| On the Right Track |
For my Cindy Rushton Mommy Homework PalsHere are the pics of some samples of the salt dough cutouts we made for gifts. I only have one cross to show, and we also did some heart shapes as well....we kept the ones that bubbled a bit or were a bit off color...the ones we gave away also had many more beads (a toothpick and tweezers are a must to place those small beads) We used the typical salt dough recipe, baked them, glued (tacky glue) on the jewel craft beads, sprayed with clear acrylic spraypaint, let dry, slipped a ribbon the whole we made before baking, and gave them away as gifts. HTH. Sheri
9:39 AM - Dec. 1, 2008 - comments {0} - post commentEver hear of Polliwalks?
She is giving away a free pair, so head on over to check it out....they are some adorable little shoes for your kiddos!
9:29 AM - Dec. 1, 2008 - comments {0} - post commentWant to win a free ebook about The Myths of Socialzation ?The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has just released an ebook that covers all those myths (and dispells them) regarding the lack of or opportunity for socialization in homeschooled children. I can attest that this myth is so lame, and overblown-I have been at this for many a year now, and have seen just the opposite occur with my own children. In fact, my children's professors constantly comment on how mature, focused, and adept they are. Most do not know they were homeschooled, until near the end of the semesters too-so it just shows that homeschool children are better able to deal with the "real world" than the public fears.
Regardless if you are new to homeschooling, been around the block so many times that you have worn a path, or are somewhere in between-this is a great ebook to read. I have a free one to give away (a $12.45 value)-so here is what you need to do in order to be entered in the drawing... 1. Use the icon (below) in your post, along with a little tell all about the contest I have going 2. Paste a link to this post, into your post; and come back here to leave your name, and url addy for your post. I will draw the winner on December 12th and post the winner's name on the 13th. Please note, I also have a giveaway going for the teen book, The Missing Link Found, which will be given away on the 12th too....so enter both drawings! Tell your friends too. You can find my other contest at The Missing Link Give Away
The Myth of Socialization : Dispelling the Rumors Give Away You can find out more by going to the store to read the decription about the 10:46 AM - Nov. 29, 2008 - comments {0} - post commentOooh, Have a give-away for yaAlrighty....I have some fun goodies and will be giving them away over the next few weeks and in January-I am doing a give-away a week since it is my birthday month. So....
I will have this icon and a note explaining what is being gifted. You will need to copy the icon, do a little ditty on your blog and come back and let me know you did so with your name and url to the post you did. Any other instructions will be posted with the individual give-away. I hope this will be a blessing to you and your homeschooling adventures..... Here is my first Blog-Away Extravaganza give-away:
12:09 PM - Nov. 26, 2008 - comments {0} - post commentOooh, my blogger pal Christin tagged me!Here is the scoop: I am to tell you all 15 things I am not afraid to admit...ok, but don't say I didn't warn ya! Thanks Cristin for tagging me-this was fun!
1. I wasn't thrilled with the idea of homeschooling when my husband first mentioned it back in '94. 2. You know I had a good night sleep of tossing and turning because my hair is usually messy and sticking up all over in back. 3. I move furniture more than the staff at Art Van. It can be rather treacherous in my home if it is dark and you are unaware of my current rearranging. 4. I scream when I see mice, but then quickly recover to investigate them. 5. I watch Little People, Big World, Jon and Kate Plus 8, and various other shows on TLC, like Families with a Dozen kids or more.... 6. I do not like hot and spicy foods-so don't ask me to eat them 7. I get myself involved in too many project and then wonder why I am exhausted and frustrated. 8. I love good movies that make me cry...I have been known to go thru 1/2 a box in just one 2 hour sitting 9. I suffer from "baby-itis" and want more babies-much to my hubby's horror (and my age is well, pretty much prohibiting at this point). 10. Out of all the ice cream choices one could have-vanilla is still my absolute favorite. 11. I have trouble remembering names, including my own kids. This is embarrassing and annoying to my children, I just roll with it and now have a tag line added after their names, "Frank, George, or whomever!" 12. I truly enjoy non-verbal silence...mostly when outdoors, I just like to hear God's noise and that is it. Doesn't happen often, but I savor those moments when the only thing in the background are buzzing insects, birds chirpping and the wind blowing. That is my ultimate recharge to hetic and busy days. 13. I tend to be a night owl..not a morning dove. 14. I am totally into history-especially the later 1800s to early 1900s. 15. When it is time to take out my contacts-I tell my kids "I need to go take out my eyeballs." Now I do believe I am going to tag......
