3 Crazy Monkey's

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal:

2012-01-29T14:51:00.000-05:00

In my life this week…

This week I have been extremely busy.. I prepped for a Girl Scout meeting on Monday but our weather made it so it was canceled….Then I spent Wednesday waiting for my mom at an appointment, and then we did a bit of shopping and lunch, that was nice…

Thursday Middle Monkey had a hearing test…

Friday we ended up having to get two new tires put on, and then clean up from another storm.

Yesterday we spent with my Sister-in-law , and attended a birthday party. We had a good day…

Now today we are spending at home, relaxing, watching a few shows, catching up on blogs.. and the kids are playing with Barbie's, and Lego’s, while resting so we can get rid of this crud that has attacked them!

In our homeschool this week…

This week, was a bit of a sporadic week. We did school like normal on Monday, and Tuesday… The rest of the week was when we could work around other things. Learned more about Ancient History, Monkey Man learned how to do Mean, Median, and Modes in math.. (found that he thought they were fun) and summed up our week with some reading..

To see more about our week go to our Homeschool Blog… The Monkey School (think I should go update it then huh??!)

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Find fun things to break up the day to day things.. Like last week we had a playdate, this week we did lunch out.. and next week we are meeting friends for lunch again.. maybe a trip to the bookstore for a few new books.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This next week, we are going to 4H, Cub Scouts, Lunch with a cousin, 4 wheel alignment, some shopping, maybe a movie night with friends, Daisy event, Blue & Gold Banquet, and then another birthday party to round out the weekend… you?

My favorite thing this week was…

Breakfast with my Middle Monkey out by ourselves, before her appointment this week.

What’s working/~~not working~~ for us…

Doing TOS reviews… My kids have loved being able to throw in some new curriculum here and there, to give us a break from the norm. We really enjoy it!

Questions/~~thoughts~~ I have…

Think I have narrowed down the things we want to get for next year, but wandering if anyone has experience with Teaching Textbooks, looking for feedback on it.

Things I’m working on…

Planning some fun activities for this year… Looking forward to some exciting day trips, and couple day get aways!

I’m reading…

Nothing at the moment, waiting for my next book to come in.

I’m cooking…

Tonight we are having Chicken covered in this new Kraft Shake’n Bake kinda thing we found at the store, mashed potatoes, and a veggie.

I’m grateful for…

Dates with my kids, they don’t come often enough, but are so cherished when they do!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Homemade Granola Bars we made a few weeks ago… they were very yummy!

TOS Review: KinderBach

2012-01-29T14:06:00.000-05:00

This review was neat. My kids have always wanted to learn how to play Piano, and this makes it a bit easier on my budget. With three kids, lessons can get a bit costly. However, I was afraid something taught by dvd or something wouldn’t be easy enough, or to distracting for them.

KinderBach is an online or Dvd curriculum with the goal of both the parent and the teacher to have fun. Can’t bet that can you?

Price:

Online Piano Lessons start at $7.99 and the Dvd sets start at $40.45

** Note they are trying to get an app for Ipad’s and Androids soon too.

Age:

This program is geared towards 3-7 yrs old.. but my 9 yr old watched and learned with the girls. Might be to childish for a child 10 or older..

The lessons are gradual and child based with lots of fun characters, so learning can go at their speed. They also include some pretty fun characters to make it even more fun.

One of our favorite features, is that you don’t have to spend a lot of time with the lessons. If you miss a lesson one week, its not the end of the world. With our busy lives, that is HUGE! You also don’t need to have a piano or keyboard to use right away. It is taught without it at first.

A bit more about the Kinderbach .. it has 6 levels, and each level has 10 weeks, and each week has 4 lessons. So this program could last a long time, or your child might zoom through it. My kids found that they liked it enough to want to go through more than one lesson at a time, however, I limited them to only 2 lessons at a time, cause I didn’t want them to loose sight of what they were learning.

