Christian Unschooling

Learning Colors

2009-07-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

I've been surfing all sorts of crafty websites, the Crafty Crow site and all of the craft sites listed there...I'm finding so much great stuff!!

I found this neat little "learning colors" activity but I can't remember where I saw it. Probably Ramblings of a Crazy Woman. Basically, they colored a rainbow and then had the child put color dot stickers in the right color line.

I didn't have color dot stickers, but a few months ago I scored BIG and found a whole folder of partially used stickers for $2 at a Used Curriculum Sale. So...I colored a rainbow, gave it to Sebastian..and off we went!

He loved it!!

Of course, this was his first day, so he wasn't really matching too well...but he had a blast!

In the ensuing day or two, he's grabbed my hand and brought me over to the stickers many times...to keep playing this game! I'm so glad!

Mary Poppins

2009-07-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

One of our local movie theaters has been playing Classic Movies every Monday night. This week they threw in Mary Poppins. I can't think of the last time I watched this movie. Really.I can't! I don't think Elias has ever even seen it, although he says he had, years ago. So, we went, with a bunch of friends tonight.

Sebastian also went. This was his first movie!!He did so good!! He LOVES music, so this was right up his alley.

During the penguin/waiter song he was busy "dancing" on my lap...and during the tea party on the ceiling scene he took my hand and covered his mouth...like the old guy covered his mouth when he was laughing! It was so cute!!

I realized while I was sitting there, how very blessed I am. I do think about it every once in awhile you know! This was one of those times. Good friends, happy movie, baby on my lap, money to pay for movie....I'm very thankful (Yes Chris, I know you're going to read this, I am thankful for you and for your work ethic, and to God for allowing you such success at your career and your willing heart to work so hard for us...there and it's even in print!).

Treehouse

2009-07-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

My parents were here in May...prior to coming Dad always wants to know what projects I need doing around the house. Usually I keep a running list of loose doorknobs, squeaky chairs, cupboard doors that need rehinging, etc. This year though, Elias wanted a treehouse. Dad spent months drawing up plans, revising, pricing the items needed and more. Elias was soooo excited!

So Nanny and PopPop come....in May...in Vegas....and it was the hottest May yet! Eureka it was nasty outside. But PopPop plugged away building this fort for his grandson. Our neighbor came over and helped a lot, and loaned us all of his tools too! Another friend donated much of the wood needed...and it all came together!

We did run into a snag or two....called neighbors and HOA. The height of the floor was at 7ft, and then there was going to be a 6 ft high area inside....but my back wall is only 8 ft high. SO when we put up the walls for the fort, and there was 3 or 4 ft above the fenceline, my neighbors were not thrilled. After meeting with them we agreed to lower the height of the walls and we added latticework to the top section to maintain their privacy.

PopPop worked on it up to his last morning here...and Elias is so proud now to show it off! There's not enough room to stand, but we bought an indoor/outdoor carpet for the interior...a bunch of chair cushions for seating and a little table. It's SOOOO cute in there!

Because it's so high in the air, we have plenty of SHADE underneath, so I put a few chairs and some of the play toys underneath...it's perfect!!

All of the kids love it. It's already been used and used and used. Thanks PopPop for loving us so much and for always looking out for things we want (not need!).

Awana Awards

2009-06-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

I wasn't there, but Elias recently had his Awana Awards Ceremony. He's a 2nd year Sparks, finished his 2nd book this year, and has just completed his 5th year in Awanas (he stayed in Cubbies for almost 3 yrs).

I couldn't be prouder! And this year I had the added bonus of being his leader...and seeing just how great it is to watch your child learn scriptures and more about God!

But alas, I was out of town for the ceremony, so here are a couple of pictures my mom took.

Receiving his ribbon

With his certificate and ribbon

Next year I'll be a Cubbies leader.....for you-know-who! I'm so excited!!!

Elias' Triathlon

2009-06-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

Elias's version of a triathlon....yes he's the son of an Ironman!
He came up with this on his own!
Skateboard, Bike and Scooter

Elias on skateboard

E on bike

Elias on scooter

Sebastian, not to be outdone!

