Monday, May 7, 2012
God's Not Dead
Enjoy our family's favorite song~
(Just make sure you scroll down and pause the music below before playing!)
Blessings~Heather
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Free Song Download!
Head on over to KLove Christian Radio and get your FREE download of the beautiful song by Moriah Peters, "I Choose Jesus". It's a great song to add to your iTunes library.
iTunes Code: MMMRFY3WXRXM Get it before it's gone!
Check out her story while over there: Moriah Peters
I love listening to KLove during the day! It makes it so convenient to listen online on the computer. Usually I come downstairs in the morning and get it pumping through our home...it helps get me moving (I'm not a fan of mornings!) The kids will sometimes sing their favorite songs a the top of their lungs, especially the Newsboys, "God's Not Dead!" It's always a good thing to have praise songs playing in your home...KLove definitely helps that need!
Blessings~Heather
iTunes Code: MMMRFY3WXRXM Get it before it's gone!
Check out her story while over there: Moriah Peters
I love listening to KLove during the day! It makes it so convenient to listen online on the computer. Usually I come downstairs in the morning and get it pumping through our home...it helps get me moving (I'm not a fan of mornings!) The kids will sometimes sing their favorite songs a the top of their lungs, especially the Newsboys, "God's Not Dead!" It's always a good thing to have praise songs playing in your home...KLove definitely helps that need!
Blessings~Heather
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
A Time4Learning Review
So today is the day! My review for "A Time4Learning" is due in and here are my thoughts:
Overall, the kids liked it. I found it to be too easy. Maybe I didn't utilize it like I should have...I found it to be a bit confusing on the parent side of things.
Alexis (11yrs), Ty (9yrs), Gabe (6yrs), Addie (4yrs) enjoyed being able to be on the computer. {We usually don't allow the kids to be on the computer, unless it is for a specific reason, and without it being school related, I don't see a reason for them to be online.}
Here is Alexis' review:
I liked being able to get on the A Time4Learning website anytime of day to access my school. That was a perk! I liked that it was "kind of easier" than my regular school work. I also enjoyed the part in which, if you didn't know something, it would show either a video or it would tell you what it meant. I liked not having books everywhere, everything was online. I really enjoyed all the reading that I needed to do (I like to read!) and how entertaining it was. Some of the characters in the videos were really funny!
Ty's review:
I liked that it felt like I was playing a game, but I was really learning. The math was fun. Geo (a character) taught other people who didn't know about things like subtraction and teaches a lot about math. He really can teach you a lot of things about math! I didn't like the stories that were wrong in social studies. They were weird stories from China about dragons and other myths. I kind of liked making stories with the language arts. I liked that you can stick your own people in it and take your stories to other place like, the beach, the moon, and a kitchen. But, writing is hard for me...so it was fun, but a bit hard. I almost liked everything about it.
Gabe's review:
I liked the "Under the Sea" where you put gold and silver coins in the treasure boxes. We practiced sorting. I liked the "Letters & Sounds" part. I enjoyed the story book parts. I didn't like that pink rhino that has a yellow horn and a red stop sign. I liked how much funner it was than real school.
Addie's review:
I loved the whole thing! I loved the snake that took a bite of the cake. It was my favorite part. I just loved the whole thing!!! Ok, I'm done.
I enjoyed the time that A Time4Learning freed up for me. I wasn't working directly with the kids for hours at a time. I felt like it lightened my load for sure! I found it mainly entertaining for the children. I know they really liked feeling like it wasn't "real school" as they say. The girls seemed to be excited to do their schooling online (Addie would actually beg to do it 7 days a week), the boys overall enjoyed it, but it was definitely more of a struggle to get them to sit in front of a computer screen and work for a long period of time. They would often say, "I'm bored, do I have to do much more?" Which is a given in most stationary things for boys anyways.
What I didn't like about it was the fact that I didn't have any say in what was being taught to the kids overall. I never really knew exactly what they were supposed to be on (I'm sure this is my own fault...I was confused as to how the parent end of it worked). I also don't think it is very good for them to be sitting in front of a screen for long periods of time. Not holding an actual book in their hands and always being entertained. (I do know that this is how society is raising kids now a days, but that is one of the many reasons we chose to homeschool, right?) I found it hard to have one computer for all 4 kids to use. It took ALL DAY to do school. So, if we wanted to go somewhere, I couldn't quickly have all of them sit down, crack out their work, and get on the road. We had to either skip a kids work that day, or do it late into the evening. Usually we ended up just skipping it (not a good thing!).
I would recommend A Time4Learning for a supplement to your chosen curriculum for sure! It was entertaining and enjoyable learning for the kids. I wouldn't use it as a core curriculum. I would be more apt to use it for preschool age children. I know our 4 yr old loved it! It would be a good alternative to watching a movie while trying to school the older children. I don't do preschool with our children, so it would be something I would consider for them (and at that age level, it isn't long periods of screen time anyways).