You can also supplement what you are learning with each lesson through the pintables. Most lessons have a printable to go along with them. Which my kids loved!

My thoughts:

Do I think it is worth it? Absolutely, cause normal piano lessons are usually around $10-$15 dollars or more per half hour. So, to get them started I think this program is would be a great fit.

They also offer a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee so give a it a try today and let me know what you think!

Be sure to swing by and see what other TOS members are saying about Kinderbach!

*I was given a free access to Kinderbach for my honest opinion as part of TOS. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s.

The winner is.....

2012-01-29T12:12:00.001-05:00

Congrats to Michelle!!!!

You won my Purex Giveaway!

Look for an email from me... You have 48hrs to respond or I will need to choose a new winner.

Thanks again to all those who entered, please check back for more fun giveaways soon!

Thankful Thursday:

2012-01-26T13:18:00.001-05:00

Today I am thankful for … time spent with my kids individually. I don’t get as much of it as I would like to have with them, but I do cherish the times I get.

My post resolution this year, is to spend more one-on-one time with my kids. I have a list of things that we are going to designate to each month. Another idea I found on Pinterest. (yup, its dangerous)

What are you Thankful for??!

Chore Chart

2012-01-26T12:58:00.001-05:00

I have been trying to find a solution to get my kids to be accountable, and do their part to help out.
This is really hard to teach a 7,8, and almost 10 yr old to understand sometimes. They mean well at the beginning but always end up losing interest super fast.

Well while I was killing time one afternoon on my new obsession Pinterest. (Look for my button on the my side bar)
Here is the one that I was looking at…

Source: makingahome-pa.blogspot.com via Monica on Pinterest

I then took that idea and made one for us..
Here is the we came up with!
Picking out the fabric….

All done sewing….

With chores in them….

As you can see we made ours a bit differently. I need to put the kids first initial on there, so they know who’s is who’s… and maybe put chore chart across it.
I have started with a few chores, we are going to add to it a bit, as we go..
I was at a loss to as to what to use to hang it, cause I didn’t have any heavy duty magnets. Then as I was hanging up the kids clothes, it came to me. A pants hanger from the store!!! Prefect!

Here is Middle Monkey showing you how the hanger works…

I’ll let you know how this one pans out for us. So far, so good!

Wednesday Hodgepodge:

2012-01-25T12:34:00.000-05:00

1. The NFL playoffs were held this past weekend and this year's Superbowl lineup will feature The New York Giants versus The New England Patriots. How do you define 'patriot'?

Patriot? I would have to say… having a love for ones country.

2. What's something in your life right now that feels like a 'giant'?

Life in general.. No, I don’t think I really have a giant in my life at the moment.

3. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to being 18?

Wow, umm.. I had just graduated high school and packed my bags, and moved to South Carolina with my best friend.

4. Coconut-mashed potatoes-vanilla ice cream-mayonnaise...which white food would be the hardest to give up?

I would have to say ice cream.. but mayonnaise, and mashed potatoes are a VERY close second. Lol

5. Describe an incident or a day you remember as the coldest you've ever experienced?

Waking up on a below zero morning, with a non-working furnace.

6. You're hosting a brunch...what's your favorite dish to prepare and serve?

Brownies! LOL…

Probably a Taco dip, or a veggie platter.

7. How do you combat negative thinking?

I have a very hard time with this sometimes.. but I would have to say, by trying to think of the positives. Remembering that there is always someone in a worse position than us.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My baby girl is going to be 7 in a few more weeks.. This is so hard to imagine.. 7!!! How can that be possible??!

The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

2012-01-23T07:31:00.000-05:00

FOR TODAY

January 23, 2012

Outside my window...

It is FREEZING! (oh, that’s right its still winter) But does it have to be in the negative numbers?

I am thinking...

Wow, what a few crazy weeks coming up. But they should be lots of fun!

I am thankful for...

the heat we have, and the food on our table. Praying for those that don’t have those things, and wish we could help them more.