7:53 PM - Nov. 24, 2008 - comments {3} - post commentFor those of you who have a car buff husband like mine
Sing it like "On Top of Old Spaghetti"........ With car parts a top d'counter, all covered with grease. He works on it daily, I beg him "Oh please!" The nuts and bolts are rolling, off the counter so sweet~ I wish he'd get this off the place where we eat! To all you gals who bear their hubby's hobbies that over run the house...my new support group will be forming right after the holidays-the stuff should be off the counter by then! Hope you enjoyed this smile for the day (and he actually just removed it...so the support group will commence next week!) Blessings- 1:37 PM - Nov. 23, 2008 - comments {1} - post commentMy Apologies to FireFox usersHello I know that some of you who visit my mother's blog use Firefox, so the coding is messed up with transparent text and such. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to figure out how to fix this. However, if you know how to, please e-mail us what to do, so we can fix this problem. Thanks-- Cassie, Sheri's daughter. 11:04 AM - Nov. 19, 2008 - comments {0} - post commentBlogger Friend assignment 110 posted on my other blogThis assignment is a good one...asking for links and curriculum ideas we have....so be sure to check out mine and the multitude of others out there, you are sure to find some great new sites to visit! Blessings- Sheri 8:42 PM - Nov. 18, 2008 - comments {0} - post commentI will be giving away some products I am reviewing...soon!On my new blog just for reviews, I am going to be doing some exciting Give-aways! www.1of100toscrewreviews.blogspot.com Oh yes! I am going to be occassionally giving away some of the goodies I am getting for the TOS Crew Reviews. Be sure to come back often (or better yet, click on the Follow this Blog and be updated when new posts are listed) to see what is up for grabs! I do have some rules to follow, and ask that only those who do not already own the product to participate. Those who follow the guidelines will be entered to win the product, and will be notified upon completion of the contest. I will also put a direct link to your blog when you win! That way, folks will stop by to see what you are blogging about too! RULES: 1. Follow the contest's individual rules as stated Please copy/paste the Contest Button image for your blog. Thanks so much! Blessings! 6:10 PM - Nov. 14, 2008 - comments {0} - post commentI was given an award! How fun! 1. Please put the logo on your blog. 2. Place a link to the person from whom you received the award. 3. Nominate 3 or more blogs. 4. Put the links of those blogs on your blog. 5. Leave a message on their blogs telling them they've won an award! 6. Start preparing the bread starter Amish Friendship Bread Starter To the balance (a little over one cup) of the batter, add the following ingredients and mix well. In a separate bowl combine the following dry ingredients and mix well: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix and pour into two well greased and sugared bread pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour. It is very important to use plastic or wooden utensils and plastic or glass containers when making this. Do not use metal at all! Ingredients: Directions: 3. Slowly stir in warm milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Loosely cover the mixture with a lid or plastic wrap. The mixture will get bubbly. Consider this Day 1 of the cycle, or the day you receive the starter. Amish Friendship Bread Recipe Now I get to honor some of my friends with both of the above awards. I would like to pass the award on to these precious people:
Jen at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MrsIncredible (she has such a cute and Incredible blog! and she is a fellow TOS Crewmate as well!) Mrs Sombra at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MoreLittleWilsons/ (how could I not give this wonderful lady an award? One of the four teachers for the Blogger Friend School, she is always full of fun, wisdom and great mini-videos) Heidi at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ReviewsbyHeidi/ (Not only is she my Captain on the TOS Crewz Ship Review, she is a wonderful lady with tons of insight and an awesome blog to boot!)
Please visti my pals to see their wonderful blogs-you won't regret it! Blessings and thanks so much to my very good pal, Michelle at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/journeyhome for selecting me for this fun award!