It was fun for the month that we had to use it, but I think I will dive back into real books and spending that time with my children...teaching them...that is why I homeschool!
Blessings~Heather
Overall, the kids liked it. I found it to be too easy. Maybe I didn't utilize it like I should have...I found it to be a bit confusing on the parent side of things.
Alexis (11yrs), Ty (9yrs), Gabe (6yrs), Addie (4yrs) enjoyed being able to be on the computer. {We usually don't allow the kids to be on the computer, unless it is for a specific reason, and without it being school related, I don't see a reason for them to be online.}
Here is Alexis' review:
I liked being able to get on the A Time4Learning website anytime of day to access my school. That was a perk! I liked that it was "kind of easier" than my regular school work. I also enjoyed the part in which, if you didn't know something, it would show either a video or it would tell you what it meant. I liked not having books everywhere, everything was online. I really enjoyed all the reading that I needed to do (I like to read!) and how entertaining it was. Some of the characters in the videos were really funny!
Ty's review:
I liked that it felt like I was playing a game, but I was really learning. The math was fun. Geo (a character) taught other people who didn't know about things like subtraction and teaches a lot about math. He really can teach you a lot of things about math! I didn't like the stories that were wrong in social studies. They were weird stories from China about dragons and other myths. I kind of liked making stories with the language arts. I liked that you can stick your own people in it and take your stories to other place like, the beach, the moon, and a kitchen. But, writing is hard for me...so it was fun, but a bit hard. I almost liked everything about it.
Gabe's review:
I liked the "Under the Sea" where you put gold and silver coins in the treasure boxes. We practiced sorting. I liked the "Letters & Sounds" part. I enjoyed the story book parts. I didn't like that pink rhino that has a yellow horn and a red stop sign. I liked how much funner it was than real school.
Addie's review:
I loved the whole thing! I loved the snake that took a bite of the cake. It was my favorite part. I just loved the whole thing!!! Ok, I'm done.
I enjoyed the time that A Time4Learning freed up for me. I wasn't working directly with the kids for hours at a time. I felt like it lightened my load for sure! I found it mainly entertaining for the children. I know they really liked feeling like it wasn't "real school" as they say. The girls seemed to be excited to do their schooling online (Addie would actually beg to do it 7 days a week), the boys overall enjoyed it, but it was definitely more of a struggle to get them to sit in front of a computer screen and work for a long period of time. They would often say, "I'm bored, do I have to do much more?" Which is a given in most stationary things for boys anyways.
What I didn't like about it was the fact that I didn't have any say in what was being taught to the kids overall. I never really knew exactly what they were supposed to be on (I'm sure this is my own fault...I was confused as to how the parent end of it worked). I also don't think it is very good for them to be sitting in front of a screen for long periods of time. Not holding an actual book in their hands and always being entertained. (I do know that this is how society is raising kids now a days, but that is one of the many reasons we chose to homeschool, right?) I found it hard to have one computer for all 4 kids to use. It took ALL DAY to do school. So, if we wanted to go somewhere, I couldn't quickly have all of them sit down, crack out their work, and get on the road. We had to either skip a kids work that day, or do it late into the evening. Usually we ended up just skipping it (not a good thing!).
I would recommend A Time4Learning for a supplement to your chosen curriculum for sure! It was entertaining and enjoyable learning for the kids. I wouldn't use it as a core curriculum. I would be more apt to use it for preschool age children. I know our 4 yr old loved it! It would be a good alternative to watching a movie while trying to school the older children. I don't do preschool with our children, so it would be something I would consider for them (and at that age level, it isn't long periods of screen time anyways).
It was fun for the month that we had to use it, but I think I will dive back into real books and spending that time with my children...teaching them...that is why I homeschool!
Blessings~Heather
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
{Peep Wars!}
"{Peep Wars}" were created I believe by my mother. :) One Easter we had a bunch of peeps and being the competitive family we are, we decided to have "{Peep Wars}"!
We decided to continue the tradition yearly. This year we did it the day after Easter (yesterday). So our morning began with a Peep Off.
The game of "{Peep Wars}" is fairly simple:
1: You must name your Peep.
2: You need at least 2 people to challenge.
3: You may use different types of Peeps; i.e. bunnies, chicks, snowmen, etc.
4: You need a permanent marker.
5: You need a paper towel or two or three...
6: You MUST have a microwave!
7: A prize...we don't give a prize, we just enjoy the fact that we won! (We are a bit competitive!) ;)
Here are the pics from our "{Peep Wars}"
All in all, it is much fun and the kids get a kick out of it! AND YES, I know standing in front of the microwave is a HORRIBLE idea, but we are will to take the risk for a few laughs.
Blessings~Heather
We decided to continue the tradition yearly. This year we did it the day after Easter (yesterday). So our morning began with a Peep Off.
The game of "{Peep Wars}" is fairly simple:
1: You must name your Peep.
2: You need at least 2 people to challenge.
3: You may use different types of Peeps; i.e. bunnies, chicks, snowmen, etc.