From the learning rooms...

We are gearing up for another week. Still working on the normal stuff, Monkey Man has a few weeks off from Latin, til I can order the next one. We are still having fun with our history curriculum. If you would like to hear more, swing by The Monkey School.

From the kitchen...

Today we are having spaghetti, and garlic bread..

I am wearing...

Layers and layers of clothes, cause I am FREEZING!

I am creating...

Organization!

I am going...

to try to enjoy our week. So much fun coming up, and I’m over joyed, it is much needed in this family.

I am reading...

A few books with the kids, and my cedar cove series by Debbie MaComber.

I am hoping...

For so many things…

I am hearing...

My kids searching the kitchen for our new menu plan for this week, so they can figure out what is for breakfast! LOL!

Around the house...

I have laundry to be folded, some to be done.. Dishes to be put away, floors to be swept. Anyone wanna come do it for me??

One of my favorite things...

Making family plans…

A few plans for the rest of the week:

4H, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Library, Doctor appts, shopping, time with family, a birthday party..

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The frames that Little Monkey picked out for her new glasses…

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal:

2012-01-22T21:04:00.002-05:00

In my life this week…

We had a fairly busy but product week. Monday we finished our pottery bowls. Then we went to a lunch and a movie with friends. Finishing off the night with Cub Scouts.

Friday we spent the afternoon with friends..

Saturday I took the kids to breakfast, and the bookstore (got them a new book).. and then we met back up with our friends to play at the Children’s museum.

In our homeschool this week…

In school this week, we have had a good week. Studies went well, and we had some fun!

History is always fun for us!

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Enjoy your time! Don’t stress about the small stuff!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This upcoming week, we are going to be super busy again! Time of year I guess…

We are going to see our Brownie friends, Cub Scouts, Doctors… Then on the weekend, we are going to spend some time with family, and go to a birthday party!

My favorite thing this week was…

Spending time with friends.

What’s ~~working~~/not working for us…

Being cooped up from frigid temps. I guess I should be happy that it is just now starting right?

Questions/~~thoughts~~ I have…

Looking for some good ideas to help with getting my son to write. Any ideas??

Things I’m working on…

A new chore chart.. (found it on Pinterest)

Keep your eyes open, I will be posting about it soon!

I’m reading…

Some books on Sensory Processing Disorder, and the next book in my Debbie MaComber series.

I’m cooking…

Tonight we had Broccoli Cheese soup… New recipe we tried… thinking it needed more cheese though.

I’m grateful for…

Some fun events coming up with my family!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

A picture from my new addiction Pinterest!

Source: theinspiredclassroom.blogspot.com via Monica on Pinterest

TOS Review: We choose Virtues

2012-01-18T13:04:00.001-05:00

We Choose Virtues has probably been one of our favorite reviews.. Or at least mine…. I’ll explain more later.

We choose virtues are a great way to teach your children character, or maybe even remind an adult about some too. (we all need a reminder now and again don’t we?)

We Choose Virtues clue cards (about the size of a business card) are helpful in teaching children about the 12 virtues:

Forgiving
Patient
Helpful
Obedient
Kind
Attentive
Honest
Content
Diligent
Self-Controlled
Gentle

The clue cards which teach them their name with a definition, and a nice catch phrase. Along with these cards there are many other teaching tools, such as a Teachers Manual which you can purchase for $4.99 as a download, or $19.99 for a hard copy.

Then to keep the fun involved, cause everyone loves a bit of fun to their lesson right? There is a Virtues Coloring Book which can be purchased for $3.00 in a pdf file only.

This next resource was one of my favorite ones. It is a Family Assessment sheet. Which I had each of my kids fill out, and made sure to stress that I want them to be very truthful.