Playing in sprinklers

2009-06-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

When I lived back East we had sprinklers that were toys....they attached to the hose spigot and then you turned on the water and the sprinkler rained out water. We used to have a blast with this!

Here, in the desert....I haven't ever seen such a toy! I would never have known they exist. What do kids in the desert play with instead? Our built in lawn irrigation!

Here are the kids at a neighbors house. They go lawn to lawn playing in various yards, depending on who has water on when. It's so pathetic, but also cute. These pictures were actually taken before summer started, this was one of the first warm days, and the kids couldn't wait to run through the water!

Sebastian wasn't sure at first, but he went along with brother and stripped!

Every once in awhile I cringe at city living, but the joy on their faces says it doesn't really matter where the water comes from.

Metamorphis & Drivers Permit

2009-06-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

Today I likened a teenager to a cocoon. A beautiful thing, curled up in a tangled web, no wanting to be disturbed....then emerging as a wondrous being. What brought on this conversation? My teenager!

He's getting older and older....and one day will be this wondrous adult (ok, he's already pretty wonderful, but when he loses all of his snarkiness he'll be close to perfect).

Anyway....today we went to the DMV to get Brian's drivers permit. "Mom, 70% of the kids who take this, fail it the first time", he says. I'm thinking, "YEAH!". But, of course, he's very bright and passes it the first time. "Yeah?!?!?"

Now, if I can get the nerve up to let him get behind the wheel of a car.....we'll see how that goes!

PV Parasailing

2009-06-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, my husband was crazy enough to pay $40 to a couple of men on the beach who had a parasail. Apparently they are backed up by the hotel whose property they are in front of...but who knows?! He had fun anyway!

Here he is, all strapped in. The man gives instructions to you first, about landing..."When I blow the whistle once you do X....When I blow it 2x you do Z". Oh, no, I'll never go up! I'd be so nervous I'd THINK I heard the whistle and do X!!! ACHH!!!

Right before the boat came, a big wind gust hit the parachute and one of the guys had to THROW himself on it, to keep Chris on the ground. It was scary/crazy/hysterically funny, all at the same time. But, he eventually took off and had a nice flight.

Chris does all the crazy stuff...swimming with sharks, scuba diving, parasailing....I'm content getting my Oceanfront Beach Massages and reading my book!

PV "Commercial Views"

2009-06-07T22:17:00.000-07:00

The whole time we were in Puerto Vallarta I kept saying,"This looks like it's straight out of a commercial!" Everything is SOOOO beautiful!!!!! Here are some samples of what I mean.

This was on our first hotel's property. Krystal is Vallarta's oldest 5-star hotel...with 24 acres and 21 pools! Of course, some of those old time pools are like this one...now koi ponds. But the area is lush and old and beautiful!

This is a view of the beach in front of the hotel. Loads of these little huts, interspersed by palm trees.

This was a majestic view from the water at a bird sanctuary..Marietas

This was on the property of our second hotel, Club Regina Loads of cabanas lining the beach, and even an Oceanfront Massage tent! Yes, I took advantage of that....that was my number one thing to do on vacation and it was heavenly!!

See what I mean? Totally beautiful! And this is just a small glimpse of the wonderful photos I got! I fell in love with this city.

Puerta Vallarta Pt1

2009-06-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

We're back from the most amazing vacation. Neither Chris nor I knew much about Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, but Chris won a trip there, so there we went!

Turns out one of his high school friends has lived there for years (Hey Martie!). We hooked up with him and his wife and WHOAH what an education we got! The area is so lovely and the people so friendly. We just can't say enough about the hospitality Martie and his wife showed us, or enough about the friendliness of everyone. The trip was truly memorable. I left saying I'd move there in a heartbeat.

Chris and Martin

We weren't trying to be all matchy-matchy poo...but we almost were

In later posts Chris and I will share the various myths that were shattered about Mexico, and some things we didn't know before going! Also, of course all the wonderful places we went to eat and the tours we took.

