Friday, July 30, 2010

TOS Blog Walk Week 7

We are now on the seventh week of our Homeschool Crew blog walk. We are coming to our First Mates this week. First Mates are those incredible homeschoolers who have gone sailing before with the TOS Homeschool Crew. They are the mentors to those of us on our maiden voyage, helping us navigate the sea of homeschool products and reviewing with others in mind.

blog walk project

1. Closing Time
2. One Blessed Mamma
3. El Cloud Homeschool: Busy Minds, Busy Hands, Busy Feet
4. Alive in Spirit
5. Ozark Rumblings
6. Army of 5
7. Fenced In Family
8. Debbie's Digest
9. Footprints in the Butter
10. Got Chai?

See what everyone is up to lately!

Mandy

Thursday, July 29, 2010

A movie a day

I used to use Redbox all the time. I recently stopped using it because I kept missing the 9pm return time. I also hated that I could never find the movie I wanted because people would return them to other boxes and not the one they got it from, so frustrating!

Since I am a Bzz Agent and I had the opportunity to try Redbox again I jumped at it.  Sorry to say I am still a bit disappointed at the lines, and the length of the transaction time.  I was able to find the movies I was interested in but I wish it didn't take 20 minutes to get my movie.

I don't think this will be the route we go to get our movies. However it is a very economical choice in this day and age.  I think for me I would pre-reserve the movies I wanted online before heading out to the Redbox.

redbox

Disclosure: I received a product sample, coupon, collateral or other special premium from BzzAgent.

 

         Mandy

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

July 28 2010


The Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY
Outside my window...clear and moonlit...
I am thinking...I have a lot of things to forgive after reading The Shack, it’s not what’s been done to me but what I hold against others, how I judged them…
I am thankful for...God’s infinite patience with me…
From the kitchen...ants are taking over…
I am wearing...blue tank and black yoga pants, shoeless as usual…
I am creating...the last of our annual school plans…

I am going…to FROG… 
I am reading…The Shack by Wm. P. Young… 
I am hoping...I can remember all the lessons I have learned from reading this book…
I am hearing…our noisy air conditioner…

Around the house...peaceful…

One of my favorite things...the sweet smell of my baby’s breathe…

A few plans for the rest of the week:finishing the boys portfolios (1 down 1 to go)… 
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

100_2936

Mandy

Time for a change

I have been in contact with a new to me medical alert company. N Style Id has been providing medical alert jewelry since 2000. I had the opportunity to peruse their site and like what I see. I just wish B-Rad was here so he could show me what he likes.
I had purchased my son’s ID tag back in December when he was newly diagnosed. I recently, after talking with his doctor, have been thinking it would be a good idea to have a second ID so he would have one for when he is home and one for when he visits his father’s house.
I thought we were ok with the one, but now after realizing he left it at his father’s, I know better.  I hope you will go and check out N Style Id and see if there is something you like. The prices are very good (better than where I purchased before) and the styles are not the same I have seen other places.
I think this one is my favorite since B-Rad is becoming so much more a man now. Which one is your favorite?
idbraclet
Mandy

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Not Just For The Elderly

I want to introduce you to a wonderful resource we have found the need for as a newly diabetic family. Since my son has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes AND he is so super skinny with ADHD I have an intense fear of him crashing out and not being awake or aware enough to get himself help. With the possibility of a crash comes with the very real threat of death or coma. I fear for my son being alone. He is so very young and impulsive which means not always checking his sugars like he should.
I try to never leave him alone but I don’t want to smother him either. He needs his space as he grows into a young adult. He is 14 and I want to be able to show him I trust him by leaving him in charge of the youngers once in a while.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

School Room Revamp

I have been trying to get our school year all planned out so when we start in 3 weeks I feel ready and prepared. I am just about finished with that but have had something else weighing heavily on my mind about feeling ready. You see I am one of those people that just sets things down with good intention to find it a home later only I never do and only set it somewhere new. So needless to say our school room was a bit of a wreck. I am still trying to finish my youngest son’s portfolio so things were very much piled all over.

My main issue was this enormous desk I inherited from my aunt and uncle when they wanted to rid themselves of it for a bit. It is great to store things in but it’s just so big and our basement is not! It had to be replaced with something though because I needed to have storage.


100_1738 A place to pile everything




 

 

My hubby helped me to reorganize which is my weak point but after a couple very long days we did it! I felt so disorganized last year I knew we needed to change something before I began this year.


000_0008 As you can see quite cluttered and we did school on the couch with tv trays alot!

 

 



We moved the Bowflex to the garage and bought a few more bookcases and 2 student desks over the last part of the school year so I really only had to get things in order and figure out how to work it with this desk.
So this is what we ended up with.


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My little sweet girl’s desk and the basement entrance.
See the hooks above for pocket charts to hang from? The schoolhouse chalk wall is from Upper Case Living.

Messy during purging phase,lol!
   100_2995Going to the left in the pic.
100_3013    100_3017
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Oh looky there…some workboxes have gotten a new and better home. Much better. 