I really loved this review.. Like I stated from the beginning. It really couldn’t have come at a better time. My kids have been struggling really hard with some of these virtues. This has helped us put some of these back in check, or at least help to understand why they are so important. The clue cards even come in a handy pouch, so I have them on me… and yes I have even pulled them out and used them when they were having a hard time. (I’m an embarrassing mom)

We have a few more weeks to go, and I want to take another Family Assessment to see whether they think they have improved or not. I think it will be interesting to see.

My family would absolutely recommend these to any family! They are a great resource and a wonderful way to get your children to realize what character traits they will want to have as they get older.

We Choose Virtues have kits for Schools, homeschool, and churches.. You can see them here.

Right now they have many specials going on..

Promo Codes:

VIRTUE 15 ~ for 15% off
SHIPFREE ~ for free worldwide shipping

Hurry! You can only use one promo code per order.

Check out what the other TOS Crew members have to say about We Choose Virtues!

*I was given the Virtues Clue Cards for free, in exchange for my honest review as part of the TOS Crew. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s!

Menu Plan Monday

2012-01-16T13:50:00.000-05:00

What are you having for dinner this week? Here is our Menu Plan for the week!

Sunday:

Pork Chops, macaroni salad, and a veggie

Monday:

Chicken Spaghetti (Pioneer Woman Recipe)

Bread & Butter

Tuesday:

Beef Roast, Oven Roasted Potatoes, carrots

Wednesday:

Shrimp Primavera

Thursday:

Leftovers

Friday:

Ham Steaks, Twice Baked Potatoes (PW), Butternut Squash

Saturday:

Broccoli Cheese Soup, Homemade Bread

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

2012-01-16T07:36:00.000-05:00

FOR TODAY: January 16th, 2012 (still seems weird to write that)

Outside my window...

It is cold! Brr!! Arctic weather has arrived.. LOL

I am thinking...

It’s gonna be a great day! Trying to be more positive the week…

I am thankful for...

Wow, almost half way through January were is the time going?! Seems to be flying by lately.

From the learning rooms...

We have been having some fun, and doing some cool things.. Check it, just head over to The Monkey School.

From the kitchen...

Chicken Spaghetti (Pioneer Woman Recipe)

I am wearing...

Jeans, T-shirt, Sweatshirt, Sneakers, and my nice winter hat!

I am creating...

Lots and lots of lists, of things I want to buy.. Need to get organized (sure you have heard that from me a lot lately) and need new curriculum for next year for my soon to be (Cough, hack) 5th Grader.

I am going...

To be really busy again for a couple weeks coming up.. but mostly with fun stuff!

I am reading...

The last few books in the Cedar Cove Series by Debbie MaComber..

I am hoping...

That this week is a bit easier on my anxiety.. than last.

I am hearing...

My kids talking to my mom and getting ready to start our fun day!!!

Around the house...

Laundry needs to be done.. and a good cleaning. On my list for this weekend, while Hubby has 4 days off! (insert evil laugh here)

One of my favorite things...

Listening to my kids read to me!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

4H, Lunch & movies with a friend, Cub Scouts, Playdate, Doc appt, another playdate, and some fun with the kids!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

We are finishing these today!

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal:

2012-01-15T12:40:00.000-05:00

In my life this week…

It was super busy! We were doing all fun things, but it was still tiring! Phew…

Here is a peek at something we started this week…

In our homeschool this week…

We did really good, and finished another week. Can you guess what we did at 4H, by the picture above? We took a few days off at the end of the week, cause I was tired (yup, I admit it) and it snowed (and stayed for the first time this winter).. Want to hear more?? Swing by our Homeschool Blog, The Monkey School.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Let the kids blow off steam, and play if there is snow one day.. You can always make it up later.

I am inspired by…

My friends.. When I don’t think I can do it anymore, or I’m having a rough day.. they always remind me how good I am, and that I can do it. Even ones that haven’t met me IRL.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This upcoming week, we are busy again… Just seems to be the time of year or something. LOL..
We are going to be going to 4H (and finishing the above project), Going to the lunch and a movie with friends, Doctors appts, and then some fun time as a family I hope!

