Through the Calm and Through the Storm

The Jewelry We Didn't Make {Blogging Through the Alphabet}

2013-05-24T05:51:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, my mom and I spent a couple of afternoons shopping and exploring some sewing/quilting shops in our town. Along the way we stopped by Hobby Lobby to pick up some crafting supplies. I had remembered an idea to make necklaces out of washers, scrapbook paper, and modge podge, and I wanted to get a few things that I didn't already have on hand.

I then realized that this week was "J" week for Blogging Through the Alphabet. Perfect! I could show the cool jewelry project that Lauren and Addison and I made this week.

Unfortunately, I don't have any jewelry pictures to share. It just wasn't the sort of week for craft projects.

It was a week of spending time with relatives and laughing as we all tried to stay upright on the rented eliptigo bicycles. It was a few crazy days with mixed-up therapy sessions as we tried to reaarrange appointments to give us Friday afternoon off. It was time spent grocery shopping and cooking and dehydrating so that we'd be ready to go camping. And it was afternoons spent dipping my feet in the pool while I watched the kids splash.

I guess jewelry making will have to wait until next week . . . or maybe the week after. Maybe we'll finish our necklaces in time to blog about them for "N" week. Then again, maybe not.

Even though I don't have a finished jewelry picture, I'm still linking this post to the other writers Blogging Through the Alphabet. It's still not too late to join us on this round -- jump in anytime! (Psst. . . If you jump in this week, you'd already have a j idea to use.)

Timeless Teaching Tips {Schoolhouse Crew Review}

2013-05-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

When I held a teaching certificate, I was required to earn a certain number of continuing education credits in order to keep my license current. Even though I no longer teach in a classroom or hold a official teaching certificate, I still value the time that I spend learning how to improve my skills as a teacher. I recently read Timeless Teaching Tips: How to Think Like a Teacher by Joyce Herzog.

Timeless Teaching Tips is organized into five sections:
* Principles of Learning
* It's Been Said
* Practical Helps
* Homeschooling Issues
* Gems

I found myself flipping pages in the book and reading chapters in rather a random order. If I had some time to think about what I was reading, I'd look in the "Principles of Learning" section. Those chapters were a bit longer and had thought provoking essays on some basic concepts relating to teaching and learning. I struggled reading through this section because I didn't find a cohesive theme connecting one chapter to the next. It helped when I started thinking of this book as being more like a collection of blog posts instead of a book written to encourage homeschool mothers.

When I had only a few moments, I'd read some of the quotes and sayings in either the "It's Been Said" or "Gems" sections. Some of passages are marked so that I can copy them into the inspiring thoughts notebook that I keep. As I read through many of the pages, I thought how some of the quotes would make good copywork assignments for younger students or topics for timed essay practices for older students.

Perhaps the most useful sections of the books are "Practical Helps" and "Homeschool Issues." The chapters in these sections remind me of some of the homeschooling blogs that I read. I found the writing to be clear, encouraging, and full of good ideas. I found ideas for teaching nearly anything to any age of student -- fun spelling options, easy math games, ideas for notebooking, and more. Many of the ideas relate to parenting in general and not just homeschooling.

Joyce Herzog is the author of many products designed to encourage parents along their homeschooling journeys. Her Timeless Teaching Tips book costs $15 and is suitable for parents that are teaching children of nearly any age (toddler through high schooler).

Crew members have been using many of Joyce Herzog's products -- some geared towards the parent and others intended for the student to use. Be sure to click on the banner below to read more about all the exciting products she offers.

©2009-2013 Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com

When Oma and Opa come to town {Wordless Wednesday}

2013-05-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

Little Learning Lovies {Review and Giveaway}

2013-05-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

As the weather gets warmer and summer vacation draws nearer, it becomes more and more difficult for all of us to concentrate on our regular school activities. Last week, instead of turning to the next page in Lauren's grammar workbook or pulling out another black-and-white math worksheet, I decided we could play games.