But for now, suffice it to say, it was amazing!

Off on vacation!

2009-05-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

I am being horrible about blogging! I have so many half written posts, or posts with just pictures!I can't keep up....and now I'm going out of town. No hope to ever catch up! But, at least I'll be tan.

Chris and I are going to Puerto Vallarta (Mexico)...kids are staying home. I'm kinda sad and kinda happy. I'll miss them, but it will be good to get away. I'm sure I'll have amazing photos to share when we get back, so stay tuned! And, the next lesson plan for Magic Tree House will be forthcoming as well!

Firehouse Tour-cubscouts

2009-05-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks! My parents arrived in town, and we've been busy busy busy! More posts to come showing some of the cool things we've been doing. Yesterday, though, Elias had a cubscout field trip. He's working on his firestation badge. He already got his police station!

One of the things we've done is read and follow the
American Red Cross Family Disaster Plan. This website is very informative!

Here he is before the trip. The leader gave him a hat to decorate...it's got a fireman on it.

Some of the other boys

Inside a firetruck

In case you couldn't guess this one...it was Fire Station 53

What happy campers they are! Sitting ON a fire truck!

I almost skipped out on this trip because we've been to the fire station so often. BUT each station is different, and each tour guide (fireman) does it differently. This one was very cool! Glad we went.

Brian's 2009 Formal

2009-05-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

People that are interested in homeschooling often ask, or say things like, "Well, I really want my son to be able to go to a Prom, or Graduation....." And I say...."We do all that sort of stuff too!"

If no groups in your area sponsor a Prom/Formal or Graduation, all that's needed is someone willing! Step up, take lead. Find a nice place with a good price for dinner. Then go back to someone's house and have finger foods and some dance time.

The kids this year went to a local Fondue restaurant and then back to one of the kid's houses for a dance.

Here's Brian. He chose the shirt color months before the Formal. It actually looks rather dashing, doesn't it?!

Here's Brian and his friend, Cassia. Could they look any more awkward? Come on guys, this is supposed to be fun, not painful!

Brian always sticks his own brand of uniqueness to everything. His black belt may look plain in the front, but it's actually from his favorite "cause" To Write Love on Her Arms a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.

Group photo. What a bunch of good looking kids huh? And nice too!

Playing with buttons

2009-05-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been surfing crafty blogs and a lot of these moms are very Waldorfy-Montessori, full of simple great ideas. I had recently bought a huge bag of buttons, so after washing them I set them in a bowl and gave Sebastian some spoons, and another bowl and let him play away!

Yes I see the plastic in this picture! I'm not claiming I'm Waldorfy, although I'd love to apply more of those principals. But this was a good idea, and Elias even got into it!

Knights Part 2

2009-05-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

This is week 2 of Knights, in our Magic Tree House Book Club.

Knights Outline, Part 2

1. We talked about Lords and ladies.
I (tried) to refer to them as Lords and Ladies throughout class

2. Made an almoner
This is a money purse. We made one very simply out of scrap material, cut to the size of a dinner plate. Then took scissors and snipped holes all around the edges, and wove the ribbon through the holes, to create a drawstring.

3.Talked about Trebuchets and Cannons, which ultimately led to the end of castles
I almost bought a mini cannon here, but I was really focusing on trebuchets. I tried to find easy instructions for a trebuchet, but most seemed too complicated for a class with such diverse ages as mine. Then I begged, pleaded and tried to borrow one, but that didn't work out either. Eventually, after this class was over, I did find an easy to assemble kit on Ebay and purchased it. Better late than never!!

4. Fair Games
We split up into 3 groups...of course we had jousting, we also had a javelin type game where they threw pool noodles, Sheep Toss (stuffed animal of course), jousting obviously, and more. It was a great way to spend an hour or so outdoors having fun! We did the sheep toss differently than the above video...we used a stuffed animal, stood backwards and threw it up, above our heads and backwards...seeing how far they could be thrown.

Jousting (on horseback of course!)