My favorite thing this week was…

See my kids faces when we ran into some friends at Mc Donald’s, and they got to play with them for a bit!

What’s ~~working~~/not working for us…

Attitudes… They are really high around here lately. My son is turning 10 in a few months, and he seems to be acting really fresh lately is it the age??! Or is it the weather? Help!

Questions/~~thoughts~~ I have…

I’m looking at Teaching Textbooks for Math for my son this next year.. Any feedback? I’m also looking for a good Literature curriculum?

Things I’m working on…

Maintaining order, and function in this house. Seems things to have gone crazy over the last few weeks. Looking forward to a couple long weekends with the family for a break from the norm. I really need it!

I’m reading…

The next book in the Cedar Cove Series, by Debbie MaComber. I’m almost done.. then what shall I read?? Hmm..

I’m cooking…

Pork Chops, Macaroni Salad, and a veggie! Yum!!

I’m grateful for…

being able to homeschool at my own flexibility and leisure. I love that I can take a day off when I’m feeling overwhelmed, or when we just want to have some fun.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

My favorite Fruit!

Purex UltraPacks Review

2012-01-14T13:08:00.000-05:00

Purex is at it again! They have a new laundry detergent coming out on the market in February! We here at the 3 Crazy Monkey’s were lucky enough to get to try them out first!

This new little packs, remind me a lot like Dishwasher detergent packs. Lol.. They are small, and easy to handle. Don’t let the size fool you though, they still are tough on laundry and very effective!

Facts about the Purex UltraPacks:

Safe for all machines
Dry in hands
Dissolve quickly, even in cold water!
Easy to use!

My favorite part of them??? One, they are less mess, no more spills, or gunk build up… Two, my son who does the laundry now (9yrs old) can do it with no problems.

Don’t take my word for it.. Go to FreeSamplePurex.com in mid February and get a sample to try!

*I was given a sample of Purex UltraPacks in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys!

Thankful Thursday:

2012-01-12T13:04:00.001-05:00

This week I am thankful for….

My dad… He is my go to guy for mechanic work. (He’s a mechanic) Even though, he doesn’t have the most updated equipment so he can’t always help me fix my car (darn newer ones). He does help me make the best decision and tells me when he thinks I should seek another opinion.

He still changes my oil for me, fixes flats, helps me when my battery is dead.. or just when I need help putting in a new headlight bulb.

I’m very thankful for him! He makes me feel safe!

Thanks dad!

Wednesday Hodgepodge:

2012-01-11T12:53:00.000-05:00

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English in 2012-

amazing, baby bump, shared sacrifice, occupy, blowback, man cave, the new normal, pet parent, win the future, trickeration, ginormous, and thank you in advance.

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Go here to read more about how the words are chosen.

Not really sure, that any of these really drive me that crazy.. The new normal I guess would be the one I wouldn’t mind seen banished, but other than that, really they are all words I don’t ever really hear that often. What about you?

2. Are you easily embarrassed?

No not really… I try not to let things bother me. (most of the time easier said than done)

I think the things that embarrass me easily are like my kids doing something rude, annoying or just plain embarrassing just because of the typical stereotype we already have to overcome just from being homeschooled.

3. What is your go-to snack?

Ritz Crackers, or Strawberries if they are in the house.

4. Have you ever been to Washington D.C.? If not do you have any desire to go? What site/attraction would you most want to see in that city? If you have been, what's your favorite site/attraction?

I have been a long time ago, like when I was 16ish..

I would love to take my kids there, and it is on our plans for the next year or so.

My son is dying to go to all the Smithsonian Museums, and I would love to take them to the zoo there. I have been there and it is AMAZING.

There is so much history, and sites to see we could have a blast. I love that we homeschool so it is an option to take them for a week, and call if school!

5. sit ups-planks-lunges-squats...which do you hate the least?

The least??? Lunges, I would say..