4: You need a permanent marker.
5: You need a paper towel or two or three...
6: You MUST have a microwave!
7: A prize...we don't give a prize, we just enjoy the fact that we won! (We are a bit competitive!) ;)
Here are the pics from our "{Peep Wars}"
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| The Gang getting their positions. |
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| The cheering begins..."Peep Wars! Peep Wars!" |
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| Our first contestants...the peep that grows the tallest wins! |
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| Jonas & Princess (Gabe & Addie) |
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| Our Logo! lol |
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| Set the timer for 1:00 min...stop it around 30 seconds before they explode. |
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| The watchful audience. |
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| Cheering for their favorite! |
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| Around they go... |
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| Jonas takes the win. |
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| Proud winner! That would be Addie, the sore loser in the background. |
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| Bob Wallace & Phil Davis go next (Alexis & Ty) |
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| Phil just couldn't handle it... |
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| Proud winner! |
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| Abe Lincoln & Shelby (Lincoln & Shelby) |
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| Who's it going to be??? |
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| President Lincoln takes the win! |
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| Proud winner, he'd rather eat it than cheer! |
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| Wilbur & Cookie (Me & Nana) |
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| Cookie takes it! |
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| Proud winner, Nana! |
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| The Peep Off... |
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| Intermission... |
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| Bob Wallace wins! |
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| Proud winner! |
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| Losers bracket! |
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| Princess wins! |
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| Proud winner, Addie! |
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| The winner is.... |
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| Bob Wallace! |
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| Alexis takes the win! Way to go Lexi!! |
All in all, it is much fun and the kids get a kick out of it! AND YES, I know standing in front of the microwave is a HORRIBLE idea, but we are will to take the risk for a few laughs.
Blessings~Heather
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Smore Sandwiches
I decided to treat the kids to a yummy lunch today...Smore Sandwiches! They loved them, and it made the house smell like cookies. :)
Enjoy your Saturday~Heather
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| Whole Grain Bread |
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| All Natural Peanut Butter, Mini Marshmallows, & Chocolate Chips |
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| Cook under the broiler for 2 minutes...being carefully not to burn! |
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| Perfect Browning on the Marshmallows! |
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| Gooey Goodness... |
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| And now for the test... |
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| A bit messy... |
 | ||
| That's a "Mmmm!"...Kid Approved! |
Thursday, March 22, 2012
A Time4Learning Review
I've been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as a homeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment and for summer skill sharpening. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Big Boy Linc
So Lincoln had his 4 month check-up last week. I was thankful to report to the doc that he had been healthy (minus one fever, that was unexplained, and didn't affect him much). Poor little Linc spent the first 2 months of his life catching every nasty bug that was around! He was assaulted by cold after cold....making for many sleepless nights worrying about his breathing, & coughing attacks. We tried our best to stay away from others, and keeping everyone healthy, but it would find him anyway! So praise be to God for this last 2 months of health!!!
Linc weighed in at 15 lbs 8 oz, and 27" long. Meaning he gained over 5 lbs and 3" in 2 months! For a bit I was beginning to wonder if my breast milk had enough "cream" to keep him full with as much as he'd been eating, but I guess we are fine in that department, and he was expanding and sprouting at a rapid pace! The Dr. said he'd be a fat little guy if he weren't so tall! Long and Lean :)
Lincoln is growing up so fast that I don't even know where the time has gone (literally)? He is a happy, sweet ball of baby. He grabs his feet and rocks back and forth. He rolls from his tummy to his back... and Bob has him sitting by himself! Mind you he tweaks out and looses his balance, but non the less, he sits. He loves his "disc" as we call it. Always attacking his blue flower likes Jaws! Lol He always greets us all with a big gummy smile....just begging you to kiss is round little cheeks! I told Bob last night when we were looking at him sleeping in bed, "I just love this little guy!" He makes everything better with his big smile...what an absolute JOY this little guy is!
Blessings~Heather
Linc weighed in at 15 lbs 8 oz, and 27" long. Meaning he gained over 5 lbs and 3" in 2 months! For a bit I was beginning to wonder if my breast milk had enough "cream" to keep him full with as much as he'd been eating, but I guess we are fine in that department, and he was expanding and sprouting at a rapid pace! The Dr. said he'd be a fat little guy if he weren't so tall! Long and Lean :)
Lincoln is growing up so fast that I don't even know where the time has gone (literally)? He is a happy, sweet ball of baby. He grabs his feet and rocks back and forth. He rolls from his tummy to his back... and Bob has him sitting by himself! Mind you he tweaks out and looses his balance, but non the less, he sits. He loves his "disc" as we call it. Always attacking his blue flower likes Jaws! Lol He always greets us all with a big gummy smile....just begging you to kiss is round little cheeks! I told Bob last night when we were looking at him sleeping in bed, "I just love this little guy!" He makes everything better with his big smile...what an absolute JOY this little guy is!
Blessings~Heather
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