All of the gorgeous games pictured above are part of this month's Lovie Packs from Little Learning Lovies. For math, Lauren used two games dealing with place value and a timeline activity to practice telling time on an analog clock. For language arts skills, she practiced sorting verbs (helping versus action verbs) and combined word cards to form complete sentences.

Lauren absolutely loved playing the games. Some of the activities in the packs were a bit on the easy side and some are saved for when she's a bit older (multiplication practice). Each day last week, she begged me to do more of the games, and I heard far less complaining about schoolwork than I have heard on other days lately.

From a teacher standpoint, I am thrilled with the products from Little Learning Lovies. They were educational, easy to print, and beautiful. Our school days needed a little bit more color and a whole lot more fun. These games were just what we needed.

Our Lovie Pack also included activities for creating mathematical patterns, counting coins, learning the life cycle of a butterfly, practicing handwriting, and more. All of the materials are absolutely gorgeous, and the attention to detail was fabulous.

The Lovie Packs are available in two different levels -- a Tiny Lovies pack for preschoolers through first graders and a Little Lovies pack for first through third graders. Each individual pack costs $14 (delivered as an electronic download for immediate printing) or as a combination package of both levels for $25. Each one has approximately 8 games or activities to print and also bonus coordinating printables such as calendar numbers and reward charts.

These products have brought much joy to Lauren's school days recently, and I look forward to using many more of the activities from Little Learning Lovies. They offer several products individually, and I've already printed a new file folder game and some addition practice cards to add to our schoolwork later this week. Some of their games are available for less than $2, so it's definitely worth checking them out.

Disclaimer: I received May Lovie Packs in exchange for this review, and I agreed to give my honest opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

As a special treat for my readers, Little Learning Lovies has provided a set of Lovie Packs to be used for a giveaway. Be sure to use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

©2009-2013 Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com

Incentive vs. Internal Motivation {Blogging through the Alphabet}

2013-05-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday morning I knew I needed to finish straightening and cleaning our house because we were having company coming to town this weekend. I ended up being up much of the night before when Lauren had a tummy ache, and I was dragging a little bit. I decided to offer the kids an incentive to help me clean up. I had to go out early that afternoon to an appointment, and I'd be driving right by Sonic on my way home. I told them that I'd pick up slushies if the house was clean before I left.

We did manage to get everything done and I happily stopped by Sonic to place our drink orders.

The next morning, I walked into the house after a run and noticed how pleasant it was to open the door and see a clearn downstairs -- nothing left on the counters that needed to be dealt with, nothing left out on the floors that had to be picked up. Even the kitchen table was still completely cleared off. I smiled when I walked in the door and realized that everything was picked up.

I started thinking about how it takes something special (in this case, company coming) and/or a special incentive in order for me and the kids to put forth the effort to keep the main areas of the house picked up.

On the other hand, I had just come in from a run. I didn't have a slushy waiting for me at the end of my run. I don't run because I want to win a prize. I run because it relieves stress, because I like knowing that I'm doing all I can to stay healthy, and because I like the challenge of seeing whether I can run faster or longer than the day before.

I don't need a tangible incentive when I get up early in the mornings and lace up my running shoes. It's all about the internal motivation I have and the intangible rewards I find from running.

Why is it that I need some sort of incentive when it comes to cleaning my kitchen? Why is it that I choose to spend time on the computer instead of making sure that the twenty-seven random objects in the living room get put away?

I'd like to take the internal motivation I have when it comes to running and apply it to my duties as a wife, mom, and homeschooling teacher.

If anyone has any magic housecleaning motivation to spare, you can send it my way. In the meantime, I'll continue to wonder why I find so much satisfaction in waking up early to run four miles up and down hills but still can't find the motivation to put away the random stuff scattered around my living room.

I is for both Incentives and Internal Motivation. Therefore, I'm linking this post to others that are on the letter I in our Blogging Through the Alphabet series. It's still not too late to join us on this round -- jump in anytime!

Random 5 on Friday, May 17th

2013-05-17T22:04:00.001-07:00

I didn't keep track of highlights or quotes or anything special this week, so these five tidbits will be truly random.