6. What's a small act of kindness you were shown that you've never forgotten?

Recently, well like 4 months or so ago now.. The kids and I were in a Mc Donalds waiting for the local museum to open, cause we had brought my husband to work for 7am. We were doing school, and I had bought them a drink and a hash brown, cause we had already eaten at home. Well a lady decided to buy us all a breakfast sandwich, and had the cashier bring it over to us. I was sad she didn’t give us the opportunity to thank her, but am appreciative that there are still wonderful people in the world.

7. Have you ever been a blood donor?

No I am anemic, so I don’t. Plus I have a fear of needles…. My mom though goes all the time, whenever they are in our area.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It is snowing tomorrow, and the kids are so excited that we are getting the first real snow fall of the season. (sadly it is suppose to turn to rain that night / Friday morning) So therefore not so sure how long it will last.

Fun Giveaway

2012-01-11T08:18:00.001-05:00

Well fun for me to tell you about anyway! I love to give things away! Plus I love to get things in the mail. Win, Win!

I was recently able to check out Jockey’s new 2012 Tech Terry Performance Sports Bra, and another bottle of Purex Crystals!

Here are some highlights about the Jockey Tech Terry Performance Sports Bra.

Moisture- wicking
Convenient Key Pocket
Reflective Logo
Breathable Mesh
Soft & Comfortable

Normally your not suppose to use fabric softener on performance sportswear because of the oil content. This prevents the wicking process. However, you can use Purex Crystals… it contains no oils!!

Unfortunately, I was not able to try out the bra.. It was the wrong size. However, I did inspect it… It is very nice, soft, and looks to be comfortable. I can vouch for Purex Crystals, because my family loves them! We use them for our towels, sheets, blankets, and any clothes that have gotten wet, or the kids have gotten gross! Love the smell! Our favorite sent is Lavender!

You can also go sign up for a 20% off coupon from Jockey! Quick go sign up now!!!

For the fun part…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Jockey and Purex provided free samples of their product so I could review them. However, all opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s!

TOS Review: Maesto Classic’s–Swan Lake

2012-01-10T18:44:00.000-05:00

Product: Maestro Classic’s Swan Lake Cd

Price: $16.98 for the Cd, or $9.98 for the MP3 Download

Ages: Designed for 5 –12 yrs old and parents.. (However, I think they are suitable for any age)

I am so happy that we got a chance to review this wonderful product! I have always been a music lover.. everything from classical, country, to hard rock. I’m really not picky when it comes from music. My children are the same, they like all kinds of music.. and they are willing to listen to different kinds of music, which I love!

I’ve always wanted to go see an Opera with them, but of course that is still a bit out of their league, and we don’t have any good ones offered in our area.

Back to my point..

When we first received this Cd, we popped it right in the Cd player on our way to pick up daddy. It was the prefect length to last us til we got there.

Right away they were just speechless, they sat so still and listened to every sound and word. (I had never seen them so quiet)

Tchaikovsky wrote this great ballet music..

“The Story of Swan Lake” Is a tale of a prince that falls in love with a beautiful princess. The princess, however has been turned into a swan by an evil magician, and only the princes love can break the spell.

What is included:

The Cd comes with a 24 page activity booklet, that contains the biography of Tchaikovsky. Information on acoustic and electric guitars, sheet music, and words for a sing-along song.. then the explanation of major and minor keys, puzzles and more! (The MP3 version gets a PDF file of the booklet)

On the Cd:

The Story of Swan Lake
Tchaikovsky’s Life
Speed Metal Swan
About the Music
“Tchaikovsky Wrote a Great Ballet”
Want to Have Some Fun? Prepare to perform
“Tchaikovsky Wrote a Great Ballet” Sing Along

Our Thoughts:

We thoroughly enjoyed Maestro Classic’s Story of Swan Lake. The kids loved the way the story was told in between the music. They learned so much in just an hour. They loved listening to the music, and then to the story. They have asked over and over again to listen to it.

