My Home Done My Way

Science: Fetal Pig Dissection

2019-03-14T18:34:00.000-06:00

Today we were able to do our final dissection which were two Fetal Pigs!

We got our dissection supplies and specimens from this website: https://www.homesciencetools.com/

We use Richard Glassford's youtube videos and he has all but the pig so far but said he would do it soon: https://youtu.be/qC89SLOXIvs

Well also got this book from the homesciencetools website: How to Dissect by Berman

We also picked up The Zoology Coloring Book by Elson from Amazon but they are pretty deep and we haven't used them a ton...but if your kids love coloring more they might!

Let me know if you have more questions!

Science: Frog Dissection

2019-03-14T17:19:00.004-06:00

We used homesciencetools to get our supplies and followed along with Richard Glassford via youtube: https://youtu.be/9Y8Ysek4Vac

Frog sticking his tongue out

Female frog with loads of eggs

Dear Child!

2015-06-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

Oh, Dearest Child! You are a little stinker lately. I try to keep up with you but it is truly exhausting! You just seem to go, go, go. You go from climbing shelves and triple bunk beds to making messes and breaking things. Then there are those sweet moments when you snuggle in close, give big hugs, and make the whole family burst into laughter. Though you are not two yet...I think you have hit the "Terrible Twos" or as a former teacher told me the "Terrific Twos" as you gain your independence, push bounds, and explore the world around you! We love you and are so glad you are growing and enjoying life!

Mr. Climber finding dirt in the window sill to play in. I think it was that same day he pulled over and broke the lamp in the family room.

I tried to snap a photo of scripture study. #7 Boy decided he wanted to read from the scriptures also (and gets very upset if he doesn't get a book)...but if you notice in the photo...right as I pulled my camera out the capture the sweet moment he decided to rip the pages instead!

#7 Boy tried copying one of his siblings and ended up planting his face into his doughnut

#7 Boy loves wearing these 'roller-blades' and being like the big kids! (It really does make him feel so old!)

Little stinker wouldn't stay in his bed after he had already made his way up to our bed once...so he took after #6 Boy and talked himself to sleep on the red couch.

Little boys enjoying a box...they spent a long time stabbing holes all around the box

Cheese, after he scraped up his nose while biking

He loves to scare and attack his siblings and they all get a kick out of it!

He decided he needed a wet rag on his head to be a monster and would make a deep growling sound with his arms reached out as he chased his siblings...who would all crawl away acting scared and laughing!

The kids also made human swings for #7 Boy to play on

I love #3 Girl's laughter in this photo!

Dad decided he wanted a try also...the kids got a good kick out of that!

Two cut up shirts in one day! Little stinker would hold the scissors in and snip, snip away went his nice shirts!

The Leonardo

2015-06-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

I was pretty excited about this field trip. The kids enjoyed their time there with all the different hands-on activities!

Craft Area - with illusions, blocks, and valentine making area

Science area showing the beginning of making gummy bears

Create area that had a huge marble wall, wind tunnel and building blocks

Kids testing things that float

Then they tried to draw themselves without picking their pen up.

DIY Reverse Videos

2015-06-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

The kids have been wanting to make reverse videos for some time now. I haven't had the ump to figure it out. So, Dad stepped up and helped load down the right editing software and teach the kids how to do it. They have had a blast thinking of different ideas of things that would be fun to see in reverse. I love them gathered around Dad just laughing away...and then the freedom of them to go and create on their own.

LDS First Vision Picture

2015-06-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

On Sunday my 4 year old brought this picture home. I love his drawing of the First Vision. Since that time he keeps reminding us that we get to go see the "sacred grave" on a "field trip." (We are planning a 10 day church history trip for this summer that includes seeing the sacred grove).

Living Planet Aquarium 4D Movies Free

2015-06-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

The aquarium has free 4D movies with membership. The aquarium was packed but we didn't have any trouble getting into the theater. It was a fun experience. There are three other shows that we can go watch some time but I think the kids would even enjoy just watching the same one. They all had lots of fun!