1. While traveling with Brennan and Lauren, we passed a car carrier that was packed full of golf carts. Brennan's response: "I'm now one step closer to seeing everything there is to see in the world."

2. I saw the temperature reading on my van's dashboard hit triple digits twice this week. I guess it's summertime.

3. While discussing the dress code for Addison's upcoming chorus tour, one of the girls reminded everyone that "modest is hottest."

4. After getting up before 5:00 to go running a couple of times, my whole body schedule is warped. This morning I felt like I had slept in -- it was almost 5:30 when I woke up.

5. Right now, Brennan and Tim are watching Weird Al Yankovich videos on You Tube. (Talk about random).

High School Prep Genius {Schoolhouse Crew Review}

2013-05-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

When other people hear that I'm homeschooling a high school student, I often have people ask me about teaching Chemistry or Algebra or some other similarly scary-sounding subject. Honestly, teaching difficult subjects doesn't scare me. Some of my biggest worries are that somewhere along the way I'll miss an important deadline or fail to teach a specific course and therefore make it harder for Addison to get into the college that she wants to attend.

The High School Prep Genius manual from College Prep Genius has eased a lot of my fears.

When I worry about appropriate course selections, I can see what is on the "Three Tier Guide to High School" on page 18. It has separate course suggestions for a distinguished program, a recommended program, and a minimum program.

If I find myself overwhelmed with the thoughts of college entrance exams, scholarships, and college applications with specific time schedules, I can find a month by month timeline for college and career decisions. It tells when to sign up for college entrance exams, when to apply for scholarships, and more.

This book isn't just directed at parents of high school students. The book is intended for both me to use and for my student to use. Throughout the book there are assignments for the parents ("encourage your student to take the most rigorous courses he can to prepare him for college or a career") and assignments for students ("decide what goals you want to accomplish in the next four years and what subjects you really want to focus on").

High School Prep Genius is appropriate for both college bound students and those that prefer not to attend college immediately following graduation. The book spends some time focusing on general skills such as getting organized, volunteering, building a strong support system, and achieving financial independence. The study skills sections in the book will help all high school students develop better study and test-taking skills. Approximately a quarter of the book is devoted to such topics as choosing a college, preparing for standardized tests, and applying for college admissions. The final chapter includes helpful tips for making the most of the college years, including how to live with a roommate, why it isn't a good idea to stay up all night, and how to say "no" when you realized you can't do everything.

Addison was initially overwhelmed with this book and thought is was a bit too focused on student achievement. In particular, she pointed out how the month-by-month timeline for high schoolers suggests taking the PSAT for practice in both her freshman and sophomore years before taking it for real as a junior. From a parent standpoint, though, I like knowing about all the options and then choosing to omit the suggested tests or activities that I feel are unnecessary.

As Addison started working through the materials, it became less overwhelming. Perhaps the most useful thing that she did was to set up a College and Career Notebook according the to High School Prep Genius recommendations. She now has a single spot to record her classes, her volunteer activities, books that she reads, and any awards that she receives. She hasn't started seriously looking at colleges yet, but her College and Career Notebook has a section ready for her to jot down information about potential colleges, deadlines for admissions, etc.

High School Prep Genius is the best resource I've seen in terms of organizing all the necessary information about college entrance exams, scholarships, admissions, etc. The helpful information about academic and life skills is a valuable bonus that makes this guide book a well-rounded addition to every bookshelf.

Although I read this book as the parent of a homeschooled student, the book is not written specifically for homeschoolers. With the exception of about 10 pages about homeschool transcripts in one of the appendices, all of the information would be equally suited for parents of a student attending a public or private school.

College Prep Genius recommends the High School Prep Genius guide for parents and students in junior high through high school. Even if your high schooler is nearing graduation, there is still helpful information in this book to help guide him off to the first years of college. The book retails for $29.95.