10:04 AM - Nov. 14, 2008 - comments {1} - post commentBlogger Friend Assignment #9
Memory Verse: Philippians 4:8 In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy.
The passion to sing, the passion to draw, the passion to build, the passion to ride, the passion for reading, the passion for nature… the list is endless. Some children exhibit their passion from day one, others need an experience to spark that passion Assignment: Share a field trip/lifestyle learning experience where you really felt you were bringing good things to life for your children, where something came alive for them, or ignited a passion. I actually have to split this ibecause the boys are more into one activity and the girls another, but they all love NASCAR.
My boys:
When my eldest son was but a toddler, he would amaze me with his ability to recall cars. As we would walk along the sidewalk of the apartment buildings we lived in, he would stop every few cars, bend down and scan in great detail the grill, side markings and so forth. Then as we walked, he would inform me, "Nanna's car." or "Gampa's car." or "Papa's car." and so forth. Now I would just do the usual response, "Yes dear." Until one day I payed closer attention to what he was saying. He did identify the cars correctly (although they were not actually theirs, he pegged the right color and make/model of the cars)! This obsession for vehicles has continued to this day, and perhaps grown worse. Now before you wonder where he could possible get this obsession from-yes, it is his father. I knew my hubby was a car nut when I met him and knew I would live with the car-thing being a part of our lives...but to have a kid join him-oh Mylanta! So, I must point out-car-nutaholicism is a passed on trait.
Then my baby boy was born. Perhaps he would be interested, but not to the point of his big brother and daddy...oh boy, oh boy! Was I ever wrong-this one is 10 times more into vehicles, wheels, engines, tractors, and anything motor- related. I swear he was born holding matchbox cars in his hands, and making motor sounds! Whew!
Yes, so once I overcame the shock...I decided to just go with it. My husband has nurtured their desire to partake in anything car/motorcycle/boat and snowmobile related. It has given the boys a great opportunity to work along side their daddy and learn the ins and outs of all that car stuff. We have attended more car shows, bought and sold more vehicles than a used car lot, spent many a time making U-turns to "Just do a quick check on that car over there" and altered vacations to center around car events. Luckily, the girls and I have a good sense of humor and will participate in some of this with them.
One of the motorcycles they bought, repaired and sold for a profit~
For the girls:
I love to bake, and always have enjoyed it more than cooking. So I have been diligent in sharing that love to our children. My girls are into it more than the boys (all though they love to eat the stuff!) and have learned the joy of baking for loved ones. Both have created a cookbook with family recipes, and ones downloaded from our favorite TV cooks (Paula Deen and Bobby Flay mostly) so that when they are out on their own-they already have a wide selection to making some great meals and desserts. We especially enjoy the holiday baking...mostly using their 100 year old great-grandma's roll out sugar cookies recipe, cutting out the cookies, baking and frosting of them every year. This has become a precious family tradition that I pray they will continue with their own familes some day. When time allows, that Food TV channel is on and we are learning all sorts of great new techniques and recipes. I mostly enjoy the time we are together, in the coziest spot of the home-the kitchen, together.
These are from one of our batches last year-the oldest was not there to help, by we had fun anyways. As for the NASCAR love-well I have decided to give a Reader's Digest version since this is becoming rather long in the tooth.....our kids found NASCAR right around the time our youngest was born (7 years ago) and our lives have revolved around the race days and mostly, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Our oldest has become a die hard fan that almost got her kicked out of the new Dale Jr. museum (she was touching the $90,000 wax figure of him-oh, oh!) but she loved seeing it and all the cars in the shops. We actually shaped our vacation around the museums and shops in the NC area. Race day can be a bit hairy around here when the kids favorite drivers are in the lead or not doing so swell. Crazy but true.
oh yeah-her dream dude.
Those are just some of the ways we nurture our kids likes and interests.....