I enjoyed the history that is also told about the story, the meaning behind it, and about Tchaikovsky. I was so impressed we are already trying to decide which Cd we want to buy next! Never a better way to teach your kids about the Orchestra.

Other Cd’s from Maestro Classic’s:

Peter and the Wolf
The Soldier's Tale
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
My Name is Handel: The Story of Water Music
The Tortoise & the Hare
Casey at the Bat
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Juanita the Spanish Lobster

See what the other TOS Crew Members are saying about Maestro Classic’s!!!

*I was given a copy of “The Story of Swan Lake” in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Crew. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys.

Ready for the winner….

2012-01-10T10:03:00.001-05:00

#21

Kelly Saver for following me on Facebook!!!

Congrats!!!

The winner has 48hrs to get back to me or I will have to choose a new winner. Thanks to all that entered! Look for new giveaways coming soon!

Simple Woman’s Daybook

2012-01-09T14:00:00.001-05:00

FOR TODAY

January 9th, 2012

Outside my window... It is cold!! Brr! Winter has arrived… wish we would get more snow though.. purely for insulation for the house of course.

I am thinking...

Wow, the new year is zipping right along isn’t it?!

I am thankful for...

The time and things I get to do with my family..

From the learning rooms...

We are on a roll… Working on our 3rd week, and doing great. We have had some fun projects, and enjoying learning our various subjects. Want to see more go to our blog “The Monkey School”

From the kitchen...

Macaroni & Cheese

I am wearing...

Green Corduroy's and my 4H Hoodie!

I am creating...

Lots of things… Papers for Cookies (Yup that time again) and lots of other things!

I am going...

To be sooo busy this week!

I am reading...

The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson

I am hoping...

To get everything done that I need to do…

I am hearing...

My kids complain!! Grr!

Around the house...

I have laundry and dishes to be doing, but way to busy to get them done right now.. Guess that means they go on a “Honey-do List”

One of my favorite things...

Doing fun things with my kids!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Pottery Class, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Library, Doc Appt, playdate, Babysit my niece, Playdate, and a night out on Friday!! YAY!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

A blast from the past, in honor of Girl Scout Cookie time being back! Hard to believe that was 2 yrs ago!!

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal:

2012-01-08T13:27:00.000-05:00

In my life this week…

We were pretty laid back this past week. We didn’t go much of anywhere, and enjoyed our down time.

In our homeschool this week…

We finished our 2nd week of school for this 8 week session. Did really well, and worked on some fun projects!

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Organization is the key! I’m working on becoming more organized.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

We didn’t go anywhere this past week. All our extra’s were still on break. It was nice to just sit home.

My favorite thing this week was…

Making necklaces with the kids for History class!

What’s ~~working~~/not working for us…

Being cooped up from winter, need to find some outside activities, or something.

~~Questions~~/thoughts I have…

Time for me to start looking for Monkey Man’s 5th grade Curriculum.

Things I’m working on…

Reviews, Organizing… and anything else that might come up.

I’m reading…

The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson

I’m cooking…

Macaroni & Cheese

I’m grateful for…

What little patience I have lately.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

If you haven’t had a chance check out my facebook page for my blog!

Five Question Friday:

2012-01-06T10:34:00.001-05:00

1. What is the weather like where you are and do you like it?

The weather has been insanely weird this year. We started with a freak snow storm at the end of October… Then it turned warm again… So warm that we had mud in December! Plus we have been getting tons of RAIN! Not, excited about that. Then we went from 40-50 degree’s everyday to 9 or below.. and now we are all freezing! This week, it has been very cold, and today it is actually snowing. However, pretty sure the weather man said it wasn’t going to accumulate or amount to anything! We shall see right?

2. When you're sick what do you seek comfort from?

No one… I just want to be left alone. Occasionally my husband I guess.. My kids always want to cuddle with me when I’m sick though, and I hate to, cause I don’t want them to catch what I have. I don’t get sick very often though.. (Knock on wood)

3. What do you need to do before the end of the month?

I need to register and inspect my car… and get new tires. YAY! NOT!!! Other than that… nothing major that I can think of.