©2009-2013 Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com

Halfway Through Our Walk {Wordless Wednesday}

2013-05-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Random Five on Friday May 10th

2013-05-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

Instead of sharing random facts about our week, I scribbled down a few quotes on a pad of sticky notes. I ended up with five that are worth sharing. Interestingly, I think all five of them came from my oldest child. Thank you, Addison, for adding so much laughter to our week!

1. From lunchtime: "You know what's really great? Geography songs. They're way better than Grammar songs."

2. Proof that Addison learned something when studying formal logic. "The problem is that I just made a universal proposition."

3. While I was using vinegar and baking soda to clean out the drain in the kids' bathroom: "A girl in my science class (online) said she's never done the baking soda and vinegar experiment . . . and she calls herself a homeschooler."

4. Recounting a conversation: "Some friends of mind from Colorado, that I met in Virginia, went to Pepperdine (California) for the lectureship too."

5. Repeated at least a few times by three members of the family early this week: "My calves hurt."

Taken at the top of the mountain, prior to their 22.5 mile hike to the bottom

Sticky Roasted Chicken {Mother's Day Dinner Blog Hop}

2013-05-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

This morning I'm sharing a favorite recipe as part of a special Mother's Day Dinner Blog Hop. Be sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the post to find the other recipes my blogging friends are sharing today.

Sticky Roasted Chicken

2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 whole chicken (or bone-in chicken thighs)

Mix all of the spices together in a small bowl. I often double or triple the spice rub so that I can save the remainder for another time. A month or so ago I kept adding the correct proportions of the spices to a small jar so that I'd have a secret stash to last a while. It reminded me of a sand art project until I shook it all up.

Rub the seasoning mixture on to the chicken. If using chicken parts, be sure to rub both on top of and under the skin. If you have time, refrigerate the seasoned chicken overnight. If you don't have that much time, it's not a deal-breaker. I often just rub the spices on and put it straight into the hot oven.

For bone-in chicken thighs, bake at 425 degrees for about 45 minutes. For a whole chicken, I follow the USDA Food Safety recommendations to bake at 350 degrees for about an hour and a half. In either case, use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees.

Thanks for stopping by on our Mother's Day Dinner Blog Hop. Be sure to visit each of the bloggers below for your next course.

Kathys Cluttered Mind - Table Center Piece
Home Sweet Life - Appetizer (Fresh Bread or Potato Fries)
Ben and Me - Seasoned Crackers (Appetizer)
For Him and My Family - Crock Pot Main Course Options
Through the Calm and Through the Storm - Sticky Roasted Chicken (Main Course)
Debbie's Homeschool Corner - Raspberry Cheesecake in a Jar (Dessert)
Treasuring Life's Blessings - Strawberries and Cream Angel Food Cake (Dessert)
Our Homeschool Studio - Strawberry Lemonade (Beverage)
Following Him Home - Beverage

©2009-2013 Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com

Papa's Pearls {Schoolhouse Crew Review}

2013-05-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I fell in love with my latest review book as soon as I opened the front cover. The author had signed my copy and added the note, "You're fantastic!"

Papa's Pearls: A Father's Gift of Love and Wisdom to His Children and Grandchildren is Diane Flynn Keith's biography of her father, Carol Joseph Flynn. Through touching stories and anecdotes, the author allows the reader to share in some of the wisdom and love her Papa shared with his children and grandchildren throughout their lives.

As I read this enjoyable book, I was drawn into the stories of Papa's growing up years and was inspired by the way he turned his life around. This book wasn't merely a story about a single man's life, though. It's a story of how this man took his life experiences and intentionally passed his wisdom along to his children and grandchildren.

Papa had countless sayings that are recorded in this book -- pearls of wisdom that can inspire the reader just as they inspired his family. For instance, when faced with a troublesome situation, Papa simply declared that "bad things don't happen to our family." It's hard to worry if you know that bad things don't (and won't) happen. That phrase didn't just represent a wishful way of thinking; it represented a confidence in knowing that their family could overcome anything, even things that might seem bad to others.

