Posted in Nevada

CONTEST!!!!!!

I am hosting a CONTEST!!! Yes My Very First Ever CONTEST...... Can everyone hear me yelling out CONTEST! Want to win a small package of fun Las Vegas "stuff"???? I can't say what will be in each of the THREE packages, But I will say there will be (in each package) at least a real set of playing cards from one of the casinos... and a real pair of dice from a casino.... maybe even the same casino *smile*

So what do you have to do you ask... I will tell you, it is soooo simple....

1.) Take a picture of your library. **Any library, your home, or public, heck any stack of 2 or more books is all good with me**

2.) Post it on your homeschool blog.

3.) Link to me, so others can join in on the fun.

4.) Come back here and leave me a comment so I know to add your name to the magic hat....

On March 20th. I will have ButterBean reach into the magic hat and pull three names out... I will post the winners and you can email me a mailing address so I can send you a super duper small Las Vegas package!!!!

Come On, You know you want to do it! So do it! Teeheehee

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

Has it been quiet around the homeschool blog community? Or is it just me? I miss being about to read all my friends from one page here.... I do not have time to click each blog link and wait for all the graphics, music, scripts, ect to load to read everyone every day like I use to LOVE to do! I would like homeschool blogger to bring back that feature... and maybe we can all start reading each other like we use to be able to do.... and I would also like to be able to put graphics in the comments area... which I use to do and can not do now *sad face*

Is anyone out there with me on these issues? Or am I alone.....

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

Posted in YaDa YaDa YaYa

Amazing but true.... I just folded 83 pairs of socks.

I know you are all just as shocked as I am.... I dislike pairing and folding socks... I love doing laundry... Gathering, Sorting, Washing, Drying, and Folding... but not the socks.... Las Vegas is a warm city.... so we don't have to always wear socks... (one of the reasons I agreed to move here, really).

Soooooo normally I toss all the clean socks unpaired and unfolded into a laundry basket I keep in the laundry room..... so any time anyone needs a pair of socks they just go to the basket and get a pair out.... This is works for me!

But we are getting the house ready to be painted inside, and all new tiled laid through out the house... and well everything has to be out of the house.... soooooo I folded those darn socks.... UGH. All Of THEM! and guess what.... normally I could NEVER throw out a sock there wasn't a match for, tonight...... I threw out a HUGE handfull of unmatched socks... bye bye bye....

Wow.... so many changes LOL....

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

Posted in YaDa YaDa YaYa

Posted in Nevada

I just stumbled onto this website yesterday..... CLICK HERE

It is a small site, but there are things to read... and it is kept updated with local family friendly things offered around the Las Vegas area.....

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

Posted in Nevada

Solutions to Your ResolutionsGet Healthy Clarke County

Get Healthy Clarke County

Be a Quitter!
Was your New Years resolution to quit smoking in 2007?

Get Moving
Check out our tips to get moving in 2007

Eat Better in the New Year!
Was your New Years resolution to eat better?

Walk Around Nevada
Track your physical activity and watch as you virtually trek your way around Nevada.

Take the Nutrition Challenge
This free 12-week online program will help you increase the number of fruits and vegetables you eat each day.

Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act - Question 5

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This site is jammed packed full of GREAT infomation for not only homeschoolers in Nevada but all homeschoolers! Why not go on over and take a litte tour!

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

My Moto For This Week Will Be:

Just keep going going going....

Peace & Happiness
Dana

Posted in Links

Click Here

Julie's Lactation Nation has the BEST felt nursing dolls.... Go check them out! You'll love them toooooo!

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

Posted in Nevada

Grand Opening 2007

Spring Preserve

This in here in Las Vegas.....  I feel a homeschool field trip screaming my name.... Teeheehee

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

Posted in Links

We hung a bird feeded in the backyard a few days ago..... Oley Moley.... It didn't take but two days and oddles of little red house finches found it..... and a few yellow finches too....

They were really messing up the patio.... pooping all over it and making seed mess every where.... LOL What was I thinking? So I moved the feeder into a pine tree in our backyard just a few feet away. It didn't take them a day to re-find the feeder and they are happy as well happy as finches.... Teeheehee

We all have been watching and enjoying those crazy little finches... they are so darn fast and funny....

Found this today:

The Great BackYard Bird Count

A snippet from the site:
"Join the Great Backyard Bird Count, February 16-19, 2007. It's fun, it's free, it takes as little as 15 minutes--and it helps the birds."

Bird hop on over and check it out.... if you join up let me know!

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

Posted in Nevada

BODIES... The Exhibition

We went on a field trip here today.... DH, Koko, ButterBean and I, We went with a small group of homeschoolers....

So any hoot.... I am speechless... I am not sure what to say about it. Amazing me speechless huh....

These are REAL bodies.... EVERYTHING IS REAL!!! All but the eyeballs.... most of everything is not covered by glass so you are inches away from real bodies..... everything in the body..... not just the bones.... it is less about bones and more about the "stuff" in the body......

It took us about an hour and a half to get through it.....

It is very hard to explain what we saw... but it was a bit to real. Well because it was all real, and right there in front of us....

They have an area with fetal/babies from the moment of conception on up... and some with birth defects...... real real real..... This was the only area not okay for ButterBean.... she asked "Why are the babies crying" That is what she could see.... KWIM.... DH quickly took her to the next area because she was concerned.... some of them looked like you should just pick them right up.....

I am happy we went, and would go again if I had the chance.... But maybe next time without children.... The children were fine, and it was okay for them... just to give me a little more time to soak it all in.....