Jousting and throwing the javelin

Extras
There are so many things that you COULD incorporate into this topic. I found neat activities for making a quiverful of arrows (learn about Robin Hood), making a trebuchet, etc.

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Knights Part 1

wedding

2009-04-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

We recently went to a wedding. After the ceremony, at a Chapel in the Luxor, the couple invited everyone back to their suite for champagne. Even though my husband has lived here for 25? years, and me for 9, we've never been in a room at the Luxor. Now, for those of you who don't know, the Luxor is a big triangle....shaped after the Egyptian Pyramids.

The walls truly slant!!

This is a crappy picture because there was so much sunlight, but the slanted walls are all windows, and all around the sunken tub. It was BEAUTIFUL!!! The kids had plenty of fun too!

Then we ate at the buffet....Sebastian and his copying...here he is trying to make faces. Obviously prior to haircuts...and you can see WHY he got a haircut!!!

The whole casino/hotel is decorated in Ancient Egypt style, including The Sphinx right next to us. Elias couldn't help himself...he climbed up on it..and it you look real close, he's picking its nose!

There's a special magic to having boys. Embrace it or cry! Luckily, I love them and am so used to this type of funny that I get laughing too!

Haircuts and copying

2009-04-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take a picture of the boys since I shaved their heads....finally got around to it today. But the little one is starting to SERIOUSLY copy everything the bigger one does! He's caught on that Elias always holds his 2 fingers up (Peace, Man)...here are pics of him trying to do it!

Watching Big Brother carefully

Look at the fingers....trying, trying......which hand? Both?! Thinking, thinking.....

I'll keep them!

Easter party

2009-04-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

Man, I thought I posted this! Well, here are pics from our homeschool group Easter Party.

This was our first time this year going to Floyd Lamb Park..a local park with acres and acres of green nature! Something very rarely seen in Las Vegas! There are also multiple ponds and lakes for fishing.

Now that Sebastian is getting older...he's all over the place. He's one of these kids that just doesn't care if he can see me or not. I kinda suspected the day would not go as well as I had hoped....

It started off great! Here's Sebastian feeding the ducks

All 3...a picture so rare!

The pictures that are missing are the ones in between "Dry and feeding ducks" to "Wet and Big Brother Mad".

Yes, Sebastian fell in the water and Brian fished him out. Boy was I in the dog house for not being the one on watch.

As you can see, it didn't have a lasting effect on him!(As a matter of fact, if I was a betting person, I'd lay odds on him doing it again!)

After keeping him confined to the stroller for awhile, we got the Egg Hunt going. Here's the goofy group picture with baskets on their heads

Elias found his 12 eggs FAST and then came along and helped Sebastian. Surprisingly, Sebastian didn't want to find any, nor really even pick them up.

But he sure enjoyed opening them and looking at the goodies inside!

He busily studied them for quite awhile! He's so cute!!!

All in all it was a good day (Except for Brian who was none too happy being there in the first place, much less with wet jeans and no shoes.....mea culpa, I'm sorry!).

Caterpillars

2009-04-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

Because of the big age gap between all of our kids, it's been years since we've done a Caterpillar to Butterfly life cycle thing. Elias is now old enough to start doing some of the same crazy wonderful learning things I did with Brian (well, Elias has had some of his own weird stuff too...remember the jellyfish?!?!). A friend offered us some caterpillars as she had extra....you'd think great! Well, I did think GREAT! It'd been awhile. Here are the cute little buggers before.....

I don't guess I should show you the "After" photos...because they didn't make it to the butterfly stage. The stupid things ate all their food and then died. Weren't they supposed to have enough in their little cup?!??! We tried to move them to a new container (apparently we were too late). MANNN now I have to explain an abbreviated life cycle!!!And in the same week we watched Marley and Me!!!

Guess we'll have to try again soon!

Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary

2009-04-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

We had a fabulous field trip last week. We went to Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary. I'd never been there before (there are few field trips I haven't been on at least once!)

