enjoying this book at all - and only has 40 pages left to read. Hmmm....time to tell the children again that if a book is a clunker I'm open to making changes! Jared is telling me that he doesn't like to complain to me about the curriculum....he only complains to his brothers, who can't change the situation. ::snort:: More life lessons to follow spurred by this book - I'm totally perplexed as to what we were supposed to learn from this book. What are we missing about this choice???
I assigned an extra reader which Jared is enjoying, *Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor*. This powerful book is set in the 1930's and chronicles the struggle of an African American family during this time period.
The older boys (10th and 12th) are reading *The Century by Peter Jennings*, *FDR by Russell Freedman* (excerpt above), *A History of the American People by Paul Johnson* and *The Red Pony by John Steinbeck*. They have some rather strong opinions about FDR. The Century and Freedman are from more of a "liberal" or "pro" FDR slant and Paul Johnson provides a conservative view of the same topics.
* We have just begun unit two. This is a good time to do a "quick" overview of school.
Youngers (2nd, 3rd)
We have left the 1920's behind and moved into the 1930's. TOG suggested *Potato, A Tale from the Great Depression* and *Angels in the dust* for lower grammar students. We read both and they were fine. I felt that I wanted the children to have a bit more of a feel for the depression. I'm looking for some good "fiction" about that time period for a 2nd and 3rd grader. We welcome your suggestions. 
Since we had finished the reading for week 9,- we moved into week10. Ah - the 1940's....not sure we are ready to leave the 30's. I found *Children of the Dust Bowl by Jerry Stanley* and am reading that to the younger two. The narrative is fairly easy to follow. It tells a story but lets you know over and over that you are hearing quotes from REAL people. The photos are haunting. They are photos of real "Oakies" along Route 66. Living in this part of the country, having traveled some of the route this summer, and having had family living in Bakersfield, CA.....makes this a story that lives for my children. They can relate to no rain, WIND and dust....and I point out that as dusty and dry as it's been here the past two years it was way worse for 5 years in the 1930's. This was a great find for Arielle and Nolan and will round out our study of the depression. I'm still contemplating a fictionalized account of the depression. I will have the boys watch *The Grapes of Wrath* and briefly talk about how the book was banned and the controversy over the book, rather than have them read it.
I don't want to delve too deeply into biographies of FDR and Eleanor with Arielle and Nolan but felt it would be good to do something. We can't find the books recommended by TOG but did find *Eleanor by Barbara Cooney* at our library. My favorite part of this book is the illustrations. The book does present Eleanor's rotten childhood and her desire to help others with less than she had. Nolan has speech exercises, motor development exercises, Sing Spell Read and Write, Explode the Code and lots of living math. Arielle has 30 minutes of reading a day, MCP spelling, Wordly Wise, lots of living math and is writing daily as well.
We have played many math games, read many grammar books, and completed two lap books. Our first lap book was on the books of the Bible and our second was on Thanksgiving. We are gearing up for a Christmas lap book.
Jared (7th)
is reading:
is reading: *FDR by Russell Freedman* and *The Children's history of the 20th century* for spine books of this time period.
FDR provides a well-written, sympathetic look at Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his presidency. Jared receives a counter-balance to this view by listening to his older brothers and I discuss various aspects of the Roosevelt legacy.
*The Children's History of the 20th century by DK* is proving to be a great overview for Jared, as well as for Nolan and Arielle. The book moves year by year through the century....each two page spread offers a quick summary and then the pages are filled with various news stories from the years in question. Along the bottom of the book is a time line with more events to study. This is a great DK book to own.
*Onion John by Joseph Krumgold* is a book listed in our TOG manual. Jared (JUST NOW) reports that the book seems to have nothing to do with the 1930's or 1940's. He says the plot is predictable (Father wants to plan son's future, son is rebelling) and boring. He isn't enjoying this book at all - and only has 40 pages left to read. Hmmm....time to tell the children again that if a book is a clunker I'm open to making changes! Jared is telling me that he doesn't like to complain to me about the curriculum....he only complains to his brothers, who can't change the situation. ::snort:: More life lessons to follow spurred by this book - I'm totally perplexed as to what we were supposed to learn from this book. What are we missing about this choice???