We didn't get any pictures, I am not ever sure if that would have been allowed.....

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

Posted in FREE

FREE FREE FREE
FREE Stuff

Hands Of A Child, FREE "What is Snow" Lapbook

Weekly FREE E-Books From HomeSchoolStore

Go Check 'Em Out & Enjoy

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

Posted in Nevada

First Things First Check Here
Las Vegas Kids

Then Onto These Places

Conservatory at Bellagio
Crafted by a team of 100 horticulturalists, the Bellagio's conservatory features elegant, elaborate arrangements of plants and flowers in its bright, airy atrium.
FYI~ The Bellagio is not child friendly in general... the web site makes it seem like they are NOT welcome. But... really they are. I called and talked to the security at the Bellagio and they are very child friendly in the concervatory... The web site says NO strollers for any children not staying at the hotel. But security said YES bring a stroller for your little ones.... Also remember the gardens are always changing, so go often! It's FREE

Ethel M's Chocolate Factory
Ethel M Chocolates panders to the sweet tooth in all of us. Located seven miles from the Strip, its free admission entices us to the factory, through which many a visitor goes for a behind-the-scenes

look at the candy-making (and tasting) process.

FYI~ There is also the Desert Botanical Gardens!

I will try and post a monthly "Things To Do In Southern Nevada" so that we homeschoolers & Parents can get out there with our children and live it up!

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

Posted in Crafts

CLICK HERE

For

Here is a little snippet from the site:

"Hello and welcome to the kids craft weekly website.

If you're looking for fun and educational ways to keep your kids occupied then you've come to the right place! kids craft weekly is a free email newsletter that features original craft ideas for young kids.

Please take a look at the current issue below and consider becoming a subscriber."

**********

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

Loving Kindness Meditation

Chose a time to sit alone in peace each day. You may have to wake up before the rest of your family or (like me) take advantage of nap time.

In order to expand your mind's capacity for concentration, commit to meditating as long as you feel comfortable plus an additional 5 minutes. In the beginning, ten minutes may feel like an eternity. This will change with time. As you continue to meditate, you should be able to increase your sitting time significantly.

Before you begin, think of the individuals you would like to send lovingkindess to. Spouses, children, parents, friends, and especially those individually in your life that you are having trouble feeling loving toward.

Sit as straight as possible. If necessary, sit against the wall to get used to good posture. Close your eyes and relax.

For each individual you send love to, stay with them for at least ten full breaths (in through nose, fill lungs deeply, out through the mouth)... for those relationships that need more energy, try 15-20 breaths.

Your mind will stray, especially in the beginning. When this happens simply bring your thoughts back gently to the individual you are sending energy to and continue. Over time you will be able to focus for longer periods of time.

Think of the individual. Visualize them in your mind - their body, their face, picture them doing daily tasks - do not worry if you cannot see their face (I find this hard while meditating) - just think of as many things as you can to feel their presence. Do not focus on negative behaviors... if these come through your mind, redirect to think of positive things this person has done or participated in.

When you feel you have a good connection with the individual, continue to meditate on them while thinking or saying positive phrases like:

May they be filled with love. May they be healthy. May they be at peace. May they learn kindness. May they find happiness. May they be safe. May they be whole.

Continue to do this until you feel at peace and ready to move to the next individual (remember at least 10 full breaths).

*************

This meditation came from a Yahoo group I beloing to, it is so warm and wonderful I just had to share it here with you all...

Happy Meditating

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

~Happy New Year~

Posted in Questions

ButterBean loves The Wonder Pets! I can't find any DVD's of them.... or anything in general.... Can anyone help me out? I would like to buy some of the movies/shows on DVD and maybe some clothes with The Wonder Pets on them.....

Thank You (again),
Dana

Posted in Questions

Maybe this will be the last crazy entry today.... (maybe)

I would like to make a matching Mother/Daughter poncho.... Out of that thick soft blanket material. I am not sure what the material is called (sewer I am not) But I see people making blankets, scarfs, and hats out of it... you can cut it but you don't have to hem it... it doesn't unravel (is that even a word?).

I found this pattern CLICK HERE I might be able to use it? I have no idea! Have you made one? Can you pass on some poncho help? Teeheehee.... What is that material/fabric called? Help me! I am challenged! *smile*

Poncho Peace & Happiness,
Dana

Posted in YaDa YaDa YaYa

I am a very lucky Mom/Wife/Woman.... I don't have to work, not even a little.... for an income. My full time job is my family and home.

There is a glitch in my system. Since I started homeschooling...... my home has been slightly lacking. Not anything terrible but I know there is a difference.

I need to:

Plan More Meals
Work On Waking Up Earlier
Put Together A Chore List For The Children & DH
Plan More Each Month Instead Of Just Going With The Flow EVERYDAY

Any FREE ideas out there? Care to share? Help me! Teeheehee

Peace & Happiness,
Dana

Posted in Questions

Blog Questions...

Will the "friends" page be gone forever now? That was the best feature! You could go with one click to EVERONE on your friends list that had their RSS turned on and see all the posts at once....

Personally I do not have the time to click each link and wait for each page to load to read all the blogs....

Some of my bloggin' pals have pages loaded with heavy graphics, music, and all sorts of dingle hoppers, sooooo it takes a great deal of time to load. I love all of the blogs... But some make my computer burp and sooooo I read blogs through the "friends" list/page.

So the qustion is, is the friends feature gone forever?

Thank You For Any Help You Can Offer,
Dana

Posted in Links

A Charlie Brown Christmas YouTube Movie  CLICK HERE

Merry Christmas,
Dana