The Sanctuary has been around for decades, and was primarily a "rich man's hobby", but also accessible to the public for educational purposes. It was recently put under new management, or more precisely, it seems, more zoo-oriented management.

They have so many exciting things planned for the future that I am just SO glad we found it and can be in on the ground floor of this booming community achievement!

So, when we went, it was still pretty much as it has been, but with the sign of new construction and new educational themes all around.

Here's a white male peacock. Just beautiful!

They also have a petting area...surprisingly Elias went in and actually TOUCHED a goat!

This baby goat was only 5 days old. The Sanctuary is great about letting the kids hold and feel the (safe) animals.

They have an aviary (Sebastian did fine, until I pointed his head up....achhhh!!!)

They have a beautiful amphitheater....they use it for various shows and fairs. We'll be going back in a few weeks for their Arts and Crafts Fair.

Here's our group picture, complete with Miss Sandra, our tour guide, and assistant director of the facility.

Overall the kids were happy, and I was too! We learned of a program they have, called the Incubator Program. You buy an incubator, then for $40 they'll give you some eggs. You incubate them, let them hatch, keep them however long you want, then give the birds back to the sanctuary. Your $40 goes towards their upkeep. I've never incubated an egg before solely because I've never wanted to keep a chicken! They'll even let you do geese eggs, duck eggs, etc! Guess what we'll be buying soon!

Also, while we were there I bought an Ostrich egg, an Emu egg, and some assorted other eggs. The kids are already loving looking at them. I've wanted an Ostrich egg for the longest time! I know, g-e-e-k!

I'm so glad such a neat place exists!

Pics with the Governor

2009-04-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

Today Nevada Homeschool Network hosted a Photo Op with the Governor, celebrating his declaration of Home Education Awareness Week (March 30-April 6). As the organizer of the event my family was one of 6 homeschool families in Las Vegas that attended.

The Governor's office was fabulous! They not only took a big group photo, but also individual family photos.

The Governor actually joked around with the kids and seemed very congenial. When it was our turn I mentioned to him that Elias had asked me this morning if he could get his own picture with the Governor. He made it happen! (Of course, if I had planned to ask it, I woulda chickened out or overthought it, but it worked out wonderfully well)Elias was so shocked that he couldn't even smile! He knows a Governor runs the state, so he must be pretty big stuff!

We're very thankful for all of our homeschooling freedoms here in NV and all the legislators and policy makers who listen to us as we lobby for our continued Parental Rights.

Sock Puppets

2009-04-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Often we do "crafts-on-the-spur-of-the-moment"....meaning we have all the stuff for it, and the kids are bored and I say, "how about we do X, y or z". This day Elias and Zanthippie (our neighbor) chose sock puppets.

It kept them busy planning and cutting and gluing for quite some time. After I re-glued some pieces with hot-glue, they put on a puppet show.

Vacuuming

2009-04-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I have to fight with my baby to vacuum anymore! Every single time I get the vacuum out (in this house it's a LOT), he runs to it and grabs the handle.

It's NOT child labor, I swear, he wants to! He also helps load and unload the washer and dryer. He's so diligent about it, it's cute! (Some things end up in the dryer after hitting the floor, but hey, it's about training, right?!?!)

Bobcat Advancement Ceremony

2009-04-02T18:33:00.000-07:00

Also on Elias' birthday, he had his Bobcat Advancement Ceremony! He didn't know what was coming as he's new to Cub Scouts.

A few weeks ago he said the Bobcat requirements to his Cubmaster

But Elias got his patch at this ceremony. Face painting everyone that passed Bobcat rank

Even the parents!

Here's the wording they used as each color was painted on Bobcat Advancement Ceremony

CM: Tonight it is our pleasure to welcome all of you to the fellowship of Cub Scout Pack______. As I call your name, please come forward with your parents.

CM: Scouts, with the help of your parents, you have passed the first test of Cub Scouting. You have attained the rank of Bobcat. I will now ask your parents to assist in the ceremony that recognizes your accomplishment. (Pass out paints to parents and/or assisting leaders.