One thing stuck with me as I finished the book. Throughout the stories, Papa's children and grandchildren all point out the ways that they knew their Papa loved them and was always there for them. In many cases, it was simply the way he frequently said, "I love you. You know that, right?" I'm touched by the story of a man who took the time to intentionally make sure every single member of his family knew how special they were and how much he loved them. His influence on his family makes me want to be more intentional with the way I speak words of encouragement and love to my children.

I could ramble on for several more paragraphs trying to recount more of my favorite passages or more of Papa's sayings that touched me. Instead, I'll just say that this book is one of the most enjoyable, inspiring books that I've read lately.

You can purchase your own autographed copy of Papa's Pearls from the author for $14.97.

As for the inscription in my book, "Fantastic!" was the way Papa always answered the question, "How are you?" Not only does that phrase remind me of my own dad, it also reminds me of the influence I can have by intentionally sharing my positive outlook on life with my family.

©2009-2013 Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com

Pinterest Fail {Wordless Wednesday}

2013-05-08T13:29:00.001-07:00

H is for Handwritten Scriptures

2013-05-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

"When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law." Deuteronomy 17:18 (NIV)

A few months ago, I saw my friend Sam (Sam's Noggin) posting on Facebook about her Journible. Journibles: The 17:18 Series are wonderful devotional tools based on the premise that your brain absorbs what you write out by hand.

I am nearing the end of my first Journible -- one for the book of James. Since I enjoyed it so much, I've already ordered my next book -- Galatians through 2 Thessalonians. My hardcover Journible for those books should be here in a few days, and I'll continue handwriting (and studying) the scriptures.

I'm linking this post to others that are Blogging Through the Alphabet. It's not too late to join us on this round -- jump in anytime!

Goal Planning Update (on a Monday)

2013-05-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

Last week, I posted an all too familiar introduction making excuses about not posting my Goal Planning Monday thoughts on a Monday. This week, I'm working ahead of time so that I won't be making excuses in a few days.

I have proof that I reached my cleaning up my closet goal for last week.

Before:

After:

Of course, now that I have the picture on the computer, I see that not everything in the bottom rod is hanging straight, but I didn't pose the picture. It truly looked this neat when I walked in there to take a snapshot.

This week's short-term (simple) goal:

I need to come up with a workable chore system for our family. Since the neighborhood pool water is now warm enough for swimming (according to my kids' standards), they'd like for me to take them most afternoons. Unfortunately, if I spend a few hours each day pretending to be a lifeguard, I don't have as much time to get things done around the house.

I see two options. I could continue on the same path I did last week -- me staying up really late to get things done that didn't get done earlier in the day. Before long that option is going to lead to a very grumpy mommy. Option 2 is setting up some sort of system so that we all chip in to do all the necessary chores in a timely manner.

My goal this week is to figure out a way to divide up our chores and then figure out an easy way to make sure we all get our work done before lounging beside the pool.

This week's focus for long-term goals:

I need to make index cards for the next few verses in my 100 Bible Verses in 2013 challenge, and I need to catch up with my Scripture Typer review for the ones I've already mastered.

©2009-2013 Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com

The cactus of the desert {Scripture and a Snapshot}

2013-05-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

"See how the lilies of the field (or cactus of the desert) grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry."

(Matthew 6:28-31, NIV)

G is for Gardening

2013-05-04T22:15:00.001-07:00

In February, I posted about the hopeful garden that I had planted in my backyard. Despite one snowy day, my lettuce did quite well. Unfortunately, that garden took up nearly all of the good space in the backyard. Since the yard is walled on all sides, the part of the yard that isn't taken up by our tiny lawn is nearly always shaded.

I realized one day that the front of our house gets a lot of sun. It may be untraditional to plant a garden right in front of the house, but I've gone ahead with it anyway.

It takes me about 5 minutes every morning to water my babies. I just take a juice pitcher out to the spigot, fill it up a few times, and give all of them a drink.

I can see from the picture that I've perhaps overwatered them a little. Oops. I guess I'll scrub the dirt stains off the driveway sometime.