 100_3018
Now coming across the far wall… more Upper Case Living Art!
100_3014    100_3026

Overview of the back of the couch facing back wall.
100_3012


 


 

 

Bookcases and the boys desks.
 100_3020    100_3015
We color code our kids Oldest is Orange/Yellow and Middle is Purple (or in this case blue since purple was not an option) and little miss is our youngest and only girl so she is red or pink…of course!
 100_3021    100_3022 Like the cushions? Walmart for about $9 each, not what I wanted to pay but they are rubber backed and do not move so it’s worth it to me!100_3023

And back to the other side of the basement which is our family room. See our oodles of board games on the shelves?
100_3027 Our School name above the workboxes.




 

My sweet hubby also had a little surprise of his own for me! He created this little sewing area for me in our laundry room (which is on the other side of the wall that our workboxes are on). Isn’t he the greatest?
100_3028    100_3029
So have you changed where you home school or re- arranged the area you use? Let me know what you think of our space.
Mandy

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Another Redesign

It seems as though Photobucket is cracking down on those wonderful people who design blogs and host their free images with them. This is the second time I have had to redesign my blog in as many months due Photobucket to requiring a blog designer to pay for their hosting the images because they are simply popular. Now don’t get me wrong I understand I am using a free service so I should be grateful it is there at all. Believe me I am, yet why am I having to redesign my blog so often. Is Photobucket wrong for asking the popular kids to pay more? Especially when they provide their items for free? I believe they are. The have realized that there are not too many good blog designers out there who offer a generous amount of free material and decided that these are the most popular and will continue to be. I am sure Photobucket has their reasons but I doubt I will agree that it’s a good enough one for me. So how about you go patronize the wonderful people who offer some of the cutest blog designs around and maybe leave them a little donation in thanks.

Scrappin Blogs

The Cutest Blog on the Block

Hot Bliggity Blog

Mandy

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Home school Planning

I had planned a planning getaway at a not too distant B&B. Alas it was not to be, we had to buy a new washer. I have been slowly moving forward though after about a month block. I am using TOS Planner also and LOVE it! I used the annual year plan form to lay out each weeks lessons, 1 form per subject for each kiddo (I only have 2 to plan for, so far!) I plan on binding these in sheet protectors with binder rings so anybody can see what they should be working on. I have them in a binder right now so I may just leave them that way.
I have used the monthly calendar to divide the planner into sections. Each section has a sheet for books read and a journal sheet. We use workboxes and I have created a spreadsheet for each week so I can put in our assignments for every day of the week. I have 3 sheets for each week, 1 for each child’s individual workboxes and one for the things we work on together.
I have the first few pages as a sort of reference using the curriculum key chart, annual calendar, and attendance chart. I have a section for field trip planning and a few website and vendors logs.  I have an additional section with all my TOS Crew stuff.

I fear this post is a bit of a scatter so maybe I’ll stop chattering and let you see some pictures instead!
Planner cover
 13308.1L-1

Course Of Study  and Curriculum Key
 100_2904 100_2905
Year calendars
 100_2906
Attendance Chart
 100_2907
Annual Plans
 100_2982
Books Read (using one of these each month)
100_2985
Workbox schedules
100_2984 
Field Trip
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So how are your plans coming along?
Mandy

July 21 2010


The Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY
Outside my window...Haze over the lazy Ohio River...
I am thinking...about how interesting the Superman sights will be…
I am thankful for...safe travel on our way here yesterday…
From the kitchen...yummy free hotel breakfast…
I am wearing...tank and capris…
I am creating...this post…

I am going…on an adventure with superheroes… 
I am reading…The Case of the Missing Books… 
I am hoping...for no bickering (or at least not much)…
I am hearing…SpongeBob cartoons in the hotel lobby…

Around the house...hopefully no one…

One of my favorite things...finding what I need when I need it…

A few plans for the rest of the week:heading home and then revamping the school room… 
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

100_2901

Mandy

Monday, July 19, 2010

Travel the World Module

HSCrew468x60Animated
After being chosen for TOS Crew I am being given the opportunity to practice my reviewing skills by receiving an e-book which happens to be a module from The Schoolhouse Planner. Specifically the June 2010 module entitled Travel the World. They have a new one each month.
2010JunModuleCoverSM
From the publisher:

“What is a module?
A module is an add-on for The Schoolhouse Planner, the amazing planner brought to you by  The Old Schoolhouse®. This module includes a study guide, activity pages, quizzes, coloring pages, copy work, lap booking, and more!”
Plus…
“You do not have to have The Schoolhouse Planner to use the modules. Each module is designed to be its own stand-alone unit study. You can choose to purchase the modules by themselves or bundle them with The Schoolhouse Planner.”
I actually bought this years planner and LOVE it! I also have a few modules but have never really used them as it was the end of our school year when I got them.
My first impression, that it is a wonderful, concise overview of World Geography.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Doughnuts, Swimming, and Despicable Me