Blessings~
5:51 PM - Nov. 11, 2008 - comments {6} - post commentWhat does a 100 year old look like?Well-today, Tuesday, November 12th-my husband's granny is 100 years old! Yes, the Lord has blessed this woman with 100 years of life. She is doing pretty darn good too! We went to a celebration on Sunday, surrounded her with family and sang a cheery "Happy Birthday" to her!When we started thinking of all the things she has seen and heard in the past century, we almost couldn't believe it. After all-when she was born, there were no computers, TVs, DVDs, cell phones, washing machines/dryers (like today's), and no (Gasp!) dishwashers. Cars were sparse and plane travel was limited to those crazy enough to give it a try! I couldn't even begin to list all the medical, technological and various other advances that have occurred during her lifetime. And to think of the world events she has been around to talk about: WWI and WWII. The Korean and Vietnam Wars. Desert Storm and the conflict going on now. The sinking of the Titanic, Sputnik scare, landing on the moon, the Berlin Wall coming down, and so much more. Oh, and let us not forget, she has lived to see 18 presidents (plus a soon to be number 19) of the United States....amazing! Then I wondered-will I live to see my centennial birthday? Will my husband? Will any of my kids (I already told them-I wouldn't be making it, so sorry [uh I would be past the age limit set by our gracious Lord] but they understood)? Will any of my family or my husband's or will this be a once in a lifetime event? Only the good Lord knows the answer to those questions, and only time will tell... Anyway, I just wanted to publicly wish this wonderful woman a most blessed and awe-inspiring Hundredth Birthday (and even though she has no inkling of what a blog is-I wanted to be sure to share this wonderful event)- 
9:48 PM - Nov. 10, 2008 - comments {1} - post commentFor those of you with pet fishI have to say-this is the funniest-yet most genius-way to keep kids interested in your pet fish, "Goldie" , "Finnegan" or "Spot" ! I was thumbing my way through the new TOS magazine, and there on page 139-my eyes suddenly stopped! I was thinking, "Is that fish playing soccer?" SO I had to read the info...sure enough someone came up with a great tool to train your fish to play soccer, football, to jump through hoops and so forth. Cool! If I owned a fish-I would serviously consider this. I figured since Christmas is coming up and ideas can run sparse for the middle elementary kids and beyond-that I should mention this one. It looks fun and hey-if you do get it-please let me know if it truly works! I would love to hear your story! You can find out more on Timberdoodle's site: http://www.timberdoodle.com/R2_Fish_School_Kit_p/256-256.htm "GO Goldie, GO!" Enjoy! Sheri 12:37 PM - Nov. 6, 2008 - comments {0} - post commentI created a new blog just for the TOS ReviewsI have decided to place all the reviews I am doing for the TOS Crew Reviews, on to a new blog, expressly for them. I also have direct links to the companies I am reviewing for on my sidebar. I hope this will make it easier for you to find the reviews/vendors you are looking for. This will only have anything/everything related to the products and the vendors who supplied them. Also, please do not be shy-if you have a question regarding one or more of the products I have reviewed, be sure to ask. I will do my best to answer them for you. I hope you will find this blog site beneficial to aiding you with your curriculum decisions. Blessings- Sheri New Blog: www.1of100toscrewreviews.blogspot.com 2:40 PM - Nov. 3, 2008 - comments {0} - post commentToday is Reformation Day Today we are reminded that in 1517, Martin Luther hung his 95 Thesis on the church door in Wittenburg, Germany. This very act ushered in the beginning of the Reformation. Praise God for this man's tenacity and courage. Because of these 95 concerns, the world was made aware of the erroneous teaching of the church of the day-and learned that we receive God's righteousness, as a gift, it is not something to be earned-by believing in his son Jesus Christ. Paul wrote in the book of Romans: "There is no one rigteous, not even one; and "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Rom. 3:21-24 May the grace and peace of the Lord serve you well today. Excellent book to read to your children about Martin Luther: This can be found at Amazon.com for a great price. Or check your local library. FYI: future project- I am going to try to put together a lapbook on his life during the coming summer. If I get it done, I will be sure to post the instructions on my scrap and lapbook blog. 11:29 AM - Oct. 31, 2008 - comments {2} - post commentOoooh, 3 reviews have been posted