DIY Food Baskets

2015-06-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

I think it was last spring that we bought them to put on the wall. They sat on our counter for that long waiting to be hung. 6 hammered hooks later and ta-da! They are hanging by hooks so we can lift them down easily. I love having them on the wall and off of the counter!

Managing Time

2015-06-03T10:00:00.000-06:00

Homeschooling has really opened up the day for all of us. I love being about to create our own schedule and fit in things that matter to us. (There are some things I hope to add to our schedule as time goes including having my older kids more involved in family history. I love that they can get through most of their school work early in the day and have time to play. But, it also has meant that they have more time to play...thus wanting more time for electronics or wondering what to do. Most of the time I feel like we manage pretty well at balancing, but sometimes it gets off balance. So, this last week we started a new program at our house in hopes of providing a variety of activities, helping around the house more, and managing their own time better. So far, it seems to have helped...but I do realize some things only last a season. So, here is our new 'electronics rules' (see bottom of post). The kids get a lot more electronic time then they used to but I also get a lot more help around the house and they also keep busy doing other things.

We manage to get out of the house doing fun things like going to the Aquariums new playground

The little kids area

Playing

I am not sure how we managed to get a sock stuck here!

We manage to have plenty of time to build, create and show love for each other!

Working on her tie quilt

Kids came up with this quilt idea...designed on paper and in the cutting process

Cutting together

Working on more cutting

#4 Boy made this with help from #2 Boy

#2 Boy created this parrot that sits on his shoulder

Managing some Family time...I love how they all line up in a row...#7 Boy even pulled himself up on to the end and laid with the others!

#6 Boy managing some play time asking for photos

We also manage to get some cooking done. One night #3 Girl made dinner: Quesadillas, Salad, and Apple Crisp! Yum!

Coring the apples and the little ones helping to eat the skin (memories from growing up!)

#3 Girl did all the hands on work for this. I did help make sure she got the right amount of everything.

Managing to enjoy one another!

The kids are choosing the help more around the house. They already do kitchen duty every night or chicken/rabbit, front room duty (boys and girls swap). But, now they are often found cleaning the bedrooms, bathrooms or walls throughout the day without me having to say a word! The little ones love doing it along side their older siblings. Tonight #2 Boy was wiping down the door and jumping while he was doing it. #7 Boy was standing beside him with a rag bouncing up and down!

Yes, me laying there while my house begins to shine!

Cleaning together

#6 Boy often asks now "can I clean?!"...yes, yes you can!

Note: We have added more to our 'chores' section to give more variety.

Treehouse Museum Field Trip

2015-06-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

We love that we get to do so many fun field trips this year and that we get to share the experience as a family (well, minus Dad). Anyway, last Friday we got to go to the Treehouse Museum in Ogden. As a school group they have a special "World Tales" (focused on Asia) that we got to be a part of. It included stories while sitting in a Chinese Hunt and a Mongolian Hut. Then we made a fish wind sock craft while hearing stories from Japan. It ended with the kids helping to put on a play. I can't remember where the play was from. I was pleased to see most of the kids participate (#5 Boy could have been a star fish but wouldn't dress up. #6 Boy dressed up but wasn't about to go near the stage, #7 Boy played around on the floor, stage and steps just like a sea anemone). After the "World Tales" part was over the kids had time to explore the museum. The found a variety of fun things to do. As we left they also gave each child a free pass back. Just have to pay for an adult to join! Anyway, I didn't get pictures of most of it, but couldn't help but pull out the camera during the play. So you get treated with some of those!

"Alligator King"

The "Princess Turtle"

Starring as "A Kid"

As a "sea anemone"

The "snail"

The kids poking the turtle

On a boat ride

As a fish swimming around

Shoe Organizer

2015-05-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

Sadly, I don't have photos of this process because it was a gift he made for me. But I LOVE having bins for all our shoes!

Dad made this!

Our new shoe solution! So much nicer then scattered shoes every where!