4. Have you ever served on a jury?

Nope, (again knocking on wood) I have never been asked to serve on a jury. Watch I’ll be asked in the next week or so, now.

5. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

Ohh… I would be a Dolphin… because I love to swim.. Plus I just think they are such beautiful creatures when they are swimming along. So graceful and gorgeous, and they are gentle.

Thankful Thursday:

2012-01-05T10:18:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone is having a great week. This week I am Thankful for the wealth of information we can get online now. Not only is it super for school, but it is also great when trying to find information on health, or products. This week, the information I have been able to find has been so helpful and appreciated. I’ll explain more in an upcoming post.

Enjoy your week!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge:

2012-01-04T10:58:00.001-05:00

1. What are three words you would use to describe your 2011?

Crazy, Happy, Challenging!

2. Do you like shrimp?

Oh, YES!!

What's your favorite way to have it prepared?

Hmm.. hard choice, I love it fried, and I also love this shrimp garlic pasta we make.

3. Is your house de-Christmased?

Yes, it was a couple days after Christmas…

If so when did you tackle that job? If not, when will the decorations come down?

Two days after Christmas, cause our tree was getting pretty dry, and we need to run the wood stove.

4. Do you like to watch scary movies?

Some, but not really a huge fan of them.

5. ice skating~sledding~skiing~snowboarding~of the four listed which wintertime activity do you most enjoy?

Used to be Ice Skating, but my ankles can’t handle it as well anymore. So now, I would have to say Sledding!

6. Did you have a childhood hideout? Describe it.

Not really…

7. What's a place or space that motivates you?

Not sure I really have one anymore… on my list to do this month, is reorganize my school room, so I can use it more efficiently and be able to craft more, and get more done.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Boy is it cold here today. The weather is really strange lately, warm and raining one minute, then freezing cold the next. This morning it was 4 degree’s when I got up, Monkey Man didn’t want to even go out and take care of the chickens.

Couponing: The Extreme Video Course Review:

2012-01-03T12:47:00.002-05:00

Who doesn’t want to learn how to get groceries for free right?? I know, I do..

With the economy the way it is we could all use as much help as we can get.

Couponing: The Extreme Video Course is an online eCourse designed to help you learn the in’s and out’s of coupons, the stores, policies and so much more. There is over 90 Mins of Money Saving Instructions, with 14 video’s narrowed down to different subjects. This course also comes with a companion workbook, and a members only link resource. (with lots of valuable information)

My thoughts:

I thought this video course was really informative. It has lots of information, and I LOVED that it was broken down into segments so you can watch a specific area over and over if needed. When I say broken down, I mean, like into stores, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, etc.

How to use double coupons, and where you can use them most effectively.

I found this to be a wealth of information. I’m pretty excited to test my knowledge in the real world setting. I think it will take me a bit of time to become good at it, but I think it can be done.

About the Rayven Perkins:

Rayven is a 10 year Coupon Guru! Helping thousands of Women & Men learn to coupon. By couponing you can save on average $5000 a year. What could you do with an extra $5000??!

Cost:

This class is $17.00, and to some of you I’m sure that sounds like a lot. However, if you take what you have learned, you can earn that back and then some in your first week of couponing!

I think if you are serious, and want to put in the time to do this, this class is very much worth the money.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Menu Plan Monday

2012-01-02T16:21:00.000-05:00

This weeks menu is all from our pantry…

Sunday- Eat out

Monday- Cracker Chicken, carrots, and mashed potatoes

Tuesday- Pork Roast, Scalloped potatoes, and a veggie (probably peas)

Wednesday- Macaroni & Cheese, and green beans

Thursday- Left overs

Friday- Cranberry Pork Loin, rice, and corn

Saturday- Eggs, Bacon, and Toast (love breakfast for dinner)