I have 3 reviews posted so far, for my TOS Crew reviews. I hope you will head over to my blog at www.hsingonawingandaprayer.blogspot.com and read over them. Now all of my reviews are on: www.1of100toscrewreviews.blogspot.com with all of the vendors I have reviewed so far or will be reviewing posted on my side-bar. I have covered Help Me 2 Teach (online service), the ABCs of Homeschooling (ecourse for folks new to or needing help with homeschooling) and the Homeschool Library Builder (book store)! These are some really neat companies/products/services! I have some others coming up soon-One 2 Believe (toys), Kinderbach (online music), Salem Ridge Press (books), Spears Art Studio (art cd roms) and more! This has been such a great opportunity to try some new products and companies! I hope you find my reviews to be helpful and be sure to check back often, as I am posting these as I can. Plus, there are gong to be at least 99 other reviews on most products, so head over to our Crew Review page to read what others thought about the same product (which will give you a great rounded opinion on them). I will not be receiving all the products (vendors are chosing those that best suit the product) so go thru the site-there are other reviews I am not doing (Peterson Handwriting comes to mind). This is a great opportunity to get real opinions on stuff you may be considering for this year or next and beyond. You can find that at http://homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew Oh-check the rigth side bar for the vendors-there are some great ones participating this year! I know for sure one of the companies (FIAR) will be giving me something to review that I already own-so I will be having a drawing for that product when we get it (perhaps in Feb?). Blessings! 4:39 AM - Oct. 27, 2008 - comments {0} - post commentBlogger Friend Assignment #6
Memory Verse: Isaiah 40: 1- Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Assignment: Tell us all about how your have “your” relaxing time, more especially how during the cooler months you take time to curl up with your favorite movie, book, Bible study, and what your favorite warm drink would be. My relaxing time (all seasons-including winter down to 25 degrees) is actually when I am doing my 40-50 min. walk (not really considered relaxing, but it serves its purpose of giving me alone time). I do a power walk every other day, when possible, and that is when I listen to my music, pray and chat with the Lord or just go without music and listen to the birds and such. This is usually the only time where I am alone (altho I have on many occassions, had someone accompany me-from the hubby to one or two of the kids, and once in a while, it is ok-but I try to keep that time for myself). Another time for me is when I hide away in my room, cuddle up with a snuggly blanket mom made me, and do a bible study, reading of the bible, reading of one the many books (homeschooling related, Joyce Meyer or Beth Moore, and usually a fictional or inspiring book) I have on my nightstand and so forth. I spread out on my comfy bed and try to get at least an hour in. Sometimes, it lasts all of 5 minutes. I found that about 7 o'clockish (PM) in our home, everyone goes off to do their own thing - so this time frame works the best. But again-not always. I need my coffee in the morning. This time of year, I get very excited because Starbucks runs their special of Pumpkin Spice Lattes. MMMM. So once in while I will treat myself to one. I am always a sucker for warm apple cider with a blueberry donut (the local cider mill has the best glazed blueberry donuts! But they are not super close, so this is a once or twice in the fall treat). I am working on being consistant with giving myself some relaxing time...life lately seems to have other plans, so I just roll with it. I can go for a certain amount of time without having some down time, but then hit my wall-so I have learned to listen to my needs and try to eek out even a 1/2 hour a day to just recharge. Sheri 9:14 AM - Oct. 21, 2008 - comments {15} - post commentOut of the mouth of a 21st Century babe