Snowman Wreath

2015-05-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

My Craft

Loving our front porch area!

Christmas Candy Windows South Jordan

2015-05-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

Candy Windows (at the City Center) -Every year they decorate. It's so fun to see!

The crew

Christmas gifts

Ferris Wheel

Everyone enjoying this one going around

Ferris Wheel

Bryce Canyon National Park - View Points

2015-05-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

The day before as we drove into Bryce through a tunnel

The kids were excited to be able to swim at the indoor pool after our long day of hiking. #7 Boy was asleep so I hung out with him just outside the pool area and visited with some other parents. Dad got the hard duty of taking care of all the other ones in the pool. They all had lots of fun.

The crows didn't mind people getting close but didn't want to be touched

The next morning was cold...like snow on the window cold!

We were going to do some hiking, but I was hurting and everyone was a little cold! I didn't think about the extra 4000+ ft of elevation when I packed! So, once we got to our first hiking spot we took a vote and decided to just drive to the view points and enjoy Bryce that way, then head home. I was glad that we got the hike in the day before. We even debated about doing part of it again the next day but it was cold!

A fun view with some silly kids

I can't remember which stops each of these were at

But I love the views

So interesting the different erosion patterns

Just amazing to look at

Millions of Hoodoos!

Bryce Canyon Overlook...walking out to see the amazing view all around!

It was a little windy and cold out there

An Arch along the way

Then we had a long drive home...at least it felt long! Even if the kids did pretty good.

#1 Girl playing sock puppets with #7 Boy while #6 Boy tried his hand at the camera (I did take out the SD card so no more pictures would be lost!)

Bryce Canyon National Park - Navajo Trail

2015-05-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Bryce Canyon

We got to Bryce Canyon in the afternoon after having left Zion and played at the sand dunes. We figured we would go hit a short walk from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point along the Rim...however, when we got there, the kids were all too excited about the Navajo trail. Switch backs heading down into the canyon and then passing between some narrow walls. It had some amazing views with tons of Hoodoos. We were already all a bit tired out from playing on the sand dunes but couldn't resist. We made our way down and just had to keep going. It was amazing. However, as it came time to ascend up the hill, I was feeling worn down. My little toes were hurting and my stomach was doing some contracting so I wanted to take it extra slow. I made it most of the way with the crew but by the end I gave up and went super slow with #6 Boy. He just held onto my hand and hiked along with me. Slow and Steady. Anyway, the loop was amazing and totally worth it. It was the highlight of Bryce especially since the next morning when we woke up it was freezing!

Navajo Trail

This is the view from the top looking down into the canyon. I think the Rim Trail would have had some great views like this one...but not as amazing as walking amidst them.

At the top

Hoodoos below

This was the descending path that we took!

Into the Canyon

The kids along the switch backs

Layered going down

#6 Boy right in front of Wall Street

The kids heading between the walls

The tall tree that grew between the walls

A little hole they found to climb through

Playing in the hole

Playing on the log...so many adventurous places!

It wasn't cold that night, though there was snow. However, the next morning was cold!

Looking up

Along the trail

Playing on the rocks

The trees grew tall and skinny between the walls

#6 Boy was my hiking buddy always asking, "hold my hand!" What a precious time.

Coming out from Wall Street

Posing with the rock

#3 Girl having to climb on everything she could. I must say it looked fun to climb...but not with my belly!

Swinging #7 Boy

He loved it!

Sitting on the Log

Hiking along...people thought we were crazy to be doing the whole loop with our crew

#5 Boy hiding in a hole...the rest trying to make it to the end...I was beat!

Ascending out of the canyon

Three Hoodoos...the kids named them something but can't remember what.

#6 Boy and Mom FINALLY making it out...but it was Amazing!

Coral Pink Sand Dunes

2015-05-18T10:00:00.001-06:00

While we were down there we decided to see if we could find any sand dunes to play on before heading home. We got lucky and there is one just between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. This was a great afternoon stop on our way and took lots of energy to climb and play. It is a State Park but we didn't actually go into the park area we stopped at the first signs and dunes and had the place to ourselves with loads of fun!