Today is OJ & doughnuts for breakfast because that’s what C-man wants. Since today is his 8th birthday he picks breakfast. Later we will go swimming and then to see the movie Despicable Me. Both are things he has been begging to do.
8 years ago today God blessed me in an amazing way. He sent me our beautiful, sweet, compassionate baby boy. Second child of mine and has a heart of gold. He loves all things boy except bugs and sitting still!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY C-MAN!
100_2521
Mandy

Thursday, July 15, 2010

July 14th


The Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY
Outside my window...Blazing hot and clear...
I am thinking...I need to be more motivated…
I am thankful for...love of a wonderful husband…
From the kitchen...dirty dishes calling me…
I am wearing...jeans and a purple top…
I am creating...lesson plans, shower plans for my sister who is getting married soon…

I am going…to attempt sleep before 3 am… 
I am reading…Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter… 
I am hoping...tomorrow is less annoying than today…
I am hearing…the washer beeping for me to switch the load of laundry out…

Around the house...everyone is asleep, but me…

One of my favorite things...cold drinks on a hot day…

A few plans for the rest of the week: finishing up my boys portfolios and wedding planning… 
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
100_2892

Mandy

Sunday, July 11, 2010

TOS Blog Walk Week 5

I have been following along with TOS Crew Blog Walk each week. Have fun following along and reading these blogs from my fellow crew mates.
1. Buckaroo Days
2. Our Homeschool Reviews
3. Reed, Party of 6
4. Training Hearts at Home
5. Along The Way
6. I Love Science!
7. Through the Calm and Through the Storm
8. Created for Home
9. Tractors and Tire Swings
10. Guiding Light Homeschool
I was trying to publish these weekly walks on a certain day of the week. Tuesday, I think it was but I have not been very good at remembering the day. I have decided to make use of my windows calendar to set a weekly alert for my posts. Hopefully this will keep me on a better schedule!
Mandy

Lead Me

I am so overwhelmed, we finally have a reliable Christian radio station in my area now! Praise God. This is a FM station that I was able to get but only in certain areas and while it was such a blessing to me it can now be an even greater blessing to others as well. 
One of my favorite bands they play is Sanctus Real. I have never heard their song “Lead Me” yet it has touched me in such a profound way. I have had such a difficult time with Biblical Submission. I desperately want to have my husband as the leader of our home but I have spent so long being In Control.
This song is so much to me. It is for me and for my husband and for our children. I wish so for the peace and strength that comes from the Lord. Some days I just want to fall to my knees and pray but I can’t bring myself before Him that way. I pray yes but I feel weird going on my knees even though I know that is what I must do.
Photobucket

Friday, July 09, 2010

Forced redesign

I hope you all like my new blog design! I think it is cute but it wasn’t my plan to change it. I liked what I had and spent a fair amount of time tweaking it to be perfect. Let me explain. I didn’t have a choice.
I had gotten my blog background from Scrappin Blogs and they used photobucket to host their images. They were informed by photobucket that they had so many people using their account that they must now pay for the service as a business. Scrappin Blogs is a free site so they had to pull all their images from photobucket.
For now I have had to find something use to replace my chosen background. Scrappin Blogs intends to stay free and is looking for alternative hosting sites. I so look forward to the day they are back up and running because their stuff is so cute!
I think I might be willing to pay a small fee to use their backgrounds if it comes to that. You can read about it here
Mandy

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

July 7 2010


The Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY
Outside my window...The sun is hidden behind the clouds...
I am thinking...about taking a nap…
I am thankful for...my children’s awesome sense of humor…
From the kitchen...sandwiches for lunch…
I am wearing...yoga pants and tank to match…
I am creating...crafts for my blog giveaway…
I am going…music lessons for the boys tonight… 
I am reading…nothing at the moment… 
I am hoping...for an early bedtime…
I am hearing…the neighbor's’ siding going up…
Around the house...baby is napping…
One of my favorite things...waking up refreshed before anyone else is awake (rarely happens)…
A few plans for the rest of the week: finishing up my boys portfolios and working on our school plans… 
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

100_2900
Mandy

Pay It Forward: First Five Commenter's Win!

 

Sister Tipster has posted a cool new giveaway on her blog. I love scrapbooking, crafting anything, and art so this is really my cup of tea!!! Basically it is a crafting pay it forward. Just by being one of the first 5 commenter's you win. There are just a few rules:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link back to me.

2. Post your own giveaway from something you have crafted (or make something special just for the giveaway).

3. Create your gift and mail it to your first five comment leaver’s who follow these same rules :)

Now I just have to decide what I’d like to make and giveaway. It’s a make & give instead of a make & take, haha. Enjoy the gift of giving!

fancysig

Saturday, July 03, 2010

Happy Independence Day

Although I love fireworks to celebrate our freedoms in this country I do not love those that flaunt their disrespect of that hard won freedom by shooting them off illegally. My husband is one of the many that fights for our freedom everyday. I appreciate the freedom we do have. I also help by obeying the laws that are in place for all of us.

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