CM: The blue is from the sky. The blue paw print of the Bobcat on your forehead is the spirit of the bobcat, and to remind you to do your best on the Cub Scout Trail.

CM: The yellow is from the sun. The yellow marks under your eyes will help you see the light of the Cub Scout Trail, and symbolize the bright spirit of Cub Scouting.

CM: The white on your nose is for purity and to help you know right from wrong as you go along the Cub Scout Trail.

CM: The red mark on your chin is for courage to always speak the truth.

CM: Finally, the green mark on each cheek symbolizes the spirit of nature to guide the Cub Scout in living in harmony with the great outdoors.

CM: Remember your marks of the evening, Bobcats. Have fun along the cub Scout Trail. Parents, will you present this Bobcat badge to your son making him an official Cub Scout? This privilege will be yours for every badge he earns. We expect you will work as hard as he does on some of the projects.

CM: Will all parents in the audience please stand and join these new Cub Scout parents in the Parent's Participation Promise, repeating after me... "We the parents of a Cub Scout / Promise to assist our son / in earning his Cub Scout badges. / We will be faithful in our attendance at Pack meetings / and assist in every way possible / as we assist our son to do his best."

Will all the Cub Scouts please stand and repeat the Cub Scout Promise with our new Bobcat Scouts?

Elias is 8! Star Wars Party

2009-03-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

Elias turned 8 yesterday! I can't believe how big he is, the things we've been through in 8 years, how special he is, how happy he is....he's such a blessing from the Lord.

Elias wanted a Star Wars party....and for it to be at Chuck E. Cheese....that woulda spelled a LOT of money, so I told him pick one or the other! He chose Star Wars, at a local park. Cool.

I have to say, I am the least crafty person alive. Very little creative genius flows through me, as far as arts and crafts go. That being said, I am lovinggggg surfing through craft blogs, because other people come up with the cutest, simplest ideas! I can't think of them, but I can copy them!! So, here's MY version of other people's crafts for a Star Wars Party!

First, we made the invitation.

We used the wording from this Invitation and printed it on red construction paper, then applied it to a piece of black construction paper. We wrote their names on the bottom in Silver Leaf pen. Elias added Star Wars stickers around the border

Then I found a blog showing how Crazy Mom Quilts made Jedi Robes out of a Simplicity pattern 3575. While I am not a sewer, one of the local teen homeschool girls is. I often outsource projects to her...so I bought the patter, used my 40% off coupons on the fabric, and gave it all to her, voila, a month later, Jedi Robes for all attendees!

Then, as it got closer to the party, I found a cool post on Kiddley that showed Christmas Pinatas made of balloons and tissue paper. I thought, hmmmmmm, I have balloons, I have red and black tissue paper....why don't I make these as party favors?

Here are my supplies....

So, I set the table with a silver tablecloth, red plates that I got on clearance after Valentine's Day, black napkins, the Pinata Favors, and a robe on the back of each chair.

Here's how the favors came out. They were a hit! And so simple and cheap! I added a few candies and bouncy balls to the insides, and voila!

Then.....again surfing craft sites, I saw this post on MakeandTakes.com about using empty wrapping paper rolls. In my head, I KNEW all these boys would beat empty wrapping paper rolls to shreds within a minute....and then I remembered that I had bought 20 sturdy cardboard mailers for a Rain Stick project. (bought off of ebay, 20, 24" cardboard mailers = 60c each). I knew I had enough of them, so I set out all the essentials for turning them into Light Sabers.

Here Sebastian is painting his(and everyone else's around!)

Then we had pizza while we waited for the sabers to dry.

Here's the gang, all dressed up

Baby Jedi...how stinkin cute is he?!?!

Elias-Jedi

3 yr old Jedi's fighting each other...Sebastian and Gracie

After much "dueling" we came in and sang Happy Birthday. The Birthday Boy had a grand time singing to himself! Sebastian joined in singing "Happy, Happy, Happy"

Yup, I'm blessed. They're all happy, happy, happy.