The Sand we first stepped onto was cold...but not on the other side of the hill.

The kids went up and down the hill a few times...I barely made it up once!

Running down

The Dunes

Boys digging holes to find the end of the sand...never did!

#7 Boy liked to push the sand back in the boys holes

#5 Boy pointing to his Sand Angel

Making a Sand Angel

#6 Boy found this can that he loved pouring down from

Hair were covered in sand...matching the ground...dirty!

Heading Up Hill!

Playing at the top

Brian jumping

#7 Boy loved ~~sliding~~ pushing himself down the hill

Taking a leap

Playing on the hill

Joyful

The big hill down

Heading down

Pushing himself down upside down

I love my 5 boys all playing in the sand!

#2 Boy dug far enough down to cover up to his knees

#1 Girl wanted to make a "sand storm" so she head to the far hill that way it wouldn't blow into anyone.

Working on their sand storms!

Zion National Park - Weeping Rock Trail and Riverside Walk

2015-05-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

After our first two exciting hikes (on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning) we decided to do some more simple hikes where no children would be lost over the edge ;-)

So after a snack near the car we headed up to ...

Weeping Rock Trail

It was a short little hike. It was amazing to think about how long the water works its way through the rock (yes, we read signs as we hiked). Then the water flowed through the rock and down.

Weeping Rock

Enjoying a nice view

Riverside Walk

This trail is mostly flat and fully paved. It leads to the beginning of the Narrows. We would love to do part of the Narrows some time, but not in the cold without proper equipment. This walk proved to be full of beauty and was a nice stroll.

Kids had to check out the river many times as we hiked along near it.

Our crew..#5 Boy must be with me.

#7 Boy liked doing his own walking and got a lot of attention from the other hikers.

It was a beautiful walk

Relaxing on one of the rocks while he waits for everyone

At the end of the trail leading to the Narrows

Our Family Photo

Climbing the rocks

I thought this spot was beautiful...

..can you tell!?

#4 Boy wanted a photo by the BIG rock

Miss

Hanging out

Scrambling up the Rocks to the Path

Down Stream

Boys hiking

I love #2 Boy's expression...wish I knew what he was talking about!

Another pretty view

Handsome Man

Yes, part of the time we hiked with the little ones on our shoulders...#7 Boy was not a fan of the pack...really he wanted to walk most of the time.

A glowing tree

Side shot of me thanks to #1 Girl I am guessing

Interesting view with the lines/twigs in front

Two cameras going, so we get some similar shots

Sisters!

The kids found a huge "slide"

They had lots of fun sliding and we got lots of comments and stares (we get that a lot and even random people taking photos of our family as we hike along...pretty funny).

Dad helping #5 Boy to the top

Sliding down

Hiking along the trail

One last view of Riverside Walk

Zion National Park - Emerald Pools and Canyon Overlook

2015-05-14T21:22:00.000-06:00

Dad was able to get a full week off for Thanksgiving Break so we decided to leave town Saturday and come back Wednesday. We headed South where it might have been a little warmer...maybe. Anyway, it was a wonderful little get away for the whole family. We visited Zion, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and Bryce. So, there will be a number of outdoor/hiking photos for you all to enjoy! This is just the beginning. I will try to share some tidbits about the photos as we go. Sadly, after our first two amazing hikes, #5 Boy was playing with the camera a deleted all the photos. Luckily, I had taken a few on my phone but not nearly as many as were on the real camera. We thought about re-hiking them to get some good shots again, but decided to pass on that. Another year maybe!

Then we decided to go for a "Sunday Walk." #2 Boy kept laughing that we were calling it a "walk" just because it was Sunday...truthfully, we went a bit more then we planned and it was a hike. A beautiful hike! We had to take the shuttle through the park. It was interesting to learn a bit more about Zion as we rode along and they pointed out different landmarks and also talked about the history.