I assigned an extra reader which Jared is enjoying, *Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor*. This powerful book is set in the 1930's and chronicles the struggle of an African American family during this time period. Jared is reading *Watchman Nee:Man of Suffering by Bob Laurent * for worldview. I really need to work more biographies of the "greats" of the faith into the children's lives. We used to read biographies during Family Read Aloud time. I think I'll work one or two a month in to that time frame again. Children need heroes - real heroes.
*The Great Depression by Michael Burgan* has provided an easy to read overview of the Depression era. I plan to go through this one with the younger two, as well. Hakim's edition for this time period finished Jared's list of history.
In addition to history, Jared is doing TOG writing, Saxon 8/7, MCP Spelling, and Apologia's General Science.
The older boys (10th and 12th) are reading *The Century by Peter Jennings*, *FDR by Russell Freedman* (excerpt above), *A History of the American People by Paul Johnson* and *The Red Pony by John Steinbeck*. They have some rather strong opinions about FDR. The Century and Freedman are from more of a "liberal" or "pro" FDR slant and Paul Johnson provides a conservative view of the same topics. In addition to TOG, Jamin is doing Saxon Alg 2, Foundations of Fitness, Culinary Art, and Christian Writers Guild. Our Rosetta Stone disc cracked and I've been trying to figure out what to 
do about it as he is 1/2 way through the program. I HATE that I have to pay $300 for a program that must be inserted into the computer every time it's used and I'm unable to make a back up for it. So...we are still deciding what to do about Spanish 2. We also deleted TOG world view and will be adding some other materials for this. I could easily pull together my own course but it would look very much like what TOG does - and that isn't working for him. I'm leaning towards Understanding the Times.
do about it as he is 1/2 way through the program. I HATE that I have to pay $300 for a program that must be inserted into the computer every time it's used and I'm unable to make a back up for it. So...we are still deciding what to do about Spanish 2. We also deleted TOG world view and will be adding some other materials for this. I could easily pull together my own course but it would look very much like what TOG does - and that isn't working for him. I'm leaning towards Understanding the Times. In addition to TOG, Josiah is working and doing some SAT prep.
DECORATING QUESTION
I usually have pine garlands and wreaths up.....but haven't done it this year.
I got to thinking that the garland around the post would hide the duct tape thing.....which is only noticeable if you stand in the right place during the day....::snort:: Last year we did the post, the mail box and the planters with garlands.
I also can't figure out how to get the wreaths to STAY on the windows. Ours always fall off - lots of wind. What are you all using? There may be something I've not tried...besides Duct Tape. There's no point in putting them up if they are going to fall down all season - may as well leave them in the box for the next assignment. LOL
I usually have pine garlands and wreaths up.....but haven't done it this year.
I got to thinking that the garland around the post would hide the duct tape thing.....which is only noticeable if you stand in the right place during the day....::snort:: Last year we did the post, the mail box and the planters with garlands.
I also can't figure out how to get the wreaths to STAY on the windows. Ours always fall off - lots of wind. What are you all using? There may be something I've not tried...besides Duct Tape. There's no point in putting them up if they are going to fall down all season - may as well leave them in the box for the next assignment. LOL
TICKER MOVEMENT
Two out of three are moving the right way! ::snort::
I'm going to have to go back to using paper tracking of the Thin Within Principles this week. I didn't last week. I would think I'd internalized the principlines. Obviously, I'm going to need a bit of external help to get through the Holiday Season....with its variety of chocolate options. LOL
I also think I may need to consider a digital scale - one with BIG bright numbers.....I can barely see the scale and am still not sure I got the numbers right. Our last digital couldn't take the humidty of the bathroom.....of course with a digital scale I don't have to worry about one of the darlings moving the dial and seeing it over 60 lbs on weigh in day!!!!! Hmm...which is best...digital or dial????
Two out of three are moving the right way! ::snort::
I'm going to have to go back to using paper tracking of the Thin Within Principles this week. I didn't last week. I would think I'd internalized the principlines. Obviously, I'm going to need a bit of external help to get through the Holiday Season....with its variety of chocolate options. LOL
I also think I may need to consider a digital scale - one with BIG bright numbers.....I can barely see the scale and am still not sure I got the numbers right. Our last digital couldn't take the humidty of the bathroom.....of course with a digital scale I don't have to worry about one of the darlings moving the dial and seeing it over 60 lbs on weigh in day!!!!! Hmm...which is best...digital or dial????
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