My youngest (7 yold ds) and I have been reading the Bible stories of Moses this week...I read him from one version during school and then that night, read the same story via another version. You know the story...Moses is minding his own business while tending to his father-in-law's sheep...when he spots that amazing burning bush and wanders over to take a look..... My son sat intently thru the version earlier in the day (mostly cuz he is sick this week and he was actually able to sit still for it due to that fact) and then at night, I read the other version of the same story...this is what transpired....enjoy! I had just finished the story and was about to go on to the next one.... Buddy: They didn't say the story right Me: Oh? I think it is a bit different but has all the same important stuff. Buddy: No, they forgot the part where God tells him to remove his flipflops! Me: (trying not to laugh)..Oh, you mean sandals? Buddy: Flipflops-what are sandals? Me: now I am really trying hard not to burst out laughing cuz this is just so..him! Sandals are what they called flipflops in Moses' time. Buddy: Oh, ok. We then agreed that in fact, they both told the story right. Oh, man that was a good one. Only a babe from our times would call em flipflops! 12:23 AM - Oct. 18, 2008 - comments {2} - post commentBlogger Friend #5
Assignment: Post your favorite fall recipe/recipes to share. I love trying new recipes, do you? It can be baking, main dishes, veggies, dessert or anything else you can think of. There are no limits. Mmmmmm..I can’t wait to take a look at some of those recipes. Memory Verse: Psalms 13:6 NIV Well this is a fun assignment-but which recipe to choose? I know a lot of good ones! I figure I would give you an excellent coffee cake recipe handed down from my great-grandma Alice. This one is moist, delicious and lends itself most beautifully to coffee on a cool fall morn. Knudson Coffee Cake 350 degrees, 60 min-until knife inserted comes out clean bundt pan, or round non-stick pan-spray with Pam Mix: 1/2 # butter (yes, the real stuff) 1 1/4 cup wht. sugar 2 eggs-slightly beaten 1 cup sour cream (I add a tad more to make it super moist) 2 cups flour 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder Cream the butter, sugar and add egg, vanilla, sour cream and mix until well blended (md-high speed). Add the flour, soda and powder. Mix thoroughly. Topping: I always double the sugar/cinnamon and add about another 1/2 cup of walnuts...since we like it loaded with extra flavor-but the original amount is adequate. 1 cup of chopped walnuts 4 TBSP sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon Pour about 1/2 of batter into the bottom of the cake pan, then add 1/2 the topping and repeat. I find that if I tent some tin foil over the top for about 1/2 of the baking process-the cake rises really nicely and does not burn. When a cake pin comes out clean-remove and let cool slightly. Flip out cake to a pretty plate, let cool some more if you can wait and enjoy. I will be making this later this week (hopefully) so I will post a picture then! For those who like to entertain and need a good appetizer, my mother-in-law's recipe is fabulous for such needs: Rye Bread Appetizers 2/3 cup mayo 1/3 cup parmesan cheese 1/2 cup chopped onions -white works best 6 slices of bacon (reg or turkey) Package of Pepperidge Farms little rye square breads (or another flavor if Rye is not your thing) Fry the bacon, when done remove and then add to saute the onions in the grease. Let bacon drain on paper towel. When cool, crumble the bacon, and add to the mayo/cheese and onions (have been removed and drained on paper towel to rid of some of that grease). This can be stored in fridge until ready to use. Heat oven to 350 degrees-on a cookie sheet lay down as many breads as you need and apply a thin layer of the spread. Watch closely-they bake up fast. When hot and bubbly-they are done. Eat immediately. We bake em in small batches so they are hot when ready to eat. They do not taste so swell cold. These are rich and a few go a long way. Enjoy! 11:12 AM - Oct. 14, 2008 - comments {6} - post commentOk, Lapbook pics are posted-minus a couple stickers and suchWanted to get it up before things became crazy again....it is up on the scrapandlapbooks.blogspot.com blog. Enjoy. Sheri 11:02 AM - Oct. 10, 2008 - comments {1} - post comment
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Using a variety of methods, mainly Charlotte Mason, I have been on this homeschool journey for 14 plus (official) years and counting. Hopefully, after all of this trial and error, I have something worthy to contribute to the homeschooling community. Grab a cup of coffee and pull up a chair-I tend to be wordy-and take a stroll through my homeschool blog. Home User Profile Archives Recent Entries - For my Cindy Rushton Mommy Homework Pals - Ever hear of Polliwalks? - Want to win a free ebook about The Myths of Socialzation ? - Oooh, Have a give-away for ya - Oooh, my blogger pal Christin tagged me!
      
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I hadn't until today when I read about them on my crew mate's site.....
This is how my husband decorates for the holidays...
That is my not so exciting way to unwind and recharge. Thanks for stopping by.
So.....