Sweet peppers, Cucumbers, Yellow Squash, Tomatoes (clockwise from top-left)

I'm particularly optimistic in regards to my tomato plant. I can't remember the exact variety, but it's one that was designed to grow in hot climates. It has three or four blooms on it right now, so I'm very hopeful that we'll be eating home grown tomatoes this summer.

I'm linking this post to others that are Blogging Through the Alphabet. It's not too late to join us on this round -- jump in anytime!

Happy Star Wars Day!

2013-05-04T14:14:00.002-07:00

May the Fourth Be With You!

P.S. If you need some meal ideas for your celebration, I posted our meal last year -- A Dinner Fit for a Jedi. Tonight, Lauren and I are going to make Chewbacca Chicken, Tatooine Fruit Salad, Jedi Jello Jigglers, and hopefully Light Saber Soft Pretzels.

Random Five on Friday May 3rd

2013-05-03T22:38:00.002-07:00

1. The kids have decided that it's now warm enough in our neighborhood pool to go swimming in the afternoons. I'm still not convinced and haven't ventured past dipping my legs in the water.

2. I had two really awesome runs this week. On Tuesday, I finally drug myself out of bed early enough to run with some ladies from church, and I was pleased with my run yesterday morning too. I finally feel like I'm back in a good groove.

3. We've been busy with baseball games a few nights each week, and Brennan's recent highlight was hitting a bases-loaded triple.

4. We're also quickly approaching a busy few weeks of rehearsals and performances for Addison and the Tucson Girls' Chorus. Next year, I'll be even busier. Lauren auditioned to be part of the Ladybugs (one of the younger TGC groups) last weekend, and now I have two singers on my hands.

5. Tonight I'm thankful for a good report from Lauren's cardiology visit this morning. I'm always relieved when I hear the doctors say that her new strong heart looks "perfect."

©2009-2013 Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com

First Day Photos, May 2013

2013-05-02T23:17:00.000-07:00

I'm adding my pictures to the collection of blog posts at Journey to Josie. Click the cute paper airplane button below if you'd like to join us!

Goal Planning Wednesday

2013-05-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I started thinking about how rarely I manage to get my Goal Planning post written on Mondays. I decided that maybe I should just plan on writing Goal Planning Tuesday posts, instead. This week, I guess I'm left with a Goal Planning Wednesday post. Some weeks are like that . . . even in Australia.

Last week I experimented with simplifying my goals and only recorded two goals. I'm happy to report that I accomplished both of them. At multiple times during the week, my email inbox was down into the single digits. I also worked in my closet a little so that my winter clothes are now neatly stacked out of the way on one of the top shelves.

My simple goal for this week is to finish working in my closet. Although I've moved most of the winter stuff to the top, I need to take a bit of time to reorganize everything else and put it all neatly in convenient places. It shouldn't take long, but it's the type of task that I'm likely to put off for another day (a day that likely won't ever come).

I'll share a before picture now and hopefully have an after to post next ~~Monday~~, ~~Tuesday~~ . . . Someday. (Note: although my closet isn't organized, it also isn't usually this bad. The worst of the mess is caused by a mad hunt for something to wear last Sunday morning and then the similar hunt for a certain pair of running shorts on Tuesday morning.)

First Swim of the Season {Wordless Wednesday}

2013-05-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Home School in the Woods {Schoolhouse Crew Review}

2013-04-30T14:59:00.001-07:00

Usually I wait until we finish a project before I show it off on my blog. Our latest review product is only partway finished, but I couldn't wait any longer to share it.

Home School in the Woods specializes in hands-on history materials, and we've been engrossed in their "The 20th Century in America" Lap Pak for the past several weeks.

I downloaded the lap pak materials and found it fairly easy to navigate among the individual pages to get everything printed correctly. I found the instructions to be very clear in terms of printing and assembling everything, and I especially appreciated the diagrams showing where to attach all of the mini projects to the final lapbook. The downloaded materials also include a text booklet containing much of the background information needed to complete the assignments.