#4 Boy with Mt. Isaac behind him

Emerald Pools

Our Sunday Walk - Emerald Pools (there are three..we knew we would go to the first one (pictured above)...but not the last two)

Emerald Pools

Shot of the oldest 6 kids heading up to Emerald Pools #2

Dad carried #7 Boy most of the way...when # Boy would let him! (He would rather walk!)

Emerald Pools #2 reflecting the beautiful view

Deciding to head on to Emerald Pools #3 or not....sure why not!

#5 Boy my hiking buddy

Pretty

Dad showing #2 Boy an overhang

If #5 Boy tripped and fell he would stop hiking for a minute and draw in the sand. It was cute...but SO slow!

Most of the Family at Emerald Pool #3 (We got a family shot...it got deleted!)

The first morning. We sat at two tables to get indoors faster.

On Monday and Tuesday morning we ate at Oscars Cafe. The Driftwood Lodge does a breakfast during summer but just give a voucher to Oscars in the winter. We all ate for free (though the meal would have cost about $90 if we had to pay) and the meals were amazing. The kids loved the hot chocolate and had more food then they could eat. #2 Boy has commented a couple times since that he likes eating at Oscars.

Photo in front of Oscars

Canyon Overlook

This hike was ranked moderate/easy so we figured we would be fine taking this hike to look over the canyon. The trail was really not that hard of a trail...but it was narrow and sloped down quickly into the depths below. This is another hike that the photos from the main camera got erased. I snapped some with mine but I would have captured more of the slopes...no... no, I was too busy trying to make sure none of the children slid off the edge to get other photos. So these will have to do. The kids loved this hike, it just stressed Dad and I out a little bit.

A short bridge because there was no place to walk on this part.

Standing on one of the larger landings...see how someone might just slip and keep going down FOREVER!

A view through the canyon

Don't worry, there was flat land at the bottom of this slope...we didn't have to hike it!

The kids loved climbing all over the rocks

At the overlook. It was pretty but I must say I was glad this fence had chain link all the way down. The parts on the trail that actually had a bit of a fence just had two bars across that any/all my children could just slip right under!

#3 Girl loved posing if she could climb up something first

Our main photographer (though they got deleted later

Silly

Cute boy stuck with me through almost all the hikes

The wider ledge....yes, I dared to take a photo here...tells you how crazy the other parts were!

DIY Halloween Skeleton Themed Costumes

2014-12-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Over 80 feet of glow-in-the-dark duct tape and many late nights (because when else are you suppose to complete such a craft?) The costumes are ready! We are all excited to add the glow-in-the-dark face paint to complete to costumes. In the mean time the kids have been wearing the "skeleton" of their costumes..(yes, pun intended!)

Dad working on getting the bones just right!

Every cut counts

The first pair of legs glowing in the dark...the excitement builds!

The legs not in the dark

Now to figure out the design for the tops

Tops making progress (yes, most cutting was done at night sitting on the bed)

Knight Skeleton

Police Man Skeleton

Fireman Skeleton (He now has an axe too)

Clown Skeleton

Kissing Kate Skeleton (from Holes)

Kissing Kate

Witch Skeleton

Pirate Skeleton (now has a swag and eye patch)

Knight Skeleton

Group Shot!

Aren't they just too cute!

Baby letting us know how much he loves us (and we love him too!)

Nerd Skeleton

Mummy Skeleton

Curiousity Musuem at Thanksgiving Point

2014-12-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Museum sign

My kids love the Curiosity Museum at Thanksgiving Point. We spent 3 hours one day. My kids begged to go back. A few weeks later we went back and spent 4+ hours there.

I don't have nearly enough pictures to do the place justice!

Drawing a grasshopper

Playing with the string

Playing outside

At the playground

#7 Boy loved this water table that he could sit and play in. I think he might have stayed there forever if I let him.

