"Insta"-replay #25, cousins are the best!

Last week had a definite theme to it: cousins!

We spent quiet time in the van, with a cousin, picking up a cousin.

We had a grand time creating all kinds of lego structures with our cousins.

And the highlight for my older daughter, she got to hold her newest cousin.

Having my extended family close makes me feel very blessed (of course it also makes me wish other cousins where close too.)

The entire week was not spent with cousins, we managed a family night out at our favorite place, Dairy Queen!

 

"Whatchadoin?" #10, States and Capitals

I have always thought that having a good basic understanding of geography was a good thing.  Knowing which states were where and how the climate was different in those areas is helpful for understanding how people are.

But teaching it has proven to be a struggle.  We have used "Knuffle Bunny" for the last few years.  Allowing us to imagine traveling all over but I'm finding very little has stuck.  They know climates are different in different places but they don't remember which places are where.

So this year I am taking a more direct, memorization approach.  I have a set of State facts flash cards and matching maps from the dollar section at Target.  Instead of introducing all 50 states at once, we add 2 new states a week.  Also instead of learning any one section, I make sure the states are spread out.

So far this approach is working well.  The girls are learning where states are as well as their capitals.  Once we have gone through all the states I'm thinking of adding states trees or birds.  

Using the map and flash cards makes reviewing information pretty easy.  I keep the flash cards with me and quiz them on capitals throughout the day.  The maps get used as a play mat for dolls and Legos to travel to the states they know.

We are only half way through the states but already I am seeing greater retention than last year. 

"Insta"-replay #24, the week felt busier than it was

The week felt really busy but in the end it was a pretty normal week.

We start the week at dance class.  Charry made sure she had a book to keep her busy.

After class the boys hung out with us for a bit.  They put on quite the owl performance.  I had to muffle my laughter so they didn't know I was listening in.

It was a full week of school.  Complete with a Latin quiz.

The girl used the sidewalk outside of Girl Scouts as a makeshift hopscotch grid.

Thursday has turned in to pizza and "What's in the Bible" night.  We are watching an episode a week so we will be ready when the final DVD comes out.

The week had a nice quiet ending.  Cousins read books together.

It was a good week, the new year is going well for us.

"Insta"-replay #23, Happy New Year

Happy New Year!  After a blogging break I am back eager to share the new year happening!

First Instgram of 2014, me and my hubby.  

The weather started out so nice, we even got half the yard raked (unfortunately it has been raining ever since.)

School is going once more, girls did a great job.  They even remembered most of what we were learning before the break.

Our first big outing last week was to the dentist.  Girls had happy smiles, I also was smiling: No Fillings!

Our second big outing was to a Cookie Rally. The girls may have enjoyed that one a bit more.  Cookie sales is my least favorite thing about Girl Scouts but I enjoy watching my normally shy kids go outside their comfort zones.

And another couple selfie, I think my hubby may already be tired of them.

Whatchadoin? #9- back to schooling

We had a nice long break for Christmas.  It was filled with family and fun!  Now we are back to the grindstone working hard to stay on schedule. 

The student planners have turned out to be a wise decision for us.  I like being able to track the girls separately.  Having two separate books also keeps them from comparing themselves to each other. 

I'm also discovering the usefulness of busy work.  Our daily routine starts with calendar notebooks followed by handwriting.  By giving the girls things to work on independently I get a chance to set up for the day.

I'm also finding the usefulness of  "homework."  When a subject (usually writing) is taking longer than I had planned for I have them put it aside until the rest of school is finished.  That way I don't have to be constantly waiting on either child before starting subjects we work together on.

We are only three days in but it is still nice not to be running behind yet!

12 day's of Christmas Barbie

A few years ago I started hearing about this crazy Christmas tradition, "Elf on a Shelf."  It is sort of just one more way to lie to your kids and manipulate them into behaving during Christmas break.  Or a chance to bring magic and fun into kids lives.  Either way when I found out how much the mischievous elf cost I decided to skip the tradition.   Still a part of me liked the idea of something special during Christmas time for the girls to look forward too.

So this year I decided to start a new tradition, one that is very much me, "Christmas Barbie."  I already had the doll, she use to be part of my decorations.  I just had to come up with ways to use her.  I didn't want silly pranks, instead I wanted her to show the girls what they would do that day.  We are just finishing day twelve which seemed like a good time to share because there are twelve days until Christmas if anyone want to use any ideas.

Day 1:

Barbie made herself wings and a halo.

The girls made clothespin angels.

Day 2:

Barbie set out art supplies.

The girls drew some of their favorite Christmas traditions.

Day 3:

Barbie made bells and got out Wii Music.

The girls also made bells and then played on the Wii.

Day 4:

Barbie had everything ready for a starry night crayon resist painting.

The girls colored hard with the crayons then painted lightly with the water paints.

Day 5:

Barbie set up my nativity.

The girls then got to make paper nativities of their own.

Day 6:

Movie time!  We watched "What's in the Bible? Volume 10" it talks about the gospels which is what Christmas is all about.

Day 7:

Barbie started to decorate the tree, with a few new ornaments as a bonus surprise.

The entire family took part in this activity.

Day 8:

Instead of an activity Barbie delivered early presents.  

Day 9:

Just because we are on Christmas break doesn't mean we can't learn, right?  Barbie takes a closer look at wool.

The girls had fun playing with the microscope. Merry especially wanted to look at everything and anything that fit on a slide.

Day 10:

Barbie encouraged us to get cleaning, now that decorations were out their boxes didn't need to stay in.

Day 11:

Barbie made a card for the girls.

They were able to make cards for their friends.

Day 12:

Barbie made a snowflake chain.

The girls made flakes of all sizes, they had fun trying different designs.

So there are the first 12 days with Christmas Barbie, a fun tradition.  I'm glad I came up with it.  It also helps me to plan at least the night before so I have something to keep the kids busy during our break.

"Insta"-replay #22, a thankful heart is a happy heart

Last week was of course  Thanksgiving.  And I hope everyone else had as thankful of a week as me.

I was thankful to go to Doctor Who's 50 anniversary episode in 3D!!!  It was amazing and I loved every 3D moment of it.

I even loved the spilled popcorn.  Dumping an entire large popcorn may be a bit embarrassing bit it does guarantee no one will sit next to you.

I am thankful for my mom and her hands on crafting with the girls.  They love working on the projects she lays out for them.

I am thankful for family to share a feast with.  This is our first year with Grandpa Bill and it was great to spend thanksgiving with him and mom.

I am thankful for Dr Pepper and the "free with purchase" when I was going to buy soda anyways.  Easy gift for sweet hubby.

 I am thankful for the craftiness of my daughters.  Their creativity saves me the effort of planning things.  And I am thankful for their aunt who let Merry use her stamps.

I am thankful for my other family.  Sure it has taken a few (10) years but they are less "in-laws" and more people I want to hangout with.  Family time with them is a blessing.

And finally I am thankful Christmas is coming!!! It is the most wonderful time of the year!  We ended the week by picking out a tree.  Now we just need to decorate it!

I am very excited for the weeks to come and all the Christmas prep!