Brennan (6th grade), Addison (9th grade) and I worked together on the projects for our lap paks. For some of the sections, there were lengthy passages to be read out of the text booklet. These sections provided great note-taking practice for both students. Addison took her notes and wrote a paragraph summarizing the information, and Brennan used his notes to dictate key points for me to write down in the project booklet.

As we worked through different projects, we appreciated that we weren't doing the same thing every day. The mini booklets in this lap pak are each carefully (and creatively) designed to reflect the topic at hand. We not only studied a different topic each day, we created a different final project each day. Addison particularly praised the wonderful graphics that were so much fun to color.

There are 22 different projects included in the lap pak, each touching on a different aspect of American Life in the 20th Century. So far, we have studied World Wars, political events, social movements, disasters, medical advancements, and more. This week it looks like we'll be covering architecture, literature, music, and sports figures. Many of the topics have enough information in the text booklet, but we often found ourselves using the basic text as a jumping off point for further exploration using either online searches or materials I already had on our bookshelves.

We look forward to finishing the project and having all of the assignments added to our lap books (as they are in the following sample picture from Home School in the Woods).

Home School in the Woods recommends using these materials with third through eighth graders. Based on our family's experiences we'd recommend waiting until late elementary or middle school to begin this project. Addison, my ninth grader, was perhaps the person that loved it most, and it was a great supplement to her high school American History course this year.

"The 20th Century in America" Lap Pak from Home School in the Woods costs $21.95 for the downloadable version and $22.95 (plus shipping) for a CD containing all of the pdf files.

Rarely am I as impressed with a review product as I have been with this Lap Pak from Home School in the Woods. The creative activities coordinated well with our regular curriculum. More importantly, these projects inspired us to dig deeper into the subject matter and explore topics in greater depth than we normally do.

Addison lists this product as one of her all-time favorite review products, and my enthusiastic recommendation too.

©2009-2013 Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com

Be alert! {Scripture and a Snapshot}

2013-04-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

"Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping." 1 Peter 5:8 (MSG)

I took this picture of Brennan waiting anxiously to see where the batter would hit the next pitch. He was alert and ready in case the ball came his way. The way he was anxiously watching the batter made me think of the way we should be alert at all times. I couldn't decide which translation of 1 Peter 5:8 I liked better so I chose both.

Random Five on Friday April 26th

2013-04-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

1. Last Saturday morning, I turned on the radio and Mandisa's "Good Morning" song came on. As I sang along (rather loudly), Lauren remarked, "Isn't this a good way to start our day?"

2. My email inbox is down to the single digits. I wish I had paid attention to how many were in there about a week ago. I know there was at least a hundred unread emails, and I may have been around 1000 emails in there all together.

3. As I type this, my oldest daughter is sound asleep on the tile floor of our living room. She's trying out a new sleeping mat in preparation for next weekend's hiking/camping trip. I hope she got a good night's sleep.

4. I'm busy planning our school curriculum for next year, and our box of books from Sonlight is scheduled to arrive later today. I can't wait to see what's in store for Addison next year.

5. Since two of the words in Random Five on Friday start with the letter F, I'm also going to count this post as my contribution to Blogging Through the Alphabet this week.

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Think Back Thursday: Rainbows

2013-04-25T20:34:00.002-07:00

Debbie's Think Back Thursday post this week is featuring pictures of rainbows (or rain). In looking back through my files, I found three sets of rainbow pictures that I could share.

I've never seen a rainbow quite as bright or a sky quite so blue as the one I saw while driving near our house in Arizona. (Note: I didn't touch up the color in this picture, and I still think it looked better in real life.)

One cloudy, rainy evening in Arkansas, Lauren was playing outside and came in to tell me about this rainbow. We made the rainbow craft project the next morning.

Even though I shared this picture recently as part of a Scripture and a Snapshot post, I can't help but including it here too. I took the picture of this rainbow from the window of Lauren's room at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. It reminds me of the hope God gave us during those long days of waiting.

I'm including my rainbow pictures with the others that are participating in the Think-Back-Thursday challenge at Debbie's Digest. Click the button below if you'd like to participate.