The older kids playing with the water tubes

and more water tubes

Rolling the ball down the ramp. He also LOVED this!

climbing the wall

Science: Squishy Egg and Beautiful Butterfly

2014-12-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Squishy Egg: Simply put an egg in vinegar and watch the acid eat the shell away(it takes a couple of days)

We might just have to do more Egg Experiments with so many around our house

It slowly bubbles and the shell dissolves

Then you can take it out and squish it

You can also see into it a bit (would have maybe worked better with a white egg...maybe we should see how white vs brown vs blue/green look different) It was a fun easy experiment...until it got dropped too hard into the vinegar and broke open.

Butterfly in the Sky...well, soon.

Our Butterfly finally come out! The Monarch is beautiful...I love the excitement on the kids faces

Studying the butterfly

#2 Boy got to take the butterfly out for the grand release

Away she went...Dad got her once and handed her down to #3 Girl

After that the butterfly just went higher and higher (Yes, Dad is trying to get her to fly down with wood ;-)

Some Science - Big Bubbles

2014-12-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

We did some cooking and other things also, but no pictures of those. So, you get to see our Big Bubbles!

The kids all helped put the ingredients in. #3 Boy was the main mixer

Me trying it

#3 Girl's bubble

#2 Boy got a full one floating

#4 Boy looks like he is in it!

#1 Girl caught Pingu with her bubble ;-)

#6 Boy's bubble

#5 Boy with his large bubble...he told me, "I don't need help I can do it on my own!" Yes, he can!

The recipe below is the one we used from this website: http://happyhooligans.ca/homemade-giant-bubbles/

6 cups water (distilled is best but tap water is fine)
1/2 cup blue Dawn dish detergent
1/2 cup corn starch
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tbsp Glycerine

To make your bubble mixture:

Dissolve the cornstarch in the water, stirring really well. Then gently stir in the remaining ingredients. Avoid creating a lot of froth. Allow your mixture to sit for at least an hour, stirring occasionally if you see the cornstarch settling to the bottom.

Hoogle Zoo

2014-11-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our homeschooling has tons of field trips set up. I am so excited to share all of these fun places with all of you. This time it was to the Hoogle Zoo. The kids had fun and learned, and by the time we were done, I was DONE! Too much walking pushing the stroller up and down hills and trying to keep everyone together!#1 Girl brought a notepad and wanted to write everything from the signs down. The little ones wanted to run from place to place. Even #7 Boy wanted to take off in his own direction. Everyone really did have fun!

Bunch of Monkeys!

#7 Boy loved running away and didn't want to stay in the stroller, his bare feet were black on the bottom when we got done.

Love this one with #2 Girl and her shadow

Climbing on the statues is always a fave

#4 Boy getting ~~eaten by the lion~~ a drink

Watching the baby elephant swim

The White Handed Gibbon was one of the kids favorites. The baby was super active swinging all over the place.

But, it didn't hold #7 Boy's attention...he wanted to play in the mulch instead

#1 Girl talking with the tortoise

My Nest of Children

I love the expressions in this photo. #2 Boy was covering a hole with his bottom that #6 Boy had been looking through. As you can see #4 Boy and #5 Boy (and #6 Boy) think he is hilarious!

#1 Girl taking notes while the seal is above #6 Boy

Polar Bear waving hi to the girls

Watching the bears

Group Action sho

#7 Boy loved the Porcupines and kept taking off back down the row to see them.

White Out Make-Up

2014-11-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Little Stinker...used white out as lipstick. I could also smell some of Dad's deodorant on his lips. Yes, he admitted to using it also as lipstick. A couple of days later he had "painted" his finger nails with markers. Oh those two year olds are Trouble! But SO cute!

Kitchen Slip 'n Slide

2014-11-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

It was that time again... my floor was NASTY...time to clean in the best way we know how! We prepped the floor with some good H2O and a splash of bleach and let the kids go at it! Loads of fun for everyone.

#4 Boy was showing how his shirt sticks to his skin, so #2 Boy decided he would show #4 Boy how his skin sticks too. Silly boys!

#5 Boy Sliding

A bit of Slipping

#2 Boy's "too fast for a photo" shot

Posing together